Program to Protect Consumers Against Fraud

MoneyGram Announces Program to Protect Consumers Against Fraud

MINNEAPOLIS-- July 02, 2008 --MoneyGram International is adding to its existing efforts to protect consumers from fraud-induced money transfers in response to concerns from state Attorneys General. Through an agreement of voluntary compliance, MoneyGram is taking steps to enhance consumer protections and further address the problem of wire transfer fraud. The company and 44 states plus the District of Columbia are cooperating on a five-year plan to raise public awareness of the dangers of fraud through a variety of tactics including enhanced consumer education, more prominent fraud warnings for money transfer customers and enhanced training for agents.

Besides enhancing its own education efforts, MoneyGram will contribute $1.1 million to the AARP Foundation for Consumer Education to fund a fraud awareness program aimed at the elderly, who are often targets for fraud. This program is expected to get underway in the next three to six months.

"We are very pleased to help launch this program," said Tony Ryan, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of MoneyGram International. "We are committed to helping to stop fraud and protect consumers, and we know that this is an issue that none of us can tackle alone."

"AARP Foundation's fight against consumer fraud advances AARP's goal of ensuring the economic security of people 50 and over," said AARP Foundation President Robin Talbert. "Preventing consumer fraud and abuse are critical components of financial security. AARP, the AARP Foundation and hundreds of community volunteers have been fighting fraud directed at older consumers for more than 10 years. We are very proud of our outreach and education."

MoneyGram will also pay $150,000 to the Attorneys General Executive Committee to cover costs.

MoneyGram International, Inc. is a leading global payment services company. The company's major product and services include global money transfers, money orders and payment processing solutions for financial institutions and retail customers. MoneyGram has 152,000 global money transfer locations in 180 countries and territories. For more information, visit the company's website at www.moneygram.com.

Contacts

MoneyGram International
Michael Fox, 203-682-8218
mfox@icrinc.com

Inventors Wanted For Texas Reality TV Show

Reality TV Show Looks for Inventors in Texas

How TV Shows and Internet Sites Help Thousands of Aspiring Inventors Transform their Big Ideas into Reality. Everyday Edisons has announced the casting calls for Season 3, with the next auditions being held at the Dallas Convention Center today, starting at 7am. Internet sites such as IdeaTango help inventors through online resources and community forums.

Dallas, Texas  -  March 16 -- Exactly how can the average person transform a mere sketch on a napkin into a useful product available to the masses? This was the question that Louis Foreman wanted to answer when he created Everyday Edisons, the inventor reality TV show on PBS. After two successful seasons, Everyday Edisons has announced the casting calls for Season 3, with the next auditions being held at the Dallas Convention Center today, starting at 7am.

Inventors are often not aware about the multi-step product development process through which a basic concept is transformed into a marketable product. This is where television shows like Everyday Edisons or websites like Dallas-based IdeaTango.com come into the picture.

Whereas some are able to take their ideas to the masses through TV reality shows, many more can interact through IdeaTango features like a virtual trade show, a yellow pages for service providers, community forums, and most importantly, educational guides to help inventors launch their million-dollar idea.

IdeaTango.com president and founder Bryan Daigle says, "It's great to see how Everyday Edisons is helping the independent inventors and bringing so many brilliant ideas into the market." "As thousands of inventors line up across the country for a shot at big time, we're also meeting many of these inventors along the way, helping them to turn their dreams into reality."

The Everyday Edisons show will be looking at a range of inventions, and also at those in various states of development, from simple concepts and sketched ideas to detailed, patented designs and factory prototypes. The finished products will also be reviewed by representatives from the major retailers.

In addition to the casting call, there will also be a series of seminars and an opportunity to meet with experts from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Everyday Edisons is produced with the cooperation of the United States Patent & Trademark Office, and like IdeaTango, hopes to propel thousands of local inventors into the spotlight.

About Everyday Edisons
Everyday Edisons is a reality TV show that airs on PBS, and follows inventors as they go from idea to product. The show's producers and industry experts work with all the contestants, helping them to succeed in the development and marketing of their inventions. Everyday Edisons is a production of Bouncing Brain Productions.

For more information about Everyday Edisons, visit www.everydayedisons.com

About IdeaTango.com
As seen on The Big Idea with Donnie Deutsch, local and national news stations across the country, and one of the largest technology blogs, Gizmodo, Dallas-based IdeaTango.com is a one-of-a-kind social networking site specifically created to help inventors act on their great ideas. This "ingenuity community" provides inventors interactive, collaborative, and educational tools to help inventors connect with valuable resources, and one another. IdeaTango is also the winner of the Rice Alliance 2007 "Most Promising" Web 2.0 Company award.

More information about IdeaTango.com is available at www.ideatango.com

Press Contact: Bryan Daigle
Company Name: IdeaTango.com
Phone: 214-680-3551
Website: http://www.ideatango.com

All-Time Top Rated Documentary on IMDB is Heima

''Heima'' Rated Top All-Time Documentary on IMDB

LOS ANGELES-- June 27, 2008 --Heima, the 2007 documentary film that chronicles a tour by Icelandic group Sigur Ros, has been named the number-one documentary of all time by widely respected movie industry source IMDB. Alan Calzatti, director of Musicians Institute's Music Video-Film-Television program, served as Director of Photography on the location shoot (widely praised for its stunning visuals) and the group later completed post-production on the film in MI's studios.

Since opening its doors in 1977, Musicians Institute (www.mi.edu) has primed over 20,000 musicians, producers, engineers, vocalists, and industry professionals for successful careers in every genre of contemporary music. Located just blocks from the Capitol Records tower, MI has an incredible history of innovation dating back to its origins in 1977 as the Guitar Institute of Technology (GIT), which broke new ground as a performance-based contemporary music school taught by working professionals. Within a few years, GIT was joined by bass and drum programs to form Musicians Institute and the evolution has continued to this day with degree and certificate programs for career-minded guitarists, bassists, drummers, vocalists, keyboardists, recording engineers, independent producers, guitar makers, music business professionals and filmmakers.

Contacts

Luck Media & Marketing, Inc.
James Levesque, 818-760-8077

Small Business E-commerce Retailers Jump Start With Google Shopping

Google Shopping Jump Starts Small Business E-commerce Retailers

During the holiday season the search engine giant Google added a Shopping tab to its homepage, a tab which directly links to its on-line product catalog called Product Search. FastCommerce, a small business enterprise e-commerce provider, recently announced the successful launch of its automated submission service to Google Shopping. Submission to Google is also available with the free version of FastCommerce. The results have been remarkable. By simply signing up for the free version of FastCommerce and creating a product catalog, the on-line retailer starts selling right away.

San Mateo, CA  -  March 25, 2008 -- For small business on-line retailers, an e-commerce solution that quickly produces results is essential to survival. That is why FastCommerce recently launched a product submission service to Google Shopping; also known as Google Product Search. Google has built the equivalent of an on-line product catalog that is tied in with its popular search site. On-line retailers can post products to the Google catalog, and even sell directly through the service via Google Check-out. Google's popularity coupled with the recent addition of its new Shopping tab on the Google homepage, has the effect of driving targeted searches for product directly through Google Shopping. With Google Shopping, shoppers can view multiple listings for a given product and either purchase directly on Google, or proceed directly to the merchant own web store.

Submitting to Google Product Search costs the on-line retailer nothing; unlike EBay, there are no fees for posting an unlimited number of products. This is a tremendous competitive edge for small business e-commerce start-ups that cannot afford the sometimes prohibitive cost of running a business exclusively on EBay. Rather than having the merchant manually submit products one by one, FastCommerce automatically submits the whole of a merchant's on-line product catalog to Google Product Search. In providing this level of service, FastCommerce is focused on the success of its clients in an increasingly sophisticated and competitive on-line retail universe.

Google Product Search consistently generates a high volume of sales and sales inquiries for FastCommerce merchants. Having the whole of a merchant's on-line product catalog published on Google Shopping is nothing less than a major marketing tool for small business on-line retailers. It is a service that Google offers for free. This is even more remarkable given that the FastCommerce small business e-commerce platform is entirely free for the first fifty products. A small business or an individual entrepreneur can sign up for the free version of FastCommerce, build a professional and attractive web store, and post up to fifty products for free. The free version gives them access to almost the whole of the FastCommerce platform: simply signing up automatically generates a professional website and back office tools to manage their business. Merchants then see an immediate effect in having their products automatically listed to Google's Product Search.

FastCommerce is a web-based e-commerce application that lets small business start, grow and then manage their business on-line, all from one single system. Small business entrepreneurs gain access to a professional, fully operable e-commerce website, as well as a full suite of back-office management tools needed to run a business on-line. It is completely free to the first fifty products. The addition of Google Shopping to the free version is a very powerful tool: a small business can make the move to e-commerce with immediate results. The clients are then free to sign up for additional services when they are ready.

FastCommerce.com also announced the launch of a Professional services division, designed for established businesses looking to make the leap into e-commerce while avoiding the hefty expense of project implementation and costly technology. Small businesses with large product catalogs face tremendous hurdles when looking to go into on-line sales. Such a move has traditionally involves licensing e-commerce technologies, and then expending additional funds for implementation. The FastCommerce Professional Services team brings years of experience and its Web 2.0 technology platform to get companies up and running in days instead of months. There is no contract. For a small set up fee, small businesses get a fully operable e-commerce web-site with their products pre-installed. FastCommerce drives down the cost to a fraction of most e-commerce technology platforms. There are additional services for submitting to over 100 search engines, directories, as well as keyword consultation and continuous updates.

About FastCommerce.com

FastCommerce.com is a Web 2.0 technology platform that changes the way entrepreneurs can succeed in on-line sales. It has been designed to automate all the initial hurdles of beginning a web business and managing it, all from one single system. Far from being a simple shopping cart technology, FastCommerce Small Business e-Commerce technology is enterprise in scope with the goal of letting small companies and entrepreneurs run all aspects of their business from a fully integrated single system. It is affordable small business enterprise e-commerce at a small business price.

Press Contact: Gregory Peterson
Company Name: FastCommerce.com
Phone: 650 235 6212
Website: http://www.fastcommerce.com

Squeeze Removed From Online Shopping

New Online Store Takes the Squeeze out of Online Shopping

Along with a large selection of high quality products partnered with a fresh look to website shopping, BabyMarmalade has reached a new level by taking the squeeze out of your typical online baby store. Babymarmalade.com is poised to be the premier online store for quality yet trendy products for baby and Mom

Boston, MA (PRWEB) January 17, 2008 -- BabyMarmalade.com has discovered the secret to what trendy moms really want -- fresh styles for hip kids. Partnered with its unique website design, BabyMarmalede.com offers a wide variety of clothing, toys, and unique accessories for children and mom. BabyMarmalade.com is reaching out of the box and offering several European inspired lines such as safe and lead free toys by Haba and modern furniture with a twist by Oeuf. Along with a large selection of high quality products partnered with a fresh look to website shopping, BabyMarmalade.com has reached a new level by taking the squeeze out of your typical online baby store.

"Today's trendy mom wants to shop on a site that offers unique products that fit not only their need but their children's sense of style. Carrying lines like Haba offers our customers stylish products that that a mom can feel safe about purchasing," says Yulia Orlova, the BabyMarmalade founder.

Today more and more websites geared towards mom are offering a wide selection of products allowing for a one stop shop for mom. BabyMarmalade.com is indeed one of those online stores joining the trend with a unique product offering and a large selection of toys, clothing, gifts, and accessories. Combine the large selection and vast product offering along with the incredible high-quality of their gifts and trendy accessories for tots, Baby Marmalade is poised to be the premier online store for quality yet trendy products for baby and Mom.

For fresh styles for hip kids check out Baby Marmalade

Press Contact: Yulia Orlova
Company Name: Baby Marmalade
Phone: 6178938886
Website: www.babymarmalade.com

Vacation In Your Own Backyard

Creating a Staycation Retreat in Your Own Backyard

In tough economic times, homeowners are planning at-home vacations
Home & Garden III

ROSEVILLE, Minn.-- June 12, 2008 --From rising airfares and gasoline prices, to the hassle and stress of travel itself, there are a number of factors driving the ideal vacation spot closer to home.

In fact, many homeowners are opting to create a vacation spot in their own backyard. Dubbed a "staycation," this at-home retreat is characterized by finding rest, relaxation and the amenities of a vacation in the comfort of one's home.

"Whether the reason is to save money or avoid the hassle of traveling, vacationing at home allows for enjoyable time off without unnecessary worry," said Michelle Sahlin, managing director, Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA). "By planning ahead and creating an outdoor living room, homeowners don't need to travel around the world to get rest and relaxation."

Vacations often lead to visions of sitting under a canopy or awning, drinking a glass of lemonade and enjoying beautiful scenery or landscape. Another vision is spending time with family, playing games and enjoying a few good meals. Whether vacationers opt for tranquility or activity, it can be achieved with a staycation.

Just like a vacation, a staycation requires some preparation. Here are some items to consider prior to the time off:

    * Establish the official staycation timeline: To avoid falling into the daily routine around the house, create a start and end date to the staycation so it is a true vacation.

    * Brighten the landscape: A freshly mowed lawn and flowers in bloom brighten any backyard. Plant a variety of flowers, update the landscape and incorporate a waterfall, fountain or focal point.

    * Create an outdoor living room or kitchen: Extending outdoor living is one of the latest trends. And there's no better time to have the new outdoor living room ready in time for enjoyable summer weather. By adding an awning or canopy over a deck or patio, the living space is versatile in a variety of weather conditions. A grill, cozy furniture, speakers and ambient lighting can also compliment the area.

    * Stock up on games: From bocce ball and croquet to badminton and horseshoes, there are plenty of backyard games well-suited for family and friends. A game of cards or board games also make for more low-key activities.

    * Find a good book: Grab a few good reads - a newly released book, a classic tale and a few favorite magazines.

    * Plan a luau: Just because a flight to Hawaii is out of the picture for now, it doesn't mean a luau can't take place. Grab all the essentials - leis, tiki torches, pineapple, mango, a roast and Hawaiian music. Preparing for the evening ahead of time allows for easy implementation and enjoyment during the staycation.

    * Plan a real vacation: After the staycation is complete, it's time to plan a real vacation, away from home. Determine ways to save and budget for a future getaway after enjoying the comforts of home.

About PAMA

The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA), a division of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), is the only international trade association committed to the awning industry. PAMA membership is open to companies who are current members of IFAI and manufacture or sell awnings, as well as those who supply goods/services to the awning industry.

PAMA maintains two Web sites - www.awninginfo.com, which focuses on association members and commercial awning use, and www.awningstoday.com, which educates consumers about awnings and awning benefits.
Contacts

PAMA
Michelle Sahlin, 651-225-6948
mesahlin@ifai.com
or
Risdall McKinney Public Relations
Melissa Neill, 651-286-6736
mneill@risdall.com

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Some people with powerful computers can load virtual reality software and use their computer to take a "virtual vacation", but check your computer's memory first. The software demands so much from your computer to create the illision that you may need a computer memory upgrade. Others take a vacation from work on a perniment basis. They do this by searching listings of telecommuting jobs. Once they get a job that can be done while telecommuting they don't ever have to leave their home to go to work.

Rent & Rip Program for Personal CD Collections

Announcing Primera's New ''Rent & Rip'' Program for Apple® iTunes® or Windows Media Player

PLYMOUTH, Minn.-- June 11, 2008 --Primera Technology, Inc., the world's leading developer and manufacturer of CD, DVD, and Blu-ray disc duplication and printing equipment, has unveiled its new Rent & Rip Program for Personal CD Collections.

Under the terms of the program, customers can rent a Primera Bravo SE(a) Disc Publisher along with the company's PTRip software for just $299 per week. The Bravo SE's built-in robotics will load personal music CDs into the unit and rip tracks into Apple iTunes or Windows Media Player - automatically and "hands-free." Round-trip transportation is included in the rental fee.

"By loading up their CDs and walking away, users will discover a way to bring new life to any CD collection, whether it is at home, work, or at a house of worship," said Mark D. Strobel, Primera's Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "Sending 1,000 CDs to a service could easily cost $1,000 before shipping costs. For just $299, our Rent & Rip Program lets you do the same thing yourself - without the risk of sending away your valuable CD collection."

The program is simple to use and requires just three steps:

1. Place CDs into a Bravo SE Disc Publisher's input bin,

2. Launch PTRip,

3. Click "Load to iTunes" or "Load to Windows Media Player."

The process repeats until all CDs in the input bin are processed. Simply remove the ripped discs from the output bin, reload the input bin and click the Import button again to continue.

Primera's Rent and Rip Program is available now at the company's main website: www.primera.com.

About Primera Technology

Headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota, Primera Technology, Inc. is the world's leading developer and manufacturer of CD/DVD/BD duplication and printing equipment. Primera is known for its award-winning Bravo line of CD/DVD/BD publishers including the world's best-selling Bravo SE, Bravo II, BravoPro and Bravo XR-Series Disc Publishers (Disc Publisher SE, II, Pro and XR-Series in Europe and Scandinavia).

(a)The ripping hardware for the Bravo SE Rent & Rip Program is specifically designed for only ripping.

More information about Primera, its history and products is available on the Internet at www.primera.com or by calling 1-800-797-2772 (USA and Canada). Outside of the USA and Canada, call (763) 475-6676 or FAX (763) 475-6677. E-mail to sales@primera.com. In Europe and Scandinavia, contact Primera EUROPE in Germany by phone at +49-(0) 611-92777-0, by FAX at +49-(0) 611-92777-50 or by e-mail at sales@primeraeurope.de. In Asia Pacific, contact Primera Asia Pacific by phone at +852-3014-7827 or by email at sales@primera-ap.com.

Notes to Editors: PTRip is a trademark and Bravo and Primera are registered trademarks of Primera Technology, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.

Contacts

Primera Technology, Inc.
Alison Traxler, 763-475-6676, Ext. 210
Fax: 763-475-6677
E-mail: atraxler@primera.com
www: www.primera.com
Sales Info: 800-797-2772