People Media will power six AOL Personals communities focused on African Americans, Jews, Catholics, Single Parents, Seniors and Christians.

Hollywood, Calif. (PRWEB) March 3, 2009 — People Media (http://www.peoplemedia.com/), a leading online niche dating service provider, has partnered with AOL to bring niche dating to AOL Personals, a complete online dating service for singles. As part of the U.S. partnership, People Media will power six AOL Personals communities focused on African Americans, Jews, Catholics, Single Parents, Seniors and Christians. AOL has also created and will spotlight six “People Media Boutiques,” which will offer visitors compelling dating and relationship advice content from the following People Media sites: BlackPeopleMeet.com, SeniorPeopleMeet.com, SingleParentMeet.com, LoveandSeek.com, CatholicPeopleMeet.com and JPeopleMeet.com.

As part of this partnership, AOL users will be able to register for People Media’s online dating communities directly from AOL Personals. Once registered, a convenient login button on AOL Personals will take them directly to their People Media account. People Media’s service and dating advice content will also be promoted across the AOL.com portal.

“The partnership between AOL Personals and People Media effectively unites a comprehensive online dating service for singles with a premier online niche dating network,” said People Media CEO Josh Meyers. “People Media’s mission is to create relationships and connect lives and we have an extremely successful track record of doing so. By partnering with People Media, AOL is providing its members with high quality niche community experiences.”

In addition to being featured on AOL Personals, People Media is also working with the Steve Harvey Morning Show to bring a live Radio Date segment (http://www.blackpeoplemeet.com/steve-harvey/) to Steve Harvey Morning Show listeners and BlackPeopleMeet.com (http://www.blackpeoplemeet.com/) members nationwide.

About People Media

People Media is the leading provider of niche focused online dating communities, operating more than 20 individual websites, reaching more than 1.5 million unique users each month according to comScore Media Metrics. Many People Media sites are the most popular in their category, including BlackPeopleMeet.com, the #1 online dating destination for Black singles, SeniorPeopleMeet.com, the leading destination for senior and baby boomer dating, LoveAndSeek.com and SingleParentMeet.com. People Media is major force in the online personals space, which, according to Jupiter Research, will reach $1.2 billion in worldwide revenues by 2009.

###

Contact Information

Ron Worthy


People Media, Inc.

http://www.peoplemedia.com/


323-603-0376

[Via http://www.prweb.com]

• QuestNet, the Power behind MY QI-Meritus.Mahara, Raises Funds and Awareness for Qatar Charity during GP2 Asia Series Grand Racing Weekend
• WhereTraveler and CityPass Announce Partnership to Serve In-Market Visitors through Mobile Technology

3banana Launches First Android Smart Phone Note Taking App with Wireless Sync and Social Media Sharing

San Francisco (PRWEB) March 3, 2009 — 3banana Inc. today announced the launch of 3banana Notes, the first note taking app for the Android smart phone (http://3banana.com) with wireless online sync and social media sharing. 3banana combines fast and efficient private note taking on the Android smart phone with the ability to sync, share and discuss notes with friends over the web at http://3banana.com and via social networks such as Twitter and Facebook.

“Do you ever want to quickly jot down an idea before you forget it? Whether it’s your next great movie plot, or the keyword that will help you find that ridiculous YouTube video everyone is talking about, the 3banana note taking app helps you catch those ideas before they escape,” said Andreas Schobel, 3banana co-founder and CTO. “3banana also makes it easy to share your notes with friends — rather than being lost forever, that idea in your notes can be the beginning of an online conversation.”

“Since before the invention of paper and pencil, people have sought to improve their lives by capturing and sharing thoughts, experiences, and ideas,” said Steve Brown, 3banana co-founder and CEO. “In the information-rich and fast-paced world today, the challenge is to get information from the brain in your head, into the brain in your pocket, and connected to the brainpower in the Internet cloud. We streamlined and simplified our note taking app so that users could quickly jot down a thought or tag a photo on their Android smart phone with as few keystrokes as possible, and then sync and share those notes wirelessly and effortlessly.”

3banana Notes for the Android smart phone (http://3banana.com) stays synchronized wirelessly with the 3banana online service, where users can view and edit their private notes, share notes with friends, or comment on shared notes. In addition to photos and notes captured on their smart phones, online users also can keep track of web pages, presentations, and videos, all organized and labeled inline — without the need for extra data entry fields or repetitive typing. Each shared note has a private permalink that can be posted to popular social networks like Facebook and Twitter or shared on http://3banana.com for a more private online discussion.

The 3banana Notes Android note taking app is currently available as a free download in the productivity section of the Google Android App Market.

About 3banana

3banana Inc. creates smart phone and web applications that capture and share information effortlessly, wirelessly and securely. 3banana Notes are less work and easier to share than any other smart phone or online note taking app available today. Combining patent-pending innovations in semantics and social media sharing with fast, efficient and secure wireless information capture, 3banana mobile and web applications help people become more productive and more connected. For more information, please visit http://3banana.com.

3banana name and logo are trademarks of 3banana Inc. Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

###

Contact Information

Steve Brown


3banana Inc.

http://3banana.com


888-399-8266

[Via http://www.prweb.com]

• The Health Alliance’s Dennis Robb Announced Contracting Professional of the Year by The Journal of Healthcare Contracting
• OneRiot Releases Facebook Toolbar for PCs and Macs

The nation’s leading full-service online payroll provider now offers a convenient payroll solution to meet the needs of religious organizations nationwide.

Glenview, IL (PRWEB) March 3, 2009 — Online payroll service SurePayroll announced today that they offer an easy payroll management service that specifically meets the requirements of religious organizations.

SurePayroll has unparalleled expertise on the complex issues associated with church and religious ministry payroll (http://www.surepayroll.com/clergy/). SurePayroll’s service for religious organizations easily manages the unique payroll conditions of clergy housing allowance and meets IRS regulations pertinent to ministers’ earnings.

In launching a payroll solution specifically intended for clergy, SurePayroll is meeting a need not previously addressed by some large and local payroll-processing services.

“We are offering this new service because of the strong demand we are seeing from religious organizations across the country,” said SurePayroll President Michael Alter. “Some organizations don’t follow IRS requirements for clergy compensation mostly because they mark clergy housing allowances as regular or salary earnings, which are taxed. SurePayroll understands the intricacies involved with clergy payroll and can handle all applicable payroll concerns.”

SurePayroll has been providing a convenient, worry-free online payroll service since 2000. Compared to traditional payroll management, SurePayroll services typically cost 30 to 50 percent less. SurePayroll’s services include free direct deposit, unlimited support, and resources like labor law posters and HR guides. SurePayroll also provides 24/7 access to payroll and reports, tax management – including filing and paying any applicable federal, state, and local taxes – and offers employee benefits, such as 401(K), health insurance, and workers’ compensation.

SurePayroll features make it easy for religious organizations to process payroll:

It’s Simple: SurePayroll offers an easy-to-use clergy payroll and tax-filing service that includes both taxable and non-taxable earnings.

It’s Thorough: SurePayroll ensures clergy payroll meets taxation regulations, including W-2 filing requirements for clergy housing allowances.

It’s Convenient: Religious organizations receive support from payroll and tax specialists who can assist with handling special IRS rules for clergy compensation and taxes.

It’s Fast: With SurePayroll’s proprietary 1-Click Payroll Technology, time spent processing payroll can be reduced to merely seconds.

Friendly customer care representatives are available by phone, e-mail, or online. Get assisted online enrollment at http://www.surepayroll.com/clergy, or call 1-877-954-7878.

For an instant, free payroll quote, visit SurePayroll (http://www.surepayroll.com).

About SurePayroll:

Voted Editor’s Choice (http://www.surepayroll.com/spsite/press/releases/2007/release071107.asp) for best payroll service by PC Magazine, a Top 100 Product by Accounting Today and winner of the Stevie Award for eCommerce Customer Service Team of the Year, SurePayroll is America’s largest full-service online payroll service and honoree of the of the Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Businesses award two years in a row.

SurePayroll is passionate about small businesses and their payroll. The company is dedicated to providing an extremely friendly and simple payroll experience — at a price small business owners can afford.

In addition to its payroll and ClickFREETM tax file and pay service — which allows a user to complete the entire payroll process in minutes — SurePayroll offers a suite of online services designed specifically for small business, including HR and compliance resources, 401(k) retirement solutions, health insurance and workers’ compensation products.

SurePayroll also offers a private-label and co-branded payroll service to accountants (http://www.surepayroll.com/surechoice/) and banking partners to offer payroll processing to their small business clients.

###

Contact Information

Lauren Eichmann


SurePayroll

http://www.surepayroll.com


312.265.3089

[Via http://www.prweb.com]

• Companies in the Russell 2000 Index Decreased Market Cap Amid Tough Economy; Hints at Opportunity for Smaller Companies in 2009, According to Ernst & Young LLP Study
• Billy Mays Endorses New Odor Eliminating Product, What Odor?�

Guidance to help home and business owners protect their property from severe winter weather, including roof collapse from the weight of heavy snow and water damage due to ice dams

Tampa, FL (PRWEB) March 2, 2009 — The Institute for Business & Home Safety (http://www.disastersafety.org/) (IBHS) is offering guidance to help home and business owners protect their property from severe winter weather, including roof collapse from the weight of heavy snow and water damage due to ice dams.

“This information is particularly timely and important because many areas hard hit this week don’t usually see this amount of snow and ice,” said IBHS Chief Engineer Tim Reinhold.

Snow load risk depends in large part on the age of the building, although design loads have not changed much in recent years. Buildings with light weight roofs, such as metal buildings, will typically have less capacity to handle a high snow load. For flat roofs, the step-down area between roof sections is a potential problem because of the tendency for ice and snow collection.

The best source for determining how much snow load a building can handle is the design plan. IBHS says most roof designs can handle at least 20 lbs per square foot. Design loads can range from 10 to 20 lbs per square foot in Mid-Atlantic states and between 40 and 70 lbs per square foot in New England. IBHS offers these general guidelines to help estimate the weight of snow:

•    Fresh snow: 10-12 inches of new snow is equal to one inch of water, or about 5 lbs per square foot of roof space, so you could have 4 feet of new snow before you need to worry. However wet snow can weigh considerably more and rain on top of snow can create problem if it doesn’t drain from the roof.

•    Packed snow: 3-5 inches of old snow is equal to one inch of water, or about 5 lbs per square foot of roof space, so anything more than 2 feet of old snow could be dangerous.

•    Ice: if there’s ice, it’s much heavier, with one inch equaling about a foot of fresh snow.

For safe removal that won’t endanger you or damage your roof, consult a roofing contractor.

To help minimize the risks from melting snow, IBHS suggests keeping attics well ventilated to reduce the risk of ice dams forming. A warm attic melts snow on the roof, causing water to run down and refreeze at the roof’s edge where it’s cooler. An ice buildup blocks water from draining and forces water under the roof covering and into the attic or down the inside walls.

Commercial buildings with flat roofs are particularly vulnerable to roof overload and leaks if ice dams clog roof drains. Water can also find its way inside on sloped roofs along the eaves.

To maintain proper drainage, remove snow from window wells and all walls. Clear debris from basement drains. Make sure gutters are clean and stable to ensure proper drainage.

For more information visit the IBHS Web site www.DisasterSafety.org.

IBHS is an independent, nonprofit, scientific and educational organization supported by the property insurance industry. The organization works to reduce the social and economic effects of natural disasters and other risks to residential and commercial property by conducting research and advocating improved construction, maintenance and preparation practices.

Contact:

Wendy Rose

(813) 675-1045

wrose(at)ibhs.org

###

Contact Information

Wendy Rose


Institute For Business and Home Safety

http://www.disastersafety.org


813-675-1045

[Via http://www.prweb.com]

• Berkery Noyes Represents Ten Speed Press in Its Sale to Random House
• HFM U.S. Creates Brand-Centric Structure for Leading Women’s Titles, to Maximize Brand Equity, Integration, Strategic and Revenue Opportunities

Innovator of the PAM™ Assessment in Chronic Disease Coaching

Irvine, Calif. (Vocus) March 2, 2009 — In keeping with its commitment to implement the latest advances in behavior change, LifeMasters (https://www.lifemasters.com/innovation/) Supported SelfCare, Inc. is the first disease management company in the country to introduce a powerful health activation tool for use with its chronically ill participants.

The Patient Activation Measure™ (PAM™) was developed by Judith Hibbard, Ph.D., and colleagues at the University of Oregon to assess an individual’s knowledge, skills and confidence in playing a role in one’s own health and healthcare. By understanding participants’ “activation levels,” LifeMasters health professionals can better tailor participant coaching to an individual’s level of activation, helping him or her identify and overcome barriers to behavior change.

“We know that higher levels of activation are correlated with improved self-care behaviors,” said LifeMasters CEO Christobel Selecky. “By focusing on increasing a participant’s activation level, our health coaches can help LifeMasters participants to develop self-efficacy and greater levels of motivation, which ultimately lead to greater confidence in managing their health. We are very excited about the potential that this tool provides us to improve outcomes and enhance sustained engagement.”

LifeMasters is a health improvement company with more than 15 years experience in developing scientifically based interventions that target key cost drivers such as diabetes, congestive heart failure, asthma, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, cancer and musculo-skeletal pain. The company began piloting the PAM in 2005. In 2007, it completed a 2-call-center comparison study based on the PAM with Dr. Hibbard and her team and is now widely implementing the use of PAM across all LifeMasters sites and additional research is being considered.

LifeMasters coaches are trained in the use of motivational interviewing techniques – informed by the insight gained from the PAM tool – which allows them to focus on helping participants develop confidence in managing their health (depending on their activation level) rather than on encouraging behaviors they may not be ready to achieve.

The Patient Activation Measure, which is licensed and marketed by Insignia Health, consists of a 10 or 13-question survey that asks people about their beliefs, knowledge and confidence for engaging in a wide range of health behaviors. Based on responses to the survey, each person is assigned an activation score and level. The PAM segments participants into one of four progressively higher activation levels.

At the low end of the spectrum, individuals tend to be passive with regard to managing their health, and may fail to see the connection between their own behaviors and health outcomes. At the high end, individuals understand that relationship and have become good self-managers across a constellation of behaviors. However, even high activation level individuals may benefit from coaching to stay on course when stress occurs.

Answers to the PAM survey give the health professional insight into a participant’s frame of reference and help facilitate tailored discussion about what a participant wants to work on. By periodically re-administering the survey and reviewing responses to individual items over time, changes in a participant’s activation level can be reassessed and used as a guide for ongoing coaching.

“In using the PAM, LifeMasters is supporting consumers on a journey to improve the self-management competencies that drive health status, and in so doing, helping consumers unlock their potential to flourish,” said Chris Delaney, Insignia’s Chief Executive Officer.

The level of patient activation varies considerably in the U.S. population, with less than half of the adult population at the highest level of activation, according to a recent study by the Center for Studying Health System Change. More than 85 studies have documented the PAM’s ability to effectively measure patient activation and to predict a range of behaviors in wide demographic variability. These include preventive behaviors such as exercise, diet, and smoking cessation, disease-specific self-management behaviors such as medication compliance and health monitoring, and consumer behaviors such as successful interaction with a healthcare provider.

Because of the strong correlation between activation and self-care behaviors, the PAM scores can also greatly enhance the credibility of reported outcomes. While return on investment and closing clinical gaps in care will always be important outcomes measures, the ability to demonstrate a concurrent improvement in activation increases the likelihood that those positive outcomes can be attributed to the health improvement program.

A research project between LifeMasters and Dr. Hibbard’s team demonstrated that activation levels and health outcomes can be improved by tailoring participant care plans to the individual’s activation level. The full results of this study are expected to be published in June of 2009.

About LifeMasters Supported SelfCare, Inc.

LifeMasters Supported SelfCare, Inc. is a leading provider of health improvement and condition management programs and services that create health partnerships among individuals and their physicians. The programs improve the quality of care for populations with risk factors and

chronic conditions and reduce healthcare cost trends for the nation’s leading health plans, employers, retirement systems, labor unions/trusts and governmental organizations. LifeMasters offers programs for individuals with diabetes, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, asthma, cancer, depression and musculo-skeletal pain. LifeMasters’ programs are holistically focused, support co-morbidities like depression, and facilitate lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation and weight loss. LifeMasters is accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and URAC. More information can be found at innovation.lifemasters.com (https://www.lifemasters.com/innovation/).

About Insignia Health

Insigna Health is committed to helping consumers develop the behaviors that are crucial to becoming more active and effective members of their own healthcare team. These efforts are anchored by the Patient Activation Measure and the self-management competencies revealed by this assessment tool. With this knowledge, Insignia’s tailored coaching resources and self-care products can be leveraged to help individuals begin to master new positive behaviors that are realistic given one’s current level of activation. Research has shown consistently that with increased activation comes better health and the more effective and efficient use of healthcare resources. More information can be found at www.insigniahealth.com.

###

Contact Information

Abbie Pauley

http://innovation.lifemasters.com


412-926-7093

[Via http://www.prweb.com]

• Virtual Way To Study Human Behavior
• U.S. Postal Service Celebrates National Consumer Protection Week

i3output lands Oce ColorStream 10000, one of first six full-color, web-fed digital presses offering faster, cheaper, on demand capacity ideal for a new era of highly personalized direct marketing

Denver, CO (PRWEB) February 26, 2009 — At a time when TransPromo (relationship) marketing is growing more specialized and companies are demanding better ways to connect with their customers, Denver’s i3output unveiled Colorado’s first Oce ColorStream 10000 digital press, a new $2 million, four-color, web-fed machine that heralds the future of digital printing. One of only three in the U.S. and six in the world, the new press allows companies to produce cost-effective, on-demand, individualized marketing materials at high speeds without having to sacrifice color consistency or data integrity.

The new press solves a problem for companies doing what marketers call transpromotional marketing, which blends individualized, relevant promotional messages into transactional documents such as billing statements, invoices, and other customer communications. The Oce ColorStream 10000 enables i3output to deliver a wide variety of double-sided, individualized customer correspondence in color as needed, virtually eliminating the need to maintain a costly, pre-printed inventory of stock. As a consequence, it also reduces wasted paper.

“The digital printing and direct marketing industries are evolving faster than we ever imagined,” said Bob Buczek, senior vice president and general manager of direct mail operations at i3output. “The Oce 10000 allows us to offer customers full-color, variable printing in short runs whenever they need it.”

Undaunted by the investment it took to bring the press to its new Denver headquarters in the Northfield development near I-70 and Quebec, the company plans to pursue an aggressive growth strategy in 2009 to meet the expected demand from its current and new customers. According to Buczek, i3output can now claim the most technologically advanced print production in the Rocky Mountain region.

i3output is a privately held company headquartered in Denver, Colorado that provides printing, mailing services and integrated direct marketing solutions. The company is a subsidiary of i3logix, established in 2005, pioneers of innovative technology that encourages electronic messaging and automated document workflow to address outdated processes across several industry platforms.

For more information visit http://www.i3logix.com/

###

Contact Information

Jon Pushkin


Pushkin Public Relations

http://www.pushkinpr.com


303-733-3441


Bob Buczek


i3logix

http://www.i3logix.com


303-757-4546

[Via http://www.prweb.com]

• BlogCatalog Develops Tweetfeed.com Twitter Widget
• Future Of Digital Printing Arrives In Denver
• The Spy Place Announces Funding And Sales Training Partnership

In maintaining a high level of service and products that are second to none. Tate publishing is now offering coloring books with their successful children’s book line.

(PRWEB) February 25, 2009 — Starting next month Tate Publishing will be offering coloring books with every new children’s book released. Currently Tate Publishing offers every children’s book with a free audiobook and e-book download when a children’s book is purchased. These additions make up the publishers elite line of products known in the industry as eLive, or a digital entertainment package that readers can enjoy when purchasing a Tate Published title.

Director of Marketing, Mark Mingle stated, “As one of the leaders in children’s books it only made since that we offer another level or options and products for our authors to reach customers and readers. The coloring books will give children a wonderful opportunity to connect with the stories and characters in our books and help them to truly experience every aspect of the titles we are releasing.”

Tate Publishing has always made a commitment to offer products and services that are second to none in the publishing industry and these new features are another example of their commitment.

For more information about Tate Publishing and their titles, visit their website at www.tatepublishing.com.

###

Contact Information

Mark Mingle, Dir. of Marketing


Tate Publishing

http://www.tatepublishing.com


405 376-4900

[Via http://www.prweb.com]

• Businesses being the biggest users of application software Posted By : JASBIR SINGH
• Veteran Real Estate Analyst Launches Premier Real Estate Forecasting Solution
• Christophers to Honor Outstanding Work in Books, Film, TV at Diamond Anniversary Awards Gala in April

Quantum Media has uncovered that Court orders are being sought by creditors for the cross-examination of Mr. Robert Rusko of KPMG Inc., and Mr. Brian McLean on their unchallenged Affidavits. A court hearing for Action No. 193466VA99 is currently scheduled to be heard by the Chief Justice of British Columbia on February 23, 2009.

Vancouver, British Columbia (PRWEB) February 21, 2009 — Mr. Robert Rusko, a partner and senior vice-president of Canada’s KPMG Inc., known for the role he has played as Receiver in the Portus Alternative Asset Management Inc. matter, is still refusing to be cross-examined on any one of the Affidavits he has sworn in another intriguing court file, according to a recent report from Quantum Media. Namely the Supreme Court of British Columbia Action No. 193466VA99 (Vancouver Registry) which has been ongoing since 1999 involving the unique, complex, and involuntary Petition of Mr. Erwin Singh Braich.

The Court file indicates that to date all of Mr. Rusko’s Affidavits have gone unchallenged in this B.C. Supreme Court Action, including the most recent Affidavit, which was 7 pages long and dated December 4, 2008.

The records also show that Mr. Rusko is opposing the relief that is currently being sought by the creditors.

KPMG Inc. has been the Trustee in this file for over nine years, an unusually long time for an insolvency file by most standards. In fact, still being disputed today is whether a first meeting of creditors, pursuant to the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, was properly convened and held in 1999.

Some eight years later, Supreme Court of British Columbia Chief Justice Donald Brenner is being asked by KPMG to vary an Order that was pronounced on September 12, 2000, (Action No. 193466VA99 ).

Court records indicate that creditors in this case are unhappy with KPMG Inc., and in particular the conduct of Mr. Robert Rusko and former KPMG employees, Mr. David Wood, Mr. Stephen Boale, Mr. Darren Bidulka and Vancouver lawyer Brian McLean.

Court transcripts also indicate that these creditors are questioning the conduct of Mr. Jas Butalia, a partner formerly with BDO Dunwoody LLP. Mr. Butalia is one of the Inspectors in this matter if, in fact, the above referred meeting was properly convened and therefore his appointment is valid.

Other relief that is currently being sought by KPMG Inc., and Vancouver lawyer Brian McLean is an Order from the Court to withhold from public disclosure all details of the case which would “reflect adversely” on them, or any parties, that are involved with the administration of this file.

In October, 2007, the Chief Justice, Mr. Donald Brenner, granted a Motion brought forward by KPMG Inc. and KPMG International to proceed without allowing cross-examination of Mr. Rusko, on the Affidavit material he filed in support of that Motion.

At the hearings that occupied almost two full days, counsel for KPMG relied on Section 215 of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act, to prevent Mr. Erwin Singh Braich from further prosecuting a lawsuit that was filed in the United States, in February, 2007, (Case no. CV7 00177CMP filed in U.S. District Court Western District of Washington at Seattle), whereby it was alleged that he had suffered damages in excess of $500 million during and after his civil rights were violated.

The American lawsuit stemmed from an alleged unlawful entry and removal of documents and other personal property from a hotel room located in Bellingham, Washington. Essentially the B.C. Supreme Court ruling states that Mr. Braich should have asked for permission from KPMG to sue KPMG and or their agents.

Court documents indicate that KPMG sought injunctive relief from the Supreme Court of British Columbia well after being engaged in the American litigation.

In the same American lawsuit both the Government of Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police settled out of court with Braich – for more information about that lawsuit please visit:

http://www.andhranews.net/intl/2007/April/18/em-Canadian-Businessman-Files.asp

http://ca.prweb.com/releases/erwin/braich/prweb541360.htm,

Dr. Alex Penner – the Deputy Registrar of the College of Dental Surgeons in British Columbia, has also filed a Motion to cross-examine Mr. Robert Rusko.

The Motion by Dr. Alex Penner is supported by the vast majority of creditors.

Dr. Penner stated “I was in attendance a few years ago, when Madam Justice Morrison, then seized of the file, sanctioned Mr. Rusko and Mr. Brian McLean”.

He went on to say “I was also in attendance in another courtroom, at an earlier date, when Madame Justice Loo clearly directed that KPMG facilitate preservation measures in the litigation relating to the extremely valuable Sandy Hill Development in Abbotsford, B.C., in which city I live. In my opinion this direction was also breached by KPMG”.

“I was very happy to be selected in 1999 by the group of creditors I represent, all of whom are doctors, to travel to Europe to inspect various assets that were under consideration or had been bought by Mr. Braich. In addition; on an entirely separate trip in September of 1999, we are all aware that an Officer of the Court was sent to conduct his own independent valuation”, added Dr. Penner.

Another of the first to file his Motion to cross-examine Mr. Rusko was Mr. Satinder Dhillon.

Dhillon stated that: “we the creditors find it absolutely atrocious that KPMG would ever have even contemplated going along with the original Petition.

“The mere fact that PriceWaterhouseCoopers, the world’s largest accounting firm, paid over U.S. $1 million dollars (at almost the same time in 1999 that KPMG agreed to become Trustee), for an unsecured debt owed by Mr. Braich to a creditor, strongly suggests to me and many others that Mr. Braich was never bankrupt.

“KPMG should have done their homework before they agreed to assist a Petitioner. However, PriceWaterhouseCoopers had been paid approximately U.S. $2 million for professional services provided to Mr. Braich and his group of companies, directly or by outsourcing, which I believe gave them a fair amount of valuable insight”, added Dhillon.

Court records reveal that the lawyer for this above referred creditor was the same Mr. Howard Mickelson. Of course, now he is acting for KPMG et al.

“In our opinion it is clear for all to see that the Petition was an extortive measure used by the Petitioner and perhaps others for their own objectives.

“When Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (‘RICO’) related lawsuits are filed and that due process unfolds, the pattern of activity by certain individuals will clearly reveal what happened over the last ten years.

“Hopefully these findings will serve as an example in business schools throughout Canada, and the world, about how corruption and cover-ups by public officials and/or Officers of the Court can affect the lives of the average citizen who trusts and relies on the Rule of Law, and the ethical standards that are set for accountants, lawyers and other professionals.

“We need only look to the state of the world’s economy to see the real effects of and the damage a lack of proper controls, and enforcement of certain rules can have”.

Dhillon went on to state: “by our calculations after reviewing the evidence collected over the past ten years the damages suffered by the creditors and Mr. Braich is in excess of U.S. $800 million. When RICO statutes are applied this number will be tripled by the competent court, in the event we are victorious, after a jury trial in the United States. Based on the advice we have received to date, the pattern of activity by certain individuals fits four-square with what is required to apply the RICO statutes”.

The figure of U.S. $800 million is supported by other creditors including media mogul Mr. Robert Shaw (one of Braich’s largest creditors and a relative of Sir Run Run Shaw).

For more information about Sir Run Run Shaw please visit:

http://www.forbes.com/2007/09/15/run-run-shaw-face-cx_vk_0914autofacescan01.html

http://www.economist.com/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11413192&CFID=44534316&CFTOKEN=97115197

Mr. Robert Shaw stated: “I have always believed in Mr. Braich and also have tremendous respect for the work he has done in the community. I originally loaned Mr. Braich over Cdn. $2 million on a handshake. Then even more money without security. I consider myself a pretty good judge of character, and I believe Mr. Braich has great integrity.”

“It truly upsets me to see the pain and damage that KPMG and others have put him through unnecessarily; but I believe everything happens for a reason and that the truth is now coming to light”.

“Of course, I strongly support the Motions that have been filed by Mr. Braich and the creditors to cross-examine Mr. Robert Rusko and Mr. Brian McLean. It seems inappropriate, and highly unusual that contentious Affidavits would be allowed to go unchallenged, for so long, and be relied on at face value”.

“In my opinion our system has clearly broken down somewhere along the line and I am hopeful and confident that the Chief Justice of our Province will rectify this at some point after considering all of the evidence”.

Mr. Shaw went on to state; “Mr. Braich has always had my full and unwavering support. My family, friends, and I would conduct business and partner up again today with Mr. Braich – in a heartbeat. He has our full financial and moral support.”

Another creditor – Mr. Joe Bring, an accountant (formerly employed by KPMG Inc.) and a business valuator, stated; “in all my years, I have never seen a bankruptcy file go on for so long and it appears the writing is on the wall. In my opinion even the simplest things, such as the Petitioner’s Proof of Claim, is deficient”. Records indicate that Mr. Bring is now owed in excess of $1 million.

Dr. William Russell, a retired dentist and lawful creditor, stated, “what has occurred in this saga is absolutely appalling and I am hopeful that our Chief Justice would allow Mr. Robert Rusko’s Affidavits to finally be cross-examined”.

He further went on state that “I cannot believe that Mr. Rusko would not voluntarily allow questioning, and that KPMG has caused hundreds of millions of dollars in financial damage and wasted many years of people’s lives. The monetary damages which may be recovered will never be enough, as you can’t get back lost time. Totally reflective how incompetently this matter has been treated by the professionals is the very fact that they are now seeking that the Chief Justice vary an Order made some 8 years ago”.

Mr. Yashminder Sidhu, another creditor, stated that “I am absolutely disgusted by what has transpired, and have written to KPMG twice in the last two months and have still not received a single answer to my questions accept a very lame comment by Mr. Rusko stating that all matter would be dealt with by the British Columbia Judiciary.”

“KPMG and Mr. Rusko are even challenging our right to view the file that is in their possession, something which we are entitled to according to the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act”.

Mr. Sidhu went to state that “we possess meticulous records and ample evidence to support all allegations and look forward to the due process in the proper forum.” (His 35 page letter sent last year is attached).

More information about this matter is available at: www.justiceandtruthforall.com

When asked for his thoughts, Mr. Erwin Singh Braich stated that he is not currently allowed to speak about the matter, as decreed by the interim Order by the Honourable Court.

Contact info:

Quantum Media

Charlene Lee

206-370-1521

# # #

Contact Information

Charlene Lee


Quantum Media

http://www.justiceandtruthforall.com


206-370-1521

[Via http://www.prweb.com]

• GLOBE MEAT SLICER (BURIEN) $600
• BVF Acquisition LLC Extends Avigen Tender Offer to March 6, 2009
• How to get avalanche of website traffic with article marketing Posted By : Sean Anderson

BurrellesLuce Vice President Johna Burke, a prominent authority on media monitoring and measurement, will be one of the expert panelists discussing strategic measurement at the Feb. 25 breakfast meeting of the National Capital Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

Livingston, NJ (PRWEB) February 20, 2009 — BurrellesLuce (http://www.burrellesluce.com/?cid=thl_PR_B27I843X) Vice President Johna Burke, a prominent authority on media monitoring and measurement, will be one of the expert panelists discussing strategic measurement at the Feb. 25 breakfast meeting of the National Capital Chapter (http://www.prsa-ncc.org/) of the Public Relations Society of America.

The panel theme is “Using Strategic Media Measurement to Showcase Your Success.” The event will be held Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., at Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, in Washington, D.C.

In describing the session, the chapter states that, more than at any previous time, PR professionals “need accurate and detailed media measurement to prove the value” of what they’re delivering. The panelists will identify tools and strategies that practitioners can use “to showcase successes and strengths.” They will focus on the following areas:

• Why measurement is vital to demonstrate media efforts

• Measurement fundamentals

• Measurement cost-effectiveness

• Monitoring and analyzing the impact of social media

• Using media measurement to demonstrate a PR professional’s success to clients and internal audiences

Panelists will include (in alphabetical order):

• Johna Burke (http://www.burrellesluce.com/Bios/JBurke.php?cid=thl_PR_B27I843X), vice president, BurrellesLuce

• Barbara Coons, vice president, Strategy One

• Mike Carberry, president, CARMA International

• Katie Delahaye Paine, CEO, KD Paine & Associates

William N. Outlaw III, communications manager for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, will serve as moderator.

Prior to joining BurrellesLuce in 2000, Burke was director of public relations and investor relations for U-Haul International. She is a member of PRSA, and is Southern Region chair of the International Association of Business Communicators. Additional details regarding the Feb. 25 breakfast meeting, which is sponsored by BurrellesLuce, can be obtained from the chapter at 703-691-8733 or on its website (www.prsa-ncc.org), which can also handle registration.

About BurrellesLuce

BurrellesLuce (http://www.burrellesluce.com/?cid=thl_PR_B27I843X)helps communications professionals maximize their media relations results through a full range of planning, monitoring and measurement services. Besides delivering content, the company’s online platform enables clients to target and connect with journalists and bloggers, monitor the media for coverage, and measure and understand the impact of their outreach efforts. The platform has been further enhanced with the introduction of BurrellesLuce iMonitor (http://www.burrellesluce.com/imonitor/prmedia09), a self-guided media monitoring tool that powers instant searches covering the most local, national and international news from free and subscription sources, including social media. BurrellesLuce offers three levels of measurement: Essential, Impact, and Custom (http://www.burrellesluce.com/Media_Measurement/?cid=thl_PR_B27I843X).

###

Contact Information

Gail Nelson


BurrellesLuce

http://www.burrellesluce.com


973-251-3312

[Via http://www.prweb.com]

• Fannie Mae Redemption
• Potential For Personalising Treatment Of Infant Osteosarcoma
• Private Mortgage Returns Turn Negative in Third Quarter 2008

According to Steve Bernstein, president of Bernstein-Rein, “You have to live retail, in order to get retail.” Living retail every day through Bernstein-Rein’s own retail brand, Beauty Brands, has played a large role in the development of InsideOut Retailing.

(PRWEB) February 20, 2009 — According to Steve Bernstein, president of Bernstein-Rein, “You have to live retail, in order to get retail.” Living retail every day through Bernstein-Rein’s own retail brand, Beauty Brands, has played a large role in the development of InsideOut Retailing.

Bernstein-Rein has both a rich heritage and relevant current experience in helping companies, especially retailers, drive traffic and build brands despite harsh economic downturns — even getting better results for less money. It attributes its success to InsideOut Retailing, which is an approach to retail advertising — based on more than 45 years of retail experience as advertisers and retailers — where it starts at the store level and works its way outwards.

Bernstein says, “Now more than ever, we cannot think like an advertising agency, or even as a marketing partner. We need to think and work as if we were employed by our clients, as individuals. InsideOut Retailing pushes every Bernstein-Rein associate to think beyond the next great tagline and come up with solutions that will positively affect our clients’ bottom lines. Because that’s what really matters.”

In 2008 InsideOut Retailing helped keep such Bernstein-Rein clients as McDonald’s, Commerce Bank and Beauty Brands above the economic fray. It even attracted the likes of specialty retail giant PetSmart to team up with Bernstein-Rein and named it as agency of record.

As a result of InsideOut Retailing, Bernstein-Rein is able to work at the speed of retail — which benefited client Commerce Bank amidst last year’s crashing financial markets. Bernstein-Rein helped Commerce get the word out to its bankers, current clients and prospects that it would continue to have money to lend, was still a safe place to deposit money, and it was a bank they could trust.

As a result, Commerce’s 2008 books were in the black, and it was the only bank to receive a Moody’s rating of B+ or higher among regional banks with assets between $10 billion and $100 billion.

But Commerce wasn’t the only Bernstein-Rein client to prosper despite the abysmal financial climate. McDonald’s triumphed while many sit-down restaurants struggled or even collapsed. McDonald’s CEO Jim Skinner attributed its success in 2008 to a “strategic focus on menu choice, food quality and value.”

One new menu choice that has delivered for McDonald’s is McCafé coffee. McDonald’s tapped Bernstein-Rein for the test launch of the McCafé coffees. And through InsideOut Retailing, we thought of every single way to reach potential customers and encourage trial. Our efforts helped boost incremental sales and transactions, and, more important, we have helped McCafé become a solid business within a business for McDonald’s — which, in turn, has fueled overall growth for the company.

Growth, enhanced incremental sales and increased transactions were unheard of for many industries and categories in 2008 — especially in the prestige beauty industry, which was down last year. But with the help of InsideOut Retailing, Bernstein-Rein fortified Beauty Brands against such bad outcomes. In fact, we posted considerable increases in comp store sales, acquired new customers and continued our impressive run of greater customer retention.

“None of these outcomes are accidental. They happened because our client partners work so hard to positively position themselves in the market. These outcomes also occurred, in great part, because of InsideOut Retailing,” says Bernstein. For case studies and more information on how InsideOut Retailing drives results for our clients, get the inside(out) scoop at InsideOutRetailing.com.

###

Contact Information

Neil Neumeyer


Bernstein-Rein


816-960-5658

[Via http://www.prweb.com]

• Private Mortgage Returns Turn Negative in Third Quarter 2008
• Experian Offers Data Quality in the Cloud
• Jajah and Lingo VoIP Phone Service: More Equal than Other Telephony Services Posted By : Joe Deacon