BetterEditor.org Media News

Cutting-Edge Design Marks First Significant Advance in Manual Wheelchair Technology in Over a Century

SEATTLE, July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- From nearly 1,700 global design entries submitted to the 2007 International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA(TM)), MAGICWHEELS(TM) -- the first ever two-gear manual wheelchair wheel -- is being awarded a prestigious silver medal by the IDEA jury as one of the best new product designs of the year.

(Photo:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070720/NYF011 )

Already a winner of the 2006 Medtrade Innovation Award as well as the Innovative Product Award at the 2006 Canadian Seating & Mobility Conference, MAGICWHEELS(TM) 2-gear wheels are "reinventing the wheel" when it comes to medical equipment. With the advent of this revolutionary technology, which changes gears like a bicycle and has been clinically shown to significantly reduce shoulder pain, the definition of mobility for wheelchair users is gaining a new meaning.

Co-sponsored by BusinessWeek magazine and the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), the IDEA program promotes business and public understanding of the impact of industrial design excellence on the quality of life and the economy. In categories as diverse as consumer electronics, transportation, eco-design, housewares, furniture and medical equipment, the perfect marriage between outstanding aesthetics and strategic business development -- where form and function merge as one in a rare union -- epitomize the winners of the IDEA program.

There are more than 2.2 million Americans living outside institutions using manual wheelchairs today(1). In clinical studies, as many as 80 percent of those users report moderate to severe chronic shoulder pain. This often debilitating discomfort stems from the dependence on the upper extremities strained by repeated use.

Since their invention more than 130 years ago, manual wheelchair wheels have changed little from the horse-and-buggy days. Today, the cutting-edge technological advancement embodied in the sleek form of MAGICWHEELS(TM) drive wheels enables the user to traverse terrain previously off-limits, offering a much-needed and renewed sense of independence and increased mobility. These all-mechanical wheels provide two easily shifted gears -- not unlike those on a bicycle. When shifted, the wheels reduce the effort of climbing and negotiating rough terrain by half.

"We are thrilled to accept this award and look forward to continuing to demonstrate the significant benefits of MAGICWHEELS for manual wheelchair users," said Allan Boyd, Vice President of Magic Wheels, Inc. "With our independent federally funded (NIH) study, we have confirmed that MAGICWHEELS technology can reduce shoulder pain and promote increased mobility and independence. This is paramount to the manual wheelchair user population. We also believe we are preventing future shoulder pain and the potential need for shoulder or arm surgery."

A recently completed study on shoulder pain conducted by the University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Science, revealed that, after only two weeks of MAGICWHEELS two-gear wheel usage, significant shoulder pain reduction occurred in the test subjects and continued to decrease by more than 55 percent in the 20-week trial. Among the items showing significant pain reduction were the 10-minute push, ramp ascent, driving, chores, and sleeping. These findings reveal the promise for shoulder pain reduction due to reduced joint loading with the use of MAGICWHEELS two- gear wheels throughout daily mobility.

HOW MAGICWHEELS 2-GEAR DRIVES WORK:
-- MAGICWHEELS(TM) feature an easy shifter for users with limited hand and
arm strength to shift into the lower gear before climbing hills and/or
rolling over uneven terrain
-- Offers downhill braking assistance to increase user control
-- Includes a built-in hill-holder with user-controlled override to
prevent the wheelchair from rolling backwards when going uphill, allowing
the user to rest between pushes and maneuver on hills.
-- The thin, light wheel disk is made of state-of-the-art, aerospace
grade, high-strength carbon fiber
-- Quick-release wheel axles easily attach and detach to the frames of
most manual wheelchairs
-- Wheels add no width to a wheelchair with standard hand rims
-- MAGICWHEELS require neither batteries nor motors

CLINICAL BENEFITS OF THE MAGICWHEELS TECHNOLOGY:
-- Provides increased mobility, reduced arm and shoulder pain (up to 80
percent of manual wheelchair users suffer from chronic shoulder pain), and
deferral or elimination of the need for electric wheelchair use
-- Both strong and weak users experience a clinically demonstrated
reduction in shoulder pain by more than 55 percent (NIH SBIR #5 R44
HD035793-05)
-- Weaker pushers gain added mobility on slopes and avoid potential health
issues from reduced activity levels after transitioning to an electric
wheelchair
-- Available to wheelchair users with or without a prescription
-- Magic Wheels, Inc. provides assistance to consumers and therapists in
justifying the 2-gear drive and applying for individual purchase funding
coverage and authorization

ABOUT MAGIC WHEELS, INC:

Magic Wheels, Inc. was co-founded in 1996 in Seattle, Washington by Steve Meginniss, a successful inventor and product developer. Other founders include a physiatrist (physical medicine physician) with experience in two previous multi-speed manual wheelchair projects, and a major local wheelchair dealer. For more information about MAGICWHEELS products, please visit http://www.magicwheels.com/

(1) Seeman, BT Newshouse News Service.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Photo: NewsCom:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070720/NYF011
AP Archive:

http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN3
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Magic Wheels, Inc.

CONTACT: Marjorie Wolfe or Dave Ferguson of Behrman Communications,
+1-212-986-7000, for Magic Wheels, Inc.

Web site:

http://www.magicwheels.com/

-------
Profile: Media News

Eclipse Aviation tops list of corporations with 3 awards; IDEO brings home 7 awards in the design firms category

NEW YORK, July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The Eclipse 500 Very Light Jet, Herman Miller's LEAF lamp, and the Tesla Roadster were among this year's winners of the 2007 International Design Excellence Awards. The awards, sponsored by BusinessWeek, are presented by the Industrial Designers Society of America.

The evolution of design from a narrow focus on aesthetics into a richer discipline that embraces branding, services, sustainability, medicine-even the comfort and safety of pilots and passengers-is on clear display in the 2007 IDEA awards. What had once been the preserve of engineers, business consultants, ecologists, and brand managers now falls within the growing purview of designers. Reflecting this expansion of the role and definition of design, the 2007 contest has been renamed from "Industrial Design" to "International Design."

Winners from 20 countries took gold, silver, and bronze prizes for service innovation in banking, mapping the interface between pilots and cockpit instruments, creating broad corporate and brand strategies, bolstering sustainability via electric cars, and remaking hammers and wrenches in new, better forms. So dynamic is the field that it is attracting a new crop of talented people. The student work, in particular, was startlingly good in 2007, with students taking a record 10 of 81 prizes.

The largest category of winners by far, some 13 of the 81, had an eco- design focus. The Tesla Roadster electric car took the gold with an exciting shape by the Lotus Design Studio in Britain and an all-electric plug-in engine. The Tesla is the un-Prius: a hot, fast sports car that's also green. Herman Miller and fuse project won a silver in design strategy for the LEAF lamp, which uses LED lighting to save energy. A hydrogen-fueled toy car, by Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies in Shanghai, took a silver.

The one product that won the most awards-two gold ideas and one silver plus one Catalyst honorable mention-was the Eclipse 500 Very Light Jet by IDEO and Eclipse Aviation. The Eclipse jet won in IDEA's research, interaction design, and transportation categories.

Featured winners of the 2007 International Design Excellence Awards appear in the July 30th issue of BusinessWeek (on newsstands Monday, July 23rd). The complete list of winners, plus a searchable, sortable slide show and in-depth case studies, is available on BusinessWeek.com at www.businessweek.com/go/07/IDEA.

The top winners of the 2007 International Design Excellence Awards are:

Design Firms Awards
Gold Silver Bronze Total
IDEO 4 1 2 7
Formation Design 1 2 3
Group
Smart Design 2 1 3
Arnell Group 1 1 2
fuseproject 1 1 2
Insight PD 1 1 2
Pentagram 1 1 2
Whipsaw 2 2

Corporations Awards
Gold Silver Bronze Total
Eclipse Aviation 2 1 3
Belkin 2 2
Stanley Works 1 1 2
Timberland 2 2

Source: BusinessWeek

CONTACT: Patti Straus
BusinessWeek
+1-212-512-2680
Heather Carpenter
BusinessWeek
+1-212-512-2854

Web site:

http://www.businessweek.com/
http://www.businessweek.com/go/07/IDEA

-------
Profile: Media News

LOS ANGELES, July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Wildfire, Inc., which specializes in UV effects, including fixtures and expendable materials, is announcing the launch of their UV Artist of the Month Contest, which is open to all readers of their new newsletter, The Monthly Blaze.

*(LOGO: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/07-0719-Wildfire_72dpi.jpg)

Every month, a black light artist will be selected and featured in the print and online newsletter, and will receive a $100 gift certificate good toward any purchase from Wildfire.

Artists interested in participating are encouraged to sign up for The Monthly Blaze, FREE of charge, at http://www.wildfirenewsletter.com/. Complete instructions for entering the contest is posted at http://www.uvartistcontest.com/.

The Monthly Blaze is devoted entirely to the world of UV effects and features ...

-- A resource for having UV-related questions answered by top
professionals.

-- Painting tips from Wildfire's creative director and Hollywood UV
legend, Kent Mathieu.

-- A profile of the "Wildfire Effect" in action, so readers can get ideas
and inspiration from professional UV scenic creations.

-- Announcements of new products and product improvements by Wildfire, so
you can stay up to date on what's happening in the world of UV effects.

-- A chance for black light artists to win the UV Artist of the Month
Contest and be featured in the newsletter.

-- Special offers and announcements specifically for readers.

-- And more ...

"We're launching this contest (and the newsletter) as a way to get more involved with our customers," says John Berardi, VP of Wildfire, "We're hoping to attract an entire community of black light artists and enthusiasts."

John Berardi is one of the leading authorities on UV effects and has been with Wildfire for over 12 years. Wildfire has been supplying talent and materials to the entertainment industry since 1989.

More information about Wildfire can be found at http://www.wildfirefx.com/, or by calling Aaron Stanley at (310) 755-6780 ext. 104.

This release was issued on behalf of the above organization by Send2Press(R), a unit of Neotrope(R). http://www.send2press.com/

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Wildfire, Inc.

CONTACT: Aaron Stanley of Wildfire, Inc., +1-310-755-6780, ext. 104,
fax, +1-310-755-6781, astanley@wildfirefx.com

Web site:

http://www.wildfirefx.com/
http://www.uvartistcontest.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Print-ready logo and images available.

-------
Profile: Media News

LOS ANGELES, July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Wildfire, Inc., which specializes in UV effects, including fixtures and expendable materials, has just launched a unique newsletter devoted entirely to UV effects called "The Monthly Blaze."

*(Logo: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/07-0719-Wildfire_72dpi.jpg)

"We get asked all the time about how to create certain effects with the luminescent paint, how to get a really bright effect, or which kind of fixture to use for a particular application," said John Berardi, VP of Wildfire. "So we decided it was time to create an interactive resource for those interested in learning more."

Wildfire's new newsletter encourages questions and feedback from its readers, and features a monthly UV Artist of the Month Contest, available only to recipients.

Here's what The Monthly Blaze has in store for subscribers:

-- A resource for having UV-related questions answered by top
professionals.

-- Painting tips from Wildfire's creative director and Hollywood UV
legend, Kent Mathieu.

-- A profile of the "Wildfire Effect" in action, so readers can get ideas
and inspiration from professional UV scenic creations.

-- Announcements of new products and product improvements by Wildfire, so
you can stay up to date on what's happening in the world of UV
effects.

-- A chance for black light artists to win the UV Artist of the Month
Contest and be featured in the newsletter.

-- Special offers and announcements specifically for readers.

-- And more...

To sign up to receive The Monthly Blaze, go to http://www.wildfirenewsletter.com/. There is no charge to sign up. More information on the UV Artist of the Month Contest can be found at http://www.uvartistcontest.com/.

John Berardi is one of the leading authorities on UV effects and has been with Wildfire for over 12 years. Wildfire has been supplying talent and materials to the entertainment industry since 1989.

More information can be found at http://www.wildfirefx.com/, or by calling John Berardi at (310) 755-6780 ext. 101, or Aaron Stanley at (310) 755-6780 ext. 104.

This release was issued on behalf of the above organization by Send2Press(R), a unit of Neotrope(R). http://www.send2press.com/

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Wildfire, Inc.

CONTACT: Aaron Stanley of Wildfire, Inc., +1-310-755-6780 x104, fax,
+1-310-755-6781, astanley@wildfirefx.com

Web site:

http://www.wildfirefx.com/
http://www.uvartistcontest.com/
http://www.wildfirenewsletter.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Print-ready logo and images available

-------
Profile: Media News

Features Also Include Improved Site Usability and Transactional Sale of Company Reports

AUSTIN, July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Hoover's, Inc. (http://www.hoovers.com/) today announced a collection of new search tools -- Hoover's Business Widgets -- as well as a number of additional user-driven enhancements to its free site. The new features include search plug-ins for both Internet Explorer 7 and Firefox, as well as a search gadget for the Google Personalized Homepage. Hoover's gives its customers a competitive edge with insightful information about industries, companies and key decision makers.

Hoover's Business Widgets provide several new search options for both individual users and online publishers. Hoover's Business Widgets for individuals include:

-- Search Plug-In for IE7 and Firefox
-- Allows users to incorporate Hoover's into their browser toolbar
in order to search for a company quickly and easily without
having to leave their Web page.
(http://www.hoovers.com/business-information/--pageid__15437--

/global-hoov-index.xhtml)
-- Search Gadget for Google Personalized Homepage
-- Allows users to integrate Hoover's free search box into their
Google personalized homepage for instant access to content on
millions of worldwide companies.
(http://www.hoovers.com/business-information/--pageid__15856--

/global-mktg-index.xhtml)
-- Active Bookmark: Company Search
-- Allows users to add a bookmark button to their browser toolbar
that uses information from the Web page they're viewing to
direct them to the most relevant Hoover's Company Fact Sheet or
search results.
-- Within any specific company Web site, users can simply click
the bookmark button to be directed to that company's Fact Sheet
on Hoover's.
Click here for more information:

http://www.hoovers.com/business-information/--pageid__15857--

/global-mktg-index.xhtml

Corresponding Hoover's Business Widgets for online publishers include:
-- Auto Hyperlink
-- Allows publishers to easily link prominent companies cited
within their pages to the relevant Hoover's Fact Sheets, thus
additional insight and context.
(http://www.hoovers.com/business-information/--pageid__15855--

/global-mktg-index.xhtml)
-- Customizable Search Widget for Partners
-- Allows online publishers to integrate Hoover's search box
directly into their Web site.
(http://www.hoovers.com/business-information/--pageid__15894--

/global-mktg-index.xhtml)

"Widget technology is yet another way to make it easier for busy professionals to find business information on the Web without having to conduct numerous searches using a number of different Web sites," said David Mather, Hoover's president. "By providing meaningful links via highly trafficked sites like Google to those who spend a lot of time searching for business information, Hoover's Business Widgets are a definite time-saver and productivity enhancer. These tools also help publishers augment their content by allowing them to easily link to Hoover's company information."

Additional Hoover's Free Site Enhancements include:
-- Business networking tool Hoover's Connect
-- Allows individuals to build their relationship network and find
the best path, via introduction by a trusted source, to the
people and companies they want to reach.
(http://www.hoovers.com/business-information/--pageid__15639--

/global-mktg-index.xhtml)
-- Transactional, one-off sale of company reports for Hoover's
more than 30,000 proprietary, in-depth company records
(http://www.hoovers.com/company_report/--pageid__15885--

/global-mktg-index.xhtml)

-- Free access to more company information through the addition of three
million company records covering mostly private companies.
-- New, left-side navigation tool to give users a better view of and
quicker access to Hoover's content.

These latest enhancements are part of Hoover's continued efforts to implement regular, customer-driven improvements through its free site, as well as Hoover's subscriber site.

About Hoover's, Inc.

Hoover's, a D&B company, gives its customers a competitive edge with insightful information about industries, companies, and key decision makers. Hoover's provides this up-to-date information for sales, marketing, business development, and other professionals who need intelligence on U.S. and global companies, industries, and the people who lead them. This information, along with powerful tools to search, sort, download and integrate the content, is available through Hoover's (http://www.hoovers.com/), the company's premier online service. Hoover's business information is also available through corporate intranets and distribution agreements with licensees, as well as via Hoover's books. The company is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Hoover's, Inc.

CONTACT: Lisa Glass of Hoover's, Inc., +1-512-374-4662,
lglass@hoovers.com

Web site:

http://www.hoovers.com/

-------
Profile: Media News

NEW YORK, July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The market for food gifts, which grew a heaping 47% between 2004 and 2006, is expected to grow another 45% by 2010, reaching over $23 billion in sales, according to Food Gifting in the U.S. a new report from market research publisher Packaged Facts.

Overall gift sales experienced less joy and receiving. Continuing a longer-term trend embellished by increased self-gifting, or "one for you, one for me" shopping, which rose 8% between the 2005 and 2006 holiday seasons, rising gas prices, stagnant population growth for the under-14 crowd, and old- fashioned "what to buy" frustration, overall gift sales fizzled, dropping 8% for the 2004-2006 period.

Food gift sales, on the other hand, gained in popularity for many of the same reasons as electronic gifts and gift cards, the only other gift categories to post increases: Food gifts are sure to please and they can be shared. But food gifts also provide an "experience" or an indulgence -- one that 26% of people polled by Packaged Facts admitted to buying for themselves.

Increasing customization and evolving food tastes, including the craving for more organic, ethnic, and wellness varieties, are expected to continue to drive sales into 2010.

"As more consumers enter the category, some for the first time, preferences will evolve to reflect changing food tastes overall," notes Tatjana Meerman, Publisher of Packaged Facts. "One in ten shoppers is looking for healthy food gifts, and as the category matures, we expect to see more variation in specialty food gifts."

Food Gifting in the U.S. provides a comprehensive look at the market for purchased food gifts. The report reviews both the consumer and corporate markets and examines gift-giving trends, offers competitor profiles, and identifies consumer trends and behaviors. The report is available from Packaged Facts by visiting http://www.packagedfacts.com/Food-Gifting-977956. It is also available at MarketResearch.com.

About Packaged Facts

Packaged Facts publishes market intelligence on a wide range of consumer industries, including consumer goods and retailing, food and beverage, and demographics. For more information visit www.PackagedFacts.com, or contact Tom Ehart at 240-747-3014, or tehart@marketresearch.com.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Packaged Facts

CONTACT: Tom Ehart of MarketResearch.com, +1-240-747-3014,
tehart@marketresearch.com

Web site:

http://www.packagedfacts.com/
http://www.marketresearch.com/
http://www.packagedfacts.com/Food-Gifting-977956

-------
Profile: Media News

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Foreclosure is a homeowner's worst nightmare. According to author Lloyd Segal, the number of foreclosures has reached its highest level in more than 10 years. His new book, "Stop Foreclosure Now: Save Your House if You Can, Save Your Credit if You Can't" (now available through AuthorHouse), is a unique guide for homeowners who want to avoid foreclosure and protect their credit as much as possible.

"There are hundreds of books showing investors how to purchase foreclosure properties, but until now, there has not been a book to help people in foreclosure," he says. "This is the only book that helps homeowners understand the foreclosure process in their state and explains the strategies they can utilize to stop the foreclosure and save their homes."

In this comprehensive guide, Segal covers the basics as well as the complexities of the foreclosure process. With step-by-step instructions, he guides readers through a myriad of topics, including:

-- Deciding whether the property is worth saving
-- Timelines of the foreclosure process
-- Negotiating with lenders
-- Using the courts to stop foreclosure
-- Other options including bankruptcy, refinancing and selling the
property

By arming readers with essential information and forms, Segal hopes to leave them feeling empowered instead of helpless. "Foreclosure is not the end of the world - or even the end of your home, necessarily," he says. "First, know that you're not alone. Foreclosures affect all kinds of people and all kinds of properties. Like many people faced with foreclosure, you may feel helpless, hopeless and resigned to giving up your house without trying to save it. If so, cheer up! You actually have some good, solid options to take control of the situation, avoid foreclosure proceedings and even protect your credit."

As a mortgage banker and senior loan officer with more than 25 years of professional real estate experience, Segal specializes in residential and commercial financing. He is also a member of the California Association of Mortgage Brokers as well as a public speaker for universities, boards of realtors and other organizations throughout the country. He holds degrees from Boston University and Boston University Law School. His previous writing credits include "Everything You Wanted to Know About Chapter 11 Bankruptcy ... but Were Afraid to Ask" and "Stop Foreclosure Now in California." More information is available at http://www.stopforeclosurenowbook.com/.

AuthorHouse is the premier publishing house for emerging authors and new voices in literature. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com/.

EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
Promotional Services Department
Tel: 888-728-8467
Fax: 812-961-3133
Email: pressreleases@authorhouse.com
(When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

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

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: AuthorHouse

CONTACT: Promotional Services Department of AuthorHouse, +1-888-728-8467,
Fax: +1-812-961-3133, pressreleases@authorhouse.com

Web site:

http://www.stopforeclosurenowbook.com/
http://www.authorhouse.com/

-------
Profile: Media News

MARLTON, N.J., July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Author Kerry Patton makes national security accessible for the average reader in his new book, "Terrorism, Intelligence, & National Security" (published by AuthorHouse - http://www.authorhouse.com/).

Inspired by his niece's questions after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Patton began writing short stories based on his experiences in the United States Air Force. In Terrorism, Intelligence, & National Security he uses these stories as a segue into chapters which bring readers up to date on current affairs in national security.

One of Patton's gripping stories is the tale of David, an Israeli newspaper boy who faces the nightmare of a random bombing attack on his family's business. Readers will be enthralled by Father Mark's struggle to survive a guerilla attack in Columbia, and fascinated by the tale of Randy, a Chinese immigrant who seeks to shut down Chinese communism by hacking into the government's computer system.

Patton discusses the roots of terrorism in chapters such as "Terrorism Defined" and "History of Terrorism" in order to give readers a sense of the development of global intimidation. Clear-cut language and well-researched detail enlightens readers about the growth of terrorism and brings them up to date on its progress. In the second half of the book, Patton explores the current methods of combating terrorism through chapters titled "Changes to Current Counter Intelligence Practices" and "The Intelligence Reform."

"Terrorism, Intelligence, & National Security" seeks to provide a wake-up call to Americans regarding the history and possible future of terrorism's effect on their lives. Patton concludes with an eye-opening look at China and the likeliness of a second Cold War. "One should expect that if the war on terrorism ever ends, the likeliness of a second Cold War will become inevitable. The second Cold War's players will most likely be the United States and China. This Cold War will occur not because of Middle Eastern terrorists, but because of the ability China has to hold on to historical principles, such as Maoism," says Patton.

Patton has served in the United States Air Force and the federal government more than 14 years. He has taught members of the National Security Agency, Defense Security Services Agency, Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Agency, and numerous state and local law enforcement agencies in anti-terrorism and force protection matters. He has a bachelor's degree from American Military University in intelligence studies with a concentration in terrorism and a master's degree in strategic intelligence with a concentration in global terrorism. "Terrorism, Intelligence, & National Security" is his first book.

AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher (http://www.authorhouse.com/) for emerging, self-published (http://www.authorhouse.com/GetPublished/FAQ.aspx) authors. For more information, please visit http://www.authorhouse.com/.

EDITORS: For review copies or interview requests, contact:
Promotional Services Department
Tel: 888-728-8467
Fax: 812-961-3133
Email: pressreleases@authorhouse.com
(When requesting a review copy, please provide a street address.)

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

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: AuthorHouse

CONTACT: Promotional Services Department of AuthorHouse, +1-888-728-8467,
Fax: +1-812-961-3133, pressreleases@authorhouse.com

Web site:

http://www.authorhouse.com/

-------
Profile: Media News

KIRKLAND, Wash., July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- ITNetworks(TM), a next-generation online network for connecting IT buyers and sellers, today announced that it has selected PR Newswire, the global leader in news and information distribution services, to be its press release distribution service partner under its newly released Wire2Media(TM) service. Wire2Media(TM) provides businesses with public relations services including press release writing, editing, and distribution.

(Logo:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070719/NYTH079LOGO )
(Logo:

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000306/PRNLOGO )

When it comes to establishing credibility and a leadership position, it's important for companies to get their news and information in front of the right audiences. PR Newswire is the world leader in the distribution of press releases, photos and multimedia from companies and organizations. Using PR Newswire, ITNetworks' non-public company customers can reach a variety of critical audiences, including the news media, the investment community, government decision-makers, and the general public with up-to-the-minute news developments.

"ITNetworks and PR Newswire share a vision around the power of public relations as a way for companies to effectively get the word out to the marketplace about their products and services," said Pascal Stolz, CEO and Co- Founder of ITNetworks. "The addition of PR Newswire will provide our non- public company customers with an efficient and cost-effective way to disseminate their press releases to intended audiences and help increase their sales."

"PR Newswire has been working with leading technology companies for decades," said Pamela Bartlett, PR Newswire's director of strategic channels. "Through our vast distribution network, our specialized media targeting services, and our search engine optimization and Web 2.0 tools, ITNetworks' customers will be able to reach technology media and online consumer communities around the world with their breaking news and information."

"Selecting the right vendor for your organization can be a time-consuming and costly process," added Stolz. "We take the guesswork out of vendor section by offering our customers services from best-in-class vendors that have been pre-selected based on stringent criteria. We are excited to have PR Newswire join our vendor A-team."

New and existing ITNetworks(TM) members can take advantage of ITNetworks' Wire2Media(TM) press release writing and distribution services by signing up with ITNetworks' seller community, ITPartnerPoint, at www.itnetworks.com and clicking on the "Sell IT" property. Becoming an ITNetworks member is fast, easy and free.

About PR Newswire

PR Newswire (http://www.prnewswire.com/) provides electronic distribution, targeting, measurement and broadcast services on behalf of tens of thousands of corporate, government, association, labor, non- profit, and other customers worldwide. Established in 1954, PR Newswire, a subsidiary of United Business Media plc of London, has offices in 11 countries and routinely sends its customers' news to outlets in 135 countries and in more than 40 languages. Utilizing the latest in communications technology, PR Newswire content is considered a mainstay among news reporters, investors and individuals who seek breaking news from the source. PR Newswire's leading services include ProfNet Experts(SM), eWatch(TM), MEDIAtlas(TM), Search Engine Optimization, MediaRoom, MediaSense(TM), MultiVu(TM), U.S. Newswire, the preeminent policy newswire in the industry, and Vintage Filings, the fastest growing Edgar filing company.

About ITNetworks(TM)

ITNetworks(TM) is transforming the way companies evaluate and procure IT products and services. The company's patent-pending IT matchmaking and specialized IT search capabilities enable buyers and vendors to connect and conduct business with more efficiency, accuracy and less risk. For IT vendors, ITNetworks(TM) offers a robust and active community of IT companies and tier-1 manufacturers that help them address the needs of buyers and connect them with qualified leads. ITNetworks' leading services include ITPartnerPoint(TM), a vibrant online community of technology companies, and ITSearchEngine(TM), the first vertical search engine optimized for IT. Founded in 2006, ITNetworks(TM) is headquartered in Kirkland, Washington and is privately held. For more information please visit www.itnetworks.com or contact Dagmar@ITNetworks.com

ITNetworks(TM), ITPartnerPoint(TM), ITSearchEngine(TM), Wire2Media(TM) and their respective logos are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of ITNetworks(TM) Inc.

Note: The information in this release is current as of the date posted. ITNetworks(TM) undertakes no duty to update information once the release has been issued. The company's results may differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements.

CONTACT:
Rachel Meranus, Vice President, Public Relations, PR Newswire at
212.282.1929 or rachel.meranus@prnewswire.com.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070719/NYTH079LOGO
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000306/PRNLOGO
AP Archive:

http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: ITNetworks

CONTACT: CONTACT: Rachel Meranus, Vice President, Public Relations,
PR Newswire, +1.212.282.1929 or rachel.meranus@prnewswire.com.

Web site:

http://www.itnetworks.com/
http://www.prnewswire.com/

-------
Profile: Media News

NEW YORK, July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York Employee Confidence Index decreased 2.2 points to 56.7 in June, fueled by an increasing number of workers that believe the job market is weakening. According to the latest Spherion(R) Employment Report, the monthly survey of New York workers, conducted by Harris Interactive(R) on behalf of Spherion Corporation, the report shows that despite this decline, the Index level is 8.1 points higher than in June 2006, representing a significant increase in confidence from a year ago.

Results from the New York Employment Report:

- Seventeen percent of workers believe that the economy is getting
stronger, a four-percentage-point decrease from May.

- Fewer workers are optimistic in the availability of jobs, with 41
percent saying that fewer jobs are available, a six-percentage-point
increase from May.

- Despite the drop in macroeconomic confidence, workers are still
optimistic about their prospects in the job market. Sixty-eight percent
of workers are confident in the future of their current employer, an
increase of three percentage points from the previous month.

"I believe the drop in overall worker confidence in June is understandable, considering the economic uncertainty that persists, a weak housing market and business changes we've seen across the state," said Rich Mazelsky, regional vice president of Spherion Staffing Services. "What I find most interesting about our report is that a majority of workers are still feeling good about their job prospects, despite the fact that many feel the job market is slowing. We've got a confident group of workers that know they are in the driver's seat and still plan to change jobs. And, as the summer continues and we gear up for holiday season, we expect even more opportunities to become available for those who decide to make a change."

Link to full Report & Methodology:

http://spherion.mediaroom.com/pressroom/index.php?s=43&item=404

About Spherion

Spherion Corporation is a leading recruiting and staffing company that provides integrated solutions to meet the evolving needs of companies and job candidates. As an industry pioneer for 60 years, Spherion has screened and placed millions of individuals in temporary, temp-to-hire and full-time jobs. Positions range from administrative and light industrial to a host of professions that include accounting/finance, information technology, engineering, manufacturing, legal, human resources and sales/marketing.

With approximately 650 locations in the United States and Canada, Spherion delivers innovative workforce solutions that improve business performance. Spherion provides its services to more than 8,000 customers, from Fortune 500 companies to a wide range of small and mid-size organizations. Employing nearly 300,000 people annually through its network, Spherion is one of North America's largest employers. To learn more, visit www.spherion.com. For up-to- date career tips and trends, visit Spherion's career blog, The Big Time(SM), at www.spherion.com/careerblog.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Spherion Corporation

CONTACT: Media, Lesly Baer of Spherion Corporation, +1-800-422-3819,
leslybaer@spherion.com

Web site:

http://www.spherion.com/
http://www.spherion.com/careerblog

-------
Profile: Media News

NEW YORK, July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The Conference Board reports today that the Composite Index of Leading Economic Indicators fell 0.3% in June, after a downwardly revised 0.2% rise in May, and a 0.2% decline in April.

Says Ken Goldstein, Labor Economist at The Conference Board: "The Coincident Economic Index continued to rise through June, showing the economy is currently healthy. But the Leading Index has slowed in recent months, suggesting a possible softening of the overall pace of economic activity later in the second half of this year. While the economy has weathered the negative impact of the housing slump and the increases in gas and grocery prices, these negative factors continue to hold down growth in consumer and investment activity."

The Conference Board also reports that the Coincident Index increased 0.2% in June, after a downwardly revised 0.1% gain in May. The Lagging Index increased 0.5% in June, following an upwardly revised 0.3% increase in May.

The Conference Board(R) U.S. Business Cycle Indicators(SM)

U.S. Leading Economic Indicators
and related composite indexes for June 2007

The Conference Board announced today that the U.S. leading index decreased 0.3 percent, the coincident index increased 0.2 percent and the lagging index increased 0.5 percent in June.

-- The leading index decreased in June after increasing in May, and it
has declined in four of the last six months. Housing permits made the
largest negative contribution to the leading index in June, followed
by initial claims for unemployment insurance (inverted) and consumer
expectations. The leading index declined 0.7 percent from December to
June (a -1.3 percent annual rate).

-- The coincident index increased again in June. From December to June,
the coincident index rose by 0.6 percent (a 1.3 percent annual rate).
In June, industrial production made the largest positive contribution
followed by personal income less transfer payments* and employment.
The strengths among the coincident indicators have been very
widespread in recent months despite a slow down in its growth rate
from an average annual rate of about 2.5 percent in 2006.

-- The leading index has been fluctuating around an essentially flat
trend since January, and the number of decreasing components has been
slightly more than the number of components increasing in recent
months. At the same time, real GDP grew only at a 0.7 percent annual
rate in the first quarter of 2007, slowing down from a 2.5 percent
rate in the fourth quarter of 2006. The performance of the leading
index so far in the first half of 2007 continued to be mixed with
offsetting increases and decreases, and suggests that economic growth
is likely to continue, but it is likely to be at a slow pace in the
near term.

LEADING INDICATORS. Three of the ten indicators that make up the leading index increased in June. The positive contributors -- beginning with the largest positive contributor -- were average weekly manufacturing hours, manufacturers' new orders for nondefense capital goods*, and stock prices. The negative contributors -- beginning with the largest negative contributor - - were building permits, average weekly initial claims for unemployment insurance (inverted), index of consumer expectations, vendor performance, and interest rate spread. The manufacturers' new orders for consumer goods and materials* and real money supply* held steady in June.

The leading index now stands at 137.5 (1996=100). Based on revised data, this index increased 0.2 percent in May and decreased 0.2 percent in April. During the six-month span through June, the leading index decreased 0.7 percent, with four out of ten components advancing (diffusion index, six-month span equals forty percent).

The next release is scheduled for August 20, Thursday at 10 A.M. ET.

COINCIDENT INDICATORS. All four indicators that make up the coincident index increased in June. The positive contributors to the index -- beginning with the largest positive contributor -- were industrial production, personal income less transfer payments*, employees on nonagricultural payrolls, and manufacturing and trade sales*.

The coincident index now stands at 124.2 (1996=100). This index increased 0.1 percent in May and increased 0.2 percent in April. During the six-month period through June, the coincident index increased 0.6 percent.

LAGGING INDICATORS. The lagging index stands at 129.2 (1996=100) in June, with one of the seven components advancing. The positive contributor to the index was commercial and industrial loans outstanding*. The negative contributors -- beginning with the largest negative contributor -- were change in labor cost per unit of output*, average duration of unemployment (inverted), and change in CPI for services. The ratio of manufacturing and trade inventories to sales*, average prime rate charged by banks, and ratio of consumer installment credit to personal income* held steady in June. Based on revised data, the lagging index increased 0.3 percent in May and increased 0.2 percent in April.

DATA AVAILABILITY AND NOTES.

The data series used by The Conference Board to compute the three composite indexes and reported in the tables in this release are those available "as of" 12 Noon on July 18, 2007. Some series are estimated as noted below.

*Series in the leading index that are based on The Conference Board estimates are manufacturers' new orders for consumer goods and materials, manufacturers' new orders for nondefense capital goods, and the personal consumption expenditure used to deflate the money supply. Series in the coincident index that are based on The Conference Board estimates are personal income less transfer payments and manufacturing and trade sales. Series in the lagging index that are based on The Conference Board estimates are inventories to sales ratio, consumer installment credit to income ratio, change in labor cost per unit of output, the consumer price index, and the personal consumption expenditure used to deflate commercial and industrial loans outstanding.

The procedure used to estimate the current month's personal consumption expenditure deflator (used in the calculation of real money supply and commercial and industrial loans outstanding) now incorporates the current month's consumer price index when it is available before the release of the U.S. Leading Economic Indicators.

Effective with the September 18, 2003 release, the method for calculating manufacturers' new orders for consumer goods and materials (A0M008) and manufacturers' new orders for nondefense capital goods (A0M027) has been revised. Both series are now constructed by deflating nominal aggregate new orders data instead of aggregating deflated industry level new orders data. Both the new and the old methods utilize appropriate producer price indices. This simplification remedies several issues raised by the recent conversion of industry data to the North American Classification System (NAICS), as well as several other issues, e.g. the treatment of semiconductor orders. While this simplification caused a slight shift in the levels of both new orders series, the growth rates were essentially the same. As a result, this simplification had no significant effect on the leading index.

Summary Table of Composite Indexes
2007 6-month
Apr May Jun Dec to Jun

Leading index 137.6 137.9 r 137.5 p
Percent Change -.2 r .2 r -.3 p -0.7
Diffusion 30.0 55.0 45.0 40.0

Coincident Index 123.9 r 124.0 p 124.2 p
Percent Change .2 r .1 p .2 p 0.6
Diffusion 87.5 50.0 100.0 100.0

Lagging Index 128.2 p 128.6 p 129.2 p
Percent Change .2 p .3 p .5 p 1.2
Diffusion 35.7 64.3 35.7 35.7

n.a. Not available p Preliminary r Revised
Indexes equal 100 in 1996
Source: The Conference Board

Website:

www.conference-board.org/economics/bci

Source: The Conference Board

CONTACT: Ken Goldstein, +1-212-339-0331, or Indicators Program,
+1-212-339-0330, indicators@conference-board.org, or Media, Frank Tortorici,
+1-212-339-0231, or Carol Courter, +1-212-339-0231, all of The Conference
Board

Web site:

http://www.conference-board.org/
http://www.conference-board.org/economics/bci

-------
Profile: Media News

HOUSTON, Texas, July 19/PRNewswire/ -- ICIS pricing, the world's leading information provider for the chemical
and oil industry, launched the North America Epoxy Resins pricing report on
May 1, 2007.

Launched in response to demand for news and pricing information on epoxy
resins in the region, the weekly Epoxy Resins (North America) report offers
contract prices for Standard Liquid (LER) and Standard Solid (SER) grades,
and spot price assessments for LER in bulk and drums. The report also
provides commentary on upstream markets, including epichlorohydrin (ECH) and
bis-phenol A (BPA).

"With the increasing presence of epoxy resin importers vying with
domestic producers for market share, the North American market has become
more competitive," said ICIS markets reporter David Barry.

Epoxy resins are versatile polymers used in the manufacture of adhesives,
coatings (such as industrial and maintenance coatings in oil and gas
pipelines), paints and structural parts needed by the automotive, marine, and
aerospace industries. The market is affected by developments in feedstock
markets, in particular BPA and ECH.

"We are excited to offer this Epoxy Resins price report to a market that
has so far been lacking authoritative price information," Barry said.

Request a free trial of the Epoxy Resins (North America) price report
from ICIS pricing.

For more information on ICIS pricing, visit http://www.icispricing.com.

Note to Editors:

ICIS pricing

ICIS pricing, an independent pricing and market intelligence service from
ICIS, provides chemical and oil markets with reports published daily, weekly
or monthly on more than 100 products. The pricing information is gathered by
teams of experienced reporters in London, Houston, Singapore and Shanghai to
offer the most complete, authoritative and up-to-the minute independent
market information available. For further information on ICIS pricing and
ICIS, please visit http://www.icis.com

Reed Business Information

ICIS is part of Reed Business Information (RBI), a division of Reed
Business and a member of Reed Elsevier plc (525), (UK:REL) (US:RUK)
(NL:45443) the world's leading publisher and information provider. RBI
publishes over 100 market leading publications, directories and online
services, and organises many industry conferences and awards. The RBI
portfolio includes Computer Weekly, Caterer & Hotelkeeper, Commercial Motor,
Community Care, Estates Gazette, Farmers Weekly, Flight International, New
Scientist, Travel Weekly, Totaljobs.com, Caterer.com, CWJobs, Estates Gazette
Interactive (EGi), ATI (Air Transport Intelligence), ICIS, Kellysearch,
Kompass UK, and Bankers' Almanac. For a full listing visit
http://www.reedbusiness.co.uk

For further information please contact:

Marsha Tomlin
ICIS pricing
Tel: +1-713-5252604
Email: marsha.tomlin@icis.com

Source: ICIS Pricing

For further information please contact: Marsha Tomlin, ICIS pricing, Tel: +1-713-5252604, Email: marsha.tomlin@icis.com

-------
Profile: Media News

BlackDiamond 8810 Modular Switch is Recognized for Versatility and Value for Healthcare Organizations

SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Extreme Networks, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXTR) today announced that its BlackDiamond(R) 8810 Ethernet switch has received Healthcare IT Magazine's 2007 Editor Choice distinction for its impressive scalability, flexibility in providing a variety of IT environments with a full-featured converged network solution and overall value, making the modular switch an excellent choice for hospitals and related healthcare facilities.

In awarding the product its Editor's Choice, Healthcare IT Magazine highlighted the BlackDiamond 8810's switches overall switching performance, its support of various combinations of 10 Gigabit and Gigabit Ethernet ports and its bandwidth control with Quality of Service for Voice over IP (VoIP) traffic, which is commonly adopted by healthcare organizations.

"Information technology enables the delivery of high-quality patient care, supporting everything from electronic health records to financial and accounting information," said Scott Lucas, senior director of marketing for Extreme Networks. "An outstanding network is critical to the success of the IT mission. Networks that can deliver integrated security, availability and performance even under duress, and ease-of-use are essential in these very tough environments. We are delighted to be acknowledged for our ability to meet the demanding needs of our healthcare customers."

The Healthcare IT Magazine's Editor's Choice award further recognizes the BlackDiamond switch, showcasing its ability to cost-effectively serve a wide array of leading-edge convergence and security requirements for enterprises. The BlackDiamond switching platform and ExtremeXOS(TM) operating system have been honored on numerous occasions for their innovation and utility.

The BlackDiamond switch was named "Technology of the Year" three separate times by InfoWorld Magazine, for 2007, 2005 and 2004. Additionally, TechWorld Magazine of the United Kingdom named the BlackDiamond 8800 switch its Network Award winner as the "2005 Switch Product of the Year."

Extreme Networks, Inc.

Extreme Networks designs, builds, and installs Ethernet infrastructure solutions that solve the toughest business communications challenges. Our commitment to open networking sets us apart from the alternatives by delivering meaningful insight and unprecedented control to applications and services. We believe openness is the best foundation for growth, freedom, flexibility, and choice. We focus on enterprises and service providers who demand high performance, converged networks that support voice, video and data, over a wired and wireless infrastructure.

Extreme Networks, ExtremeXOS and BlackDiamond are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Extreme Networks, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: gcross@extremenetworks.com

Source: Extreme Networks, Inc

CONTACT: Greg Cross of Extreme Networks Public Relations,
+1-408-579-3483, gcross@extremenetworks.com

-------
Profile: Media News

Publication cites introduction of enterprise class server software as key source of growth

MADISON, Wis., July 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sonic Foundry(R) Inc. (NASDAQ:SOFO), a leader in automated rich media communications technology, today announced that Ziff Davis Media's Baseline magazine named the company the sixth fastest-growing software company among publicly-traded U.S. software businesses with sales less than $150 million.

"Our calculations of percentage revenue growth in the slide show are based on a comparison of each company's revenue in its most recently reported full fiscal year, versus the previous year," writes Robert Hertzberg. "The small software companies that look healthiest -- with sales approaching or exceeding $100 million -- have carved out niches for themselves in areas like automating corporate travel or helping with corporate marketing."

"Baseline's ranking helps to validate the success of our growth oriented business model and the continuing reinvestment we make in building our business," said Rimas Buinevicius, chairman and CEO of Sonic Foundry. "Our efforts to create rich media webcasting solutions for the enterprise have resulted in a patented and proven medium for online training, education and professional development. Now with the online video market starting to blossom, we are expanding our offerings with technologies and managed services that promise to penetrate the enterprise further and fuel additional business expansion."

Baseline magazine is a practical guide to costing and managing the deployment of leading-edge information technology. The full article, "Software's Top 10 Up-and-Comers," ranking and accompanying slide show are available at http://www.baselinemag.com/article2/0,1540,2156052,00.asp.

About Sonic Foundry(R), Inc.

Founded in 1991, Sonic Foundry (NASDAQ:SOFO) is a technology leader in the emerging rich media communications marketplace, providing enterprise solutions and services that link an information-driven world. Ziff Davis Media's Baseline Magazine named Sonic Foundry to its list of the top ten fastest-growing software companies with sales under $150 million. Sonic Foundry is changing the way organizations communicate via the web and how people around the globe receive vital information needed for work, professional advancement, safety and education. The company's integrated webcasting and web presentation solutions are trusted by Fortune 500 companies, education institutions and government agencies for a variety of critical communication needs. Sonic Foundry is based in Madison, Wis. For more information about Sonic Foundry, visit http://www.sonicfoundry.com/.

Certain statements contained in this news release regarding matters that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements. Because such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, uncertainties pertaining to continued market acceptance for Sonic Foundry's products, its ability to succeed in capturing significant revenues from media services and/or systems, the effect of new competitors in its market and other risk factors identified from time to time in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Sonic Foundry, Inc.

CONTACT: Erica St. Angel of Sonic Foundry, Inc., +1-608-443-1620,
ericas@sonicfoundry.com

Web site:

http://www.sonicfoundry.com/
http://www.baselinemag.com/article2/0,1540,2156052,00.asp

-------
Profile: Media News