Education News

John Jay College to Give Annual Journalism Award for Excellence in Criminal Justice Reporting

2005-09-13T08:34:00.000-07:00

John Jay College to Give Annual Journalism Award for Excellence in Criminal Justice Reporting

First Will Be Awarded in December at Harry F. Guggenheim Symposium on Crime in America

NEW YORK, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The John Jay College of Criminal Justice, part of The City University of New York, has announced the establishment of an annual print journalism award for Excellence in Criminal Justice Reporting designed to encourage and recognize outstanding journalistic efforts that enhance the public's understanding of issues related to crime in America.

The deadline for entries is October 15th and the first award will be presented at a symposium on Crime in America, to be held at the college December 15th and 16th of this year.

The symposium is being underwritten by a grant from the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation.

The John Jay Award will be given for work that advances the public's understanding of crime in America and comes with a $2,000 prize. Stories or series related to police issues, corrections, prisoner reentry, courts or some other aspect of the criminal justice system are eligible. A panel of distinguished journalists will judge entries.

Entries must be submitted no later than October 15, 2005, and include five copies no larger than 11x17 inches. They may be accompanied by a one page cover letter outlining the difficulties faced during the reporting of the piece or series. Entries should be sent to Sinead Keegan, Office of the President, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City College of New York, 899 Tenth Ave., New York, NY 10019.

The December symposium is the first in a series of activities undertaken by the Institute on Crime and Journalism that will be housed at John Jay College and sponsored by the college in partnership with two other university- based organizations: the Institute for Justice and Journalism at the Annenberg School for Communication, University of Southern California; and Criminal Justice Journalists, University of Pennsylvania.

The symposium will draw together academicians, journalists from across the country, law enforcement and criminal justice officials, students and members of the general public. It will take place during two days, with six sessions covering such topics as understanding crime statistics, national crime trends, and resources for journalists.

Journalists are invited to attend the Harry Frank Guggenheim Symposium. For further information, please contact Sinead Keegan at (212) 237 8604 or by email at skeegan@jjay.cuny.edu.

The John Jay College of Criminal Justice is an international leader in educating for justice. The college offers a liberal arts and professional studies curriculum to a diverse student body on the West Side of Manhattan.

The Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation, located in New York City, sponsors scholarly research on problems of violence, aggression, and dominance. The foundation provides both research grants to established scholars and dissertation fellowships to graduate students during the dissertation-writing year.

Source: John Jay College of Criminal Justice

CONTACT: Doreen Vinas, John Jay Press Office, +1-212-237-8645,
dvinas@jjay.cuny.edu; Jim Grossman, +1-212-843-8085, jgrossman@rubenstein.com,
for Rubenstein Associates, Inc. Public Relations, +1-212-843-8086, for John
Jay College of Criminal Justice

-------
Profile: education

American Academy of Pain Management to Hold 16th Annual Clinical Meeting

2005-09-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

American Academy of Pain Management to Hold 16th Annual Clinical Meeting

Interdisciplinary Pain Organization Breaks Boundary Between Conventional Western Medicine and Complementary and Alternative Approaches

SONORA, Calif., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Academy of Pain Management (the Academy), the nation's largest interdisciplinary organization for clinicians who treat people with pain, will hold its 16th annual clinical meeting, Clinicians United to Manage Pain, in San Diego, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, from September 22-25. The meeting will be co-sponsored by the University of the Pacific Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and in association with Cleveland Chiropractic College.

The clinical meeting will offer sessions, lead by some of the nation's top pain experts, that will focus on: current trends and therapies in the field including both allopathic and complementary and alternative (CAM) approaches to pain conditions; clarify laws and policies related to pain management; and, provide pain practitioners with the information and tools they need to prescribe opioids correctly and within the boundaries of state and federal law. Up to 28 Continuing Education credits will be available for most disciplines.

A special California Workers' Compensation track will be offered on Thursday, September 22, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm that will cover topics such as: ways to work within the system; understanding legal issues; and, how to do functional capacity evaluations.

"Our clinical meeting is different from all others focusing on pain management," says Kathryn Padgett, PhD, Academy Executive Director. "We educate clinicians from a truly interdisciplinary perspective. Our organization supports an integrative model of healthcare -- one in which allopathic and CAM clinicians work together to find the most effective ways to treat people with pain."

In addition, at the Annual Meeting, the Academy will be launching an initiative, called Project Connect, to help members and other pain management clinicians, who have been displaced by Hurricane Katrina, find work.

For more information about the meeting and a schedule of sessions, visit www.aapainmanage.org.

About the Academy

The American Academy of Pain Management is a non-profit organization that serves a broad range of clinicians who treat people with pain. Founded in 1988, the Academy has approximately 6,000 members and is the largest interdisciplinary pain organization in the United States. The Academy believes that effective pain management can be achieved through cooperation, shared knowledge, and the collective wisdom of healthcare professionals from many disciplines.

Source: American Academy of Pain Management

CONTACT: Lennie Duensing, +1-845-676-3300 (office) or +1-914-649-8661
(cell), for American Academy of Pain Management

Web site: http://www.aapainmanage.org/

-------
Profile: education

JCPenney Afterschool Fund Supports YMCA's Efforts to Improve Health of Kids and Families

2005-09-13T08:11:00.000-07:00

JCPenney Afterschool Fund Supports YMCA's Efforts to Improve Health of Kids and Families

YMCA to Receive Portion of $2.5 Million National Grant During September 15 Celebration

LYNNWOOD, Wash., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of overweight children and teens has more than doubled in the last 20 years. To help address this growing crisis, the JCPenney Afterschool Fund is awarding grants totaling $2.5 million to 20 YMCAs across the nation in support of YMCA Activate America(TM), a long-term initiative intended to find real solutions for the national health crisis related to poor nutrition and lack of physical activity facing millions of American children and adults.

The YMCA of Greater Seattle is receiving a $25,000 grant; a symbolic giant check will be awarded during a festive, family-friendly celebration at a Beverly Elementary School in Lynnwood, where new, research-based programs -- designed to increase youth physical activity, improve nutrition and help families develop healthier habits -- are being piloted with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Harvard University.

WHAT: JCPenney Alderwood Store Manager will present YMCA CEO and kids
with a check for $25,000 to support local involvement in YMCA
Activate America, an initiative to find solutions for growing
the national lifestyle health crisis.

WHEN: September 15, 2005, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Community yoga, with 20 children
participating
5:35 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. Presentation of check and "Kids
Challenge" by Beverly Elementary
School students to JCPenney employees
5:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Kids and families prepare healthy make
and take dinner

WHERE: Beverly Elementary School
5221 168th SW
Lynnwood, Washington

WHO: Neil Nicoll: President and CEO of YMCA of Greater Seattle
Ralph Rutledge: JCPenney Alderwood Store Manager
YMCA School Age Child Care Participants and Families

The JCPenney Afterschool Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports programs designed to keep kids safely and constructively engaged during out-of-school time. The Fund's contributions allow for the creation and continuance of after school programs aimed at the academic, physical, and social development of children throughout the United States. The JCPenney Afterschool Fund also works to raise awareness of the benefits of after school

programming, and is committed to ensuring that every child has access to the world of opportunities that awaits them after school.

The Shoreline/South County Family YMCA provides community members a caring environment, positive role models, creative activities and opportunities to serve the needs of others. Serving more than 10,000 people annually, it is a vital facility in the YMCA of Greater Seattle. With a 129-year tradition of helping all people reach their fullest potential in spirit, mind and body, the YMCA of Greater Seattle is the oldest human service organization in Washington State, a committed youth and family organization and an integral part of Shoreline and south Snohomish County.

Source: YMCA of Greater Seattle

CONTACT: Monica Elenbaas of YMCA of Greater Seattle, +1-206-382-5020, or
on-site cell, +1-206-605-7445; or Carla Hilderbrand of Shoreline/South County
Family YMCA, +1-206-364-1700

-------
Profile: education

Agilix Labs to Support Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 and Visual Studio 2005 With New Releases of Its Developer Solutions

2005-09-13T08:10:00.000-07:00

Agilix Labs to Support Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 and Visual Studio 2005 With New Releases of Its Developer Solutions

OREM, Utah and LOS ANGELES, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Agilix Labs, Inc., the leading provider of mobility software solutions for the education market, today announced that two of its upcoming releases will provide full support for Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 and Visual Studio 2005.

In addition, Agilix updates to Agilix InfiNotes and the beta version of the Agilix GoBinder Software Developer Kit (SDK) software development tools will be made available at the public release of .NET Framework 2.0 and Visual Studio 2005.

Agilix InfiNotes is a set of software controls which are installed into the Visual Studio Toolbox to add ink note-taking features to new and existing .NET applications. Agilix developed InfiNotes in conjunction with the Microsoft Tablet PC team to accelerate the development of applications for the Tablet PC platform.

There are, however, two versions of Agilix InfiNotes. The InfiNotes Standard Edition provides Microsoft Journal-like functionality and is available license and royalty free. The InfiNotes Professional Edition includes state-of-the-art note-taking functionality and is available for a one time license fee per developer with no royalties. The Professional Edition includes all the rich note-taking functionality of Agilix GoBinder.

The Agilix GoBinder SDK is a software developer toolkit that enables .NET developers to extend the functionality of Agilix GoBinder, a mobile learning application for education built on the .NET Framework. With the .NET-based GoBinder SDK, developers can build smart clients for offline information access, as well as plug-ins to connect to online learning sources, extend collaboration with other peers and add new student learning capabilities. In addition, the SDK enables developers to build extensions to use Agilix GoBinder in other vertical markets. The GoBinder SDK is expected to be released at the end of 2005.

"Agilix is excited about the new release of the .NET Framework," said Curt Allen, Agilix president and chief executive officer. "Our new development solutions released this year are built on top of the .NET Framework. We want to insure that developers that leverage our SDK and developer tools will be able to take full advantage of the rich new functionality in .NET 2.0."

Both Agilix InfiNotes and the Agilix GoBinder SDK beta support .NET Framework 1.1 and Visual Studio 2003 today. Once .NET 2.0 and Visual Studio 2005 are publicly available, Agilix will release new versions of InfiNotes and an updated beta for the GoBinder SDK. The new versions of Agilix software will allow developers to use Visual Studio 2005 to leverage the new .NET 2.0 functionality in any .NET supported language, such as Visual C# and Visual Basic .NET. In addition, Agilix will provide backwards compatibility so that developers can continue to use Visual Studio 2003 with the new releases of both development tools.

About Agilix

Agilix Labs, Inc. is a worldwide leader in mobile learning solutions for education markets. Education institutions that implement Agilix solutions deliver an enhanced student-centered learning environment. Specifically, Agilix applications enable students to utilize mobile computing devices to capture, organize, annotate, search and share learning content, including assignments, online courses, research, Web pages, documents and personal notes. In addition, Agilix-powered mobility software solutions give students full access to all learning content when they are not network connected. Agilix applications are open and expandable by schools, software developers and integrators, run on any Windows XP computer and take full advantage of the Tablet PC. Agilix has strategic partnerships with Intel, Microsoft, Blackboard and FranklinCovey. A privately held company formed in 2001, Agilix is based in Orem, Utah. For more information about Agilix Labs, please visit www.agilix.com.

Agilix, Agilix Labs, Agilix GoBinder and Agilix InfiNotes are trademarks of Agilix Labs, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Source: Agilix Labs, Inc.

CONTACT: Mark Calkins, VP, Product & Corporate Marketing of Agilix Labs,
Inc., +1-801-932-1230, mark.calkins@agilix.com; or David Politis of Politis
Communications, +1-801-523-3730, or cell, +1-801-556-8184,
dpolitis@politis.com, for Agilix Labs, Inc.

Web site: http://www.agilix.com/

-------
Profile: education

Intel and Scholastic Honor 20 Schools of Distinction for Academic Achievement, Innovation

2005-09-13T08:09:00.000-07:00

Intel and Scholastic Honor 20 Schools of Distinction for Academic Achievement, Innovation

Winning Schools Receive Over $3 Million in Prizes and Compete for 'Best of the Best' Top Honors

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Intel Corporation and Scholastic today announced the 2005 Schools of Distinction Award winners -- 20 K-12 schools that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to achievement and innovation in education, and which serve as exemplary models for success.

To celebrate each school's extraordinary commitment to educational excellence and innovation, the schools will each receive a $10,000 cash grant from the Intel Foundation in addition to a host of prizes ranging from curriculum materials and professional development resources to software and hardware valued at more than $3 million.

Representatives from the winning schools will also receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. to participate in an awards gala on Oct. 6. At the gala one primary and one secondary school, selected from among this year's honorees, will be named "Best of the Best." These winners will receive an additional $15,000 grant from the Intel Foundation.

The annual awards program, established by Scholastic, the global children's publishing, education and media company, and Intel, the world's largest chip maker and long-time champion of educational improvement, rewards innovative initiatives that promote student achievement and educational innovation. Selected from more than 3,000 participating schools, the Schools of Distinction winners represent institutions from coast to coast.

"These schools have found innovative ways to achieve excellence in education," said Brenda Musilli, Intel Director of Education. "From a highly diverse set of circumstances you find a common desire and ability to tackle challenges head on, continuously improve, and plan for the future. We hope these programs will inspire others."

"In honoring these schools, we not only highlight their accomplishments, but share valuable best practices for raising student achievement with schools all across the country," said Francie Alexander, Chief Academic Officer, Scholastic.

A winning elementary and secondary school were chosen in each of ten categories. These are: overall academic achievement, literacy, science, mathematics, teamwork, leadership, collaboration, professional development, technical excellence and technical innovation. Winners by state are:

Alabama
Auburn Early Education Center, Auburn Literacy Achievement
Arizona
Cordova Middle School, Phoenix Leadership
Colorado
Cresthill Middle School, Highlands Ranch Professional Development
Florida
Lee Elementary School of Technology, Tampa Technical Excellence
Lincoln Academy, Lakeland Technical Innovation
Georgia
J.P. McConnell Middle School, Loganville Literacy Achievement
Mabry Middle School, Marietta Technical Innovation
Hawaii
West Hawaii Explorations Academy,
Kailua-Kona Science Achievement
Kentucky
Phelps Elementary School, Phelps Science Achievement
St. Raphael the Archangel, Louisville Professional Development
Maryland
Middletown High School, Middletown Teamwork
Nevada
Advanced Technologies Academy, Las Vegas Technical Excellence
New Jersey
Academy of Allied Health & Science, Neptune Collaboration
North Carolina
KIPP Gaston College Prep, Gaston Academic Achievement
Ohio
Rocky River High School, Rocky River Math Achievement
Oregon
Fullerton IV Elementary School, Roseburg Math Achievement
Tennessee
Washington Elementary School, Kingsport Teamwork
Texas
El Magnet at Regan Elementary, Odessa Academic Achievement
Northwest High School, Justin Leadership
Washington
John Stanford International Elementary,
Seattle Collaboration

Background

The Schools of Distinction awards are sponsored by Intel and Scholastic. Corporations offering in-kind product donations include Agilix, Blackboard, Dell Computer Corp., eInstruction Corp., Futurekids, Gateway, Microsoft Corp., Pitsco, Primedia, Riverdeep Interactive Learning Limited, SAS, Scantron Corp., SchoolNet and SMART Technologies.

Scholastic Corporation is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology. 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, school-based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and the company's Internet site, http://www.scholastic.com/.

Intel's sponsorship of the Schools of Distinction Awards is part of the Intel(R) Innovation in Education initiative, a sustained commitment - in collaboration with educators and government leaders worldwide - to help today's students develop the higher-level thinking skills they need to participate and succeed in a knowledge-based economy. For more information, visit http://www.intel.com/education.

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at http://www.intel.com/pressroom.

Intel is a trademark or registered trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

*Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.

Source: Intel Corporation; Scholastic

CONTACT: Tami Casey, Intel Corporation, +1-408-765-8203,
tami.casey@intel.com; Rachel Cruz, +1-212-343-6570, rcruz@scholastic.com,
Diane Domondon, +1-212-343-6424, ddomondon@scholastic.com, both of Scholastic
Inc.

Web site: http://www.scholastic.com/

-------
Profile: education

Makovsky + Co.'s Gil Bashe to Receive Elias G. Stratis CASTLE Award From Fairleigh Dickinson University

2005-09-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

Makovsky + Co.'s Gil Bashe to Receive Elias G. Stratis CASTLE Award From Fairleigh Dickinson University

Award commemorates accomplishments of FDU alumnus

TEANECK, N.J., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of his accomplishments and activities as an outstanding alumnus of Fairleigh Dickinson University, Gil Bashe, executive vice president, Health Practice Makovsky & Company, is the 2005 recipient of the highest award the Alumni Association presents, the Elia G. Stratis CASTLE Award.

The Alumni Association will honor Gil Bashe for his years of outstanding service and loyalty to the University in ceremonies on September 19, 2005. To receive this award, an individual must have made significant contributions to the University or have served with distinction in University organizations.

In all his endeavors on the part of the University, he has used his professional skills as a communicator -- allowing all views to be heard and considered. Bashe was able to bring differing views to the table in search of common ground while being an outstanding advocate for truth. Gil sums up the guiding philosophy of his career with the statement: "Communication enables health advances to make their biggest impact by connecting patients' needs with physicians' desire to heal."

For four years, he provided strong leadership as he chaired or co-chaired the University's largest fund-raising activity, Charter Day. Bashe brought together corporate and community leaders and worked toward providing access and financial support for students through the Charter Day Scholarship Fund.

He has served with distinction on the University's Board of Trustees. As a member of the Board, he led the University Advancement Committee. Bashe's chairmanship was marked by his strong commitment to support and encourage University staff in their fund-raising efforts and fellow trustees in their fund-raising responsibilities. After turning his energies to the Educational Affairs Committee, he never wavered in his enthusiastic dedication to strong fund-raising.

Bashe is a magna cum laude graduate of FDU with a major in philosophy and the humanities. He was inducted into The Pinnacle in 2000, a high honor for alumni of the University.

In the wider community, Gil is chair of the New York American Heart Association, the Association's flagship chapter. He is a co-editor of the book, "Branding Health Services: Defining Yourself in the Marketplace."

He was listed as "one of the top 'brains' in the new world of work" by Fast Company magazine, and cited in Creating Covenants: Healing Health Care in the New Millennium as a "healer" for his recognition of the vital role communication plays in medicine as exhibited during his service as an airborne combat medic.

His professional contributions and accomplishments are equally impressive. Prior to joining Makovsky & Company, Gil served as senior public affairs and health policy counselor to health associations and biotechnology, dietary supplement, medical device and pharmaceutical companies.

In 1999, he launched Health!Quest Global Communication Partners, obtaining $60 million in support from GTCR Golder Rauner, one of the nation's largest private-equity firms. He continues as a limited partner in GTCR Fund VII.

Gil was formerly CEO of CommonHealth, the health-marketing consortium of WPP Group, having served as its vice-chairman for strategic planning. At sister-company Hill and Knowlton, he was executive vice president and worldwide director of the Health and Pharmaceutical Practice. Prior to Hill & Knowlton, Gil led a specialist healthcare communications firm recognized in 1994 by the influential industry publication Inside PR as "Hottest Healthcare Agency."

About Makovsky & Company

Makovsky has been among the top independent agencies for most of the past 15 years. It has been a consistent award winner; client campaigns have been singled out with PRSA Silver Anvils, CIPRAs, PRSA-NY Big Apples and IABC recognition. The Agency Report Card of The Holmes Report has named Makovsky one of the top agencies for "Business-to-Business" Marketing and "Investor Relations" in the United States. The magazine described the company as follows: "It is an agency that does almost all the little things right. There is an emphasis on research and planning, on understanding the industries in which it works and the challenges facing its clients. That's why the Makovsky brand stands for excellence in client service." It also cited the firm for its ability in creating programs "that drive reputation and sales." Previously, the magazine named Makovsky "Best Managed in the U.S" and one of the "Top 12 Strategic Agencies."

Source: Makovsky & Company

CONTACT: Gene Marbach, Makovsky & Company, +1-212-508-9645;
or Karen A. Lewis, Fairleigh Dickinson University, +1-201-692-7015

-------
Profile: education

Charlotte Region Hails Bold Plan to Establish Research Campus on Site of Former Textile Mill

2005-09-13T07:39:00.000-07:00

Charlotte Region Hails Bold Plan to Establish Research Campus on Site of Former Textile Mill

Facility Seen As Economic Development Driver For Region And Across North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- The Charlotte Regional Partnership, which promotes the 16-county Charlotte region as the premier choice for businesses considering expansion or relocation, today hailed plans to build the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis on the site of the former Pillowtex textile plant.

The plans, announced Monday by industrialist David Murdock and state commerce and education officials, call for a cluster of world-class research centers focused on health and nutrition, as well as related initiatives to spur the economic transformation of a region that has been hit hard by the decline of traditional manufacturing industries such as textiles and furniture.

"The plans announced today are a major step in the diversification of our region's economy, which has been going on for many years," said Ronnie L. Bryant, president and CEO of the Charlotte Regional Partnership. "Manufacturing will always be an important contributor to the region's prosperity, but the growth of our knowledge-based economy will be critical to our ability to compete in the global marketplace in our lifetimes and our children's lifetimes."

Bryant pointed to other research initiatives currently under way, including the bioinformatics complex at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a motorsports testing and research complex currently being planned in conjunction with UNCC's motorsports engineering program.

"Research facilities like these are engines of economic development, providing a wide range of benefits from jobs to spin-off entrepreneurial businesses to the development of a highly trained and educated workforce," Bryant said. "For any city or region, such wellsprings of intellectual capital are an essential precondition to greatness."

Plans for the North Carolina Research Campus include a Dole-N.C. State Institute for Advanced Fruit and Vegetable Science, a Dole analytical lab, a UNC Nutrition Institute, an incubator for start-up companies, and a girls science high school, according to published reports.

Murdock, who owns Dole Food Co. and Castle & Cooke Inc. developers, recently announced plans to build a vegetable processing plant in Gaston County, also part of the 16-county Charlotte USA region.

"David Murdock's decision to bring hundreds of jobs here, and his vision for transforming a dying textile community, speak volumes about his commitment to Charlotte USA and his faith in the future of our region," Bryant said. "We share that faith and pledge our support in making that vision a reality."

About the Charlotte Regional Partnership

The Charlotte Regional Partnership is a nonprofit, public/private economic development organization created in 1991 to market and promote the Charlotte region as a highly competitive location for new and expanding businesses. The Charlotte region encompasses 16 counties in and around the City of Charlotte.

Source: Charlotte Regional Partnership

CONTACT: David Coburn of Luquire George Andrews, +1-704-552-6565, or
Mobile, +1-704-906-9372, or coburn@lgapr.com

-------
Profile: education

LOMA Announces 2005 Education Award Winners

2005-09-13T07:35:00.000-07:00

LOMA Announces 2005 Education Award Winners

ATLANTA, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- LOMA is pleased to announce the 2005 Educational Achievement, Excellence in Education and Educational Quality award winners. This year's winners represent a diverse group of insurance and financial services companies dedicated to employee education and professional development.

The Educational Achievement Awards recognize the top 15 LOMA member companies on individual, regional and global levels with the greatest involvement and participation in LOMA's professional learning programs based on their total number of exam enrollments during the previous calendar year. The winners represent a broad spectrum of companies in terms of size, location and the markets they serve, but all have established a corporate culture that encourages employee involvement in industry education and recognizes employees for their individual learning initiatives.

This year, LOMA has expanded the Educational Achievement Award at the recommendation of LOMA's Education and Training Council by adding to its individual company category two new categories: the regional and global company levels.

The 2005 Excellence in Education Awards, presented to 68 out of 1,200 LOMA member companies worldwide, recognize companies for their outstanding participation and performance in LOMA's professional learning programs, and continued growth in exam enrollments. With LOMA education programs now being offered in seven languages-English, Bahasa Indonesia, Chinese, Korean, French, Spanish, and Portuguese-the competition for these awards is fiercer than ever.

"The Education Award winners understand the importance of employee education in today's competitive market, and they realize that professional development is crucial to both an employee's success and an organization's bottom line," said Thomas P. Donaldson, FLMI, CLU, president and CEO of LOMA. "This is an exciting opportunity for us all to celebrate the industry's dedication to lifelong learning and professional development."

Special recognition goes to New York Life Insurance Company, United States, and American International Assurance, Hong Kong, for being the first 11-year winners of the Educational Achievement Award; and to PHILAM Life, Philippines, for being the first 11-year winner of the Excellence in Education Award.

The Educational Quality Award recognizes member companies with exemplary employee professional development programs. This year, LOMA proudly presents this award for the second time to Modern Woodmen of America, Rock Island, IL, a member company where 40 percent of its employees are FLMIs.

For a complete list of this year's educational award winners, visit the LOMA Web site, http://www.loma.org/EdAwards.asp.

Ceremonies for the award winners will be held during the LOMA 2005 Annual Conference & Conferment at the Hilton in the Walt Disney World(R) Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla, Sept. 18-20, http://www.loma.org/annualconference.asp.

About LOMA

Established in 1924, with 1,200 plus member companies in over 80 countries, LOMA is committed to a business partnership with its world-wide members in the insurance and financial services industry to improve their management and operations through quality employee development, research, information sharing, and related products and services. For more information, visit http://www.loma.org/.

Source: LOMA

CONTACT: Svy Nekrasas, Marketing Director of LOMA, +1-770-984-3709, or
fax, +1-770-984-6418, or nekrasas@loma.org

Web site: http://www.loma.org/
http://www.loma.org/annualconference.asp
http://www.loma.org/EdAwards.asp

-------
Profile: education

New Technology Eases Social Impact of Developmental Disorders

2005-09-13T07:21:00.000-07:00

New Technology Eases Social Impact of Developmental Disorders

Speech pathologists' interactive software programs teach critical social skills to adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

LEESBURG, Va., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Social Skill Builder, a company that creates educational software to help developmentally-challenged children acquire social skills, today announced the availability of the new CD-ROMs School Rules! Volumes 1 & 2. The program teaches acceptable behavior and appropriate social interaction to adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other learning difficulties, assisting with structured activities related to the classroom, group work, and physical education, and unstructured scenarios in places like the hallway and the locker room.

ASD, which is usually diagnosed during early childhood, represents a group of developmental disabilities that includes Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, and Aspergers Syndrome. The US National Institute of Health estimates that one American child in 250 is affected with ASD, compared with one in 10,000 a decade ago.

Unlike their peers, children with ASD do not acquire basic social skills, such as sharing conversation and maintaining eye contact, through general experience and observation. This inadequacy often results in anxiety, depression, social avoidance, academic difficulties, and problematic peer interactions.

"Adolescence is one of the most difficult times to teach social communication due to the subtle social cues associated with this life stage. Non-technology based training methods do help kids with ASD to some extent, but our clients' needs required that we take our approach to the next level," said Laurie Jacobs, a practicing speech pathologist and co-founder of Social Skill Builder. "Programs like School Rules! are more effective because they imitate real life situations where teens interact with peers."

Social Skill Builder's series includes five CD-ROMs and is designed for speech and occupational therapists, educators, counselors, psychologists, and parents. "The software's interactive video sequences provide opportunities to pause, replay, and discuss information so teens can understand the scenarios and carry learning into everyday life," said Austin-based public school speech therapist Karen Vinson. "The lessons hit home, and kids can have fun with them in a safe, non-threatening environment."

A 2004 Virginia Public Schools study proved that Social Skill Builder software dramatically increased children with ASD's socialization, daily living skills, and communication. The results of a national study will be released later this year.

ABOUT SOCIAL SKILL BUILDER

Founded by speech pathologists Jennifer Jacobs M.S. CCC-SLP and Laurie Jacobs M.A. CCC-SLP in 1999, Social Skill Builder provides interactive software tools for teaching social skills to children affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other language/learning difficulties. The programs, which include the CD-ROMs The Birthday Party, My School Day, My Community, and School Rules!, instruct children on the "rules" of social communication and address everything from appropriate social touch and body space and speech volume to appropriate classroom behavior and lunchtime interaction. For more information, please visit www.socialskillbuilder.com.

Source: Social Skill Builder

CONTACT: Alexandra Levit of Social Skill Builder Public Relations,
+1-631-943-6544, or alexandra_levit@hotmail.com

Web site: http://www.socialskillbuilder.com/

-------
Profile: education

BB&T unveils eighth in a series of educational audiotapes for Hispanics

2005-09-13T06:53:00.000-07:00

BB&T unveils eighth in a series of educational audiotapes for Hispanics

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In an ongoing effort to reach the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States, BB&T today released the eighth installment in a groundbreaking series of Spanish- language educational audiotapes.

Tape No. 8 offers advice on how to start a small business in America. It is sponsored by BB&T, the N.C. Office of Hispanic/Latino Affairs and El Pueblo Inc.

"This tape is a great resource guide for Hispanics wishing to be entrepreneurs," said Axel Lluch, director of Hispanic and Latino Affairs for the N.C. governor's office. "It's a self-guide with a wealth of information that is easy to follow and understand."

The 60-minute "BiBi" (pronounced Bee-Bee) tapes -- named for its main character -- are available at no charge throughout BB&T's 1,400-branch network across 11 states and Washington, D.C. The educational tapes are part of BB&T's ongoing Hispanic Initiative aimed at the 2.3 million Hispanics in its footprint, a segment with an estimated $40 billion in buying power.

The two-sided BiBi cassette tapes are designed to bridge the learning gap many Hispanics say exists when it comes to life and how to live it in America. The eighth tape explores small business start-up topics such as how to create a business plan, marketing, taxes, permits, licenses and financing.

"Many in our community are small business owners and we are happy to partner with BB&T to release this important information," said Andrea BazAn- Manson, executive director of El Pueblo.

BiBi Tape No. 8 also discusses small business resources such as the U.S. Small Business Administration, S.C.O.R.E. (Service Corps of Retired Executives), community colleges and universities, and Latino small business associations and chambers of commerce.

The previous seven tapes -- all available at any BB&T branch -- covered emergency preparedness, home and auto safety tips, renting and buying a home, health care, education, insurance, working in the United States, tips on finding a job and basic banking information.

More than half of all U.S. retail banking growth in financial services during the next two decades will come from America's expanding Hispanic population, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. The number of Hispanic households with checking accounts is expected to increase by 57 percent and savings account holders by 76 percent.

Hispanics accounted for 12.6 percent of the U.S. population in 2000. The population is expected to nearly double by 2050, the Census Bureau reports. And Hispanic buying power -- expected to be $1 trillion by 2010 -- is growing at a faster rate than the segment's booming population growth. U.S. banks are expected to spend $8.5 billion through next year marketing to and servicing the Hispanic market.

Less than 27 percent of Hispanic consumers in the BB&T footprint currently have a bank account and less than 18 percent own a credit card.

Unlike traditional American educational audiotapes, where narrators generally offer information in a tutorial teacher-to-student style, the BiBi tapes follow the "novella style" storytelling approach popular on Spanish TV.

The tapes trace the experiences of Juan and Maria Perez, fictional immigrants who have recently come to the United States. One of the people they meet is a Mexican woman named Beatriz Bienvenido Torres, or "BiBi," as she likes to be called. BiBi, portrayed as a respected member of the Hispanic community and longtime U.S. resident, is also a BB&T "employee" on the tape.

The lessons are taught through BiBi's interaction with Juan and Maria and other Latin American immigrants. She serves as both their trusted counsel as well as BB&T's conduit to Hispanic clients.

The SBA has ranked BB&T Corporation as the nation's No. 1 "small business- friendly" financial holding company in five of the past seven years. BB&T divides its footprint into autonomous community bank regions to keep lending decisions closer to the customer.

BB&T operates more than 1,400 financial centers in 11 states and Washington, D.C. With $105.8 billion in assets, Winston-Salem-based BB&T Corporation (NYSE:BBT) is the nation's ninth largest financial holding company. More information is available at http://www.bbandt.com/.

Source: BB&T Corporation

CONTACT: Teresa Mackey, Vice President, BB&T Hispanic Initiative,
+1-336-733-0682; or Andrea Bazan-Manson, Executive Director, El Pueblo Inc.,
+1-919-835-1525, or Jeff Nichols, Vice President, BB&T Public Relations,
+1-336-733-1007

Web site: http://www.bbandt.com/

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/809325.html

-------
Profile: education

Philly to Host First-Ever Urban Courts Confab Thursday and Friday

2005-09-13T06:43:00.000-07:00

Philly to Host First-Ever Urban Courts Confab Thursday and Friday

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- "Compelling Issues Facing Urban Courts" will be the theme this Thursday and Friday (September 15-16) at Loews Hotel at 12th & Market Sts. when Philadelphia hosts its first-ever Urban Courts Symposium sponsored by the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Bar Association and the University of Pennsylvania Law School. According to Philadelphia Common Pleas Court President Judge Frederica A. Massiah-Jackson and Bar Association Chancellor Andrew A. Chirls the conference brings urban court judges, administrators and other personnel together "and gives them an opportunity to meet with leading experts, share ideas and confront issues which face our court systems." Nearly 200 participants-some from as far away as Idaho, Arizona, Wisconsin and Florida will attend the Conference which will also include many local and regional attendees.

"Our urban courts are on the cutting edge of all of the major problems confronting our society," Judge Massiah-Jackson explained. "We often deal with the problems first, so we are in a position to put together model programs to meet the challenges which courts throughout the nation will later face. To the extent that we work together and share ideas, we can set the pace for the future."

The idea for the conference came about in meetings with Philadelphia Bar Association Chancellor Andrew A. Chirls who called Philadelphia "the logical setting for a conclave such as this. This is the birthplace of our nation's court system and, indeed, of our whole democracy and our local courts have developed innovative programs. They have much to share with others," Chirls explained. The Chancellor thanked Judge Massiah-Jackson, the First Judicial District, the University of Pennsylvania Law School, Law School Dean Michael A. Fitts and Law School Professor and conference co-chair Wendell E. Pritchett for helping to make the conference a success.

Symposium topics include community policing, predatory lending, specialized courts, court performance accountability, multicultural access to justice and media coverage of courts and trials. Presenters will include Wisconsin Supreme Court Chief Justice Shirley S. Abrahamson, Idaho Supreme Court Justice Daniel T. Eismann, Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Sandra Schultz Newman, Judge Pamela J. Alexander of the Minnesota District Court, Duke University Law School Professor Erwin Chemerinsky, American Lawyer Media U. S. Supreme Court correspondent Tony Mauro and Fred Graham, Chief Anchor and Managing Editor of Court TV.

A pre-conference reception will be held as part of the opening of the newly refurbished Jenkins Law Library at 8th & Chestnut Sts. on Wednesday evening September 14 from 5 to 7 PM. Conference workshops at Loews begin on Thursday, September 15th at 9 AM and continue through dinner at 6 PM. On Friday, September 16th the program runs from 9 AM through lunch at noon. Complete program details are available by calling the Philadelphia Bar Association at 215-238-6340 or visiting http://courts.phila.gov/

Source: Philadelphia Bar Association

CONTACT: Daniel A. Cirucci of Philadelphia Bar Association,
+1-215-238-6340

Web site: http://www.philabar.org/
http://courts.phila.gov/

-------
Profile: education

McGraw-Hill Education Is Named National Distributor of Popular Classroom Reading Assessment TPRI

2005-09-13T06:30:00.000-07:00

McGraw-Hill Education Is Named National Distributor of Popular Classroom Reading Assessment TPRI

NEW YORK, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Two of the most respected classroom reading assessments are now available through McGraw-Hill Education. The Texas Primary Reading Inventory (TPRI) and the Tejas LEE (for children learning to read in Spanish), Grades K-3, can be purchased through these McGraw-Hill Education divisions: Macmillan/McGraw-Hill, SRA/McGraw-Hill and Wright Group/McGraw-Hill.

"Teachers across the country have found success with TPRI and Tejas LEE, and we are excited that these tools will now be made highly accessible to more teachers and students, thanks to the efforts of the McGraw-Hill School Education Group," said Dr. Jack Fletcher, one of the lead authors of TPRI and a University of Texas-Houston professor.

TPRI and Tejas LEE are screening, diagnostic, progress monitoring, and outcome assessment instruction tools widely used in many states for Reading First. They are available in a complete classroom kit with everything a teacher needs to ensure students learn to read. Stand-alone assessments, TPRI and Tejas LEE can be used with any reading program.

"Continuous monitoring of student progress and early intervention are critical for teachers to meet goals under NCLB, and that's why we're so pleased to offer TPRI and Tejas LEE," said William Oldsey, executive vice president of McGraw-Hill Education. "These are reading assessment tools that link to intervention activities based on assessment data, and they will complement our reading and literacy programs extremely well."

McGraw-Hill Education, long recognized as a leader in reading instruction, offers a variety of programs that are designed to accommodate the diverse needs of school districts nationwide. Macmillan/McGraw-Hill's Treasures, a scientifically research-based K-6 reading and language arts program to be launched in 2007, will correlate directly to TPRI. The assessments also can be used with research-based programs such as SRA/McGraw-Hill's Open Court Reading, a PreK-6 reading and language arts curriculum grounded in phonics, with systematic, explicit instruction.

About McGraw-Hill Education

McGraw-Hill Education is a leading global provider of electronic and print products for the pre-K through 12th grade, higher education and professional markets. It is a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:MHP), a global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's and BusinessWeek. Founded in 1888, the Corporation has more than 300 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2004 were $5.3 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.

Source: McGraw-Hill Education

CONTACT: April Hattori Tom Stanton
McGraw-Hill Education McGraw-Hill Education
(212) 904-2078 (212) 904-3214
april_hattori@mcgraw-hill.comtom_stanton@mcgraw-hill.com

Web site: http://www.mheducation.com/

-------
Profile: education

LeapFrog's 2005 Product Portfolio Receives Top Accolades From Esteemed Parenting Organizations

2005-09-13T06:27:00.000-07:00

LeapFrog's 2005 Product Portfolio Receives Top Accolades From Esteemed Parenting Organizations

LeapFrog Baby, Preschool and Grade School Learning Products Recognized As Award Winners

EMERYVILLE, Calif., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE:LF), a leading designer, developer and marketer of innovative, technology-based learning products, today announced a multitude of top honors for its innovative 2005 product line. The groundbreaking FLY(TM) pentop computer, Leapster L-MAX(TM) learning game system, and new introductions to the LeapPad(R) learning system and LeapFrog Baby brands have recently been recognized by prestigious parenting organizations, such as The National Parenting Center, iParenting Media, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, and Parents' Choice Foundation.

"LeapFrog's success is largely dependent upon the learning and play value of our products and their approval by discerning parents and consumers," said Kathryn Olson, chief marketing officer of LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. "We take pride in all twenty-five awards won this year and we appreciate the acknowledgement we continue to receive from families and organizations that are committed to providing the best learning and play experiences for children."

Throughout the year, many esteemed organizations test and evaluate children's products to provide families with credible recommendations that help them make informed purchasing decisions.

The iParenting Media Awards are compiled through extensive evaluation of children's media and juvenile products using the expertise of licensed childcare centers, experts, and parents nationwide. Highlighted for 2005 are LeapFrog's new My First LeapPad(R) learning system, LeapStages(TM) Infant learning system, Learning Connections(TM) Train, and Talking Words Factory(TM) 2: Code Word Caper learning video.

The National Parenting Center is an independent testing procedure conducted to judge a variety of products introduced to the consumer market. Among the 2005 honorees are LeapFrog's My First LeapPad learning system, Learning Connections Train, Hug and Learn(R) Animal Globe, and Leapster L-MAX learning game system.

The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio is the only independent consumer review of children's media. Products awarded are reviewed by a noted expert in child development, children's literature, and education, and further tested by the most objective panel of judges: kids. LeapFrog was the only company to receive five Gold Seal Awards in the Learning Category for the FLY pentop computer, Leapster L-MAX learning game system, Learning Connections Train, Learn- Around(TM) Playground, and My First LeapPad learning system. The Oppenheim Toy Portfolio's Platinum Awards will be announced on September 28, 2005.

The Parents' Choice Awards(TM) identifies the best products for children of different ages, backgrounds, skills, and interests. Awards are given to products that meet and exceed standards set by educators, scientists, performing artists, librarians, parents, and kids themselves. Four of LeapFrog's new products have been recognized, including the Learning Connections Train, Talking Words Factory 2: Code Word Caper learning video, Match Circus(TM) learning video, and Leapster(TM) Electronic Book: Spider-Man for the Leapster(R) learning game system.

About LeapFrog

LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and marketer of innovative, technology-based learning products and related proprietary content, dedicated to making learning effective and engaging for all ages, at home and in schools, around the world. The company was founded in 1995 and is based in Emeryville, California. LeapFrog has developed a family of learning platforms that come to life with more than 100 interactive software titles, covering important subjects such as phonics, reading, writing, math, music, geography, social studies, spelling, vocabulary and science. In addition, the company has created more than 35 stand-alone educational products for children from birth to 16 years. LeapFrog's award-winning U.S. consumer products are available in six languages at major retailers in more than 25 countries around the world. The LeapFrog SchoolHouse-curriculum programs are currently in more than 80,000 classrooms across the U.S. with over 200 interactive books and over 450 skill cards representing more than 6,000 pages of educational content. LeapFrog SchoolHouse(TM) products have won numerous awards from the education industry, including the Golden Lamp Award and Distinguished Achievement Award from the Association of Educational Publishers, the Award of Excellence from Technology & Learning magazine and the Teacher's Choice Award from Learning magazine.

About The National Parenting Center

The National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval award signifies that a product or service has met with the approval of parent and child testers over a two month testing process. The consumer oriented testing gathers evaluations on a wide variety of factors including quality, price, design, interactivity, stimulation, packaging, educational value and many others. The National Parenting Center is the nations' leading parent advocacy organization, providing parents with advice and information on issues ranging from pregnancy through adolescence. www.tnpc.com

About iParenting Media

iParenting operates one of the Internet's most popular communities for parents and parents-to-be at www.iParenting.com. The company is the publisher of Family Energy: Your Guide to a Fun and Fit Life With Kids, a national newsstand magazine. The company also has produced the content for several other national magazines, including: Pregnancy, Baby Years, Women's Health & Fitness, The Buyer's Guide, and European Homes & Gardens.

About Oppenheim Toy Portfolio

Oppenheim Toy Portfolio is the only independent guide to children's media, co-founded in 1989 by child development experts Joanne and Stephanie Oppenheim. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Seal Awards are given to outstanding new products that enhance the play lives of children. The Oppenheims are both Contributors to NBC's Today Show. http://www.toyportfolio.com/.

About Parents' Choice Foundation

Established in 1978, Parents' Choice Foundation is the nation's oldest nonprofit consumer guide to quality children's media. Via the Parents' Choice Awards(TM) program, the Foundation's purpose is to search out and recommend products that help kids grow -- imaginatively, physically, morally and mentally-fairly priced products that are fun, safe and socially sound. www.parentschoice.org

LEAPFROG, LEAPFROG SCHOOLHOUSE, LEAPPAD, FLY, LEAPSTER, LEAPSTER L-MAX, LEARN-AROUND, HUG AND LEARN, TALKING WORDS FACTORY, LEAPSTAGES, MATH CIRCUS and LEARNING CONNECTIONS are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.

Contact:
Liz Einbinder Shannon Eis
LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc. Kaplow Communications
510-420-5223 212-221-1713
leinbinder@leapfrog.comshannone@kaplowpr.com

Source: LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.

CONTACT: Liz Einbinder of LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc., +1-510-420-5223 or
leinbinder@leapfrog.com; or Shannon Eis of Kaplow Communications,
+1-212-221-1713 or shannone@kaplowpr.com, for LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc.

Web site: http://www.leapfrog.com/

-------
Profile: education

McDonald's(R) Passport to Play(TM) Kicks Off in 31,000 U.S. Schools

2005-09-13T06:15:00.001-07:00

McDonald's(R) Passport to Play(TM) Kicks Off in 31,000 U.S. Schools

Seven Million Children to Participate in National Physical Education Program

OAK BROOK, Ill., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- McDonald's underscored its commitment to balanced, active lifestyles today by kicking off Passport to Play, a new in-school program that motivates children to be more active in unique and fun ways during grade school physical education classes. With Passport to Play, children will engage in playground games and physical activities from around the world, while learning more about the culture and country where the activities originate. Passport to Play is being activated in 31,000 U.S. schools, includes a national tour that will make stops at more than 90 schools and is expected to reach seven million school children this year.

The program was developed in partnership with Kaleidoscope Education Support Group, a company dedicated to bringing experiential learning programs to children, and the Kaleidoscope's Advisory Board of teachers and school administrators.

"McDonald's is building on our rich heritage of caring for the well-being of children and of supporting schools and our local communities," said Ken Barun, senior vice president of Balanced, Active Lifestyles, McDonald's Corporation. "We are partnering with third-party experts like the United States Olympic Committee, the National Association of Sport and Physical Education, and the Children's Nutrition Research Center to positively impact children's lives."

Passport to Play supports student learning as defined in the National Standards for Physical Education and is supported by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the National Association of Sport and Physical Education (NASPE). The curriculum program includes activities from 15 countries including Australia, Congo, France, Holland, India and Thailand, among others.

"As educators, we owe it to our kids to give them both fun and educational experiences," said Charlene Burgeson, executive director of NASPE. "McDonald's Passport to Play is an enjoyable way to aid in children's growth physically and academically and reach our recommended goal of 60 minutes of daily activity for proper growth and development, as well as good health."

Elementary school physical educators and district curriculum directors provided input and feedback on the development of Passport to Play. The program was also reviewed by physical activity experts at the Children's Nutrition Research Center at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Passport to Play kicked off today at James G. Blaine School in Chicago, and received endorsement from 327 school districts across the country, including the Chicago Public School District. The program includes a curriculum program for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade physical education teachers.

McDonald's Balanced, Active Lifestyles commitment, a comprehensive multi- year initiative announced in May 2004, focuses on menu variety and choice, nutrition literacy and sponsorship of physical activity. In addition to Passport to Play, McDonald's continues to promote balanced, active lifestyles as part of the "it's what i eat and what i do(TM) ... i'm lovin' it(TM)" commitment. Initiatives underway since 2004 include:

Physical Activity:
-- The "Go Active!(TM) with Ronald McDonald(R)" Show uses improvisation,
music, and dance as Ronald engages children in fun physical activities
to help them understand energy balance and the importance of being
active. The show is slated to launch in September 2005.
-- McDonald's will continue to provide a safe place for children to play
by including additional active elements into U.S. restaurant
PlayPlaces. Currently, the U.S. has approximately 5,000 indoor and
outdoor PlayPlace locations.
-- Current McDonald's advertising engages children to be active by
featuring Ronald McDonald and children enjoying active play.
Throughout 2005, McDonald's has run two-minute vignettes based on the
Get Moving with Ronald McDonald Show(TM), which encourages children to
get up and get active with Ronald.

Menu Variety & Choice:
-- Milk sales in an average U.S. McDonald's restaurant have doubled since
the introduction of low fat white and chocolate milk jugs.
-- With the introduction of Apple Dippers, fresh slices of apples served
with low fat caramel dipping sauce, McDonald's is now the largest
seller of apples in the United States (according to the U.S. Apple
Association) with an estimated annual volume of 54 million pounds.
-- Happy Meal(R) Choices give parents the option of French fries, Apple
Dippers, white or chocolate milk jugs, or 100% apple juice at no
additional cost when purchasing a Happy Meal.

Nutrition Literacy:
-- Nutritional facts on Happy Meal packaging launched in May 2005.
-- Nutritional information on trayliners and "McDonald's and You(R)
Brochures" continues to be included in restaurants nationwide.
-- A comprehensive Web site, http://www.goactive.com/ , includes relevant,
balanced, active lifestyles tips and a Family Fitness Tool Kit.

McDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. More than 80 percent of McDonald's 13,700 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local franchisees. For more information about McDonald's visit http://www.mcdonalds.com/ .

For press materials, images and logos please visit http://www.mcdepk.com/passporttoplay

For More Information:

Heather Oldani, McDonald's
630-623-8150

Rachel Greene, GolinHarris
312-729-4240

Danya Proud, McDonald's
630-623-5063

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990916/MCDLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: McDonald's Corporation

CONTACT: Heather Oldani, +1-630-623-8150, or Danya Proud,
+1-630-623-5063, both of McDonald's Corporation, or Rachel Greene, of
GolinHarris, +1-312-729-4240

Web site: http://www.goactive.com/
http://www.mcdonalds.com/
http://www.mcdepk.com/passporttoplay

-------
Profile: education

Element K Launches Versatile e-Reference Library

2005-09-13T06:15:00.000-07:00

Element K Launches Versatile e-Reference Library

New e-Reference solution to address just-in-time learning needs for business and technical professionals

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Element K(R), a provider of learning solutions and services to corporations, partners, educational institutions and government agencies, today unveiled significant enhancements to their e-Reference product offerings. The e-Reference library provides learners with anytime access to thousands of IT and Business Skills books and technical journal Articles.

e-Reference enables professionals to find the information they need whenever they choose. These online materials are an excellent performance support resource that can supplement certification exam preparation, and online or classroom courses.

"Our e-Reference library is the perfect resource for people who like to learn on their own, or who prefer to immerse themselves in detailed materials and become subject matter experts," said Rob Perrilleon, Practice Leader for e-Reference. "The books in this essential offering are well-known bestsellers from the most respected publishers, written by recognized industry experts and pioneers in their field."

Through a network of partnerships with leading publishers, Element K offers a 'best of the best' solution, drawing on collections from publishers like O'Reilly, Sam's, Que, Macromedia Press, Cisco Press, Adobe Press, Addison Wesley, Prentice-Hall, Eli Journals, and McGraw-Hill Professional. Each e-Reference is a full-text, fully searchable online copy of a printed work -- from the table of contents to the index. Moreover, Element K provides learning administrators the ability to incorporate e-Reference products into a "blended" development path, assign required materials and track usage.

"Seven years ago, Element K was the first e-Learning company to recognize the power of e-reference products and integrate them into a learning solution," stated Paul Krause, EVP of Development and Operations. "Today, we are thrilled to offer our customers even more with the highest quality brands and selection."

Several new products are now available through this offering: an end user collection covering standard desktop applications, a technical collection including thousands of full text books and technical journal articles covering all aspects of information and communications technology, a business collection of top management and professional development titles, as well as specialty collections in areas like Project Management, IT Security, Six Sigma, and more.

For more information about the complete e-Reference offering, visit www.ElementK.com.

About Element K

Element K delivers Learning Solutions -- a tailored combination of our products, technology and services -- serving the learning needs of the Corporate, Government, Education and Training Center markets. We are equipped to build new Learning Solutions using our core assets -- 1900 catalog e-Learning courses, a learning platform, 1300 print courseware titles, custom content, systems integration and services -- or, to address persistent issues in existing programs. The company's proven training methodologies and wide spectrum of content are delivered through a variety of formats, including self-paced and instructor-facilitated online courses, vLab(R) hands-on labs, instructor-led courseware, comprehensive reference libraries, technical journals, and KnowledgeHub(TM), a hosted learning management platform. Element K employs over 700 professionals.

Element K and the Element K logo are trademarks of Element K LLC and its affiliates. Product or other names may be trademarks of their respective proprietors who are not affiliated with Element K.

Source: Element K

CONTACT: David Snider, Senior Director, Element K Marketing,
+1-585-214-6327, David_Snider@elementk.com

Web site: http://www.elementk.com/

-------
Profile: education

Saba Marks Continued Momentum with Saba OnDemand Service

2005-09-13T05:48:00.000-07:00

Saba Marks Continued Momentum with Saba OnDemand Service

More Than 700,000 Active Users Benefit from Application Management Service

REDWOOD SHORES, Calif., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Saba (NASDAQ:SABA), a leading provider of human capital management (HCM) solutions, today announced that usage of its Saba OnDemand(TM) application management service has more than doubled in the last year. As of September 1, 2005 Saba now hosts over 700,000 active users of its HCM suite, streamlining customers' implementations.

With Saba OnDemand, customers access the Saba suite of HCM solutions without having to invest in IT infrastructure or in people resources to operate and maintain the application. Seasoned Saba experts administer the application, in partnership with a top-tier secure data center, providing unmatched ability to quickly implement, tune and optimize the suite to fit each customer's needs.

Saba OnDemand has experienced growth on a number of fronts:

- Over 600,000 course registrations so far this year-including more than
100,000 in the past 30 days
- More than 40,000 titles in the collective learning catalogs
- Recent selection of Saba OnDemand by a health care customer with 120,000
users

Despite the demand represented by these figures, Saba has consistently exceeded 99.5% up time over the past five years of operation.

"Saba is seeing more and more enterprises interested in managed HCM solutions, as they focus their internal resources on their core businesses," said Bobby Yazdani, CEO and chairman of Saba. "We are proud of our track record in exceeding our customer expectations with Saba OnDemand and look forward to serving the needs of enterprises that opt for the benefits of an HCM managed service offering."

Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including, without limitation, statements regarding Saba's continued momentum with its Saba OnDemand service. Saba's actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties Saba faces that could cause results to differ materially include risks associated with: Saba's dependence on growth of the markets for Saba's products, dependence on acceptance of Saba's products by customers and channel partners, the ability of Saba to successfully integrate the THINQ acquisition; fluctuation in customer spending, length of Saba's sales cycle, competition, rapid technological change, dependence on new product introductions and enhancements and potential software defects. Readers should also refer to the section entitled "Risk Factors" on pages 26 through 34 of Saba's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated August 29, 2005 and similar disclosures in subsequent Saba periodic SEC reports. The forward-looking statements and risks stated in this press release are based on information available to Saba today. Saba assumes no obligation to update them.

About Saba

Saba (NASDAQ:SABA) is a leading provider of integrated Human Capital Management (HCM) solutions. Saba enables The Aligned Enterprise(TM) by aligning goals, developing and motivating people, and measuring results -- driving greater organizational performance.

More than 10 million current users in over 30 countries use Saba today. Customers include ABN AMRO, Alcatel, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi, BMW, CEMEX, Cisco Systems, DaimlerChrysler, Dell, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, EDS, EMC Corporation, FedEx Kinko's, Insurance Australia Group, Lockheed Martin, Medtronic, National Australia Bank, Novartis, Petrobras, Procter & Gamble, Scotiabank, Sprint, Standard Chartered Bank, Swedbank and the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy.

Headquartered in Redwood Shores, California, Saba has 20 offices worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.saba.com/ or call (+1) 877-SABA-101 or (+1) 650-779-2791.

Saba, the Saba logo, and the marks relating to other Saba products and services referenced herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Saba Software, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Source: Saba

CONTACT: Elizabeth Doubleday of Saba, +1-410-727-5112, x1261,
edoubleday@saba.com

Web site: http://www.saba.com/

-------
Profile: education

Atlanta Teachers and Other Area Mentors to Be Honored by Television Host and Atlanta's Own Judge Glenda Hatchett

2005-09-13T05:27:00.000-07:00

Atlanta Teachers and Other Area Mentors to Be Honored by Television Host and Atlanta's Own Judge Glenda Hatchett

$1,000 Donation to Be Awarded to Winning Teacher's School

Contest Open to All Local Residents

CULVER CITY, Calif., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Atlanta residents will be able to nominate local teachers and mentors for awards and prizes under a new contest announced today by Sony Pictures Television's syndicated courtroom series "Judge Hatchett," hosted by Atlanta native and Fulton County resident Judge Glenda Hatchett. Judge Hatchett's "Reach for a Better Future: Inspiring Excellence Tour," is open to all local residents and will honor two Atlanta-area mentors (one teacher and one general mentor) who have inspired others to excellence.

Anyone can nominate local mentors for the contest by submitting a nomination form before September 30, 2005. Nomination forms can be downloaded from www.judgehatchett.com or they can be sent via mail, fax or e-mail to those who call the tour's organizer, Very Special Events, at 858-485-1171. Each honoree selected from the nominees will receive a plaque and a $200 gift card for the Lenox Square mall. In addition, a donation of $1,000 will be made to the winning teacher's school in his or her name.

"Each of us has had mentors -- people in our lives whose character traits and actions motivated and inspired us," said Judge Glenda Hatchett. "So many generous individuals demonstrated those positive leadership qualities in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and now, more than ever, we need to celebrate that type of selfless concern for our fellow citizens."

The winning mentors in each category will be honored at an awards ceremony at Lenox Square (3393 Peachtree Road) on Saturday, October 8. Judge Hatchett will appear in person to present each honoree with their awards and speak briefly about inspiring excellence. As part of the event, Lenox Square's Macy's Court area will be transformed into an exposition setting for local community organizations to discuss their programs and encourage the community to get involved.

In addition to Atlanta, Judge Hatchett's "Reach for a Better Future: Inspiring Excellence Tour," will also visit malls in Detroit, Pittsburgh and Washington D.C./Baltimore during the month of October to honor local mentors.

The television series "Judge Hatchett" is currently in its sixth season and airs Monday -- Friday in Atlanta on FOX 5 (WAGA) at 10:00 and 10:30 AM. In addition to hosting the series, Judge Glenda Hatchett is also the author of the national bestseller, Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say (Harper Collins, 2003), based on her extensive professional experiences as a jurist and her own personal experience as a mother of two boys.

Hatchett served for nine years as the chief presiding judge at Georgia's Fulton County Juvenile Court, one of the largest juvenile court systems in the country. Through her innovative creative sentencing, she sentenced trouble teens to work at community organizations and businesses to expose the youths to positive role models and inspire them to make changes in their lives. The program was so well received that she began garnering accolades throughout the judicial community, including Outstanding Jurist of the Year from the local chapter of the National Bar Association.

She is nationally recognized as an authority on legal, social and juvenile issues, and frequently delivers speeches and lectures throughout the country. Judge Hatchett has appeared as a judicial expert on numerous television programs and networks including Nightline, Good Morning America, MacNeil/Lehrer, Fox News Channel and CNN, as well as various national and local radio programs.

Sony Pictures Television is one of the television industry's leading content providers. It produces and distributes programming in every genre, including series, telefilms, theatrical releases and family entertainment for network and cable television, as well as first-run and off-network series for syndication. With more than 25 programs on the air, SPT boasts a program slate that includes the top-rated daytime dramas and game shows, landmark off-network series, original animated series and critically acclaimed primetime dramas, comedies and telefilms. SPT (www.sonypicturestelevision.com) is a Sony Pictures Entertainment company.

Source: Sony Pictures Television

CONTACT: Bryan Byrd, +1-310-244-3790, bryan_byrd@spe.sony.com, or Teni
Halburian, +1-310-244-6340, teni_halburian@spe.sony.com, both of Sony Pictures
Television

Web site: http://www.judgehatchett.com/
http://www.sonypicturestelevision.com/

-------
Profile: education

Onmark Enrolls 1,000th Community Oncology Practice as Member

2005-09-13T05:13:00.000-07:00

Onmark Enrolls 1,000th Community Oncology Practice as Member

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Onmark, a leading national group purchasing organization (GPO) for community oncology, today announced that 1,000 oncology practices, representing more than 1,800 physicians, have enrolled as members to date. Onmark was launched by OTN (Oncology Therapeutics Network), a leading independent oncology services company, in January 2005.

"In less than nine months, Onmark has become one of the largest GPOs in community oncology, representing $2.5 billion in annual drug purchases and serving all sizes of practices, from single physicians to the largest multi-site clinics in the United States," said Clark Avery, General Manager of Onmark. "This is a testament to the value that Onmark delivers to its members. By providing members with the support they need to run their practices efficiently, they can focus on delivering high-quality patient care."

Onmark members have access to competitive contracts, aggressive pricing, practice optimization tools and educational programs designed exclusively for community oncology. Onmark has signed contracts for oncology drugs and supplies with 14 leading pharmaceutical manufacturers, giving it one of the broadest suites of contracts among all oncology GPOs. These contracts represent the majority of the most widely-used chemotherapy, biologic and supportive care agents, including both brand and generic products.

"We joined Onmark because of its manufacturer contracts, competitive pricing and educational programs -- all of which truly help our practice run more efficiently and effectively," said Mike Koroscik, Chief Operating Officer of Oncology Alliance in Milwaukee, Wis. "Onmark is helping everyone in our practice, from the clinic manager to the nurses and oncologists, with its unique mix of business and clinical offerings. This allows us to provide better patient care with lower overall costs."

Onmark's Educational Programs

Among the many resources that Onmark provides to it members are educational programs focusing on community oncology. Onmark's goal with all of its educational programs is to keep members informed of the latest legislative/regulatory news, clinical advances and best practices in community oncology.

This summer hundreds of practices attended Onmark educational programs including:

-- Monthly teleconferences with updates on the latest legislative news
impacting community oncology
-- A five-part oncology reimbursement webcast series, which covered the
changing regulatory environment and critical topics affecting community
oncology practices
-- Dinner programs offering insights about the importance of regimen
standardization to help improve efficiencies in community oncology
practices
-- Clinical webcasts that reviewed interim clinical trial results
presented at ASCO's 2005 Annual Meeting

Upcoming Onmark Member Events
More programs are planned for the remainder of the year. These include:

-- Interactive forums that bring together community oncology providers and
commercial payors to identify key drivers and best practices for
preserving access to quality care. Forums are planned for September in
Dallas and for November in Atlanta.
-- HR Best Practices webcasts that offer tips for creating winning HR
strategies in community oncology practices. They will take place in
October.
-- A distance learning program that will educate clinical staff on aseptic
and safe handling techniques for hazardous drugs.

A complete calendar of events is available at www.onmarkservices.com.

About OTN

OTN is an industry leading oncology services company that provides oncology drugs, supportive care products and related supplies to more than 2,400 community-based oncology practices in the United States, comprising more than 4,000 physicians. OTN has been recognized as one of InformationWeek's top 500 companies each of the past two years and was recently honored with Frost & Sullivan's 2005 Customer Value Enhancement Award in recognition of its role in advancing cancer care in the community-based setting. OTN continues to develop innovative technology solutions to help oncology practices improve practice efficiency, minimize costs and maximize revenues. OTN is dedicated to helping community-based oncology practices extend and enhance the lives of people with cancer by offering the highest level of customer service and a knowledgeable support staff.

For more information, please visit www.myOTN.com.

About Onmark

Onmark, an OTN company, is a leading national group purchasing organization (GPO) for community oncology. Onmark is committed to helping practices extend and enhance the lives of cancer patients by providing the support that they need to prosper. Through strategic relationships with OTN, pharmaceutical companies and industry experts, Onmark provides its members with access to a full portfolio of contracts for oncology drugs and supplies, the most aggressive pricing available through OTN as well as practice management tools and educational programs focusing on community oncology.

For more information, please visit www.onmarkservices.com.

Source: OTN

CONTACT: Monique Weston of Onmark, +1-650-871-2108, or
monique.weston@onmarkservices.com; or Daryl Messinger of WeissComm Partners,
+1-415-999-2361, or daryl@weisscommpartners.com, for OTN

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

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

-------
Profile: education

Social Science Experts Available to Discuss Issues of Class, Race, and the Environment, and the Nature of Responses to the Hurricane Katrina Disaster

2005-09-13T04:48:00.000-07:00

Social Science Experts Available to Discuss Issues of Class, Race, and the Environment, and the Nature of Responses to the Hurricane Katrina Disaster

WILLIAMSBURG, Va., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- To assist journalists covering Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath, the Environment and Technology Section of the American Sociological Association has compiled a list of sources and information related to the class and race issues exposed by the storm, and the ensuing disaster response.

These resources include: the names and contact information of experts; university-based research centers focused on disasters and related topics; and key articles and books available online. They are listed below.

Research in environmental sociology also provides a number of important perspectives journalists can use to guide their reporting on the causes and effects of a hurricane such as Katrina:

- "Natural" disasters have clear patterns based on social organizations.

- Disasters and the failure of emergency responses are normal, not
special, events.

- Worst cases can be expected.

- The response to Katrina followed a typical (dysfunctional) pattern.

- Who suffers is not random - minorities and the poor bear the brunt of
environmental risks.

- Disasters can create pressure for positive political and social change.

Expert Contacts on Disaster Response

These individuals will make every effort to be available for interviews as events unfold.

Shirley Laska, University of New Orleans, 2005RSS@louisiana.edu

Disaster planning and response regarding hurricanes and the levee system in New Orleans. Author of "Disasters Waiting to Happen ... What if Hurricane Ivan Had Not Missed New Orleans?" in November 2004. http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/o/nov04/nov04c.html

Lee Clarke, Rutgers University, (732) 445-5741, lee@leeclarke.com

Disasters, emergency response planning and organizational/technological failures. Author of "Mission Improbable: Using Fantasy Documents to Tame Disaster" - http://leeclarke.com/mipages/mi.html - and "Worst Cases: Terror and Catastrophe in the Popular Imagination."

Steve Picou, University of South Alabama, (251) 460-6347, spicou@usouthal.edu

Long-term community impacts of disasters. Recently completed a study of the community impacts of Hurricane Ivan on the coastal community of Orange Beach, AL.

Kai Erikson, Yale University, (203) 432-3326, kai.erikson@yale.edu

Social consequences of catastrophic events. Author of "A New Species of Trouble: Explorations in Disaster, Trauma, and Community and Everything in its Path," a classic on the Buffalo Creek flood.

Kathleen Tierney, University of Colorado-Boulder, (303) 492-6427, tierneyk@colorado.edu

Disaster preparedness and response. Director of the Natural Hazards Research Center, University of Colorado-Boulder. Author of "Facing the Unexpected: Disaster Preparedness and Response in the United States."

Havidan Rodriguez, University of Delaware, (302) 831-6618, havidan@udel.edu

Role of science, technology, and the media in the communication of risk and warnings. Director of the Disaster Research Center, University of Delaware. Author of "Disasters, Vulnerability, and Society: An International and Multi-Disciplinary Approach."

Expert Contacts on Class, Race, and the Environment

Robert Bullard, Clark Atlanta University, (404) 880-6911, rbullard4ej@worldnet.att.net

Environmental justice and public participation concerns, author of "Dumping in Dixie."

David Pellow, University of Colorado-Boulder, (858) 822-5118, dpellow@ucsd.edu

Environmental justice, race, and ethnicity.

Beverly Wright, Xavier University in New Orleans, (504) 483-7541, dscej@aol.com

Founder and Director of the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice.

Timmons Roberts, College of William and Mary, (757) 221-2463, jtrobe@wm.edu

Environmental justice and climate change. Long-term resident of New Orleans and author of "Chronicles from the Environmental Justice Frontline" and new research on inequality and climate change impacts.

Research Centers
Natural Hazards Center, Colorado - http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/
Disaster Research Center, Delaware - http://www.udel.edu/DRC/
Worst Cases, Rutgers - http://www.worstcases.com
Environmental Justice Resource Center - http://www.ejrc.cau.edu/

Key Articles and Books
Natural Hazards Review - http://www.pubs.asce.org/journals/nh.html

Natural Hazards Observer - http://worstcases.com/documents/Natural_hazards.pdf

Contact:

Dr. Timmons Roberts
College of William and Mary
Williamsburg, Virginia
757-221-2463
jtrobe@wm.edu

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

Association

Source: Environment and Technology Section of the American Sociological

CONTACT: American Sociological Association: Dr. Timmons Roberts, College
of William and Mary, +1-757-221-2463, jtrobe@wm.edu

-------
Profile: education

Three Universities Score Highest Nationally for Prevention of Alcohol Abuse on Campus

2005-09-13T04:33:00.000-07:00

Three Universities Score Highest Nationally for Prevention of Alcohol Abuse on Campus

University of Missouri-Columbia, Bradley and Regis Universities Honored by Inter-Association Task Force and Coors Brewing Company

WASHINGTON, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Representatives from three universities are in the Capitol today to be honored for developing and implementing programs on their campuses throughout the year to effectively prevent overconsumption of alcoholic beverages and underage drinking.

Bradley University, Peoria, Ill.; the University of Missouri-Columbia; and Regis University, Denver, Colo., received awards and checks from Dr. Edward Hammond, chairman of the Inter-Association Task Force on Alcohol and Other Substance Abuse Issues (IATF), board chairman of The BACCHUS Network and president of Fort Hays State University, for having the highest scores in the national competition in conjunction with National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week (NCAAW). Coors Brewing Company sponsored the awards on behalf of the IATF.

Representatives from the universities are also meeting today with their U.S. senators and representatives to brief them on how their programs are addressing alcohol abuse on campus.

Dr. Hammond said, "I am very pleased to recognize these three institutions for their outstanding programming that is helping solve the problems of underage drinking and overconsumption. Their sustained efforts are making a difference. On behalf of the higher education community, I also want to thank Coors Brewing Company for working with us and recognizing these success stories."

Frits van Paasschen, president and chief executive officer of Coors Brewing Company, said, "Coors is proud to sponsor the National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week Awards, and we are very pleased to honor the three winning universities for their outstanding alcohol education programming. They are among the best nationwide whose efforts are making a real contribution toward reducing underage and reckless drinking."

The purpose of NCAAW is to help students make responsible, legal decisions and to reduce the incidence of alcohol-related problems on college campuses and in college communities. The three universities received the most points in the competition and were judged for use of evidenced-based approaches in their prevention efforts as well as comprehensive, year-round alcohol education programming, collaboration and support for NCAAW.

About Coors Brewing Company

Coors Brewing Company is a subsidiary of Molson Coors Brewing Company, (NYSE:TAP) Toronto. It is the third largest brewer in the U.S. The company's U.S. brands include Coors Light, Molson Canadian, Coors, Aspen Edge, Killian's Irish Red, Keystone, Blue Moon, Coors NA and Zima XXX. For more information on Molson Coors, visit the company's Web site, www.molsoncoors.com.

Source: Coors Brewing Company

CONTACT: Kabira Hatland of Coors Brewing Company, +1-303-277-5805,
Kabira.Hatland@Coors.com

Web site: http://www.molsoncoors.com/

-------
Profile: education

Africast Names Michael Day Chief Financial Officer

2005-09-13T04:06:00.000-07:00

Africast Names Michael Day Chief Financial Officer

NEW YORK, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Day was named Executive V. P., CFO of Africast Global Media, the parent company of Africast TV, America's first Pan-African movie channel offering popular African movies, dramas and documentaries as subscription video on demand at http://www.africast.tv/.

Day has more than 20 years of financial management and accounting experience. Most recently he was Senior Vice President, Finance for MTV Networks, a division of Viacom, where his responsibilities included network financial planning and forecasting, cash flow budgeting and management. He had a leading role in integrating two merged units, CBS cable operations and Comedy Central.

From 1993 to 1998, Day held positions with the Walt Disney Company, including Director, Corporate Financial Reporting and Corporate Planning & Accounting. He was with Deloitte & Touche from 1983 to 1993 and left as an audit Senior Manager.

Day is a CPA and holds an MBA in finance from Columbia University. His memberships include National Black MBA Association, National Association of Black Accountants and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Several award-winning films are currently being featured on Africast's online movie channel. "The Campus Queen," premiering on Africast exclusively in the U.S., is celebrated Nigerian filmmaker Tunde Kelani's campus caper of music and rival student organizations, explored earlier in Spike Lee's "School Daze."

Rated one of the year's 10 Best Films in 2000 by The Village Voice, La petite vendeuse de Soleil (The Little Girl Who Sold the Sun), is about a determined crippled girl reinventing herself as Senegal's first female newspaper vendor.

Dole (Money) offers a perspective on the crisis facing today's youth. With family and social structures crumbling they increasingly rely on each other and pop culture revealing that, whether in Gabon or elsewhere, youthful disaffection is remarkably similar.

Sango Malo (The Village Teacher), Brazilian educator Paolo Freire's intimate portrait of social and economic changes in an African village in Cameroon that contrasts two views of education: traditional, "Eurocentric" curriculum that produces docile colonial administrators, versus the practical skills needed to build self-reliant rural communities.

Africast TV provides viewers with an entertaining and informative window into the richness and promise of Africa and fills a void by providing appealing entertainment to the global African community that is aware of its heritage and hungry for quality programming.

Contact:
Michael Di Scipio
Di Scipio & Associates
203-966-6000
diassoc@att.net

Source: Africast Global Media

CONTACT: Michael Di Scipio, +1-203-966-6000, diassoc@att.net, of Di
Scipio & Associates

Web site: http://www.africast.tv/

-------
Profile: education

OECD SIGNALS 'STRONG PERFORMANCE AND PROGRESS' IN UK EDUCATION SYSTEM

2005-09-13T03:07:00.001-07:00

OECD SIGNALS 'STRONG PERFORMANCE AND PROGRESS' IN UK EDUCATION SYSTEM

London, 13 September/GNN/ --

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION AND SKILLS News Release (2005/0102) issued by the
Government News Network on 13 September 2005
Minister for Lifelong Learning Bill Rammell today welcomed the OECDs
confirmation that overall the UK education system is performing strongly
and has continued to improve in recent years.

The OECD say:

"This year's education indicators (also) point to strong performance and
progress in the UK's education system over recent years both in terms of
educational investments and outcomes."

Minister for Lifelong Learning, Further and Higher Education Bill Rammell
welcomed the report saying:

"As confirmed by the OECD today, the overall UK education picture is a
positive one. We are demonstrating strong performance, ongoing progress
and there is much in this report to be proud of.

"The figures relate to data provided in 2002 and earlier and we anticipate
that our position will improve even further as our latest education
performance features in future comparisons.

"Our ongoing investment in education - particularly at pre-primary level -
where we invest more than any other country - is particularly noted. We
will continue to invest heavily to ensure that every young person is given
the best possible start in life. Under current plans the proportion of GDP
spent on education is expected to rise from 5.4 per cent in 04/05, to 5.6 per
cent in 07/08. In 1996-1997 only 4.7 per cent of GDP was spent on education."

"The labour market returns to education in the UK are particularly strong
and conversely young people that leave school without good qualifications
have poorer job prospects and lower salaries to look forward to.

"One of the biggest and most immediate challenges facing us in the coming
years is, therefore, to encourage more teenagers to stay on in education. We
remain concerned that the skills levels of our school leavers is too low
and we are determined to take the necessary steps to ensure that we can
satisfy the rising and changing demand for skills. The OECD sends a clear
signal - we must improve vocational education if we are to keep apace with
our competitors.

"Tackling this stubborn issue is a priority for this government and we
are already working with employers to develop high quality, high status
vocational learning that will increase the numbers of trained individuals
entering the workplace.

"We must continue to drive forward with our reforms at all levels to ensure
that we maintain high standards for our learners and high standing within
the OECD community."

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report
'Education at a Glance - OECD Indicators 2005' is published on 13 September
2005. The report is an annual publication that compares international levels
of participation, attainment and spending among OECD member states.

Education at a Glance is based on data compiled in 2002 and earlier and
shows that:

Investment

* The UK stands out with consistent rises in its investment in education,
not just in absolute terms but also relative to national income.

This Government has consistently prioritised education in its public spending
commitments - since 1997 we have doubled investment per pupil from £2,500
to £5,000 a year. UK education spend for 2005-06 will be £68.2 billion.

Early Years

* The United Kingdom invests more money than any other country per child
in the early years. This is happening in spite of growing participation in
early years' education.

Investment and opportunity in early years education has the potential to
transform the life chances of young people. Our commitment to the expansion
of Sure Start children's centres and high quality early learning, will mean
that every child starts school at the age of four or five ready to learn.

Primary and Secondary

* Spending on education is above the OECD average;

* England's nine year olds show improved scores for both maths and science
between 1995 and 2003; and

* England is 5th out of 25 countries taking part in the TIMSS 2003 study
for ranking of primary school children in science and 10th out of 25 in maths.

Standards in English and mathematics in our primary schools have never been
higher. Compared to 1998, about 96,000 more eleven year olds in England are
achieving the expected level for their age in maths and around 84,000 more
are doing so in English. Over the last seven years, about half a million
more eleven year olds have achieved the expected level for their age in
each of maths and English than would have done if standards had remained
at the levels achieved in 1998.

The report also states that:

* The UK has, with 26 students per class, one of the largest average class
sizes at the primary level of education.

In 1998, the Government introduced a statutory infant class size limit for
English schools of no more than 30 pupils to a qualified teacher. Although
the policy targets infant classes - where research showed there would be
greatest benefits in having smaller teaching groups - it has also had a
beneficial effect on other year groups - and there are over 100,000 fewer
children aged 8 - 11 in classes of over 30 than there were in 2001. Since the
OECD figures were compiled there has been a downward trend in the average
class size along with improvements in the pupil to adult ratio over the
same period. Since 2002 we have recruited an additional 5,000 teachers to
English primary schools.

Further Education and Skills

Whilst we are making progress in raising the levels of attainment by young
people at the end of compulsory education, the OECD report makes clear that
participation post-16 in 2003 was low in comparison to other nations but
that we are making progress towards tackling this issue.

* The UK has low levels of participation in the immediate post-16 years,
though recent years have seen progress.

Although the number of school leavers continuing in education is relatively
low, the number returning to education in later years is a welcome trend.

* Participation at age 20 is slightly above the UK average and the UK does
significantly better in the 20-29 age group;

* Among 30-39 year olds the UK shows the highest participation rate of all
OECD countries.

The Government is taking a range of steps to boost participation levels
and meet the skills needs of the economy. We are introducing simpler, more
coherent, high quality employer-led vocational and occupational routes
to attract more young people into higher levels of training and skilled
employment. This includes:

* introducing new specialised diplomas in 14 sector areas, the first 4 of
which will be introduced by 2008

* widening the range of vocational options for the 14-16 age group, GCSEs
and A levels in vocational subjects (180,000 young people to benefit in 07-08)

* making work related learning and enterprise education statutory requirements
for all 14-16 year olds over next 2 years

* introduction of Young Apprenticeships enabling many 14-16 year olds to
embark on a programme

* reforming Apprenticeships with an increased focus on quality and linking
them to Foundation Degrees, providing a 'vocational ladder' of opportunity
from pre level 2 to Higher Education.

* For adults, an entitlement to a first free Level 2 qualification (current
pilots in the NE and SE) and piloting of subsidised training at level 3 in
the NW & West Midlands part of the National Employer Training Programme.

Higher Education

The OECD report reaffirms the value of a UK higher education. UK graduates
enjoy a better return on their investment than those from almost any other
OECD country and the low level of drop out illustrates that UK HE is more
efficient than other countries. This is why the UK maintains a prominent
position within the global education market and why we will continue to
pursue our goal of increasing participation in higher education towards 50%
of 18-30 year olds by 2010.

The report highlights that:

* In the UK, higher education pays off even more so than in most other
countries.

* At 83%, the UK is above the OECD average for the number of people
successfully completing their degrees;

* The UK has one of the highest entry rates for 'vocational' tertiary
education....improving from 6th to 5th place between 1998 and 2003.

NOTES TO EDITORS

This Press Notice applies to England.

Notes to Editors

1. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) report
'Education at a Glance 2005 - OECD Indicators 2005' is published by the OECD
on 13 September and is available from the OECD on +33 1 4524 9366

PRESS ENQUIRIES:
Ben Wilson
020 7925 7437

Ben.wilson@dfes.gsi.gov.uk
PUBLIC ENQUIRIES:
0870 000 2288
info@dfes.gsi.gov.uk

NEWSDESK:
020 7925 6789
newsdesk@dfes.gsi.gov.uk

OUT OF HOURS MEDIA CALLS:
07659 105 993

INTERNET ADDRESS :
www.dfes.gov.uk

If you would like to receive email notification of new press notices
in the subjects of your choice, please click on 'register' on our site:
www.dfes.gov.uk, 'Latest News'.

Source: DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION AND SKILLS

-------
Profile: education

INPUT Expects State & Local Education IT Spending to Recover and Reach $10 Billion by FY10

2005-09-13T03:07:00.000-07:00

INPUT Expects State & Local Education IT Spending to Recover and Reach $10 Billion by FY10

Funding Priorities Anticipated to Shift From Healthcare to Education With New Presidential Administration

RESTON, Va., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Spending on information technology (IT) in the state & local education market shows little growth over the next two years, but will recover by fiscal year 2008 (FY08) and ultimately grow 45 percent to reach $10 billion by FY10, according to a report released today by INPUT, the authority on government business. A new presidential administration will likely have the support to finally curtail runaway healthcare expenses and allow increased budget allocations for neglected areas such as education.

Due to budgetary constraints, finding funding for information technology initiatives is currently the primary concern for K-12 and public higher education officials. "Right now education IT initiatives play second fiddle to healthcare and public safety programs," said James Krouse, manager, state & local market analysis. "Public pressure during presidential elections will remain fixed on education initiatives and will likely cause a new presidential administration to shift the focus back to education programs following unsuccessful efforts of the Bush Administration to reduce healthcare costs."

Funding for public higher education institutions is constricted in state appropriations and continues to see significant budget cuts. Additional financial concerns within the public higher education market stem from increased demand for services and escalating costs. In the near-term, universities will rely heavily on raising capital through increased tuition and fees to support programs to manage their networks more efficiently and increase system security.

Federal grant allocations for K-12 education continue to more successfully weather the storm of budgetary spending cuts put forth by the Bush Administration. "The K-12 market has faired better than higher education over the past five years," continued Krouse. "K-12 officials sustain a stronghold in the Congressional Appropriations committees and have been able to restore funding for Administration education programs that were originally cut. Officials will be continually pressed to balance the growing importance of federal mandates and adequate grant funding."

"Technology vendors working within the state & local education market will need to remain patient for the next few years," added Krouse. "Controlled spending and inadequate budgets will give way to more significant spending by FY08. Additionally, we will see more noteworthy grant funding earmarked to support the ever- increasing federal mandates within the K-12 education market."

INPUT's State & Local Education MarketView is available to INPUT members subscribing to State & Local Market Analysis. For more information on becoming a member, visit slma.input.com or call 703-707-3500.

About INPUT

INPUT is the authority on government business. Established in 1974, INPUT helps companies develop federal, state, and local government business and helps public sector organizations achieve their objectives. Over 1,000 members, including small specialized companies, new entrants to the public sector, and the largest government contractors and agencies, rely on INPUT for the latest and most comprehensive procurement and market information, consulting, powerful sales management tools, and educational & networking events. For more information about INPUT, visit http://www.input.com/ or call 703-707-3500.

Proper use of name is INPUT.

CONTACT: Dayna Tenorio of INPUT, +1-703-707-3646, or dtenorio@input.com

Source: INPUT

CONTACT: Dayna Tenorio of INPUT, +1-703-707-3646, or dtenorio@input.com

Web site: http://www.input.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: For access to the report or an interview with the report author, please contact Dayna Tenorio at Hdtenorio@input.com or 703-707-3646

-------
Profile: education

LogicaCMG and Paradigm Services Ltd Deliver the First Defence Electronic Learning Centre Via Satellite

2005-09-13T02:40:00.000-07:00

LogicaCMG and Paradigm Services Ltd Deliver the First Defence Electronic Learning Centre Via Satellite

LONDON, September 13/PRNewswire/ --

- Using Skynet 5 to Deliver Electronic Learning Direct to Deployed Troops

For the very first time, LogicaCMG and Paradigm Services Ltd have
successfully demonstrated the use of Defence Electronic Learning Centres
(DELC) using a satellite communications link. This service will enable Rapid
Reaction DELCs (which allow training to be delivered remotely using portable
computers) to be used worldwide with a reliable satellite communications link
back to the UK.

The DELC service is managed by Defence Business Learning (dblearning) and
delivered by LogicaCMG. It provides vocational e-learning to all MOD civilian
servants in support of their core competence framework and Business, IT and
Languages courses to all MOD personnel wherever they are stationed. Rapid
Reaction DELCs are delivered as part of the service to provide an interim
classroom facility. They are mainly issued in support of deployed UK armed
forces around the world, including on a number of Royal Navy ships and RAF
forward air bases. Rapid Reaction DELCs are currently positioned with
temporarily deployed forces, such as in Iraq, and provide learning material
on a wide range of topics, which makes productive use of off-duty time
thereby improving morale and effectiveness. The inclusion of a satellite
communications link now enables deployed military staff to directly access
web-based training courses, receive the most up-to-date training modules,
continue their distance learning programmes and take computer-based
examinations wherever they are based.

Skynet 5 is the GBP 2.5 billion contract the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD)
signed with Paradigm Secure Communications to provide military satellite
communications services up to 2018. The programme was the largest UK MoD
programme to be procured as a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) and has full
service delivery provided by Paradigm Services Ltd. One of the advantages of
a PFI framework is to encourage industrial partners to invest in the
development of new products and services and thereby avoid the MoD incurring
costly procurement and development costs for every new service. The satellite
communications link to Rapid Reaction DELCs will be charged on a service
basis without the UK MoD investing any development funds.

LogicaCMG, the European leader in military satellite communication ground
systems, is the software prime contractor for Skynet 5 management system
providing all of the key functionality required to ensure the successful
operation of Skynet 5. The management system provided by LogicaCMG enables
operators to plan and control satellite resources to match what can be
rapidly changing operational requirements. Communications orders are placed
over a secure web-based system and automatically planned and activated. If
required, a number of separate operational deployments can be managed at the
same time. The management systems continually monitor the performance to
ensure link quality is maintained and accurately billed.

Simon Kershaw, Head of SAT IPT, Defence Procurement Agency, Ministry of
Defence said "We are pleased to see the proactive manner in which LogicaCMG
and Paradigm Services have developed this enhanced service. The development
is a clear illustration of the benefits of the Skynet 5 PFI framework which
enables industry to work in partnership to deliver innovative capabilities
and services."

Joe Hemming, managing director, space and defence at LogicaCMG commented:
"This is a significant development and demonstrates the strengths of the two
companies in using distance learning applications and in-depth experience in
terrestrial-satellite system inter-working to provide end-to-end connectivity
seamlessly to users. Together with Paradigm Services we look forward to
providing additional leading-edge capabilities and integrated, reliable
services using Skynet 5 to the UK MoD and 3rd party customers."

Peter Bruton, Managing Director, Paradigm Services Ltd, stated: "The
combination of capabilities at LogicaCMG and Paradigm Services are allowing
us to offer an enhanced range of services to our customers. We look forward
to further development of these and other information services in the
future."

LogicaCMG is the European leader in military satellite communications
ground segment systems with over 15 years experience in projects such as
Skynet 5. LogicaCMG's software supports a third of the world's satellites.
LogicaCMG was prime contractor to design the ground facilities for Galileo,
Europe's new satellite navigation system. LogicaCMG delivers information
superiority at the heart of NEC.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About LogicaCMG

LogicaCMG is a major international force in IT services and wireless
telecoms. It provides management and IT consultancy, systems integration and
outsourcing services to clients across diverse markets including telecoms,
financial services, energy and utilities, industry, distribution and
transport and the public sector. The group holds a 60 per cent controlling
interest in Edinfor, S.A. (Edinfor), one of the largest IT service providers
in Portugal, with additional operations in Spain and Brazil. LogicaCMG
employs around 21,000 staff in offices across 34 countries and has more than
40 years of experience in IT services. Headquartered in Europe, LogicaCMG is
listed on both the London and Amsterdam stock exchanges (LSE: LOG; Euronext:
LOG). More information is available from www.logicacmg.com/uk

Paradigm Secure Communications signed a GBP 2.5bn contract with
the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in October 2003 for the provision of military
satellite communications services up to 2018. The programme, procured as a
Private Finance Initiative (PFI), includes the funding for the next
generation of UK milsatcom capability. The Paradigm team, lead by Paradigm
Secure Communications, includes EADS Astrium Ltd, the system provider, and
Paradigm Services Ltd for full services delivery. Both Paradigm companies are
part of EADS SPACE Services. For more information visit
www.paradigmsecure.com

Paradigm Services Ltd a key player in the Paradigm Team, is responsible
for all aspects of service delivery, including network operations,
maintenance and customer support.

Paradigm Services operates military information services in a multimedia
environment and offers a highly flexible approach. New service products and
technological advancements are brought into the military arena more rapidly
than ever before. The Company's proactive strategy for introducing the latest
state-of-the-art technologies promotes new service opportunities by the rapid
insertion of suitable commercial and military products into its catalogue.
For more information visit www.paradigmservices.com

Source: LogicaCMG Plc

Press Contacts: LogicaCMG: Nicky Rich, Public Relations Officer, LogicaCMG, Tel: +44-(0)-207-446-4813, Email: nicky.rich@logicacmg.com; Paradigm: Sara White - Marketing Communication Manager, Tel: +44-(0)-1438-282245, Email: contact@paradigmservices.com

-------
Profile: education

Alternative to Controversial School Drug Testing Programs Gives Parents Responsibility Through TestMyTeen.com

2005-09-13T02:22:00.000-07:00

Alternative to Controversial School Drug Testing Programs Gives Parents Responsibility Through TestMyTeen.com

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- An alternative to controversial school drug testing programs gives the responsibility of protecting teens and their privacy back to parents. The TestMyTeen.com approach provides home-testing kits to parents and funding to schools.

When parents purchase kits online, they create a socially acceptable way for kids to deflect the peer pressure that comes after saying no to drugs, alcohol, or tobacco. Parents may also direct a portion of revenues to their child's school. See http://www.testmyteen.com/ .

According to Mason Duchatschek, the Executive Director of TestMyTeen.com, the words "my parents test me" stop pushy peers in their tracks. He also says that parents can enjoy relief knowing they can prevent or detect usage prior to addictions setting in and law enforcement officers, school officials, or potential employers finding out.

"In the past, programs dictated by schools aimed only at students in extracurricular activities, depleted scarce resources, and turned parents into adversaries instead of allies over privacy," says Duchatschek. He adds, "It took input from students, teachers, and parents to eliminate those obstacles and suggest necessary improvements."

To ensure accuracy, home-based testing kits utilize the same technologies found in medical labs and clinics. Because kits are administered by parents in the privacy of their home, ordered via the Internet, and shipped using non-descript packaging, confidentiality is protected.

A "Monitoring the Future Study" conducted by the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) has revealed that while 53% of high school seniors admitted to some drug use, only 18% of parents believed their teen had tried drugs. Consequently, while parents are encouraged to trust their kids, Duchatschek says they need to verify their trust is warranted.

Additional resources for parents and school officials regarding this program are available at http://www.testmyteen.com/ . Revenue sharing programs are offered to schools that register, free of charge, with the TestMyTeen.com alliance.

Contact: Mason Duchatschek, TestMyTeen.com, 1-314-414-5500, mason@testmyteen.com

Source: TestMyTeen.com

CONTACT: Mason Duchatschek of TestMyTeen.com, +1-314-414-5500,
mason@testmyteen.com

Web site: http://www.testmyteen.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Duchatschek available for interview

-------
Profile: education

WALLACE & GROMIT CALL ON PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO TAKE THE 'GREAT VEGETABLE CHALLENGE'

2005-09-13T01:22:00.000-07:00

WALLACE & GROMIT CALL ON PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO TAKE THE 'GREAT VEGETABLE CHALLENGE'

London, 13 September/GNN/ --

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION AND SKILLS News Release (2005/0103) issued by the
Government News Network on 13 September 2005
As excitement builds for the 14 October cinema release of The Curse of the
Were-rabbit, the first big screen adventure for triple Oscar winner Nick
Park's Wallace & Gromit characters, the Department for Education and Skills'
'Growing Schools' programme has teamed up with Aardman Animations to encourage
more primary schools to create an 'outdoor classroom' to help their pupils
learn about diet, nutrition and the natural environment.

The 'Great Vegetable Challenge' competition will invite every primary school in
the country to design its own growing area. The winning school will receive
£2,500 to have their garden built, with four runners-up prizes of £500 to
help them develop their playgrounds into a growing area.

In their latest outing, Wallace & Gromit have formed their own humane pest
control company, 'Anti-pesto,' and are defending village allotments from
the clutches of the Were-rabbit on the eve of the annual Giant Vegetable
Competition.

'Growing Schools' aims to inspire and support schools to teach all subjects
within the context of the 'outdoor classroom' to enhance curriculum lessons
and teach pupils about growing, farming and the environment, and developing
an enthusiasm for healthy eating.

Over 12,000 schools have already received support and resources from the
'Growing Schools' programme, helping them to develop growing areas ranging
from mini-allotments in rural schools to raised beds in urban playgrounds.

Schools Minister Jacqui Smith said:

"The competition aims to be fun with a serious message. As well as ensuring
that what children eat in schools is healthy, it is important that they
are equipped with the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead
healthy lives outside school and in later life.

'Growing Schools' can encourage and support every school, from rural primary
schools to inner city secondary schools, to provide its pupils with an area
where they can learn about where their food comes from, diet, nutrition and
the natural environment."

Peter Lord, Chairman and Co-founder of Aardman Animations said:

"Wallace and Gromit approach everything they do with maximum enthusiasm. Their
latest adventure, The Curse of the Were-rabbit, is packed full of some of
the funniest vegetable antics in the history of cinema. We hope Wallace and
Gromit's enthusiasm and sense of fun will be an inspiration to kids of all
ages to create their own vegetable plots and think about where their food
comes from!"

NOTES TO EDITORS

This Press Notice applies to England.

1. Images of the characters and scenes from the film are available to print
media at www.image.net Trailers of the film are available to broadcast
media from Neil Bhatt at Premier PR, telephone 020 7292 8330 or email
neil@premierpr.com

2. Aardman Animations in association with DreamWorks will be releasing
the first full length Wallace and Gromit feature film The Curse of the
Were-Rabbit on 14 October 2005. For further information on the film, please
contact Neil Bhatt or Lawrence Atkinson at Premier PR, 020 7292 8330 or
email neil@premierpr.com and lawrence@premierpr.com

3. Aardman produces films, television series and television commercials
for both the domestic and international market, their debut feature film,
Chicken Run, grossed over $225M worldwide ($104M in the US) and the series
of Wallace and Gromit short films have won countless awards including 2
Oscars(r). In the UK Aardman's output can be seen on television 365 days
a year, whether it is a tv commercial, a station ident, a tv series or one
of their many short films, the studio's work is constantly in demand. The
studio has been nominated for an Academy Award seven times, and has won three.

4. The 'Growing Schools' programme began in 2001. It aims to encourage and
inspire all schools to use the 'outdoor classroom' as a context for learning
for pupils of all ages & abilities across the curriculum. A key strand is to
encourage learning about the outdoor environment through first hand experience
of growing, farming and the countryside - within and beyond the school.
For further information, visit www.teachernet.gov.uk/growingschools

5. The 'Great Vegetable Challenge' competition is open to all Foundation
Settings and Primary schools in England. Schools are invited to submit and A3
sized design showing their ideas for an ideal new growing space or expansion
of an existing one within their schools grounds. All schools must register
on the Growing Schools website www.teachernet.gov.uk/growingschools where
they can download entry forms and terms and conditions.

6. All entries will receive a teachers' resource pack containing fact sheets
demonstrating how each subject in the National Curriculum can be taught in
the 'outdoor classroom.'

PRESS ENQUIRIES:
Tim Watkinson
020 7925 5975

PUBLIC ENQUIRIES:
0870 000 2288
info@dfes.gsi.gov.uk

NEWSDESK:
020 7925 6789
newsdesk@dfes.gsi.gov.uk

OUT OF HOURS MEDIA CALLS:
07659 105 993

INTERNET ADDRESS :
www.dfes.gov.uk

If you would like to receive email notification of new press notices
in the subjects of your choice, please click on 'register' on our site:
www.dfes.gov.uk, 'Latest News'.

Source: DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION AND SKILLS

-------
Profile: education

Hispanic Homeownership Barriers Start To Fall

2005-09-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

Hispanic Homeownership Barriers Start To Fall

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Study Reveals How a More Responsive Housing Industry Increased U.S. Hispanic Homeownership; More Gains Needed

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study released today by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's (CHCI) HOGAR (Spanish word for home) Initiative suggests that a combination of factors that complement Hispanics strong desire for homeownership and strong work ethic, have helped increase the U.S. Hispanic homeownership rate; from 46.1% in September 2003 to 49.7% in March 2005.

The main recommendations of the study suggest that in order to nudge the Hispanic homeownership rate higher, mortgage loan interest rates must remain at historic low levels; Hispanics must continue to make substantial gains in population, education, and income; and the housing industry, in turn, must accurately measure the credit worthiness and capacity to save of Hispanics, while allowing for their pooling of incomes and resources.

"The results of this study are important because it provides a comprehensive view on everything being done that touches upon Latino homeownership, and presents it as a one-stop shop of findings and recommendations," said CHCI President and CEO, Esther Aguilera.

The study, which focused on 63 Congressional Districts across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, credited the housing industry with helping more Latinos become homeowners through new flexible mortgage loan products, and wider dissemination of information on supplemental financial homeownership assistance from local and state governments for eligible low- and moderate- income individuals and families. The study also indicated that the mortgage industry's response of hiring an increasing number of bilingual and culturally-sensitive housing professionals who can gain the trust of thousands of prospective new Latino homebuyers, has helped increase Hispanic homeownership.

The study, which forecasts that 60% of Latinos will own their homes by the year 2010, states that Hispanics represent an increasing portion of the age group where most home sales occur - 26 to 46 years of age. Accompanying this demographic change are the income gains made - more Latino families have annual incomes over $40,000, increasing by 80 percent from 1980 to 2000 - three times the rate of the increase of the overall middle class.

The findings also caution the mortgage industry that more work is needed to achieve a greater rate of Hispanic homeownership by the end of the decade. Three HOGAR fellows who presented the results of the study - Alejandro Becerra, Ron Jauregui, and Rebecca Villalpando, say that the findings indicate that despite these good-faith efforts by the mortgage industry, the lack of special attention or "hand-holding" reinforce Hispanics' fear and mistrust of mainstream institutions due to predatory lending practices, pressures to purchase, complex home buying procedures and lack of flexible and quality loan products.

"Still at stake is the industry's ability to fully tap its most emerging consumer market and Hispanics' ability to realize the American dream of owning a home," said HOGAR Fellow Ron Jauregui.

While "hand holding" may not be part of standard institutional practices, the study confirms prior findings that show that a new commitment to help Hispanics better understand the process may be what it takes to get more Latinos into homes. The fellows also contend that there continues to be a real disconnect from the real commitment that exists "at the top" to the actual customer service many Hispanics in the low-to-moderate income category are receiving.

"Many loan officers cannot take the time needed to serve their Latino customers and 'hold their hand' through the process," said Alejandro Becerra, HOGAR Fellow. "This is because Latinos tend to apply for smaller loan amounts, take longer to process, and their loans are harder to close, on average."

The study also recommends that because immigrants are expected to make-up a substantial percentage of the 14-16 million minority households by 2010, that there needs to be increased introduction of more flexible underwriting and credit scoring standards.

According to Becerra, "increasing a secondary market that will purchase mortgage loans sold to immigrants with an Individual Tax Identification Number is recommended to help the industry tap the significant 'new arrival' community."

The study includes the identification of several homeownership strategies and best practices that will help increase the rate of Hispanic homeownership nationwide. More information on the study can be obtained by visiting the CHCI website at http://www.chci.org/ under the section "Site Highlights."

About CHCI

CHCI, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, educational 501(c)(3) organization, provides educational programs for Hispanic college and postgraduate students. The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic Members of the U.S. Congress, nonprofit leaders, and corporate executives. For more information on CHCI, visit our website, http://www.chciyouth.org/ or call (202) 543-1771.

Established in September 2003 by CHCI, HOGAR (Hispanic Ownership, A Growing American Reality) is a national housing initiative that is designed to increase homeownership opportunities for Hispanics across the country. The initiative includes a Housing Fellowship Program to highlight and empower mid- career Hispanic housing professionals.

Source: Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Inc.

CONTACT: Laura Tellez of Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute,
+1-202-548-5876, or ltellez@chci.org

Web site: http://www.chci.org/
http://www.chciyouth.org/

-------
Profile: education

Students at Encanto Elementary Experience 'Extreme Library Makeover'

2005-09-12T15:41:00.000-07:00

Students at Encanto Elementary Experience 'Extreme Library Makeover'

San Diego Students, Joined by Actor Ben Stein and Superintendent Leslie Fausset, Celebrate a New, Dramatically Improved Library Filled With $25,000 Worth of Books and Technology Donated by Town & Country Credit

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The first full week of classes at San Diego's Encanto Elementary was kicked off with cheers of excitement this morning, as students got their first glimpse of their recently-built library, filled with $25,000 worth of new books and technology equipment. The reason for their surprise is understandable; prior to this fall, Encanto's "library" was a small, cramped classroom with not nearly enough books per student. Today, students saw a gleaming new library filled with nearly 3,500 brand new books, computer software, a new laptop computer and a new video projector. These items resulted from a $25,000 donation from local mortgage company Town & Country Credit (TCC), as part of their "Smart Money for Education" philanthropic program. The library structure itself was built over the summer months from Proposition MM funds.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050912/SFM140-ahttp://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050912/SFM140-b )

"TCC developed the 'Smart Money for Education' initiative because we believe it's important to support the communities where our customers live and work," explained Dan Upton, Town & Country Credit's president and chief operating officer. "In developing the initiative, we consulted a panel of San Diego principals and assistant principals to help us identify the greatest need at their schools. The overwhelming response was libraries -- and books, in particular, were the areas that needed the most help. Then we asked the San Diego Unified School District to help us identify the right school. We selected Encanto as the recipient of the $25,000 library makeover because we were impressed with the tremendous turnaround that Principal Madden is leading and we wanted to be a part of the school's success."

The unveiling ceremony was attended by students, teachers, Principal Jean Madden, interim Superintendent Leslie Fausset, and Town & Country Credit COO Dan Upton. There was even a visit from celebrity actor and writer Ben Stein ("Win Ben Stein's Money" and Ferris Bueller's Day Off), who serves as TCC's spokesperson. All four spoke to the crowd about the new library and Stein even had a "storytime" with the students in their new library.

Fausset spoke to students and teachers about the importance of private companies partnering with schools to help offset the constant budget shortfalls. "It's wonderful when companies like Town & Country Credit donate funds to help our schools meet their budgets that are increasingly strained. This donation will allow our students access to books and technology that they otherwise would not have," she notes. "The donation is worth so much more than just the $25,000 dollar figure, as the books and equipment will be enriching Encanto's students' lives for years to come."

"This contribution is a huge win for our students," agrees Jean Madden, Encanto Elementary's principal. "Town & Country Credit's generous contribution has provided them with one of the most critical learning tools that they need -- books. Nationally, school libraries average 22 books per student. Last year, Encanto's ratio was twelve books for every student. The addition of nearly 3,500 new books will help increase that ratio dramatically."

Encanto's school library makeover is just one component of TCC's educational outreach program, called "Smart Money for Education," which focused efforts in San Diego and Denver, two of the communities, which Town & Country serves. In addition to conducting the school library makeovers, teachers in each community were invited earlier this year to apply for monetary awards totaling more than $50,000 to purchase classroom supplies and other resources for their students. Additionally, Town & Country Credit offered a special reduced fee loan for teachers who applied for a mortgage over the summer months.

During today's unveiling, Dan Upton summed up TCC's belief in the importance of businesses helping the communities where they operate. "Town & Country Credit believes in investing in people's futures, and our $25,000 contribution towards books and technology will help Encanto's students for years to come," he notes. "There are many schools in San Diego that need this extra help. I hope this donation and the "Smart Money for Education" initiative inspires other companies in San Diego to do the same."

For more information, contact:
Noelle Novak, Town & Country Credit
Office: 213-438-8789/Cell: 323-708-2680
nnovak@golinharris.com

Steven Baratte, San Diego City Schools
Office: 619-725-5578
sbaratte@sandi.net

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050912/SFM140-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050912/SFM140-b
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Town & Country Credit

CONTACT: Noelle Novak, +1-213-438-8789, or mobile, +1-323-708-2680, or
nnovak@golinharris.com, for Town & Country Credit; or Steven Baratte of San
Diego City Schools, +1-619-725-5578, or sbaratte@sandi.net

-------
Profile: education

Deloitte Consulting LLP Becomes a Leading Sponsor of University of Arkansas 'RFID' Research Laboratory

2005-09-12T15:11:00.000-07:00

Deloitte Consulting LLP Becomes a Leading Sponsor of University of Arkansas 'RFID' Research Laboratory

Deloitte's Wireless & Sensor Solutions Services Offering Teams With Industry Leaders and Top Technology Vendors Sponsor Research on RFID Solutions

NEW YORK, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Deloitte Consulting LLP ("Deloitte Consulting") today announced its participation as a strategic sponsor in the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Research Center at the University of Arkansas' Information Technology Research Institute of the Sam M. Walton College of Business.

Chris Hook, co-leader of Deloitte Consulting's Wireless and Sensor Solutions Services, a new service offering that helps businesses and industries transition to the emerging Pervasive Computing environment, will serve on the Center's Advisory Board, which is chartered with providing direction for research conducted at the Center. Hook brings more than 20 years' experience in the development and application of RFID and automatic data capture systems.

"Deloitte Consulting's participation with the University of Arkansas RFID Research Center provides enormous opportunities to exchange ideas with industry leaders, logistics service providers and global technology companies, all of whom are committed to driving the adoption of RFID and other wireless and sensor technologies," Hook said. "Deloitte Consulting's deep knowledge of technologies and operations, in several industries, aligns perfectly with the expertise other Center sponsors are contributing to this exciting venture. I am delighted that Deloitte Consulting is participating in this initiative."

"Deloitte Consulting's sponsorship of the University's RFID Center will effectively position it to help clients, across industries, find and implement the right RFID and other wireless solutions for their businesses," said Ed Carey, Vice Chairman and National Managing Partner of U.S. Industries at Deloitte & Touche USA LLP.

The RFID Research Center is an independent "live-environment" laboratory developed for the creation and dissemination of RFID knowledge across industries and supply chain fields. Research will focus on ease of deployment, scalability and adaptability of RFID systems to enhance utility and performance. Though driving the adoption of RFID in supply chain applications is the declared initial focus of the Center's applied research activities, this research will be performed in the broader context of wireless and sensor technologies, used across industries.

Unlike some other RFID labs, the Center has no vested interest in the use or implementation of any one type of technology over another. As a neutral third-party research and testing facility, companies will have an unbiased environment to complete RFID, wireless and sensor technology testing.

Doug Standley, highly experienced co-leader of Deloitte Consulting's Wireless and Sensor Solution Services, summarized Deloitte Consulting's involvement in the Center, stating, "The initial vision for this relationship centers around the need for a trusted independent resource for confirmation of the physical layer attributes associated with any application of these technologies. We are confident that this facility accomplishes this and may provide significant additional value to strategic client initiatives."

Standley adds, "As a firm, Deloitte is uniquely qualified to capture a high percentage of our clients demand for these services by leveraging our multidisciplinary strengths in an unbiased advisory capacity."

"We are very pleased to have the opportunity to build real world solutions for supply chain issues with Deloitte," says Walton College Dean Doyle Z. Williams. "The Center will serve as a conduit for Deloitte Consulting and other leading companies to share research and test the latest RFID technology."

The RFID Research Center is located in Hanna's Candle Company facility, another sponsor of the Center. The 7,800 square foot laboratory contains the latest RFID technology, including tags, antennas, readers and conveyance systems from a variety of vendors.

About Deloitte

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a Swiss Verein, its member firms and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates. Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is an organization of member firms around the world devoted to excellence in providing professional services and advice, focused on client service through a global strategy executed locally in nearly 150 countries. With access to the deep intellectual capital of 120,000 people worldwide, Deloitte delivers services in four professional areas, audit, tax, consulting and financial advisory services, and serves more than one-half of the world's largest companies, as well as large national enterprises, public institutions, locally important clients, and successful, fast-growing global growth companies. Services are not provided by the Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Verein and, for regulatory and other reasons, certain member firms do not provide services in all four professional areas.

As a Swiss Verein (association), neither Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu nor any of its member firms has any liability for each other's acts or omissions. Each of the member firms is a separate and independent legal entity operating under the names "Deloitte", "Deloitte & Touche", "Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu" or other related names.

In the US, Deloitte & Touche USA LLP is the US member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu and services are provided by the subsidiaries of Deloitte & Touche USA LLP (Deloitte & Touche LLP, Deloitte Consulting LLP, Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP, Deloitte Tax LLP and their subsidiaries), and not by Deloitte & Touche USA LLP. The subsidiaries of the US member firm are among the nation's leading professional services firms, providing audit, tax, consulting and financial advisory services through nearly 30,000 people in more than 80 cities. Known as employers of choice for innovative human resources programs, they are dedicated to helping their clients and their people excel. For more information, please visit the US member firm's web site at http://www.deloitte.com/us.

Source: Deloitte Consulting LLP

CONTACT: David Schutzman of Deloitte Services LP, +1-212-436-2711,
dschutzman@deloitte.com; or Evonne Lum of Ogilvy Public Relations,
+1-212-884-4026, evonne.lum@ogilvypr.com

Web site: http://www.deloitte.com/us
http://www.deloitte.com/

-------
Profile: education

Duke Energy Pledges $2.5 Million for Climate Change Policy Partnership

2005-09-12T14:03:00.000-07:00

Duke Energy Pledges $2.5 Million for Climate Change Policy Partnership

This new industry-university collaboration is designed to develop policies that address the problems of global climate change

DURHAM, N.C., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK) has pledged $2.5 million to Duke University to support the Climate Change Policy Partnership -- a new industry-university collaboration that will develop policies to address the problems of global climate change, Duke University President Richard H. Brodhead announced today.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040414/DUKEENERGYLOGO)

The new partnership will pool the expertise of Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment and Earth Sciences, Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, Center on Global Change and Duke Energy, as well as other corporate and academic partners from across the Southeast, Brodhead said.

Duke Energy's gift will come in two segments: $1.5 million to fund Phase I of the partnership, expected to be completed by January 2007; and an additional $1 million to fund Phase II, which depends on the successful completion of the first phase and the recruitment of other corporate partners.

During the partnership's first phase, researchers will assess the environmental and economic costs and benefits of federal policy options for addressing emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, which most scientists view as the cause of global warming.

These policies include market-based cap-and-trade programs and a nationwide tax on the carbon content of fossil fuels. Cap-and-trade programs are those that set overall authorized caps on emissions for sources and allow the buying and selling of those emissions authorizations. Researchers at the Nicholas Institute will lead these initiatives.

Researchers at the Center on Global Change will assess the potential for using carbon sequestration to store atmospheric carbon dioxide in forests, soils or underground reservoirs.

The Climate Change Policy Partnership will fund more than 30 Duke Energy Research Fellowships for graduate students from Duke and other North Carolina universities to work with researchers on these projects.

Partners will share findings with government, corporate and environmental leaders nationwide, including the North Carolina Climate Change Task Force.

"In the absence of mandatory federal policy, many corporations and state governments are moving forward with their own climate change initiatives and corporations face questions every day, including those involving long-lived investments, with little understanding on how the country will proceed on this issue," said Paul M. Anderson, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Duke Energy, which is a founding participant in the Nicholas Institute.

"A cohesive approach, informed by sound science and economics, is needed to align these efforts," Anderson said.

"Duke Energy and Duke University share a common conviction that the purpose of this partnership must be to apply, not merely accrue, knowledge," said William H. Schlesinger, James B. Duke Professor of Biogeochemistry and dean of the Nicholas School. "Providing decision makers with factual, timely counsel, free of political spin, is critical."

Much of the data used by researchers in the Climate Change Policy Partnership will be specific to North Carolina, but their reports and research findings will have broad applicability to policy considerations at all levels of government.

"Collectively, we have access to decades of data from field studies in North Carolina. This is a remarkable resource for creating the kind of detailed, data-rich scientific model that will be a useful forecasting tool - not only for decision makers here but also in similar states and regions nationwide," said Robert B. Jackson, professor of biology and environmental sciences and director of Duke's Center on Global Change.

Tim Profeta, director of the Nicholas Institute, said, "I cannot think of a better founding participant in the Nicholas Institute than Duke Energy. The leadership shown by Duke Energy and Paul Anderson on global warming is laudable, and we look forward to helping the company decipher the best ways to tackle this generation's greatest environmental challenge."

As the partnership expands and recruits more academic and corporate participants, researchers will begin studies of the carbon-reducing potential of other options such as renewable energy and enhanced vehicle fuel efficiency technologies.

"By expanding the scope of the Climate Change Policy Partnership, we bring more partners to the table and gain a broader perspective of the challenge and opportunities ahead," said Richard J. Osborne, group vice president of public and regulatory policy at Duke Energy.

"We are eager for other partners to join us in this endeavor, particularly those involved in agriculture, forest products, energy and transportation," Osborne said. "A viable policy to address global climate change must encourage reduced carbon emissions from all sources and segments of our economy, not just a few."

For more information, contact: Tim Lucas, Nicholas School of the Environment & Earth Sciences | (919) 613-8084 | tdlucas@duke.edu

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040414/DUKEENERGYLOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Duke University

CONTACT: Tim Lucas of Nicholas School of the Environment & Earth
Sciences, +1-919-613-8084, or tdlucas@duke.edu

Web site: http://www.duke-energy.com/

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/257451.html

-------
Profile: education

Sallie Mae Donates 1,000 Copies of Paying-for-College Guide to Pennsylvania Libraries and Schools

2005-09-12T13:53:00.000-07:00

Sallie Mae Donates 1,000 Copies of Paying-for-College Guide to Pennsylvania Libraries and Schools

Gift Has Potential to Bring Crucial College-Financing Information to Thousands of Commonwealth Families

WILKES-BARRE, Pa., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Sallie Mae, the nation's No. 1 paying-for-college company, today announced that it will donate 1,000 copies of its new book, "How to Pay for College: A Practical Guide for Families," to libraries, high schools, colleges and universities across Pennsylvania.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030617/SLMLOGO-a )

The 1,000 books, which have a total retail value of $20,000, were contributed on behalf of Sallie Mae Pennsylvania, which serves colleges and their students across the Commonwealth.

"Over the next few months, tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians will be applying to college and starting the financial aid process," said Frank Hollister, vice president of Sallie Mae Pennsylvania. "Our hope is that by making 'How to Pay for College' widely available, more Pennsylvanians have the tools they need to help make the dream of going to college a reality."

Sallie Mae's "How to Pay for College" is a one-stop source for parents, students and guidance professionals, offering an "insider's guide" to the financial aid process. Sallie Mae is the first student loan provider to publish a comprehensive college-financing guide for parents and students. All net proceeds from the book's sales will be donated to The Sallie Mae Fund, a charitable organization sponsored by Sallie Mae, for scholarships to help the neediest families access higher education.

Sallie Mae's "How to Pay for College" provides simple, straightforward explanations for the entire paying-for-college process, including a line-by- line explanation for completing the 103-question Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The book also provides detailed information and advice for:

* choosing the best financial aid package;
* finding scholarships;
* avoiding financial aid scams;
* saving for college;
* estimating college costs and loan repayments;
* making college more affordable; and
* applying for student loans.

Sallie Mae's "How to Pay for College" is available at http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ and in bookstores nationwide.

SLM Corporation (NYSE:SLM), commonly known as Sallie Mae, is the nation's No. 1 paying-for-college company, managing more than $116 billion in student loans for 8 million borrowers. The company has more than 700 employees in Pennsylvania. Sallie Mae was originally created in 1972 as a government- sponsored entity (GSE) and terminated its corporate ties to the federal government in 2004. The company remains the country's largest originator of federally insured student loans. Through its specialized subsidiaries and divisions, Sallie Mae also provides debt management services as well as business and technical products to a range of business clients, including colleges, universities and loan guarantors. More information is available at http://www.salliemae.com/. SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030617/SLMLOGO-a
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Sallie Mae

CONTACT: Erin Korsvall of Sallie Mae, +1-703-984-5136, or
erin.korsvall@salliemae.com

Web site: http://www.salliemae.com/

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/827187.html

-------
Profile: education

Katrina-Affected Students Find New Educational Opportunities on Web

2005-09-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

Katrina-Affected Students Find New Educational Opportunities on Web

ElectronicCampus.org and CSUMentor.edu are two college-planning portals managed by Xap to provide Gulf Coast students with educational options for this fall

CULVER CITY, Calif., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Students of Katrina-affected areas are becoming acquainted with additional educational opportunities through recent updates to the Southern Regional Education Board's Electronic Campus (www.electroniccampus.org) and California State University's CSUMentor (www.csumentor.edu) web sites, which are managed by Xap Corporation (www.xap.com), a leading provider of Internet-based educational services.

The Southern Regional Education Board and the Sloan Consortium, an international association of colleges and universities committed to quality online education, are collaborating on a unique "Sloan Semester," (www.sloansemester.org), which will help displaced students continue their studies during the current academic term via online courses. The special accelerated program will provide a wide range of courses to serve the learning needs of students at the community college, university and graduate level, regardless of academic discipline. Designed as a bridge until the next academic term, students from "impacted institutions" will be permitted to apply to participating institutions at no cost through the Electronic Campus web site.

"We know that many colleges and universities in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi will not be able to resume their fall semesters and students are scrambling for alternatives," said Dave Spence, President of the Southern Regional Education Board. "With the help of dozens of colleges and universities nationwide, we can now offer students key courses online to bridge them through this difficult time and eventually allow them to return to their home campuses."

CSUMentor, which provides broad application and admission support for the nation's largest higher education system, has promoted the system's new policy to affected students from the Gulf Coast areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, even those who lack proper academic documents. CSU's will conditionally admit these students, who will be exempt from paying the non- resident tuition and pay the in-state tuition, for the fall 2005 term. Nine CSU campuses have some spaces available in their fall 2005 classes including Bakersfield, Chico, Dominguez Hills, East Bay, Humboldt, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Bernardino, and Sonoma. Classes at three of these campuses have yet to begin: East Bay (9/22), San Bernardino (9/22), and Los Angeles (9/22). Students can apply at the CSUMentor web site.

"As a national education service provider, Xap has been diligently working with our partners to update critical information expeditiously on our education portals so it can get in the hands of students who are looking for answers and direction," said Liz Dietz, CEO of Xap Corporation.

About Xap

Headquartered in the Los Angeles area, Xap Corporation (www.xap.com) focuses on the creation of comprehensive Internet-based information management systems relating to secondary and post-secondary education. Founded in 1990, Xap is the leading developer of online student services systems for associations and statewide groups of colleges and universities across the United States.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Liz Dietz http://profnet.prnewswire.com/ud_public.jsp?userid=10002162

Source: Xap Corporation

CONTACT: David Fong of Xap Corporation, +1-310-945-0526, or
david.fong@xap.com

Web site: http://www.xap.com/
http://www.electroniccampus.org/
http://www.csumentor.edu/
http://www.sloansemester.org/

-------
Profile: education

Columbia University Integrates Invisalign(R) Into Dental School Curriculum

2005-09-12T13:34:00.000-07:00

Columbia University Integrates Invisalign(R) Into Dental School Curriculum

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Align Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALGN), the inventor of Invisalign(R), a proprietary method of straightening teeth without wires or brackets, today announced that Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery is integrating Invisalign into its undergraduate and post-graduate curriculum.

"Columbia's program is one of the top-rated in the United States; they have set a standard for quality care and are driven to create technical excellence," said Dr. Lou Shuman, Vice President of Strategic Clinical Relations at Align. "We are very excited to be working with them to help prepare students to treat patients with the Invisalign technique."

New Invisalign-focused coursework will be required of all third year students. After completing an Invisalign certification course, students will be allowed to treat anterior tooth movement cases under the supervision of certified orthodontic residents and faculty members. In April and May of this year, third and fourth year students completed an Invisalign certification course at Columbia University. The next certification course is scheduled for spring 2006.

"We wish to have access to all viable treatment modalities available to our patients and to expose students to all available educational opportunities," said Dr. Thomas J. Cangialosi, Director of Orthodontics for the program. "Integrating the Invisalign technique into our program increases student and restorative faculty awareness of the importance of doing an orthodontic evaluation on each one of their patients who are here for comprehensive dental care."

The School of Dental and Oral Surgery (SDOS) at Columbia University Medical Center, founded in 1917, is located in northern Manhattan. In addition to providing education programs for pre- and post-doctoral candidates, SDOS conducts research in state-of-the-art facilities and oversees an extensive community-based service program for residents in the surrounding community -- a federally designated medical and dental manpower shortage area.

About Align Technology, Inc.

Align Technology designs, manufactures and markets Invisalign, a proprietary method for treating malocclusion, or the misalignment of teeth. Invisalign corrects malocclusion using a series of clear, nearly invisible, removable appliances that gently move teeth to a desired final position. Because it does not rely on the use of metal or ceramic brackets and wires, Invisalign significantly reduces the aesthetic and other limitations associated with braces. Invisalign is appropriate for treating adults and older teens. Align Technology was founded in March 1997 and received FDA clearance to market Invisalign in 1998.

To learn more about Invisalign or to find a certified Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com or call 1-800-INVISIBLE.

Investor Relations Contact Press Contact
Barbara Domingo Shannon Mangum Henderson
Align Technology, Inc. Ethos Communication, Inc.
(408) 470-1000 (678) 417-1767
investorinfo@aligntech.comshannon@ethoscommunication.com

Source: Align Technology, Inc.

CONTACT: Investor Relations: Barbara Domingo of Align Technology, Inc.,
+1-408-470-1000 or investorinfo@aligntech.com; or Press: Shannon Mangum
Henderson of Ethos Communication, Inc., +1-678-417-1767 or
shannon@ethoscommunication.com, for Align Technology, Inc.

Web site: http://www.invisalign.com/

-------
Profile: education

15th Annual Komen New York City Race for the Cure(R) to Raise Funds and Awareness for Breast Cancer

2005-09-12T13:04:00.000-07:00

15th Annual Komen New York City Race for the Cure(R) to Raise Funds and Awareness for Breast Cancer

New York City Illuminates in Pink to Celebrate Race

NEW YORK, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2005 Komen New York City Race for the Cure(R) will take place on Sunday, September 25th in Central Park starting at 9:20 a.m. The event is the signature fundraiser for the Greater New York City Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and is presented locally by Lincoln Mercury and Smith Barney. Over 25,000 participants are expected to join the event this year. The 2005 Komen New York City Race for the Cure(R) Honorary Chair is Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg. Edie Falco and Christina Applegate are this year's Celebrity Honorary Race Chairs.

One in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. More than 1,500 breast cancer survivors and hundreds of dedicated teams will set out to change that statistic by participating in the 15th Annual Komen New York City Race for the Cure(R), which funds more than $2.2 million in education, screening and treatment programs in Greater New York City and supports national research for a cure.

The Komen Race for the Cure(R) Series is the largest series of 5K run/walks in the world. The Series raises significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrating breast cancer survivorship and honoring those who have lost their battle with the disease. With funds raised by the Komen Race for the Cure(R) Series, the Komen Foundation along with its Affiliate Network is able to fund breast cancer research grants, meritorious awards and educational, scientific and community outreach programs around the world. Since its origination in Dallas in 1983, the Komen Race for the Cure(R) Series has grown from one local Race with 800 participants to a series of more than 100 Races with more than one million people expected to participate in 2005.

"We hope the 2005 Komen New York City Race for the Cure(R) will be our most successful Race ever," said Nicole Rubin, executive director of Komen Greater NYC. "With one in seven women being diagnosed with breast cancer, every person who participates makes a critical difference in our efforts to eradicate this disease. We encourage people to run, walk, volunteer or contribute to support someone else registered for the Race."

Registration for the 2005 Komen New York City Race for the Cure(R) can be accomplished online, by mail or in person. You can go to http://www.komennyc.org/ for Race information, to sign up, volunteer and/or register (deadline September 24th). The deadline to send in registration forms by mail is September 9. Advance Registration and Sponsor Expo will take place at the Time Warner Center on September 22nd (9:00am-6:00pm), September 23rd (10:00am-8:00pm) and September 24th (10:00am-5:00pm). The Time Warner Center is located at 10 Columbus Circle. Last minute runners and walkers may also register on the day of the Race in Central Park (September 25th).

The 2005 Komen New York City Race for the Cure(R) sponsors include: Lincoln Mercury, Smith Barney, Accenture, Time Warner Center, strawberryfrog, Wyndy's Hotsauce(TM), WCBS-TV, NEW YORK POST, 106.7 Litefm, Viacom Outdoor, 1010WINS, Univision 41/Telefutura, American Express, ANN TAYLOR, Key Food, Loews Reel Moms, HIP(R) Health Plan of New York, Pfizer Oncology, JPMorgan Chase, DSW(R) and Henry Schein, Inc.

In celebration of the Komen New York City Race for the Cure(R), the New York City skyline will turn pink from September 20th through September 25th for the annual City in Pink(R) lighting campaign. On Tuesday, September 20th, the city will be lit in a ceremony at the City in Pink party at the Time Warner Center in Manhattan. The City in Pink party, which is also a celebration of the Affiliate's 15th Anniversary, is being sponsored by the Time Warner Center/Shops at Columbus Circle, RADO Switzerland, Great Performances, Stone Rose Lounge, Dankner & Milstein P.C., Moet Hennessy USA, VOX Vodka, The Clarient Group and Allison Burns Los Angeles. Media sponsors include WCBS-TV and the NEW YORK POST. Participating buildings include: Citigroup Center, Coney Island Cyclone Roller Coaster, DSW, Empire State Building, H&M, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Lladro NY, Manhattan Municipal Building, Marmi, NASDAQ MarketSite, Olive & Bette's, One Union Square East Condo, Paragon Sports, The Shops at Columbus Circle-Time Warner Center, Smith Barney Headquarters, Spirit Cruises New York, Wonder Wheel, Vornado Realty Trust-770 Broadway and the Woolworth Building.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment. Komen is a global leader and the largest private source of funding in the fight against breast cancer. The Greater New York City Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was formed in 1990 and serves the five boroughs of NYC (Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island), Long Island, and Rockland and Westchester counties. Up to 75% of the Affiliate's net proceeds are dedicated to fighting breast cancer by funding innovative grassroots programs in underserved local communities. At least 25% of the Affiliate's net proceeds fund national breast cancer research. This year, through local fundraising efforts including the signature event, the Komen New York City Race for the Cure(R), the Affiliate will award over $2.2 million in grants. To learn more about the organization, or to make a donation, go to http://www.komennyc.org/.

Source: Greater NYC Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

CONTACT: Adrienne Scordato, Communications Director of Komen Greater
NYC, +1-212-560-9590 ext. 231

Web site: http://www.komennyc.org/

-------
Profile: education

Berger Foundation Pledges to Donate $5 Million to Victims of Katrina

2005-09-12T12:56:00.000-07:00

Berger Foundation Pledges to Donate $5 Million to Victims of Katrina

Private Foundation to Match Any Southern California Contributions to Bush-Clinton Fund

PALM DESERT, Calif., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation today announces its pledge of $5 million for the benefit of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The Berger Foundation will match any monetary contributions from Southern California's private citizens, businesses, and other private foundations to the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund up to $5 million. The Berger Foundation challenges those in Southern California to contribute to the Fund in an effort to show their support of the Gulf Region.

"Over the years, the Berger Foundation has reached out to those in dire need of assistance and we feel that this is no exception," said Ronald M. Auen, Chairman and President of the Berger Foundation. "We would like to demonstrate Southern California's support of the relief efforts and we hope that our pledge of $5 million will spur others in this state to give as well."

The Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund is serving as an umbrella organization for the three special funds established by governors of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi and it is collecting donations to assist in the long-term recovery plan for the states affected by this tragedy.

Contributions may be made directly on the Web site of the fund: http://www.bushclintonkatrinafund.com/.

The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation of Palm Desert, Calif. is a private foundation that generously supports educational and other charitable projects. Since 1993, the Berger Foundation has contributed over $155 million to charities throughout Southern California and the United States. In particular, the Berger Foundation supports the I Have a Dream Foundation, the Appalachian College Association, Alice Lloyd College, University of Arizona, Claremont McKenna College, California State University-Palm Desert, College of the Desert-Palm Desert and other Coachella Valley charities and educational institutions.

Source: H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation

CONTACT: Jason Milch, +1-312-846-9647, or milchj@jaffeassociates.com,
for H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation

Web site: http://www.bushclintonkatrinafund.com/

-------
Profile: education

Boys & Girls Clubs of America and JCPenney Afterschool Fund Survey of Students Reinforces Need for Quality After-school Programs

2005-09-12T12:34:00.000-07:00

Boys & Girls Clubs of America and JCPenney Afterschool Fund Survey of Students Reinforces Need for Quality After-school Programs

Young People Say Teachers Assign Too Much Homework, Television is #1 Homework Distraction

ATLANTA, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- A new survey released today supports the need for quality after-school programs offering students homework assistance and academic goal setting. While students accept the need for homework, they say they get too much each night. Television is the #1 homework distraction, and while most students get homework help from their parents, many get no help at all and need access to after-school homework assistance programs to compete and succeed.

The survey asked students their opinions on homework and on graduating high school. The results of the "Boys & Girls Clubs of America/JCPenney Afterschool Fund Survey" show:

Survey Results: Homework
1. 67 percent say teachers should assign homework, but 54 percent say
their teachers assign too much homework.
2. 52 percent say television distracts them most from homework. Friends
(22 percent), extracurricular activities (17 percent) and family
obligations (9 percent) are other homework distractors.
3. Parents help kids most with their homework (56 percent). 19 percent
say no one helps them and 17 percent get help from mentors and tutors.
4. 74 percent say they complete their homework every night
5. 71 percent say they have 1-2 hours of homework each day, 20 percent
have 3-4 hours a day and nine percent have more than four hours of
homework daily.

Survey Results: Graduating High School
1. 89 percent say graduating high school is very important and almost all
(98 percent) expect to graduate high school while
94 percent also plan to attend college.
2. 77 percent say their parents are the strongest influence in driving
them to succeed in school.
3. 87 percent of young people surveyed say they strive to do their best
at school every day.
4. 61 percent say going to college is their primary ambition after high
school, followed by getting a job (22 percent).
5. 42 percent say the negative influence of peers is their greatest
challenge to finishing high school.

"The results of this survey complement what other studies have found regarding after-school programming and the benefit it provides. Numerous studies have shown that children involved in quality after-school programs, including those that offer homework assistance, have better grades, higher school attendance, better attitudes towards school, higher educational aspirations and less need for disciplinary action," says Julie Berkhouse, Afterschool Specialist, the JCPenney Afterschool Fund.

Afterschool Programs - By the Numbers
- Every day, more than 14 million children in this country are
unsupervised between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. That leaves them
in great danger of becoming victims or perpetrators of crime or
delinquent behavior.
- Another 43 million children could benefit from after-school activities
with increased access and awareness of programs provided by Boys &
Girls Clubs of America and other organizations like the YMCA, 4-H and
Junior Achievement.
- Research shows after-school programs can have positive effects on
students' performance in school, including improved math and reading
performance, improved attendance, reduced dropout rates, decreased
involvement in crime, improved behavior at school, and a heightened
interest in learning.

"Research shows that without significant educational support, many young people are likely to accept low standards of academic achievement, leading to unrealized potential and locking them into limited opportunities for employment and life," says Carrie Prudente, director, education programs, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "Through our partnership with JCPenney Afterschool Fund, we are able to provide after-school programs that complement the instruction children receive during the school day and open the door to new levels of achievement and fulfillment."

Throughout the year, the JCPenney Afterschool Fund supports BGCA's Power Hour (interactive after-school homework assistance) and Goals for Graduation (academic goal-setting) programs.

Power Hour is an interactive after-school homework assistance program for children ages 6 - 18. Power Hour helps young people view homework as an opportunity to learn how to work independently, successfully complete a project on time, and feel good about their accomplishments.

Goals for Graduation is an innovative after-school program for Boys & Girls Club members ages 6 - 15. This one-of-a-kind program provides one-on- one activities to support academic goal-setting, learning and success in school.

Club members practice goal-setting with the leadership, guidance and encouragement of Club staff. In goal-setting sessions, members set achievable "Know-I-Can" goals, more challenging "Think-I-Can" goals and yearly "Believe- I-Can" goals. Through this incremental goal-setting approach, members create an action plan with daily and weekly goals -- leading to both short- and long- term gains. Through a five-step process, youth are guided to set goals, supported to achieve them, and counseled to understand the relationship between small steps today and bigger results in the future.

The online survey of more than 800 Boys & Girls Clubs of America members aged 6 - 18 was conducted in August 2005 by Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the JCPenney Afterschool Fund.

About the JCPenney Afterschool Fund

The JCPenney Afterschool Fund (www.jcpenneyafterschool.org) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports programs designed to keep kids safely and constructively engaged during out-of-school time. The Fund's contributions allow for the creation and continuance of afterschool programs aimed at the academic, physical, and social development of children throughout the U.S. The JCPenney Afterschool Fund also works to raise awareness of the benefits of afterschool programming, and is committed to ensuring that every child has access to the world of opportunities that awaits them after school.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) comprises a national network of some 3,700 neighborhood-based facilities annually serving more than 4.4 million young people, primarily from disadvantaged circumstances. Known as "The Positive Place for Kids," the Clubs provide guidance-oriented character development programs on a daily basis for children 6-18 years old, conducted by a full-time professional staff. Key Boys & Girls Club programs emphasize

character and leadership development, education and career development, health and life skills, the arts, sports, fitness and recreation.

Source: Boys & Girls Clubs of America

CONTACT: Mitch Leff of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, +1-404-861-4769

Web site: http://www.bgca.org/
http://www.jcpenneyafterschool.org/

-------
Profile: education

Head Start Provides $15M to Help Hurricane Evacuees

2005-09-12T12:12:00.000-07:00

Head Start Provides $15M to Help Hurricane Evacuees

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced $15 million in emergency funding to assist Head Start and Early Head Start grantees in providing services to children and families displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

"Many Head Start programs have seen large numbers of evacuees moving into their community in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina," HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt said. "At this critical time of recovery and restoration, the Bush Administration is expanding our outreach through Head Start to protect the health and well-being of children and families."

The $15 million announcement will enable Head Start and Early Head Start grantees to provide services to evacuee children and families over the next 30 days. To receive services, a family must have been forced to leave their home because of Hurricane Katrina.

"Services will be available to help children even if their parents do not have their child's birth certificate on hand," said Wade F. Horn, Ph.D., HHS' assistant secretary for children and families.

In addition, HHS is collaborating with Head Start and Early Head Start grantees to ensure health services associated with Head Start are provided to the needy as quickly as possible.

Evacuees with children generally five years and younger seeking Head Start and Early Head Start services are encouraged to call the Head Start toll free number at 1-866-763-6481.

The Head Start and Early Head Start programs currently serve over 900,000 children nationwide.

Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

CONTACT: ACF Press Office, +1-202-401-9215

Web site: http://www.hhs.gov/

-------
Profile: education

ThinkEquity Partners' ThinkWealth Management Launches Educational Program

2005-09-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

ThinkEquity Partners' ThinkWealth Management Launches Educational Program

ThinkWealth Educational Program to Debut at Forum on Wednesday September 14, 2005

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Today's sophisticated, high-net- worth investor is looking for the best, unconflicted wealth management guidance possible to help grow and protect their assets. ThinkWealth Management, the division within ThinkEquity Partners that serves the investment needs of high net-worth families, partnerships and non-profit organizations, today announced the launch of its unique daylong education program for current and potential clients.

The ThinkWealth Management Educational Forum will kick-off on September 14th at ThinkEquity's 3rd Annual Growth Conference at the Ritz Carlton in San Francisco.

The ThinkWealth Management Educational Forum is a day of presentations and discussions with industry experts on topical wealth management issues. The forum will answer questions and stimulate conversation on important issues that investors encounter as they make portfolio, lifestyle and estate planning decisions.

The one-day forum will feature presentations including:

* "Is Art an Asset Class?"
* "Transferring Wealth to Your Heirs ... Without Making Headline News."
* Fixed Income: "Navigating an Unpredictable Interest Rate Environment."
* Asia: "Are Investors Early, Late or Just in Time?"

Among those presenting will be:
* George Anders, News Editor, The Wall Street Journal.
* Michael Moses, Associate Professor, New York University, Stern School of
Business.
* Ellen I. Kahn, Partner, Sideman & Bancroft, LLC.
* Adam Solomon, Chairman, StoneWater Capital LLC.

"The goal of our entire education program and this forum specifically, is to help ThinkWealth Management's clients navigate through the dynamic waters of today's investing environment. Never before have there been as many opportunities, asset classes, challenges and different vehicles for growing wealth," said Joyce Linker, Principal of ThinkWealth Management. "Clarifying the many strategies available, providing access to the leading thinkers in the wealth management field and helping clients make informed decisions is the core of our educational philosophy."

About ThinkWealth Management

ThinkWealth Management was built to provide an unconflicted advisory, transaction and service level solution to the wealthy family and their related entities. ThinkWealth Management has taken the objectivity of a multi-family office, combined with the advantage of a large team of experts in various disciplines, and developed an advisory practice, committed to eliminating any conflicts of interest when advising clients. ThinkWealth Management provides services that include asset allocation analysis and modeling, hedging and monetization of concentrated equity positions, fixed income portfolio analysis and construction, manager search and due diligence across multiple strategies, client education and development, and consolidated reporting.

About ThinkEquity Partners LLC

ThinkEquity Partners LLC is a research-centric institutional investment firm focused on the growth economy. ThinkEquity Partners is dedicated to providing focused insight, advisory services, and capital to institutional investors and corporate constituents in the knowledge economy's key growth verticals, including technology, healthcare, media and consumer business services. For more information about ThinkEquity Partners, please visit http://www.thinkequity.com/. ThinkEquity Partners LLC is a SEC registered investment advisor and a member of the NASD and SIPC.

Source: ThinkEquity Partners LLC

CONTACT: San Francisco Contacts: Lewis Goldberg, +1-973-997-0232,
lgoldberg@kcsa.com; or Scott Rosenblum, +1-646-660-0845, srosenblum@kcsa.com;
or Contacts: Anne Donohoe, +1-212-896-1261, adonohoe@kcsa.com; or Alex
Aizenberg, +1-212-896-1229, aaizenberg@kcsa.com

Web site: http://www.thinkequity.com/

-------
Profile: education

Travel the 'Superhighway to Success'

2005-09-12T11:54:00.000-07:00

Travel the 'Superhighway to Success'

TROY, Mich., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Thousands of students, parents and educators are expected to turn out for "Superhighway to Success: Career Pathways for the 21st Century," a mega career event that will inform students in grades 8-12 of the immediate and future career opportunities and the skills, education and experience necessary for the employment community.

Superhighway to Success will be held November 16, 2005 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Pontiac Silverdome. The main floor of the Silverdome will feature hundreds of company booths divided into the six Michigan Career Pathways. Students will have the opportunity to explore cool hands-on displays and interact with company representatives. After students meet with the companies, they will travel up to the concourse to meet with post- secondary institutions and learn about the training they will need to achieve their career goals.

"This is a unique and worthwhile opportunity for employers to give students some sense of the skill sets, education and experience that will be required to secure high paying jobs of the future," said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson.

The following companies have signed up for the event:

American Axle & Manufacturing
Beaumont Hospitals
BestSource Credit Union
Compuware
DaimlerChrysler
DASI Solutions LLC
Delmia
Engineering Society of Detroit
Henry Ford Health Services
MacLean Vehicle Systems
New Horizons Rehabilitation Services
Oakland County Human Resources
Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency
R.L. Polk & Co.
Royal Oakland Community Credit Union
Valassis

Business sponsorships are still available, ranging from a $375 participating package to a $5,000 Platinum sponsorship.

"The Superhighway to Success career fair underscores Oakland Schools' commitment to expanding our Career Focused Education offerings beyond our four Technical Campuses to every public school student in grades 8-12," said Dr. Vickie L. Markavitch, superintendent, Oakland Schools. "We are excited about this unique vehicle for students to experience real-world application of what they are learning in the classroom to future education and career opportunities."

The participating post-secondary institutions include:

Baker College
Barbizon School of Performing Arts, Modeling and Talent
Davenport University
Dorsey Schools
Global Information Technology
International Academy of Design and Technology
Kettering University
Lawrence Technological University
Macomb Community College
Michigan Jewish Institute
Michigan Technological University
Mott Community College
New Horizons Computer Learning Centers of Michigan
Oakland Community College
Troy Adult Education
Wayne State University

Post-secondary institutions can still participate in Superhighway to Success, with participation packages ranging from $375 to $425.

"This one-of-a-kind career day will connect businesses, educators, and students. Businesses will have the opportunity to showcase their technologies in order to generate excitement about current and future career possibilities," said Ken Rogers, executive director, Automation Alley. "The students will have the chance to discuss the education necessary for the workforce of tomorrow."

About Automation Alley

Automation Alley drives the growth and image of Southeast Michigan's technology economy through a collaborative culture that focuses on workforce and business development initiatives.

More than 560 businesses, educational institutions and government entities belong to Automation Alley, covering an eight county area and the City of Detroit. Automation Alley promotes regional prosperity through the Automation Alley International Business Center, which provides business attraction services and exporting assistance; the Automation Alley Technology Center, which brings together businesses, educators and government to help entrepreneurs accelerate technology commercialization; and the GLIMA Network, one of the country's largest associations for individuals involved in the business of technology and related fields.

For more information, visit http://www.superhighwaytosuccess.org/ , call (248) 858-0190 or email info@automationalley.com.

Source: Automation Alley

CONTACT: Kim Zitny of Eisbrenner Public Relations, +1-248-641-1446,
kzitny@eisbrenner.com , for Automation Alley

Web site: http://www.superhighwaytosuccess.org/

-------
Profile: education

Back to School: New Jersey After 3 Celebrates a Dramatic Expansion of After School Programming Statewide

2005-09-12T11:09:00.000-07:00

Back to School: New Jersey After 3 Celebrates a Dramatic Expansion of After School Programming Statewide

- Kickoff Event in Jersey City Tomorrow -

JERSEY CITY, N.J., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- New Jersey children are back to school, and thanks to New Jersey After 3, an increasing number of them will have a safe place to go after the bell rings. New Jersey After 3, a statewide non-profit dedicated to expanding afterschool programming, will celebrate its dramatic statewide expansion in Jersey City Tuesday, awarding $225,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Hudson County for a new afterschool program at P.S. #34.

New Jersey After 3, now in its second year, has more than doubled its scope and reach since its inception. 11,000 kids in 66 schools across the state will be enrolled in its unique after school programs in the 2005-2006 school year. The programming will ensure that children are supervised between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., when they might otherwise be left home alone.

WHAT: Celebration of the expansion of after-school programming across
NJ. New Jersey After 3 will present a $225,000 grant to the
Boys & Girls Club of Hudson County at an after-school "open
house" at P.S. 34 in Jersey City. The Boys & Girls Club is the
non-profit partner teaming with the school to provide
afterschool programming. Kids and parents will be joined by
local, city and school officials as well as Ralph Izzo,
President of PSE&G and a proud supporter of New Jersey After 3.

WHERE: P.S. 341830 Kennedy Blvd, in the Greenville section of
Jersey City

WHEN: Tuesday, September 13, 2005
3 to 5 p.m. (doors open at 2:45 p.m.)

VISUALS: Kids in "New Jersey After 3" t-shirts will tour interactive
demonstrations showing the afterschool program's unique
curriculum and enrichment opportunities.

New Jersey After 3 is a state-wide, private, non-profit corporation dedicated to expanding and improving afterschool opportunities for New Jersey's kids. Its vision is that all New Jersey children will have the opportunity to participate in high-quality, comprehensive, structured, supervised and enriching afterschool activities. New Jersey After 3 was formed as a public-private partnership to maximize the resources available to afterschool programs for New Jersey kids.

NJ After 3 receives funding from the State and other public and private sources including: corporate and foundation support, individual donations, local and school district support, and federal funding. NJA3 grants are highly competitive and only one out of every four applicants received funding. Grantees were required to provide matching funds.

Source: NJ After 3

CONTACT: Mark Valli of NJ After 3, work: +1-973-413-1613, or
cell: +1-609-240-8053

-------
Profile: education

Westwood College Waives Application and Registration Fees for Students Displaced by Hurricane Katrina

2005-09-12T10:51:00.000-07:00

Westwood College Waives Application and Registration Fees for Students Displaced by Hurricane Katrina

Westwood College Campuses Nationally, Including Four in Texas, Help Students Continue Their Education While They Start New Lives

DENVER, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Westwood College, which has 20 campuses nationally that provide hands-on, career-focused education, announced today that it will waive the $100 application and registration fee for people displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The school also offers housing and career assistance, as well as financial counseling to all Westwood students.

"Like many schools, we want to encourage and assist people to continue their education plans, even through this difficult time," said Rick Yaconis, vice president of campus admissions at Westwood College. "For those who seek career-focused education, we welcome them to our Oct. 11 term start at any of our campuses."

Westwood College has campuses in Texas, Georgia, Illinois, California, Colorado, and a new campus opening in Virginia for the Oct. 11 term start. Westwood also offers online instruction. At Westwood, students can pursue a Bachelor's degree, an Associate degrees or a diploma, depending on the program they choose.

"In addition to the housing and career development assistance we offer our students, advisors also help students determine the best strategy for funding their education," said Joe Dilello, vice president of high school admissions. "Given everything those displaced by Katrina have gone through, our staff is eager to help folks make the transition to a new school and community a little easier."

About Westwood College

Founded in 1953, Westwood College is a national system of privately operated colleges that focus on high-quality, hands-on, career-focused education. The system includes 17 Westwood College campuses, plus three aviation campuses and online instruction. Faculty members are recruited for their industry experience, education in their subject fields and past teaching experience. Relatively small class size ensures that Westwood students receive the support they need to succeed.

In addition to the benefits of fast-track, hands-on learning, Westwood graduates are eligible for tuition-free retraining in their original degree programs and career development services for the length of their career they received their Westwood degree in.

To get more details regarding the waiving of application and registration fees, applicants should speak with a Westwood admissions representative or visit www.westwood.edu.

Source: Westwood College

CONTACT: Shenna Fitzgerald, of STRATECOM, +1-303-653-3235,
shenna@mindspring.com, for Westwood College

Web site: http://www.westwood.edu/

-------
Profile: education

School Specialty Announces Merger With Affiliate of Bain Capital Approved by Shareholders

2005-09-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

School Specialty Announces Merger With Affiliate of Bain Capital Approved by Shareholders

-- Merger anticipated to close on or about September 30, 2005 -- 3.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes to become convertible

GREENVILLE, Wis., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- School Specialty, Inc. (NASDAQ:SCHS), the leading education company providing supplemental learning products to the preK-12 market, today announced that the Merger agreement providing for the acquisition of School Specialty by an affiliate of Bain Capital Partners, LLC was approved at the special meeting of shareholders held earlier today. Approximately 20,080,703 shares, or 88% of the total number of shares of common stock outstanding and 98% of shares casting a vote, voted to approve the Merger agreement. School Specialty anticipates that the transactions contemplated by the Merger agreement, including the Merger, will be consummated and the Merger will be effective on or about September 30, 2005.

Effect of Merger on Convertible Subordinated Notes

Holders of School Specialty's 3.75% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2023 may surrender such notes for conversion any time from September 13, 2005 until 15 days after the actual effective time of the Merger. Following the closing of the merger, notes properly surrendered for conversion will be converted into an amount of cash equal to $1,225 per $1,000 principal amount of notes surrendered.

About School Specialty, Inc.

School Specialty is an education company that provides innovative and proprietary products, programs and services to help educators engage and inspire students of all ages and abilities.

Through each of our leading brands, we design, develop and provide preK-12 educators with the latest and very best resources in the areas of early childhood, arts education, reading and literacy, personal effectiveness and character education, coordinated school health, special learning needs, core academics, and career development as well as classroom essentials and learning environments. Working in collaboration with educators, School Specialty reaches beyond the scope of textbooks to help teachers, guidance counselors and school administrators ensure that every student reaches his or her full potential.

For more information about School Specialty and each of our brands visit http://www.schoolspecialty.com/ .

About Bain Capital

Bain Capital ( http://www.baincapital.com/ ) is a global private investment firm that manages several pools of capital including private equity, high- yield assets, mezzanine capital, venture capital and public equity with more than $26 billion in assets under management. Since its inception in 1984, affiliates of Bain Capital have made private equity investments and add-on acquisitions in over 230 companies around the world including such leading education industry companies as Houghton Mifflin, The Learning Company, Jostens Learning and Bright Horizons. Headquartered in Boston, Bain Capital has offices in New York, London and Munich.

About Thomas H. Lee Partners

Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P. is a Boston-based private equity firm focused on identifying and acquiring substantial ownership positions in growth companies. Founded in 1974, Thomas H. Lee Partners currently manages approximately $12 billion of committed capital, including its most recent fund, the $6.1 billion Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund V. Notable transactions sponsored by the firm include: Axis Capital Holdings, Endurance Specialty Insurance, Fisher Scientific International, General Nutrition Centers, Houghton Mifflin, Michael Foods, Nortek, ProSiebenSat.1, Rayovac, Refco Group, Simmons Company, Snapple Beverage, Transwestern Publishing, Warner Chilcott, and Warner Music Group.

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Information

Any statements made in this press release about future results of operations, expectations, plans or prospects, including statements regarding completion of the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements also include those preceded or followed by the words "anticipates," "believes," "could," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "may," "should," "plans," "targets," and/or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on School Specialty's current estimates and assumptions and, as such, involve uncertainty and risk. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. School Specialty may not be able to complete the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement on the terms described above or other acceptable terms or at all because of a number of factors, including the failure of the Buyer to obtain financing, the failure to receive necessary regulatory approvals, the failure to satisfy other closing conditions or the factors described in School Specialty's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Exhibit 99.2 to School Specialty's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2005, which factors are incorporated herein by reference. Except to the extent required under the federal securities laws, School Specialty does not intend to update or revise the forward-looking statements.

Source: School Specialty, Inc.

CONTACT: David J. Vander Zanden, President-CEO, +1-920-882-5602, or Mary
Kabacinski, EVP-CFO, +1-920-882-5852, both of School Specialty

Web site: http://www.baincapital.com/
http://www.schoolspecialty.com/

-------
Profile: education

Woodbury University Names Dr. Andre van Niekerk New Dean of School of Business

2005-09-12T10:39:00.000-07:00

Woodbury University Names Dr. Andre van Niekerk New Dean of School of Business

BURBANK, Calif., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Woodbury University today announced the appointment of Andre van Niekerk, Ph.D., as dean of the School of Business, effective immediately.

As dean, Dr. van Niekerk will focus on Woodbury's 121-year tradition of educating business professionals and lead the accounting, business and management, information technology, fashion marketing, marketing and MBA programs.

Dr. van Niekerk comes to Woodbury with a distinguished record in higher education at schools such as Pepperdine University and USC and in the corporate world where he has experience in advertising, automotive branding, telecommunications and health care. He has held executive positions with well-known firms such as Tenet Healthcare Corporation and UniHealth America and his services have often been sought by major corporations before, during and after mergers.

"We are delighted to welcome Dr. van Niekerk to Woodbury," says Kenneth R. Nielsen, Ed.D., president, Woodbury University. "His record of leadership and scholarship, combined with his understanding of educational and corporate linkages, will serve the School of Business well. Dr. van Niekerk is uniquely qualified to work closely with students, professors and business leaders to further elevate Woodbury's respected business program."

Dr. van Niekerk was selected as dean of Woodbury's School of Business as the result a national search. He earned his doctoral degree in administration and higher education from Michigan State University, master's degree in educational administration and counseling from Andrews University and bachelor's degree from Pacific Union College.

Founded in 1884, Woodbury University is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Southern California. An accredited, nonprofit university, Woodbury is located on a 22-acre residential campus in Burbank and offers bachelor's degrees from the School of Architecture and Design, Business, and Arts and Sciences. Woodbury also offers a master of business administration as well as weekend and evening study for working adults. A San Diego campus was established in 1998 to offer bachelor of architecture degrees.

Source: Woodbury University

CONTACT: Janet McIntyre of Woodbury University, +1-818-762-2938,
janet.mcintyre@woodbury.edu

-------
Profile: education

Botox Injection Saves Infant's Life

2005-09-12T10:16:00.000-07:00

Botox Injection Saves Infant's Life

More than Just a Wrinkle Reducer... Botox Valuable Saliva Management Treatment

MONTREAL, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Sam Daniel knew he was taking a chance, but he felt it was the only option. What he was about to attempt was drastic. The procedure had proven effective in the past with a small number of older children and adults, but had never been attempted on someone so young with such a severe respiratory condition. Dr. Daniel, an otolaryngologist at The Montreal Children's Hospital of the MUHC and an expert in saliva management problems was about to inject botulinum toxin (Botox) to paralyze the saliva glands of a 39-week old child.

The infant was born premature with a rare genetic disorder called Charge Syndrome. The baby boy had been in the intensive care unit since birth, because of his unstable medical status that was aggravated by the aspiration of his own saliva. He was literally drowning in his own saliva. The secretions were pooling in his lungs causing multiple bouts of pneumonia. As a result, he had to be intubated, a tube was inserted through his throat into his lungs, and he had to be placed on a ventilator to help ease his breathing. Multiple attempts to remove the child from the ventilator proved unsuccessful.

The medical team at The Montreal Children's Hospital discussed various procedures to save the little boy's life. A tracheotomy, or a permanent tube placed in the throat so saliva could be suctioned from his lungs regularly, was considered. Also, doctors proposed performing a pharyngotomy; which basically involves creating an opening in the side of the throat allowing the saliva to flow outwards down the child's neck. The third alternative was to perform a laryngeal separation, which involves separating the vocal cords from the oesophagus, the tube leading to the stomach. This would prevent the saliva from pooling in the lungs, but the child would never be able to talk or swallow. All three proposals would address the impending health issues but would have as a consequence other medical problems resulting in a staggering amount of care that the parents would have to perform for the rest of their child's life.

The parents were extremely distraught. Seeing their son suffer and having to make such important decisions about medical options that would have a significant impact on their child's life and their family's future made them seriously consider withdrawing medical care and risk the possibility their son might pass away.

This is where Dr. Daniel stepped in offering the parent's one last-ditch attempt to save their son's life. He was ready to attempt a procedure which would be experimental given the child's age and medical condition.

The parents agreed to the Botox injection and within ten days the excess secretions dried-up, the intubation and ventilation were withdrawn and eventually the little boy went home. Today, eight months later, he is doing very well. He still has some medical problems because of the Charge Syndrome, but he's strong and growing well. Every six months he will have to return for another Botox injection to keep the excessive drooling at bay. Dr. Daniel says it is too early to tell if he will need injections for life or if eventually his saliva secretion problems will dry-up or his swallowing reflex will improve.

The Botox injection received by this little boy and other patients like him, is off protocol. In other words, the government has not approved the use of Botox to treat saliva management issues and therefore doesn't pay for the drug treatment. "This is usually the case with a new treatment," says Dr. Daniel, "The government has to recognize the proven benefits. I'm confident that funding is only a matter of time."

BOTOX JUST ONE TREATMENT USED BY NEW SALIVA MANAGEMENT CLINIC

In March 2005, the Mackay Rehabilitation Centre opened a Saliva Management Clinic in partnership with The Montreal Children's Hospital of the MUHC. It is the only clinic of its kind in Quebec and one of only two such clinics in Canada.

Treatment for excessive drooling can be found in innumerable medical conditions most often associated with neurological impairments such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy and mental retardation. Children with saliva management issues can present with over secretion of saliva, inappropriate posture, weak swallow reflex or limited sensitivity awareness of what is wet and what is dry.

This new specialized clinic will evaluate and treat youth presenting with significant and persistent saliva management problems. The clinic's mandate is to identify the cause of the saliva problems and to offer appropriate treatments. Mackay Rehabilitation Centre ensures the follow-up of the recommendations in conjunction with other resources in the community. The multidisciplinary team includes an Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist, a neurologist, two dentists, a pediatrician, a speech-language pathologist, an occupational therapist and a social worker.

"Botox is just one of a few effective ways to treat the excessive drooling," says Dr. Daniel, founder and Director of the Saliva Management Clinic. "Other corrective measures include surgery, vestibular shield, rehabilitation and behaviour modification."

"Kids with drooling problems are very often stigmatized. They are rejected by their peers, they have to cope with wet shirts and constant clean- up," says Diane Calce, Clinical Advisor for the Saliva Management Clinic. "It's hard for these kids to make friends or find jobs, because people tend to shy away from them. They fear contracting diseases from the saliva or simply because they are uncomfortable with the excessive drooling. As a consequence, these children along with their families frequently become socially isolated."

Excessive salivation can also cause some medical complications such as skin lesions or even pneumonia if the saliva is aspirated.

Calce has many examples of children, teens who have been helped by the Saliva Management Clinic. "When a parent has to cope daily with the saliva management problem of a child who also requires care for physical disabilities, addressing the excessive drooling alleviates their burden and makes their lives a lot easier," says Calce.

The Mackay Rehabilitation Centre is a centre for the physically disabled which offers specialized and ultra-specialized services to children with a motor or language impairment and to the deaf and hard-of-hearing of all ages. It offers a family-centered approach that includes rehabilitation, adaptation and social integration services.

The Montreal Children's Hospital is the pediatric teaching hospital of the McGill University Health Centre. This institution is a leader in the care and treatment of sick infants, children, and adolescents from across Quebec. The Montreal Children's Hospital provides a high level and broad scope of health care services, and provides ultra specialized care in many fields including: cardiology and cardiac surgery; neurology and neurosurgery, traumatology; genetic research; psychiatry and child development and musculoskeletal conditions, including orthopedics and rheumatology. Fully bilingual and multicultural, the institution respectfully serves an increasingly diverse community in more than 50 languages.

This year the MUHC celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the department of otolaryngology. It has evolved into a center of excellence with respect to the delivery of improved clinical services, research and teaching in the fields of head and neck oncology, hearing loss, treatment of nasal and sinus disorders, evaluation of voice and swallowing problems, speech therapy, vestibular rehabilitation (dizziness and imbalance), and infant hearing screening. It has achieved such milestones as the 1st cochlear implant ever done in Quebec, performed by Dr. Melvin Schloss in 1984, to image-guided sinus and skull base surgery performed by Drs. Anthony Zeitouni, Mark Samaha, Saul Frenkiel and Sam Daniel using "stealth" technology.

The parents of the child mentioned in this press release have given us permission to tell their son's story, but do not wish to make the child's name public and they have declined the opportunity to do media interviews.

Source: THE MONTREAL CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

CONTACT: Lisa Dutton, Manager, Public Relations and Communications, The
Montreal Children's Hospital, The McGill University Health Centre,
(514) 412-4307

-------
Profile: education

Hispanic Adolescents Have Highest Use of Illegal Drugs: Scientists Meet in Miami to Address Impact of Drug Abuse on Hispanics

2005-09-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

Hispanic Adolescents Have Highest Use of Illegal Drugs: Scientists Meet in Miami to Address Impact of Drug Abuse on Hispanics

MIAMI, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Hispanics comprise one of the youngest segments of the U.S. population, with a third of the population under 18 years of age. The greatest risk for becoming dependent on drugs occurs between the ages of 15 and 29, according to Drug Use Among Racial/Ethnic Minorities, a 2003 report issued by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. These facts together are of particular importance to Hispanics, considering that Hispanic adolescents have higher rates of drug use than other groups in the U.S. Recent national data on current (defined as last month) illegal drug use among 12th-graders reveal that Hispanic high-school seniors have the highest rates for use of cocaine, crack and heroin. Even so, these are underestimates of actual drug use rates for Hispanics, given that a large proportion of Hispanics do not make it to 12th grade.

According to Dr. Jose Szapocznik, Chair of the National Hispanic Science Network and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami, we have learned much about why Hispanic adolescents account for such a large percentage of drug users, but there is still much to learn about how this public health tragedy can be prevented and treated. A major problem is that there are not enough Hispanic scientists. "Even though Hispanics are now 13 percent of the population, we only account for 3 percent of researchers."

In response to this urgent public health need in the Hispanic communities, a group of Hispanic scientists from around the country met in Miami five years ago and founded the National Hispanic Science Network (NHSN), with collaboration and funding from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The NHSN is dedicated to improving the health of Hispanics by increasing the amount and quality of interdisciplinary research on Hispanic drug abuse and by promoting the development of young Hispanic scientists in drug abuse research. A major focus of the Network is to attract to Hispanic drug abuse research, and then mentor, Hispanic doctoral students and young scientists.

Since its inception, the NHSN has been instrumental in advancing the careers of many Hispanic scientists by providing mentoring and collaborative opportunities in the drug abuse research field. One such scientist is Mexican-born Dr. Guillermo "Willy" Prado, assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Florida International University in Miami, Fla. "[NHSN] provides a wonderful opportunity for graduate students to emerge into scientists," Prado said. "What's unique about NHSN is that there really are a lot of opportunities to network and team up with senior scientists."

The NHSN is holding its Fifth Annual Conference "Drug Abuse and its Health Consequences" September 14-17, 2005, at the Omni Colonnade Hotel in Coral Gables, Fla. The conference will bring together researchers from the U.S., Latin America and other parts of the world to address topics like the link between tobacco use among Hispanics and cancer, cardiovascular and pulmonary disease; the medical use of opiates in pain control, and the development of drug abuse and related problems in Hispanic adolescents. Delivering the keynote address for this year's conference is Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse and a one of leading scientists in the world in the study of the impact of drug use on the brain.

For more information about NHSN and its Fifth National Conference, please visit http://nhsn.med.miami.edu/default.asp.

About the National Hispanic Science Network

The National Hispanic Science Network on Drug Abuse (NHSN), founded in April 2000, is dedicated to improving the health of Hispanics by 1) increasing the amount and quality of interdisciplinary translational research on drug abuse; and, 2) fostering the development of Hispanic scientists in drug abuse research. NHSN is funded by a contract from the National Institute on Drug Abuse to the University of Miami Center for Family Studies.

Source: National Hispanic Science Network

CONTACT: Cely Argueta, Office: +1-240-645-1138, Cell: +1-240-277-8862,
cargueta@DANYA.com, for National Hispanic Science Network

Web site: http://nhsn.med.miami.edu/

-------
Profile: education

Outstanding Teens Compete for Boys & Girls Clubs of America's National Youth of the Year Honor

2005-09-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

Outstanding Teens Compete for Boys & Girls Clubs of America's National Youth of the Year Honor

WHAT:

Five teens from Boys & Girls Clubs across the United States will be vying for the title of Boys & Girls Clubs of America's (BGCA) 2005 - 2006 National Youth of the Year and a $15,000 scholarship during a competition to be held in Washington, D.C., from Sept. 19 - 21.

During the three-day event, the Youth of the Year candidates will participate in a series of one-on-one interviews with judges and meet with their respective senators and congressman. They also will be honored at a Congressional Breakfast, where the National Youth of the Year will be announced, and meet President George W. Bush.

The Youth of the Year program, nationally sponsored by the Reader's Digest Foundation since its inception, is in its 58th year. The program recognizes outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, academic excellence, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome.

In order to reach the national level of the competition, all five teens garnered the Youth of the Year title at their respective local, state and regional levels. The Reader's Digest Foundation awarded each state finalist with a $1,000 college scholarship and each regional finalist a $10,000 college scholarship.

WHO:
* Jazelle Hunt, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hudson County (Jersey City, N.J.)
* Jarvis McInnis, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast (Biloxi, Miss.)
* Paris Echoles, Stateline Boys & Girls Clubs (Beloit, Wis.)
* Ashley Echavarria, Boys & Girls Club of Carlsbad (N.M.)
* Chantel Sanchez, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix

WHEN:
Monday, Sept. 19 - Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2005

WHERE:
Various locations (See Highlights and Schedule below)
Washington, D.C.

Highlights and Schedule

Monday, Sept. 19
Candidate Interviews with Youth of the Year Judges
L'Enfant Plaza Hotel
480 L'Enfant Plaza, SW
Washington, D.C.
1:30 - 4 p.m.
Judging is not open to the media. Candidates will be available for
interviews immediately following the interview process.

Tuesday, Sept. 20
Candidates Meet with Senators and Congressman on Capitol Hill
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Contact Lindsey Edmondson at (770) 715-4161 for specific times and
locations.

Candidates Visit Area Attractions
Various locations including World War II Memorial
2:30 - 4 p.m.
Candidates will be available for interviews while visiting area
attractions.

Wednesday, Sept. 21
Congressional Breakfast Hosted by Senator Orrin Hatch and Representative
Steny Hoyer
Dirksen Senate Office Building; Room G50
8 - 10 a.m.
BGCA 2005 National Youth of the Year to be named at the close of the
breakfast.

BGCA National Youth of the Year and Finalists Meet President of United
States
Oval Office
White House
Time and date subject to change. Contact Lindsey Edmondson at
(770) 715-4161 for details.

Contact:
Lindsey Edmondson
Phone: (404) 487-5868
Cell: (770) 715-4161
E-mail: ledmondson@bgca.org

PRNewswire - Sept. 12

Source: Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Web site: http://www.bgca.org/

-------
Profile: education

MedPage Today Issues 100,000th CME/CE Certificate for Its 'News + CME' Education Activities

2005-09-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

MedPage Today Issues 100,000th CME/CE Certificate for Its 'News + CME' Education Activities

LITTLE FALLS, N.J., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- In just over 6 months, MedPage Today (http://www.medpagetoday.com/), an online continuing medical education (CME) and continuing education (CE) platform that offers CME/CE credit as part of its real-time news service, has issued over 100,000 certificates to physicians and other healthcare providers. MedPage Today provides CME credit to physicians through a unique relationship with the University of Pennsylvania. MedPage Today has emerged as the leading point-of- care CME platform that offers daily engagement with physicians. An estimated 320,000 U.S. physicians have visited MedPageToday.com thus far in 2005.

MedPage Today provides real-time reporting on medical journal articles, national medical meetings, and other sources of breaking news. Because MedPage Today reports on the same news headlines broadly covered by the consumer mass media, it is a vital resource for physicians, who must address the inevitable barrage of questions from their patients regarding these news stories.

In a recent survey of over 750 healthcare providers who have used MedPage Today, 88% found the service to be highly valuable, and nearly two-thirds read the MedPage Today Daily Headlines e-mail every day. One MedPage Today user stated, "I am provided up-to-date and sometimes up-to-the-minute medical information and news in healthcare. I find the articles extremely relevant to my practice." According to Zalman Agus, MD, Associate Dean for Continuing Medical Education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, "MedPage Today's unique recipe is the combination of news plus CME. There's no other CME platform that offers substantial real-time, daily physician engagement in what is truly point-of-care CME aimed at improving physician- patient educational interaction."

MedPage Today also recently debuted MedPage Video, which features video interviews with researchers and other experts who offer commentary that provides broader perspective on the news.

MedPage Today's mission is to simplify the practice of medicine and educate physicians. Through a unique set of partnerships -- including those with CNN, MSNBC, WSJ Online, and Epocrates, among others -- MedPage Today reaches over 550,000 healthcare providers on a regular daily basis.

About MedPage Today

MedPage Today (http://www.medpagetoday.com/) is a leading provider of real-time, in-depth medical news for physicians and other medical professionals. MedPage Today offers medical professionals the opportunity to receive CME or CE credit as part of the news service. Approximately 320,000 U.S. physicians use MedPage Today, and more than 100,000 CME/CE certificates have been issued for online educational activities. At MedPage Today, we're "PUTTING BREAKING NEWS INTO PRACTICE(TM)."

Source: MedPage Today

CONTACT: Paul Greenberg, MD, President of MedPage Today,
PR@MedPageToday.com, +1-973-890-0985 x133

Web site: http://medpagetoday.com/

-------
Profile: education

American Public University System's First Homeland Security, Emergency Response Colloquia Set for May 2006

2005-09-12T09:31:00.000-07:00

American Public University System's First Homeland Security, Emergency Response Colloquia Set for May 2006

Call for papers extended to January 2006

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- ASIS International Annual Seminar -- American Public University System has issued a call for papers for its first international gathering of homeland security and emergency response leaders and practitioners. The deadline for papers has been extended to Jan. 15, 2006, due to Hurricane Katrina and its demands on the emergency response community.

American Public University System ( http://www.apus.edu/ ) is a distance learning institution serving 12,000 students worldwide. The company is exhibiting at the 51st annual ASIS International seminar today through Sept. 15.

The spring 2006 colloquia, "Managing Evacuation: Ripple Effects of Terrorism and Natural Disasters," will be held May 3-4, 2006 at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, W.Va., ( http://www.apus.edu/terrorism-evacuation ). The center is about 70 miles northwest of Washington, D.C.

The summit will focus on the logistics, politics and consequences of large-scale evacuations. It will address the many issues facing outlying cities and counties as they prepare to receive evacuees.

"It's critical that homeland security professionals understand how a mass evacuation affects cities hundreds of miles away, weeks and months after an initial incident," says Bob Jaffin, summit organizer and chair of the University System's homeland security and emergency management studies department. The program -- one of the first in the country -- was established in May 2001, months before 9/11.

"Our goal is to help us all be better prepared, mitigate effects and save lives," he adds.

The summit will bring together disaster management, homeland security, criminal justice and emergency management professionals. Paper topics called for include:

-- Roles of local community emergency response teams, non-governmental
organizations and others
-- Evacuation of "at-risk" and incarcerated populations and others
-- Healthcare trauma center preparations and long-term care
-- Transportation network management overload, including loss of
electronic signaling and communications
-- Outbound and inbound logistics
-- Pet and livestock evacuation

Proposals should be one page, and include a title, abstract and contact information. Send to Bob Jaffin at bjaffin@apus.edu , (phone 304-724-3723).

About the sponsor

American Public University System is comprised of American Public University System and American Military University. The distance learning institution encourages dialogue on matters of national security. It offers online degrees and certificates relevant to public service professionals. Programs include homeland security, emergency and disaster management, strategic intelligence, fire science, transportation logistics, criminal justice and more. More than 86 percent of its students are in the military. Others serve in such areas as emergency management, fire service and government service. To learn more, visit http://www.apus.edu/ .

Source: American Public University System

CONTACT: Carolyn Russell of Russell Public Relations for American Public
University System, +1-316-932-9000, news@russellpr.com

Web site: http://www.apus.edu/
http://www.apus.edu/terrorism-evacuation

-------
Profile: education

IT Infrastructure Management Conference & Expo to Feature Leading Vendors

2005-09-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

IT Infrastructure Management Conference & Expo to Feature Leading Vendors

Industry's Premier Event to Showcase Latest Solutions from BMC Software, Inc., Computer Associates, FrontRange Solutions, Peregrine Systems and Nearly 50 Other Leading Companies

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The IT Infrastructure Management Conference & Expo (ITIM 2005), will feature nearly 50 leading vendors of IT infrastructure solutions and service management products and services, including: network infrastructure products and services, telecommunications, wireless and VoIP technologies, IT security, network performance and management, data storage, management and compliance and IT support center and service management products and services. ITIM 2005 will take place from October 2 - 5, 2005 at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando, Fla. Produced by HDI, the world's largest membership association for IT service and support professionals and the premier certification body for the industry, the IT Infrastructure Management Conference & Expo is designed for IT professionals dedicated to achieving greater productivity by establishing and maintaining best practices and building integrated IT processes and technologies.

Platinum Sponsors include: BMC Software, Inc., Computer Associates, FrontRange Solutions, Peregrine Systems and Pink Elephant. Gold Sponsors are Altiris, Inc., Apropos Technology, Axios Systems, IBM, iET Solutions, Infra Corporation, Intuit Information Technology Solutions, Managed Objects, NetSupport, Reflectent Software, Robert Half Technology, ScienceLogic, TechExcel, Inc. and WebEx Communications, Inc. In addition, exhibiting companies will include Chorus Systems, Control-F1, DriveSavers Data Recovery, EXIN USA, Faronics Technologies, Funk Software, Inc., H & W Computer Systems Inc., Hornbill Systems, Inc., IHS Support Solutions, itSMF USA, Marval/Stroma, M-Tech, Information Technology, Inc., NetworkD Corporation, newScale, Inc., NTR - North America PerformanceIT, Inc., Persystent Technologies, RAC Houston, SteelCloud, Inc., TeamQuest, TechTeam Global, Inc., Texas Digital, Touchpaper and Vertical Solutions, Inc.

ITIM 2005 will address all aspects of managing, integrating and maximizing the performance of corporate IT assets. Six conference tracks include Emerging Technologies; IT Leadership; Network Optimization and Performance; Technology Innovation; Security, Governance and Compliance and IT Service Management. Keynotes will include: Ray Kurzweil, Robert Cringely, Guy Kawasaki, Jamie Clark and Steve Rizzo. Additionally, several pre-conference workshops will be offered, including ITIL training and certification.

"We are excited to be hosting such a comprehensive conference and expo with so many leading companies. It is clear that these organizations recognize the significance of participating in this important industry forum," stated Ron Muns, founder and CEO, HDI. "We are confident that ITIM 2005 will provide an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to be introduced to the latest and best tools, technologies, and service providers in the IT infrastructure and integrated systems and service management industry."

For more information on ITIM 2005, visit www.ITIM2005.com, or call 1-877-331-3434. For media and analyst registration, contact Jen McClure at (650) 331-0083, or email jenmcclure@gmail.com.

About HDI

HDI is the world's largest membership association for IT service and support professionals and the premier certification body for the industry. Founded in 1989, HDI's mission is to lead and promote the IT service and support industry by empowering its members through access to timely and valuable industry information, including reports and publications; encouraging member collaboration through events and online forums; and establishing internationally recognized, standards-based industry certification and training programs. In addition to membership, certification and training, HDI produces the world's largest and highest-rated event for service and support professionals, the HDI Annual Conference and Expo, and the IT Infrastructure Management Conference. HDI is member-focused, and remains vendor-neutral in its efforts to facilitate open, independent networking and information-sharing within the association network. HDI has more than 7,500 members worldwide including many of the Fortune 500, and 60 local chapters in North America. For more information, visit http://www.thinkhdi.com/.

CONTACT:
Jen McClure
New Communications Strategies
(650) 331-0083 - office
(650) 387-8590 - mobile
jenmcclure@gmail.com

Source: HDI

CONTACT: Jen McClure, New Communications Strategies, +1-650-331-0083, or
mobile, +1-650-387-8590, or jenmcclure@gmail.com

Web site: http://www.thinkhdi.com/
http://www.itim2005.com/

-------
Profile: education

Johns Hopkins Pancreas Specialist and Alimentary Tract Surgeon Joins Jefferson as Chair of Surgery

2005-09-12T08:30:00.001-07:00

Johns Hopkins Pancreas Specialist and Alimentary Tract Surgeon Joins Jefferson as Chair of Surgery

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Preeminent pancreatic cancer surgeon Charles J. Yeo, M.D., has been selected as the new Samuel D. Gross Professor and Chair of Surgery at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University and at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia.

Dr. Yeo is currently chief of the Division of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery at the Johns Hopkins Hospital, and professor of Surgery and Oncology at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore. He will begin his new duties Oct. 1, 2005.

An internationally known pancreas specialist with an impressive record of accomplishment, Dr. Yeo has performed more than 600 Whipple surgical procedures, among the largest number of surgeries performed by a surgeon to remove pancreas tumors in the nation.

He has traveled nationally and internationally teaching and lecturing on the treatment of benign and malignant pancreatic diseases, as well as on other topics pertinent to the alimentary tract. Dr. Yeo's primary interests and research are in the fields of pancreatic cancer, hepatopancreatobiliary surgery and alimentary tract surgery. His work has focused on the evaluation and management of patients with unusual pancreatic disorders and with complex alimentary tract diseases and surgical intervention in patients with acute or chronic pancreatitis.

Thomas Nasca, M.D., FACP, dean, Jefferson Medical College, said Dr. Yeo's experience and leadership skills will make him a wonderful addition to Jefferson.

"Dr. Yeo is an outstanding researcher as well as educator of young surgeons," said Dr. Nasca. "He is well known for his contributions toward an interdisciplinary approach to cancer care. With this background, he will build upon the strengths of Jefferson and its Department of Surgery to reinforce our reputation for excellence."

Thomas J. Lewis, president and CEO of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, noted that Dr. Yeo's expertise will be a tremendous addition to Jefferson's cancer care programs.

"An outstanding clinical surgeon, he has a reputation for being able to identify distinct types of pancreatic cancer early, with the aim of targeting therapies to treat them," Mr. Lewis said.

Dr. Yeo said he looked forward to working with Jefferson's surgeons and researchers in order to continue making clinical advances. "We will work collaboratively to enhance the role of our department and Jefferson as a center of excellence," he said.

Fostering innovation, Dr. Yeo has, for more than 10 years, directed the Pancreas Cancer Interdisciplinary Working Group at Johns Hopkins, a multi- disciplinary group of clinicians and scientists interested in furthering knowledge of pancreas cancer and related tumors. In 2001, he received the Alumni Association Excellence in Teaching Award from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He was named The John L. Cameron, M.D., Professor for Alimentary Tract Diseases in 2002.

His other research interests include gastrointestinal (GI) physiology; GI hormones; gallbladder, stomach and bile duct surgery; and complex hernias.

Active on the editorial boards of several prestigious journals, Dr. Yeo currently serves on the boards of Surgery, The Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Langenbeck's Archives of Surgery, and the International Journal of Gastrointestinal Cancer. The author of more than 400 peer reviewed scientific papers, abstracts and book chapters, he also serves as associate editor of Current Problems in Cancer. Dr. Yeo is the co-editor of the highly successful five volume encyclopedic Shackelford's Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, 5th Edition, published in 2002. He is currently preparing the 6th edition for publication in 2006.

Respected by his colleagues throughout the country, he has been listed in Best Doctors in America, Who's Who and Who's Who in Medicine, and has been named "Top Doctor" in Surgery by Baltimore magazine.

He completed a research fellowship in gastrointestinal hormones and physiology at the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., and completed an internship and residency in general surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in 1985.

While at the Richmond Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, for six months, he served as a Registrar working within the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

In 1985, Dr. Yeo joined the faculty of Johns Hopkins University as an instructor and assistant chief of service in the Department of Surgery and was named professor of Surgery in 1996. In 1997, he became a professor of Oncology.

He is a member of the American Surgical Association; the Society of Clinical Surgery; the Halsted Society, of which he served as president from 2003 to 2004; the American Gastroenterological Association; the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract; the Southern Surgical Association; the American Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association; and the Society of University Surgeons.

Born in East Orange, N.J., Dr. Yeo received a bachelor of arts degree in Biochemistry from Princeton University in 1975, graduating summa cum laude, and a doctor of medicine degree in 1979 from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, receiving the Upjohn Achievement Award and being elected to Alpha Omega Alpha and Phi Beta Kappa.

Source: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

CONTACT: Jeffrey Adam Baxt, jeffrey.baxt@jefferson.edu, or Phyllis
Fisher, both of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, +1-215-955-6300, or
After Hours, +1-215-955-6060

Web site: http://www.jeffersonhealth.org/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Electronic and print photos of Dr. Yeo are available upon request.

-------
Profile: education

A Greener Tomorrow: TI Digital Signal Controller Helps Australia's Monash University Team Win Future Energy Challenge

2005-09-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

A Greener Tomorrow: TI Digital Signal Controller Helps Australia's Monash University Team Win Future Energy Challenge

Highly Efficient Design Paves Way for Distributed Generation Systems Based on Renewable Energy Sources

HOUSTON, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- A team of undergraduate students from Monash University, Victoria, Australia has recently won a $10,000 first-place prize in the 2005 IEEE International Future Energy Challenge (FEC) for their highly efficient power converter solution based on one of Texas Instruments Incorporated (NYSE:TXN) (TI) leading digital signal processors (DSP) -- the TMS320F2810 digital signal controller. The FEC competition, held in Skokie, Illinois, is intended to foster innovative designs of a flexible electrical utility inverter for use in small, distributed generation systems that can ultimately be used in individual buildings and small communities, among other applications. As alternate energy sources such as wind and solar power gain acceptance, solutions such as those developed by Monash University that convert raw energy into usable electricity become increasingly important. For more information on the Monash University winning design see http://fec.eng.monash.edu.au/challenge/

The solution developed by the Monash University team achieved a 90 percent conversion efficiency using a digitally controlled current-fed, push-pull direct current to direct current (DC/DC) converter system to produce a high voltage DC bus from a low voltage DC source, and an H-bridge converter output stage to connect from this DC bus to the alternating current (AC) grid. Both converter stages switch at high frequencies to minimize size and weight and to improve efficiency. Dual F2810 controllers supervise the system, co-operating via a serial communications port to eliminate the need for isolated analog measurement circuitry. This structure also allows sophisticated control strategies to be implemented in software that actively manage energy flow through the converter, to achieve further reduction in size and weight of many passive components.

Students Tap Into Classroom Knowledge and Leading Solutions

"The Future Energy Challenge competition gave the Monash team the chance to leverage the TI controller's inherent high integration level, performance and ease-of-use to create a truly innovative, 'green' power-saving solution," said Grahame Holmes, Associate Professor at Monash University and departmental adviser to the team. "Winning the top prize by applying theoretical classroom knowledge to this important, real-world application has given the team members an exciting opportunity to participate in the growing field of digital power systems."

By designing with TI digital signal controllers and recently announced Fusion Digital Power(TM) line of UCD9K, UCD8K and UCD7K power solutions (see http://www.ti.com/digitalpower ), power supply or inverter designs can tap into a powerful, programmable software platform that not only controls power supply, but offers enhanced features such as intelligent fault management, digital current sharing and active-in rush control. This enhanced capability speeds time to market and reduces overall costs by lowering the part count and improving power supply products' production yields. Better production, in turn, yields better inventory logistics and easier production flow. With power supplies enabled by TI's digital power solutions, end users will see increases in the efficiency and reliability of their end applications and will also enjoy smaller footprints through component integration and the ability to upgrade applications based on next-generation digital power architectures.

The Monash University team competed with 14 additional international universities in the competition sponsored by the IEEE Power Electronics Society. The winning team consisted of ten undergraduate students from the electrical engineering, computer science, and mathematics disciplines: Chris Beckett, John Luo, Praveen Atmuri, Matthew Bull, David Ng, Nirooshan Sachchithananthan, Pascal Su, Damian Ware, Przemyslaw Wrzos and Wang Yui Kong. Associate Professor Grahame Holmes from the Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering department at Monash mentored the team. Monash University is one of the leading universities in TI's world wide university program, which consists of more than 1,000 institutions that utilize TI devices in their research and education programs, for more information on the program, see http://www.ti.com/university .

Digital Signal Controllers from TI

Combining the real-time performance of TI's leading DSP with the peripheral integration, C-language efficiency and ease of use of a microcontroller (MCU), TMS320C2000(TM) controllers integrate up to 265 Kilobytes (KB) of flash memory for simple reprogramming during development and in-field software updates. Optimized control peripherals include PWM generators, programmable general-purpose timers, capture modules for time stamping and glueless quadrature encoder interfaces. The C2000(TM) platform also features up to 12-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that provide fast conversions -- up to 12.5 MSPS -- for tight control loops. Up to five different on-chip standard communication ports, including CAN, provide simple communication interfaces to hosts, test equipment, displays and other components or networks. For more information on C2000 controllers, see http://www.ti.com/c2000 .

TI Enables Innovation with Broad Range of Controllers

From ultra low power MSP430 and 32-bit general purpose TMS470 ARM7-based MCUs to high performance TMS320C2000 DSP-based digital signal controllers, TI offers designers the broadest range of embedded control solutions. Designers can also accelerate their design to market by tapping into TI's complete software and hardware tools, extensive third party offerings and technical support. For more information on the broad range of TI's controllers, see http://www.ti.com/mcu .

Texas Instruments Incorporated provides innovative DSP and analog technologies to meet our customers' real world signal processing requirements. In addition to Semiconductor, the company's businesses include Sensors & Controls, and Educational & Productivity Solutions. TI is headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and has manufacturing, design or sales operations in more than 25 countries.

Texas Instruments is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TXN. More information is located on the World Wide Web at http://www.ti.com/ .

Trademarks

Fusion Digital Power, C2000, and TMS320C2000 are trademarks of Texas Instruments. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Source: Texas Instruments Incorporated

CONTACT: Stephan Beek of Texas Instruments Incorporated,
+1-281-274-2321, or sbeek@ti.com ; or Lindsey James, +1-713-513-9568, or
ljames@golinharris.com , for Texas Instruments Incorporated. Please do not
publish these numbers or e-mail addresses.

Web site: http://www.ti.com/
http://fec.eng.monash.edu.au/challenge
http://www.ti.com/digitalpower
http://www.ti.com/university
http://www.ti.com/c2000
http://www.ti.com/mcu

-------
Profile: education

Agilix Labs Named No. 6 in the Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum's 2005 'Top 25 Under 5' Competition

2005-09-12T08:04:00.000-07:00

Agilix Labs Named No. 6 in the Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum's 2005 'Top 25 Under 5' Competition

OREM, Utah, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Agilix Labs, Inc., a leading provider of mobility software solutions for the education market, today announced that it was named No. six in Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum's 2005 "Top 25 Under 5" award program, a competition which recognizes the fastest-growing and most promising new companies in Utah less than five-years-old.

"Agilix is excited to be included in the UVEF's 2005 'Top 25 Under 5'," said Curt Allen, Agilix president and chief executive officer. "We believe Agilix is a great example of the talent and experience found in Utah's high technology sector and well qualified to earn this award. And with a strong emphasis on improving student learning productivity, we mirror the high value of education that is found in Utah."

Agilix is experiencing rapid growth in higher education. Agilix's GoBinder(TM) is the premier mobile learning solution on the market today, providing students with tools for personal time and assignment management, note-taking, the ability to capture research and learning information, building a personal learning base and rapidly searching all information for studying and writing assignments.

In addition, Agilix recently entered into an agreement with Blackboard Inc. to distribute a private label version of Agilix's GoBinder called Blackboard Backpack that fully integrates with the Blackboard Academic Suite. In addition to supporting GoBinder features, Blackboard Backpack allows students to download all course information from the Blackboard Learning System, enabling annotation, search and offline access to the course information.

Recognized as one of the leading Tablet PC independent software vendors, Agilix released a set of developer tools, called InfiNotes, that add ink note-taking features to new and existing .NET applications early in 2005. Agilix developed InfiNotes in conjunction with the Microsoft Tablet PC team to accelerate the development of applications for the Tablet PC platform. There are two versions of Agilix InfiNotes, one which adds Microsoft Journal-like functionality (license and royalty free) and a second that provides state-of-the-art note-taking functionality and is available for a one time license fee per developer (no royalty fees). The Professional Edition includes all the rich note-taking functionality of Agilix's GoBinder, Blackboard Backpack and FranklinCovey PlanPlus for Windows.

The UVEF 2005 "Top 25 Under 5" Award competition required companies to have its principal location in the state of Utah and have established its business after December 31, 1999. Awards were based on meeting revenue and profit growth, equity funding, job growth and job quality measurements.

More than 135,000 students, professionals and developers from 31 countries worldwide use Agilix solutions.

About Agilix

Agilix, Agilix GoBinder, and Agilix Mobilizer are trademarks of Agilix Labs, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Source: Agilix Labs, Inc.

CONTACT: Mark Calkins, VP, Product & Corporate Marketing of Agilix,
+1-801-932-1230, mark.calkins@agilix.com; or David Politis of Politis
Communications, +1-801-523-3730, or cell, +1-801-556-8184,
dpolitis@politis.com, for Agilix

Web site: http://www.agilix.com/

-------
Profile: education

The Art Institutes Offers Educational Assistance to College Students From Gulf Coast Universities

2005-09-12T07:41:00.000-07:00

The Art Institutes Offers Educational Assistance to College Students From Gulf Coast Universities

On-Campus and Online Courses available at 31 campuses

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The Art Institutes announced today that it will assist both domestic and international students from universities in New Orleans, southern Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama universities, which have been closed for the foreseeable future due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina.

The Art Institutes will make available both on-campus and online courses that might be able to permit dislocated students to progress in their academic careers during this semester of disruption. Students at a university forced to close by Hurricane Katrina may register at any of The Art Institutes 31 locations across the nation for courses, on a space-available basis, for the fall semester.

The Art Institutes will waive tuition for dislocated students who have already registered and paid tuition at their home institution for the fall 2005 semester. If dislocated students have not yet paid their tuition at their home institution, they will be assessed the lesser of the current published tuition and fees at the home institution, or The Art Institutes' published tuition and fees for the fall semester, as determined by the school president.

"The Art Institutes strives to assist college students who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina," says Dave Pauldine, president of The Art Institutes. "The Art Institutes offers this initiative as a way to reach out to the students in the Gulf Coast region whose lives and education have been impacted by Hurricane Katrina and do what we can to assist those students."

The Art Institutes is a group of 31 educational institutions located throughout North America. Offering a broad range of programs including: audio production, culinary arts, culinary management, fashion design, fashion marketing, graphic design, industrial design technology, interior design, media arts & animation, multimedia & Web design, photography, restaurant management and video production. Not all programs are offered at all schools.

The Art Institutes operate in Atlanta, Arlington, VA (as The Art Institute of Washington), Boston (as The New England Institute of Art), Charlotte, Chicago and Schaumburg, IL, Cincinnati (as The Art Institute of Ohio - Cincinnati), Dallas, Denver, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles (as The Art Institute of California - Los Angeles and California Design College), Miami (as Miami International University of Art & Design), Minneapolis, New York, Orange County, CA, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa, Toronto , Vancouver (as The Art Institute of Vancouver, York, PA (as Bradley Academy of the Visual Arts) and The Art Institute Online, a division of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh.

Students seeking additional information about The Art Institutes' initiative can view the policy in its entirety at (www.artinstitutes.edu/katrina) or call the National Admissions Information Center at 1-888-328-7900.

The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), with 31 education institutions located throughout North America, provide an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary professionals. The parent company of The Art Institutes, Education Management Corporation (www.edmc.com) is among the largest providers of private post-secondary education in North America, based on student enrollment and revenue. Student enrollment exceeded 66,000 as of fall 2004. EDMC has 71 primary campus locations in 24 states and two Canadian provinces. EDMC's education institutions offer a broad range of academic programs concentrated in the media arts, design, fashion, culinary arts, behavioral sciences, health sciences, education, information technology and business fields, culminating in the award of associate's through doctoral degrees. EDMC has provided career-oriented education for over 40 years.

Source: The Art Institutes

CONTACT: Media, Jacquelyn P. Muller, AVP - Public Relations,
+1-412-995-7262, or Devra Pransky, PR Specialist, +1-412-995-7685, both of The
Art Institutes

Web site: http://www.artinstitutes.edu/katrina
http://www.artinstitutes.edu/
http://www.edmc.com/

-------
Profile: education

Caron Foundation Responds to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's Updated Guidelines Regarding Treatment for Alcohol-Dependent Patients

2005-09-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

Caron Foundation Responds to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism's Updated Guidelines Regarding Treatment for Alcohol-Dependent Patients

WERNERSVILLE, Pa., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- According to an article in The Wall Street Journal by Jane Spencer on August 23, 2005, the NIH recently issued updated guidelines for the treatment of alcohol-dependent patients, encouraging family practitioners to consider drugs in addition to traditional therapies. These drugs may help alcoholics cut back on their drinking, rather than give up alcohol completely.

The Caron Foundation, a national leader in chemical dependency treatment, advocates using these medications as an adjunct to sobriety, but not as an aid to decreased social use for people who are addicted.

Caron's medical director, Joseph Troncale, M.D. states, "In our extensive experience with addiction treatment, using drugs, such as naltrexone, topiramide and acamprosate to decrease cravings can be helpful for many individuals. In our opinion they are not a substitute for 12-Step recovery, nor do these mediations that the NIH are recommending generally allow people with addictions to moderate their use of addictive substances; once use begins, control of drinking is lost despite use of these medications."

Nationally recognized, not-for-profit Caron Foundation offers residential treatment and outpatient programs for adults and adolescents, as well as families affected by the disease of addiction. Caron operates a residential treatment center in Wernersville, in southeastern Pennsylvania and Renaissance Institute of Palm Beach, an extended care treatment center in Boca Raton, Florida. For more information visit http://www.caron.org/.

Source: The Caron Foundation

CONTACT: Sally Orth, Director of Public Relations, +1-610-743-6245, or
sorth@caronfoundation.org, or Laurie Mayer, Communications Specialist,
+1-610-743-6159, or lmayer@caronfoundation.org, both of The Caron Foundation

Web site: http://www.caron.org/

-------
Profile: education

Leadership, Laughter and Legacy Mark CHCI's 3-Day Hispanic Heritage Events

2005-09-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

Leadership, Laughter and Legacy Mark CHCI's 3-Day Hispanic Heritage Events

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute began its three-day celebration of Leadership for America's Future today through Wednesday with its Public Policy Conference at The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel, 4th Annual Reyes of Comedy Night at The Warner Theatre and 28th Annual Gala at the Washington Convention Center. All proceeds will benefit CHCI's exclusive leadership development program benefiting Hispanic youth across the country.

The kickoff of its annual, two-day Public Policy Conference at The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel, is the largest annual gathering of Hispanic community leaders, elected officials, and policy and academic experts. The conference opened with a powerful session on "The State of Hispanic America," and then continues throughout the day with fourteen summits led by Hispanic Members of Congress focusing on current issues affecting the Hispanic community. The conference also features a Latino Executive Roundtable luncheon for participants, led by top ranking Latino executives sharing their experiences and stories. It will also honor actors Jimmy Smits and Esai Morales for their contributions to the arts and the Latino community. The closing plenary session ends with a luncheon conducted in town hall fashion and moderated by senior correspondent, Ray Suarez of PBS' NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, and will include recommendations from all summit sessions.

Laughter will fill The Warner Theatre for Reyes of Comedy Night on Tuesday when audiences relax and enjoy the Nation's up and coming Hispanic comedians. Ric Salinas and Richard Montoya of FX's Culture Clash will be the night's masters of ceremony introducing the performers and CHCI leadership. Comedians Jeff Garcia, Sara Contreras, and Joey Medina will showcase their skills and talent to the audience and the night's headliner, Carlos Mencia of Comedy Central's Mind of Mencia, will close the night of revelry.

This year's 28th Annual Gala at the Washington Convention Center, highlights the legacy of Hispanic leaders in the nation as CHCI's leadership bestows its Medallions of Excellence to its three honorees: actress and entertainer, Rita Moreno, community developer, Alonzo Cantu, and Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa. These prestigious awards are presented to individuals who embody the highest standard of community leadership and activism.

Although known as the most prestigious Hispanic Heritage Month event in the U.S., the CHCI Gala is also the largest fundraiser for the Institute's leadership development programs, raising more than $3 million for its College Scholarship Awards, Summer Internship Program and Public Policy Fellowship.

CHCI, a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization, provides educational programs for Hispanic college and postgraduate students. The CHCI board of directors is comprised of Hispanic members of Congress, nonprofit leaders, and corporate executives. For more information on CHCI or their Hispanic Heritage Month events, call (202) 543-1771 or visit http://www.chci.org/.

Source: Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

CONTACT: Laura Tellez of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute,
+1-202-297-1701

Web site: http://www.chci.org/

-------
Profile: education

Family Tree Maker 2006 Hits Retail Markets

2005-09-12T07:11:00.000-07:00

Family Tree Maker 2006 Hits Retail Markets

Now It's Even Easier to Discover, Record and Share Your Family Tree

PROVO, Utah, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Encore, Inc., a leading interactive software publisher, and MyFamily.com, Inc., a leading network for connecting families, today announced the release of Family Tree Maker 2006(R) to the retail market in North America.

Tracing family roots is a hobby growing in popularity worldwide and Family Tree Maker remains the best-selling genealogy software program for discovering and recording these family findings. According to a recent poll conducted by Market Strategies, Inc. and MyFamily.com, Inc., 73 percent of Americans are interested in learning more about their family history. This represents a 13 percent increase over a similar Maritz Poll conducted in 2000.

Family Tree Maker 2006 provides users with all the tools they need to discover information about their ancestors, record their findings, and create beautifully detailed family trees, charts, reports and books to share with family and friends.

Family Tree Maker user Kellie Crnkovich has had great success researching her family history and feels she owes a lot of that to the resources found in Family Tree Maker. "Family Tree Maker enabled me to discover more than 9,000 people in my family tree, meet countless family members, and get back in touch with relatives my parents had lost contact with. It has been incredibly rewarding."

Features in Family Tree Maker 2006

- New Family Facts and Research Tips: Get fascinating information about
people with your family name. See where your ancestors are likely to
have originated, what their names mean, where they lived throughout
their lives, what occupations they held and more.

- Improved Web Search and Merge: Family Tree Maker easily integrates with
Ancestry.com, the largest online collection of family history records.
The software will automatically search the databases of Ancestry.com
while you work on your tree. Merge Ancestry.com records and images
with any individual in your tree at the touch of a button and edit
citation information before merging.

- New Internet Backup: Keep precious family history information safe from
computer failure. Store a private backup copy -- up to 3GB -- in a
password-protected online location. Internet Backup is hosted by
MyFamily.com, Inc. and is free for the first 3 months.

- Improved Sources Management: Easily associate a source citation to
more than one person or fact with the new copy and paste feature.
Quickly view all sources associated with a single fact or person, as
well as view all places in your file where a particular source is
cited.

Product Availability & System Requirements

Family Tree Maker 2006 is now available at major retail stores in the
United States and Canada.

Family Tree Maker 2006 Essentials, $29.99: Bonus items include a 90-day
subscription to Ancestry.com's U.S. records collections and the Basic
Training DVD, for a total value of $75.

Family Tree Maker 2006 Standard, $49.99: Bonus items include a 180-day
subscription to Ancestry.com's U.S. records collections, Basic Training
DVD and the 1-2-3 Family Tree Workbook, for a total value of $125.

Family Tree Maker 2006 Deluxe, $69.99: Bonus items include a 1-year
subscription to Ancestry.com's U.S. records collections, Basic Training
DVD, 1-2-3 Family Tree Workbook and the Ancestry Reference Library CD-
Standard, for a total value of $200.

Family Tree Maker 2006 Collector's Edition, $99.99: Bonus items include a
1-year subscription to Ancestry.com's U.S. records collections, 30-day
access to images and international records, Basic Training DVD, 1-2-3
Family Tree Workbook, Ancestry Reference Library CD-Deluxe and the FTM
Official Users Guide, for a total value of $275.

As an added bonus, each of these new editions comes with a free 15-minute consultation with a trained family history expert and discounts on other related products. Family Tree Maker also includes a 30-day money back satisfaction guarantee (guarantee details outlined on the FTM packaging).

Installation system requirements include:

Windows(R) 98/ME/XP (Home Edition or Pro), 333 MHz Pentium, or compatible processor, 128 MB of memory (RAM), Super VGA (800x600) video adapter (1024x768 recommended), Hi-Color (16-bit) color quality, CD-Rom drive (for installation only, to use the CD back up features, a CDR/CDRW is required.), 150 MB free hard disk space, Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later. (A full install package for IE 6 is provided if your system does not already have it). To take advantage of the online features, a 56 kbps modem or higher connection speed and an Internet service provider are required**. Printer Support: Works with most popular printers (monochrome and color) supported by Windows.

* System requirements are based on requirements to run the Family Tree
Maker program. System configuration may require minor adjustments to
the configurations of your operating system and/or updates to the
hardware component drivers.

** User is responsible for all Internet access fees and phone charges.

About MyFamily.com, Inc.

MyFamily.com, Inc. is the leading online network connecting families, present and past. MyFamily's tools, content and community empower individuals to find the people most important to them -- and discover and share their unique family stories. The MyFamily network includes MyFamily.com, Ancestry.com, Genealogy.com and RootsWeb.com. MyFamily also publishes Family Tree Maker(R), the #1 selling family tree software, Ancestry Magazine, Genealogical Computing Magazine, over 50 book titles and numerous databases on CD-ROM. For more information on MyFamily.com, Inc., visit www.myfamilyinc.com.

About Encore, Inc.

Based in Los Angeles, CA, Encore is a leading interactive publisher in the PC CD-ROM market. As a result of strategic relationships, the company publishes a complete range of productivity, utility, education and game titles.

Publishing brands include Hoyle(R), Marine Aquarium, Family Tree Maker(R), Transparent Language(R), 3D Home Architect(R) and Advantage; as well as the Riverdeep family of brands including The Print Shop(R), PrintMaster(R), Reader Rabbit(R), Mavis Beacon(R) and ClickArt(R).

Betsy McIff, PR Analyst
MyFamily.com, Inc.
801-705-7381
bmicff@myfamilyinc.com

Source: MyFamily.com, Inc.

CONTACT: Betsy McIff, PR Analyst of MyFamily.com, Inc., +1-801-705-7381,
bmicff@myfamilyinc.com

Web site: http://www.ancestry.com/
http://www.myfamilyinc.com/

-------
Profile: education

Avitar to Host Forum on Student Drug Testing Wednesday, September 21st at the Boston Sheraton

2005-09-12T06:53:00.000-07:00

Avitar to Host Forum on Student Drug Testing Wednesday, September 21st at the Boston Sheraton

Session Features Nationally Recognized Spokespeople & Local School Administrators

CANTON, Mass., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Avitar to host forum on student drug testing Wednesday, September 21st at the Boston Sheraton.

Who: Avitar, Inc. is sponsoring a roundtable event that will include
spokespeople from organizations dedicated to minimizing the
devastating effects of drug abuse on our nation's teenagers. The
event will also include Massachusetts school administrators from
the Framingham and Salem school systems.

Participants in the roundtable include:
* David Evans, Esq., Drug Free Schools Coalition
* Calvina Fay, Drug Free America Foundation
* Tom Angell, Students for Sensible Drug Policy
* Whitney Taylor, Drug Policy Forum of Massachusetts
* Melissa Gilbarg, Coalition Against Poverty
* Noreen Gachignard, Salem School Committee

* Frank Rothwell, Vice Principal, Framingham High School

What: Hailed as the silver bullet by some and ridiculed as an
inexcusable invasion of privacy by others, random student drug
testing has spurred vigorous debate across the country. But the
debate is motivated by the same desire: giving children a safe
environment that fosters learning and personal growth.

The Student Drug Testing Forum will bring advocates of all
positions together for a frank and honest discussion. In
addition to individuals who are "for" or "against" student drug
testing, the audience is expected include local superintendents,
principals, athletic directors and other staff members who can
ask questions and speak to their own beliefs in regard to student
drug testing as well as the current drug situation in their
schools.

Why: The most recent University of Michigan Monitoring The Future
(MTF) study found that 15 percent of 8th-graders, 31 percent of
10th-graders and 39 percent of 12th-graders used drugs in the
previous year. In addition, the growing methamphetamine and
synthetic painkiller (Oxycontin(R), Percost(R), etc.) problems
have many parents and teachers concerned that more teenagers will
become ensnared in the drug epidemic. Ultimately, school
administrators and parents need to understand all the issues at
play in this debate to make an informed decision about
instituting a student drug testing program.

When: Wednesday, September 21, 2005. Sign in begins at 9:00 a.m. ET
Discussion 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. ET.

Where: Boston Sheraton Hotel in the Prudential Center
39 Dalton Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02199, (617) 236-2000

Note: Panel members will be available for interviews.

Please contact Maura Landry at 617-681-1229 or
mlandry@shiftcomm.com if you are interested in attending.

The following were also invited to participate but declined due to
scheduling conflicts or other reasons: Massachusetts Chapter of
the American Civil Liberties Union, representatives from the Mayor
of Boston's Office as well as the Massachusetts Governor's Office,
ONDCP/White House, Drug Policy Alliance.

Source: Avitar

CONTACT: Maura Landry for Avitar, Inc., +1-617-681-1229

Web site: http://www.avitarinc.com/

-------
Profile: education

Paul C. McCarty Joins GCO Education Loan Funding Corp.

2005-09-12T06:49:00.000-07:00

Paul C. McCarty Joins GCO Education Loan Funding Corp.

NEW YORK, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Paul C. McCarty has joined GCO Education Loan Funding Corp. (GCO ELF) as Senior Vice President in charge of operations for GCO ELF's new private loan products. Mr. McCarty is a nationally recognized senior student loan industry professional with comprehensive experience managing all facets of the private student loan cycle.

Prior to joining GCO ELF, Mr. McCarty was Senior Vice President of Loan Operations for First Marblehead Corporation in Boston, MA, a financial services firm that supports the private student loan market. In that role he provided senior leadership in all areas of the life cycle of private student loans. Prior to First Marblehead Mr. McCarty was also Senior Vice President of TERI, a not-for-profit guarantor of private student loans whose operating assets were acquired by First Marblehead in 2001. He has more than fourteen years of diverse experience in providing student loan financial services.

He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Boston College. He will join Bob Culnane in GCO ELF's Boston Office.

About GCO Education Loan Funding Corp.

Headquartered in Denver, CO GCO Education Loan Funding Corp. (GCO ELF) commenced operations in September 2004 by acquiring student loan assets and infrastructure from GMAC Education Loan Funding Corp. GCO ELF is a specialty finance company that serves as a secondary market for federally supported student loans in the United States. The company helps meet the needs of higher education by providing liquidity to national and regional financial institutions and marketing entities that source student loans. GCO ELF currently holds in excess of one billion dollars in student loans assets and ranks among the nation's leaders in terms of total student loan assets.

GCO ELF is developing a non-federally supported student loan program to augment its product offering and better service the needs of financial institutions, schools, marketing entities and students. It is anticipated that these loan programs will be available in the fall of 2005.

Source: GCO Education Loan Funding Corp.

CONTACT: Jennifer Sullivan, Greystone & Co., Inc, +1-212-649-9779,
jsullivan@greyco.com; Ron Page, GCO Education Loan Funding Corp.,
+1-303-302-0638, rpage@gcoelf.com

-------
Profile: education

Coors Brewing Company Sponsors the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic

2005-09-12T06:43:00.000-07:00

Coors Brewing Company Sponsors the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic

Coors Brewing Company Is a Proud Supporter of The 100 Black Men of Atlanta's Project Success Program and the Millions of Dollars It Has Raised for Scholarships

GOLDEN, Colo., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Coors Brewing Company today announced it will sponsor the upcoming Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic. As long-time supporters of the popular Classic between two historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Coors acknowledges that the true winners of the game are the deserving students who will receive scholarships raised through the event.

"The Atlanta Football Classic is a great way to show our support of America's historically Black colleges and universities, and community partners such as 100 Black Men of Atlanta," says Ervin Lee, director of the Coors On Point marketing program. "Once again, we are proud to share in the tradition and excitement surrounding this historical match-up between two fine teams."

The Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic, now in its 17th year, is organized by The 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc., to benefit Project Success, the organization's post-secondary preparation and tuition assistance program for at-risk youth. According to John Grant, Jr., executive director of The 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Coors' involvement over the years has helped Project Success raise millions of dollars in scholarships for students from underserved communities.

Through mentoring and academic support, Project Success also offers students personal guidance and exposure to educational, leadership, cultural and recreational opportunities designed to help them become successful and contributing members of society. "There is no greater benefit or reward for a company than to reinvest in the most important asset of our communities -- our young people," says Grant. "Many of these students are the first generation in their families to attend college, which encourages others in the family and even the community to follow in their footsteps. It's a winning proposition from every aspect."

This year's Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic features Tennessee State University (TSU) squaring off with Florida A&M University (FAMU) at the Georgia Dome at 3:00 ET on Saturday, September 24. More than 70,000 spectators are expected to pack the Dome to see if the TSU Tigers can reclaim victory from the FAMU Rattlers, who beat them in a close game last season, 21-15. The game, which will be televised by Turner South, will also feature a stirring half-time performance by the powerful TSU Aristocrat of Bands and the mighty FAMU Marching 100.

Coors, who has been a major sponsor for most of the event's 17-year history, is working with key retail chain partners and local African-American retailers to promote the Classic to adult fans through special Coors Light displays and ads designed to maximize attendance and support.

For more information about Coors as a community partner, visit coors.com. To learn more about Project Success, visit 100blackmen-atlanta.org. For game information, visit atlantafootballclassic.com.

About Coors Brewing Company

Coors Brewing Company is a subsidiary of Molson Coors Brewing Company, (NYSE:TAP) Toronto. It is the third largest brewer in the U.S. The Company's U.S. brands include Coors Light, Molson Canadian, Coors, Aspen Edge, Killian's Irish Red, Keystone, Blue Moon, Coors NA and Zima XXX. For more information on Molson Coors, visit the company's Web site, www.molsoncoors.com.

Source: Coors Brewing Company

CONTACT: Kabira Hatland of Coors Brewing Company, +1-303-277-5805,
Kabira.Hatland@Coors.com; or Sylvia Cordy of Cordy & Company, +1-240-497-1380,
scordy@cordyandcompany.com

Web site: http://100blackmen-atlanta.org/

Web site: http://atlantafootballclassic.com/

Web site: http://www.molsoncoors.com/

Web site: http://www.coors.com/

-------
Profile: education

Women Against Lung Cancer Announces Inaugural Research Grant Recipient

2005-09-12T06:33:00.000-07:00

Women Against Lung Cancer Announces Inaugural Research Grant Recipient

MADISON, Wis., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Women Against Lung Cancer is pleased to announce that Dr. Christoph Plass of The Ohio State University has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the organization's Research Grant for advancing the understanding of sex differences in lung cancer.

Women Against Lung Cancer's Research Grant, made possible by a generous gift from Genentech, is designed to drive research forward that will increase understanding of how sex and gender differences contribute to lung cancer risk, biology, and response to treatment.

The 2-year, $100,000 grant will support Dr. Plass as he pursues research investigating how lung tumor tissues from males and females differ in the way that DNA is modified within the cancerous cells. Dr. Plass' research will focus on the involvement of estrogen in the modification of DNA, and whether these modifications may lead to the myriad sex differences seen in lung cancer.

"Our research aims to address some of the fundamental mechanisms that make a cell go from normal to cancerous, and how these mechanisms may be influenced by sex hormones, such as estrogen. Ultimately, we hope that our research may yield targets for lung cancer drug development. The support of Women Against Lung Cancer is absolutely critical for our research to succeed," said Dr. Plass.

Dr. Joan Schiller, President of Women Against Lung Cancer, commented: "We are delighted to be able to support cutting edge research investigating the sex differences in lung cancer, such as what Dr. Plass is performing. As a lung cancer physician, I am constantly in awe of the numerous sex differences we see among patients. Understanding these sex differences may prove critical to our ability to treat patients -- as individuals -- with the best possible agents for them. We are also grateful to Genentech for their generous gift, which allowed us to make this Research Grant possible."

Women Against Lung Cancer ( http://www.womenagainstlungcancer.org/ ) is dedicated to decreasing deaths from lung cancer, and helping patients live longer and better, through research, awareness, and advocacy.

Source: Women Against Lung Cancer

CONTACT: Regina Vidaver of Women Against Lung Cancer, +1-608-233-7905

Web site: http://www.womenagainstlungcancer.org/

-------
Profile: education

Elluminate Live! 6.5 Delivers Industry Leading ADA Accessibility in Synchronous Learning Solution

2005-09-12T06:32:00.000-07:00

Elluminate Live! 6.5 Delivers Industry Leading ADA Accessibility in Synchronous Learning Solution

Provides Highest Quality User Experience for Live Training and Online Collaboration with Accessibility, Usability, Video and Scalability Enhancements

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Elluminate, Inc., a leading provider of live eLearning and Web collaboration solutions for the real-time organization, today announced the launch of the latest version of its flagship product, Elluminate Live!(TM) 6.5. This newest release continues Elluminate's "No User Left Behind" philosophy by providing comprehensive ADA 508C compliance, improved video, enhanced accessibility, usability and scalability to deliver the highest quality user experience. Elluminate has expanded the capabilities of the industry's most complete solution for live collaboration, conferencing, and eLearning.

ADA 508C Compliance for Accessibility

In support of the American Disabilities Act (ADA), Elluminate Live! 6.5 provides a number of new features that promote accessibility, such as multiple streams of closed captioning, increased font sizes for text messages, the ability to automatically detect platform color themes, and the ability to work with screen reader products. The new closed captioning capability enables the use of multiple language streams in a single session. The moderator determines which attendees can provide the closed captions during the live session, and can even allow attendees to provide closed captions enabling them to "blog" the session live. All of the closed captioning or blog streams can be recorded and are available for review while watching the recording, facilitating involvement and understanding. The capability to change the font size of text messages, and the ability to automatically set platform colors such as high contrast, promote readability. In addition, installation of the Java Accessibility Bridge allows screen reader products, such as JAWS and Narrator, to provide verbal cues within the Elluminate Live! interface.

"Elluminate Live! 6.5 is a welcome enhancement to an already powerful tool," said John Walber, Chief Executive Officer of LearningTimes, LLC. "We are very pleased to see the new accessibility features, which will certainly enhance the live online conferences, workshops and events in our 70+ communities. The upgraded video capability in 6.5 is great, application sharing got even better, and they've added cross-platform support to key features. LearningTimes is particularly proud of the contributions our members have made to the foreign language support that debuts in Version 6.5. In fact, the entire Elluminate development process continues its strong tradition of placing high value on input from the worldwide community of educators and learners."

Enhanced Video and Usability Capabilities

With Elluminate Live! 6.5's enhanced video functionality, users have access to a larger video window, the ability to broadcast video from Mac OS X 10.2.x or higher, and additional Windows support for compressed video, Direct X video, and high-end cameras for broadcasting video.

The release also includes "one-click" access to the application sharing facility which allows users to easily share any applications on their desktop with others in the session, even when individual users are on different platforms such as Windows, Mac, Java Desktop System or Solaris.

Additional new usability features include Spanish language translation for menus and dialogs, automatic notification when someone enters a session, and the ability to password protect remote desktop sharing and control, which is great for access to your desktop while traveling.

"There is increasing interest in interactivity, particularly from faculty and students using hands-on, real-time synchronous eLearning," said Catherine Burdt, Eduventures Postsecondary Analyst. "Elluminate Live's combination of ease of use and flexibility across platforms positions it as a product that is attractive to a wide range of customers."

Increased Scalability for Server Customers

Elluminate Live! Server now supports massive scalability with support for multi-processor systems to scale to thousands of simultaneous users on a single, high-performance server.

"Elluminate has helped hundreds of organizations, from corporations and nonprofits to traditional academia and online learning institutions, increase their efficiency and profitability through improved real-time collaboration, Web conferencing, and eLearning," said Rajeev Arora, vice president of strategy and business development at Elluminate. "Elluminate Live! 6.5 expands the comprehensive functionality and ease of use customers have come to expect from our products."

Availability

Elluminate Live! 6.5 will be generally available for purchase in September 2005 directly from Elluminate or through its network of qualified resellers worldwide.

About Elluminate, Inc.

Elluminate, Inc. provides proven solutions for real-time online learning and collaboration, regardless of platform or Internet connection speed. Delivering best-in-class performance, Elluminate features high-quality VoIP, robust interactive functionality for participants and moderators, and unique No User Left Behind(TM) technology. Elluminate delivers real results and exceptional value with lower Total Cost of Ownership and higher ROI. Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and Fort Lauderdale, FL., Elluminate is the trusted choice of prominent corporate and academic organizations such as T-Mobile, PA Department of Education, ADP, Georgia State University, Sun Microsystems, Johns Hopkins University and many more. For more information, visit http://www.elluminate.com/.

Elluminate Live! is a trademark of Elluminate, Inc., Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Contacts: Brian Bogie/Christina Guilbert
Schwartz Communications
(781) 684-0770
elluminate@schwartz-pr.com

Source: Elluminate, Inc.

CONTACT: Brian Bogie or Christina Guilbert both of Schwartz
Communications, +1-781-684-0770, elluminate@schwartz-pr.com

Web site: http://www.elluminate.com/

-------
Profile: education

Guardian Presents Sixth Annual Girls Going Places(R) Entrepreneurship Award Program

2005-09-12T06:23:00.000-07:00

Guardian Presents Sixth Annual Girls Going Places(R) Entrepreneurship Award Program

NEW YORK, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America (Guardian) announced today the launch of the 2006 Girls Going Places(R) Entrepreneurship Award Program, a national competition that recognizes and rewards teen-aged girls who demonstrate exceptional entrepreneurship.

Guardian and Girls Going Places(R) will award 15 girls a total of $30,000 to be used toward furthering their education and supporting their entrepreneurial pursuits. Three top prizes of $10,000, $5,000 and $3,000 and 12 finalist prizes of $1,000 each will be granted. Adults are asked to nominate girls - who could be their daughter, niece, neighbor or student - by submitting a 750 to 1,000-word essay on why the nominee deserves a Girls Going Places(R) award. A panel of judges will review the essays and pick finalists that:

* Demonstrate budding entrepreneurship and/or financial acumen;
* Have taken the first steps toward financial independence;
* Make a difference in their school or community;
* Show potential for future success by initiating a new business.

"There are more than nine million women business owners in the United States today, who are contributing $3.6 trillion to the economy," said Emily Viner, Field Vice President, Individual Markets, Guardian, New York. "Guardian created Girls Going Places to educate young women about the financial and entrepreneurial opportunities available to them. We want to recognize their accomplishments and help prepare them for the future."

The nomination period begins in September and entries will be accepted through February 24, 2006. Awards will be presented to each winner within their respective communities.

During the 2005 Program, Guardian received more than 4,600 nominations. The National First Place winner in the 2005 competition, Chauncey Holloman, founded Harlem Lyrics Enterprises, Inc., a greeting card and merchandising business. The company's cards, hats, t-shirts, stationary and other merchandise feature Hip Hop slang and target young adults between the ages of 13 and 24. Chauncey's products are sold in two national chains, Kroger and Walgreens, and in florists, book stores and gift shops across the United States.

The Girls Going Places(R) Entrepreneurship Award Program anchors Guardian's Women's Initiative, which was established to help women create, invest and protect wealth. As part of this effort, Guardian is a National Patron of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), which partially underwrites the Girls Going Places(R) awards. Additional information about the program and nomination forms for the competition can be found at http://www.girlsgoingplaces.com/.

About Guardian

Founded in 1860, The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, New York, NY (Guardian) is the fourth largest mutual life insurance company in the United States. As of December 31, 2004, Guardian and its subsidiaries had $39.5 billion in assets. With more than 5,000 employees and 2,900 financial representatives, as well as over 80 agencies nationwide, Guardian and its subsidiaries protect individuals, businesses and their employees with life, disability, health and dental insurance products, and offer 401(k), financial products and trust services. More information about Guardian can be obtained at: http://www.guardianlife.com/.

Source: The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America

CONTACT: Heather Wilner, Manning, Selvage & Lee, +1-212-468-3732,
heather.wilner@mslpr.com; Jackie Kanas of The Guardian Life Insurance Company
of America, +1-212-598-1554, e-mail: Jackie_Kanas@glic.com

Web site: http://www.girlsgoingplaces.com/
http://www.guardianlife.com/

-------
Profile: education

All Together Now: 50 Million Students Asked to Sing the National Anthem Together and Celebrate 191st Anniversary of 'The Star Spangled Banner'

2005-09-12T05:47:00.000-07:00

All Together Now: 50 Million Students Asked to Sing the National Anthem Together and Celebrate 191st Anniversary of 'The Star Spangled Banner'

National Association for Music Education Organizes Large-scale Singing of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' on Sept. 14 at 9 a.m.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- On Sept. 14, 1814, Francis Scott Key penned the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner." Nearly two centuries later, the National Anthem Project celebrates this patriotic moment by calling for students across the country to step outside their classrooms and sing it in unison at 9 a.m. (local time) on Sept. 14, 2005.

The National Anthem Project is a multi-year effort to re-teach Americans the lyrics to "The Star-Spangled Banner." Two out of three Americans don't know the words, according to a Harris Poll. The campaign to restore America's voice launched on the steps of the United States Capitol in Washington D.C. on March 10, 2005, and is led by the National Association for Music Education (MENC), the world's largest arts education association and the only one that addresses all facets of music education. Mrs. Laura Bush serves as Honorary Chairperson of the program.

The organization is calling on its 120,000 members, including music teachers who reach 52 million American students in elementary, middle, high school and college, to turn the spotlight on the importance of music education, as this is where most Americans learn the national anthem and other patriotic songs. In addition, mayors around the country are issuing proclamations to declare September 14 "National Anthem Project Day" in their towns and are actively encouraging their constituents to learn the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner."

"Our goal is to have millions of patriotic voices rising in unison around the country," says John J. Mahlmann, Executive Director, MENC. "We want people to stop whatever they're doing -- whether they're at the office, at home or at school -- and join this effort. We hope this program reminds people of the importance of learning our national anthem, and school music programs where we learn the music of our heritage. Let's restore America's voice!"

"The Star-Spangled Banner" was written by Key, a Washington attorney, during the War of 1812. On the night of Sept. 13, 1814, he watched an attack by the British navy at Fort McHenry. When dawn broke, Key was expecting to find Baltimore under British control, but was stunned to see a battered American flag waving in the sunrise. He was so inspired he wrote the poem "In Defense of Fort McHenry," which later became known as The Star Spangled Banner when it was set to an adaptation of the tune, "To Anacreon in Heaven," attributed to John Stafford Smith. It became America's national anthem in 1931.

The nationwide initiative is supported by the Jeep(R) brand, the project's National Presenting Sponsor. The multi-faceted campaign will include education initiatives in schools across the country, special performances and alliances with professional sporting events, and an extensive mobile marketing tour stopping in cities nationwide. The initiative is led by the project's official musical ambassadors, The Oak Ridge Boys, and is supported by leading organizations across the country, including The Girls Scouts of the U.S.A., The American Legion and The History Channel.

High-Level Support

The National Anthem Project is sponsored by The Jeep brand as National Presenting Sponsor and is supported by leading organizations and individuals nationwide. Supporters include Keith Lockhart, Garrison Keillor, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Congressional Arts Caucus and the White House Commission on Remembrance.

For more information about how to get involved and support the National Anthem Project and school music education, please visit http://www.thenationalanthemproject.org/ .

About MENC

MENC: The National Association for Music Education, the world's largest arts education organization, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. More than 120,000 members represent all levels of teaching from preschool to graduate school. Since 1907, MENC has worked to ensure that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers. MENC's activities and resources have been largely responsible for the establishment of music education as a profession, for the promotion and guidance of music study as an integral part of the school curriculum, and for the development of the National Standards for Arts Education.

Media Contact:
Lisa Sabori
312-396-9760
lisa.sabori@zenogroup.com

Source: The National Anthem Project

CONTACT: Lisa Sabori for The National Anthem Project, +1-312-396-9760,
lisa.sabori@zenogroup.com

Web site: http://www.thenationalanthemproject.org/

-------
Profile: education

The Princeton Review Appoints Andrew J. Bonanni as Chief Financial Officer

2005-09-12T05:26:00.000-07:00

The Princeton Review Appoints Andrew J. Bonanni as Chief Financial Officer

NEW YORK, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Princeton Review (NASDAQ:REVU), a leading provider of test preparation, educational support, and college admissions services, today announced that it has appointed Andrew J. Bonanni as Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Bonanni will be responsible for all areas of the Company's finance and accounting processes, and will report directly to John Katzman, Chief Executive Officer. Steve Melvin, who has been Chief Financial Officer since 1999, will stay on as the Executive Vice President of Finance.

Mr. Bonanni comes to The Princeton Review from Bowne Business Solutions (BBS), a $270 million outsourcing services organization. He joined BBS in 2002 as Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, where he oversaw all financial and IT management functions and presided over several key acquisitions and strategic joint ventures, culminating with the $180 million sale of the business to U.K.-based Williams Lea Group, Limited in November 2004. Most recently, Mr. Bonanni served as a consultant for Bowne & Co.'s mergers and acquisitions ventures.

Prior to joining Bowne, Mr. Bonanni was Managing Vice President, Worldwide Business Planning & Corporate Reporting for Gartner, Inc. He began his career in 1992 with Xerox Corporation, where he held a series of finance positions with increasing responsibilities. Mr. Bonanni received a B.S. in Finance & Marketing from Le Moyne College and a M.B.A. in Accounting from Rochester Institute of Technology.

"With Steve as CFO, the Review quadrupled in size, went public, and weathered the challenges of Sarbanes-Oxley," said John Katzman. "I welcome Andrew, whose impeccable track record of financial leadership and systems expertise makes him a strong addition to our executive team."

About The Princeton Review

The Princeton Review (NASDAQ:REVU) is a pioneer in the world of education. Founded in 1981 and headquartered in New York City, the Company offers private tutoring and classroom and online test preparation to help students improve their scores in college and graduate school admissions tests. The Company's free website, www.PrincetonReview.com, helps over half of university-bound students research, apply to, prepare for, and learn how to pay for their higher education, and helps hundreds of colleges and universities streamline their admissions and recruiting activities. In addition, The Princeton Review works with school districts around the U.S. to measurably strengthen students' academic skills by connecting ongoing assessment with professional development and instruction and by providing districts with college and career resources for both students and guidance counselors. The Company also authors more than 200 print and software titles on test preparation, college and graduate school selection and admissions, and related topics.

Safe Harbor Statement

All statements in this press release that are not historical are forward- looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "believe", "intend," "expect", "may", "could", "would", "will", "should", "plan", "project", "contemplate", "anticipate", or similar statements. Because these statements reflect The Princeton Review's current views concerning future events, these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. The Princeton Review's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, but not limited to, demand for the company's products and services; the company's ability to compete effectively and adjust to rapidly changing market dynamics; the timing of revenue recognition from significant contracts with schools and school districts; market acceptance of the company's newer products and services; continued federal and state focus on assessment and remediation in K-12 education; and the other factors described under the caption "Risk Factors" in The Princeton Review's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Princeton Review undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements contained in this press release.

Source: The Princeton Review

CONTACT: Harriet Brand, +1-212-874-8282, ext. 1091, or Robin Raskin, +1-
212-874-8282, ext. 1647, both of The Princeton Review

Web site: http://www.princetonreview.com/

-------
Profile: education

The McGraw-Hill Companies Named A 'Best Company' By Working Mother Magazine for 2005

2005-09-12T05:21:00.000-07:00

The McGraw-Hill Companies Named A 'Best Company' By Working Mother Magazine for 2005

Magazine Highlights Corporation's Commitment to Work-Life Balance and Flexibility

NEW YORK, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE:MHP) today announced that it received a coveted position on Working Mother Magazine's 100 Best Companies for 2005. The magazine cited a wide array of family-friendly offerings, such as flexible work arrangements and backup dependent care, in recognizing the company.

"We are honored that Working Mother Magazine has recognized our efforts to support working mothers and help them achieve a healthy work-life balance," said Harold McGraw III, chairman, president and CEO of The McGraw-Hill Companies. "Creating an environment in which all of our employees can develop to their fullest potential both professionally and personally is essential to our continued growth and success."

The magazine highlighted several programs that The McGraw-Hill Companies makes available to its employees, including backup child care and elder care; a flexible work environment that offers flextime, compressed workweeks and job-sharing; and creation of the Women's Initiative for Networking and Success, or WINS, a committee focused on the development of women within the Corporation.

"We salute The McGraw-Hill Companies for their efforts on behalf of working mothers, and for making the 100 Best for the first time," said Carol Evans, CEO of Working Mother Media. "It is my hope that other companies around the country learn from the best and experience first-hand the value of flexibility as a business imperative."

For more information on Working Mother 100 Best Companies visit http://www.workingmother.com/.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies:

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education and BusinessWeek. The Corporation has more than 300 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2004 were $5.3 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.

Source: The McGraw-Hill Companies

CONTACT: Media Relations Contacts
The McGraw-Hill Companies:
Mary Skafidas
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
(212) 512-2826 (office)
(347) 351-6407 (mobile)
mary_skafidas@mcgraw-hill.com

Web site: http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/
http://www.workingmother.com/

-------
Profile: education

blinkx TV Links to Education Through Teachers' TV Deal

2005-09-12T05:11:00.000-07:00

blinkx TV Links to Education Through Teachers' TV Deal

LONDON, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- blinkx, the smartest thing on your computer, today announced a content agreement with Teachers' TV, enabling teachers and education professionals the ability to search all content from the channel via www.blinkx.tv.

With the new school year upon us, UK teachers are busy planning their lessons for this term. The blinkx TV service will help in cutting down the time and pressure teachers face in planning their lessons thanks to its unique search abilities which capture and index the entire video stream at source, so that exact clips or segments can be pinpointed. This will enable teachers, short on time and in need of ideas and inspiration, to jump straight to the material they seek by entering a few words into the search box.

Funded by the Department for Education and Skills but editorially independent, Teachers' TV is aimed at helping busy education professionals with programs that share ideas and practical experience. It contains programs of interest to everyone who works in schools, from heads to newly qualified teachers, governors to support staff.

While most programs are currently available via www.teachers.tv, blinkx TV will provide an additional portal to access programs, with an "always on," entirely searchable video library for education professionals in the UK.

"blinkx TV's intuitive, easy to use interface will give teachers greater flexibility as they search the site to find and access the programs that are most relevant to them," said Martin Trickey from education digital, the company which makes Teachers' TV.

"We're pleased to become part of such an important venture as Teachers' TV and provide the technology that links teachers to new learning strategies, information and resources," said Suranga Chandratillake, CTO and co-founder, blinkx. "By searching Teachers' TV through www.blinkx.tv, teachers will be able to link straight to hours of specialist material -- it's the ultimate support tool for teachers who wish to get straight to the material they are most interested in."

About blinkx

blinkx, the smartest thing on your computer and on the Web, is changing the way that people think about search. Only blinkx can harness the desktop, Web and TV -- unifying content with a one stop search tool. Available to users on the Web at www.bxfind.com and www.blinkx.tv, as well as free to download, blinkx automatically and intelligently links to content anywhere and in any format, on the Web, on the desktop and even on TV. blinkx's conceptual toolbar means users are no longer limited to keyword search; instead, blinkx assesses all the information that the user is actively viewing, and automatically recommends and retrieves relevant content, from local, Web and TV searches, based on context. In addition, www.blinkx.tv makes thousands of hours of TV content fully searchable and available on demand for the first time. blinkx is a privately-held company based in San Francisco and London. More information is available at www.blinkx.com.

About Teachers' TV

Teachers' TV, funded by the Department for Education and Skills but editorially independent, aims to support teachers in their continued professional development. Programming covers training and development, education news and current affairs, classroom observation and analysis, and resource reviews. Curriculum-based programs for use in the classroom also form part of the schedule. Programs and additional resources can be downloaded from the website, www.teachers.tv.

The channel broadcasts 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on digital satellite (Sky 592), ntl (803) Telewest (240), HomeChoice (845), KIT (70) and overnight for recording on Freeview (47).

The channel is run by Education Digital, which is operated by an independent media consortium, including Brook Lapping Productions, ITV and the Institute of Education (University of London).

Source: blinkx

CONTACT: Heather Forty of Hotwire, 020-7608-4658, or
heather.forty@hotwirpr.com; or Jake Trees of Teachers' TV, +44-0-207-400-4480,
or jtrees@mediastrategy.co.uk

Web site: http://www.teachers.tv/

Web site: http://www.blinkx.com/

-------
Profile: education

New Online Tool Makes Kids Smart and Spelling Fun

2005-09-12T04:58:00.000-07:00

New Online Tool Makes Kids Smart and Spelling Fun

WizardsSpell Eases Frustration of Parents and Children with Learn-to-Spell Process

HERNDON, Va., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- WizardsSpell, a new web-based, interactive spelling tool, helps children improve their spelling skills and build confidence in their ability to learn, especially those with learning disabilities. Using sound and visual techniques, WizardsSpell encourages children to use multiple senses to memorize words. By making spelling easy and fun, WizardsSpell can help improve grades and build a foundation for future learning.

(Logo: http://www.ereleases.com/pr/2005-WizardsSpell.jpg)

WizardsSpell was created by web designer Melanie Gann, who sought to boost the spelling skills and self-confidence of her daughter, age 10. Her daughter's auditory processing problems make it difficult for her to distinguish sounds and make sense of spelling rules. Both parent and child experienced frustration after trying therapies, tutoring and special software and seeing little improvement. After using WizardsSpell, Melanie's daughter's grades soared.

"Unlike other spelling tools, WizardsSpell lets children create lists from words they are assigned at school," Melanie said. "Therefore, the results are visible to them. They begin to see that practice does in fact work, and just as importantly, the tool allows them to practice on their own. Building something that helped my daughter, and could potentially help other children, is enormously satisfying."

WizardsSpell lets parents and teachers track practice and see where there are spelling difficulties. They can also create lists that target weak areas.

The tool is available at http://www.wizardsspell.com/. It is subscription-based and allows a family of four to subscribe for $8 per month. Additional options are available for larger families and groups.

Dannette Greenwell, an early subscriber, said, "I signed my son up this afternoon, and we have already studied his spelling words. This is the first time in four years that the session has not ended with him in tears. He actually had fun! This is the answer we have been looking for."

WizardsSpell.com is a product of WizardsWare, LLC. Formed in 2005, the company is a small firm specializing in interactive web-based learning products. They are committed to minimizing homework pain and finding ways to make kids smarter.

Contact: Melanie Gann, Creative Director, 703.742.8404 or mgann@wizardsware.com, for more information.

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

Source: WizardsWare, LLC

CONTACT: Melanie Gann of WizardsWare, LLC, Creative Director,
+1-703-742-8404, mgann@wizardsware.com

Web site: http://www.wizardsspell.com/

-------
Profile: education

New Space Laboratory Blasts Off at The New Detroit Science Center

2005-09-12T04:33:00.000-07:00

New Space Laboratory Blasts Off at The New Detroit Science Center

Dedication to be Held Today at 10 a.m.

DETROIT, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- 3 ... 2 ... 1 ... blast off! The New Detroit Science Center and Congressman Joe Knollenberg today will launch the first phase of a new Space Laboratory at the Science Center. A special ribbon cutting ceremony with special student guests from Adler Elementary School will be held at 10 a.m.

"I am honored to join with The New Detroit Science Center today in opening the new Space Laboratory," said Congressman Knollenberg. "Hands-on exhibits and experiences like those found here at the Science Center are what truly inspire children to explore how science can impact their daily lives and their futures. Inspiring future astronomers, physicists, explorers and innovators is so important to the future of Michigan's workforce and economy."

The new Space Laboratory will offer Science Center visitors fun, interactive exhibits that correlate to two themes from the Michigan Curriculum Framework -- Content of the Universe and Scale of the Universe. The seven new exhibits in the Space Laboratory include:

* Hands on Telescopes -- Can you find the "man in the moon?" Three telescopes positioned at varying heights will allow visitors to view a giant moon globe from across the Science Center and learn how astronomers use telescopes to study distant objects.

* Are We There Yet? -- Visitors will pedal a bicycle at the speed of the space shuttle, 17,400 miles per hour! At this speed, how long will it take to reach the moon, Mars and beyond? You'll have to pedal fast to find out!

* Solar System Distance Scale -- Visitors will be able to position each planet the correct scale distance from the sun. Each day a beam of light will travel out from the sun at light speed along this 72-foot-scale, passing each planet in turn and reaching Pluto about five-and-a-half hours later.

* Our Place in Space -- Glittering stars will float in three-dimensional space. These are the nearest stars to our sun. Visitors will interact with this exhibit by locating famous stars.

* ViewSpace/NASA link -- A 6-foot-high by 11-foot-wide screen will display the newest images from the Hubble Space Telescope and Spitzer Space Telescope, and will show live NASA launches and images from the International Space Station all in high definition video.

* How Much is a Billion? -- Here's your chance to find out in this fun exhibit with a billion grains of sand. Did you know that it would take a billion steps to walk to the moon and back?

* Objects in the Universe -- Backlit images located on the exterior wall of the Dassault Systemes Planetarium will portray stunning pictures and the science of astronomical objects such as planets, nebula, galaxies and other objects. These images will change periodically to present new objects from the universe.

The new space laboratory was created with the support of Congressman Joe Knollenberg and funding from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

The New Detroit Science Center features 110,000 square feet of scientific exploration, including Michigan's only IMAX(R) Dome Theatre; the Dassault Systemes Planetarium; the Ford Learning Resource Center; the DTE Energy Sparks Theater; the DaimlerChrysler Science Stage; an 8,700 square-foot Science Hall for traveling exhibits; five exhibit laboratories -- Space Laboratory, General Motors Motion Laboratory, Dow Foundation Life Sciences Laboratory, Waves & Vibrations Laboratory, and Jean and Sam Frankel Matter & Energy Laboratory; an SBC Children's Gallery for pint-size scientists; and a Special Events Lobby. It has served more than 1.3 million visitors since its grand re-opening on July 28, 2001. For more information, please call 313-577-8400 or visit the website, http://www.detroitsciencecenter.org/

Source: The New Detroit Science Center

CONTACT: Kelly Fulford, Director of Public Relations & Marketing
of The New Detroit Science Center, +1-313-577-8400, x430, fax:
+1-313-832-1623, kfulford@sciencedetroit.org

Web site: http://www.detroitsciencecenter.org/

-------
Profile: education

In Their Eyes, Kids See That Parents Have the Answers About Alcohol

2005-09-12T04:07:00.000-07:00

In Their Eyes, Kids See That Parents Have the Answers About Alcohol

Anheuser-Busch Uses Employees' Children in 'Family Talk' Underage-Drinking Prevention Campaign

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As children and their parents settle back into the school routine, Anheuser-Busch is drawing upon an internal resource to help deliver a strong message about preventing underage drinking: the children of employees. The brewer's popular Family Talk About Drinking program turns 15 this year, and the company is celebrating by giving the program a makeover that includes a national advertising campaign featuring Anheuser-Busch employees and their children.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050912/CGM016-ahttp://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050912/CGM016-b )

The ad campaign reminds parents of the power they have in helping prevent underage drinking with messages that include "In your kid's eyes, you still have all the answers," and "Preventing underage drinking is easier than you think. Talk now." The first ad will debut in the September issue of Reader's Digest.

Developed by an advisory panel of education, family counseling, child psychology and alcohol treatment professionals, Family Talk is distributed free of charge and encourages straightforward communication between parents and children about drinking. The 2004 Roper Youth Report indicated 75 percent of teens ages 13-17 cite their parents as the primary influence in their decisions about whether they drink or not.

"We're proud that for the past 15 years, Family Talk has been a valuable resource for parents in helping them prepare for conversations with their children about the subjects of peer pressure, self-esteem, underage drinking and teen drinking and driving," says John Kaestner, vice president of Consumer Affairs for Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. "Many of us at Anheuser-Busch are parents, and it's especially meaningful that our employees and their children are helping communicate this vital message. It's a perfect fit for what is such an important, family-focused program for our company."

Anheuser-Busch and its wholesalers nationwide have distributed more than 5.6 million Family Talk materials since 1990. According to a survey of parents who have requested the program materials, 97 percent rated them as excellent or good and 94 percent said they would recommend them to other parents.

"With school back in session, now is the perfect time for parents to talk with their teens about underage drinking," explains Kaestner. "And most important of all, it's clear that parental influence is working, with several recent government and independent studies showing that underage drinking continues to decline."

According to the University of Michigan's Monitoring the Future Study, the percentage of high-school seniors who reported having a drink in the last 30 days is down 31 percent since 1982. Additionally, all measures of teen alcohol use have dropped significantly from 1998 to 2004, according to a study released by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. Likewise, the number of teen drunk-driving fatalities has declined by 60 percent since 1982, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Photos of employees' children are also featured in the Family Talk parent guidebook, brochure, video cover, and billboards. The parent guide is available in five languages -- English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese, and the video is available in Spanish and English.

Anheuser-Busch (NYSE:BUD) and its wholesalers have invested more than a half-billion dollars since 1982 in a comprehensive portfolio of more than two dozen community-based programs and national advertising campaigns to promote responsibility and discourage alcohol abuse, including underage drinking and drunk driving. The company ranked first in the U.S. beverage industry for social responsibility in FORTUNE magazine's 2005 "America's Most Admired Companies" and first in the beverage industry worldwide for social responsibility on FORTUNE's 2005 "Global Most Admired Companies" list. To download a free copy of Family Talk, visit http://www.familytalkonline.com/ or to request a copy by mail, call 1-800-359-TALK toll-free.

For more information, contact:
Steve Mastorakos, 314.765.7286
steve.mastorakos@anheuser-busch.com

Crystal Howard, 314.577.7292
crystal.howard@anheuser-busch.com

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050912/CGM016-a
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050912/CGM016-b
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN5, PRN6
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.

CONTACT: Steve Mastorakos, +1-314-765-7286,
steve.mastorakos@anheuser-busch.com , or Crystal Howard, +1-314-577-7292,
crystal.howard@anheuser-busch.com , both of Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc.

Web site: http://www.familytalkonline.com/

-------
Profile: education

Radware Makes Campus Networks 'Application-Smart' for 100,000 Students Back In School Around the World

2005-09-12T03:05:00.001-07:00

Radware Makes Campus Networks 'Application-Smart' for 100,000 Students Back In School Around the World

Yi-Lan Education Bureau in Taiwan, Concordia University in Wisconsin, and Keimyung University in Korea Use Radware Application Delivery Products to Bolster Security, Reliability and Performance of their Campus-Wide Networks

MAHWAH, N.J., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Radware, (NASDAQ:RDWR) the leading provider of application delivery solutions for assuring fast, reliable, and secure networked applications, today announced that educational institutions around the world are successfully using Radware application-smart switches to keep students connected and learning around the clock. The various implementations of Radware's DefensePro, LinkProof and WSD products help ensure the availability, performance and security of campus-wide networks, safeguarding a combined total of almost 100,000 students, faculty and employees from viruses, worms, and denial of service (DoS) attacks, and keeping networked applications up and running 24/7. Some of the schools that have deployed Radware products include:

* The Education Bureau of Yi-Lan County in Taiwan implemented Radware's
DefensePro for real-time DoS and worm protection to ensure continuous
availability of all the university application, and Radware's LinkProof
for content-level bandwidth management to ensure fast application
response times. The deployments are part of the second generation
network project within the Yi-Lan Campus Network

* Concordia University in Wisconsin deployed Radware's LinkProof and WSD
to ensure continuous remote access to the university's mission critical
applications; (see related release on Concordia University)

* Keimyung University in Korea, one of the largest state-run universities
in Korea, implemented Radware's 10-gigabit intrusion prevention
interface, DefensePro 3000, for high-speed interception of harmful
traffic such as Internet worms, viruses and malicious codes.

More than 60,000 students are enrolled in 108 K-12 schools in Taiwan, making the Yi-Lan Education Bureau one of the largest local government departments. It is also the first international BS7799 certified county-level education network service provider in the country. The Bureau sought out a solution to protect its main campus network and provide high throughput speeds to all of the schools connected to the network, while providing highly available connectivity.

"We tested and reviewed several application security solutions for this critical function. Radware provided us with the most reliable and secure solution, protecting not only our main campus network, but providing comprehensive protection and connectivity for each of the 108 school locations," said Ming-Yi Hsia, MIS director for the Yi-Lan Education Bureau. "We were also impressed with the flexible customization and rapid support response we received from Radware's service team."

Named by U.S. News & World Report as "one of the Best Colleges 2005," Concordia University of Wisconsin is one of 10 universities in the Concordia University System responsible for ensuring the availability and optimized performance of all email, Web access and administrative systems for more than 5,200 students. To ensure secure, uninterrupted network performance, Concordia University deployed Radware's LinkProof and WSD.

"Having been burned in the past by an outage and a multiple day loss of production, we needed a solution that would ensure continuous remote accessibility to our mission critical applications. Radware had the products we needed. In addition, their solution eliminates bottlenecks while delivering 24/7 link availability," said Mark Newhouse, director of computing operations, Concordia University. "Since we added LinkProof and WSD into our infrastructure, we have not encountered a single outage."

Keimyung University in Korea built a campus-wide 10-gigabit high-speed backbone network to accommodate more than 27,000 students and 90 departments in nine faculties and 19 colleges. As a result, users have a continuous and secure connection to university resources. The university needed a comprehensive, feature-rich, 10-gigabit level, Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) to support and protect this new environment.

"After reviewing other IPS' on the market today, we found Radware's DefensePro to be the only product capable of supporting our 10-gigabit backbone network environment," said Jae-Yeal Nam, director of information and communication at Keimyung University. "Our campus' IT network now has a competitive advantage as a direct result of implementing this cutting edge security solution."

"At institutions of higher learning across the world, networks have become an essential educational resource and medium to support learning and for sharing information between students, faculty, and employees," said Dr. Michelle Blank, Radware's new chief marketing officer. "The reason for Radware's global traction with education IT decision makers is because we have a proven solution for enabling them to get the most out of their networks by delivering high value to their end-users with networked applications that are reliable, secure and always available."

About Radware

Radware (NASDAQ:RDWR) is the global leader in integrated application delivery solutions, assuring the full availability, maximum performance and complete security of all business critical networked applications while dramatically cutting operating and scaling costs. Over 3,000 enterprises and carriers worldwide use Radware application-smart switches to drive business productivity and improve profitability by adding critical application intelligence their IP infrastructure, making networks more responsive to specific business processes. Radware's best of breed product family provides the most complete set of integrated application front-end, WAN optimization and security capabilities to ensure intelligent application-specific tuning of critical network resources everywhere across the entire network. Learn more on how Radware application delivery solutions can make your network application- smart to ensure fast, reliable secure networked applications at http://www.radware.com/.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, general business conditions in the Application Switching industry, changes in demand for Application Switching products, the timing and amount or cancellation of orders and other risks detailed from time to time in Radware's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Radware's Form 20-F.

Source: Radware

CONTACT: Editorial Contacts - Jon Rabinowitz, +1-201-512-9771 ext 233,
jonr@radware.com, or Investor Relations - Dennis S. Dobson, +1-203-255-7902,
ir@radware.com, both of Radware Ltd.

Web site: http://www.radware.com/

-------
Profile: education

HOT TAMALES(R) Hotties Winners

2005-09-12T03:05:00.000-07:00

HOT TAMALES(R) Hotties Winners

BETHLEHEM, Pa., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- HOT TAMALES(R), America's Favorite Cinnamon-charged candy, has searched college campuses nationwide and found its two HOT TAMALES(R) Hotties - Danielle Avery and Alonge Holland.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050912/PHM001 )

The HOT TAMALES(R) brand sponsored the first-ever HOT TAMALES(R) Hotties Tour and Contest. There were several semifinalists who won $200 each plus a year's supply of HOT TAMALES(R) candies. Voters then logged onto http://www.hottamales.com/hotties to choose the two finalists. Each finalist won an additional $1,000.

Danielle Avery is a student at the University of Tennessee earning her degree in Journalism/PR with a minor in Business. She works as the Promotions Director for the UT radio station and is a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America. She was born in Miami, FL and moved to Brentwood, TN when she was 14. Danielle spends her summers going to Lake Norris and in her spare time likes to do creative projects, travel, and cook. She graduated in 2005.

Alonge Holland is a student at Florida State University earning his degree in Business. Alonge is from Jacksonville and attended Samuel W. Wolfson High School. During his spare time he enjoys playing basketball, baseball, table tennis, and other interactive sports. "Slim" or "Slimbaby," as his friends call him, looks forward to special meals prepared by his mom, especially her "Shrimp Alfredo" and filet mignon. He will graduate in 2007.

Doreen Perini, Group Product Manager, commented, "We are so thrilled for our first Hotties winners - Danielle and Alonge. The National HOT TAMALES(R) Hotties Tour and Contest connected with the target audience, 18- to- 24-year- olds, on college campuses across the U.S. This was our first event targeting college campuses. Because the tour was such a success, we plan to visit college campuses in the future and connect with the core HOT TAMALES(R) consumer."

The HOT TAMALES(R) crew visited college campuses across the U.S. during key spring events and distributed thousands of HOT TAMALES(R) Chewy Cinnamon Flavored candy samples along with all the details on the HOT TAMALES(R) Hotties Contest.

The HOT TAMALES(R) Hotties Contest toured: Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA; UConn; Syracuse University; Boston College; Florida State University, Tallahassee; University of Central Florida; University of Southern California; University of Texas, Austin; University of Miami, Miami, FL; University of Maryland, College Park, MD; New York University; University of North Carolina, Charlotte; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; Michigan State University, East Lansing; North Carolina State, Raleigh; University of Tennessee, Knoxville; University of Illinois, Champaign; Texas A&M, College Station; Purdue, West Lafayette, IN; Penn State, State College, PA; Rutgers, New Brunswick, NJ; Georgia State, Atlanta; University of Georgia, Atlanta; Georgia Southern, Statesboro, GA; University of Florida, Gainesville; Ohio State, Columbus; and the University of California, Berkeley.

The Hot Flavors

HOT TAMALES(R), America's Favorite Cinnamon-charged candy, now has more kick. More intense cinnamon flavor has been added to this longstanding popular brand. New HOT TAMALES(R) packaging graphics illustrates this hotter taste with a searing fireball and spiced-up HOT TAMALES(R) logo. HOT TAMALES(R) chewy cinnamon flavored candies are available in a hot new 2.12 oz. bag.

HOT TAMALES(R) Fire(TM), the new HOT TAMALES(R) brand line extension, offers consumers a more extreme cinnamon flavored candy with a spark of fire. Look for HOT TAMALES(R) Fire(TM) in a sleek new black 2.12 oz. bag, 1.1 oz. bag, or 8 oz. box.

The Company That Makes Them So Hot

Just Born, Inc. is a privately owned company founded in 1923 and located in Bethlehem, PA. It employs over 600 associates and markets its candy in over 50 countries. Visit http://www.justborn.com/ for more information.

Visit http://www.hottamales.com/ for more spicy information.

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050912/PHM001
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN1
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Just Born, Inc.

CONTACT: Milena DeLuca, Just Born, Inc., +1-609-448-3636,
mdeluca@justborn.com

Web site: http://www.justborn.com/
http://www.hottamales.com/

-------
Profile: education

Delray Beach Film Festival Hires TransMedia to 'Go Fetch' Media; Event Created by a Veterinarian to Benefit Humane Society

2005-09-12T02:33:00.000-07:00

Delray Beach Film Festival Hires TransMedia to 'Go Fetch' Media; Event Created by a Veterinarian to Benefit Humane Society

DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The Delray Beach Film Festival has retained TransMedia Group to publicize its world premiere March 8-12, 2006. It plans to show over 100 shorts, features, documentaries and Xtreme sports films and donate a portion of profits to the Humane Society.

The festival's director, Michael Posner, said he created the event to support both emerging film talent and the other love of his life - veterinary medicine. A veterinarian, Posner plans to share the festival's profits with the Palm Beach Humane Society and Atlantic High School.

"The Delray Beach Film Festival was created to offer filmmakers a fun, warm, beautiful place to meet, mingle and party," said Posner. "Our relaxed and welcoming atmosphere will be a breath of fresh air to any filmmaker."

Posner is a veteran of the festival world, having worked at dozens of film events across the country, including the Sundance Film Festival and the Newport Beach Film Festival.

"TransMedia was a relatively easy choice, considering their past success in promoting films for the New York City Film Commission and Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival," Posner said.

The Delray Beach Film Festival plans to distinguish itself from the rest by offering its guests one-of-a-kind perks, including exploration trips through the Florida Everglades and surf lessons with professional surfers. The festival plans to take full advantage of its location and offer those who attend a vacation experience as well.

Already planned are a celebrity surf contest and golf tournament at the Hamlet Country Club. Day and night fun will continue throughout the festival as Old School Square is turned into a venue for local filmmakers to display their short films and documentaries. In support of local talent, the festival will keep this event open and free to the public.

The festival has already been recognized by Red Bull, who has signed on to sponsor the event, as well as kick off the Xtreme Sports Program with one of its own Xtreme films.

The Delray Beach Film Festival is looking for sponsors who want to create brand awareness while supporting emerging filmmakers. It is also accepting film submissions in all categories through Dec. 16, 2005.

TransMedia is a full-service PR firm serving clients worldwide since 1981.

CONTACT: Michael Gustman 561-750-9800 X 219

Source: TransMedia Group

Contact: Michael Gustman, TransMedia, +1-561-750-9800, ext. 219

Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/133897.html

-------
Profile: education

State Policies Undermine Public School Reform

2005-09-11T22:03:00.000-07:00

State Policies Undermine Public School Reform

New Study Provides Recommendations to Remove College Barriers

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- States are pushing colleges, universities, and K-12 schools to work together, but many state policies work at odds with the reforms needed to improve students' college readiness and success, according to a new study. At a time when the nation must have citizens who have achieved educational success beyond high school, the need for improved transitions from high school to college is urgent.

These are among the findings of The Governance Divide: A Report on a Four- State Study on Improving College Readiness and Success, released jointly today by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, the Stanford Institute for Higher Education Research, and the Institute for Educational Leadership.

The report identifies four areas in which states can work to improve the transition from high school to college:

-- Alignment of Courses and Assessments. States need to make sure that
what students are asked to know and do in high school is connected to
postsecondary expectations. Currently, students in most states graduate
from high school under one set of standards and face a disconnected and
different set of expectations in college. Many students enter college
unable to perform college-level work.
-- Finance. State need-based financial aid policy should be linked with
student preparation for college and state budgeting policy should
support collaboration between schools and colleges.
-- Accountability. States need to connect their accountability systems for
K-12 and postsecondary education. Currently, accountability systems are
usually designed for either K-12 or postsecondary education without
much attention to the interface between the two.
-- Data Systems. States must provide better information about education
for policymakers and the public, including information about high
school students' preparation for college-level work. These data systems
should diagnose problems, provide information about all education
levels, assess achievement, and track individual students over time
across schools and colleges and universities.

Andrea Venezia, senior policy analyst at the National Center and co-author of the report states, "This study outlines concrete policy changes states can put into place, and stresses the importance of both systems working together. We believe it will help states take that next step and change the policies that drive their education systems."

K-12 and postsecondary education policymaking currently exist in separate worlds and each system's policies are typically formed independently of each other -- even though most high school graduates eventually progress from one system to the other. As a result, students rarely know how to prepare for college despite having higher educational aspirations than at any other time in U.S. history. While most young people say they want to attend college, out of 100 ninth graders, 40 will immediately enter college after graduating from high school, but only 18 will complete an associate's degree in three years or a bachelor's degree in six years.

However, the report says remediation rates are disturbingly high -- approximately 50% nationally -- and too few complete their college programs. Out of 100 ninth graders who graduate from high school and immediately enter college, only 27 are still enrolled their sophomore year.

The need to improve the transition from high school to college is crucial now, given our global, knowledge-based economy. Students who aspire to participate in the middle-class must complete at least some education or training beyond high school. And according to Patrick Callan, president of the National Center and co-author of the report, this need extends far beyond individual aspirations. "To compete in the global economy, businesses and communities -- and our nation as a whole -- must have a college-educated populace," he says. "We must make sure our education systems better suit students' needs and aspirations -- and our country's needs."

In addition to its recommendations, The Governance Divide provides an overview of public education governance and K-16 reform in Florida, Georgia, New York, and Oregon. The report is based on findings from Partnerships for Student Success (PSS), a project that analyzed K-16 educational governance and policies in the four states, focusing on organizational structures, leadership, finance, curriculum and assessment, accountability, and data systems.

The report was a collaborative effort by several authors: Andrea Venezia, senior policy analyst at the National Center; Patrick M. Callan, president of the National Center; Joni E. Finney, vice president of the National Center; Michael W. Kirst, professor of Education at Stanford University; and Michael D. Usdan, senior fellow at the Institute for Educational Leadership. Generous support for the project was provided by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

Copies of The Governance Divide will be available at "State Policy Dimensions for K-16 Reform," on September 12 at the Wingspread Conference Center in Racine, Wisconsin. The working session will convene national education experts and state leaders from both K-12 and postsecondary education to discuss options that states should consider to improve successful student transitions between high school and postsecondary education. Sponsors of the conference include the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, Achieve, the James B. Hunt, Jr. Institute for Educational Leadership and Policy, the Institute for Educational Leadership, The Johnson Foundation, and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

The Governance Divide is available on the National Center's Web site at www.highereducation.org.

The National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education is an independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. It is not affiliated with any institution of higher education or with any government agency. The purpose of the National Center's studies and reports is to stimulate public policies that will improve the effectiveness and accessibility of higher education.

The Stanford Institute for Higher Education Research (SIHER) is home to sponsored research projects that examine contemporary higher education planning and policy issues from a wide range of analytical perspectives, including those of social scientists and policy audiences in the United States and abroad.

The Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization based in Washington, D.C. For more than 40 years, IEL's mission has been to build the capacity of individuals and organizations in education and related fields to work together-across policies, programs, and sectors.

The Governance Divide was funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The contents of the report are solely the responsibility of the National Center. The report is part of a series of K-16 projects supported by the Foundation.

Source: National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education

CONTACT: Daphne Borromeo of National Center for Public Policy and Higher
Education, +1-408-271-2699 or dborromeo@highereducation.org

Web site: http://www.highereducation.org/

-------
Profile: education

MOT Milestone Sees First 1,000 Car Technicians Sign up to New National Skills Tests

2005-09-11T16:02:00.000-07:00

MOT Milestone Sees First 1,000 Car Technicians Sign up to New National Skills Tests

LONDON, September 12/PRNewswire/ --

- With photo

This month's 45th anniversary of the MOT (1) coincides with
another milestone in the drive to improve vehicle servicing and repair
standards. The UK's first national voluntary assessment system for
technicians, Automotive Technician Accreditation (ATA), has seen 1,000
technicians register since launching in June.

Developed over three years, Automotive Technician Accreditation
serves as a national benchmark of competence for technicians, of which there
are an estimated 160,000 in the UK, who are working on increasingly complex
vehicles. Cars of the '60s are a world apart from today, with a modern family
saloon containing more computing power than the space programme of that era.

To achieve ATA status, technicians must pass a series of
practical tasks and an on-line knowledge test at an ATA approved assessment
centre, of which there are over 30 in the UK. There are three levels of
accreditation (Master Technician being the highest):

- Service Maintenance Technician

- Diagnostic Technician

- Master Technician

ATA-registered technicians are issued with a unique photo
identity card and are listed on a web-based register. They must be
re-assessed after five years to maintain their credentials.

Governed by the Institute of the Motor Industry, the automotive
sector's professional association, Automotive Technician Accreditation is
backed by major partners including: BMW; DaimlerChrysler; Ford; Hertz;
Mondial Assistance; Nationwide Autocentres; Peugeot; Toyota; Volkswagen;
Volvo and Unipart. ATA also has the support of the Government, Trading
Standards and Which?

Even with 37 years' experience, one of the motor industry's foremost
automotive diagnostic experts, Frank Massey FIMI, of Preston-based Automotive
Diagnostic Solutions, became the first independent technician to achieve ATA
Master Technician status.

Commented Frank:

"It has long been my dream to see skilled craftsmen in the
automotive industry recognised and rewarded for their pride and knowledge.
The challenges of modern electronics in vehicles demand continuing
professional development. ATA ensures such efforts will be recognised by the
general public and industry alike and will inspire gifted youngsters much
needed by our sector."

Commenting on Automotive Technician Accreditation, Sarah Sillars, IMI
chief executive, said:

"ATA clearly identifies proven current competence, which is as important
to consumers as it is to businesses seeking qualified technicians. The level
of support within the motor industry would suggest that at least 50% of
businesses involved in vehicle servicing and repair nation-wide will be
actively supporting ATA within the next five years."

Full details of Automotive Technician Accreditation are on-line at
www.automotivetechnician.org.uk or by telephone on +44-(0)1992-511521.

IMI's Top 10 tips on having your car serviced

1) Check that technicians are fully qualified and/or accredited
by an organisation such as the IMI.

2) Ensure that the garage is familiar with your car's make and model.

3) Do inform the service staff of any problems and/or any
recent work carried out - be honest.

4) Check what is included in the service, and what isn't. If
you don't have it, ask to see a copy of the service schedule for your
vehicle.

5) Check the breakdown of costs, including all parts,
consumables, labour and VAT - you should know exactly what you are paying
for.

6) Insist that no additional work is undertaken without your
authorisation. If recommended by the garage, this should be quoted
against, not estimated.

7) Ask for any replaced parts to be retained for your inspection.

8) Ensure that you receive a detailed itemised report with a
verbal explanation of the work undertaken and/or recommended. Ask about
the garage's quality control checks and make sure your service book is
stamped.

9) Ensure that the name of the technician that works on your
car is detailed on your invoice. Ask to speak to him or her specifically,
if you have any concerns or require necessary explanations.

10) Ensure that you receive a guarantee. Make sure you know
what it covers and check the period of validity.

Note to Editors:

(1) The Ministry of Transport Test was introduced on 12 September 1960.

The IMI is the professional association for individuals working in the
retail motor industry and is the leading awarding body of vocational
qualifications in the automotive sector. With 25,000 members and 46,000
registered students at 300 approved assessment centres, the IMI is focused on
improving professional standards through the recognition, qualification and
development of individuals.

Its portfolio includes apprenticeships, N/SVQs, technical
certificates, vehicle sales awards and certificate and diploma in automotive
retail management (ARMS). The IMI governs the industry's Automotive
Technician Accreditation (ATA) initiative.

FIMI - Fellow of the Institute of the Motor Industry.

A high resolution photograph is available to the media free of
charge via PA Photowire or viewable from www.mediapoint.press.net or
www.prnewswire.co.uk

Additional ATA images are available for download from www.newspress.co.uk

Source: Institute of Motor Industry

For further information, please contact: Aisleen Marley or Stuart Brooks, Tel: +44-(0)7787-160777 (out of hours) or +44-(0)1992-511521 (office hours)

-------
Profile: education

UNICEF Responds to Hurricane Katrina With Much Needed Education and Recreational Supplies for Child Evacuees

2005-09-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

UNICEF Responds to Hurricane Katrina With Much Needed Education and Recreational Supplies for Child Evacuees

2005 Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Campaign to Help Hurricane Katrina Relief Efforts

NEW YORK, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing that Hurricane Katrina left hundreds of thousands of school-age child evacuees without classrooms and school supplies at the start of the traditional U.S. school term, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF has begun coordinating the delivery of UNICEF "School-in-a-Box" kits to several aid partners assisting the displaced population.

Additionally, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF announced today that for the first time ever, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF will help raise funds for American children, with 50 percent of the proceeds benefiting UNICEF's Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. Millions of Americans have supported UNICEF in providing emergency services, relief and counseling to children around the world, most recently after the tsunami struck south Asia. Now, through this 55-year old program, UNICEF is encouraging American children to help raise funds for other American children who were affected by Hurricane Katrina. Since its inception in 1950, Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF has raised over $127 million to fund UNICEF's lifesaving work for the world's poorest and most vulnerable children.

Some 235 "School-in-a-Box" kits have been shipped from UNICEF's global supply hub in Copenhagen, Denmark, arriving today in Little Rock, Arkansas. Each kit will supply approximately 80 children with basic supplies for education. Additionally, some 740 "Recreation-in-a-Box" kits are also being loaded and shipped for immediate distribution.

"In times of disaster, getting children back to a learning environment is one of the most effective ways of helping them to feel safe, cope with trauma and begin their emotional healing," said President of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF Charles J. Lyons. "Whether in Biloxi, Mississippi or Banda Aceh, Indonesia, having a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for learning, sharing and recreation will go a long way towards helping children recover and cope with the trauma and transition imposed by a natural disaster."

So important is education in helping children recover from a harrowing disaster, that UNICEF keeps prepackaged "School-in-a-Box" kits and "Recreation-in-a-Box" kits on hand to send to emergency zones all over the world. The contents provide recreation and educational tools to supply a classroom with enough materials for 80 children and can be immediately used in tents, shelters, churches or schools.

Throughout the ongoing relief efforts, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF is partnering with Christian Children's Fund, Church World Service, Lions Clubs International and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People to deliver the much needed supplies.

The "School-in-a-Box" has been used by UNICEF since the mid-1990s. The "School-in-a-Box" was developed by education experts from UNICEF and UNESCO to provide basic education to hundreds of thousands of children in refugee camps who had been displaced by the events in Rwanda in 1994. The concept is simple: school supplies and materials for up to 80 students (in double-shift classes of 40), plus supplies for the teacher, are delivered in a locked box which can double as a blackboard when coated with the special paint included in the kit. In addition to the basic school supplies, such as exercise books, pencils, erasers and scissors, the kit also includes a wooden teaching clock, plastic cubes for counting and a set of three laminated posters (alphabet, multiplication and number tables). Using a locally developed teaching guide and curriculum, teachers can establish makeshift classrooms almost anywhere, thus ensuring the child's right to education, no matter how unstable the situation.

The "Recreation-in-a-Box" kit is a recent development, created as a result of experience gained during several emergencies. The UNICEF Supply Division has always stocked a wide range of items for physical education, but it is now more widely appreciated that sport is an effective trauma therapy for children displaced by war and natural disasters. The kit is suitable for up to 90 children, who can participate in team sports and games under the guidance of a teacher. It includes balls for several types of games, colored tunics for different teams, chalk and a measuring tape for marking play areas and a whistle and scoring slate. The composition of this kit is specific to regional and cultural differences in children's sports activities and games.

UNICEF shares people's concern about the physical and emotional welfare of children affected by Hurricane Katrina. Thousands of children have literally seen their lives washed away -- they have lost homes, schools, communities, and with that, their sense of security, normalcy and well-being. Many children have witnessed a breakdown of the very structures that are designed to protect and sustain them and have been witnesses to unprecedented scenes of destruction.

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF boxes can be ordered now by calling 1-800-4UNICEF or by logging on to http://www.unicefusa.org/.

UNICEF operates health, education and protection programs for the world's poorest children in 157 developing countries, at the invitation of those governments. In the United States and other industrialized nations, UNICEF does not operate such programs, instead engaging in advocacy and fundraising efforts in support of UNICEF's mission for children worldwide. However, the extraordinary nature of the Hurricane Katrina emergency demands that all of us play a role in responding, and UNICEF will contribute its best to the recovery effort.

UNICEF's universal mandate is to ensure the fundamental survival, protection and well-being of children, regardless of race, religion, geography, gender or politics.

For more information about UNICEF or to make a donation, please visit http://www.unicefusa.org/ or call 1-800-4UNICEF (1-800-486-4233).

Source: UNICEF

CONTACT: Marissa Buckanoff, +1-212-922-2485, or +1-917-363-1569 mobile,
mbuckanoff@unicefusa.org, or Kini Schoop, +1-212-880-9132, or +1-917-204-4604
mobile, kschoop@unicefusa.org, or Lisa Szarkowski, +1-212-922-2643,
+1-917-848-3618 mobile, lszarkowski@unicefusa.org, all of UNICEF

Web site: http://www.unicefusa.org/

-------
Profile: education

Verizon Wireless and ESPN The Magazine Present the 2005 GridIron Blowout Tour

2005-09-10T06:04:00.000-07:00

Verizon Wireless and ESPN The Magazine Present the 2005 GridIron Blowout Tour

College Tailgate Festivities at the Verizon Wireless HUB Lounge; Demo Verizon Wireless' Hottest Services, Participate in Sweepstakes and Enter Contests for Prizes

BEDMINSTER, N.J., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless, the nation's leading wireless service provider, is going back to school this fall to hang out with the football fans at colleges and universities across the country. ESPN The Magazine's GridIron Blowout Tour 2005 is the ultimate college football tailgate party experience and it is making its way to 10 college campuses from September to November. The party begins on Friday night before each scheduled game and festivities continue through Saturday with game-day tailgates.

College students can enjoy an action-packed weekend of tailgating during the GridIron Blowout Tour when they visit the Verizon Wireless HUB lounge -- the place to be during the day. Check out cool activities, contests and giveaways during the following GridIron Blowout Tour 2005 college football games:

September 10, 2005 Notre Dame v. Michigan
September 17, 2005 Ball State v. Auburn
October 1, 2005 USC v. Arizona State
October 8, 2005 Oklahoma v. Texas
October 15, 2005 Army v. TCU
October 29, 2005 Georgia v. Florida
November 5, 2005 Miami v. Virginia Tech
November 12, 2005 Texas A&M v. Oklahoma
November 19, 2005 Oklahoma State v. Baylor
November 26, 2005 Notre Dame v. Stanford

Let the Games Begin

Students attending the weekend's big game can heat up the competition by visiting Verizon Wireless' HUB lounge and compete in a contest to "name that Ringback Tone." Students that name the correct song and prove to be true music aficionados can win t-shirts, wristbands and even a brand new LG phone from Verizon Wireless.

No Downtime During Halftime

Even at halftime, the action continues in the HUB lounge with demos of the hottest new services and the opportunity to enter cool sweepstakes. Football fans with only a few minutes to spare can catch pigskin action on V CAST, Verizon Wireless' broadband-quality multimedia service. V CAST from Verizon Wireless gives fans streaming video of frequently updated video clips from leading content providers.

Calling All Cover Girls (and Guys)

Aspiring models can take a break from the football game and pop into the HUB lounge for their own private ESPN The Magazine cover shoot. Students can then share their moment in the spotlight with friends and family by sending their cover shot photos directly from their Verizon Wireless PIX Messaging- capable phones. Once back at the dorm, students can also visit http://www.vzwhub.com/ to access their photos online.

Verizon Wireless products and services are available at more than 1,900 Verizon Wireless stores nationwide, including Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and stores within Circuit City, as well as at authorized retailers, including Best Buy. Customers can also find information and purchase Verizon Wireless products and services online at http://www.verizonwireless.com/.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 47.4 million voice and data customers. Headquartered in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at http://www.verizonwireless.com/. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at http://www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

Source: Verizon Wireless

CONTACT: Brenda Boyd Raney, Verizon Wireless, +1-908-306-4834,
Brenda.Raney@verizonwireless.com

Web site: http://www.verizonwireless.com/
http://www.vzwhub.com/

-------
Profile: education