EIN Presswire: US Politics Live Feed Press Releases

CFIA/Expanded Allergy Alert: Undeclared Egg, Milk and Wheat in Certain Bin Bin Brand Spicy Snow Rice Crackers

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:55:37 +0000

The public warning issued on January 30, 2012 has been expanded to include another product and additional allergens.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning people with allergies to egg, milk and wheat not to consume the Bin Bin brand Spicy Snow Rice Crackers described below. The affected product contains egg, milk and wheat which is not declared on the label.

All codes of the following product are affected by this alert:

Product	Size	UPC
Bin Bin brand Spicy Snow Rice Crackers	145g	8 852098 703163

This product has been distributed nationally.

There have been no reported allergic reactions associated with the consumption of this product.

Consumption of this product may cause a serious or life-threatening reaction in persons with allergies to egg, milk and wheat.

The CFIA is working with the Canadian importers to remove the affected product from the marketplace. The CFIA is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

For more information, consumers and industry can call the CFIA at 1 800 442-2342 / TTY 1 800 465-7735 (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern time, Monday to Friday).

For information on egg, milk and wheat, three of the nine most common food allergens, visit the Food Allergens web page at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/fssa/labeti/allerg/allerge.shtml.

For information on all food recalls, visit the CFIA's Food Recall Report at: http://active.inspection.gc.ca/eng/corp/recarapp_dbe.asp.

To find out more about receiving recalls by e-mail, and other food safety facts, visit: www.foodsafety.gc.ca. Food and consumer product recalls are also available at http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations
613-773-6600

Fagerhult Light Hygena Stores With Xicato Spot Module

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:32:00 +0000

Hygena, owned by the kitchen group Nobia, is one of the best-known kitchen brands in France. Complete kitchen solutions are offered from about 127 wholly owned stores. All shops are between 100 and 600 m2, and include exhibition, shop and office area.

Hygena wanted to refurbish their shops at the end of 2011 and a part of this was to change the lighting. Fagerhult was contacted to replace existing LED luminaires where color and glare were issues.

The LED module selected by Fagerhult for this task was the 1300lm Xicato Spot Module, with a Correlated Color Temperature of 3000K and a Color Rendering Index of 80+. It was selected for its all-round performance including energy saving, perfect uniformity and sustained light quality (in terms of color point and lumen maintenance), all achieved via the foundation 'Corrected Cold Phosphor Technology™.' Xicato LED modules have seen vastly increasing usage since their launch in 2008, including by Fagerhult in such areas as retail, offices and museums, though globally retail uptake has been most prevalent.

Fagerhult designed an optimized lighting solution with downlighters and pendants which resulted in about half the number of luminaires previously used, yet giving 30% more light.

"Fagerhult developed a new solution for us that gave more and better light, cost less in investment and less in running costs," says Per Kaufmann Head of Continental European Retail at Nobia. "A total LED solution for a future-proof light," summarized Delphine Rousset, Retail Lighting Solutions, Fagerhult.

Luminaires: project versions of Fagerhult's Noc 1300 lumen, developed specifically for Hygena, incorporating Xicato's XSM 1300
Roll out: total of 117 Hygena shops in France

Xicato

Xicato is passionate about light. Light has an emotional effect on people and a direct impact on business profitability. It ultimately influences everything in our lives. Xicato is a recognized leader in creating LED modules that provide superior aesthetics, economics and durability. Xicato aspires to be the trusted partner of the global lighting design community and luminaire manufacturers.

For an overview of our customers' luminaires visit http://www.xicato.com.

For the best in lighting design, Xicato recommends a qualified lighting designer from the Professional Lighting Design Association (PLDA) or the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD).

For more information on Xicato contact:
Europe:
Roger Sexton
+44 7525715497 (EU)
Email Contact

Japan:
Noboru Kaito
+81 50 5534 3168 (Japan)
Email Contact

North America:
Ron Steen
+1 847 525 5048 (US)
Email Contact

San Jose Office: +1 866 223 8395 (US)

For press images contact
Jane Kingsley
JKS Communications
Email - Email Contact
www.xicato.com

Images by Sanna Fisher-Payne

Bi-Partisan Members of Congress, Prominent Former Officials Call for Peaceful Resettlement of Camp Ashraf Residents, Removal of the Dissidents from Terrorist List -- Californian Society for Democracy in Iran

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:42:35 +0000

Bi-Partisan Members of Congress, Prominent Former Officials Call for Peaceful Resettlement of Camp Ashraf Residents, Removal of the Dissidents from Terrorist List -- Californian Society for Democracy in Iran

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Members of Congress, prominent scholars and former U.S. officials called for a speedy and peaceful end to the standoff over the fate of 3,400 pro-democracy Iranian dissidents at Camp Ashraf in Iraq, amid warnings that a failure to quickly and safely relocate them would endanger their lives.

"There is a looming genocide that could occur if a number of different things don't go right in the next weeks and months," warned former FBI Director Louis Freeh. "Our goal here is to make sure that genocide does not occur."

"This issue is simple, and at this critical time, the U.S. position must be clear and steadfast," added Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "International humanitarian standards must be upheld, human rights must be respected – these are universal obligations, and the residents of Camp Ashraf deserve no less."

The event, held in the Cannon Caucus Room, was sponsored by the House Foreign Affairs Committee member Ted Poe (R-TX). Reps. Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Brad Sherman (D-CA), Sheila Jackson-Lee (D-TX), Dan Lungren (R-CA) and Trent Franks, (R-AZ) also spoke.

Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, a Democrat, also spoke in support of those at Camp Ashraf, as did Marc Ginsberg, who served as U.S. Ambassador to Morocco during the Clinton administration.

The residents of Camp Ashraf are members of the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK). Speakers also called for the State Department to remove the group from its list of terrorist organizations, a move that would speed their relocation, a view shared by renowned lawyer Alan Dershowitz and former New York Senator Alfonse D'Amato.

The group, which was placed on the list in 1997, renounced violence in 2001. When the U.S. military took control of the camp in 2003, it conducted detailed research and analysis on each of the residents there – all of whom voluntarily disarmed – and found no evidence of terrorist activity or association. Parallel investigations by other U.S. and international law enforcement organizations reached the same conclusion.

"A thorough individual background investigation… produced no evidence of wrongdoing, no evidence of criminal acts, and absolutely no evidence of terrorism by these people," said retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. David Phillips, who was the camp's commander. "I didn't read or get my information second and third hand. I lived it. I experienced it. I know it."

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, whose government took over control of Camp Ashraf from the U.S. military in 2009, has claimed that the Iranian dissidents' presence in Iraq "raises problems with Iran." In 2009 and 2011, the camp was attacked by Iraqi forces, resulting in 47 deaths and more than 1,000 injuries. Maliki had sought to close the camp at the end of 2011, but bowed to international pressure and allowed it to stay open until the end of April.

At issue is the fate of the dissidents; whose return to Iran would be tantamount to a death sentence. The MEK, other Iranian dissident groups and human rights organizations argue that those living in Camp Ashraf should be safely relocated to other nations by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. And while the Camp residents have already been granted "protected persons" status under the 4th Geneva Convention, Iraq has practically blocked the resettlement efforts by not allowing the UNHCR to start its process even though the UN body declared its readiness to do so in September.

The residents' supporters are also wary of the Iraqi government's desire to move them to Camp Liberty, a former U.S. military base near Baghdad International Airport, citing the lack of access to the camp by family members and lawyers, the lack of freedom of movement, the absence of UN inspectors inside the camp, the belief that those housed there would be denied adequate medical care, and the fear that they would be mistreated or brutalized by Iraqi forces.

"The way Camp Liberty has been pre-designed and controlled by the Iraqi regime, clearly at the behest of the Iranian regime, it is now a prison camp, not a refugee camp," Freeh said.

SOURCE Californian Society for Democracy in Iran

The Washington Press Club Foundation's 68th Annual Congressional Dinner February 8, 2012, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Washington, D.C.

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:25:12 +0000

The Washington Press Club Foundation's 68th Annual Congressional Dinner February 8, 2012, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Washington, D.C.

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Even if the news of 2012 is all about how the tenants in the Capitol just can't get along, a group of Congressional leaders will gather to prove otherwise as they join with members of the Washington press corps for an evening of good natured fun.

The Washington Press Club Foundation has invited Capitol Hill notables to join the guests of the 68th Annual Congressional Dinner on Feb. 8 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for an evening of off-the-record merriment, bipartisan style. We've asked them to share their take on the lighter side of life in Congress with the sold-out audience of members of the D.C. press and their Congressional guests.

Special guests for the evening include Sen. John Cornyn, chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee; House Minority Whip, Congressman Steny Hoyer; Rep. John Carter, secretary of the House Republican Conference; Sen. Charles Schumer, vice chairman of the Senate Democratic Conference and chairman of the Senate Democratic Policy Committee.

Headline speakers are Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-NH; Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-CA; and Rep. Billy Long, R-MO.

More than 750 distinguished guests will gather for the invitation-only dinner, an evening of bipartisan banter and barbs that benefits one of D.C.'s leading journalism organizations.

The Annual Congressional Dinner is Washington's premier media affair, where members of Congress, elected officials and the diplomatic corps mix and mingle with members of the press. Inaugurated by the Women's National Press Club in the early 1940s, the event is among the oldest of the year's media galas.

In addition to the two prestigious awards presented at the dinner, the David Lynch Prize and the Washington Press Club Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award, the evening's program gets to the heart of the workings of Capitol Hill, as interpreted—with a wink and a nod—by those who serve there.

The 2012 recipient of the Washington Press Club Foundation's Lifetime Achievement Award is Edith M. Lederer. Edith has covered all the major stories on almost every continent for the Associated Press and has served as an example and mentor to many a journalist throughout her extraordinary 50 year career.

The evening includes a special appearance by the House "house band": The Second Amendments, "No Politics, Just Rock and Roll." Rep. Collin Peterson, D-MN, on guitar and vocals, Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, R-MI, on guitar, Rep. Stephen Fincher, R-TN, on bass and former Rep. Kenny Hulshof, R-MO, on drums and vocals.

Sponsors for the 2012 dinner include The Hill, CQ Roll Call, Toyota, The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Ford Motor Company, United Healthcare, AO-HuffPost Politics, American Petroleum Institute, The National Beer Wholesalers Association, AARP and Honeywell.

SOURCE The Washington Press Club Foundation

Chester Community Charter School Parents, CEO to Make Public Appeal to Governor and PA Department of Education, Prior to Court-Ordered Meeting

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:57:55 +0000

Chester Community Charter School Parents, CEO to Make Public Appeal to Governor and PA Department of Education, Prior to Court-Ordered Meeting

PR Newswire

CHESTER, Pa., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Representatives of media outlets are invited to attend as more than 300 parents and children at the Chester Community Charter School come together to make a public appeal to Governor Tom Corbett and Ronald J. Tomalis, Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), for the continued, critical funding their school desperately needs.

The appeal is taking place one day prior to the Secretary's court-ordered meeting in Harrisburg with Chester school officials to discuss whether, and how, the Chester Upland School District, the Chester Community Charter School, the Widener Charter School and other Chester-area schools will be funded through the end of the current school year.

School officials and parents have been especially concerned about the outcome of Thursday's meeting following comments made by the PDE's legal counsel, Amy Foerster, last week, that implied that any funding to be approved by the Commonwealth would specifically exclude the Chester Community Charter School, which has achieved AYP in three consecutive years and which educates 60 percent of all K-8 students in the city of Chester.

WHO:

Dr. David Clark, CEO, Chester Community Charter School
Two Chester Community Charter School Parents, as Speakers
More than 300 Parents and Teachers

WHEN:
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
12:30pm – 1:30pm

WHERE:
Chester Community Charter School
East Campus Gymnasium
East 5th Street, Between Madison and Welsh Streets
Chester, PA 19013

SOURCE Chester Community Charter School

Buy Cheap Valentine's Flowers: LA California Flower Mall Petallers Want Makeover Ideas

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:50:00 +0000

LA's top DIY destination to buy cheap Valentine's flowers up to 70 percent below retail prices wants your ideas for a sparkling LA Flower District makeover.

California Flower Mall President and Chairman of The LA Fashion District Mark Chatoff said, "LA's Flower District -- the largest wholesale and discount flower hub in the U.S -- is already a vibrant, colorful place to buy cheap Valentine's flowers and fresh flower gifts for all occasions. It's time for our diamond in the rough to be cut, and polished. After 40 district-wide 'Fashion Your District' stakeholders meetings a vision for the LA Flower District blending operational efficiencies with lively greener streetscapes, residences, restaurants and building rehabs is taking shape. LA has the most creative residents on the planet we want their vision for a dazzling District makeover."

"Fashion Your District" is a $1 million 18 month analysis that crafts a ten year development plan for the LA Fashion District. It's the first comprehensive analysis of the area that includes the six block LA Flower District between 7th and 9th, Maple and San Pedro Streets. In peak seasons The Flower District blossoms to roughly 225 floral businesses pushing beyond the confines of the original Wall Street flower markets to include the San Pedro Street California Flower Mall and four other wholesale flower markets.

The now defunct Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA) launched the comprehensive study hiring AECOM, a Fortune 500 company recognized for their engineering and environmental expertise to lead the project team.

"It was originally intended to be a development plan funded by redevelopment tax increment financing," said Kent Smith, Executive Director of The LA Fashion District. "With the demise of the CRA we are cautiously optimistic that this will become a community specific plan within the City Planning Department. More challenging in the agency's absence is funding an environmental impact report for the whole district so owners that want to redevelop properties won't have to go to the expense of getting one done for each individual project." Smith added there are many options to make the vision a reality and he's working with members of the California Downtown Association to create new ways to fund and manage the redevelopment plan.

Mark Chatoff
Email Contact
310-738-2441 (mobile/text)
@CalifFlowerMart

Kent Smith
Email Contact
213-422-7628 (mobile/text)
@LAFashionDistrict

Budget wise guys delight their sweeties with gorgoeus farm fresh Valentine's flowers and roses from the California Flower Mall on San Pedro Street. LA's top DIY destination to buy cheap Valentine's flowers up to 70% below retail prices. CFM is open Valentine's weekend 4am - 11pm and Mon they open all night until Valentine's Day Feb. 14 6pm. Admission is free to the public.

Giovanni Food Company Goes Green With Renewable Energy Certificates From Constellation Energy and Joins Green-e Marketplace

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:42:16 +0000

Giovanni Food Company Goes Green With Renewable Energy Certificates From Constellation Energy and Joins Green-e Marketplace

PR Newswire

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Giovanni Food Company of Syracuse, NY has recently partnered with the Green-e Marketplace. The company's purchase of Green-e® certified renewable energy certificates sourced from domestic wind generation qualifies it for the program. By participating in Green-e Marketplace, Giovanni Foods can now display the Green-e logo to inform its customers of its commitment to clean, renewable energy.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120207/NY49537)

Giovanni Food Company will promote the Green-e logo on their newest premium brand of pasta sauce, Greenview Kitchen. This new brand consists of four all-natural pasta sauces and three organic pasta sauces. The products are all-natural, gluten free, Kosher Pareve, and have a unique package with a great taste. The organic sauces are certified organic by QAI and contain all non-GMO ingredients.

Giovanni Food Company, Inc. will be matching 1440 MWh of electricity usage with Renewable Energy Certificates. The RECs are supplied by Constellation Energy and they are Green-e Energy Certified and sourced from wind energy facilities located throughout the United States. Throughout the term of the contract, 60% of the electricity Giovanni Foods uses at their manufacturing facility will be matched with RECs. Each REC represents the positive environmental attributes of 1 megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity generated by a renewable power plant, and is retired on behalf of customers wishing to promote their environmental commitment. Through the purchase of RECs, Giovanni Foods and Constellation Energy are supporting the operation and development of facilities that generate clean, renewable energy.

"We are proud to take this next step towards helping the environment and believe this will be a key selling point for our newest offering, Greenview Kitchen," said Louis DeMent, CEO of Giovanni Food Company. "We take pride in doing what we can to help reduce pollution and have an overall positive impact on the environment. This is a core value of our company and a more sustainable future is what drove us to take on this initiative. Our hope is that this product will appeal to those who share this vision with us."

About Green-e Marketplace and Center for Resource Solutions

Green-e Marketplace (www.green-e.org) provides forward-thinking organizations with a simple, nationally recognized logo they can use to communicate their commitment to renewable energy to their customers and shareholders. The Green-e logo is the nation's leading symbol of renewable energy excellence and distinguishes Green-e Marketplace participants as environmental leaders. Green-e is a program of Center for Resource Solutions, a nonprofit that creates policy and market solutions to advance sustainable energy.

About Giovanni Food Company, Inc.

The Giovanni Food Company (www.giovannifoods.com) has been in business for over 70 years and with increasing sales, further growth is in their future. They have developed several products from traditional to gourmet, and even organic. Customers can find Giovanni products in grocery and specialty stores across the United States. Giovanni Food Company has become recognized as a leading private label manufacturer of tomato based products and they are also the largest manufacturer of spaghetti sauce for the USDA Food For Kids Program and the Needy Families Program.

SOURCE Giovanni Food Company, Inc.

AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Swings for $100 Million Milestone in 2012

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:34:56 +0000

AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Swings for $100 Million Milestone in 2012

AT&T helps Monterey Peninsula Foundation 'Drive to $100 Million' in all-time donations for California charities, keeps fans connected throughout tournament

PR Newswire

DALLAS, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- There are 100 million reasons to get excited for the 2012 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. This year, the tournament is expected to drive past $100 million in donations to Northern California organizations since its start in 1937. After last year's record-breaking $8 million fund-raising performance, the tournament's all-time tally now stands at more than $94 million.

"We're glad to have AT&T* on our team," said Cathy Scherzer Corey, Marketing and Public Relations Director of the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, who has dubbed this year's campaign the Drive to $100 Million. "The contributions raised through this tournament have helped change countless lives here in Northern California."

In AT&T's 27 years as title sponsor, the tournament and the Monterey Peninsula Foundation have raised more than $81 million for hundreds of local nonprofit organizations.

"Reaching $100 million will be an incredible achievement," said Mark Wright, Senior Vice President, AT&T Corporate Sponsorships. "This tournament falls right in line with our philanthropic mission to help build stronger communities and promote education."

"Reaching the $100 million milestone in charitable giving will be a tremendous accomplishment and a tribute to the tireless efforts of everyone involved with the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am to make a meaningful difference through the tournament," said Andy Pazder, PGA TOUR chief of operations. "The PGA TOUR congratulates the Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Pebble Beach, AT&T and the tournament staff and volunteers for everything they've done to make a difference in so many lives."

The 2012 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am continues a tradition of incredible competition, entertainment and generosity that dates back to 1937. The tournament has attracted some of golf's greatest players and many celebrities, sports stars and political personalities. This year, fans are looking forward to seeing returning champion D.A. Points and amateur champion Bill Murray defend their titles. Also, Tiger Woods and other PGA TOUR stars will tee it up alongside professional athletes and celebrities such as Tony Romo, Josh Duhamel and George Lopez.

Bringing back an old favorite, the tournament gave one lucky fan the chance to caddie for one of the professionals through the AT&T Caddie Call Sweepstakes. After online entries, text messages and tweets were submitted, Kristina Burgoyne from Tomball, TX was announced as this year's winner. She will caddie for 2007 Masters Champion Zach Johnson during the Wednesday round of the Pro-Am and bring a friend along to attend the tournament.

The tournament is also allowing mobile phone access for attendees. For the second consecutive year, the PGA TOUR and the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am will allow fans to carry mobile devices and use them in select areas on the golf course. As long as all phones stay on silent or vibrate settings, mobile users can access the Internet, send text messages, and download data across all three AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am golf courses. Attendees can make phone calls at designated areas on the course and will be able to charge their devices at free charging stations on all courses.

"Continuing onsite mobile access throughout 2012 PGA TOUR events gives AT&T a great opportunity to enhance the overall fan experience," Wright said. "We want the spectators to stay connected and receive the latest updates right at their fingertips."

Bringing this concept to life, AT&T is introducing the AT&T Golf Gallery Chatter, which will allow fans to receive alerts and exclusive updates across all three courses simultaneously. Throughout the week, fans can text CHATTER to 33992 to automatically enter for a chance to win great prizes and participate in on-course scavenger hunts. **

AT&T Wi-Fi also will be available for spectators to connect in designated areas, including the AT&T Digital Clubhouse at the Triangle on Pebble Beach Golf Links. Fans can log on to AT&T Wi-Fi from their smartphones and other Wi-Fi enabled devices to enhance and share their tournament experience by checking leaderboard stats and updates, or posting on social networking sites. AT&T customers with qualifying AT&T smartphone, 3G LaptopConnect, and high speed Internet plans can access AT&T Wi-Fi at no additional charge. For more information on AT&T Wi-Fi and how to connect, visit AT&T Wi-Fi access.

During the tournament, fans are invited to stop by the AT&T Digital Clubhouse, located at the Triangle on Pebble Beach Golf Links – where holes 6, 8 and 14 meet – to participate in the "Closest to the Pin" contest, enjoy the action from two outdoor patio decks and experience a variety of AT&T products and services. Additionally, at the AT&T Fan Zone tent located on the 18th hole, guests can use YP.COM to explore businesses and other events on the Monterey Peninsula – as well as local deals to save money along the way. And, at the Grand Entrance, fans can participate in golf-related games and trivia at the AT&T Fan Zone Tour Truck.

Fans on-site and off can follow event happenings through the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am Facebook page and on AT&T Fan Zone. More information on AT&T's sponsorships is available at: www.att.com/sponsorships.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

**NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Sweepstakes commences at 11:00 PM PST on February 6, 2012 and ends at 1:00 PM PST on February 13, 2012. Must be 18 or older and legal resident of the 50 U.S. and the District of Columbia to enter. Void where prohibited. For Sweepstakes Official Rules, alternate method of entry, prize descriptions and odds of winning visit http://uverseonline.att.net/sports/org/golf-home. Standard message and data rates apply.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest mobile broadband network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile broadband and emerging 4G capabilities, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T │DIRECTV brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT.

© 2012 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. Mobile broadband not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

About the Monterey Peninsula Foundation

Monterey Peninsula Foundation (MPF) is a charitable foundation which disburses funds from the proceeds of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am on the PGA TOUR and the Nature Valley First Tee Open at Pebble Beach on the Champions Tour. MPF focuses on improving the quality of life in Monterey County and surrounding areas. Since the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am came to the Monterey Peninsula in 1947, over $94 million has been raised for charity.

In 2004 the First Tee Open was introduced to serve as a showcase for The First Tee whose global mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. www.montereypeninsulafoundation.org; www.attpbgolf.com; www.thefirstteeopen.com

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

Migrant Workers Family Support Fund-With All Proceeds Donated to the Families of the Workers Killed or Injured in the Hampstead, Ontario Tragedy

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:33:50 +0000

A fund has been set up by UFCW Canada and the Agriculture Workers Alliance (AWA) to assist the families of the workers who were killed, as well as the workers who were injured in a horrific accident that took place in Hampstead, Ontario on February 6.

100% of the collected funds will be donated to the benefit of families of the injured or killed workers, who include 13 agriculture workers, as well as the driver of the colliding vehicle.

The AWA and UFCW Canada established the fund on February 7.

Donations to the Migrant Workers Family Support Fund can be made through PayPal at www.ufcw.ca/familysupportfund. Donations can also be made through the donor's preferred financial institution by direct transfer to the Fund's account:

The Migrant Workers Family Support Fund

TD Canada Trust

Account # 5221618

Transit # 1864

In addition to making a donation to the families of the workers killed or injured in the Hamstead tragedy, friends are also welcome to send their condolences to the families through a special memorial Facebook page: Hampstead Tragedy Memorial Page. The page has been set up to commemorate the workers who died or were injured, and to mark the tremendous contribution and sacrifices that farm workers - many of whom are migrants - make to our food supply and the Canadian agriculture industry.

UFCW Canada is the country's largest private-sector union, and for over two decades has led the campaign for safety and workplace rights for agriculture workers in Canada. In association with the Agriculture Workers Alliance (AWA), UFCW Canada also operates ten agriculture worker support centres across the country.

Agriculture Workers Alliance
Stan Raper, National Coordinator
416-523-0937
sraper@ufcw.ca

Urban Pace Recognizes CAS Riegler Companies for Their Contribution to the Arts

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:19:24 +0000

Urban Pace Recognizes CAS Riegler Companies for Their Contribution to the Arts

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Lynn Hackney, President of Urban Pace, a new home sales and marketing company for urban developers located in Washington, DC, acknowledges today CAS Riegler Companies for their generosity and commitment to the arts community in Washington, DC.

CAS Riegler Companies, a locally owned real estate development and investment company, has donated the use of their future condominium space at 1250 9th Street, NW to host a contemporary art exhibit by Contemporary Wing. The exhibit, which runs through March 10th, is entitled "Next Generation: Selections by Artists from the 30 Americans Collection" and features works selected by the artists in the Corcoran Gallery of Art's "30 Artists" exhibition.

"It is important as a local business that we give back to the community and that we partner with companies that share the same commitment," remarked Lynn Hackney, President of Urban Pace. "CAS Riegler Companies has demonstrated their support of the local arts community and we commend them for this act of generosity."

About CAS Riegler Companies:
CAS Riegler Companies is a locally owned real estate development and investment company based in Washington, D.C. Their mission is to create unique real estate products in urban-infill locations that meet the needs of today's city dwellers, workers and retail customers while never sacrificing exceptional style or character. Their focus revolves around creating value and reducing risk for investors and clients through extensive market knowledge, strategic design and a long-term approach to sustainability. For more information, visit www.casriegler.com.

About Urban Pace:
Urban Pace, LLC is a privately owned company that has been in the business of selling and marketing urban real estate for more than 10 years. The Urban Pace portfolio of properties exceeds 2.2M square feet of urban condominiums and townhomes in the greater Washington, DC market area. For more information please visit www.urbanpace.com or call (202) 296-1203. Follow Urban Pace on Facebook, Twitter and Flickr.

Contact:	Stephanie Orton Lynch
	Director of Public Relations \| Blue Bug Digital
	202.248.5855 \| slynch@bluebugdigital.com

SOURCE Urban Pace

Elmer's®, Kids In Need Foundation Announce Teacher Grant Program

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:17:32 +0000

Elmer's®, Kids In Need Foundation Announce Teacher Grant Program

For Second Year, Educational Partnership Awards Elmer's Teacher Tool Kit Grants For Classroom Projects

PR Newswire

DAYTON, Ohio, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kids In Need Foundation, a national, non-profit organization dedicated to providing free school supplies to economically disadvantaged school children and under-funded teachers, announces the second year of a teacher grants program sponsored by Elmer's® Products, Inc., an industry leader in adhesives, arts and crafts, office and educational products. As a result of this educational partnership, teachers nationwide can visit the Kids In Need Foundation website beginning February 14 to apply for an Elmer's Teacher Tool Kit grant that can range from $100 to $500.

The grants will be given to teachers who wish to conduct classroom projects selected from a catalog of more than 500 projects currently in the Kids In Need Guide to Award Winning Projects. Applications will be available online at www.kinf.org. This year, approximately 250 grants sponsored by Elmer's will be provided to teachers nationwide.

"The Kids In Need Foundation recognizes the creativity of teachers through our Teacher Grants Program. Our library of projects showcases dynamic classroom activities, but they all require funds," said Dave Smith, executive director of the Foundation. "We want to alleviate the need for teachers to reach into their own pockets to fund these projects, and we are thrilled to partner again with Elmer's to provide teachers with the tools they need to strengthen imagination and critical thinking skills and abilities among their students."

"Elmer's has a deep commitment to the education of young people and those who help to mold them," said Terri Brown, senior manager marketing services and communications at Elmer's. "Together, with the Kids In Need Foundation, we will provide teachers with tools that help strengthen critical thinking, creativity and innovation among their students. The Teacher Grants Program is just one way Elmer's provides educators with the resources they need to be successful."

As part of the Elmer's-Kids In Need partnership, Elmer's will also donate product to the Foundation's national network of free stores for teachers. The Kids In Need National Network of Resource Centers, 27 facilities across the country where teachers from low income schools can obtain free school supplies for their students and classrooms, will feature an area called Elmer's Tools for Teachers stocked with such items as Elmer's School Glue and Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks, art materials, scrapbooking supplies, and other Elmer's products.

For more information about Elmer's Teacher Tool Kit grant and this educational partnership with the Kids In Need Foundation, visit Elmers.com.

About the Kids In Need Foundation

The Kids In Need Foundation is a national 501(c)(3) charitable organization with offices in Dayton, Ohio, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. Founded in 1995, the Foundation's mission is to ensure that every child is prepared to learn and succeed by providing free school supplies nationally to students most in need. The Kids In Need National Network of Resource Centers includes 27 facilities where teachers from low-income schools go to obtain free school supplies for their students. In addition, two Kids In Need Teacher Grant programs provide K-12 educators with funding to provide innovative learning experiences for students. The Kids In Need Foundation has distributed more than $350 million in school supplies since its founding, directly benefiting 1.6 million students and 100,000 teachers annually, and has awarded more than $1.2 million in grants to teachers. Kids In Need has received Charity Navigator's highest four-star rating for three consecutive years, indicating that it operates in a fiscally responsible way and outperforms most other charities in America. For more information, visit www.kinf.org. Follow Kids In Need Foundation on Twitter, http://twitter.com/kidsinneed.

About Elmer's

Elmer's®Products, Inc., headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, has been a trusted brand and industry leader for more than 60 years. Elmer's produces a variety of well-known adhesives, arts and crafts, educational and office products for use at home, school or business. Elmer's branded products are developed to provide project solutions and to inspire people to create, build and learn for life. Elmer's also markets the number one instant adhesive in the U.S., Instant Krazy Glue®, and X-ACTO®, a leader in innovative cutting blades, knives and office supply products. For more information, visit www.elmers.com. Follow Elmer's on Facebook and Twitter at http://facebook.com/elmers and http://twitter.com/elmers.

SOURCE Kids In Need Foundation

Appeals Court Finds California Ban on Same-Sex Marriages Unconstitutional

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:12:56 +0000

Appeals Court Finds California Ban on Same-Sex Marriages Unconstitutional

PR Newswire

Prominent GLBT lawyer and founder of institute that defends traditional marriage react to overturning of Prop 8 in debate held at UH Law Center.

HOUSTON, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mitchell Katine, local counsel in Lawrence v. Texas, the U.S. Supreme Court case that overturned sodomy laws in the United States, said he was "thrilled" with today's finding by a federal appeals court that California's ban on same-sex marriages was unconstitutional. He cautioned students at the University of Houston Law Center, however, that the case will ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court, and that might take a year or two.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120118/DM38067LOGO )

Katine and Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, founder of the Ruth Institute, a project of the National Organization for Marriage Education Fund, were debating the issue of "Defining Marriage" as a three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals announced its decision. "I'm sorry, but not surprised," Morse said of the court's ruling. "I think we have a good chance at the Supreme Court," she added, noting that Katine had mentioned earlier in the debate that he had lost the sodomy case "at every level" before finally prevailing at the Supreme Court.

The appeals court panel ruled 2-1 that California's ban on same-sex marriages violated the civil rights of gays and lesbians. "Proposition 8 serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples," states the opinion written by Judge Stephen Reinhardt, one of the court's most liberal judges. The ruling applies only to California and will not go into effect pending a likely appeal to the full 9th Circuit.

The Law Center debate was sponsored by The Federalist Society and Outlaw, an organization devoted to the issues of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender students.

The two veterans of the same-sex marriage debate argued the perceived benefits and drawbacks of legalizing gay marriage on society, participants and, specifically, children of such unions.

Morse pointed out "as a cautionary tale," how no-fault divorce was presented in 1968 as a simple way to lower the cost of divorce for a relatively small number of people. But, she said, it turned out to have a far-reaching effect on society as a whole and undermined the perceived permanence of marriage. Similarly, she argued, legalization of same-sex marriage would undermine basic principles, especially concerning child-rearing. The significance of marriage as an institution between a man and woman, she said, is how it connects children to their parents and vice versa. Children are "entitled" to a stable relationship with their parents, she said, and mothers and fathers are not interchangeable. Biology is the natural "default mode" of determining parentage, she argued, and legalizing same-sex marriage would be replacing a naturally occurring fact with something created by the state. "The state has no right to interfere."

Katine countered by saying he and his longtime partner are successfully raising two happy, well adjusted, adopted children. When he asked them what marriage means to them, he said his son answered "family," and his daughter added that it makes that relationship "permanent." Katine said, "Gay and lesbian people are not trying to change marriage. We are trying to join marriage."

He said the procreation argument is specious because many married heterosexual couples choose not to have children, yet enjoy thousands of civil rights and benefits that same-sex couples do not. Citing the First and Fourteenth Amendments, he said the United States was founded on freedom from government intrusion. And, though religion often plays a large part in debates over same-sex marriage, Katine said, "Advocates are not trying to force civil rights on religions." Morse later argued that scripture aside, same-sex marriage would affect religious institutions in areas such as employment, benefits, and pre-marital counseling.

Katine said any discussion of gay and lesbian rights, including comments from the Supreme Court bench in his landmark sodomy case, always comes down to the bottom line questions, "Who cares?" and "What's the harm?" As Lawrence v. Texas, was winding its way through the courts, he said then-President George W. Bush and then-senator Rick Santorum, R-Pennsylvania, predicted "the sky would fall" if the nation's sodomy laws were struck down. "None of it happened," Katine said. He predicted same-sex marriage will prevail before the Supreme Court and "ultimately it will show that gay and lesbian parents are good people, and the sky will not fall. I believe I will see in my lifetime same-sex marriage legal and my son will be proud of his family and my daughter will feel it is permanent."

Media Contacts: Carrie Criado, Executive Director of Communications and Marketing, cacriado@central.uh.edu, 713.743.2184 or John T. Kling, Communications Manager, jtkling@central.uh.edu, 713.743.8298

SOURCE University of Houston Law Center

$2 Powerball Jackpot Climbs to $250 Million; Highest Since June 2010

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:24:00 +0000

$1 Million Second Prize Already Won Twice in Arizona

The jackpot for the new $2 Powerball has climbed to $250 million for the draw on Wednesday, Feb. 8. This is the highest Powerball jackpot since June 2010 and since $2 Powerball launched on January 15.

Since the launch, only two other states besides Arizona have had two second prize winners -- both $1 million each. The first $1 million winning ticket was claimed by a Tucson resident, who purchased it at a Fry's Food Store in Tucson. The second $1 million winning ticket was claimed by a couple from Fort Mohave, who purchased it at the Smith's Food & Drug in Fort Mohave.

In the last week alone, there have been more than 54,000 Powerball winners in Arizona.

"This is an exciting time for the Arizona Lottery since Arizona is one of only three states to boast two second prize $1 million winners thus far," said Karen Bach, assistant director of budget, products and communications for the Arizona Lottery. "The new $2 Powerball game is delivering on its promise of more winners and larger prizes, and we expect to be congratulating more Arizona millionaires this year than ever before."

The new $2 Powerball game offers many appealing features to players, including better overall odds and jackpots that grow bigger, faster. The starting jackpot doubled from $20 million to $40 million and the second prize for matching all five numbers, without the Powerball, increased from $200,000 to $1 million.

The next $2 Powerball draw is this Wednesday, Feb. 8 and the jackpot is up to $250 million.

Players must be 21 years or older to purchase or redeem tickets. Winners have 180 days from the drawing date to claim their prize at an Arizona Lottery office or by mail. Overall odds vary by game. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, these materials may be made available in an alternate format. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-NEXT STEP. Please Play Responsibly. ™

About the Arizona Lottery
The Arizona Lottery operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products; it receives no General Fund dollars from the State. Proceeds from sales of Lottery tickets -- nearly $3 million per week -- fund a variety of state programs. Since July 1981, the Arizona Lottery has paid out more than $4.6 billion in prizes to players, nearly $2.7 billion in net profit to the state and more than $550 million in commissions to retailers.

Contact:
Karen Bach
Arizona Lottery
(480) 921-4493

Jennifer Adler
E.B. Lane
(602) 417-1594

LightSquared Calls on FCC to Initiate Receiver Reliability Standards, Set Level Playing Field for Spectrum Licensees

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:13:11 +0000

LightSquared Calls on FCC to Initiate Receiver Reliability Standards, Set Level Playing Field for Spectrum Licensees

PR Newswire

RESTON, Va., Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, LightSquared asked the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to develop receiver reliability standards for unlicensed GPS devices to ensure they perform reliably and take into account licensed users in nearby bands. While the company's request is specifically focused on commercial GPS receivers designed to receive signals in the 1559-1610 MHz band, company officials reinforced on a call with reporters that receiver reliability standards would create a level playing field across the entire U.S. spectrum.

Two rounds of testing by independent and government entities have confirmed that the interference experienced by the commercial GPS receivers is the result of an industry decision to design and sell poorly filtered devices that purposefully depend on spectrum licensed to LightSquared for accuracy. If sensible standards were in place, the GPS industry would not be facing the current interference problems and consumers would benefit from a more efficient use of spectrum. Furthermore, the way would be clear for LightSquared to launch its new nationwide wireless broadband network funded by a $14 billion private investment in the nation's broadband infrastructure.

The FCC itself noted that GPS receivers bear responsibility to "reasonably discriminate against the reception of signals outside their allocated spectrum." In the case of GPS receivers, the manufacturers not only fail to reasonably protect themselves from adjacent band interference, but they exacerbate the problem with a design that purposely relies on unlicensed spectrum in the adjacent band -- spectrum that is licensed only to LightSquared. The FCC has also noted that the GPS manufacturers relied on this design even though "extensive terrestrial operations have been anticipated in the L-band for at least 8 years."

Given the FCC's previous statement on this issue, LightSquared believes it is time for the agency to take a close look at targeted rules aimed specifically at the 1559-1610 MHz band. LightSquared suggests that any new rules should ensure that spectrum is used more efficiently by allowing licensees the full use of their spectrum under FCC rules.

While the agency has in the past depended on market forces to regulate receiver performance, in this case such forces have failed. The result is that a relatively small number of users are standing in the way of a $14 billion private investment in a nationwide wireless broadband service that will provide enhanced competition for more than 260 million Americans.

Adoption of suitable standards would correct market failures and protect consumers from the continued proliferation of devices that are not designed to operate in their own spectrum allocations. In addition, standards would protect end-users in the United States who ultimately purchase and rely on these products.

In a separate petition to the FCC in December, LightSquared asked the agency to confirm the company's right to use its licensed spectrum and confirm that commercial GPS manufacturers have no right to interference protection from LightSquared's network since they are not licensed users.

About LightSquared

LightSquared's mission is to revolutionize the U.S. wireless industry. With the creation of the first-ever, wholesale-only nationwide 4G-LTE network integrated with satellite coverage, LightSquared offers people the speed, value and reliability of universal connectivity, wherever they are in the United States. As a wholesale-only operator, LightSquared will deploy an open 4G wireless broadband network to be used by existing and new service providers to sell their own devices, applications and services -- at a competitive cost and without retail competition from LightSquared. The deployment and operation of LightSquared's network represent more than $14 billion of private investment over the next eight years. For more information about LightSquared, please go to www.LightSquared.com, www.facebook.com/LightSquared and www.twitter.com/LightSquared.

CONTACT:	Chris Stern
	Burson-Marsteller for LightSquared
	Tel: (202) 530-4737
	Chris.Stern@bm.com

Forward-Looking Statement

This release contains forward-looking statements and information regarding LightSquared and its business. Such statements are based on the current expectations and certain assumptions of LightSquared's management and are, therefore, subject to certain risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements expressed herein relate only to information as of the date of this release. LightSquared has no obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release, nor is there any assurance that the plans or strategies discussed in this release will not change.

SOURCE LightSquared

AFPM Applauds Actions by Congress to Advance Keystone XL Pipeline

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:13:03 +0000

AFPM Applauds Actions by Congress to Advance Keystone XL Pipeline

PR Newswire

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers President Charles T. Drevna today welcomed passage of the North American Energy Access Act by the House Energy and Commerce Committee in a 33-20 bipartisan vote. The bill would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue a permit for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline within 30 days of receiving an application.

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"Today's vote marks an important step forward to enable American refineries and American workers to do more to serve consumers by manufacturing vital fuels and other products that make modern life possible," Drevna said. "By bringing 700,000 barrels of oil each day to U.S. refineries on the Gulf Coast from oil fields in Canada, North Dakota and Montana, the Keystone XL pipeline will enhance America's national, economic and energy security."

Drevna continued: "Although American refineries would use nearly all of the oil transported by the Keystone XL pipeline to manufacture fuels and other products for American consumers and businesses, it would also allow them to continue to export a portion of their products. For the first time in more than 60 years, the United States is a net exporter and the Keystone XL pipeline will help our nation maintain this position, as well as create jobs for American workers, lower the trade deficit and increase American tax revenues."

About AFPM
AFPM, the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (formerly known as NPRA, the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association) is a trade association representing high-tech American manufacturers of virtually the entire U.S. supply of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, other fuels and home heating oil, as well as the petrochemicals used as building blocks for thousands of vital products in daily life. AFPM members make modern life possible and keep America moving and growing as they meet the needs of our nation and local communities, strengthen economic and national security, and support 2 million American jobs.

SOURCE American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers