Electronic Recyclers International Named an Approved Member of Green America`s Green Business Network

WASHINGTON–(Business Wire)–
Electronic Recyclers International (ERI), the nation`s leading recycler of
electronic waste, has been named to Green America`s prestigious “Green Business
Network” and is now listed in the organization`s National Green Pages Green
business Directory at www.GreenPages.org.

To become an approved member of the Green Business Network and become listed on
the GreenPages, organizations must be deemed by Green America to be “operating
in ways that solve, rather than cause, environmental and social problems.”

“The Green Business Network is proud to welcome Electronic Recyclers
International into its celebrated roster of approved companies,” said Rebecca
Shaloff, Screening Director for Green America. “Earning the Green America Seal
of Approval signifies that this business is at the forefront of their industry
in implementing environmentally sustainable and socially just practices.”

“It`s an honor and privilege to be recognized by Green America as a member of
the esteemed Green Business Network,” said John Shegerian, ERI`s Chairman and
CEO. “We decided when we first got into this business that we would focus on our
green DNA with everything we do – from the electric forklifts on our shop floor
to the energy efficient lighting in our facilities. The very nature of
electronic recycling is a green business, where we encourage businesses and
consumers to behave in a sustainable fashion. So it has always made sense to
practice what we preach and maintain a sustainable, green operation. In this
promising new world of urban mining, where we can harvest commodities and
natural resources from unwanted electronics, it makes perfect sense to set an
example by being responsible social and green citizens. We are very proud of
that.”

For more information on e-waste recycling, ERI, and all other recycling needs,
visit www.electronicrecyclers.com, http://1800recycling.com or
www.urbanmining.org.

Now the largest recycler of electronic waste in the world, Fresno-headquartered
Electronic Recyclers International is licensed to de-manufacture and recycle
televisions, computer monitors, computers, and other types of electronic
equipment.ERI processes more than 140 million pounds of electronic waste
annually in its six locations in California, Washington, Colorado, Indianapolis,
Massachusetts and Texas. For more information about e-waste recycling and ERI,
call 1-800-884-8466 or visit http://www.electronicrecyclers.com.

For Electronic Recyclers International
Paul Williams
949-916-6880
MediaLine2@aol.com

Copyright Business Wire 2010

The New Yorker Hotel’s Discarded Amenities Now Recycled Into Life-Saving Tools

ORLANDO, FL, Jun 04 (MARKET WIRE) —
The New Yorker Hotel, the second hotel in New York to partner with Clean
the World, will now provide nearly 400 children annually with desperately
needed hygiene tools as part of an innovative program that recycles soap
and distributes it to impoverished people worldwide. The gently-used
amenities from the hotel’s 912 rooms will skip a trip to the landfills
and instead hit Clean the World’s Recycling Operations Center (ROCs).

“Now that we have The New Yorker Hotel on board, we are on track to open
our New York metro-area ROC,” said Peter Insalaco, Regional Director at
Clean the World. “We are thrilled to have them as part of our program.
We’re ready to bring New York to the forefront of the Clean the World
mission.”

Soap is both difficult to obtain in impoverished areas and crucial to
preventing the spread of diarrheal disease and pneumonia, two of the
biggest killers of children under age five.

With upwards of 75,000 hotel rooms in the New York area, a tremendous
amount of waste is generated from discarded hotel soap and amenities. “We
are extremely proud to help lessen needless waste and do it in a way that
also has humanitarian purpose,” said Sylvia Lima, general manager of the
New Yorker Hotel.

“The entire housekeeping department, when they heard of this tremendous
effort from Clean the World, were very excited to be a part of it,” said
Angela Sanchez, director of housekeeping.

Big-city amenities will continue to be recast with global purpose — just
ask Clean the World and The New Yorker Hotel.

Additional Resources:
Contribute to save lives or donate soap and
shampoo: http://www.cleantheworld.org/contribute.asp

Become a Recycling Partner: http://www.cleantheworld.org/partners.asp
To
Volunteer: http://www.cleantheworld.org/volunteer.asp
Clean the World
Blog: http://www.cleantheworld.org/blog/
Follow us on Facebook:

http://tinyurl.com/2fozbe4

Follow us on Twitter:
www.twitter.com/clean_the_world

About Clean the World, Inc.
Clean the World is committed to reducing the
waste created by discarded soap and shampoo products and collects these
items from hotels to be recycled and distributed to domestic homeless
shelters and impoverished people worldwide, helping to prevent millions
of deaths caused by hygiene-related illnesses. Clean the World
Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable
organization. For more information visit: http://www.cleantheworld.org

About The New Yorker Hotel
Conveniently located at 34th Street and
Eighth Avenue in Manhattan, across from Madison Square Garden, The New
Yorker Hotel is one of the largest art deco buildings in New York City.

The New Yorker Hotel has completed a massive, comprehensive $70 million
renovation of all rooms and public spaces. The legendary NYC hotel is
well-suited for groups, business and leisure travelers and anyone seeking
a great value in an unrivaled location in Manhattan. The newly-renovated
hotel now features 912 guest rooms (several with terraces and View Rooms
offering spectacular views); 25,000 square feet of meeting space (two
stately ballrooms and 12 meeting and conference rooms); an award-winning
catering department; the 24-hour Tick Tock Diner and Cooper’s Tavern; a
complimentary Fitness Center; and a fully-equipped Business Center.

With a large variety of rooms to suit any traveler needs, the New Yorker
Hotel’s 912 rooms include 23 ADA certified rooms, and 70 luxury suites to
choose from.

The New Yorker Hotel is conveniently located just minutes from Madison
Square Garden and Penn Station. Down the street are the Empire State
Building and Macy’s, and just five minutes to the Theater District.
Additionally, the hotel is just 2 blocks from the Jacob Javits convention
center, 8 blocks from Times Square and only a 15-minute cab ride from
Central Park.

For story ideas and other press-related material, check out The New
Yorker Hotel’s online press room

http://www.NewYorkerHotel.com/pressroom.html

For more information about The New Yorker Hotel, contact toll-free in the
U.S. and Canada 866-800-3088 or visit http://www.NewYorkerHotel.com

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1273881

Contact:
Peter Olsen
Communications Director
Clean the World Foundation, Inc.
407-574-8353
polsen@cleantheworld.org
www.cleantheworld.org

Copyright 2010, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

Research and Markets: Global Shipping Finance Review 2010/11: Shipping Directory of Approximately 2,500 Contacts

DUBLIN–(Business Wire)–
Research and Markets
(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/19d878/shipping_finance_r) has
announced the addition of the “Shipping Finance Review 2010/11″ report to their
offering.

The Review is completed by a shipping directory of approximately 2,500 contacts;
financiers, lawyers, insurers, and shipbuilders/managers from across the globe
and more.

Now in its 18th year of publication the Shipping Finance Review presents a
global picture of the major issues at the forefront of the ship finance
industry.

The introduction features a varied selection of views and opinions from
respected international maritime organisations, supported by informative
articles from leading shipping executives on a wide range of current topics of
debate. These are followed by chapters from the world’s top maritime lawyers and
financiers, which focus on the maritime policy and regulation of individual
shipping nations from across the globe, within law, finance, insurance, and
registration. Together, the individual country sections provide a comprehensive
worldwide account of current ship finance and law.

The Review is completed by a shipping directory of approximately 2,500 contacts;
financiers, lawyers, insurers, and shipbuilders/managers from across the globe.

Trusted and consulted by professionals across the sector, this annual presents a
global picture of the major issues at the forefront of the ship finance industry
today:

* Innovative ship finance solutions
* Focus on maritime policy, regulation and law
* Extensive appendix of shipping indices
* Directory of over 950 global shipping contacts
* Supported by informative articles from leading shipping executives on a wide
range of topics of debate

Review

“I always find Euromoney’s Shipping Finance Review a most useful and complete
reference book.” Jim Davis CBE K(DK), Chairman, IMIF

Companies Mentioned:

* Allen & Overy LLP
* Aon BankAssure
* Denton Wilde Sapte & Co
* Hill Dickinson LLP
* International Maritime Industries Forum
* Ince & Co
* KPMG
* Law Offices Carl Kincaid Mendes Vianna Advogados Associados
* Loyens & Loeff N.V.
* Mulla & Mulla & Craigie Blunt & Caroe
* SecondWind Shipping Limited
* Ura Menndez

For more information visit

http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/19d878/shipping_finance_r

Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager,
press@researchandmarkets.com
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Copyright Business Wire 2010

Express and Ink-Less. CTEE – News the E-Way

TAIPEI, Taiwan–(Business Wire)–
Ever since the portable digital device has enriched our life, everyone is part
of the new technology wave. “Commercial Times Electronic Edition newspaper -
CTEE” is in the forefront of digital, instantaneous, and environmental friendly
news publishing. On its 30th anniversary, it releases a new way of news delivery
through digital media, offering the most convenient way for readers to obtain
detailed and accurate commercial news.

The innovative CTEE provides readers a new way of reading on the Internet by
simulating traditional reading with whole page display as well as single article
format. Now it gives traditional print readers a new option. This is an ideal
media for international businessman that offers quick single section and
breaking news PDF download without download limit and location restraint. Like
the news you see? No problem, we provide print friendly layout that
automatically embeds date and section number.

CTEE daily news is published at 6:00AM sharp. Two “Breaking News” added
services, “Western market breaking news” is available at 7:30AM and “Taiwan
market breaking news” at 2:45PM. CTEE subscribers also receive special privilege
to access our news archive database for articles within 5 years. The best part
of it, from May 20th, 2010, CTEE has partnered with Want-daily news to offer
CTEE subscribers with Want-daily news service. Added value and volume without
the extra price, it is an invaluable news platform for businessman traveling
between Taiwan and China.

Ink-less CTEE still strides to provide rich information that we have done for 30
years, now through the convenient of internet. Readers from around 60 countries
have joined the green movement. Are you always on the go? Join us!
(www.ctee.com.tw/affiliate/cna.htm)

Press:
CTEE
Andre Su
TEL:02-2308-7111 ext.3742
EMAIL:andre@ctee.com.tw

Copyright Business Wire 2010

First synthetic bacterial genome created

Washington, May 21 (ANI): In the third meeting of Hastings Center workshop examining moral issues in synthetic biology, the J. Craig Venter Group have announced the creation of the first synthetic bacterial genome.

The Hastings Center has been at the forefront of interdisciplinary research into ethical issues in emerging technology.

Project participants include synthetic biologists, bioethicists, philosophers, and public policy experts.

“Synthetic biology certainly raises deep philosophical and moral questions about the human relationship to nature,” said Gregory Kaebnick, a Hastings Center scholar who is managing the project.

“It’s not clear what the answers to those questions are. If by ‘nature’ we mean the world around us, more or less as we found it, we may well decide that synthetic biology does not really change the human relationship to nature—and may even help us preserve what is left of it,” he added.

Nor is it clear that the questions raised by synthetic biology are new ones.

“We have come up against similar problems in other domains—most notably, in work on nanotechnology and gene transfer technology—but synthetic biology poses them especially sharply and pressingly,” said Thomas H. Murray, president of The Hastings Center and the project’s principal investigator. (ANI)

Raiders further dent Eels’ season

The Eels’ early season woes continued as they were outenthused 24-14 by Canberra in Monday night football at Parramatta Stadium.

Last year’s grand finalists have now dropped four of their opening five matches and sit equal-bottom of the NRL ladder with Newcastle, Cronulla and Brisbane.

The situation is beginning to mirror Parramatta’s start to last season, in which it won just three of its first 11 games before going on a miraculous run of 10 wins in 11 to make the decider.

The Raiders defied pundits with a rare road win, built as much on desperate defence as varied attack, although Parramatta’s offence consistently lacked cohesion and Jarryd Hayne, who continues to carry the can in attack, was always double-teamed by the Raiders defence.

“I give a tick for effort and attitude, we chased kicks hard, but we just lacked conviction and our execution at the right end of the field,” Eels coach Daniel Anderson said.

“We’re not doing what we say we’re going to do or planning to do and it’s very frustrating.”

Canberra five-eighth Terry Campese was at the forefront of what looked a well-oiled Green Machine, while centre Joel Reddy epitomised the Eels’ problems, botching two try-scoring opportunities before being placed on report for lashing out at Campese’s head with his elbow in frustration.

“They’ve (Parramatta) copped a fair bit of flak in the media during the week, they’ve had so much pressure and expectation put on them at the start of the year,” Raiders skipper Alan Tongue told Grandstand.

“So we knew they were going to come out firing, we just needed to control the game.

“It just shows with our possession, when we control the ball and get a good kicking game in, we’re a really good footy side.”

The Eels were on the back foot as early as the 13th minute when Raiders lock Shaun Fenson burst onto a Dane Tilse off-load and showed brute strength to force his way over despite the attention of four Parramatta defenders.

The home team struck back in the 22nd minute through winger Luke Burt, put over in the corner by Timana Tahu who fended off Joel Thompson and isolated Burt’s opposite Daniel Vidot.

Vidot’s response was swift however, the Raiders number five leaping highest for a Josh McCrone bomb to dot down and extend Canberra’s lead.

He tried the same thing again in Canberra’s next attacking foray but was put off by the presence of Daniel Mortimer, and the Eels were able to swing play to the opposite end of the field where Feleti Mateo swivelled out of a sloppy attempt at tackle by McCrone to put Burt in for his second try.

Canberra, however, was to have the last say of a frantic first half, with Thompson, usually a back rower but playing in the centres in place of the injured Joel Monaghan, showing Hayne a clean pair of heels to score.

Parramatta’s only second half impression on the scoreboard came when a stray pass bounced off the chest of Ben Smith and he was able to get the ball down unattended, but as was the case all match, the Raiders were able to immediately respond through McCrone, who capitalised on a Trevor Thurling break to grubber for himself and score.

Winger Jarod Croker appeared set to extend Canberra’s advantage late on but was bundled into touch by a desperate Smith, and Parramatta’s woes were complete when Hayne was pinged for a forward pass with the tryline beckoning in the dying moments.

Raiders: 24 (S Fensom, J McCrone, J Thompson, D Vidot tries; T Campese 4 goals)

Eels: 14 (L Burt 2, B Smith tries; L Burt goal)

Peanut death inquest ‘must prompt change’

The family of a Karratha woman, who died from anaphylaxis after eating at a Coral Bay cafe, say they are expecting the inquest into her death to raise questions about Australia’s food handling and labelling standards.

Twenty-year-old Kylie Lynch died in September 2007, just hours after eating a sticky date pudding and ice-cream sundae.

Ms Lynch had been told the desserts she ordered did not contain peanuts.

Kylie’s father, Peter Lynch, believes the inquiry into his daughter’s death is one of the first of its kind.

“We’re going to have to do a lot of hard work in the next five days,” he said.

“I think with the wisdom of the coroner who has been chosen for this particular case she has a lot of work to be done and I think there are going to be more questions and answers.

“I think part of her findings will be in the weeks or months afterwards will be to find out that education and training will be to the forefront of one of her reports.”

The inquest is due to start next week.

Forums focus on long-term energy needs

Energy Minister Peter Collier will travel to Kalgoorlie tomorrow to host the first in a series of regional energy forums.

The forums are part of the Western Australian Government’s plan to create a long-term strategy for securing the state’s future energy needs.

Similar forums will be held in all of WA’s major regional centres over the next two months.

Mr Collier says the energy needs of residents and businesses differ greatly between regions.

“So we’re taking in a vast cross-section of the West Australian landscape and community and we’d like to hear from as many people as we possibly can, particularly those with a burning interest with regard to energy, of course energy is at the forefront of energy formation, not just within Western Australia but globally,” he said.

Police undeterred by militant threats: J-K police chief

Jammu/Doda (Jammu and Kashmir), Mar 26 (ANI): In response to bills issued by the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) threatening local cops if they don”t quit their jobs, Jammu and Kashmir”s Director General of Police (DGP), Kuldeep Khuda, has said the state police is undeterred by the threats and would continue its frontal role in countering terrorism.

Khuda also said the threats were not a new phenomenon.

“We used to receive these kind of threats, of all types, in the past as well and Jammu and Kashmir Police, which is at the forefront and is playing a frontline role on anti-militancy front, will continue to do so and these threats have no meaning for us,” said Khuda.

Lashkar District Commander Gul Mohammad alias Molvi had issued the bills in the Sazaan area of Doda district. (ANI)

Obama to co-host FoDP summit with Brown, Zardari in New York

Washington, Sep.17 (ANI): US President Barack Obama would be co-hosting the first summit-level meeting of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP) scheduled to be held in New York on September 24.

According to an official statement released here, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown will also participate in the summit.

The statement highlighted Pakistan’s effort towards combating terrorism and said that the country needs support from its allies to help it counter the numerous problems it is facing.

“While Pakistan remains committed to eliminating the menace of terrorism and is determined to become an anchor of peace and stability, it needs the moral, material and political support of its friends and allies,” The Dawn quoted the statement, as saying.

“Only an economically, politically and militarily strong and stable Pakistan can combat the menace of terrorism and extremism in an effective manner,” it added.

Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appealed the international community to help Pakistan tackle terrorist threats and the issues regarding the displacement of thousands of people due to the Swat military offensive.

Addressing a press conference on the eve of the beginning of the 64th session of the General Assembly, Ban Ki-moon said Pakistan was in the forefront of war against terrorism and its government needed the international community’s assistance to overcome the crises. (ANI)

Beckham opens door for Premier League return

London, Sep.8 (ANI): England football star David Beckham will win his 114th England cap tomorrow night if introduced during the World Cup qualifier with Croatia at Wembley, but is looking forward to his short sting with A C Milan and is also open to a Premier League offer to remain at the forefront of Fabio Capello’s plans for South Africa 2010.

“I have got plans. I will finish the MLS season. After that, everybody knows that I’ll be coming back to play somewhere. LA Galaxy know that. If it upsets a few people, I can’t do anything about it,” The Independent quoted Beckham, as saying.

“Milan have made me aware that they want me to go back there and I’m more than happy with that. But I have also had another three or four offers, so when the time is right, I will decide,” he added.

The prospect of Beckham being back in the Premier League, even if he will have turned 35 by that point, is an appealing one, especially as for all his platitudes for LA Galaxy, a section of the club’s support have turned against him.

By then he could have become the first England player to have appeared at four World Cup finals. (ANI)

Oxford University in land-grabbing row for its Indian campus

London, Aug 30 (ANI): Oxford University’s first overseas campus in India, which is going to be set up in Lavasa near Pune, has been embroiled in a land grabbing row, with accusations of human rights violations against the land developers.

Oxford’s outgoing vice-chancellor, John Hood, has been a strong backer of the Lavasa venture, described by the university as its first overseas campus.

Oxford has struck a preliminary deal with Ajit Gulab-chand, chairman of the company that controls Lavasa, to endow a chair at the Said Business School in Oxford for a reported 7.4 million pounds, The Times reported.

The Indian developers of the 12,500-acre Lavasa site have been accused of forcing farmers into selling their land and of pressing them to accept low prices. They have also been accused of worsening deforestation by cutting down millions of trees.

Medha Patkar, a human rights activist at the forefront of villagers’ campaign, described Lavasa as a “land grab”.

“People are threatened … made to feel like criminals. They cannot survive there unless they submit so they sell their land for the prices offered. They are continually asking them to leave. They say, ‘Give away your land, give away your land’.”

Oxford plans to offer courses for Indian executives in an education centre in Lavasa, a privately managed city modelled on hill stations built during the British rule,The Times reported.

Lavasa is to be home to 200,000 middle-class Indians and include resorts, educational and sports facilities including a golf course designed by Nick Faldo. The first of its four settlements, Dasve, is due to open next year.

Oxford will not offer degrees in the planned 15-20 million pounds education center, but Rajgopal Nogja, president of Lavasa Corporation, said he hoped 5,000 students would study there in its first five years.

He said Lord Patten, Oxford’s chancellor, had been enthusiastic about the plan in a visit two years ago. “It’s going to be the best building in my city, timeless architecture for the best university in the world,” the paper quoted Nogja, as saying. (ANI)

Monsoon Marathon staged in Thane sans any rain

Thane, July 12 (ANI): Thousands of enthusiasts from different walks of life and age groups participated in the annual ‘Varsha Marathon’ or, the Monsoon Marathon held at Thane in Maharashtra on Sunday.

This marathon race is reckoned to be one of the biggest sporting events of Thane, located on the outskirts of Mumbai.

The ‘Varsha Marathon’ is hosted with to encourage youngsters to be more health conscious and sports-oriented.

For Rashmi Srivastava, one of the girl participants, this marathon run has been an index of unity and human strength to achieve the impossible, individually as well as collectively.

“Here people of all ages, old and young alike, are running for unity. It sends a signal that we all should unite to fight for something and to achieve something. We should always be united, come what may,” said Rashmi Srivastava, a young participant.

The annual 40-kilometres marathon is two decades old and it was started by Shiv Sena. However, this year, Maharashtra Navanirmana Sena (MNS), the breakaway faction of Shiv Sena led by Raj Thackeray, was in the forefront in organising this event.

Interestingly, it is for the first time in 20 years that the marathon was held with the weather gods playing truant! The founder and chief of MNS, Raj Thackeray flagged off the race with hardly any clouds in sight.

“This marathon takes place every year. Though the name of the marathon is ‘Varsha (monsoon) Marathon’, however, this year it is only marathon without the rain. We hope it will rain,” said Raj Thackeray.

This year the race was open to competitors from all over India despite MNS being allergic to people who are not ‘Marathi Manoos’ (non bona-fide residents of Maharashtra). (ANI)

Marie Curie named greatest woman scientist of all time

London, July 2 (ANI): Nobel Prize-winning nuclear physicist Marie Curie, who discovered that radiation therapy could treat cancer, has been voted the greatest woman scientist of all time.

The Polish-born researcher bagged over a quarter of the votes (25.1 per cent), almost double the votes received by her nearest rival Rosalind Franklin (14.2 per cent), the English biophysicist who helped discover the structure of DNA.

Third on the list was Hypatia of Alexandria, played by Rachel Weisz in a recent film about the fourth century Egyptian philosopher.

New Scientist magazine conducted the poll of 800 scientists and members of the public, which was commissioned by cosmetics company L’Oreal.

At the fourth position was astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell with 4.7 per cent votes.

London-born Ada, the Countess of Lovelace, the mathematician who wrote the first computer programmes grabbed the fifth spot in the poll.

Austrian physicist Lise Meitner who discovered nuclear fission was sixth in the list, while British chemist Dorothy Hodgkin who pioneered X-ray techniques was at seventh.

Then came French-born Sophie Germain, who was one of the world’s greatest mathematicians, followed by American marine biologist Rachel Carson, who pioneered the global environmental movement ninth.

Standing proudly at the tenth spot is modern role model Dr Jane Goodall, the world famous primatologist, with 2.7 percent votes.

“The poll indicates the vital need to celebrate and raise awareness of the many female scientists who have shaped modern science since Marie Curie – and who are making a bigger contribution than ever,” the Telegraph quoted Dr Roger Highfield, the editor of New Scientist magazine, as saying.

Grita Loebsack, of L’Oreal said: “Women are at the forefront of advances in many scientific disciplines, particularly in health and life sciences.”

“The aim of the poll was to celebrate the contribution women have made to scientific research but also to highlight the lack of modern role models to encourage young women to pursue careers in science,” she added.

The Top 10 woman scientists of all time are:

1. Marie Curie (25.1 percent)

2. Rosalind Franklin (14.2 percent)

3. Hypatia of Alexandria (9.4 percent)

4. Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell (4.7 percent)

5. Ada, Countess of Lovelace (4.5 percent)

6. Lise Meitner (4.4 per cent)

7. Dorothy Hodgkin (3.8 percent)

8. Sophie Germain (3.7 percent)

9. Rachel Carson (3.3 percent)

10. Dr Jane Goodall (2.7 percent) (ANI)

Aptara’s fast publishing solutions launch mass distribution of eBooks

New Delhi, June 23 (ANI/Business Wire India): Aptara, a pioneer in digital publishing solutions, was chosen by MP Publishing, a leading eBook publisher, to convert publications previously unreleased in eBook form. MP Publishing is acquiring thousands of book titles from publishers all over the world and making them available for instant download through their website, www.skoobestore.com, and through mass distribution channels.

Aptara is transforming publications for MP Publishing from source file formats including Quark, InDesign, and PDF, into the ePub format. Using an XML-first production process, the titles are available for MP Publishing to repurpose for delivery to any make of eBook reader.

Headquartered in the United States, with operation centers in New Delhi and Pune, that employ over 3,000 employees, the advanced conversion work for MP Publishing will be carried out in Aptara’s New Delhi facility.

“Aptara’s fast-publishing technology is helping us to quickly fill online shelves and satisfy an avid, growing base of eBook customers,” said Mark Pearce, CEO of MP Publishing and SkoobeStore.com. “Aside from speed, Aptara’s services meet our stringent demands for high quality end products and cost-effectiveness. As we ramp-up to meet the demands of this burgeoning market, it’s reassuring to know that Aptara has the experience and scale to support us.”

“MP Publishing is at the forefront of the eBook distribution wave, for both consumers and suppliers,” said Dev Ganesan, Aptara President and CEO. “Some publishers have taken the plunge, but most are just beginning to test the waters. MP Publishing is helping break new ground for others to follow. Not only are they taking care of the upfront conversion work for publishers, but they are also providing the hosting facilities – a critical IT infrastructure requirement that can act to delay the move to ePublishing. Aptara is pleased to be MP Publishing’s partner in driving the next wave of eBook creation.” (ANI)

Che Guevara’s granddaughter poses semi-nude for PETA

London, June 19 (ANI): Cuban revolutionary leader Ernesto “Che” Guevara’s granddaughter is at the forefront of a PETA campaign for a vegetarian revolution.

PETA spokesman Michael McGraw said that Lydia Guevara has posed semi-nude in the campaign that tells viewers to “join the vegetarian revolution.”

He said that the print campaign is expected to debut in October in magazines and posters.

It will be launched first in Argentina, where Che Guevara was born, and then internationally.cGraw said that PETA approached the 24-year-old in recent months after finding out she was a vegetarian.

In the ad, Lydia Guevara wears camouflage pants, a red beret, and bandoliers of baby carrots while standing with one fist on her hip and the other outstretched.

“It very much evokes the tag line of the ad, which is ‘Join the vegetarian revolution.’ It’s an homage of sorts to her late grandfather,” the Telegraph quoted McGraw as saying. (ANI)

Groundbreaking proposals unveiled for inclusion of climate change data in annual reports

Washington, May 26 (ANI): The Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB) has announced groundbreaking proposals to assist directors in the inclusion of climate change-related information in companies’ annual reports.

The pioneering proposals, unveiled at the World Business Summit on Climate Change in Copenhagen, take the form of a global framework that clarifies precisely which climate change data should be reported by corporations and provides management with a set of guidelines designed to streamline disclosure procedures.

The inclusion of climate change data in companies’ annual reports will enhance corporate transparency for the benefit of shareholders and prospective investors alike.

According to Paul Dickinson, Chief Executive of the Carbon Disclosure Project, one of the principal members of the CDSB, “The proposed framework, announced 17 months after the formation of the CDSB, represents a vital step towards encouraging corporate boardrooms to disclose climate change related data in their annual reports by way of standard procedure.”

“As the current economic crisis illustrates, the failure to acknowledge risks in the short term can lead to substantial legacies in the long term. There is no scarcity of warnings of the risk of irreversible climatic damage to the environment. Against this background, it is imperative that companies supply their shareholders with appropriate climate change data,” he said.

The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), which holds the largest corporate climate change database in the world, is at the forefront of developments in climate change disclosure and, in addition to being a board member, acts as secretariat to the CDSB.

“CDSB’s draft framework launched today plays an important role in substantiating climate change reporting. It will be instrumental in enhancing the caliber and comparability of disclosures within corporations’ reporting,” said Dr. Wolfgang Grobe Entrup, Head of Environment and Sustainability, Bayer AG. (ANI)

Smokey Robinson praises Timberlake, Carey, Keys’ outstanding talents

Washington, May 25 (ANI): Veteran singer Smokey Robinson has praised modern day performers like Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey and Alicia Keys for their outstanding musical talents.

The R and B and soul legend believes the current artists are on their way to becoming lasting icons for being the exceptional voice of their generation.

“There are some wonderful talents out there and their music will live on.

There’s a bunch of them, I can name Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, there’s a bunch of them. I know there’s some good music being made by great young artists,” Contactmusic quoted him as telling BANG Showbiz.

The 69-year-old further said that their talent was often marred due to excessive negative attention laid on their lives.

He added: “People look at music nowadays and there is far less censorship than there used to be so people tend to draw their attention to the negatives.

This is not only true in music but it all of our lives – the news is always so negative, we are drawn towards the negative, so the negative music is out in the forefront of people’s minds.” (ANI)

Thousands gather to hear, cheer Iran’s Michelle Obama

Tehran (Iran), May 25 (ANI): There are some in Iran who are hoping that Zahra Rahnavard, the wife of presidential hopeful Mir Hossein Mousavi, will become Iran’s Michelle Obama.

Though dancing in public is not allowed in Iran, but thousands could hardly contain themselves at a recent presidential campaign rally in Tehran.

According to a CNN report, the deafening cheers were not for Mousavi, but for his wife.

The comparisons with Obama stem from the role Rahnavard is playing in her husband’s quest for the presidency.

Never in the history of Iranian presidential elections has a candidate put his wife in the forefront of his campaign.

Wherever Mousavi-a centrist candidate-goes, Rahnavard is usually nearby.

“We look at her and we say, ‘we want to be like her in the future, ‘ ” said Shakiba Shakerhosseie, one of 12,000 people who packed into Tehran’s indoor Azadi (Freedom) sports stadium to hear Rahnavard speak.

Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979 after the ruling monarchy was overthrown and Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was forced into exile.

The revolution also ended the ceremonial role of first lady that the last queen, Farah, enjoyed.

At this rally, Rahnavard-a writer and art professor-spoke for her husband, who was campaigning elsewhere.

Wearing a floral headscarf and a traditional black chador-a full-length loose robe that women in Iran wear like a cloak-Rahnavard called for freedoms she says were lost during President Mahmoud Ahmadijenad’s term.

“I hope freedom of speech, freedom of the pen and freedom of thought will not be forgotten,” she said.he crowd, which was clad in Mousavi’s trademark color green, cheered wildly. It waved placards with his picture and swayed from side to side, chanting and beating drums.

The women sat on one side; the men on the other.

The overwhelming majority were young voters, many of whom said they attended because of Mousavi’s wife, a mother of three.

Iran’s population-estimated at more than 66 million-has a median age of 27.

Mousavi, a former prime minister, is considered a threat to Ahmadinejad, a hard-liner, in the June 12 elections. He is credited for successfully navigating the Iranian economy during a bloody eight-year war with Iraq in the 1980s.

Over the weekend, the Iranian government blocked access to the social networking site Facebook, where Mousavi has a page with more than 5,000 supporters, the semi-official Iranian Labor News Agency (ILNA) said.

Those attempting to visit Facebook received a message in Farsi saying, “Access to this site is not possible.” (ANI)

Oscar winning sound mixer of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ meets slum kids in Delhi

New Delhi, May 20 (ANI): The street kids of New Delhi had a rendezvous with Oscar winning sound mixer of ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ Resul Pookutty here last evening.

Continuing his association with the rags to riches Oscar winning flick, Resul interacted with the homeless kids as part of the initiative of a self-help group ‘Butterflies India’, working for the cause of street children.

Resul posed for photographs and also chatted up the kids.

“It feels great because I have come here to spend time with them and to see how they are. So, it is also an attempt to bring the marginalized people in the forefront. Its time for change,” said Resul.

Winning an Oscar has changed the life of this small town sound mixer who shared the Sound Mixing Oscar with Ian Tapp and Richard Pryke for his work in the Danny Boyle’s film “Slumdog Millionaire”.

Post Slumdog Millionaire, work has started pouring in for Resul from both Indian and international filmmakers.

“Slumdog Millionaire”, a rags-to-riches story of a Mumbai slum dweller, who goes on to win 20 million dollars in a quiz show, was adjudged the best film.

“Slumdog Millionaire” was nominated for 10 Oscars, including best picture and best director. It already has won at the Golden Globes, the Screen Actors Guild, and the British BAFTA awards.

AR Rahman and Resul Pookutty won three Oscars for India as the “Slumdog Millionaire” juggernaut swept the annual Hollywood awards.

It also fetched Danny Boyle the Best Director award, Simon Beaufoy best Adapted Screenplay and Anthony Dod Mantle the best Cinematography award. The film was also awarded for Best Editing. (ANI)