EIN Presswire: Books Press Releases

How Crowd Funding has Transformed the Publishing Landscape Through Hybrid Advances

Thu, 24 May 2012 19:49:15 +0000

How Crowd Funding has Transformed the Publishing Landscape Through Hybrid Advances

New Trends in Publishing Lead a California Educator to Offer Pre-Orders of His Inner-City Children's Book

PR Newswire

LOS ANGELES, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- New Trends in Publishing lead a California educator, Joseph Gutiz, to seek help in funding by offering pre-orders of his humorous, anti-bullying, and pro sports children's book through the reward filled crowd-funding site, Kickstarter.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120524/LA13653)

Joseph Gutiz, Author/Independent publisher (http://www.josephgutizpublishing.com), also a California educator for the past twelve years, and a professional photographer for the past three years (http://www.josephgutizphotography.com), understands first hand what children deal with on a daily basis. Joseph Gutiz, who writes and publishes under this pseudo name, recently launched the book project entitled "The Adventures of Chubby Cheeks: The Pro Quest," which balances many issues children face nowadays, such as bullying, financial hardships, and common middle school dilemmas, all while they pursue their dream of becoming skateboarding pros without compromising good humor.

The book is set in the world-renowned Skateboarding city of Venice Beach, CA. Which has been a mecca for new trends like skateboarding, body building, street art to name a few. Joseph now wants to be the next Jeff Kinney in order to bring more awareness to the various common issues that plague our youth of today. He thinks that the book will do well by offering diverse characters in a well-plotted story line in order to capture the age group that he has written for (8-14).

Here are just a few of these assorted characters: a bullied chubby cheeked boy and his wimpy African-American sidekick set out on a Pro Quest to become pros at everything they do, along with a skateboarding bulldog, a blue jay, and a daring Caucasian skater girl. As they start their quest, they encounter thrills, mishaps and everyday inner-city childhood adventures along the way.

Although the book has been written and edited, it has never been submitted to any traditional agent or publisher for consideration. "In an era when an author must do nearly everything on his own, independent publishing makes sense," Said the new author who is independently publishing through JG Publishing.

However, the project needs support in the form of pledges in exchange for creative rewards, such as an ebook or printed copy, original illustrations, and the opportunity to become a part of the publishing process.

Upon the successful funding of the Kickstarter project, the book will be reviewed and officially launch by the end of the year both in print and as an ebook. In order to create the best possible book, the author has already assembled his own publishing team of people comprised of an illustrator, editors, and marketing consultants.

Contact Information:

Joseph Gutiz
Office: 951-208-0391
Cell: 951-552-0603

Email: josephgutiz@yahoo.com
Twitter: twitter.com/jgutizbooks
Blog: josephgutiz.blogspot.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/josephGutiz

SOURCE JG Publishing

Scholastic Storia™ Awarded The "Editor's Choice Award" By Children's Technology Review

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:06:45 +0000

Scholastic Storia™ Awarded The "Editor's Choice Award" By Children's Technology Review

"Scholastic's Answer to Amazon.com is STORIA" -- Children's Technology Review, May 2012

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Children's Technology Review, the "Consumer Reports" of products and trends in children's interactive media, has awarded Storia™, Scholastic's new eReading app with the 2012 Editor's Choice Award. The Editor's Choice Awards are given to only the highest quality children's products in the interactive media category. These are the "no fail" products, worthy of their cost, and able to keep children engaged for days at a time.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120524/NY13501LOGO)

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100907/SCHOLASTICLOGO)

According to Children's Technology Review Editor Warren Buckleitner, "In the past month, we've notice a dramatic increase in the number of tablet based book collections that specifically target children. Which is best? If you study the ratings, you'll see that while each has specific strengths and weaknesses, Scholastic's Storia comes out on top."

Children's Technology Review tested Storia on the iPad. Here are excerpts from the review: "We found all aspects of the Storia experience to be solid and easy to use. Features include the ability to quickly jump between shelf and list view, so if you have a lot of books you can browse your titles alphabetically. Other nice touches include the ability to switch skins. The books look as if they are scanned versions of the printed pages… Once a book is downloaded, it lives within the app, along with a customized dictionary. Features include some excellent navigation features, silky smooth page turning and a no-frills dictionary system. Some of the books are marked with lightning symbol, which means they have been enhanced with word puzzles or some other type of comprehensive game. The design is clean and responsive throughout." Buckleitner continued, "Of course the strength of any eBook delivery system is the library. In that department, few can match the resources of a company like Scholastic…. In order to make this product Scholastic Book Club friendly, the system rewards teachers with points (for their classroom)."

Deborah Forte, Executive Vice President and President, Scholastic Media, the group that created the Storia application, commented, "We're delighted that Storia's unique functionality designed to support kids reading has been recognized by Warren Buckleitner who is widely respected as an expert on children's software. He joins the many teachers, parents and kids who have expressed their enthusiasm and appreciation for Storia."

Storia is a FREE eReading app specifically designed to support kids' reading, and also help parents monitor kids' reading progress. Storia comes with FIVE FREE eBooks, and offers access to a wide variety of age-appropriate titles for children from toddler to teen. The selections are carefully curated to offer a range of children's digital picture, chapter and interactive eBooks on a variety of topics and reading levels that are presented in a way that is true to the original print versions. A selection of Storia eBooks are enriched with fun, educational activities including vocabulary games, comprehension activities and fun video content as a reward when kids finish the book.

On Storia, parents can set up individual bookshelves for each of their children, purchase new eBooks, and track a child's reading progress through each book. Parents can find out which words the child learned, how many pages they read, and how long their child spent reading each day.

About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology and related services and children's media. Scholastic creates quality books, print and technology-based learning materials and programs, magazines, multi-media and other products that help children learn both at school and at home. The Company distributes its products and services worldwide through a variety of channels, including
school-based book clubs and book fairs, retail stores, schools, libraries, on-air, and online at www.scholastic.com.

To learn more about Storia visit http://mediaroom.scholastic.com/storia. For more information about Scholastic visit http://mediaroom.scholastic.com .

SOURCE Scholastic Inc.

Entrepreneurial Advice From a "Business Frontiersman"

Thu, 24 May 2012 17:00:00 +0000

Entrepreneurial Advice From a "Business Frontiersman"

Rules for Success and Survival

PR Newswire

SAN DIEGO, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- "Who would you rather be lost in the woods with, Albert Einstein or Davey Crockett?" asks Michael Dalton Johnson author of the new business book Rules of the Hunt. (McGraw-Hill Professional; May, 2012; Hardcover, $26.00)

He continues, "Business schools provide a solid foundation for a career but it's not possible for them to give the experience needed to deal with the many day-to-day challenges and opportunities encountered in business."

In keeping with its subtitle "Real World Advice for Entrepreneurial and Business Success," the book departs from conventional business books in voice, content and format. The book contains over 200 "rules" delivered as brief anecdotes, short tutorials, humorous observations, case histories, an occasional rant and a few horror stories.

The final chapter is devoted to the author's advice for preserving physical and mental health while in the hunt for business success.

Subjects covered include leadership, negotiating, motivating people, time management, bartering, group dynamics, recruiting winners, sales, marketing, avoiding attorneys, relationships and personal growth.

About Michael Dalton Johnson

At the age of 15, he dropped out of high school to take a full-time job. He joined the Army at 17. After his time in the military, he worked as a ranch hand, factory worker, and construction laborer before venturing into the business world.

Johnson went on to become an award-winning trade magazine and book publisher. He has founded several successful businesses and is the creator of a novelty product which has sold 3 million units.

He also served as Director of Development for an international technical publishing and marketing company which he took from three employees and two products to a multinational company with hundreds of employees and dozens of products. He currently owns and operates two commercial websites with offices in San Diego County.

Further information, including praise for the book, can be seen at Amazon.com.

Contact: Jessica Sutton
Jessica@SalesDog.com
760-476-3700

SOURCE Michael Dalton Johnson

Central Florida Psychologist Catches Radio's Ear Saying "Change Your Life, Not Your Wife"

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:48:31 +0000

Central Florida Psychologist Catches Radio's Ear Saying "Change Your Life, Not Your Wife"

PR Newswire

MELBOURNE, Fla., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In recent weeks psychologist Dr. Tony Ferretti has been in constant talk show demand for answers to the question, "Why do winners like John Edwards and Arnold Schwarzenegger act so destructively in their relationships?" In their just released book, Change Your Life, Not Your Wife, Drs. Ferretti and Weiss explain it simply and compellingly - the very same personality traits that propel people to material success spell trouble for their relationships.

After nine radio appearances in two weeks, Dr. Ferretti is getting rave reviews for his punchy, "tell it like it is" style. From Bill Clinton to Anthony Weiner, Dr. Ferretti brings insight into the many in-the-news examples of powerful people self-destructing in their personal lives. His compelling content includes:

Why are so many powerful men arrogant and clueless?
Can these people really change?
Changing - What works and what doesn't.
What if you're married to one of these guys?

Book Dr. Ferretti for a great show!

Dr. Tony Ferretti is a licensed psychologist specializing in helping clients to recognize the addictive nature of power, control, and success. A Ph.D. from the University of Southern Mississippi and over 20 years in practice have allowed Dr. Ferretti to really understand these individuals. He's been a guest on Dr. Phil and been a host himself for Talk to Tony, a popular weekly call-in radio show on psychological topics. He lives and works in central Florida.

Contact: Joyce Simpson
(321) 984-0708
psych_onriverview@yahoo.com

SOURCE Dr. Tony Ferretti, Ph.D.

Vincent 'The Chin' Gigante's Daughter Pens Memoir of Family Life with International Crime Boss

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:50:12 +0000

Vincent 'The Chin' Gigante's Daughter Pens Memoir of Family Life with International Crime Boss

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Notorious crime boss Vincent "The Chin" Gigante was not your "average" mobster; he was, in fact, the Capo di tutti capi -- the head of all five New York crime families: the Bonannos, Colombos, Gambinos, Genoveses, and Luccheses. In an effort to protect himself and his family, Gigante created a facade of a mentally unstable person, complete with public theatrics, often wearing his infamous Golden Nugget bathrobe around town. His story is most intriguing for the level of secretiveness it has maintained. Finally, six years after his death, Vincent's youngest daughter Rita pens a tell-all of her life growing up with the most powerful mafia leader of that time.

The Godfather's Daughter: An Unlikely Story of Love, Healing and Redemption, releasing September 18th by Hay House publishing, is a never-before-heard account of what it was like to live a life of deceit, secrecy, oppression, and violence. In this breakthrough true story of the turmoil that permeated within the mafia lifestyle, Rita delves deep into the adversities she had to overcome as a young gay woman in a strict Italian Catholic family. She recounts being misunderstood and bullied by her own family members for resisting the life that was expected of her. Forced to live a lie to protect her family and her father's ego ultimately created an unstable environment filled with frustration, confusion, and fear. After years of deception Rita finally hit rock bottom and realized she could no longer bear the anguish of her demons; she had to live a life true to herself. Throughout Rita's personal growth, the bond with her father evolved as well. It was upon her father's passing that she was finally able to achieve the improbable relationship with him that she had longed for her entire life -- a relationship where they could share an uninhibited exchange of love and an understanding for who they really were.

"The inspiration to write the book began about 13 years ago. I started to see the changes in myself as I began to speak up about who I was and began to live my life as authentically as possible. I started to share that with people so that they could also stand in their truth and do the same. I knew I couldn't write it while my father was alive ... and after he passed, I knew I had to give my family time to grieve. The timing is right now," says Rita Gigante.

The Godfather's Daughter uncovers the truths a crime boss's daughter must face to shed family secrets and accept what cannot be changed. Complete with an insider view of the mafia world, Rita's story tells of the importance of forgiveness in an unforgiving world and shows the eventual transformation from a troubled girl into a more fulfilled woman.

For media inquiries, please contact Richelle Zizian, Publicity Manager, Hay House, rzizian@hayhouse.com, 646-484-4954.

Hay House is the international leader in self-help and motivational publishing, featuring books, audios, and sidelines by more than 250 authors. Smiley Books, Visions, and Insights are imprints of Hay House, Inc, which is also the exclusive distributor for Amber Allen Press and Agape Media, Inc. Hay House has a self-publishing division, Balboa Press, as well as radio, film and television divisions. Corporate offices are in California and New York, with international divisions in Australia, the United Kingdom, India, and South Africa. Please visit us at http://www.hayhouse.com.

SOURCE Hay House

ShareThis Marks Fifth Straight Quarter of Growth With New Agency Partnerships, Product Innovation and Management Additions

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Web's Largest Platform for Sharing and Social Insights Realizes Highest Quarterly Revenue Growth to Date, Bolsters Management Team and Expands Footprint in Stanford Research Park

ShareThis, the leader in sharing and influence across the Web, today announced the appointment of Matt Gallatin as Chief Financial Officer and Jennifer Hyman as Senior Vice President, Marketing. The management additions occur as the company expands innovation amongst consumers, advertisers and builds on its robust publisher offering around its recently developed Social Quality Index (SQI). SQI is the first Web-wide measurement of the impact of social activity around content online, providing publishers and advertisers with a tool to leverage social audiences.

Gallatin joins ShareThis from Brand.net, where he managed the company's day-to-day and strategic financing. Prior to Brand.net, Gallatin was a senior leader in the corporate finance group at Yahoo! There, he led analysis and due diligence for partnership deals generating in excess of $3 billion in revenue. He also brings extensive investment banking experience as an underwriter for technology firms during an eight-year tenure at Merrill Lynch.

Hyman is an experienced digital marketer who, prior to joining ShareThis, led the communications and marketing organization at DoubleVerify, Inc. Before that, Hyman headed YouTube marketing at Google, where she grew the company's video and display businesses. She has also held positions in product marketing at Google and Jupiter Research/Jupiter Media Metrix.

"Sharing is the underpinning of the social Web," says Hyman. "ShareThis allows for consumers to share the content they love however they want to, and we enable advertisers and publishers to benefit from and leverage social at scale. I'm looking forward to being part of the business as it scales so rapidly."

"ShareThis has built significant relationships with major brands, agencies and publishers, guiding them through the rapidly changing social advertising landscape. The financial trajectory of the company is impressive and a testament to the strength of its model," says Gallatin.

Hyman and Gallatin join ShareThis' leadership during a period of significant growth as the company strengthens its partnerships with leading agencies. Four of the top 5 [and 6 of the top 10] Ad Age 100 Leading National Advertisers have run campaigns through ShareThis, and 80% of the company's revenue is derived from repeat customers, underscoring ShareThis' ability to perform to top brands' campaign objectives.

"These additions to our management team come at a time of truly significant growth: growth in revenue, in talent, and in demand from advertisers and publishers," says ShareThis CEO Kurt Abrahamson. "We believe the best content is hand-picked. That ethos guides every new product we develop and it's been soundly validated in the response from the market."

About ShareThis
ShareThis is one of the largest and most innovative platforms for sharing across the Web. Designed around social media -- both the content that inspires sharing and the audiences that socialize it -- the company's platform allows for direct relationships with the key players in the advertising ecosystem: publishers, advertisers, and consumers. ShareThis enables publishers to offer popular content sharing features which foster increased usage and engagement while providing advertisers effective ad targeting capabilities and analytics derived from sharing activity. The company is based in Palo Alto, CA, with offices in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Aly Brady or Kei Quigley
sharethis@launchsquad.com
415-625-8555

Launch of APOCALYPSIS in UK

Thu, 24 May 2012 14:52:00 +0000

Launch of APOCALYPSIS in UK

PR Newswire

COLOGNE, Germany, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

The Moot Stage, Hay Festival, 3.30 pm - 8 June 2012

German Publishing house, Bastei Lübbe will be launching APOCALYPSIS, an e-publishing phenomenon by Mario Giordano at the Hay Festival of Literature and the Arts on June 8^th.

     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120524/533506-a )
     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120524/533506-b )
     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120524/533506-c )
     (Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120524/533506-d )

For the first time in the 59-year history of Bastei Lübbe, the renowned publishing house will launch a novel for the international market. Bastei Lübbe Entertainment presents the world's first digital novel series, APOCALYPSIS, a groundbreaking venture that will change the face of literature forever.

The novel, which is divided into 13 chapters, will be published on a weekly basis - starting 06/01/2012. It will be available as App, eBook, Read&Listen version, and an audio download. APOCALYPSIS contains a captivating blend of text, illustrations, video, audio, and interactive enhanced elements designed to work on the iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. A revolutionary way to experience the thrill of reading APOCALYPSIS.

The 25^th Hay Festival of Literature and the Arts will mark the official launch of APOCALYPSIS for the US and UK market. The event will take place on The Moot Stage on June 8, 2012, at 3.30 pm.

Hosted by journalist Claudia Cosmo, the event will also feature Jan Wielpuetz, the editorial director of Bastei Entertainment, and the author, Mario Giordano. The author will explain how the idea of a web novel was born, and will outline the challenges the team has had to deal with by setting up an interactive series. The discussion will also investigate the benefits of a digital novel over traditional literature, placing particular emphasis on the vast benefits of a digital platform.

Award-winning screenwriter and author Mario Giordano will read from his masterpiece: APOCALYPSIS - a gripping and explosive thriller that re-defines suspense. What starts out as a sophisticated Vatican conspiracy, soon develops into a uniquely intense and spectacular thriller. Pope John Paul III has disappeared without a trace. The whole world is searching for him, including journalist Peter Adam. What he finds out exceeds the bounds of human imagination: evidence that the church is on the brink of doom and so is the world….

APOCALYPSIS is available to download to your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch with iBooks, or on iTunes.com/uk

Contact for further information:
Barbara Fischer, Head of PR
Bastei Lübbe GmbH & Co. KG
+49(0)221-8200-2850
barbara.fischer@luebbe.de

Tina Pfeifer, Online-PR
Bastei Lübbe GmbH & Co. KG
+49(0)221-8200-2857
tina.pfeifer@luebbe.de

George H. W. Bush Presidential Library Foundation Announces Frederick D. McClure As New Executive Director

Thu, 24 May 2012 14:00:00 +0000

George H. W. Bush Presidential Library Foundation Announces Frederick D. McClure As New Executive Director

Distinguished Texas A&M Alum, Advisor to Two U.S. Presidents, Succeeds Ambassador Roman Popadiuk to Lead Foundation

PR Newswire

COLLEGE STATION, Tex., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The governing board of the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation today announced the appointment of one of its members, Frederick D. McClure, to succeed Ambassador Roman Popadiuk who is retiring as executive director after 13 years of service. The McClure appointment takes effect July 1st.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120524/DA13167)

"Barbara and I are grateful to have a close and respected friend like Fred take the reins of our foundation and help guide it into the future," said President Bush. "In so doing, he follows another trusted friend, Roman Popadiuk, who has so selflessly and ably served as our executive director since 1999. The gratitude in my heart to both of these good men knows no bounds."

McClure, 58, served in consecutive presidential administrations advising President Ronald Reagan and President George H. W. Bush on legislative affairs as a senior member of the White House staff. His public service also includes Legislative Director to US Senator John Tower, Associate Deputy US Attorney General, Chairman of the Board of Visitors of the United States Naval Academy, and a member of the National Civil Aviation Review Commission and the Secretary of Energy's Advisory Board.

A 1981 graduate of Baylor Law School, McClure is presently the Washington, DC managing partner for the international law firm, SNR Denton -- one of the 25 largest legal service providers in the world, with lawyers and professionals in more than 60 locations in 43 countries on four continents. He previously served as a managing shareholder of Winstead Sechrest & Minick, as managing director of Public Strategies Incorporated, and as staff vice president of Texas Air Corporation.

"The board extends its gratitude to our good friend Roman Popadiuk for his diligence in establishing the foundation and imbuing its solid growth and many activities with a commitment to excellence," said Gen. Brent Scowcroft, chairman of the Bush Library board. "Going forward, Fred's many professional accomplishments combined with his deep Texas and Texas A&M roots make him the ideal leader to ensure that the quality of our programs continue to reflect the sterling qualities of our namesake."

McClure graduated from Texas A&M in 1976 with an undergraduate degree in agricultural economics after serving as student body president and receiving the Brown-Rudder Outstanding Student Award. In 1991, the University named him its 115th Distinguished Alumnus. In 1995, Governor George W. Bush appointed McClure to a six-year term on Texas A&M's Board of Regents, where he served two years as vice chairman. He has also served as Vice President of the Texas A&M University Association of Former Students and as a member of the Board of Directors of the 12th Man Foundation.

"Fred McClure is an excellent choice to continue and build on Dr. Popadiuk's considerable achievements," said Dr. R. Bowen Loftin, president of Texas A&M University. "His experience as a former student body president and as a Distinguished Alumnus of Texas A&M makes him a great ambassador for the university, and his legal background and service under President Bush and on the Bush Foundation's board of directors give him broad expertise and vision for the Foundation's future direction. We are glad that Fred is returning to Aggieland."

A native of San Augustine, Texas, McClure and his wife, Harriet, have two children.

SOURCE George Bush Presidential Library Foundation

AAA PetBook Offers Traveling Pet Owners More Than 14,000 Places to Stay and Play

Thu, 24 May 2012 13:15:00 +0000

AAA PetBook Offers Traveling Pet Owners More Than 14,000 Places to Stay and Play

PR Newswire

Release of new AAA PetBook edition means thousands of updated listings and the start of the next AAA PetBook Photo Contest

ORLANDO, Fla., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Does your ideal vacation include your furry family members? For many Americans, Fido and Fluffy are essential participants in family outings. But they can pose some challenges when it comes to travel arrangements. Concerns range from locating pet-friendly establishments to finding reliable trip planning information and advice.

For these travelers, the newly released edition of Traveling with Your Pet: The AAA PetBook® — available in print and digital versions — offers a solution they can trust. The annually updated guidebook contains detailed information for finding and selecting the right place to stay. Plus, the guide is packed with a wealth of additional resources for planning pet-friendly vacations.

"A great vacation with pets requires careful planning," said Bill Wood, executive editor, AAA Travel Publishing. "The last thing travelers want to find on arrival is their pet exceeds the hotel's size limit or requires extra fees. AAA collects these details to help prevent unwelcome surprises. We're pleased to provide traveling pet owners with handy tips and insight along with reliable travel information."

Whether travelers want affordable, comfortable hotels near favorite recreation spots, or luxurious accommodations that extend the royal treatment to two- and four-footed guests, they'll find it in Traveling with Your Pet: The AAA PetBook. The book includes pet-friendly AAA Approved and Diamond Rated lodgings throughout the U.S. and Canada. Listings include fees, permitted pet sizes, conditions of stay and pet amenities for properties across every Diamond Rating level.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the book lists more than 600 pet-friendly campgrounds plus dog parks and attractions and national public lands that allow pets. Readers will also find useful tips for preparing four-legged travelers for the road or air and handy information about pet etiquette, insurance and emergency animal clinics.

"We know pets are very much a part of our guests' families. As such, we want to welcome pets and their owners to our more than 1,600 pet-friendly properties," said Dorothy Dowling, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Best Western. "We are proud to be listed in The AAA PetBook, an exceptional resource, and to sponsor the annual AAA PetBook Photo Contest to help showcase pet travelers in action."

From its outside covers to a special 16-page insert, the guide features scenic, smile-provoking photos of pets enjoying safe travel — a reminder to snap a candid of your winner during this year's vacation. The current AAA PetBook Photo Contest sponsored by Best Western is open for entries, now through Nov. 30, 2012. Each year, winners are selected to appear on the back cover and spine of the next edition and also receive cash, pet treats, copies of the book and a Best Western Travel Card usable worldwide. See inside The AAA PetBook for details, or access official contest rules, an entry form and the contest photo gallery at AAA.com/PetBook.

Traveling with Your Pet: The AAA PetBook, 14th edition, is available at many AAA and CAA offices as well as select bookstores and online booksellers. The suggested retail price is $18.95. The digital edition, available at online booksellers, carries a suggested digital retail price of $9.99.

About AAA
As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 53 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

About Best Western International, Inc.
Best Western International, Inc., headquartered in Phoenix, Ariz., is a privately held hotel brand made up of more than 4,100* BEST WESTERN®, BEST WESTERN PLUS® and BEST WESTERN PREMIER® hotels in more than 100* countries and territories worldwide. Now celebrating 66 years of hospitality, Best Western welcomes hundreds of thousands of guests nightly. Best Western provides its hoteliers with global operational, sales, marketing and promotional support, and online and mobile booking capabilities. More than 13 million travelers are members of the brand's award-winning loyalty program Best Western Rewards®, one of the few programs in which members earn points that never expire and can redeem at any Best Western hotel worldwide. The brand's partnerships with AAA/CAA, racecar driver Michael Waltrip, and Harley-Davidson® provide travelers with exciting ways to interact with the brand. Best Western in 2011 was named AAA's and CAA's Hotel Partner of the Year and bestwestern.com was named the 2011 Compuware Best of the Web Gold award winner.

*Numbers are approximate and can fluctuate.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080226/DC15031LOGO )

SOURCE AAA

Publish Green Releases Chrisso Diet: A Diet/Lifestyle Book That Has Already Generated Buzz

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:20:31 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ Chrisso Diet is a diet/lifestyle book By Chrisso that will help people achieve their goal weight easily and effectively.. Released by Publish Green, A Division of Hillcrest Media Group.

Chrisso Diet is a diet program that will help people lose weight fast and it will also help them remain slender for the rest of their lives. Chrisso says that this Diet/Lifestyle book is like no other.

Chrisso earned a degree in Nutrition, Diet, and Health From Ashwoth College. He knows all the right and proper secrets to weight loss. He is a diet expert. Chrisso is an author, nutritionist, and a socialite.

He has done extensive research on nutrition, diet , and health. According to Chrisso, this unique diet plan truly works. Chrisso lost over 70 pounds doing his own formula, the "Chrisso Diet."

Chrisso promises to help everyone achieve their desired goal weight.

How the program works is fairly simple. Dieters just follow the three-step regime:

STEP 1: The Begin Step > [ A 20 Day Program ]

STEP 2: The Add-On Step > [ Until people reach their goal weight ]

STEP 3: The Maintenance Step >[ Secrets , tips , and advice on
remaining thin forever. ]

Chrisso's incomparable diet book will guide people "The Easy Way."

Chrisso's intention is to help millions achieve their perfect dream body. In Chrisso Diet, Chrisso reveals life-altering weight loss secrets. This extraordinary diet book will truly change people's lives forever.

The book also contains 40 very powerful health affirmations. The final chapter includes healthy recipes like: soups, salads, and main dishes.

Chrisso announced to the press that "Chrisso Diet" is a diet that celebrities will love.

Chrisso Diet will only be released as an Ebook for now at all the online book stores, including: iBooks, Amazon, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble.

You can connect with Chrisso on Facebook and Twitter.

Visit the Official Chrisso Diet Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/ChrissoDiet

Visit The Official Chrisso Diet Twitter Page: http://www.twitter.com/chrissodiet

Emma Wilson
Chrisso Diet Support
009716468638
http://chrissodiet.devhub.com/

PR Courtesy of Online PR Media

Vincent 'The Chin' Gigante's Daughter Pens Memoir of Family Life with International Crime Boss

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:15:00 +0000

Vincent 'The Chin' Gigante's Daughter Pens Memoir of Family Life with International Crime Boss

PR Newswire

For media inquiries, please contact Richelle Zizian, Publicity Manager, Hay House, rzizian@hayhouse.com, 646-484-4954.

SOURCE Hay House

'The New Black Politician' Examines Groundbreaking Era in American Politics

Thu, 24 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

'The New Black Politician' Examines Groundbreaking Era in American Politics

PR Newswire

ATLANTA, May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In the just-released book "The New Black Politician: Cory Booker, Newark and Post-Racial America" (NYU Press, 2012), Emory University political scientist Andra Gillespie uses Newark, N.J., and its mayor, Cory Booker, as a case study to explain the breakdown of racial unity in black politics. "The New Black Politician" presents a challenge to the current understanding of the connection between racial solidarity, voter choice and policy preferences.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-new-black-politician-examines-groundbreaking-era-in-american-politics-153242865.html

Newark's Booker – one of the nation's most visible city mayors – is more than a singular success story. His rise to power represents a dramatic shift in American politics as a vanguard of young, affluent black leadership has emerged the past 15 years. These "new black politicians" often clash with older generations of African American leadership for power while reshaping municipal and national politics in the process.

The 2002 Newark mayoral race, a contentious battle between the young challenger Booker and the more established incumbent Sharpe James – is one of a series of contests in which young, well-educated, moderate black politicians have challenged civil rights veterans for power.

Gillespie examines the decade-long evolution of African American politics in New Jersey's largest city and its meaning for American politics. The book features first-hand observation and interviews with many of Newark's key players (including Cory Booker), and provides a current understanding of contemporary African American and mayoral politics.

Booker's rise to power demonstrates how younger African Americans seeking office often build political alliances that circumvent the traditional black political establishment, and deliberately work to establish more diverse appeal, outreach and power centers among the electorate. It was with such a multi-cultural coalition that President Barack Obama, originally a political outsider, propelled himself to the White House, Gillespie says.

Based on eight years of intense and ongoing research, Gillespie shows that while both poor and affluent blacks pay lip service to racial cohesion and to continuing the goals of the Civil Rights Movement, the reality is both groups harbor different visions of how to achieve those goals and what those goals will look like once achieved.

In the book, Gillespie explains why Booker lost in 2002, how he won in 2006 and was reelected in 2010. She provides a framework of advice for younger African Americans considering forays into politics.

Media Contact: Beverly Clark, 404-712-8780, beverly.clark@emory.edu

SOURCE Emory University

Do Not Invent Book Rockets to #115 Across All Categories in Amazon Debut

Thu, 24 May 2012 11:45:00 +0000

Do Not Invent Book Rockets to #115 Across All Categories in Amazon Debut

PR Newswire

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn., May 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The new book - Do NOT Invent Buggy Whips - hit the Amazon Best-Seller Lists on its launch date, May 22. It ranked in the top 10 in two categories - Small Business Entrepreneurship (#3) and Entrepreneurship (#3). It also ranked #35 in the Business and Investing Category, and most remarkably it ranked #115 overall for all books on Amazon.

Do Not Invent - the second book by the award-winning author Ken Thurber (his last book Big Wave Surfing: Extreme Technology Development, Management, Marketing and Investing, published last year was also an Amazon Best-Seller) - climbed up the charts and stayed there for most of the day.

#115 in Books
#35 in Business & Investing
#3 in Small Business & Entrepreneurship
#3 in Entrepreneurship

The book has begun to resonate with people who have seen an early release of the book. (Do Not Invent has already grabbed Business category honors at both the 2012 Paris and San Francisco book festivals.)

Like the buggy whip, many products die due to advances in technology, but according to author Ken Thurber there is a solution: reinvention. In basic terms, reinvention means to take a product and change it in a way that makes it unique and up-to-date. Thurber runs through the reinvention process with clear examples such as the iPod, charting its evolution from such classics as the Walkman, the boom-box, and the cassette player.

According to the author, Ken Thurber, "I think part of the appeal of Do Not Invent is American's urge to reinvent their companies, their products, themselves. People realized in this last downturn that survival equals continual reinvention.

"The new heroes are technology titans. People like the late Steve Jobs, Jack Dorsey (founder of Twitter, Square) and Elon Musk (PayPal, Space X, Tesla Motors) who continually reinvent.

"That's why many of the case studies in the book concern companies and people from Starbucks to Apple to Picasso who continually reinvented themselves. It's a process. And you have to understand the process of What If? Who Cares? and finally How Big Is My Market?

"All three questions must be answered for anyone trying to develop a truly disruptive and potentially viable product. For anyone who wants to understand how to create and craft products that have a chance at success, this is the place of ideas and stories on innovations past and present.

"This book is a must-read for the entrepreneur, the businessman and the individual who truly wants to understand not only product reinvention, but why it's important to keep reinventing yourself as well. If you can disrupt the status quo you have the opportunity to create wealth and prosperity for you and your associates. If you do not disrupt the product market, rest assured someone else will."

The Book is available in paperback and Kindle at Amazon.

Check out more at: http://www.donotinventbuggywhips.com

About the Author:

Kenneth J. Thurber Ph.D. is a renowned computer architect and has developed technology and systems worth billions of dollars. He's the author of the award-winning and Amazon Best-Seller - Big Wave Surfing - Extreme Technology Development, Management, Marketing and Investing. He developed the concept of "technology big wave surfing" to empower readers to understand and harness the opportunity of an ever-changing technological marketplace.

See and read more at: http://www.bigwavesurfingbook.com

Connect with the Big Wave book at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/bigwavesurfingbookcom/130634580338793

Book Cover: http://www.ereleases.com/pic/2012-Do-Not-Invent-Buggy-Whips.jpg

Contact: Press Information

Paul O'Neill, Direct Channel
Voice: (508) 588-4448
pauloneill@directchannel.com

This press release was issued through eReleases® Press Release Distribution. For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE Kenneth J. Thurber Ph.D.

Media Advisory: Cineplex Entertainment Announces June Front Row Centre Events

Thu, 24 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Each month, Cineplex Entertainment (TSX:CGX) brings great entertainment to theatres across Canada. With Front Row Centre Events, guests can watch the Met Opera, stage productions, movies and more - all on the big screen.

Don't miss this June's exciting events:

IN THE SPOTLIGHT THIS MONTH:

Stage and Theatre

Barrymore

Encore presentation

When: June 2, 7 and 10, 2012 - showtimes vary by location

A film adaptation of playwright William Luce's Barrymore that depicts actor John Barrymore as he prepares for a revival of his 1920 Broadway triumph in Richard III. The year is 1942 and Barrymore is far past his prime. It appears he has booked the theatre simply to perform alone, while he drinks and reminisces about his family and the profession of acting. Meanwhile, a stage manager stands in the wings, prompting Barrymore with Shakespeare's dialogue, but the actor appears to be otherwise distracted.

Frankenstein

Encore presentation

When: Thursday, June 14, 2012 - 6:45 p.m. local time

Saturday, June 16, 2012 - 12:30 p.m. local time

Thursday, June 21, 2012 - 6:45 p.m. local time

Saturday, June 23, 2012 - 6:45 p.m. local time

OscarÂ® winner Danny Boyle (127 Hours and Slumdog Millionaire) returns to the theatre to direct this visionary new production, Frankenstein by Nick Dear, based on the novel by Mary Shelley. Back by popular demand! Throughout the run of Frankenstein at the National Theatre, Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller alternated the roles of Victor Frankenstein and the Creature. Audiences in cinemas will have the chance to see both combinations with two performances a week apart.

Raymonda Live - Bolshoi Ballet

When: Sunday, June 24, 2012 - 1:00 p.m. local time

Act I: Raymonda, who is betrothed to Jean de Brienne, is celebrating her birthday. Jean, who is expected to arrive the next day, has sent some presents in advance. One of these presents is an embroidered portrait of himself. First, however, Abderman arrives and tries to court Raymonda. Raymonda then dreams that Jean comes down from his portrait to dance with her, however, when she wakes up she finds that Abderman is there again to "renew his amorous proposals." Act II: The festivities continue, and Abderman asks Raymonda to dance. Then, he and his accomplices attempt to abduct her. However, at that moment Jean arrives with his brother, the King of Hungary. There is a duel and Abderman is killed. Act III: There is a feast at the castle to celebrate the marriage of the two lovers, and much dancing.

Met Opera

Verdi's La Traviata - The Met : Live in HD 2011-12 Season

Encore presentation

When: June 4, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. local time

Natalie Dessay will put on the red dress in Willy Decker's stunning production, in her first Violetta at the Met. Matthew Polenzani sings Alfredo, Dmitri Hvorostovsky is Germont, and Principal Guest Conductor Fabio Luisi is on the podium.

Wagner's Dream - The Ring cycle

Encore presentation

When: June 9, 2012 at 12:55 p.m. local time

The stakes could not be higher as visionary director Robert Lepage, the world's greatest opera singers and the Metropolitan Opera tackle Wagner's Ring cycle. This documentary provides an intimate look at the enormous theatrical and musical challenges of staging opera's most monumental work, the film chronicles the quest to fulfill Wagner's dream of a perfect Ring.

Sports Entertainment

WWE: No Way Out - 2012

When: Sunday, June 17, 2012 - 8:00 p.m. EDT, 5:00 p.m. PDT

In the grips of WWE's most ruthless matches, defeating your opponent is grueling but escaping them is impossible. Watch as John Cena, Daniel Bryan, CM Punk, Randy Orton, Alberto Del Rio, and all your favorite WWE Superstars fight to emerge victorious.

Family Favourites Presentations

Bee Movie

When: Saturday, June 2, 2012 - 11:00 a.m. local time

Barry B. Benson is a graduate bee fresh out of college who is disillusioned at his lone career choice: making honey. On a rare trip outside the hive, Barry's life is saved by Vanessa, a florist in New York City. As their relationship blossoms, he discovers humans are mass consumers of honey and decides to sue the human race for stealing bees' honey.

Cast: Jerry Seinfeld, Renee Zellweger

The Last Starfighter

When: June 9, 2012 - 11:00 a.m. local time

Alex Rogan lives in a trailer court where his mother is manager and everyone is like a big extended family. After beating the Starfighter video game, he meets Centauri, who introduces himself as a person from the company that made the game. Before Alex knows what happened, he's in the battle of his life, using his gaming skills to protect the galaxy from invasion.

Cast: Lance Guest, Robert Preston, Dan O'Herlihy

The Iron Giant

When: June 16, 2012 - 11:00 a.m. local time

Set in the fictional town of Rockwell, Maine, Hogarth Hughes is a bright and adventurous little boy who rescues and befriends a huge, metal-munching, but lovable iron robot who has gotten himself tangled up the in high-tension wires behind his home. When the townsfolk begin to wonder why their automobiles and tractors are often found with large bites taken out of them, they begin to hunt for the culprit and soon the gentle giant is the number one enemy of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.

Cast: Eli Marienthal, Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Aniston

We're Back! A Dinosaur Story

When: Saturday, June 23, 2012 - 11:00 a.m. local time

Captain New Eyes travels back in time and feeds dinosaurs his Brain Grain cereal, which makes them intelligent and non-violent. They agree to go to the Middle Future (our era) in order to grant the wishes of children in New York City. They are to meet Dr. Bleeb of the Museum of Natural History, but get sidetracked with their new children friends and run into the Captain's evil brother, Professor Screw Eyes, who has other plans for the dinosaurs.

Cast: John Goodman, Charles Fleischer, Blaze Berdahl

Hook

When: Saturday, June 30, 2012 - 11:00 a.m. local time

An update of "Peter Pan" from the original stage play and books of James M. Barrie, finds an adult Peter Pan returning to Neverland to rescue his own children from the vengeful Captain Hook.

Cast: Dustin Hoffman, Robin Williams, Julia Roberts

Classic Film Series Presentations

Blazing Saddles

When: Wednesday, June 13, 2012 - 7:00 p.m. local time;

Sunday, June 17, 2012 - 1:00 p.m. local time

The Ultimate western spoof. A town where everyone seems to be named Johnson is in the way of the railroad. In order to grab their land, Hedley Lemar, a politically connected nasty person, sends in his henchmen to make the town unlivable. After the sheriff is killed, the town demands a new sheriff from the Governor. Hedley convinces him to send the town the first African American sheriff in the west. Bart is a sophisticated urbanite who will have some difficulty winning over the townspeople.

Cast: Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Slim Pickens

Most Wanted Mondays Presentations

Goldfinger

When: Monday, May 28, 2012 - 7:00 p.m. local time

Bond is back and his next mission takes him to Fort Knox, where Auric Goldfinger and his henchman are planning to raid Fort Knox and obliterate the world economy. To save the world once again, Bond will need to become friends with Goldfinger, dodge killer hats and avoid Goldfinger's personal pilot, the sexy Pussy Galore. She might not have feelings for Bond, but will 007 help her change her mind?

Cast: Sean Connery, Gert FrÃ¶be and Honor Blackman

Reservoir Dogs

When: Monday, June 18, 2012 - 7:00 p.m. local time

Six criminals, who are strangers to each other, are hired by a crime boss Joe Cabot to carry out a diamond robbery. Right at the outset, they are given false names with an intention that they won't get too close and concentrate on the job instead. They are completely sure the robbery is going to be a success. But when the police show up right at the time and the site of the robbery, panic spreads amongst the group members and one of them is killed in the subsequent shootout along with a few policemen and civilians. When the remaining people assemble at the premeditated rendezvous point, they begin to suspect that one of them is an undercover cop.

Cast: Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen

Coming in July: Wimbledon Men's Final Live in 3D, WWE Money in the Bank , African Queen and Andre Rieu Live in Maastricht.

WHERE: A complete list of locations for each event can be found at www.cineplex.com/events.

Cineplex Entertainment
Pat Marshall
Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations
416-323-6648
pat.marshall@cineplex.com
www.cineplex.com

Publish Green Releases Chrisso Diet: A Diet/Lifestyle Book That Has Already Generated Buzz

Wed, 23 May 2012 22:22:02 +0000

Publish Green Releases Chrisso Diet: A Diet/Lifestyle Book That Has Already Generated Buzz

Chrisso Diet is a diet/lifestyle book By Chrisso that will help people achieve their goal weight easily and effectively. Released by Publish Green, A Division of Hillcrest Media Group.

PR Newswire

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., May 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Chrisso Diet is a diet program that will help people lose weight fast and it will also help them remain slender for the rest of their lives. Chrisso says that this Diet/Lifestyle book is like no other.

Chrisso earned a degree in Nutrition, Diet, and Health from Ashwoth College. He knows all the right and proper secrets to weight loss. He is a diet expert. Chrisso is an author, nutritionist, and a socialite.

He has done extensive research on nutrition, diet, and health. According to Chrisso, this unique diet plan truly works. Chrisso lost over 70 pounds doing his own formula, the "Chrisso Diet."

Chrisso promises to help everyone achieve their desired goal weight.

How the program works is fairly simple. Dieters just follow the three-step regimen:

STEP 1: The Begin Step > [ A 20 Day Program ]

STEP 2: The Add-On Step > [ Until people reach their goal weight ]

STEP 3: The Maintenance Step >[ Secrets, tips, and advice on remaining thin forever]

Chrisso's incomparable diet book will guide people "The Easy Way."

Chrisso's intention is to help millions achieve their perfect dream body. In Chrisso Diet, Chrisso reveals life-altering weight loss secrets. This extraordinary diet book will truly change people's lives forever.

The book also contains 40 very powerful health affirmations. The final chapter includes healthy recipes like: soups, salads, and main dishes.

Chrisso announced to the press that "Chrisso Diet" is a diet that celebrities will love.

Chrisso Diet will only be released as an Ebook for now at all the online book stores, including: iBooks, Amazon, Kobo, and Barnes and Noble.

You can connect with Chrisso on Facebook and Twitter.

Visit the Official Chrisso Diet Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/ChrissoDiet

Visit The Official Chrisso Diet Twitter Page: http://www.twitter.com/chrissodiet

SOURCE Chrisso Diet Support