3D News Room

Skarlis Wins National Guard FLW Walleye Tour Season Opener on Mississippi River

3DNewsroom — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

RED WING, Minn., April 21, 2012 – Pro Brian Bjorkman of Fargo, N.D. tried to make the final day of the National Guard FLW Walleye Tour on the Mississippi River presented by Evinrude exciting by bringing in a 28 pound 11 ounce sack, the heaviest sack of the day, with his co-angler Keith Keivens of Toledo Ohio. It would fall short and Pro Tommy Skarlis of Waukon, Iowa, and co-anger Tim Lessila of Milwaukee, Wis., who caught four walleyes weighing 14 pounds, 15 ounces was enough for Skarlis to get his first title on the Mississippi River. Skarlis’ three day total of 14 walleyes weighing 72 pounds, 8 ounces was nearly 9 pounds greater than Bjorkman’s in an event featuring anglers from 15 states and Canada. Skarlis win earned him $63,000.

“I feel like Indiana Jones,” Skarlis joked. “This is the ark for me. I have wanted a Mississippi River title for a long time and this one is pretty special. My dad didn’t fish, but he gave me gas money and so I was able to go fishing with a lot of guys and who taught me this river.”

Conditions on the river changed on a daily basis. Thursday’s rain caused the river to rise over 2 feet changing water levels and more importantly current. Many anglers were left scratching their heads, but not Skarlis, he never missed a beat. The pro claimed he employed a unique style he learned from river anglers Jeff Lahr and Marty Burns throughout the tournament. Skarlis said he fished jigs, three-way rigs and crankbaits over rocks.

“Figuring out the current is what fishing this river is all about,” said Skarlis. “Look for any place the current breaks. Rocky points, eddies, wing dams, any place you find a bulge or a seam in the current.

There was no one area that was key for me,” Skarlis continued. “I was all over the river. The river is full of sauger and the walleye love to feed on them and as long as there are sauger there will be walleye. This river really is a gift from God.”

Rounding out the remainder of the top 10 pros on the Mississippi River are:

2nd:  Brian Bjorkman, Fargo, N.D., 14 walleyes, 63-10, $16,000
3rd:   Brett King, Claremont, Minn., 15 walleyes, 52-12, $11,000
4th:   Rich Mealey, Westerville, Ohio, 15 walleyes, 49-13, $9,000
5th:   Robert Bruegger, Wabasha, Minn., 10 walleyes, 49-12, $8,000
6th:   Tom Brunz, Madison Lake, Minn., 14 walleyes, 48-2, $7,000
7th:   Joe Whitten, Toledo, Ohio, 15 walleyes, 46-15, $6,000
8th:   Chad Schilling, Akaska, S.D., 14 walleyes, 42-8, $5,000
9th:   Brent Henriksen, Tea, S.D., 13 walleyes, 38-5, $4,500
10th: Nick Schertz, Tomahawk, Wis., 12 walleyes, 34-15, $4,000

A complete list of results can be found at FLWOutdoors.com

Keith Keivens of Toledo, Ohio, earned the victory in the Co-angler Division to take home $8,500. His three-day weight totaled 68 pounds 3 ounces.

Rounding out the top 10 co-anglers are:

2nd:  Tim Lessila, Milwaudee, Wis., 14 walleyes, 55-3, $3,000
3rd:   Jesse Proffitt, Eau Claire, Wis., 15 walleyes, 54-9, $2,000
4th:   Keith Hahn, McHenry, Ill., 15 walleyes, 51-11, $1,600
5th:   John Mickish, White Bear Lake, Minn., 15 walleyes, 51-1, $1,400
6th:   Jim Milewsky, Bondurant, Iowa, 14 walleyes, 49-12, $1,200
7th:   Jimmy Cox, Bono, Ark., nine walleyes, 49-5, $1,000
8th:   David Klamfoth, Waverly, Iowa, 12 walleyes, 44-0, $800
9th:   Brett Lilienthal, Brooklyn Park, Minn., 13 walleyes, 39-9, $700
10th: C.J. Johnson, Monticello, Iowa, 12 walleyes, 36-3, $600

Overall there were 39 walleyes weighing 131 pounds, 1 ounce caught by 10 boats Friday. The catch included four five-walleye limits.

In Walleye Tour competition, pro and co-anglers are competing for valuable points in the hope of qualifying for a shot at the 2012 National Guard FLW Walleye Tour Championship which will be held on the Mississippi River in the Quad Cities Sept. 25-28. Anglers are also vying for the coveted Angler of the Year title, which earns them a place in the 2013 Walleye Tour Championship, as well as $10,000 for the pro and $2,500 for the co-angler.

The FLW Walleye Tour season opener on the Mississippi River will be featured in the Sept. 23 episode of ‘FLW’ which will be broadcast in high-definition (HD) on NBC Sports Network from 1 – 2 p.m. ET. ‘FLW’ is hosted by Chip Leer and is broadcast to more than 559 million households worldwide, making it the most widely distributed weekly outdoors-sports television show in the world.

The National Guard FLW Walleye Tour on Lake Erie will be the next tournament being held on May 10-12 in Port Clinton, Ohio. The event will be hosted by the City of Port Clinton and boats will launch from West Harbor County Launch. For a complete schedule visit FLWOutdoors.com.

For complete details and updated information visit FLWOutdoors.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/FLWFishing and on Twitter at Twitter.com/FLWFishing.

ABOUT FLW
FLW is the industry’s premier tournament-fishing organization, providing unparalleled fishing resources and entertainment to our sponsors, fans and host communities. FLW is offering anglers of all skill levels the opportunity to compete for millions in prize money nationwide in 2012 over the course of 191 tournaments across five tournament circuits, each providing an avenue to the sport’s richest payday and most coveted championship trophy – the Forrest Wood Cup. FLW is committed to providing a lifestyle experience that is the “Best in Fishing, On and Off the Water,” through a variety of platforms including tournaments, outdoor expos and the world’s richest fantasy sports game – FLW Fantasy Fishing. For more information about FLW and FLW Fantasy Fishing, visit FLWOutdoors.com or FantasyFishing.com and look for FLW on Twitter and Facebook.

FLWOutdoors.com

SOURCE FLW Outdoors

Postal Service Immortalizes Literary Giants

3DNewsroom — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 19:15:00 +0000

LOS ANGELES, April 21, 2012 — Against the electric backdrop of the 17th annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, at the University of Southern California (USC), the U.S. Postal Service today honored 10 of this nation’s most illustrious poets of the 20th century on 45-cent First-Class Mail Forever stamps.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120421/DC92005)

“Throughout the ages, poetry has been regarded as important and providing unique value, giving us all a better understanding of life,” said David Williams, U.S. Postal Service vice president, Network Operations. “That is why the Postal Service is so proud to be dedicating a new commemorative Forever stamp pane that celebrates 10 of our nation’s most admired poets, which include United States Poet Laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners and National Book Award winners.”

Joining Williams to dedicate the stamps at the First-Day-of-Issue ceremony were Elizabeth Garrett, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, USC; Dana Gioia, Judge Widney Professor of Poetry and Public Culture, USC and member of the Postmaster General’s Citizens’ Stamp Advisory Committee; Youssef Biaz, student, USC and U.S. national champion, Poetry Out Loud; Carol Muske-Dukes, founding director of Ph.D. program in Creative Writing and Literature, USC; and David St. John, professor, USC.

The Twentieth-Century Poets honored by the Postal Service include Elizabeth Bishop, Joseph Brodsky, Gwendolyn Brooks, E.E. Cummings, Robert Hayden, Denise Levertov, Sylvia Plath, Theodore Roethke, Wallace Stevens and William Carlos Williams. Each stamp features a photograph of one of the 10 poets. Text on the back of the stamp sheet includes an excerpt from one poem by each poet. The art director was Derry Noyes.

Elizabeth Bishop was known as a “writer’s writer,” suggesting the admiration other poets feel for her work. The photograph of Elizabeth Bishop was taken in her home in Key West, FL, by Josef Breitenbach.

E.E. Cummings expertly manipulated the rules of grammar, punctuation, rhyme and meter to create poems that resembled modernist paintings more than traditional verse. The E.E. Cummings stamp features a photograph of Cummings taken in 1935 by Edward Weston.

An award-winning author of more than 20 collections of poetry, Denise Levertov wrote mystical, meditative poems about nature, spirituality, love, and loss as well as antiwar poems. The Denise Levertov stamp features a photograph of Levertov taken by Rollie McKenna.

Sylvia Plath probed the conflict between inner self and outward appearance. Her complex body of work includes deftly imagined poems about marriage and motherhood, gender and power, death and resurrection, and the search for self. The Sylvia Plath stamp features a photograph of Plath taken by Rollie McKenna.

The Elizabeth Bishop, E.E. Cummings, Denise Levertov and Sylvia Plath photographs are part of the collection at the Center for Creative Photography at the University of Arizona, Tucson.

Joseph Brodsky, an exile from the Soviet Union, was the first foreign-born poet to be appointed Poet Laureate of the United States. The Joseph Brodsky stamp features a photograph of Brodsky standing on a pier on the Hudson River in New York City. The photograph was taken by Nancy Crampton.

Gwendolyn Brooks is best remembered for distinctive, lyrical portraits of everyday urban life. The Gwendolyn Brooks stamp features a photograph of Brooks in her Chicago home. The photograph was taken in 1987 by Jon Randolph.

The poems of Robert Hayden reflect his brilliant craftsmanship, his historical conscience and his gift for storytelling. The Robert Hayden stamp features a photograph of Robert Hayden taken around 1975 by Timothy Franklin. The photograph is part of the Prints and Photographs Division at the Library of Congress.

Theodore Roethke created intimate, introspective poems distinguished by lyricism and a sensual use of imagery. The Theodore Roethke stamp features a photograph of Roethke taken in London, England.

The poems of Wallace Stevens explore language and meaning that make reading a distinctive experience. The Wallace Stevens stamp features a photograph of Stevens taken by Sylvia Salmi. The image is from Bettmann/CORBIS.

William Carlos Williams was a doctor who typed out his poems between seeing patients. His work showed readers the extraordinary in the commonplace. The Williams stamp features a photograph taken in the 1940s. The photograph is from the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library at Yale University.

The stamps on the Twentieth-Century Poets pane are being issued as Forever stamps. Forever stamps are always equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Customers may view the Twentieth-Century Poets Forever stamps, as well as this year’s other stamps, on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps, through Twitter @USPSstamps or on the website Beyond the Perf at beyondtheperf.com/stamp-releases/2012. Beyond the Perf is the Postal Service’s online site for background on upcoming stamp subjects, first-day-of-issue events and other philatelic news.

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark

Customers have 60 days to obtain the first day of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at a local Post Office, at The Postal Store website at www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in larger envelopes addressed to:

Twentieth-Century Poets Stamp
Main Post Office
7001 S. Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90052-9998

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by June 21, 2012.

How to Order First Day Covers

The Postal Service also offers first day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first day of issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic Catalog, online at www.usps.com/shop or by calling 800-782-6724. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-782-6724 or writing to:

U.S. Postal Service
Catalog Request
PO Box 219014
Kansas City, MO 64121-9014

Philatelic Products

There are five philatelic products available for this stamp issue:

468863, First Day Cover, Set of 10, $8.90.
468868, Digital Color Postmark, Set of 10, $16.00.
468891, Ceremony Program (random single), $6.95.
468894, Note cards, $14.95.
468899, Cancellation Keepsake (Random DCP w/Pane), $10.95.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

A self-supporting government enterprise, the U.S. Postal Service is the only delivery service that reaches every address in the nation, 151 million residences, businesses and Post Office Boxes. The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. With 32,000 retail locations and the most frequently visited website in the federal government, usps.com, the Postal Service has annual revenue of more than $65 billion and delivers nearly 40 percent of the world’s mail. If it were a private sector company, the U.S. Postal Service would rank 35th in the 2011 Fortune 500. In 2011, the U.S. Postal Service was ranked number one in overall service performance, out of the top 20 wealthiest nations in the world, Oxford Strategic Consulting. Black Enterprise and Hispanic Business magazines ranked the Postal Service as a leader in workforce diversity. The Postal Service has been named the Most Trusted Government Agency for six years and the sixth Most Trusted Business in the nation by the Ponemon Institute.

Follow the Postal Service on Twitter @USPS_PR and at Facebook.com/usps

SOURCE U.S. Postal Service

Rental Aggregator Rentzio Tackles The Vacation Home Rental Market

3DNewsroom — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 18:29:00 +0000

MIAMI, April 21, 2012 — Miami-based rental aggregator, Rentzio, Inc, is expanding its reach and tackling the vacation home rental market. Rentzio has long been known as the place to rent vacation recreational “toys” across America, but now Rentzio is placing an emphasis on the vacation home industry. Today, there are only a few national websites that allow travelers to rent Vacation Homes directly from their owners. While there are many sites for realty companies in various vacation hot spots around the country, rentzio allows both individual owners and agencies to list their properties on rentzio.com.

Rentzio is also pulling out all of the stops in marketing the Vacation rental home division. The rental giant joined Pinterest earlier this month and has created a board titled ‘Vacation Homes Rentals is the Way to Go!’ So far, the Board features over 40 “Pins” of vacation homes for rent through rentzio.com. What is really impressive is there are now more than 350 people following this particular rentzio board. Rentzio has 50 boards being followed by hundreds of people. Rentzio is also using its other social media sites (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn and YouTube) to promote the large selection of vacation home rentals.

Rentzio is the premier aggregator for rental agencies and individual owners to rent out RV’s, motorhomes, trailers, motorcycles, ATVs, bikes, watercraft and vacation homes. Rentzio accomplishes this by using the latest in social media and technology to amass the best offers for a fun-filled trip. The company strives to transform the way the industry does business by providing a one-stop-shop platform that brings together the vacationer, these agencies and the individual owners. Helping travelers plan, that never-to-be-forgotten vacation is the company’s vision. Rentzio is also proud of its commitment to creating a sustainable environment to do business in and fostering the same behavior in customers and rental partners.

http://www.rentzio.com

SOURCE Rentzio, Inc

Chi Omega Fraternity Proud of Coach and Sister Pat Summitt

3DNewsroom — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 16:20:00 +0000

MEMPHIS, Tenn., April 21, 2012 – As University of Tennessee women’s basketball head coach Pat Summitt retires and steps into her new role as head coach emeritus for the Lady Vols, Chi Omega Fraternity remains proud to have her as an active alumna. Summitt was initiated into Chi Omega in 1971 at the University of Tennessee-Martin and has remained involved with the Fraternity during her 40-plus years of membership, speaking at local and national events for Chi Omega and inspiring Sisters all over the country.

In 1988, Pat Summitt was awarded the highest honor a Chi Omega can receive from the Chi Omega Foundation, the Malinda Jolley Mortin Woman of Achievement Award. At that time, Summitt had won her second national championship. Since then she has won six additional national championships and won more basketball games than any other coach. The Malinda Jolley Mortin Woman of Achievement Award has been presented to 29 alumnae since 1986 and recognizes distinguished professional accomplishment, service to an individual’s community, and to the nation.

“The world knows Pat Summitt as many thin…athlete, coach, mother, author, teacher, motivator, champion…the list goes on and on. More than 300,000 women call her ‘Sister,’ as a member of our beloved Chi Omega Fraternity,” said Chi Omega National President Letitia Fulkerson. “Coach Summitt has been a personal inspiration to me as I know she has been to countless others. She is the very embodiment of our ‘Symphony’ which instructs us to be ‘discouraged never.’ Through her example of leadership, determination, dignity, and grace, Coach Summitt has given her Chi Omega Sisters and all who follow her a true roadmap to a successful life. Chi Omega celebrates Coach Summitt and her many achievements!”

Founded in 1895, Chi Omega Fraternity is the largest women’s fraternal organization in the world with over 300,000 initiated Sisters and 174 collegiate chapters. Chi Omegas bring the Fraternity’s founding purposes to life, one woman at a time, through friendship, personal integrity, service to others, academic excellence and intellectual pursuits, community and campus involvement, and personal and career development. Chi Omega’s shared values inspire Sisters to serve the world for a lifetime.

Press Contact:
Whitney Heckathorne
Director of Communications
Chi Omega Fraternity
(901) 748- 8600
wheckathorne@chiomega.com

SOURCE Chi Omega Fraternity

Comcast Volunteers Lend a Hand to Connecticut Communities on 11th Comcast Cares Day

3DNewsroom — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 12:30:00 +0000

BERLIN, Conn., April 21, 2012 – Over 650 Comcast Connecticut employees, their families and friends will join more than 67,000 volunteers nationwide as they spend today, Saturday, April 21, 2012, participating in one of the country’s largest corporate days of community service – the 11th Comcast Cares Day. Comcast’s Connecticut volunteers will roll up their sleeves at nine sites across the state, which are among approximately 650 project sites across the country, to lend a hand to the communities the company serves.

Over the previous 10 “Comcast Cares Days” Comcast volunteers have dedicated more than 2.1 million hours of service. The Company has also contributed more than $10.5 million in grants to organizations nationwide. Comcast Cares Day is one way that Comcast helps to power dreams and demonstrate a year-round commitment to making a difference in the communities it serves.

“Today, for the 11th time since 2001, we once again celebrate Comcast Cares Day. Since the program’s inception, more than 360,000 Comcast employees, their families and friends have contributed their time to their communities,” said Mary McLaughlin, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s Western New England Region, which includes Connecticut. “Today, we will surpass 2.5 million total hours of service. Comcast Cares Day is about coming together to have a positive impact on our communities, and I am truly proud to join my fellow employees as we continue in that mission.”

Comcast volunteers will spend the day doing community clean-up, landscaping, and painting, and will install two “Born Learning Trails” – one in Branford and one in Waterbury — in partnership with the United Way of Greater New Haven and the United Way of Greater Waterbury, respectively. A Born Learning Trail is a set of fun, physical learning activities that parents or caregivers can play with young children in an outdoor setting, arranged on a walking trail. Comcast volunteers installed New Haven‘s first Born Learning Trail at the Conte West Hills School during the 2008 Comcast Cares Day, Hartford‘s first trail at Burns Elementary School the following year and Middletown‘s first trail at Snow Elementary School in 2010.

The Comcast Cares Day 2012 Connecticut community partners and projects include the following:

Foote Memorial Park in Branford–general park clean up and installation of a Born Learning Trail in partnership with the United Way of Greater New Haven
Big Green Clean-Up Day in Hartford–community clean-up in Hartford‘s north end; landscaping, mulching, tree planting, cleaning empty lots & refurbishing a community garden
North End Action Team in Middletown–installing a community garden and neighborhood clean-up
Immanuel Baptist Shelter & Columbus House in New Haven–painting, general clean up and landscaping
Martin House, Inc. in Norwich–painting, landscaping, general clean-up & work on the “Martin Cafe” coffee bar
Urban League of Southern CT in Stamford–painting, landscaping and general clean up
Fulton Park in Waterbury-general park clean up and installation of a Born Learning Trail in partnership with the United Way of Greater Waterbury
Recycling Event with NBC Connecticut in West Hartford-paper recycling drive

Charisse Lillie, Vice President of Community Investment for Comcast Corporation and President of the Comcast Foundation, who is also a graduate of Wesleyan University and Yale Law School, will join Comcast volunteers at the Middletown Comcast Cares Day project. While on site, Lillie will present the North End Action Team and the Macdonough School each with a $12,500 grant from the Comcast Foundation.

Some of Comcast’s community partners will also join the cause. For example, FIRST Connecticut, a non-profit organization that provides science and technology programs for young people, will be providing 130 volunteers from their FIRST Robotics teams at the Stamford, New Haven, West Hartford and Waterbury sites. “I am thrilled, but not surprised by the tremendous response from our teams,” said Sue Glasspiegel, Regional Director of FIRST Connecticut. “Community service is ingrained in the FIRST culture and we welcome the opportunity to participate in this great day of community outreach.”

The Comcast Foundation will also provide grants to local community partner organizations across the country on behalf of each employee and family member who volunteers on Comcast Cares Day. The grants will help Comcast’s community partners continue their mission of serving the community throughout the year.

For more information on Comcast’s volunteer and community investment initiatives, visit http://www.comcast.com/inthecommunity.

About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) (www.comcast.com) is one of the world’s leading media, entertainment and communications companies. Comcast is principally involved in the operation of cable systems through Comcast Cable and in the development, production and distribution of entertainment, news, sports and other content for global audiences through NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable is one of the nation’s largest video, high-speed Internet and phone providers to residential and business customers. Comcast is the majority owner and manager of NBCUniversal, which owns and operates entertainment and news cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, local television station groups, television production operations, a major motion picture company and theme parks

About the Comcast Foundation
The Comcast Foundation was founded by Comcast Corporation in June 1999 to provide charitable support to qualified non-profit organizations. The Foundation primarily invests in programs intended to have a positive, sustainable impact on their communities. The Foundation has three community investment priorities – promoting community service, expanding digital literacy, and building tomorrow’s leaders. Since its inception, the Comcast Foundation has donated more than $108 million to organizations in the communities nationwide that Comcast serves. More information about the Foundation and its programs is available at www.comcast.com/neighborhood. More information about the Foundation and its programs is available at www.comcast.com/community.

SOURCE Comcast Cable

Comcast Volunteers Lend a Hand to Vermont Communities on 11th Comcast Cares Day

3DNewsroom — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 12:30:00 +0000

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt., April 21, 2012 – Over 250 Comcast Vermont employees, their families and friends will join more than 67,000 volunteers nationwide as they spend today, Saturday, April 21, 2012, participating in one of the country’s largest corporate days of community service – the 11th Comcast Cares Day. Comcast’s Vermont volunteers will roll up their sleeves at six sites across the state, which are among approximately 650 project sites across the country, to lend a hand to the communities the company serves.

Over the previous 10 “Comcast Cares Days,” Comcast volunteers have dedicated more than 2.1 million hours of service. The Company has also contributed more than $10.5 million in grants to organizations nationwide. Comcast Cares Day is one way that Comcast helps to power dreams and demonstrate a year-round commitment to making a difference in the communities it serves.

“Today, for the 11th time since 2001, we once again celebrate Comcast Cares Day. Since the program’s inception, more than 360,000 Comcast employees, their families and friends have contributed their time to their communities,” said Mary McLaughlin, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s Western New England Region, which includes Vermont. “Today, we will surpass 2.5 million total hours of service. Comcast Cares Day is about coming together to have a positive impact on our communities, and I am truly proud to join my fellow employees as we continue in that mission.”

“Keeping Vermont clean and beautiful is a responsibility that we all share,” said Governor Peter Shumlin. “I’m so pleased that Comcast’s employees will volunteer their time to help out community organizations across the state.”

The Comcast Cares Day 2012 Vermont community partners and projects include the following:

Vermont Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Brattleboro–painting and landscaping
Boys and Girls Club of Burlington– indoor and outdoor painting, recovering chair seats, performing general outdoor grounds work, gardening and pool maintenance
Howard Center in Rutland – painting
Boys and Girls Club of Rutland County- installing shelving units
Springfield Community Center – general clean up and painting
Boys and Girls Club of Vergennes – painting projects and installation of a cubby system

“The activities that the Comcast employees will perform today would not otherwise get done without their efforts,” said Bert Carter, President of Vermont Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Inc. “The Vermont Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. is truly grateful for our partnership with Comcast during Comcast Cares Day, as it draws attention to the needs of our community and encourages others to get involved.”

“We are incredibly grateful to all our friends at Comcast for the amazing work that will be done at The Boys & Girls Club of Burlington and Winooski during Comcast Cares Day,” said Mary Alice McKenzie, Executive Director of The Boys & Girls Club of Burlington and Winooski. “To us, Comcast exemplifies the very best of corporate citizenship. We are blessed in this community to have businesses that are so community focused that they will mobilize their workforce as well as their employees’ families to help those of us who need help. Because of Comcast the children we serve will be walking through the doors of freshly painted, refurbished and landscaped buildings. One of the important ways to let a child know that we care about them is to provide clean, bright and safe spaces for them. The people of Comcast help us create those spaces for our children. Thank you so much to everyone at Comcast for caring about the children of The Boys & Girls Club of Burlington and Winooski.”

For more information on Comcast’s volunteer and community investment initiatives, visit http://www.comcast.com/inthecommunity.

SOURCE Comcast Cable

Powerhouse Comedian and Actor Kevin Hart Will Unleash His Firebrand of Comedy on the Main Stage of the 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival

3DNewsroom — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 11:43:00 +0000

NEW YORK, April 21, 2012 — Fireworks of the funny kind will descend on New Orleans during July 4th weekend when comedian and actor Kevin Hart takes the main stage to perform a set of his comedic pyrotechnics at the 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival. Hot on the heels of his starring role in the film “Think Like a Man” and a feature on the split cover of the May issue of ESSENCE magazine with his cast mates Taraji P. Henson and Michael Ealy (on newsstands now), Hart will debut his critically acclaimed performance in the Big Easy with his sold out “Let Me Explain” national concert tour. The 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival will be held in New Orleans July 6, 7, and 8 at the Louisiana Superdome.

“With my birthday coming up, I was thinking about making plans for my big day that week when I got the invite to come down to the ESSENCE Music Festival,” said Hart. “There’s no place I’d rather be than in New Orleans celebrating with over 400,000 Black people. New Orleans will not be the same again.”

“We are thrilled to have Kevin Hart join us at the ESSENCE Music Festival as he is one of the hottest comedians and most talented actors out there today,” said Michelle Ebanks, president, Essence Communications Inc. “Our audience deserves the best in entertainment and Kevin Hart continues that tradition of bringing smiles to our attendees’ faces with his unique blend of comedy and commentary.”

Hart will be joining the previously announced line-up, which includes super talents Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Charlie Wilson, Ledisi, Fantasia, Stephanie Mills, Keyshia Cole, Eve, Robert Glasper, Gary Clark Jr. and Alex Boyd and more. More talent additions will be announced in the near future.

In addition to the colossal music line-up, the audience can look forward to the annual ESSENCE Empowerment Experience, which is free and open to the public at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Festival-goers will experience three full days of socio-political dialogue, health and wellness discussions and spiritual inspiration led by dynamic motivational speakers. The rousing All-star Gospel tribute honoring gospel mega-stars Fred Hammond and Mary Mary with Yolanda Adams, Maurette Brown Clark, Kim Burrell, Byron Cage, Tyronne Foster & The Arc Singers, Tramaine Hawkins, Israel Houghton, Bishop Lester Love and Pastor Marvin Winans will round out the 3 day experience with an initial roster of leading authors, speakers and leaders including Steve Harvey, Rev. Al Sharpton, Rep. Maxine Waters, Dr. Steve Perry and more.

Now in its 18th year, the ultimate destination for entertainment and inspiration hosted over 422,000 attendees last year. What began in 1995 as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of ESSENCE magazine has now grown into one of the country’s “Top 10 Leading Brand Events” by Advertising Age. The ESSENCE Music Festival is the nation’s largest annual gathering of African-American music and culture. Throughout its history, the Festival has featured an array of performers including Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Al Green, Beyonce, Chaka Khan, Destiny’s Child, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, Jamie Foxx, John Legend, The Isley Brothers, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Maxwell, The O’Jays, Prince, Rihanna, Stevie Wonder, Toni Braxton, Patti LaBelle and Yolanda Adams, among others.

For information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL, visit ESSENCE Music Festival www.essencemusicfestival.com Join the Festival community: follow us on Twitter @essencemusic #EssenceFest and become a fan of 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival on Facebook.

The 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival, in partnership with QuintEvents, has created “ESSENCE VIP Events” to offer fans the ultimate in “insider access,” with exclusive VIP ticket, travel and hospitality party venue packages. The Official packages are available now at www.QuintEvents.com and will be featured on the Official website, www.ESSENCEVIPEVENTS.com in early 2012.

The presenting sponsor for the 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival is Coca-Cola. Major sponsors include Coors Light, Wal-Mart, McDonald’s, Ford, My Black is Beautiful, U.S. Army and Verizon. Official Sponsors are CNN, State Farm, TV-One and Visa Pre-Paid.

The 2012 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL is executive produced by Essence Festivals LLC, a division of Essence Communications Inc. (ECI). GeChar is the executive producer of the 2012 ESSENCE Empowerment Experience.

ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS INC.:

Essence Communications Inc. (ECI) is the number one media company dedicated to African-American women, with a multi-platform presence in publishing, live events, and online. The company’s flagship publication, ESSENCE magazine, is the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women; generating brand extensions such as the Essence Music Festival, ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood and Black Women in Music, Window on Our Women and Smart Beauty consumer insights series, the Essence Book Club, Essence.com, and ventures in digital media (mobile, television and VOD). For 42 years, ESSENCE, which has a brand reach of over 8 million, has been the leading source of cutting-edge information and specific solutions relating to every area of African-American women’s lives. Additional information about ECI and ESSENCE is available at www.essence.com.

SOURCE Essence Communications Inc.

U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for April 21

3DNewsroom — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 04:01:00 +0000

WASHINGTON, April 21, 2012 — Following is the daily “Profile America” feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110428/DC91889LOGO)

SATURDAY, APRIL 21: KINDERGARTEN

Profile America — Saturday, April 21st. Today marks the birthday of a German educator most Americans have never heard of but whose ideas about how young children learn have had a profound effect on many generations. His name was Friedrich Froebel, born in 1782. He believed that directed play was an important part of each child’s education — a theory that led to the establishment of the first kindergarten — literally, “children’s garden.” The first kindergarten in a U.S. public school opened in St. Louis, Missouri in 1873. Today, underlining the acceptance of Froebel’s ideas across the country, 3.8 million youngsters go to public school kindergarten each day. And nearly a half million more attend private kindergartens. You can find these and more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at www.census.gov.

Sources: Chase’s Calendar of Events 2012, p. 227
Statistical Abstract of the United States 2012, t. 225

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for “Multimedia Gallery” by the “Newsroom” button).

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau

Beach Boys Bring Historic 50th Anniversary Tour to Phoenix

3DNewsroom — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 01:11:00 +0000

PHOENIX, April 20, 2012 — The Beach Boys, one of the world’s most legendary and influential bands, have reunited for a global 50th Anniversary Tour. Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, and David Marks will tour together for the first time in more than two decades. The 40+ city tour, which will begin April 24th in Tucson, will feature a headlining date at New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on April 27th and a performance at The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival on June 10th.

Two concerts each in Chicago and New York City have already sold out and a second show at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT has already been added due to overwhelming demand.

The band, who performed together at the 2012 GRAMMY Awards, will also release a new studio album and commemorative 50th Anniversary catalog with Capitol/EMI.

On July 7, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. the Beach Boys will take the stage at Grand Canyon University Arena.

Tickets are $56, $80, $94 (special golden circle VIP seating is also available) and will go on sale Monday, April 30 at 10 a.m. through GCU Arena. GCU customers may log on to gcuarena.com; call GCU Arena by phone, 602-639-8999, for phone orders, or purchase from the Box Office.

Tickets subject to availability. Up-to-the-minute tour date and ticketing information can be found at thebeachboys.com.

Exclusive VIP ticket packages will be available through VIP Nation, including premium seats, meet & greets, soundcheck access, exclusive merchandise and more. For more information please visit vipnation.com.

The Beach Boys have recorded new songs for the as-yet-untitled album to be released in 2012. It will be the first to feature all of the band’s surviving original members in decades and is being produced by Brian Wilson and executive produced by Mike Love.

The Beach Boys and Capitol/EMI have also teamed up for a 50th Anniversary campaign spotlighting the band’s entire catalog, with several new commemorative releases planned for 2012, including a new hits collection and a career-spanning box set.

For five decades, America’s first pop band to reach the 50 year milestone has recorded and performed the music that has become the world’s favorite soundtrack to summer. The Beach Boys continue to hold Billboard / Nielsen SoundScan’s record as the top-selling American band for albums and singles, and they are also the American group with the most Billboard Top 40 chart hits with 36. Sounds Of Summer: The Very Best Of The Beach Boys is fast approaching triple-Platinum sales status, and The SMiLE Sessions, released to worldwide critical acclaim in November, has been heralded as 2011′s #1 Reissue of the Year by Rolling Stone magazine.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and recipients of The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement GRAMMY Award, The Beach Boys are an American institution that is iconic around the world.

For more information: www.dannyzeliskopresents.com | www.thebeachboys.com

SOURCE Danny Zelisko Presents

BULLY Screens at the White House Moments After President Announces Support for Anti-bullying Bills

3DNewsroom — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0000

NEW YORK, April 20, 2012 – Moments before The Weinstein Company screened BULLY at The White House today, President Barack Obama announced his support for two crucial bills that will protect students from bullying. Both bills tackle bullying in different ways. SNDA would ban harassment in public elementary and secondary schools based on a student’s actual or perceived LGBT status. SSIA would require schools to adopt anti-bullying codes of conduct and submit data to the Department of Education on bullying. The President’s announcement coincides with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network’s (GLSEN) 17th annual Day of Silence, which is a vow of silence to draw attention to the anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. BULLY expands in theaters nationwide today.

The White House released this statement today: “The President and his Administration have taken many steps to address the issue of bullying. He is proud to support the Student Non-Discrimination Act, introduced by Senator Franken and Congressman Polis, and the Safe Schools Improvement Act, introduced by Senator Casey and Congresswoman Linda Sanchez. These bills will help ensure that all students are safe and healthy and can learn in environments free from discrimination, bullying and harassment.”

In a statement released today on The White House official website, Valerie Jarrett, senior staff to Obama said: “Earlier today, we screened BULLY at the White House. This film is a powerful call to action: We must do everything we can to work toward the day when no young person or family suffers the pain, agony, and loss caused by bulling in our schools and communities. In the last few years, President Obama and his Administration have taken significant steps towards this goal. We also hope that Congress will take action to ensure that all students are safe and healthy and can learn in environments free from discrimination, bullying, and harassment by passing the Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA) and the Safe Schools Improvement Act (SSIA). These pieces of legislation are critically important to addressing bullying in our schools and safeguarding our most vulnerable students.”

Said TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein, “The Obama administration sees a problem and acts swiftly. This is an incredible turn of events and shows that art can have a transcending effect. For all those families of the children who were lost, it’s momentous to have the President and First Lady’s support and gives them something to celebrate.”

Today’s screening of BULLY at The White House took place in the South Court Auditorium for an audience of 150 people including leaders of organizations such as: GLSEN, National Coalition for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), Facing History, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and Change.org. In attendance on behalf of the film were director Lee Hirsch and producer Cynthia Lowen as well as many of the families and children who shared their stories in the documentary including Kirk Smalley, David and Tina Long, Kelby and Bob Johnson, and Alex and Jackie Libby. Jarrett spoke to the crowd on behalf of the President following the screening.

ABOUT THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY
The Weinstein Company (TWC) is a multimedia production and distribution company launched in October 2005 by Bob and Harvey Weinstein, the brothers who founded Miramax Films in 1979. TWC also encompasses Dimension Films, the genre label founded in 1993 by Bob Weinstein, which has released such popular franchises as SCREAM, SPY KIDS and SCARY MOVIE. Together TWC and Dimension Films have released a broad range of mainstream, genre and specialty films that have been commercial and critical successes. TWC releases took home eight 2012 Academy Awards^®, the most wins in the studio’s history. The tally included Best Picture for Michel Hazanavicius‘s THE ARTIST and Best Documentary Feature for TJ Martin and Dan Lindsay‘s UNDEFEATED. THE ARTIST brought TWC its second consecutive Best Picture statuette following the 2011 win for Tom Hooper‘s THE KING’S SPEECH.

Since 2005, TWC and Dimension Films have released such films as GRINDHOUSE; I’M NOT THERE; THE GREAT DEBATERS; VICKY CRISTINA BARCELONA; THE READER; THE ROAD; HALLOWEEN; THE PAT TILLMAN STORY; PIRANHA 3D; INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS; A SINGLE MAN; BLUE VALENTINE; THE COMPANY MEN; MIRAL; SCRE4M; SUBMARINE; DIRTY GIRL; APOLLO 18; OUR IDIOT BROTHER; I DON’T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT; SARAH’S KEY; SPY KIDS: ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD IN 4D; and MY WEEK WITH MARILYN. Currently in release are THE ARTIST; THE IRON LADY; CORIOLANUS; W.E.; UNDEFEATED; and BULLY. Upcoming releases include THE INTOUCHABLES. Recently wrapped was SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, and currently in production is DJANGO UNCHAINED.

TWC is also active in television production, led by former Miramax Films President of Production and current President of Television Meryl Poster, with credits including the Emmy® nominated and Peabody Award winning reality series Project Runway, spin-off series Project Accessory and Project Runway All Stars, the VH1 reality series Mob Wives, and the critically acclaimed HBO comedy/crime series The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency which also received a Peabody Award. The company is currently in pre-production on the martial-arts epic Marco Polo for Starz as well as production on the second season of Mob Wives and the newest installment in the series’ franchise Mob Wives Chicago. TWC additionally has 17 series in different stages of development, including The Nanny Diaries, being adapted for ABC by Amy Sherman Palladino (Gilmore Girls).

SOURCE The Weinstein Company

University of Houston’s C. T. Bauer College of Business Takes First Place in The Executive Leadership Council’s 2012 Business Case Competition on Corporate Philanthropy

3DNewsroom — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 23:16:00 +0000

FAIRFAX, Va., April 20, 2012 — MBA students from the University of Houston‘s C. T. Bauer College of Business took first place in The Executive Leadership Council’s (ELC) 2012 Business Case Competition today, which focused on corporate partnerships and support for African-American non-profits. Bauer was one of three finalist teams competing for $70,000 in scholarships. Sponsored for the third year by Exxon Mobil Corporation, the annual competition invited MBA teams from select business schools to analyze compelling business issues that challenged their critical thinking, analytical, and communications skills.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120420/DC92000-a)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120420/DC92000-b)

Two other teams from Emory University‘s Goizueta Business School and Carnegie Mellon‘s Tepper School of Business placed second and third place, respectively. The winning team was selected by a distinguished panel of judges that included leaders from corporations and non-profits, such as the Compass Group, 100 Black Men of America, AETNA, Inc., Aztec Worldwide Group, United Way Worldwide, the Silver Parker Group, and the League of United Latin American Citizens.

“Our team knew we had a strong case, and we were honored to be selected for the finals,” said team captain Emeka N. Akpunonu, a second-year MBA candidate at C. T. Bauer College of Business. “This was an important case that resonated with each of us; and just as much as we wanted to win, we also wanted to make a difference. It was our intention to offer sustainable solutions for continuing strong corporate support for African-American non-profits.”

ELC’s Business Case Competition challenged this year’s teams to develop strategies for strengthening ties between the corporate social responsibility community and African-American non-profits during tough economic times. Specifically, the competition examined how corporations can expand their global philanthropy efforts to African-American non-profits and other community groups at sustained or higher levels.

“I would like to congratulate all of the teams for their strong showings in the ELC’s Business Case Competition and for placing in the Finals. However, the team from University of Houston‘s Bauer College of Business made a strong case, presenting exceptional recommendations on the steps corporations and African-American non-profits need to take to strengthen their ties,” said Arnold Donald, ELC’s president and CEO. Donald added, “Emeka and his teammate Clyde McNeil offered powerful solutions for helping corporations retain and increase charitable giving to African-American non-profits while expanding their philanthropic footprint around the globe.”

Both members of the Bauer team will share a $35,000 scholarship cash award and will be recognized during ELC’s 2012 Annual Recognition Gala in October before an audience of more than 2,000 corporate, education and government leaders. The second place team from Emory‘s Goizueta Business School will receive a $20,000 scholarship cash award with the third place team from Carnegie Mellon‘s Tepper School of Business receiving $15,000.

About The Executive Leadership Council
The Executive Leadership Council is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(6) corporation founded in 1986, comprised of current and former African-American CEOs and senior executives at Fortune 500 and equivalent companies. For more than 25 years, the ELC has worked to build an inclusive business leadership pipeline and to empower African-American corporate leaders to make significant and impactful contributions in the global marketplace and their communities. Our programs develop future business leaders, filling the pipeline from the classroom to the boardroom. It is the preeminent organization that recognizes the strengths, success, contributions, and impact of African-American corporate business leaders.

The ELC’s related charitable organization, the Executive Leadership Foundation, focuses on improving local communities and helping disadvantaged groups within the broader society. The 501(c)(3) affiliate supports education programs and provides scholarships to deserving students interested in business and corporate careers. For more information about The Executive Leadership Council, please visit www.elcinfo.com.

About ExxonMobil
ExxonMobil, the largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world’s growing energy needs. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading inventory of resources, is the largest refiner and marketer of petroleum products, and its chemical company is one of the largest in the world. For more information, visit www.exxonmobil.com.

ExxonMobil engages in a range of philanthropic activities that advance education, health and science in the communities where ExxonMobil has significant operations. Globally, ExxonMobil provides funding to improve basic education, promote women as catalysts for development, and combat malaria and other infectious diseases in developing countries.

In 2010, together with its employees and retirees, Exxon Mobil Corporation, its divisions and affiliates, and Exxon Mobil Foundation provided $237 million in contributions worldwide, of which $110 million was dedicated to education. Additional information on ExxonMobil’s community partnerships and contributions programs is available at www.exxonmobil.com/community.

SOURCE Executive Leadership Council

Audio Network Wins Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2012

3DNewsroom — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 23:01:00 +0000

LONDON, April 21, 2012 –

Global media music group Audio Network has been honoured today with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of International Trade for 2012, firmly establishing the company’s position as a major global player.

This is Audio Network’s second royal accolade, having previously won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of Innovation in 2008.

With a catalogue of over 50,000 tracks, Audio Network offers a complete music solution at http://www.audionetwork.com by cutting through the traditionally complex and costly processes of licensing music. All its music tracks are pre-cleared for multiple formats, for the world, forever.

This approach allows producers to make content for international distribution, emerging platforms and new media without the need to go through the complicated and expensive process of clearing individual tracks or re-versioning productions.

Managing Director, Juliette Squair said, “This is the greatest tribute we could possibly receive in recognition of our expansion into the global marketplace. We work very closely with our international offices and sub publishers to ensure we continue to deliver great music and customer service. We have always known that the Audio Network ethos and music was special – now it has the official endorsement it deserves. We couldn’t be more delighted!”

Audio Network has recently opened an office in Munich in addition to those in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Holland and has a network of sub-publishers that cover France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Poland, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong, the Middle East, Japan and South Africa.

The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is the highest official UK award for British business. The awards are made on the advice of the Prime Minister and his Advisory Committee, which comprises leading individuals from industry, commerce, trade unions and Government. HRH Queen Elizabeth II then confers them on her birthday, April 21.

To qualify in the International Trade category, Audio Network had to demonstrate outstanding achievement in international trade over three years and substantial growth in overseas earnings and commercial success.

http://www.audionetwork.com http://www.facebook.com/audionetwork twitter.com//audionetwork

Notes for Editors:

Audio Network

With a catalogue of over 50,000 tracks, Audio Network offers a complete music solution by cutting through the traditionally complex and costly processes of licensing music. All music tracks are pre-cleared for multiple formats, for the world, forever.

The company supplies music to some major international media clients, including BBC, HBO, MSN, MTV Networks, National Geographic Ogilvy, and Endemol.

Audio Network owns the rights to their extensive catalogue which covers a full range of music styles from classical to hip hop and from country to rock ‘n’ roll. The music is recognised as amongst the best available and is created by its team of composers and recorded by major orchestras and artistes including The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Dame Evelyn Glennie OBE, Julian Lloyd Webber, Debbie Wiseman MBE and the late Sir John Dankworth CBE.

Releasing 1000 music tracks a month, the company also supplies more than 50,000 sound effects and a collection of famous classical works from its Borradaile Collection.

In addition to supplying original scoring, audio branding, sound design services and working as creative partners alongside over 300 renowned composers, Audio Network now has interests and operations in multiple territories, worldwide.

For further information please contact:

Andrea Zemmel

PR Manager

Minerva House

26-27 Hatton Garden

London EC1N 8BR.

Tel: +44(0)20-7242-2311

Mob: +44(0)7970-889405

a.zemmel@audionetwork.com

SOURCE Audio Network

Rentrak Announces Top Ten Movies-On-Demand Titles Week Ending April 15, 2012

3DNewsroom — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 22:04:00 +0000

PORTLAND, Ore., April 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ – Rentrak Corporation (NASDAQ: RENT) today announced the top ten movies-on-demand titles based on consumer transaction rate. Movies-on-demand are transactional (pay-per-purchase) films available through cable and telco providers.

According to the company’s OnDemand Essentials service, the top ten most-viewed titles, per data collected from April 9, 2012 through April 15, 2012 include:

Rentrak Top Ten VOD Titles

RANK	TITLE	STUDIO	VOD RELEASE DATE	MPAA RATING	BOX OFFICE ($M)
1	Alvin & The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked	FOX (NASDAQ: NWS)	04/03/12	G	132.8
2	We Bought A Zoo*	FOX (NASDAQ: NWS)	04/03/12	PG	75.4
3	The Darkest Hour*	Summit Entertainment	04/10/12	PG-13	21.4
4	The Iron Lady*	Anchor Bay Entertainment (NASDAQ: LSTZA)	04/10/12	PG-13	29.9
5	War Horse*	Buena Vista (NYSE: DIS)	04/03/12	PG-13	79.9
6	Sitter, The*	FOX (NASDAQ: NWS)	03/20/12	R	30.5
7	Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, The*	Sony (NYSE: SNE)	03/20/12	R	102.5
8	Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close*	Warner Bros. (NYSE: TWX)	03/27/12	PG-13	31.8
9	Hop	Universal (NYSE: GE)	03/20/12	PG	108.1
10	Descendants, The*	FOX (NASDAQ: NWS)	03/13/12	R	82.6

Source: Rentrak OnDemand Essentials, as dated, rank based on transaction rate. OnDemand Essentials includes reporting from operator partners on television-on-demand usage. *Indicates day-and-date with home video release.

© Rentrak Corporation 2012 -Content in this chart is produced and/or compiled by Rentrak Corporation and its OnDemand Essentials data collection and analytical service, and is covered by provisions of the Copyright Act. The material presented herein is intended to be available for public use. You may reproduce the content of the chart in any format or medium without first obtaining permission, subject to the following requirements: (1) the material must be reproduced accurately; and (2) any publication or issuance of any part of the material to others must acknowledge Rentrak Corporation as the source of the material.

About OnDemand Essentials®

OnDemand Essentials, a service of Rentrak’s Advanced Media & Information Division, provides operators, content providers (including broadcast/cable networks, studios) and advertisers with a transactional tracking and reporting system to view and analyze on-demand content. The product is an extension of Rentrak’s Essentials suite of business intelligence products customized for the entertainment industry. OnDemand Essentials clients have password protected, near real-time, Web browser-based 24/7 access to on-demand consumer usage data at various access levels based on business and privacy rules. A sophisticated toolset aggregates and reports data across multiple vendors in one easy to use report system. Clients using the OnDemand Essentials system are able to instantly analyze and interpret their own business data to identify trends, program and promote more effectively, as well as track their performance against the broader business sector in which they operate.

About Rentrak Corporation

Rentrak (NASDAQ: RENT) is a global digital media measurement and research company, serving the most recognizable companies in the entertainment industry. With a reach across numerous platforms including box office, multi-screen television, and home video, Rentrak has developed more efficient metrics to be used as alternative currencies for the evaluation and selling of media. Rentrak is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, with additional U.S. and international offices. For more information on Rentrak, please visit www.rentrak.com.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111007/MM82941LOGO)

RENTT

Contacts:
Rogers & Cowan for Rentrak Corporation
Sallie Olmsted	Amanda Bialek
(310) 854-8124	(310) 854-8151
solmsted@rogersandcowan.com	abialek@rogersandcowan.com

SOURCE Rentrak Corporation

Attorney General Eric Holder Honors Commissioner Of New York City Department Of Correction For Service To Crime Victims

3DNewsroom — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 21:47:00 +0000

WASHINGTON, April 20, 2012 – Attorney General Eric Holder recognized Commissioner Dora Schriro, from the New York City Department of Correction, with the Allied Professional Award today at the 2012 annual victims’ service awards ceremony, a prelude to the nation’s observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 22-28, 2012.

“This year’s 12 awardees have touched, improved and even saved lives. Perhaps most impressively, many of today’s award recipients have achieved these results by transforming their own experiences into a positive force for sweeping change,” said Attorney General Holder. “Every one of them deserves the commendation that is being bestowed today – not only for their remarkable contributions in responding to protecting and defending crime victims and their loved ones but also for the examples they have set for others to follow.”

Dr. Dora Schriro has heavily emphasized the importance of understanding and assisting victims of crime. At the New York City Department of Correction, she instituted a victim services program with an advisory board composed of survivors and advocates, to ensure that victims’ voices would be heard. Now, classes in victims’ issues and awareness are part of the training curriculum, as are policies addressing staff victimization. Dr. Schriro paved the way for greater understanding that correctional agencies also serve crime victims, who deserve respect, rights, and assistance. Dr. Schriro received the Allied Professional Award, which recognizes individuals from a specific discipline outside the victim assistance field for their services to crime victims or for their contribution to the victim service field.

In addition to Dr. Schriro, Attorney General Holder recognized the efforts of eleven other recipients for their extraordinary efforts in the aftermath of a crime, as well as their professional efforts to better serve the needs of victims with disabilities; for assisting U.S. citizens victimized outside the United States; and for ensuring victims receive compensation and other services at the state and local level.

The Office of Justice Programs, headed by Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary Lou Leary, provides federal leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice, and assist victims. OJP has six components: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; the Office for Victims of Crime; and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART). More information about OJP can be found at www.ojp.gov.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Justice Programs

Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum Leaves the Building… and Goes into the Community May 7-July 29

3DNewsroom — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 21:44:00 +0000

WASHINGTON, April 20, 2012 – The Anacostia Community Museum is leaving the building and going into the community with the dynamic initiative, ACM: Out & About taking place Monday, May 7-Sunday, July 29, while the public spaces (the galleries and a program room) are closed for a major lighting upgrade project. ACM: Out & About will feature collaborative arts and cultural programming presented primarily offsite throughout the Washington, D.C., area. The museum’s public spaces will reopen Monday, July 30.

Poetry slams, public arts and behind-the-scenes tours, community history talks, storytelling and Latin dance music forums are among the activities featured during ACM: Out & About. The major offsite offering, the program Citified: Arts and Creativity East of the Anacostia River, will take place at the 2012 Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall, June 27-July 1 and July 4-8. Citified showcases the arts and cultural expressions connecting residents in far southeast Washington communities, as the final part of the “Call and Response: Community and Creativity” project focusing on urban communities.

“The upgrade project offered us an opportunity we could not overlook, a chance to improve the quality of our visitor experiences particularly as we approach our 45th anniversary this coming September,” said Camille Giraud Akeju, director of the museum. “The offsite initiative enables us to work with our cultural partners to showcase the artistry found in communities east of the Anacostia River and provide visitors from near and far, with experiences on the Mall and throughout the District.”

More details will be forthcoming and the public is encouraged to follow the museum on Facebook and Twitter and to subscribe to its e-communications via its website at anacostia.si.edu where updates and schedule information will also be posted beginning April 27.

The Anacostia Community Museum opened in southeast Washington in 1967 as the nation’s first federally funded neighborhood museum. Located at 1901 Fort Place S.E. in Washington, D.C., the museum focuses on the impact of contemporary social issues on urban communities. Year-round Metro access and free onsite parking are available. For more information, the public may call (202) 633-4820 or (202) 633-1000; for tours, (202) 633-4844. Website: anacostia.si.edu.

SOURCE Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum

Reaching Every Victim, Extending the Vision of Service

3DNewsroom — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 21:43:00 +0000

WASHINGTON, APRIL 20, 2012 — This afternoon, as I stood with Attorney General Eric Holder and my colleague Joye Frost at the National Crime Victims’ Service awards ceremony, I felt both humbled and proud. Humbled by the stories of courage and perseverance told by the recipients of this year’s Service Awards, and proud of the persistent work done by OJP since 1983 to promote victims’ rights and honor crime victims.

Supporting victims of crime is a priority for this administration and for the Department of Justice. It is important to focus the nation’s attention on the courage and concrete results of individuals and organizations that provide services to crime victims. Their long term commitment to helping survivors, their families, and their communities is unparalleled.

This year’s theme, “Extending the Vision: Reaching Every Victim,” calls on us to celebrate the progress we’ve made. The theme captures the spirit and resolve needed to reach every victim to provide hope and help.

The work and stories of the individuals and organizations who have received this year’s awards are powerful.

Take Roi Holt, from Washington, who received a Federal Crime Victim Service Award. Through her work in government agencies, beginning with the Department of the Interior, she promoted awareness of federal victims’ rights laws among federal law enforcement personnel.

She has been a resource for law enforcement officers who need information, referrals and assistance for victims of crime. She has been especially active in responding to the critical needs of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and tribal communities. Her efforts empower communities and have a lasting impact on the lives of many people.

Then there is National Crime Victim Service Award winner Victoria Cruz, of Brooklyn, New York, who transformed herself from victim, to survivor, to advocate. As Senior Domestic Violence Counselor and Advocate at the New York City Anti-Violence Project, she empowers her clients to stand up and speak for themselves.

She speaks for those who can no longer speak — those lost to violence through murder. Victoria brings attention to violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and HIV-affected communities and speaks out about sexual violence, dating violence, and intimate partner violence. Ms. Cruz’s work saves lives and improves the quality of life for many in her community.

Mickey Rooney first entered America’s consciousness as a child movie star in the 1920s. No stranger to awards, Mr. Rooney has received the Lifetime Achievement Award, a Golden Globe, an Emmy Award, and a Peabody Award, five Oscar nominations, four stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a Bronze Star for his service during World War II. But today he received the National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Special Courage Award for bringing a new level of public awareness to the issue of elder abuse.

In 2011, he testified before the United States Senate in the hearing entitled: Justice For All: Ending Elder Abuse, Neglect & Financial Exploitation. Mr. Rooney spoke about his own emotional, verbal, and financial abuse at the hands of his stepchildren. He suffered silently for years but knew he needed to speak out about his ordeal. He said:

“To those seniors and especially elderly veterans like myself . . .You are not alone and you have nothing to be ashamed of. If elder abuse happened to me, it can happen to anyone. I want you to know that you deserve better.”

In addition, these outstanding advocates received awards during the ceremony:

Common Justice, for their work encouraging victims’ participation in the justice process.
Dr. Dora Shriro, for creating a state corrections-based victim assistance program.
Girls Educational and Mentoring Services (GEMS) founder Rachel Lloyd, for serving girls and young women who have experienced sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking.
Julia Dunkins and Justin Todd Fennell, for using their personal experiences as survivors of violence to support others.
Dr. Linda Ledray, for establishing the Sexual Assault Resource Service (SARS), one of the first Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) programs.
Maricopa County (AZ) Adult Probation Department Financial Compliance Unit, for holding probationers accountable for financial compliance with the collection of restitution for victims of crime.
Michelle D. Scott, for instituting a victim services program with an advisory board composed of survivors and advocates to ensure that victims’ voices are heard.
Wingate Grant, for implementing an innovative unit for recovering assets for crime victims that is a model for U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.

I invite you to visit the Office for Victims of Crime Gallery to read the full biographies of these extraordinary women and men, and the institutions they represent, who have been honored for their courage and service today.

For more information, read the Attorney General’s full remarks from the event that outline the work of the the Department of Justice to assist and support crime victims across the country.

Reaching Every Victim, Extending the Vision of Service: http://blogs.justice.gov/main/archives/2058

The Office of Justice Programs (OJP), headed by Acting Assistant Attorney General Mary Lou Leary, provides federal leadership in developing the nation’s capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice, and assist victims. OJP has six components: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; the Office for Victims of Crime; and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. More information about OJP can be found at http://www.ojp.gov.

SOURCE Office of Justice Programs

Feeding America Responds To Senate Agriculture Committee Farm Bill Mark

3DNewsroom — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 21:42:00 +0000

CHICAGO, April 20, 2012 — “While we recognize the challenge of drafting a Farm Bill in a climate of deficit reduction, Feeding America is deeply disappointed that the Senate Agriculture Committee proposes to cut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) when the need for food assistance remains at unprecedented levels. We strongly oppose proposed cuts to nutrition programs and instead urge Congress to draft a Farm Bill that protects and strengthens programs like SNAP and TEFAP.

“With unemployment stuck at over 8% nationally, millions of families scraping by with reduced wages or hours, and the charitable system stretched to the breaking point, cuts to SNAP would add further hardship for struggling families and communities across the country.

“Nearly 49 million Americans have trouble putting food on the table, with many families relying on SNAP to get by. While they provide a lifeline to struggling families, SNAP benefits are not overly generous and for many families they run out before the month does. Our national network of over 200 food banks is already stretched thin trying to meet the record demand for food assistance at a time when the supply of TEFAP commodity foods has declined markedly.

“Feeding America appreciates that the Senate Agriculture Committee recognized the urgent need for additional TEFAP by providing an additional $100 million over the next ten years. However, the reality is that we saw a $173 million loss of TEFAP last year alone. Charity, already stretched to the limit serving huge increases in need during the recession, will not have the capacity to make up for billions of dollars in lost SNAP benefits. Our food banks need more TEFAP, not increased demand.

“Farm Bill nutrition programs are working effectively to protect against hunger and promote nutrition among our nation’s most vulnerable – children, seniors, and low-income families. Washington has a long standing history of a bipartisan commitment to protecting the safety net and low-income people in past deficit reduction efforts. We urge Congress to continue that commitment and protect and strengthen funding for food assistance programs throughout the farm bill process.”

About Feeding America
Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation’s leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 37 million Americans each year, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 61,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit http://www.feedingamerica.org/. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow our news on Twitter at twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.

Media Contact:
Paula Thornton-Greear
312-641-5663

SOURCE Feeding America

Attorney General Eric Holder Honors Victim- Witness Coordinator for National and International Work

3DNewsroom — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 21:31:00 +0000

WASHINGTON, April 20, 2012 – Attorney General Eric Holder recognized Michelle Scott with the Federal Service Award today at the 2012 annual victims’ service awards ceremony, a prelude to the nation’s observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 22-28, 2012.

Michelle Scott has worked with victims of crime for the past 12 years. In response to the requirements of Title I of the Justice for All Act of 2004, for example, she led the judges and prosecutors in the Eastern District of North Carolina to place the victim at the forefront of criminal proceedings. Since 2003, she has led the biannual Federal Domestic Violence Conference in N.C. Ms. Scott developed and implemented model victim-witness training programs in Kosovo and Albania for judges, prosecutors, victim advocates, law enforcement offices, and non-governmental agencies. Scott received today the Federal Service Award, which recognizes service providers, other professionals, or volunteers for their exceptional contributions and extraordinary impact on behalf of crime victims in Indian Country, on military installations, in national parks, or in other areas under federal jurisdiction.

In addition to Michelle Scott, Attorney General Holder recognized the efforts of eleven other recipients for their extraordinary efforts in the aftermath of a crime, as well as their professional efforts to better serve the needs of victims with disabilities; for assisting U.S. citizens victimized outside the United States; and for ensuring victims receive compensation and other services at the state and local level.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Justice Programs

Attorney General Eric Holder Honors Arizona Financial Compliance Program With Award, Provides Restitutions To Victims Of Crime

3DNewsroom — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 21:25:00 +0000

WASHINGTON, April 20, 2012 – Attorney General Eric Holder recognized the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department’s Financial Compliance Program with the Crime Victims Financial Restoration Award today at the 2012 annual victims’ service awards ceremony, a prelude to the nation’s observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 22-28, 2012.

The Maricopa County Adult Probation Department’s Financial Compliance Program (FINCOM) is a comprehensive, integrated, and innovative practice that significantly increased the amount of restitution collected and paid to victims of crime. FINCOM teaches probation officers how to help probationers make restitution to their victims by assessing their payment ability and developing payment plans. In 2011, FINCOM collected more than $10.86 million in restitution, a dramatic increase from the $4.78 million during the program’s first year of service. The Crime Victims Financial Restoration Award recognizes individuals, programs, organizations, or teams which have developed innovative ways of funding services for crime victims, or for securing financial restoration for crime victims.

In addition to the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department’s Financial Compliance Program, Attorney General Holder recognized the efforts of eleven other recipients for their extraordinary efforts in the aftermath of a crime, as well as their professional efforts to better serve the needs of victims with disabilities; for assisting U.S. citizens victimized outside the United States; and for ensuring victims receive compensation and other services at the state and local level.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Justice Programs

Attorney General Eric Holder Honors Hollywood Legend For Bringing National Attention To Elder Abuse

3DNewsroom — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 21:24:00 +0000

WASHINGTON, April 20, 2012 — Attorney General Eric Holder recognized Hollywood legend Mickey Rooney with the Special Courage Award today at the 2012 annual victims’ service awards ceremony, a prelude to the nation’s observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 22-28, 2012.

Rooney was honored for his courageous testimony before the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing on “Justice for All: Ending Elder Abuse, Neglect & Financial Exploitation” in March 2011. Rooney spoke about the emotional, verbal and financial abuse he received at the hands of his stepchildren. Rooney’s Special Courage Award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary bravery in the aftermath of a crime or who performed a courageous act on behalf of a crime victim.

In addition to the Hollywood icon, Attorney General Holder recognized the efforts of eleven other recipients for their extraordinary efforts in the aftermath of a crime, as well as their professional efforts to better serve the needs of victims with disabilities; for assisting U.S. citizens victimized outside the United States; and for ensuring victims receive compensation and other services at the state and local level.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Justice – Office of Justice Programs