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"I'm excited to be driving the F-CELL. It's environmentally conscious, fun to drive and gets lots of attention on the streets," said Diane Kruger.  "I can travel more than 200 miles on a full tank and it's easy to refuel."

More than three dozen of the electric vehicles, powered by hydrogen fuel cells, are now available in Southern California and will be available in Northern California in June. Several fueling stations are now open in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, including Newport Beach, which opened this past March. Those interested in leasing an F-CELL can get additional information and apply online at http://www.mbusadigitalmedia.com/fcellsurvey/index.aspx.

In addition to the F-CELL, Mercedes-Benz offers eight alternative powertrain vehicles in the U.S. from the all-new 2012 M-Class BlueTEC SUV to the popular S400 HYBRID, which is a top choice for Hollywood actors and those in the entertainment business that deal with daily city traffic. The S400 HYBRID includes a convenient ECO start-stop function that turns off the gasoline engine below nine mph when braking to a stop. When the S400 HYBRID is at a traffic light, for example, the gasoline engine is off, but the AC compressor and steering pump are operated electrically, so air conditioning and power steering are fully operational. When the brakes are released, the gasoline engine is started automatically, and works with the electric motor providing seamless performance. 

Hollywood's most notable talent who choose Mercedes-Benz for their green transportation include Golden Globe Best Actress Winner Michelle Williams, Sofia Vergara, Bryan Cranston, 2011 Academy Award Best Actress Winner Natalie Portman, Courteney Cox, Renee Zellweger, Katharine McPhee, Serena Williams and Nick Swisher. 

About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 14 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar.  

MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans and smart in the US.  More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com and www.smartusa.com.

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA

DALLAS, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Video, voice and high speed data, all powered by Time Warner Cable's Fiber Rich Network is what spectators, media, vendors and more will experience throughout the duration of this year's HP Byron Nelson Championship (HPBNC) as the company will continue to serve as the official telecommunications provider for the tournament. Through a partnership with tournament organizers, Salesmanship Club Charitable Golf of Dallas, Time Warner Cable's commercial services division, Time Warner Cable Business Class (TWCBC) will continue to deliver video, voice and data through 2013. 

Time Warner Cable Business Class (TWCBC) has built a network at the site of the annual golf tournament to power video screens on the course, in corporate hospitality villas and to deliver phone and data service to locations where PGA TOUR officials, Salesmanship Club members, spectators, media and vendors are located.

TWCBC offers a full complement of business communications services including phone, Internet, Ethernet, cable and security solutions to small, medium and enterprise-sized companies.

The TWC Business Class network is built to deliver the following:

• Internet service with speeds of up to 15 Mbps to dozens of locations on and off the course
• Digital phone service to more than 130 locations 
• High Definition video service to over 100 video screens including the on-course video boards

"The video, voice and data network we've built will operationally support all aspects of the HP Byron Nelson Championship," said Mike Petty, west region vice president for TWCBC.  "Much of the technology we provide to businesses in Texas will be on display during the tournament.  We're proud to support Salesmanship Club's efforts to help local families and we're excited they selected TWCBC as their telecommunications provider."

More than a mile of new fiber optic cable and over 12 miles of coaxial cable was used to build the network, which also includes a fiber connection into the media center. Petty says the network is designed to be removed and reinstalled each year during the term of the agreement. 

"As the host organization of the HP Byron Nelson Championship, Salesmanship Club is delighted to bring in Time Warner Cable technology for our customers," said 2012 Tournament Chairman Robert Smith. "This is a great example of a major event and a major corporation working together to showcase emerging technology, provide necessary operational services, and create great marketing initiatives."

TWC digital video customers will have special access to exclusive, free Video on Demand highlights.  To watch interviews and other exclusive content, customers can tune to North Texas On Demand Channel 656 in Dallas.

TWC customers (with at least standard cable and standard HSD) who have the company's popular TWCableTV iPad app can view the Golf Channel's coverage of the HPBNC at their home through Friday.  Tournament coverage shifts to CBS for the Saturday and Sunday rounds. 

About Time Warner Cable
Time Warner Cable Inc. (NYSE: TWC) is among the largest providers of video, high-speed data and voice services in the United States, connecting more than 14 million customers to entertainment, information and each other. Time Warner Cable Business Class offers data, video and voice services to businesses of all sizes, cell tower backhaul services to wireless carriers and, through its NaviSite subsidiary, managed and outsourced information technology solutions and cloud services. Time Warner Cable Media, the advertising arm of Time Warner Cable, offers national, regional and local companies innovative advertising solutions. More information about the services of Time Warner Cable is available at www.timewarnercable.com, www.twcbc.com, www.navisite.com, and www.twcmedia.com.

About Time Warner Cable Business Class
Time Warner Cable Business Class, a division of Time Warner Cable (NYSE: TWC), offers a full complement of business communications tools to small and medium-sized businesses and enterprise-sized companies. Its phone, internet, Ethernet, cable and security solutions are enhanced by award-winning customer service and local support teams.  Time Warner Cable Business Class was founded in 1998, offering high-speed Internet service as Road Runner Business Class. Today, it serves more than 330,000 business customers throughout Time Warner Cable's markets. 

About the HP Byron Nelson Championship
The HP Byron Nelson Championship has been a premier event on the PGA TOUR since 1968. Dallas' biggest sports attraction and most anticipated social event of the spring is also the most financially successful charity event on the PGA TOUR, raising over $122 million for children and families served by Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers. Join us May 14-20 at TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas in Irving, Texas. A Great Time. A Greater Cause. Learn more at hpbnc.org.

About Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers
Salesmanship Club Youth and Family Centers is changing the odds for at-risk and troubled kids and families in North Texas. Funds raised at the HP Byron Nelson Championship support Salesmanship Club's work in improving inner-city education and providing counseling and other therapeutic services to troubled kids. Learn more at salesmanshipclub.org.

SOURCE Time Warner Cable

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As a result of the premium reductions, the statewide average cost of an annual Low Cost Automobile Insurance policy in California is now $257.69 a year and the premiums for all California counties are now less than $350 annually. The greatest changes in premiums are in the following counties:  Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Stanislaus and Sutter.

"More than 4 million cars, or 15 percent of the cars on California roads, don't have insurance," Commissioner Jones said. "If financial limitations have kept consumers from purchasing car insurance, these changes make Low Cost Auto Insurance a more viable option for uninsured drivers."

Established by the legislature in 1999, the CLCA program provides liability-only insurance for less than $350 a year, and the amount could be much less, depending on the county where the consumer lives.

Drivers may qualify if they:

• have a good driving record
• are at least 19 years old
• have been continuously licensed to drive for three years
• own a vehicle valued at $20,000 or less
• meet the income eligibility requirements ($27,925 for one person, $37,825 for two people, up to $57,625 for a family of four)

California's Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program was established to provide income eligible persons with liability insurance protection at affordable rates as a way to meet California's financial responsibility laws. To learn more about the program, consumers can call 1-866-602-8861, visit http://www.mylowcostauto.com or text "low cost" to 65374. For a full list of the new annual insurance premiums for each of the 58 counties visit the website.

And to assist more California drivers, the Low Cost Web site is now offered in Spanish. The website address is:  http://www.mylowcostauto.com/index-spanish.php

Please visit the Department of Insurance Web site at www.insurance.ca.gov. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800.927.HELP. Out-of-state callers, please dial 213.897.8921. Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD), please dial 800.482.4833.

SOURCE California Department of Insurance

SAN FRANCISCO, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- InformationWeek Reports (http://reports.informationweek.com), a service provider for peer-based IT research and analysis, released 2012 Strategic Security Survey: Pick the Right Battles, a new report featuring results from InformationWeek's recent poll on IT security trends and strategies. The report informs IT professionals on areas critical to information risk management and provides strategies for handling security challenges. More than 900 business technology professionals at organizations with 100 or more employees responded to the survey.

Research summary: Fully half of the 946 respondents to InformationWeek's 2012 Strategic Security Survey cited identity and password management as the most valuable security practice, a significant finding because access control is the most important security process in every organization, yet very few security teams spend enough time on it.

Findings: 

• 52% of respondents report that managing the complexity of security is their biggest challenge, followed by enforcing security policies (39%) and preventing data breaches from outside attackers (34%).
• 25% say smartphones and tablets represent a significant threat to security, with loss or theft their greatest concern when it comes to mobile devices.
• 29% conduct their own risk assessments of cloud providers, up from 18% in 2011.
• Just 33% invest in a secure software development life cycle; of those using SDLC, 33% find it very effective.

The report author, Michael A. Davis, is the CEO of Savid Technologies, a technology and security consulting firm based in Chicago, and an InformationWeek Reports contributor.

For full access to the research data, members can download now: http://reports.informationweek.com/abstract/21/8815/Security/research-2012-strategic-security-survey.html?cid=rpt_press_rls

"When it comes to security and risk management, it's tempting to try to address everything, but a more effective approach is to focus on the most likely threats," says Lorna Garey, content director of InformationWeek Reports. "Implementing better access control, vetting cloud providers, safeguarding mobile devices, educating users and building more secure software should be on every company's security to-do list."

For more information:
Art Wittmann
VP & Managing Director, InformationWeek Reports
415-947-6361
awittmann@techweb.com

About InformationWeek Business Technology Network (http://www.informationweek.com)

The InformationWeek Business Technology Network provides IT executives with unique analysis and tools that parallel their work flow—from defining and framing objectives through to the evaluation and recommendation of solutions. Anchored by InformationWeek, the multimedia powerhouse that looks across the enterprise, the network scales across the most critical technology categories with online properties such as DarkReading.com (security), NetworkComputing.com (networking and communications) and BYTE (consumer technology). The network also provides focused content for key IT targets, such as CIOs, developers and SMBs, via InformationWeek Global CIO, Dr. Dobb's and InformationWeek SMB, as well as vital vertical industries with InformationWeek Financial Services, Government and Healthcare sites. Content is at the nucleus of our information distribution strategy—IT professionals turn to our experts and communities to stay informed, get advice and research technologies to make strategic business decisions.

About UBM TechWeb (http://www.ubmtechweb.com)

UBM TechWeb, the global leader in technology media and professional information, enables people and organizations to harness the transformative power of technology. Through its three core businesses—media solutions, marketing services and paid content—UBM TechWeb produces the most respected and consumed brands and media applications in the technology market. More than 14.5 million business and technology professionals (CIOs and IT managers, Web and digital professionals, software developers, government decision-makers and telecom providers) actively engage in UBM TechWeb's communities and information resources monthly. UBM TechWeb brands include global face-to-face events such as Interop, Web 2.0, Black Hat and Enterprise Connect; award-winning online resources such as InformationWeek.com, Light Reading and Network Computing; and market-leading magazines InformationWeek, Wall Street & Technology and Advanced Trading. UBM TechWeb is part of UBM plc, a global provider of news distribution and specialist information services with a market capitalization of more than $2.5 billion.

SOURCE UBM TechWeb

CLEVELAND, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Vox Mobile, a leading provider of managed mobility solutions for the enterprise, today announced that it has completed a $7.5 million growth round of funding led by Edison Ventures, a New Jersey-based venture capital firm with a focus on expansion-stage, information technology companies. Edison limited partner, Permal Capital also participated in the financing round. Vox Mobile's new financing will accelerate expansion to meet the high demand for its enterprise managed mobility services.

"As enterprises face growing complexity and challenges with mobility, the demand for managed mobility services continues to explode. We believe Vox Mobile will continue to capture a large share of this emerging growth market with its industry-leading managed mobility platform and services," said Sever Totia, Principal at Edison Ventures and newly appointed member of Vox Mobile's Board of Directors. "Vox Mobile fits well with Edison Venture's investment strategy in Mobility and focusing on expansion-stage information technology companies with exceptional management and market leadership."

Vox Mobile provides a comprehensive suite of management mobility services that are enabled with an industry leading management platform that makes it easy for enterprises to deploy, manage, secure and support mobile devices of all types. Vox Mobile's products and services help enterprises deal with the growing complexity of enterprise mobility driven by the growth trends that include consumerization of IT, bring your own device (BYOD), adoption of tablets in the enterprise and the growing diversity of mobile platforms and operating systems.

"It's been a phenomenal year for Vox Mobile. Our revenue has doubled and we've experienced unprecedented growth in customers across a broad set of vertical industries, including financial services, legal, manufacturing, energy and business services," said Kris Snyder, CEO of Vox Mobile. "We believe that this is the tip of the iceberg as enterprises start to tap into the transformative capabilities of mobility."

For more information, please visit Vox Mobile at www.voxmobile.com, follow the company on Facebook and on Twitter.

About Edison Ventures

Established in 1986, Edison partners with entrepreneurs, service providers and other financing sources to build successful companies.  Edison provides capital and value-added services to growth stage ($5 to 20 million revenue), information technology businesses. Initial investments range from $5 to 10 million. Edison typically serves as sole or lead investor. In addition to providing expansion capital, Edison funds management buyouts, recapitalizations, spinouts and secondary stock purchases.

Edison's investment professionals are based in Lawrenceville, NJ, New York, NY, McLean, VA, Needham, MA, and Cleveland, OH.  Industry specialties include Financial Technology, Healthcare IT, Interactive Marketing and eCommerce and Enterprise 2.0.  Edison's successes include Cambridgesoft, Dendrite, Gain Capital, Liberty Tax, Marcam, M5, Mathsoft, Neat, Octagon, PlumChoice, Tangoe, Virtual Edge, Visual Networks, Vocus and many other information technology leaders, which have a combined market value exceeding $5 billion. Edison Ventures currently manages over $900 million and actively making new investments. For more information on Edison Ventures, please visit www.edisonventures.com and follow us on Twitter @edisonventure.

About Vox Mobile

Since 2004, enterprises in North America and around the globe have come to rely every day on Vox Mobile solutions to ensure their mobile connected workforces are productive, their mobile data is secure and their business models are benefiting from business anywhere capabilities. Vox Mobile has been a leader in defining mobile IT services since becoming the very first RIM-certified systems integrator.  As founding members of the Global Enterprise Mobiles Alliance (GEMA): a collection of top mobile services companies on each continent, Vox Mobile is able to provide companies with both local account management and global, multi-lingual services.  For more information visit www.voxmobile.com.

Media Contacts:
Jeff Fugitt              
Vice President, Marketing
Vox Mobile
v. 512.653.8295
e. jfugitt@voxmobile.com

SOURCE Vox Mobile

A place where the wit and wisdom of everyday women and the knowledge of experts meet

RED BANK, N.J., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When did you have your first mammogram? Fibromyalgia: is it real? How do you achieve that elusive work–life balance? These are just a few of the questions being asked on HealthyWomen Community, a vibrant, new online community that allows women to engage, share, create and learn from other women and health and wellness experts. The site, which launched today for National Women's Health Week (May 13-19), offers women a new online community experience, a place where they can gather and talk about the latest health news and information, ask their most pressing health questions, share resources and get support from their peers, as well as from leading health and wellness experts.

"The HealthyWomen Community goes beyond a traditional online community and offers women the chance to ask questions and get answers from health experts, a design that is a natural next step in the evolution of HealthyWomen," said Beth Battaglino, RN, executive director of HealthyWomen. "We've always been the go-to destination for trusted, unbiased health information that is medically vetted, and now we can offer women a safe place to share views on the health and wellness topics that are most important to their personal lives, empowering them to make smart health choices for themselves and their families."

New members can create a profile of their health interests and join multiple groups of like-minded women on a variety of topics and life stages. New HealthyWomen Community Groups are being added daily and include:

• Moms to Be: Expecting and the Unexpected
• 30-Somethings
• Chronic Illness & Pain Sufferers
• Hot Mamas (Menopause and More)
• Healthy Herbivores
• Caregivers

The HealthyWomen Community also offers women the opportunity to write blog entries without having to dedicate time to create and maintain a separate blog/website. This allows women to develop blog posts on topics that most interest them. Whether it is a specific health situation they recently encountered or a health topic they're passionate about, sharing these personal stories will allow women to connect with and be embraced by a supportive community that offers encouragement and motivation.

What are you waiting for? Join the conversation at http://Community.HealthyWomen.org. Take the first step and sign up today!

About HealthyWomen
HealthyWomen (HW) is the nation's leading nonprofit health information source for women. For nearly 25 years, women have been coming to HW for answers to their most pressing and personal health care questions. HW provides health information through a wide array of online content and print publications that are original, objective and reviewed and approved by medical experts. Its website, www.HealthyWomen.org®, was recognized by ForbesWoman as one of the "Top 100 Websites for Women" in 2010 and 2011 and was named the top women's health website by Dr. Mehmet Oz in O, The Oprah Magazine. To learn more, visit www.HealthyWomen.org.

Contact:
Erin Graves, HealthyWomen
egraves@healthywomen.org
732-978-4947

SOURCE HealthyWomen

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The Walking Dead Escape: San Diego is unlike any obstacle course event in the U.S., expanding on the best-selling The Walking Dead comic book series and graphic novel storylines, allowing Survivors and Walkers to explore the initial days of the apocalypse.

"Our fans have been reading about it, watching it and now they get to live it with The Walking Dead Escape," said Robert Kirkman. "We are literally transforming Petco Park into the early days of society's collapse and San Diego is just the first city to fall." 

Survivors will climb, crawl and slide in an effort to avoid confrontation by hordes of Walkers, while achieving the ultimate adventure on The Walking Dead-themed obstacle course. The Walking Dead Escape is not a race, and Survivors are not timed, but the end is near, and they must move swiftly. If they're lucky, Survivors will reach the decontamination zone at the end where it will be determined if they have been infected.

Whether taking part in the event as a Survivor, Walker or Spectator, participants will be amazed at the interactive displays and The Walking Dead references along the course. Early registration is strongly recommended, as walk-ups may not be available on event day.  This summer The Walking Dead will be taking over Petco Park and fans will have a front row seat to the real-life action event of a lifetime.

For more information or to register for the event, please visit www.thewalkingdeadescape.com.

About Robert Kirkman

Robert Kirkman's success and passionate advocacy for creator-owned comics led him to become the first person invited to become a partner at Image Comics since the company's inception twenty years ago and he formed his own imprint there, Skybound, in 2010.  Kirkman is the creator/writer of the Eisner Award-winning The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, all-ages Super Dinosaur, The Astounding Wolf-Man, and new title Thief of Thieves, among many others. Kirkman has earned the respect of the comic, writing and television communities and topped the New York Times bestseller list for graphic novels in 2011 and in April 2012, he took the top five spots on both the hardcover and paperback lists. He's the creator/executive producer and writer of the hit television show, AMC's The Walking Dead, the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time in the U.S, also an international success in 120 countries and 250 million households.  AMC just picked up Thief of Thieves as a series with Kirkman serving as creator/executive producer and writer. www.Skybound.com is your destination for all news and merchandise for Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles.

SOURCE The Walking Dead Escape: San Diego

A portion of the proceeds raised by the concert will benefit a number of local and national charities, specifically addressing the needs of families. Operation Homefront, a national charity that provides emergency financial and other assistance to the families of our service members and Wounded Warriors, will be one of the primary recipients, and the other partner organizations will be announced this summer. 

"Cheerwine is a great family company whose cornerstone has always been placing the community before itself," said Tom Barbitta, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Cheerwine. The 95-year-old, family-owned soft drink company is a frequent sponsor of local charities and events, and the concert with the Avett Brothers will allow them an opportunity to increase the scope of their charitable work. "Even though Cheerwine is a small brand in an industry of giants, we feel that our commitment to giving back can make a powerful statement, and inspire others that even the 'little guy' can make a difference."

The Legendary Giveback builds upon the relationship Cheerwine and the Avett Brothers have cultivated in recent years, which includes Scott Avett voicing a series of Cheerwine radio advertisements. The partnership will allow Cheerwine and Avett Brothers fans to enjoy the concert experience of a lifetime, with the added bonus of supporting a number of important causes.

"Our relationship with the Avett Brothers is very real, very authentic," added Barbitta. "And since we're both in the business of putting smiles on people's faces, the simple objective of giving back to those in need is something that can bring everyone together." 

Founded by brothers Scott and Seth Avett, the band has achieved fame through a combination of their earnest, powerful songwriting and energetic stage shows. Their major label debut, I and Love and You, reached #16 on the Billboard 200; they reached a national audience earlier this year when they appeared with Mumford and Sons and Bob Dylan at the 53rd Grammy Awards.

"As musicians, an event like this is a natural way for us to give back to our fans," said Scott Avett, lead singer and multi-instrumentalist for the Avett Brothers. "To realize the needs of these groups is humbling. We're proud to be able to contribute."

Details of the concert will be revealed in July. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates at Facebook.com/Cheerwine and on Twitter at twitter.com/DrinkCheerwine.

About Cheerwine

CHEERWINE: Born in the South. Raised in a Glass.


Launched in 1917 by L.D. Peeler, Cheerwine is a soft drink with a flavor that always surprises. It is an iconic brand from North Carolina. Owned and distributed by the Carolina Beverage Corporation and Cheerwine Bottling Company in Salisbury, N.C., the 95-year-old company is still privately owned and managed by the same founding family; four generations of whom have worked there. Cliff Ritchie leads Cheerwine as president and CEO. Available in supermarkets and convenience stores in select states nationwide and on the website at www.cheerwine.com.

About The Avett Brothers

The Avett Brothers formed in 2001 in Charlotte, North Carolina when banjoist Scott Avett and guitarist Seth Avett joined forces with standup bass player Bob Crawford. Raised in the textile town of Concord, North Carolina, the Avett Brothers were influenced by their dad, Jim Avett, who had a box of eight-track tapes that Scott and Seth picked through, listened to and digested. It included albums by Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Jim's own folksy duo, Common Decency. Other roots musicians from the folk and country realms filtered into their subconscious, too. Because of their wide range of influences, the Avett Brothers might be described as a rootsy amalgam of folk, country, bluegrass, rock and pop – with a jab of punk-style dynamics here and there. More information about the Avett Brothers can be found at www.theavettbrothers.com or Facebook.com/theavettbrothers.

SOURCE Cheerwine

HUMMELSTOWN, Pa., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is hosting its annual Dog Bite Prevention Week in order to bring awareness to the almost 5 million dog bites that occur per year across the nation.

Teaching children how to interact with dogs—even if you don't own one—can go a long way in preventing injury. Kids aged 5-9 years old are most often the ones injured, and usually the dog that bit them is not a stranger. The AVMA estimates that of the children under the age of 18 who have been bitten, family dogs are responsible for 30% of the bites, while the neighbor's dog is resonsible for another 50% of the bites.

PVMA veterinarian Dr. Bryan Langlois recommends, "Always prevent toddlers and young children from playing around or going near your dog's food and water bowl. Some dogs can become food possessive and bite or attack your child in defense of his/her food. The same caution should be taken with toys, treats, or rawhides."

Tips from the AVMA include:

• Carefully select your pet. Puppies should not be obtained on impulse.
• Make sure your pet is socialized as a puppy so it feels relaxed around people and animals.
• Don't put your dog in a position where it feels threatened or teased.
• Train your dog. Basic commands help dogs understand what is expected of them and can be incorporated into fun activities that build a bond of trust.
• Walk and exercise your dog regularly to keep it healthy and provide mental stimulation.
• Avoid highly excitable games like wrestling or tug-of-war.
• Use a leash in public to ensure you are able to control your dog.
• Keep your dog vaccinated against rabies and preventable infectious diseases. Parasite control and other health care are important because how your dog feels affects how it behaves.
• Neuter your pet.
• Make sure gates are secure.

For more information on dog bite prevention, visit http://www.avma.org/public_health/dogbite/ for helpful tips and resources for the whole family.

The Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA) is the only statewide professional organization of over 2,200 veterinarians from across the Commonwealth. The association, which was established in 1883, strives to advance animal welfare and human health while ensuring the vitality of the veterinary profession. PVMA's website is available at www.pavma.org.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA)

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Last week the Institute of Medicine (IOM) issued its obesity-prevention report at the Weight of the Nation™ conference hosted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). This report included a call to action for increased access to healthy foods (like fruits and vegetables) at retail outlets nationwide[1].  Findings from a new Michigan State University (MSU) study released today, underscored the critical role that canned fruits and vegetables play in helping Americans increase these intakes, regardless of geography or income level.  It's time to visit the S.H.E.L.F.

The MSU study, "Nutrition and Cost Comparisons of Select Canned, Frozen and Fresh Fruits and Vegetables" analyzed more than 40 scientific journal studies and nutrition data, comparing canned fruits and vegetables to fresh and frozen based on nutrition and cost. The results created a reminder of the many good reasons why it's time to revisit what's on the S.H.E.L.F.  Canned foods are not only tasty, they are:

• S – Safe:  According to the CDC, at least 128,000 Americans are hospitalized each year with foodborne illnesses. The MSU analysis concluded canned foods are a safer option for produce thanks in part to the canning process that creates a barrier to microbiological contamination.
• H – Healthy:  The study underscored that nutritionally, canned foods are on par with and in some cases better than fresh and frozen. In fact, canning tomatoes improves the B vitamins, vitamin E and carotenoid content. Fiber, a nutrient of concern in the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, becomes more soluble and therefore more useful in the human body, in the canning process.
• E – Ease of preparation: Canned fruits and vegetables are convenient to prepare and incorporate into meals or on their own.  They are not subject to seasonality or refrigeration requirements, also making them easily accessible to all – from corner convenience stores to supermarkets, a key recommendation in the IOM report.
• L – Thanks to their long shelf life, canned foods are perfect staples to stock up and have on hand anytime. USDA reports Americans waste 25 percent of their fresh produce each year, and with 23.5 million people living in areas known as "food deserts" with little or no accessibility to nutritious foods, canned fruits and vegetables provide a smart shelf-stable option for families.
• F – Financial benefits:  Canned foods stretch hard-earned dollars, saving up to half the cost of frozen and 20 percent of the cost of fresh.  For example, fresh green beans are estimated at 500 percent more costly than canned. 

"Canned foods can be a terrific option to easily and inexpensively incorporate great tasting nutrition into healthy meals," said Patricia Bannan, MS, RD, author of Eat Right When Time is Tight. "One of the IOM report directives is to increase access to healthy foods at various locales.  It's important that people do not overlook the variety at convenience stores across the country with healthy options sitting on the S.H.E.L.F."

The release of the MSU study follows FDA announcement that BPA, a lining used to protect canned foods from contamination, is safe within current guidelines.

Additional study highlights can be found at www.cancentral.com/MSUStudy.

About the Can Manufacturers Institute (CMI)

CMI is the national trade association of the metal can manufacturing industry and its suppliers in the United States. CMI members account for the annual domestic production of 130 billion food, beverage and general-line metal cans. Together, they employ approximately 32,000 workers and operate nearly 150 plants in 36 states. For more information, visit www.cancentral.com.

[1] IOM, Accessing Progress in Obesity Prevention:  Solving the Weight of the Nation, Strategy 2-4, p 201-207

SOURCE Can Manufacturers Institute

"The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's grant will provide critical support for International Medical Corps' polio eradication efforts in Chad. It is a tragic reality that this devastating disease - which was eradicated in the developed world decades ago through proper vaccination programs - still plagues so many children in parts of the developing world," said Nancy A. Aossey, President and CEO of International Medical Corps. "These timely funds will now help ensure that the people of Chad have lifesaving vaccines as well as vital preventive care and education, key factors in the fight against polio."

Chad currently has the world's highest incidence of polio, with over 130 cases since the beginning of 2011 (reported as of May 2012). International Medical Corps has been working in Chad since 2004, providing primary and secondary health care, as well as nutrition support and training programs. Through mobile medical units and health professionals at key medical facilities, International Medical Corps will immunize children in Guereda, Iriba and Am Dam districts. This will be supplemented with public education campaigns on polio as well as door-to-door sensitization for communities. International Medical Corps will also train MoH providers, and community and village leaders. The project was first launched in early May with workshops for all stakeholders to reinforce strong coordination.

Since its inception nearly 30 years ago, International Medical Corps' mission has been consistent: relieve the suffering of those impacted by war, natural disaster and disease, by delivering vital health care services and sustainable development projects that focus on training. This approach of helping people help themselves is critical to returning devastated populations to self-reliance. For more information visit www.InternationalMedicalCorps.org, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE International Medical Corps

LINCOLNWOOD, Ill., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Potty training with your child can be more fun when Elmo's there to help. Publications International, Ltd. (PIL) and Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, today launched Potty Time with Elmo, an app to help children who are learning to use the potty. The app is now available in the Apple App store for a special introductory price of $0.99.

The Potty Time with Elmo app, for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch, is based on the best-selling book of the same name. The app features a story with Elmo about the rewards of learning to use the toilet, as well as songs, stickers, and a reward chart for children. For parents, the app offers training tips, multiple story-reading modes, and a way to track their child's potty progress.

"Our sound storybook Potty Time with Elmo has been a best seller since it was first published in 2005," says Louis Weber, PIL's CEO and President. "And given the way today's kids are engaging with iPhones and iPads, it just made sense to take the next step and turn that book into an interactive digital app."

"With the help of their friends like Elmo, Sesame Street has always endeavored to help kids learn important life skills," says Jennifer A. Perry, Vice President, Worldwide Publishing, Sesame Workshop. "We are excited to introduce a fun new way to support families as they reach what is a very significant milestone for every child."

Features of Potty Time with Elmo include:

• Three story modes: Read & Play, Listen & Play, and Just Watch
• Five original songs
• Five puzzles
• Reward chart and stickers that engage and help empower children
• Parent tips from the educational experts at Sesame Street

The special introductory price will be available through May 29, 2012. The app will be regularly priced at $2.99.  

ABOUT PUBLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL, LTD.:

Founded in 1967 by CEO Louis Weber, Publications International, Ltd. is one of North America's leading publishers of mass market books, periodicals, and educational products, in categories including children's, automotive, sports, reference, travel, inspirational, and, most recently, digital applications for smart phones and tablet computers. The company pioneered and remains a leader in the field of interactive sound storybooks for young readers. PIL works with a wide variety of popular and respected children's licenses, including Sesame Workshop. PIL products are published in more than 35 languages.

For more information, contact Sera Hayes (shayes@pubint.com).

ABOUT SESAME WORKSHOP:

Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization that revolutionized children's television programming with the landmark Sesame Street. The Workshop produces local Sesame Street programs, seen in more than 150 countries, and other acclaimed shows including The Electric Company, to help bridge the literacy gap. Beyond television, the Workshop produces content for multiple media platforms on a wide range of issues including literacy, health, and military deployment. Initiatives meet specific needs to help young children and families develop critical skills, acquire healthy habits, and build emotional strength to prepare them for lifelong learning. Learn more at www.sesameworkshop.org.

Contact: Sera Hayes
Publications International, Ltd. (http://pilapps.com/elmopotty)
telephone: (847) 329-5687
email: shayes@pubint.com

SOURCE Publications International, Ltd.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120516/NE08545 )

Comcast officials were joined by New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno and state legislators in recognizing the students at a special event held Tuesday at the Trenton War Memorial.

Comcast also awarded Adeima Ibanga, of Charles E. Brimm Medical Arts High School in Camden, a $10,000 Comcast Founders Scholarship – instituted in honor of Ralph J. Roberts, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Comcast Corporation.  After a prize drawing, 10 students were also given personal notebook computers to use at college. 

"In the state of New Jersey, we are committed to helping our young people gain access to quality education and opportunities for personal success," said Lt. Governor Guadagno. "Comcast shares in that commitment and through programs like Leaders and Achievers, is investing in a bright future for us all."

The Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program provides one-time, $1,000 scholarships to students who strive to achieve their potential, who are catalysts for positive change in their communities, who are involved in their schools, and who serve as models for their fellow students.  The philosophy behind the program is to give young people every opportunity to be prepared for the future, to engage youth in their communities, and to demonstrate the importance of civic involvement and its value to the business community.

Each year, Comcast works with high school principals, guidance counselors and school administrators to select the scholarship recipients. Since the program's inception there have been over 17,000 scholarship winners totaling more than $17.2 million.

"Comcast is proud of its Leaders & Achievers scholarship recipients. They represent some of the best and brightest high school seniors who also demonstrate civic involvement in the communities we serve across the country," said Charisse Lillie, Vice President, Community Investment, Comcast Corporation and President of the Comcast Foundation. "We are thrilled to support their educational efforts with these scholarships."

About The Comcast Foundation

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

About Comcast  

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

2012 Comcast Leaders and Achievers® Scholarship Winners from New Jersey

(83 New Jersey high school seniors - each student receives a $1,000 grant)

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS: (alphabetically by county and then by city where school is located)

Atlantic

Atlantic City – Melissa Do of Atlantic City High School
Galloway Township – Lauren Lombardi of Absegami High School
Richland – Kyle Kunze of Saint Augustine Prep

Bergen

Wallington - Kenneth Delgado of Wallington Junior/Senior High School

Burlington

Bordentown – Phuong Huynh of Bordentown Regional High School
Burlington – Keyanna Wigglesworth of Burlington Township High School
Cinnaminson – Amanda Weiler of Cinnaminson High School
Columbus – Jessie-Mara Trespeses of Northern Burlington County High School
Delran – Samantha Hunter of Delran High School
Moorestown – Alea Couch of Moorestown Friends School
Mount Holly – Cheryl Thompson-Morton of Burlington County Institute of Technology
Pemberton – Tabitha Betts of Pemberton Township High School
Riverside – Kimberly Snow of Riverside High School
Willingboro – Adetola Ajayi of Willingboro High School

Camden

Camden - Adeima Ibanga of Charles E. Brimm Medical Arts High School
Cherry Hill – Lynn Juan of Cherry Hill High School
Erial – Michael Strauch of Timber Creek Regional High School
Gloucester City – Lauren Marchese of Gloucester City High School
Haddon Heights – William Glaser of Haddon Heights High School
Haddonfield – Eric Acchitelli of Paul VI Catholic High School
Lindenwold – Jeniffer Caba of Lindenwold High School
Pine Hill – Marnice Davis of Overbrook Regional High School
Sicklerville – Adan Lazo of Gloucester Township Technical High School
Voorhees – Unnati Amin of Eastern Senior High School
Westmont – Kaitlyn Brendlinger of Haddon Township High School

Cape May

Cape May – Taryn McCullough of Lower Cape May Regional High School
Cape May – Bethany Sneathen of Cape May County Technical High School
Wildwood – Michael DeMayo of Wildwood High School

Cumberland

Bridgeton – Nadia Albino of Bridgeton High School
Millville – Michael Cirocco of Millville Senior High School
Vineland – Rachel Gavigan of Sacred Heart High School

Essex

Irvington – Brittany Newby of Irvington High School
Maplewood – Emily Nocito of Columbia High School
Montclair – Benjamin Lusamba of Immaculate Conception High School
Montclair – Aidan Kaplan of Montclair High School
North Caldwell – Steven Czachor of West Essex Regional High School
West Caldwell – Briana Hayden of James Caldwell High School
West Orange – Carly Cooperstein of West Orange High School

Gloucester

Clayton – Mark Sharp of Clayton High School
Deptford – Chaeyoung Kim of Deptford Township High School
Franklinville – Kelly Hughes of Delsea Regional High School
Harrison – Lisbeth Pineda of Harrison High School
Sewell – Carl Archut of Gloucester County Institute of Technology
Sewell – Nicole Sandelier of Washington Township high School
Woodbury – Michael Saridakis of Woodbury Senior High School
Woolwich Township – Janelle Wellons of Kingsway Regional High School

Hudson

Jersey City – David Brown of Saint Anthony High School
Jersey City – Toni-Anne Fajardo of Saint Dominic Academy
Jersey City – Leena Agrawal of Dr. Ronald McNair Academy
Kearny – Stephanie Murphy of Kearny High School

Hunterdon

Annandale – Shannon Lane of North Hunterdon High School
Glen Gardner – Mariana Guzman Marquez of Voorhees High School

Mercer

Ewing – David Bamber of Ewing High School
Pennington – Alex Marut of McVs Sypek Center Vocational School
Princeton – Lena Sun of Princeton High School
Trenton – Victoria Trimble of McVs Assunpink Vocational School
West Windsor – Jeffrey Yu of West Windsor/Plainsboro High School South

Middlesex

Carteret – Khadijah Davis of Carteret High School
East Brunswick – Adam Horowitz of East Brunswick High School
Plainsboro – Vikram Kesavabhotla of West Windsor/Plainsboro High School North

Monmouth

Hazlet – Jennifer DelRe of Raritam High School
Highlands – Monisha Sugla of Marine Academy of Science & Technology
Lincroft – Andrea D'Souza of High Technology High School
Long Branch – Joseph Moure of Long Branch High School

Morris

Mendham – Mark Zimmerman of West Morris Mendham High School

Ocean

Brick – Gianna Cusanelli of Brick Township Memorial High School
Lanoka Harbor – Kyle McGuire of Lacey Township High School
Manchester – Daniel McLaughlin of Manchester Township High School
Point Pleasant – Tori Remondelli of Point Pleasant Borough High School
Toms River – Nicholas Montesano of Toms River High School North
Toms River – Kelsey Arnone of Toms River High School East
Toms River – Danielle Doria of Ocean County Vocational-Technical School

Salem

Pittsgrove – Mariah Dennis of Arthur P. Schalick High School
Woodstown – Shelby McCullough of Woodstown High School

Union

Berkeley Heights – Carolyn Lanza of Governor Livingston High School
Clark – John Ferrentino of Arthur L. Johnson High School
Cranford – Brooke Binder of Cranford High School
New Providence – Luke Heisinger of New Providence High School
Scotch Plains – McKenna Dick of Union Catholic Regional High School
Scotch Plains – Shalyn Brangman of Union County Academy for Information Technology
Springfield – Natalie Davis of Jonathan Dayton Regional High School
Belvidere – Kevin Wheatley of Belvidere High School
Hackettstown – Kayla Gonzalez of Hackettstown High School

SOURCE Comcast Cable

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120516/LA08583LOGO)

The truck features four flavors swirling with a rotating variation of TCBY's extensive product line, including yogurt flavors low in fat, fat free or no sugar added in addition to a non-dairy, fat-free sorbet. The TCBY truck also offers a wide range of toppings. A Facebook page alerts customers to the daily location of the truck throughout the area: facebook.com/tcby.truck.

"Our new mobile platform exemplifies TCBY's forward-thinking approach in growing the brand and offering a new way to provide our perfected product to consumers," said Tim Casey, CEO of TCBY. "Our new frozen yogurt truck, which is designed to emulate our innovative brand look and feel, broadens our customer reach and strengthens our social media positioning."

Pioneering the endeavor is TCBY area developer and franchisee Samuel Batt.  Batt, who piloted the company's first self-serve store and currently owns 10 TCBY locations, partnered with TCBY to open and/or franchise 23 TCBY self-serve locations in North Carolina and South Carolina within the next three years.

"The debut of the TCBY truck shows our continued commitment to meeting customer demands for greater accessibility of TCBY's healthy frozen yogurt products," said Batt. "Now more than ever, TCBY permeates the North and South Carolina market and remains the unparalleled leader in frozen yogurt. I am a firm believer in TCBY's product, brand and outlook for the future."

About TCBY
TCBY is the largest and fastest-growing frozen yogurt brand, leading the industry with its self-serve concept. With more than 30 years of experience, and as the first frozen yogurt concept, TCBY is a successful model that has fueled the growth of a thriving industry. TCBY, which currently has 380-plus franchise locations in 47 states, offers the most extensive product line of any frozen yogurt company, with all yogurt flavors low in fat, fat free or sugar free. TCBY recently launched its new frozen yogurt classification called "Super Fro-Yo," the healthiest frozen yogurt product available in the market, as well as Greek frozen yogurt, which has the same nutritional benefits of Super Fro-Yo plus twice the protein. TCBY is part of Mrs. Fields Famous Brands® and thus is a sister company to Mrs. Fields. For more information, visit www.tcbyfranchise.com.

SOURCE TCBY

PASADENA, Calif., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Families and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the Great Outdoors have a new resource to help navigate the ins-and-outs of hiking trails, camp grounds, fishing holes, bike trails, bird watching locales and more with ParkVisitor.com, the nation's first park rating system featuring nearly 5,000 parks nationwide.

Similar to how people rely on reviews to find a good restaurant, mechanic or doctor, users at ParkVisitor.com tap into an online community to research activities and share their experiences at the same time. Experts and outdoor enthusiasts contribute comments, tips and reviews – and combined with social media input – create a profile of each park with a proprietary ParkVisitor™ score.  

Park rangers and locals alike add tips to their reviews such as hidden climbing spots or even a great place to grab a coffee or burger nearby.  The insider tips about specific "what not to miss" activities enhance the excursion before even leaving home.  

People can search for parks by rating, geographic location or specific activities and features.  A mobile app of ParkVisitor.com will be released this summer. 

From now until May 31, 2012, each new park review will count as an entry to win a Jackson Day Tripper Kayak, (msrp $799).

SOURCE ParkVisitor.com