Booming Baby Boomer Exodus Makes Choosing the Next Generation of Business Leaders a Challenge

With the onslaught of baby boomers entering retirement over the next decade -- an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 people a day starting this year -- who will take over the leadership of privately held firms and family businesses? “The choice of successor to lead your business can propel it to great success or plunge it into failure,” says Richard A. Morris, principal of ROI Consulting in Evanston, Ill. “With less than 30% of family businesses successfully transitioning to the next generation, leadership selection is a key consideration.”

Through his research, Morris has identified three techniques business owners typically use to choose successors that often lead to a poor long-term prognosis for the company:

1. Anointing the firstborn. Often the owner will follow a tried and true method of leadership transition, taken straight from royalty, by anointing the firstborn the next leader. This method can avoid arguments among siblings and often adheres to family tradition. However, it fails to take into account the desire or capabilities of all of the children or other potential candidates.

2. Selecting whoever is interested. Just because a family member has decided to come work for the company and has expressed interest in taking on the leadership role does not mean he or she has the right capabilities. Morris warns, “Often we find that family members working at the company are there for all the wrong reasons. It may be, for example, that they were unable to find another career and drifted back to the family business. Is that who you want running the company?”

3. Choosing the person who “does it like me.” Many family business leaders who are thoughtful about their succession decision choose a person to run the company who has skills similar to theirs. “This may appear to be the correct choice, but most of the time it is exactly the opposite of what is needed for the next phase of the company,” explains Morris. Research defines four lifecycles or stages: Start-Up, Growth, Mature, and Reinvent, and each requires a leader with a different skill set.

Morris recommends business owners develop a list of skills required by the stage the business will be entering. “Then owners should assess all of the family candidates to see who may have the needed skills. If there are no family members with the requisite skills, it may be better to hire a professional manager,” Morris advises. “I’d rather own a company that succeeds than run my family firm into the ground.”

Morris also co-authored the book “Kids, Wealth and Consequences: Ensuring a Responsible Financial Future for the Next Generation” (Bloomberg Press).

Free Online Allowance Calculator Helps Parents Teach and Talk About Money

Parents who want fun ways to teach and talk to their children about money have a new free online tool, theAllowance Calculator, created by Jayne Pearl, co-author ofKids, Wealth, and Consequences: Ensuring a Responsible Financial Future for the Next Generation(Bloomberg, a Wiley imprint, 2010).

The Allowance Calculator helps calculate what a child’s allowance (or the price of anything) today was worth when the parents were the same age. For example, if 16-year-olds receives $20 allowance per week, that would be the equivalent to $2.86 in 1965 when a 45-year-old parent would have been 16. In other words, $2.86 in 1965 is the equivalent of $20 today. The calculator also lets users figure out, if the parent earned $20 in 1965, how much that would be worth today: $139.80. Another way to use the calculator is to input how much allowance the parent actually received at age 16, to see how much that would be in today’s money: If the parent received $5 in 1965, that would be worth $34.95.

“Talking about money can be difficult, or even taboo in many families,” say Pearl. “The Allowance Calculator is intended to offer a comfortable way to open up a dialog not just about allowance, but also about financial responsibility and financial values.”

The authors encourage parents to give allowance to children as soon as they acquire the ability to add and subtract, understand the value of different coins and bills, and express interest in buying things. “One way to determine how much allowance to give is to base it on a list of financial responsibilities that include discretionary (wants) such as music CDs, movies, supplies for activities, and nondiscretionary (needs) items such as toiletries, school lunches, and public transportation.”

The author explains that even wealthy parents should give their children allowance tied to financial responsibilities. “Allowance is a tool for teaching kids that no matter how affluent the family may be, money is a finite resource,” say Pearl. “Allowance also helps children learn how to delay gratification, make choices, and experience the consequences of those choices. These are important financial values that will help children grow up to be responsible consumers, savers and investors. In a society that is feeling the consequences of overspending and overuse of credit cards, kids who develop the discipline to save now and buy later instead of the reverse will be much more successful at surviving in any economic environment when they grow up.”

Other free financial parenting tools, including an Intergenerational Equity (sustainable spend rate) calculator, $mart $kills Allowance and Budget Controls (ABCs) spreadsheets, and online games such as the downloadable $mart $kills Asset Allocation Game, can also be found on the authors' website.

Kids, Wealth, and Consequences helps affluent parents and their advisors understand how affluence affects children’s future success, happiness and motivation. The book explores everything from how and when parents should talk to their children about the often-uncomfortable topic of money to what affluent families can learn from the economic meltdown about spending, saving and investing to help them better prepare themselves and their children to survive in any economic environment.

Jayne Pearl is a journalist and entertaining speaker, focusing on family business and financial parenting. She is author of Kids and Money: Giving Them the Savvy to Succeed Financially (Bloomberg Press) and has co-authored or ghost-written ten other books. Jayne began her career at Forbes and was former senior editor of Family Business magazine, to which she has contributed for 20 years.

Richard Morris is an adjunct professor at the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management and is principal of ROI Consulting, helping family owners expand and pass down their business to subsequent generations. Previously, he worked at his family's 80-year-old privately held company, Fel-Pro Incorporated, managing Marketing and then Acquisitions, and serving on the Board of Directors until its sale in 1998.

California's Woodworth Vineyards Pinot Noir Wins A Top Award

Among the wine news that I came across today is the news of a California Pinot Noir - Woodworth Vineyard’s 2008 Pinot Noir won a Gold Medal at the 9th Annual Pinot Noir Summit and finished third in its judging category. It’s the only Pinot Noir still wine grown and produced in the Temecula Valley wine region.

Woodworth’s 2008 Pinot Noir achieved scores of 93 and 94 from judges who tasted more than 360 competing wines from the United States, France, Italy, Australia and New Zealand.

“We’re obviously ecstatic that a panel of judges including sommeliers, wine makers, wine writers, chefs and wine lovers, determined that our Pinot was among the best,” said Marlene Woodworth, who owns the winery with her winemaker husband, Gary. “It was even more exciting that we won while competing against traditional Pinot Noir strongholds such as Carneros in Napa, Santa Barbara and Russian River.”

Southern California is generally considered too hot to grow Pinot Noir. Woodworth Vineyards, however, enjoys a unique micro-climate with warm days and very cool nights coupled with coastal fog in the mornings, an ideal environment for Pinot.

“Pinot Noir lovers spoke out loud and clear at the 9th Annual Pinot Noir Summit,” Barbara Drady, Pinot Noir Summit organizer and wine evangelist. “In an unmistakable statement of preference, they embraced wines of elegance and varietal authenticity rather than burly Syrah-like Pinots, the muscular Pinot Noirs made popular by a few influential reviewers and their publications.”

Described as the “most romantic of wines,” the 2008 Pinot Noir from Woodworth has notes of bright cherry and little bit of spice followed by a big berry taste accentuated by soft tannins and a lingering finish with smoky hints of tobacco. Gary and Marlene Woodworth produce all of their wines in small batches. Only 140 cases of the 2008 Pinot Noir were made. 

The Woodworths purchased 45 acres in De Luz in 2000. Eight acres are planted with grapes, including nearly 3 acres devoted exclusively to Pinot Noir. The Pinot vines were grafted onto Syrah, Carmenere and Cabernet Sauvignon root stock over the last five years. Woodworth Vineyards also produces Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot, a White Merlot (Golden Maggie), a blend of Chardonnay and Muscat (Sweet Sophie) and a red blend (Black Dog).

Santa’s Computer Gets into Trouble on Christmas Eve

A fun and exciting read awaits readers in author Mark Steven Berkoff’s Santa’s Computer The Story, Other Love Stories, and a Poem. Released through Xlibris, this book follows Santa as he worries about his gift deliveries when his computer is down.

It’s the night before Christmas and Santa becomes frantic when he can’t find his mouse; and to make matters worse, his computer is down. He’s getting older now and he needs some assistance with regard to the zip codes, time zones, and the many more children to bring toys to. But now that his computer is in trouble, he must find solutions to his computer headaches or else, there will be no Christmas and there will be chaos in China, madness in Maui, bonkers in Brazil, mayhem in Montana, and many other problems. So, he goes to his computer lab and begins searching through his books— PC magazine, Compu-World, Data Daily, and so on. He reads hundreds, thousands of them—all in one night. But will he find the solution to his computer problems before it’s too late?

Endearing and very delightful, this book is also filled with other love stories and a poem to give readers an exciting and memorable reading experience. Santa’s Computer The Story, Other Love Stories, and a Poem is available in softcover and hardcover picture book formats.

For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to http://www.Xlibris.com.

Santa's Computer The Story, Other Love Stories, and a Poem * by Mark Steven Berkoff 
Publication Date: February 18, 2011 
Picture Book; $15.99; 24 pages; 978-1-4568-5599-4 
Picture Book Hardcover; $25.99; 24 pages; 978-1-4568-5600-7

Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7879. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (610) 915-0294 or call (888) 795-4274 x. 7879.

For more information on self-publishing or marketing with Xlibris, visit http://www.Xlibris.com. To receive a free publishing guide, please call (888) 795-4274.

Social Network Participation Increasingly Affects Executive Decision Making, According to 2nd Annual New Symbiosis of Professional Networks Study

The Society for New Communications Research (SNCR), a global nonprofit research and education foundation and think tank, announced the results of the 2nd annual New Symbiosis of Professional Networks Study led by SNCR Fellows Donald Bulmer, Vice President, Global Communications, Industry and Influencer Relations, SAP, and Vanessa DiMauro, CEO of Leader Networks. The study -- supported by quantitative data gathered from more than 100 senior business professionals and executives -- benchmarks the impact of social media on enterprise decision-making.

his study extends the research Bulmer and DiMauro began in 2009 and 2010 focusing on professionals’ use of social media for decision-making. The 2010-2011 study examines the dynamics of trust that professionals have within their social media communities, as well as the value of engagement and collaboration to support decision-making and innovation across company operations for internal and external purposes.

Of the 114 executives who participated in the study, most were key decision makers in their respective companies that ranged in size from under 100 to over 50,000 full time employees.

Key Finding include: 

• Social networks have evolved to become knowledge and communication networks, and access to thought leadership content is now the primary reason professionals visit networks and communities. Professionals are collaborating with each other through the thought leadership content they generate, curate or share. No longer is collaboration an experience between a limited number of people.
• While nearly all professionals surveyed (97%) use LinkedIn, the use of smaller (niche) professional networks are actively being used to find peers and content specifically related to the work that they do (by role, industry, geography, etc.). Professionals are finding the right mix of large open networks and private communities to support their learning, networking and decision-making activities.
• Professional communities are being used more frequently to inform business strategy and supporting new products and services (much more than in 2009). A majority (80%) of respondents are able to accelerate decision process and information/strategy development by participating in online communities.
• Endorsement (e.g. like, read, share, retweet) is at the center of collaboration in social media communities. “The Crescendo Effect” in social media environments has great impact on buying decisions. High quality content yields transparency and credibility.

 

“Business professionals are changing how they collaborate as a result of online professional communities and peer networks,” stated Bulmer about the study.

“Professional collaboration is changing from a small professional exchange into an interaction with content in more public ways,” added DiMauro. “The consequence of sharing content online is enhanced influence.“

Additional findings and insights from the 2nd Annual New Symbiosis of Professional Networks study will be posted through out the week on Don Bulmer's blog, Everyday Influence and Vanessa DiMauro's blog, Building Online Communities for Business.

Visit http://www.slideshare.net/sncr/the-new-symbiosis-of-professional-networks-2010 for the full study results.

About the Society for New Communications Research (SNCR):

The Society for New Communications Research is a global nonprofit 501(c)(3) research and education foundation and think tank focused on the advanced study of the latest developments in new media and communications, and their effect on traditional media and business models, communications, culture and society. For more information, visit http://sncr.org.

Checking In For Charity on Facebook Helps Businesses and Local Charities Get The Upper Hand

Checking In For Charity via Facebook or Other Social Media is a Simple Concept that Encourages Businesses to Help their Favorite Local Charities Raise Money by Having Clients "Check In For Charity". Businesses Receive Wonderful Grass Roots Advertising and Benefiting Charities Receive Fundraising and Increased Awareness. Rachel Gower, Founder of The Upper Hand Hair Salons in Houston, Hopes Other Businesses Will Embrace Checking In For Charity and Join The Upper Hand in September to Raise Money for Communities In Schools Houston.

The Nielsen Company recently reported that 28 percent of U.S. mobile subscribers now have smart phones, cell phones with operating systems resembling those of computers. In addition to emailing, picture taking and texting, these multifunctional phones also keep their owner connected to Facebook, Twitter and other social media. Checking In For Charity is a simple idea designed for businesses that want to run a social media based advertising campaign and help local charities.

To get started, a business owner simply claims and updates the business' Facebook Places page. Then, each time a client "Checks In" a post runs down the client's News Feed mentioning the business name and description. The benefit to the business, of course, is that all of the client's Facebook friends can now see that their friend frequents the business owner's store, restaurant or office. Then, at the end of the month the business owner donates a fixed amount per "check in" up to a maximum donation.

"Checking In For Charity is like digital word of mouth advertising. It is a simple, flexible idea that offers businesses a social media advertising campaign that gives back to the community. Everybody wins...businesses, charities and communities," said Rachel Gower, President of The Upper Hand Hair Salons in Houston.

As an entrepreneur, Rachel Gower knows the effort it takes to keep a small business running and how important it is for a company to give back to the community. Ms. Gower organized Checking In For Charity in hopes that other business owners would find this idea valuable and join with The Upper Hand this September to raise money for Communities In Schools Houston(CIS). CIS is the nation's largest dropout prevention organization and has a 98% success rate. CIS works with public schools' most at risk children in an effort to provide each child with a better chance to graduate.

The Most Romantic Hotel in the World -About.com’s 2011 Reader’s Choice Awards

The Hotel Andaluz, known as the greenest Four-Diamond boutique hotel in the world, is now contending as one of the five finalists for the title of “The Most Romantic Hotel or Resort in the World.” The title is part of About.com’s 2011 Reader’s Choice Awards. Hotel Andaluz is competing against hotels in Mexico’s Riviera, Florida, the Turks and Caicos Islands and Arizona.

The nomination is not surprising to those who have stayed at the Hotel Andaluz previously. The hotel has spent considerable time and money to cultivate an air of romance. A rooftop bar/nightclub, an award-winning restaurant, a 2,400 square foot entertainment venue and private casbahs in the lobby all add to the ambiance. Couples will enjoy this desert hideaway with Mediterranean appeal.

In response to the nomination, Gary Goodman, owner of the Hotel Andaluz said, “Reflective of the emotions Hotel Andaluz evokes, our guests feel passionate enough to have voted it as one of the top five ‘most romantic hotels’ in the world; which is both humbling and an honor.”

“We hope everyone keeps the momentum going by voting for Hotel Andaluz,” said Goodman. “With its world–class amenities, environmentally responsible design and seductive Mediterranean decor, past guests know it is at the top of its class, but this designation would be icing on the cake.”

The winner is selected based on the amount of total votes cast by visitors to About.com. Voting is open until March 8, 2011 and the winner will be announced on March 15, 2011. To cast your vote visithttp://hotels.about.com/b/2011/02/11/finalists-most-romantic-hotel-or-resort.htm.

You Pick the Next Big Star! – Consumers Get the Chance to Vote for the Winner of the “Choice Hotels Rising Star Music Challenge”

The voting period for the Choice Hotels Rising Star Music Challenge has begun. Consumers can go online to ChoiceHotelsRisingStarContest.com from now until March 3, 2011 to vote for one of three finalists’ original song and video. For every vote, Choice Hotels will donate $1 to the Steve Harvey Foundation (up to $10,000) – supporting the mentoring weekend program for young men. The winning video will be featured as the newest song available for free download by consumers atChoiceHotelsMusic.com for the month of March.

Launched last month by Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) and The Steve Harvey Morning Show, The Choice Hotels Rising Star Music Challenge benefits both aspiring musicians as well as communities across the country. Aspiring artists were encouraged to log on and create an original, community uplifting song in a 2-minute video format in the hopes of creating America’s next hit song to be heard by millions of listeners.

The three finalist songs were selected by the Choice Hotels Music Judging Panel and were announced on The Steve Harvey Morning Show. Submissions were judged on creativity, originality and relevancy to the theme of uplifting the community. Once consumers have voted, the Grand Prize winner will receive a home recording package and exposure to millions of listeners. The winner will be announced on The Steve Harvey Morning Show March 8, 2011.

For more information or vote for your favorite song, visitwww.ChoiceHotelsRisingStarContest.com today!

Related articles

• Choice Hotels offers music downloads to support charity and new artists (gadling.com)
• Choice Hotels CEO Cleans Up His Act on 'Undercover Boss' (dailyfinance.com)
• Steve Harvey Clears Up Mary Harvey Cheating Rumors on the View (binsidetv.net)

The Good, the Oops! and the Funny: Events in the Life of a Teacher by author Sally Zolkosky Labadie.

Reading student teachers’ journals was one way Gertrude Crampton, seminar professor at Eastern Michigan University, kept in touch with what was going on in the classrooms of her student teachers in 1962. Labadie not only kept a journal then, but continued journaling until she retired. In The Good, the Oops! and the Funny: Events in the Life of a Teacher, she tells about the many “critters” that were in her classroom, how her students developed their own nature trail, and she relates some of the many humorous escapades and anecdotes that helped her enjoy her long career.

Amusing and nostalgic, The Good, the Oops! and the Funny: Events in the Life of a Teacher by author Sally Zolkosky Labadie.takes readers back to their school years, definitely bringing out smiles on their faces. This book will be featured at the 2011 Michigan Reading Association Book Exhibit in Grand Rapids, MI on March 12-14, 2011. For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to http://www.Xlibris.com.

 

About the Author
Growing up in a large family where all shared in outdoor exploring, Sally Zolkosky Labadie and her siblings were introduced to nature and its wonders by their father, and what she learned from those experiences became a large part of her teaching. Using her background she taught “across the curriculum” long before it was brought to the forefront of education. She taught elementary students for thirty-two years, sixteen in a self-contained classroom of “Academically Interested and Talented” students, and moved into administration, serving as a principal for five years before leaving to work in the Teacher Education Department of Michigan State University.

The Good, The Oops! and the Funny: Events in the Life of a Teacher

Events in the Life of a Teacher
Publication Date: April 27, 2009
Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at (888) 795-4274 x. 7879. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (610) 915-0294 or call (888) 795-4274 x. 7879.

For more information on self-publishing or marketing with Xlibris, visit http://www.Xlibris.com. To receive a free publishing guide, please call (888) 795-4274.

Men vs. Women: Who Wears The Finance Pants?

Men vs. Women: Who Wears The Finance Pants?: "Forty-nine percent of women, versus 39 percent of men, say “we are planning our financial affairs more carefully than we used to,” whereas 51 percent of men and 38 percent of women say “nothing has changed.”
PNC, which is among the nation’s top 20 wealth management firms, found that women worry more than men about a wide range of financial issues.
When asked to rate their degree of concern, more women than men express worry about the recession (69 percent versus 54 percent of men); inflation (51 percent versus 44 percent of men); money to support lifestyle (46 percent versus 40 percent of men); declining real estate values (45 percent versus 35 percent of men) and not being able to support lifestyle in retirement (45 percent versus 34 percent of men)."

Love Trends 2011. How People Flirted with the Opposite Sex in the Last 12 Months

Love Trends 2011. How People Flirted with the Opposite Sex in the Last 12 Months: "The creators of the popular Love Bug have released a titillating league table of their iconic emoticons. The best selling emoticon in 2009 was “I love you”. In 2010, “You bring out the animal in me” rose five places to capture the top spot. “We keep a league table of the most popular Bugs,” said Sally Foo, Marketing Director for the brand. “The winning emoticons help us determine the mood of the nation. Last year, the mood was conservative. But this year, the mood has definitely become more playful.”"

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Network Solutions Launches Go Granny Video Campaign as Prelude to Super Bowl

Network Solutions Launches Go Granny Video Campaign as Prelude to Super Bowl: "Network Solutions® , the pioneer of domain name services today launched a raucous mockumentary video featuring the antics of Go Granny played by Academy Award winning actor Cloris Leachman. This is the first time the leading web services company is releasing an Internet video campaign during Super Bowl weekend. The video will also be aired across key social channels including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and BlogHer."

Meet the Go Granny Girl by Network Solutions

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Small Business Owners, Design and Marketing Pros: Submit Projects for a Book on Visual Marketing; Deadline Feb. 15

Small Business Owners, Design and Marketing Pros: Submit Projects for a Book on Visual Marketing; Deadline Feb. 15: "Small Business Owners, and the Marketing and Design Professionals they Work with, are Urged to Submit their Successful And Dynamic Visual Marketing Projects and Campaigns by Feb. 15 Deadline for Possible Inclusion in an Upcoming Book, “Visual Marketing: 99 Proven Ways for Small Businesses to Market with Images and Design,” Wiley, Fall 2011 - Projects are to be Submitted Online"

This post brought to you by Shashi Bellamkonda:Featured in the Washington Business Journal: http://bit.ly/wbjshashiWashington Tech Titans list : http://bit.ly/ttshashiBlogs: http://www.carryoncurry.com | http://www.shashi.name | Facebook: http://fb.shashi.name | Linkedin: http://linkedin.shashi.nameExaminer Column : http://bit.ly/dcexaminerWhat I am reading: http://shashib.amplify.com

Study finds Ebook readers have increased their reading habits

"In a recent study to understand how portable, multi-function devices or MFDs (e.g., iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, Android devices, etc) are changing consumer book reading habits, consumers who utilized these devices expressed a tremendous affinity for them, struggling to come up with any significant shortcomings to reading ebooks on them. These consumers also revealed their specific preference for MFDs, usage occasions and their ebook purchasing habits."


The study found that the top three reasons MFD users prefer reading on their device as opposed to a hard copy book are the convenience it offers (80%), the ease of purchasing ebooks (61%) and the backlit screen (41%). Moreover, the three most common occasions for reading on MFDs are: while traveling (72%), while waiting for an appointment (72%) and while relaxing (70%).

Increased Reading
Respondents indicated they are “time-filling reading” primarily on a MFD. Because respondents nearly always have these devices with them, they use them to read ebooks during otherwise “dead” pockets of time, such as when waiting at the doctor’s office or while their kids play on the playground.

Read more : http://goo.gl/BNzui

PhotographyStreet.com: An Online Community and Blog about Black and White Photography and Digital Photography

"PhotographyStreet.com, an online community and blog about black and white photography and digital photography, has released several new blog posts, including “Printing Black and White Digitally,” “Candid Photos of Kids,” and “Benefits of Using a Flash.”
The post “Printing Black and White Digitally” from PhotographyStreet.com illustrates the author’s love for black and white photography. The post explains how the author prefers the durability of black and white prints. “Printing Black and White Digitally” points out that color photographs can be converted to black and white photos in Adobe Photoshop. The author notes her struggle in learning how to use these digital tools"

more : PhotographyStreet.com: An Online Community and Blog about Black and White Photography and Digital Photography:

How to Work With The Law of Attraction

"Each of us started 2011 with a list of resolutions and the best of intentions. Most commonly, our resolutions resolved around things like losing weight, finding someone to love or improving our current love relationship, advancing professionally, paying off bills and increasing savings, purchasing a home. However, even at this early point, many of us will sheepishly admit to forgetting precisely what it was we set out to do, having basically settled back into the comfort of our familiar habits.
What’s the answer? Are we condemned to this endless yearly ritual of good intentions, broken resolutions and regret? Not in the least, says Dr. Srinivasan Pillay, and he can tell your audience why he says that with such confidence."

rad more Harvard Psychiatrist and Author Srini Pillay, MD, on How to Work With The Law of Attraction:

Augmented Reality Comes to the Classroom: a Game-Changer for Children Learning to Read

"Educators traveling to the Florida Educational Technology Conference 2011 in Orlando the first week of February will be exposed to some mind-boggling new technology— education’s first curriculum featuring 'augmented reality” (AR). Pioneered by Logical Choice Technologies, Letters alive (TM) brings a kingdom of 26 “seemingly-alive” digital 3D animals into classrooms with the ultimate goal of teaching children to read at the kindergarten level.
The ground-breaking technology generated a strong reaction when it was first previewed last fall on NBC’s prime-time series, School Pride. It was clear that “Letters alive” creatures are not ordinary teaching animations or videos. Through the apparent magic of this futuristic AR technology, these animals are quite intelligent and clever. They not only move and make sounds, but the animals can answer questions formed by students, make comments and respond to student actions.
“The true 2-way interaction between the animals and students is mesmerizing to children,” said Cynthia Kaye, founder and CEO of Logical Choice Technologies. “Add in the sounds and life-like motions of the animals and it’s just a whole lot of fun for the kids. Our phonics-based curriculum is effective because it reaches children on so many sensory and emotional levels.'"

More at Augmented Reality Comes to the Classroom: a Game-Changer for Children Learning to Read:

GuardRFID Begins Shipments of New One-year Umbilical Tag for TotGuard

"Vancouver-based Guard RFID Solutions Inc. announced that it has begun shipments of its one-year reusable Umbilical Tag for use with its market-leading TotGuard Infant Security system. Many hospitals already use the TotGuard disposable and three-month umbilical tags, and adding the one-year version solidifies GuardRFID’s market position as the having the best offering of umbilical tags in the industry.
The new TotGuard one-year umbilical tag weighs under six and half grams and the single-use disposable and three-month versions weigh under five grams. The light weight and ergonomic design make the TotGuard umbilical tags the most comfortable on the market today adding negligible weight to the umbilical clamp."

Read more here GuardRFID Begins Shipments of New One-year Umbilical Tag for TotGuard:

This post brought to you by Shashi Bellamkonda:Featured in the Washington Business Journal: http://bit.ly/wbjshashiWashington Tech Titans list : http://bit.ly/ttshashiBlogs: http://www.carryoncurry.com | http://www.shashi.name | Facebook: http://fb.shashi.name | Linkedin: http://linkedin.shashi.nameExaminer Column : http://bit.ly/dcexaminerWhat I am reading: http://shashib.amplify.com

Vocus Releases Annual Study: State of the Media in 2011

Vocus Releases Annual Study: State of the Media in 2011:

" Approximately 151 newspapers folded in 2010; about half the number in 2009
724 online newspapers that launched this past year; all but 36 were Patch.com sites
Magazine launches lean toward local and regional focus; the “hyperlocal” concept grows in popularity
More than 60 television stations added the 4:30 a.m. newscast.
Terrestrial radio use is down 15% over the last five years
Nearly 2,000 radio stations now broadcast in HD,
There are more than 1,000 new local FM HD2/HD3 radio stations"

Unbreakable Bonds – Classic Shaving.com Unveils Valentine Hearts of Steel

"Romantics can create an unbreakable bond this Valentine’s Day with distinctive Hearts of Steel gifts crafted of steel and earth elements. ClassicShaving.com markets the finest quality, traditional wet shaving and grooming products available anywhere in the world. Why straight razors and safety razors for Valentine’s Day? Discerning men and women the world over are searching for alternatives to mass produced, drugstore quality shaving products. They are searching for that heart of steel, that gift of lasting value.
“Anybody can grab some flowers and candy at the market; we appeal to the true romantic, those who shave like they mean it,” commented William Lubrano, Owner/Director, Classic Brand, Inc. “We have a treasure trove of products for men and women, from modest to extravagant, and an experienced staff of experts who love to help. For a truly personal gift, we can engrave initials, names, dates or a brief sentiment on many items, including shaving mugs and gift sets.”"

More at Unbreakable Bonds – Classic Shaving.com Unveils Valentine Hearts of Steel:

Looking for That Perfect Gift for Valentine’s Day?

How about looking into the Zagat Smartbox Table for Two, treat your “valentine” to a wonderful meal at any participating Zagat-Rated restaurant in one of the following cities: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco or Washington, D.C. Or, choose a romantic getaway with the Charming Getaways or Gourmet Retreats Gift Box. Smartbox is the leader in this new trend of gift giving by providing gift cards for an array of diverse experiences and themes.

Other SmartBox gift experiences are:

• Gourmet Retreats – a one night stay in lavish accommodations throughout the U.S., sumptuous five-course dinners, in-room massages, and plush king size suites. ($369)
• Adrenaline – hundreds of exhilarating activities to choose from, including: climbing a slippery frozen waterfall, racing around a track on a motorcycle and more. ($299)
• Charming Getaways – one-night stays in historic homes, rustic ranches or quaint Victorian Inns. ($129)
• Serenity – health and wellness treatments from Vichy showers and ice cream pedicures to champagne manicures and lemongrass body scrubs. ($119)
• Zagat Smartbox Table for Two – dinner for the recipient and a guest at their choice of any participating Zagat-Rated restaurant in one of the following cities: Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco or Washington D.C. ($99)
• Adventure – an opportunity to rush down an ice tunnel in a bobsled or cruise the sky in an ultralight. ($69)
• Fun for All – an activity for two, whether it be an elegant fencing lesson, wine tasting, or a spooky ghost tour. ($49)

More at: Looking for That Perfect Gift for Valentine’s Day?:

Disclosure : I pick press releases by what attracts my attention and the headline of this release did. I  was given a free product Zagat Smartbox Table for Two to try out. I was under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company.

Survey Reveals Britain’s Age of Happiness

"Many British people are at their happiest when in their fifties and beyond, it was revealed yesterday (20th January 2011).
A surprising forty four per cent of those aged fifty and above claim they are now more content with their lives than ever before.
The key to their happiness lies in having good health; having time to enjoy life; and being in a relatively good financial position – something which could be aided with products like over 50 life insurance.
More than 40 per cent claim they are comfortable with the size and shape of their bodies, and happy with what they have achieved so far in life.
Other factors contributing to the ‘age of happiness’ include being in a strong relationship, having paid off the mortgage, and the children being happy and content with their lives"

More at : Engage Mutual Survey Reveals Britain’s Age of Happiness:

Are You a One-Click Wonder or a Cheap Date? Skyscanner Identifies the Ten Most Common Online Travel Shoppers

Skyscanner.com analyzes consumer searches to identify the top-ten “types” of online travel shoppers

January is traditionally the busiest time of the year for people to make vacation plans and now, with 48% of people more likely to book travel online than offline, flight comparison site Skyscanner is expecting a busy month.

But with so many ways to search for the ideal flight, Skyscanner analyzes consumer searches to identify the top ten online bookers.

1. The One-Click Wonder
A highly efficient three percent of users fall into this category; they know exactly what they want when they visit the Skyscanner site and spend just five minutes or less finding and booking their flight.

2. Mystic Meg
Mystic Meg is so confident she “knows” what will happen to flight prices that she trusts her instincts entirely when deciding on when to book. However, as prices fluctuate, Mystic Meg risks being punished if her clairvoyance lets her down.

3. The Booker Hooker
Although this type of booker is easily “bought” by any airline offering a good price, these are the sites’ most savvy users when it comes to getting a bargain. Skyscanner research shows this is the most common booker, with 48% of users stating price is the most important factor when booking a flight.

4. The Fantasist
A dreamer who is always looking but never booking, the Fantasist will regularly surf the Skyscanner site looking at everything -from flights to New York to flights to Tibet- as they fantasise about dream vacations.

5. The Cheap Date
This flexible booker will focus on the cheapest date to fly to their desired location. Six percent of visitors search using Skyscanner’s month view tool which makes finding the cheapest date simple.

6. The Old Faithful
A small minority of users will always book the same airline, oblivious of price. However, when it comes to getting a bargain, the Old Faithful may find they are penalised for their loyalty.

7. The OCD User (Obsessively Checks Dates)
The OCD user just can’t stop visiting the site to check flight prices and is especially prevalent amongst users looking for flights to Europe and other long-haul destinations where prices change more dramatically and greater savings can be made.

8. The Forgetful Flier
The most costly mistakes tend to be made by the Forgetful Flier, who is forced to book a last minute flight because they have forgotten to log on to the site earlier to book.

9. The Experimentourist
This experimental traveler is open-minded when it comes to choosing a vacation destination; with decisions more likely to be based on price. A massive 15 percent of visitors to the site will try Skyscanner’s “search everywhere” tool to find the best prices around the globe.

10. Carpe Deal-em
Seizes the deal! The most spontaneous of users, the Carpe Deal-em sees a bargain price and goes for it. Last week alone, more than 8,000 users visited Skyscanner’s flight deals page to check out the best bargains available.

About
Skyscanner is a travel search site providing online comparisons on flight prices for over 670,000 routes and on over 600 airlines, including flights to Hawaii, as well car rental and hotel price comparison.

Are You a One-Click Wonder or a Cheap Date? Skyscanner Identifies the Ten Most Common Online Travel Shoppers

Super Bowl Stadiums History and Facts

"Here are some other stats about stadiums that hosted the Super Bowl:
The city that has hosted the most Super Bowls is New Orleans with nine.
Miami Florida has hosted the second most Super Bowls with eight.
The stadium that hosted the most Super Bowls ( six ) is also in New Orleans, the SuperDome.
Two stadiums have hosted five Super Bowls, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena Cal. and the Orange Bowl in Miami Florida.
The largest attendance for a Super Bowl was in The Rose Bowl on Jan 20, 1980. 103,985 fans came to see the Pittsburg Steelers beat the LA Rams 31 to 19.
The top four attendances were also in the Rose Bowl with each having over 100,000 fans.
11 Games have been played in a Dome and 29 have been played outdoors.
The stadium voted by the NFL Players Association for having the best playing field is Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Florida."

more at Super Bowl Stadiums History and Facts:

January 17th Marks Start of South Pole Centennial Year Amundsen, Scott Expeditions Commemorated by Modern Adventurers

"Rick Sweitzer of Polar Explorers always notes January 17th with something of a shudder. It is, after all, the anniversary of Robert Falcon Scott reaching the South Pole, a journey from which he never returned.
'You're always aware of the dates, at least if you find polar history as compelling as I do,' he says. 'This year it means even more. The 99th Anniversary of Scott reaching the South Pole is the beginning of the South Pole Centennial Year, marking the first century since the conquest of the southern Pole.' It was on January 17th, 1912 that Robert Falcon Scott reached the South Pole, believing himself to be the first man to do so. In the heart of the ice, he found a note from Roald Amundsen, informing him that Amundsen's expedition had reached the South Pole a month earlier on December 14th, 1911."

More at January 17th Marks Start of South Pole Centennial Year Amundsen, Scott Expeditions Commemorated by Modern Adventurers:

January 24 is Global Belly Laugh Day

" Join the Belly Laugh Bounce Around the World.

Celebrate the great gift of laughter on Global Belly Laugh Day, January 24. Laughs and smiles transform moments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the 7 continents.
On January 24 at 1:24 p.m. (local time) people around the world smile, throw their arms in the air and laugh out loud.
They Join the Belly Laugh Bounce Around the World.
January 24, 2011 is the fifth anniversary of Global Belly Laugh Day.
'Oh what a difference Global Belly Laugh Day, January 24 makes,' notes Elaine Helle, founder of Global Belly Laugh Day.
Since January 24, 2006 belly laughs have been bounced around the world from corporations, medical centers, senior centers, grocery stores, homes, schools, libraries, museums, organizations, families, restaurants, air planes, radio stations and coffee shops."

More at January 24 is Global Belly Laugh Day:

New ReadSmart® Technology Changes the Rules of Typesetting Forever

Revolutionary new service energizes copy and boosts response rates; improves comprehension, persuasiveness and message retention in advertising, direct mail and digital books, now offered at ReadSmart.com

After more than 30 years of dedicated research, ReadSmart has launched a new service that energizes copy -- without changing a single word.

The type revolution was the invention of uniform, moveable type. The ReadSmart revolution is the invention of intelligently non-uniform type. With the digitalization of type, the internet, and wireless networks, moveable type is even more mobile than ever; however, the uniformity that was crucial during the past six centuries is no longer necessary in the digital age.

ReadSmart bends the rules of ordinary typographicpractice. It analyzes the content in a document, and makes tiny custom calibrations to every character, adjusting the spacing between words, the size of words, and line endings based on its unique linguistic, psychological, and informational properties. While extremely subtle, these minute adjustments facilitate eye-movements and comprehension.

Read more here New ReadSmart® Technology Changes the Rules of Typesetting Forever:

Real Men Boycott Valentine’s Day

Marc H. Rudov, author, relationship coach, speaker, and radio/TV personality, announces today his fifth annual boycott of Valentine’s Day, which he calls “Nomance Day.”

Mr. Rudov, globally known for promoting equality between men and women, opined: “There’s nothing romantic about coercing men to oblige female entitlement. Valentine’s Day artificially and unilaterally caters to women. It’s the media’s annual male-bashing fest; that’s why I call it“Nomance Day” and expect all real men to boycott it. In the upcoming Super Bowl, there won’t be one commercial urging women to buy gifts for men. In fact, Faith Hill will appear in an emasculating Teleflora spot to condescendingly help a hapless sound technician shop for his girlfriend.

Any man who buckles to society’s pressure to buy her overpriced flowers or jewelry or meals on February 14th is a eunuch desperate for sex, and he needs to grow a pair.”

More at : Real Men Boycott Valentine’s Day For more information about Marc Rudov, go tohttp://TheNononsenseMan.com.

Statistics Show We Should Resolve to Sleep Better in 2011

"Some easy steps that can be taken to address common sleeping problems:
Take stock of sleeping gear: One in three Americans have a mattress that is more than five years old, and an uncomfortable or worn out mattress was an obstacle to better sleep. Almost half (48 percent) said they were still searching for a better product or solution when it comes to finding the perfect pillow. Old pillows lose their ability to provide proper support for a good night’s sleep.
Take control of sleeping environment: 38 percent said getting too hot is an obstacle in getting better sleep. This one’s easy: turn down the thermostat or turn on a ceiling fan.
Develop a sleep routine: Don't just turn off the television, walk to bed, and expect to fall asleep right away each time. Schedule time for a relaxing wind-down activity such as reading a book or listening to quiet music before you try to go to sleep."

Read more at Statistics Show We Should Resolve to Sleep Better in 2011:

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