RALEIGH, N.C. — Shop4Humanity is a new and unique online directory that promotes businesses that give to charity. “Shop4Humanity.com is a new concept that differs from other sites by encouraging people to shop at businesses that give back to the community,” Michelle Dunston, founder explains.

FREMONT, Calif. — TeamF1, Inc., the leader in embedded connectivity and security, today announced that NetF1 – its high performance, feature-rich embedded TCP/IP stack implementation and virtual routing framework – has passed the IPv6 Ready Logo Program’s first stage of certification and has received the IPv6 Ready Logo.

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. — “Botox is one of the most common cosmetic procedures being performed today – but, too many patients have no idea who is at the other end of that needle,” says Dr. Mark Berkowitz, of Accents Cosmetic Surgery and Medical Spa, one of the nation’s most experienced injectors, with more than 10 years of experience with Botox(R).

KIRKLAND, Wash. — As April 15 nears, tax-time frowns may be accompanied by smiles for many aging Americans. Deductible amounts for long term care insurance premiums are going up. For the 2006 tax year they’re higher than in 2005; and for 2007, they’ll be even higher. “Be sure to claim your deduction if you qualify,” says Cameron Truesdell, CEO of LTC Financial Partners LLC, the nation’s most experienced long term care insurance brokerage.

WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y. — Simply Sapphires will auction off a 18 kt gold and sapphire jewelry suite (necklace, bracelet and earrings) to benefit Doberman Rescue Unlimited (DRU), announced John Tolliver, President and CEO of Simply Sapphires LLC. The auction will be held on the eBay Auction website January 29 – February 7, 2007.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando, Florida-based ID Solutions (IDS) today reported receipt of a purchase order from the Transportation Security Agency (DHS-TSA) for IDS biometric matching licenses for use in the Transportation Worker Identity Credential (TWIC) program. The IDS AFIS technology supports key security functionality within the TWIC program and has been recognized for its combination of top-rated accuracy and value-for-money by governments around the world.

BALTIMORE, Md. — The Super Bowl is right around the corner and that means big parties, funny commercials and delicious appetizers. A Super Bowl party isn’t complete without finger foods and tasty treats, something the cooking enthusiasts at ChefClub (www.chefclub.net) will surely have covered.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — For the past three years, the annual CA Boom Design Show has been a must-attend event for both the design trade and savvy consumers of good design. This year, CA Boom 4 will showcase an impressive line-up of fine furniture designers, architects and furniture manufacturers.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Author Dee Dee Phelps signs and talks about her memoir “Vinyl Highway” (ISBN-10: 1412073839) singing as Dick and Dee Dee, at Village Books, 1049 Swarthmore Avenue, Pacific Palisades 90272 on Thursday evening, February 8th, 2007, at 7:30 pm.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Fitness Challenge Foundation has taken the initial step towards getting our nation’s children in better shape. The not-for-profit organization has partnered with the California State University system to implement a first of its kind initiative that will provide physical activities programs for elementary schools.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — GSP Consulting, a fast-growing government affairs and economic architecture consulting firm today announced the expansion of their Federal Government Affairs practice in Washington D.C. and Pittsburgh.

VENICE, Calif. — in January 2006, Richard Karno, a Los Angeles-based organic coffee roaster, introduced a single serving packet of organic liquid coffee extract, which he named Java Juice(R). The shelf-stable, portable coffee packets were a great fit for the outdoor and travel industries, so Karno chose the 2006 Winter Outdoor Retailer, the leading outdoor industry event to showcase his invention.

IRVINE, Calif. — Former Tustin High School football star Ricky Miller, announced Wednesday that he has accepted an invitation to play in the upcoming college all star game “Texas vs. The Nation.” Bert Briones, Miller’s agent and president of Hip Athletics, reports that the selection committee was pleased to add Miller to the roster. “The size-speed combination Ricky has makes him an intriguing linebacker prospect to NFL experts,” Briones said.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — If John Abdo has his way 10,000 elementary school children are going to have a day they will never forget! The renowned fitness expert will be providing fun-filled lessons on physical play, that he hopes these kids will take to heart. The Fitness Hall of Fame inductee will be emceeing the Kids Fitness Challenge at the illustrious Rose Bowl, Saturday, January 27th.

IRVINE, Calif. — The Nation’s leading receiver, Maurice Price, announced Tuesday that he has accepted an invitation to play in the upcoming college all star game “Texas vs. The Nation.” Bert Briones, Price’s attorney and president of Hip Athletics, reports that the selection committee was pleased to add Price to the roster.

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — John W. Merkle, AIA and William H. Soupcoff, AIA of TMS Architects are pleased to announce that two of the firm’s project architects, Shannon C. Alther, AIA and Robert J. Carty, AIA have been made partners in the 23-year-old firm.

CHINO HILLS, Calif. — Jixa LLC announces the release of Prapta.com, a growing database that allows users to share personal life experiences while earning points. Experiences ranging from eating an apple to hiking the Tyrolean Alps will inspire you to share your life experiences and set future goals.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Engate Technology Corporation, a leading supplier of next generation network profiling connection management security solutions, today announced the general availability of Engate MailSentinel(TM) to anti-spam software, security appliance, router, firewall, and unified threat management vendors. The Engate solution empowers vendors to differentiate themselves by integrating Engate’s proprietary Network Profiling Connection Management technology.

CHICAGO, Ill. — ZedZone.com is out of its beta phase and now offers online users the ability to easily create or participate in community or group websites. To join, users fill out a brief form. They can then create a “CommZone,” a group website that is loaded with world-class functionality.

WARWICK, R.I. — “Warwick Neck – A Collection of Memories,” edited by Bill Nixon, is a visually stunning, 400-page book with over 800 photographs; it will take the reader back in time through a collection of newspaper articles, photos, and stories about a colorful community that sits on the edge of Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island.

DALLAS, Texas — Techway Services, Inc., a leading provider of electronic data destruction services and computer recycling solutions, today introduced its new channel partner program for value-added resellers (VARs) and independent service providers (SPs).

QUEENS, N.Y. — The Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning (JCAL) has assembled a group of 18 emerging artists in a new exhibition – The Field: Selections from JCAL’s Artist Registry. The opening reception is scheduled for Saturday, January 27, from 4-7 p.m. with a special performance by Tattfoo Tan. The contemporary artists were selected from JCAL’s artist registry; themes, styles and type of media vary.

NEW YORK, N.Y. — CorrectNet, Inc. today announced that Convexity Capital Management LP has completed the launch of a new investor reporting application powered by the industry leading infiPOINT platform. The application enables Convexity to deliver account statements, reports and fund level documents to investors in Convexity-managed funds.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Who says wishes don’t come true? Call it a fairytale ending, the ultimate Christmas gift, an answered prayer, or just good karma, but something magical happened at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity (TCHFH) this past holiday season.

COLUMN: In September 2006, Peter Frampton released his first all-instrumental album, called “Fingerprints.” For the project he was able to bring together not only many of his contemporaries and peers, but also a couple of his long time “heroes” and inspirations, Hank Marvin and Brian [...]

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. — North American businesses now have easy access to India’s media market due to the expanded portfolio of Riverside Media Sales/Global Media Network, Inc., a leading provider of global media services. Riverside Media has been appointed as the U.S. and Canadian advertising representatives for leading publishing houses in India.

HOUSTON, Texas — Celestial Skin International announces their corporate addition of LipoDissolve, a non-surgical, cosmetic, medical treatment that has been proven to eliminate unwanted fat for good. Seymour M. Weaver, III, M.D., founder of Celestial Skin, an aesthetic treatment center, has clearly earned his reputation as one of Houston’s most-respected cosmetic dermatologists and surgeons, by providing breakthrough treatments and educating patients and physicians, alike.

KIRKLAND, Wash. — The best time to buy long term care insurance is not retirement age but in one’s 50′s, 40′s, or 30′s, according to LTC Financial Partners LLC, the nation’s most experienced long term care insurance brokerage. Why? CEO Cameron Truesdell gives five reasons.

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — A&R Select, the leading independent A&R firm in Hollywood, has announced it will be a participant in America’s leading independent film festival. A&R Select will sponsor an event highlighting “Music for Films” at the Sundance Film Festival. The festivities, held on January 25, from 9 p.m. until 4 a.m, at the Star Bar on Main Street in Park City, Utah, will be hosted by Matt Sorum of the superstar rock act Velvet Revolver.

QUEENS, N.Y. — The Jamaica Center for Arts & Learning mixes the rich, vibrant and scintillating sound of four continents in its New Young Artists (NYA) concert series scheduled for Friday, March 16 and Saturday, March 17 at 7 p.m. The NYA series will showcase African, jazz, rhythm and blues, funk, reggae, and Latin music; audiences can travel the world in just two days.

BOULDER, Colo. — Women can sport strings of pink, red, and purple beads this Valentine’s Day to show their caring for industrious African women working their way out of extreme poverty. Nonprofit BeadforLife (www.beadforlife.org) offers Valentines Day-hued bracelets, necklaces, chokers, and other jewelry – also available in many other vibrant colors – handmade by Ugandan women who are HIV-positive or refugees from a brutal civil war in Uganda, all of whom were living on less than $1 a day. Many care for numerous AIDS orphans.

HOBOKEN, N.J. — Valentine’s Day is for lovers, and what better gift to give your significant other than something you can both enjoy together. Chances are your partner is expecting the old standbys of flowers and chocolates. It’s time to bring the element of surprise back into your relationship with the help of the staff at BadFun.com.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — ElectionMall Technologies, Inc., a nonpartisan worldwide provider of technology solutions to political campaigns, released today a testimonial by Joe Trippi praising ElectionMall’s suite of technology tools for federal, state, and local races, and also announced that Dr. Michael Cornfield has been named Vice President of Public Affairs.

BOONTON, N.J. — Spending by businesses on wireless services accounted for over one-third of the corporate bill for telecommunication services in 2006, says a new market research report from Insight Research. By the close of 2006, total US business spending on telecommunications services reached just over $132 billion, and by 2011 business spending is forecasted to grow to nearly $154 billion, according to the new research study.

SYLMAR, Calif. — Alexander Innovation Wizard debuted the Gravity Defyer Shoes, dress shoes with springs in the heel, at the Consumer Electronics Show last week. What is a pair of dress shoes doing at the world’s largest electronics show? Alex, inventor of the HomePride Hot Dog Rotisserie, Steinhausen Watches, and hundreds of the world’s craziest innovations explained his decision. “When attendants of the CES are spending more time on their feet than they are sleeping, they need relief.”

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Today, CheapoAir announced in partnership with Fareportal, a complex Multi-Airline Auto Ticketing Technology that integrates a three tier fraud detection checkpoint system that issues e-ticket confirmation to customers within a fraction of a second. In addition, CheapoAir.com is also announcing Auto-Airline Paper Tickets to be integrated into FedEx Shipping Software, making transactions seamless and more efficient while still providing a rigorously secure environment.

SOMERVILLE, N.J. — Having just returned from the Baja Peninsula in Mexico, Photographer Wil Fernandez is excited to share his images. While there, Fernandez’s primary subject was canines – wild, stray and working dogs. He also captured thought-provoking images of the colorful landscape and intriguing population.

TORONTO, Canada — The VoiceOver International Creative Experience – VOICE – is pleased to announce the participation of major sponsor, Voices.com, the voice marketplace, at the first ever voiceover experience, scheduled to take place at the Palace Station in Las Vegas, NV March 27th through March 31st, 2007. VOICE is the first of its kind, bringing all facets of the voiceover and voice acting community together.

SAN ANSELMO, Calif. — Members from the casts of Golden Globe nominees Lost and Heroes got the chance to indulge in the luxurious t’Zerah skin care treatments at the Backstage Creations Retreat during rehearsals at the 2007 Golden Globe(R) Awards and left looking and feeling a little more relaxed, gorgeous and ready for the red carpet.

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The nation’s leading receiver, Maurice Price, announced Monday that he has decided to forgo his senior season and enter the NFL Draft. Price led all of Division I football in receiving last year with 103 receptions, becoming just the seventh player in Division I-AA history to record more than 100 receptions in a single season.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Is there someone you want to hug? January 21 is your chance! Marianne Richmond, author and illustrator of the new “Fish Kisses and Gorilla Hugs” (ISBN 1-934082-03-4, $15.95), offers a few options for National Hugging Day.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Carry You, LLC, a Minneapolis-based family company, was invited to kick off the awards season and to participate in the Boom Boom Room – the ultimate gifting suite for Hollywood parents and their little ones. Founded by Jayneoni Moore, a celebrity-style insider, the Boom Boom Room was founded to bring baby fashion lines and products to celebrities and the media.

NEW YORK, N.Y. — CorrectNet today announced that LaCrosse Global Fund Services has selected the infiPOINT(TM) platform as its hedge fund manager reporting application. The system enables LaCrosse to provide hedge fund clients with online access to hundreds of back-, middle- and front-office reports on operations management.

WHEATON, Ill. — The residential and commercial storage and organization industry has a new advocate. The Association of Closet and Storage Professionals is the new voice of this booming segment of the cabinet trades. Supported nationally, the ACSP is dedicated to creating industry standards, certification, and building consumer awareness of the professional standards of the field.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — As promised at the NBAA 2006 Orlando Florida convention, Jet Repair Anywhere has commenced the scheduling of On-site Audits for FAA Repair Stations and maintenance facilities. Subscribers to Jet Repair Anywhere can view both the paper audit and the On-site Audit documents via Jet Repair Anywhere’s web site.

RESTON, Va. — nPulse Networks LLC, a leading integrator of hardware acceleration tools for open-source network monitoring and security applications, and Napatech, the world’s leading vendor of high-performance, programmable network adaptors, today announced that nPulse will directly sell and support Napatech products in the Federal and Government sector.

PUNE, India — Infinishare Technologies has announced the release of Purplenova 2.0 – The Easy Web Server which when installed on any PC with an Internet connection allows users to web-host content directly from that PC. By making content web-accessible with a URL directly from where it resides, Purplenova 2.0 provides an alternative to hosting with Hosting Services, ISPs or Blog sites.

COLUMN: To the sultry strains of Carlos Santana / Rob Thomas, stunning Naomi Lang (Karuk Tribe), 2002 Utah Olympic ice dancing star, melts the “Latin On Ice” Special on the Style Network Friday, Jan. 12th at 5pm ET and on Sunday, Jan. 14th at 10am ET.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Save Darfur Coalition welcomes the agreement reached today (Jan. 10) by New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson and Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir that his government and rebel groups will cease hostilities for a period of 60 days while they work towards a lasting peace.

COLUMN: We are at the threshold of a great evolutionary and cultural change, and this journey will take us to a place we have never been before. Some are saying that the world, as we know it, will end forever. Maybe so, but not in the way one thinks. Since the beginning of time we have heard prophetic messages about world destruction, along with an array of doom and gloom.

CLEARWATER, Fla. — Broadband Productions Inc. Launches Global Portal premiering the Science Fiction Thriller: “The End of Time” (ISBN 1-4116-3846-8). The book is a creative new look at a persistently old theme: good versus evil. But instead of adding yet another cookie-cutter story to the gristmill, author Randall Towe has created a fantastic world in which two lovers are torn apart by enormous evil.

IRVINE, Calif. — Irvine-based BandCon announced today it has turned up a national 10 Gigabits per second (10 Gbps) backbone to help large Internet content companies connect diverse data centers, server farms and peering points. BandCon’s new network enables companies to purchase layer 2 Ethernet connections between cities on a pay-for-use basis.

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — With a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Human Sexuality, Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman can help make anyone’s sex life sizzle. They use a powerful combination of talk and body-based coaching methods to support people in overcoming sexual concerns, expanding comfort, and joy in their bodies, and achieving their highest pleasure potential.

COLUMN: The recent trip of Roman Catholic Pope Benedict XVI to Turkey, with all the surrounding controversy that the event managed to generate, brought to the center of attention some of the most pivotal issues of history that have shaped and are shaping our Western world. Based on the fact that the Pope’s trip to Turkey represented a rare journey by a Pope to a Muslim country, the issue of Islam and the West seemed to have received the greatest interest.

SYDNEY, Australia — VideoSift has been named the best “Video Aggregator” in the February edition of PC World magazine. VideoSift was contrasted against other video sharing websites like Digg, Vdiddy and Dabble. VideoSift is a web community that applies people power to “sift” out the best videos from the millions of submissions on sites like YouTube, Google Video, iFilm and other popular video sites.

ATLANTA, Ga. — GeckoSystems, Inc. (OTC PK: GKSY / GKSY.pk) announced today the formation and opening of its new UK office located in greater London, England. The new subsidiary, GeckoSystems UK Ltd., will be responsible for manufacturing, sales, and support in the commercial security and defense marketplaces.

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Collector Systems, LLC (www.collectorsystems.com) today announced the release of “Collector Systems” version 3.0, an enhanced edition of its powerful, flexible art management software solution, helping individuals, collectors, curators, designers, artists, estate managers, insurers, and museums to organize and track their treasures.

CHICAGO, Ill. — According to Solay Wellness Inc., natural salt is not just for healthy flavor. Boasting 84 minerals, unrefined, crystallized, natural salt delivers an array of health benefits, with users finding relief from respiratory ailments, improvements in skin condition, increased energy levels, pain relief, stress relief and more.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — CADFORCE, the Los Angeles-based global leader in outsourced architectural services, today announced that it has added three new people to its management team. They are Paul Fielding, Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer; Jeffrey Matzek, AIA, Vice President of Quality; and Catrina Gregory, Vice President of Client Care.

TRIPOLI, Libya — Phoenicia Group Libya LLC (www.phoenicia-group.net), the leading U.S.-Libyan diversified business and consultancy group, today announced acquisitions of several Libyan companies in key growth sectors in Libya and spearheading the establishment of Libya’s first private equity fund. New acquisitions include Al-Itlala Healthcare Co, a medical services company.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Lehman Brothers’ 2006 Security Industry Annual Report, providing useful information on the security industry, is now available through Sandra Jones and Company (www.sjandco.com). Authored by Jeff Kessler, Sr. VP at Lehman Brothers, the report is invaluable when measuring the market, developing business plans, updating valuations and getting new perspective on the industry.

HOUSTON, Texas — Like true love, a diamond is forever, and online boutique Whiteflash.com offers a specialized round brilliant that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day. “Hearts & Arrows” diamonds are cut so precisely that facet reflections overlap; creating distinct heart and arrow patterns when seen through a special viewer. Whiteflash.com‘s signature line is “A Cut Above;” an elite brand of conflict-free diamonds.

WARWICK, R.I. — Business Education Publishing announces the release of a new, interactive and fun board game – Keyboarding Trivia – designed to take students temporarily away from the keyboard while reinforcing letter-key memory. The game, designed for middle and high school students as well as adults, keeps students moving across game board spaces which are designed as keys, while answering fun, keyboarding trivia questions.

DULUTH, Ga. — ActionCOACH Cornerstone, a local, independently-owned licensee of ActionCOACH, the world’s #1 business coaching franchise, announced today that it will be expanding it’s business presence in Georgia through a merger with two other established ActionCOACH Business Coaches. This will significantly impact the Business Coaching Firm’s ability to help private business owners and their teams to become more efficient, more productive, better focused, and more profitable through professional, objective mentoring and education.

DAVENPORT, Iowa — Are you buying or selling a ski or wakeboard boat, but lacking the time to surf the Web? Onlyinboards.com eliminates the need for buyers and sellers to search multiple sites by compiling all listings on one user-friendly Web site.

BOSTON, Mass. — JuryTest.net, the leading provider of online mock trials since 2002, launched on-demand access to its suite of online case presentation and evaluation tools. Adding to its industry leading services, which combine audio presentations with visual evidence, JuryTest on-demand now provides unprecedented convenience and cost-savings to law firms and insurance clients.

PETALUMA, Calif. — World Business Services, Inc., founded in 1994, has contractual agreements with a myriad of vendors who provide one-of-a-kind programs designed to help businesses save money, improve efficiencies, and increase sales. By having several service providers available, World Business Services, Inc. is able to custom tailor a specific program to help any sized company, in any vocation, in the United States.

WAYNE, N.J. — The Ballantine Corporation, a New Jersey-based direct mail company, has recently formed a strategic alliance with direct marketing specialist, DME, in Daytona Beach, Fla. Ballantine is excited to announce the addition of personalized one-to-one marketing to its roster of direct-marketing solutions.

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. — Hope for snow and look for pink at this year’s John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. In an effort to raise awareness for breast cancer the Blacks from Black Magic Kennels started a dog adoption program. They have partnered with Susan Prom of Pink Paddles and through their partnership they hope to raise $1200 for the National Breast Care Foundation.

NORCROSS, Ga. — Hong Video Technology, Inc. (HVT) is pleased to announce the completion of its expanded and renovated electronics display repair facility, including construction of a large darkroom that more than triples its capacity for alignment and testing of digital light processing (DLP) light engines.

DETROIT, Mich. — Harper Arrington Publishing announces the publication of its first book in a new series – “The Little Back Book Exposed” (ISBN: 0-9764161-8-2) – that delves into the minds of men and reveals their innermost secrets to women. Co-authors Carlton Houston and Pierre St. Clair surveyed hundreds of men between the ages of 21 and 40 from all over the country.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — As befits anything from an album by DJ Insane and The G-Man, the first music video is one of the strangest ever posted online. The opening track, entitled “Trans Addiction,” from the U.S. album CRAZED + DAZED (Delvian Records, UPC 6-75604-10252-0), has prompted an advertising copywriter in India to use open source film footage by an avant-garde German director to create the “Trans Addiction Wine Symphony.”

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Is your search engine boring? Try Winzy (winzy.com) for great search results and a fun way to win free prizes with friends. Since Winzy’s launch in April 2006, Winzy has given away almost 200 iPods, 2,000 Amazon.com and iTunes gift certificates, and monthly grand prizes including Xboxes and $500 in cash.

NORCROSS, Ga. — Hong Video Technology, Inc. (HVT), a leading provider of custom services for LCD panel displays and digital light engines, today announced that it has remodeled and upgraded its services facility, including the addition of a showcase class 10,000 clean room.

ATLANTA, Ga. — M2SYS Technology announced today that it has formed a strategic partnership with Schoolhouse Software, a leading provider of K-12 lunch line management systems. This partnership will benefit school customers by enabling Schoolhouse to integrate M2SYS’ market revolutionizing fingerprint software technology, Bio-Plugin(TM), within their Touch-n-Serv(TM) K-12 school lunch line POS solution.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — See fitness progress and stay motivated. WORKOUTWARE.COM has just released Open Fitness 2.0, a fitness tracking system designed to help people take control of their fitness, and take the guesswork out of keeping track of fitness activity. Open Fitness is software that allows users to track and chart exercise, diet, body measurements, and other fitness-related information.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Action International, the world’s #1 business coaching franchise, today announced it is changing its company name to ActionCOACH effective immediately. Among other benefits, the name change will give clients, potential franchisees and the general public an immediate understanding of the services that have propelled the company to the top of the business coaching field.

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) awarded U.S. Facilities, Inc. (USF) a five-year contract for facilities management and maintenance services at the Thurgood Marshall Federal Judiciary Building (TMFJB) in The District of Columbia.

WESTBOROUGH, Mass. — Tibersoft, the expert in food cost control systems for the foodservice industry, announced that Ryan’s Restaurant Group will implement the Tibersoft IQ solution to optimize chain-wide food purchasing and gain greater visibility into their supply chain operations.

DULUTH, Ga. — The local, independently-owned office of Action International, the world’s #1 business coaching franchise, today announced its corporate name is changing to ActionCOACH, effective immediately. ActionCOACH will continue to aggressively expand its mission to help small- to medium-sized businesses and their owners become more efficient, more productive, better focused, and more profitable through professional, objective mentoring and education.

NEW YORK, N.Y. — The Natural Sapphire Company has placed on sale the largest natural blue sapphire in the United States. The 129ct rough sapphire crystal was discovered in the world famous gem mines of Sri Lanka (formerly “Ceylon”) in 1952. The first cutting yielded an 80ct sapphire. It was then sold to a British family and in private ownership until the late 1990′s.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Fed up with the current state of the NHL? You’re not alone. Thousands of traditional hockey fans are stock piling their picket signs and they have set a date to be heard. On January 20th, fans across North America are being called on to bring personalized signs, to each of the 13 NHL home games, that display their displeasure with “the new NHL.” A website, Hockeyfansunite.com, has been established to promote what is being called the “Save the NHL Night Out.”

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. — Looking for something personal and delicate to give to a loved one next holiday season? ShaynaGirl.com may have the answer. This new, on-line company offers a choice of eight, carefully hand-painted ornaments to choose from. The glass balls are hand-painted with enamel paints and then baked to ensure their intricate designs.

MODESTO, Calif. — Now, it’s easier than ever get your hands on your very own Oxygenics showerhead! In one of the most exciting developments of the year, ETL(R) is proud to announce that Oxygenics is now available in all Target stores nationwide and online.

CHICAGO, Ill. — iExplore (iExplore.com) announced today the list of Top Ten World Travel Destinations as determined by the vacation purchases of its adventure and experiential travelers. Egypt held on to its top position, despite the increased turmoil in the Middle East in 2006. Antarctica and Argentina made their first appearance in iExplore’s top ten.

TORONTO, Ontario — Systrends International, a provider of data communications software and services to the Electricity, Gas and Retail industries, today announced a strategic partnership with Michor & Associates. Michor will exclusively market all of Systrends’ products and services in Canada.

ST. CHARLES, Ill. — David LeVan, President of Advantax(R) Group, LLC, announced today the results of its 2006 year end customer performance survey. The anonymous, third party survey examines performance areas such as honesty and ethics, responsiveness, accuracy and reliability, and industry knowledge, all areas identified as important to property tax customers.

NEWTON, N.J. — According to William Seifried, MA, LPC, we are all liable to get a case of the blahs during these gloomy winter days, but some people suffer a persistent wintertime depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD. SAD is related to and most likely caused by the relative scarcity of light in winter.

NEW YORK, N.Y. — New York City audiences will have the rare opportunity on Sunday night, January 28, to hear “Jazz Hits from the Broadway Stage,” a swinging, intimate program of well-known Broadway show tunes performed by some of the city’s most-accomplished and well-known jazz musicians. It is sure to be a treat for general audiences and jazz lovers alike.

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Who better to ask than You, Time Magazine’s Person of the Year? AmIAnnoying.com, the site that gives a voice to thousands of visitors daily, and millions per year, has released its sixth annual list of the Most and Least Annoying Celebrities of 2006. Throughout the year, visitors browsed and voted on over 19,500 famous celebrities and groups, sharing their opinions on who they found annoying and not annoying.

WINDHAM, N.H. — Yellow Brick Road Entertainment LLC announces the launch of BandDigs.com 1.0, a first-of-its-kind interactive music web community that revolutionizes the way bands and fans communicate. Bands utilize BandDigs to video chat with their fans and to stream live video broadcasts from back stage at venues, their rehearsal spaces, recording studios and even clubs.

BALTIMORE, Md. — On January 1, 2007, Artistic Pursuit, LLC of Brunswick, Md. launched a new and innovative Web site – www.artisticpursuit.com – an online community which pays artists for their original work such as unpublished videos, music, images, literature and games, and also allows fans to discover new artistic talents.

NEWBURGH, N.Y. — In honor of Glaucoma Awareness Month, Highland Ophthalmology Associates, in Newburgh, NY, will be offering free Glaucoma Screenings on Saturday, January 13, 2007. Highland Ophthalmology Associates encourages anyone at risk to please participate in their Glaucoma Awareness Program.