A wonderful musician and friend of mine has recently departed from our world and is now starting his new life under God's great care and guidance. Nikos will do very well in Heaven and will even delight the angels with his goodwill and music. "I am reaching out to you now from this world Nikos to present you with my gift of this song for you. The melody came to me immediate in my grief. Now with great joy, I embrace you as my eternal friend. There is no end for you now my friend Nikos. Only eternal bliss and fulfillment..... I suppose that I will have to behave myself a little bit more if we are to meet again and go fishing as I have promised.
PS my friend. I do not own a flute, nor did I have any simulated flute sounds that I could use for this song and so I came up with the idea of recording the sound of the timer from my microwave and by stretching it out, I believe that I now have a most beautiful flute sound. You always did call me your crazy artist friend. I suppose that this proves it. Take good care of yourself Nikos. Eternally your crazy artist friend.. Steve.
XQ Institute is launching XQ: The Super School Project, a challenge to reimagine and design the next American high school. Harnessing the best of American ingenuity in cities and towns across the country, XQ aims to help spark a movement to rethink the American high school—an institution that was designed to meet the needs of the Industrial Revolution and hasn’t changed in more than a century.
“Our nation is radically different than it was 100 years ago. Nearly every aspect of our daily lives—from how we communicate to how we work and play—has changed dramatically,” said Laurene Powell Jobs, Chair of the board of XQ Institute. “But our high schools have stayed frozen in time. Together, we have an opportunity to help fuel a movement for students, to inspire great high schools, and even to rethink school itself. Our passion at XQ is to help educators everywhere foster students who are curious, engaged, and creative—armed with the new literacies, knowledge, and skills needed to thrive,” she added. “To do that, we must use our collective imagination.”
From the Model T to the Tesla and the switchboard to the smart phone—everything has changed except for how we prepare our kids for the future. XQ: The Super School Project is a rallying call to America to change the outdated model that has failed to prepare our students for the demands of the global economy, and an open call to every community to rethink high school for today and tomorrow. XQ Institute will provide a fund of $50 million to support at least five selected schools over the next five years. It will also partner with them to provide expert support and guidance to turn their ideas into real Super Schools that can inspire the country.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7611851-xq-institute-super-school-project/
With more than 50 million kids heading back to school this fall, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) and Honeywell (NYSE:HON) are urging parents, guardians and educators to start conversations about safety now. The KidSmartz™ program, a joint effort between NCMEC and Honeywell, is making those conversations easier with new animated videos to help elementary school students understand and remember the “Four Rules of Safety”
“A nine-year analysis by NCMEC of more than 9,000 attempted abductions revealed important patterns, including the fact that many attempts happen on the way to and from school,” said Linda Krieg, NCMEC acting CEO. “Safety is a year-round concern, but the analysis tells us that this time of year is a critical time to prepare our kids for potential dangers. KidSmartz equips teachers and parents with tools they need to help kids make smarter and safer decisions.”
NCMEC’s attempted abduction analysis revealed not only the tricks used by people trying to abduct kids but also the ways kids can get away. KidSmartz, which launched last year as part of more than ten years of partnership between NCMEC and Honeywell, uses classroom activities, role-playing, animated videos and a “Safety Dance” song and dance to teach children in grades K-5 the “Four Rules of Safety.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7616251-ncmec-honeywell-kidsmartz-back-to-school/
Utica College President Todd S. Hutton announced today that the College is resetting the on-campus undergraduate tuition price beginning Fall 2016. The new tuition price will be under $20,000, and the college will continue to offer both need-based and merit-based financial aid to lower the cost to qualified students and their families even further.
“We consider this tuition reset to be a bold move for tomorrow,” Dr. Hutton says, “because in improving affordability, we are also expanding access to a high quality Utica College education that launches our students’ successful futures.”
The tuition reset comes at a time when private colleges and universities throughout the nation are taking a hard look at their pricing system. Many college-bound students and their families do not realize that the full price will likely be deeply discounted for them by a private college, and so they experience “sticker shock” upon seeing the published price.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7624151-utica-college-resets-tuition/
The Light of Life Foundation, ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc., and Eisai Inc. today announced the launch of Myths and Truths About Thyroid Cancer, an interactive, educational campaign designed to help dispel the myth that thyroid cancer is a “good cancer.” Because most thyroid cancers can be successfully treated, many are told if you are going to get cancer, thyroid cancer is the one to have, which has led to this misperception. However, whether successfully treated or not, the truth is all cancers can have a significant impact on a person’s life, beginning with the shock and distress of hearing the word “cancer” at diagnosis. In honor of Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month and the tens of thousands who receive a thyroid cancer diagnosis each year, Myths and Truths About Thyroid Cancer illustrates the life-changing realities of this disease.
“As a thyroid cancer survivor, I urge people to stop referring to thyroid cancer as the ‘good cancer,’ as I believe it downplays patients’ experiences,” said Joan Shey, founder of the Light of Life Foundation. “I hear time and time again from patients how difficult their diagnosis and treatment were and that their scars are more than skin deep. My hope is that this campaign can educate about the many types of thyroid cancer and change the thyroid cancer conversation.”
“Being part of a community of survivors is very important for people coping with thyroid cancer,” said Gary Bloom, thyroid cancer survivor and co-founder and executive director of ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association. “ThyCa takes this to heart, which is why we are proud to provide support and resources to the thyroid cancer community. We also know more needs to be done to elevate awareness of thyroid cancer and what patients need in terms of support for the rest of our lives.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7595951-eisai-thyroid-cancer-myths/
Cantor Fitzgerald, a leading financial services firm, today announced that Cantor Fitzgerald, together with its affiliate BGC Partners, Inc., raised approximately $12 million for dozens of charities around the world, at the companies’ annual Charity Day on September 11, 2015. Each year, Cantor Fitzgerald and BGC Partners donate 100% of the global revenues generated on Charity Day to the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund, and to date has raised approximately $125 million globally since its inception.
“We will never forget all of our friends and colleagues who perished on 9/11. Charity Day represents our company’s fundamental commitment to helping others, and allows us to commemorate the events of that day. Giving back is our way of remembering those who lost their lives on 9/11, turning a day of tragedy into a positive and uplifting day for our employees and friends,” said Howard W. Lutnick, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P. and BGC Partners.
Charity Day is held in commemoration of the 658 Cantor employees and 61 Eurobrokers employees lost in the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7620751-cantor-bgc-partners-charity-day-2015/
BGC Partners, Inc. (NASDAQ: BGCP) (“BGC Partners” or “BGC”), a leading global brokerage company servicing the financial and real estate markets, announced today that BGC, together with its affiliate Cantor Fitzgerald, raised approximately $12 million for charities around the world, at the companies’ 11th annual Charity Day on Friday, September 11, 2015. Each year, BGC and Cantor Fitzgerald donate 100% of the global revenues generated on Charity Day to the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund and dozens of charities around the world.
“Since first established 11 years ago, Charity Day has symbolized the importance our company places on making a difference in the world and paying tribute in a positive way to the loved ones we lost on this anniversary of a day that is forever in our memory,” said Howard W. Lutnick, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BGC Partners. “We are honored to be able to support a multitude of worthy charities and causes around the world and I am deeply grateful for the generosity our clients, partners and employees have continued to demonstrate for our philanthropic efforts on Charity Day and throughout the year.”
Charity Day has raised approximately $125 million globally since its inception. Held in commemoration of the 658 Cantor employees and 61 Eurobrokers employees lost in the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks, Charity Day, in conjunction with the Cantor Fitzgerald Relief Fund, has expanded its mission to assist charitable causes worldwide.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7623951-cantor-bgc-partners-charity-day-2015/
Siegfried & Roy will introduce the world to the newest additions to their animal family when four six-week-old tiger cubs make their first appearance at Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at The Mirage Hotel & Casino on September 12 at noon.
Born on August 5 at the Secret Garden to mother Indira and father Svengali, these are the first tiger cubs to be introduced at The Mirage in five years. Animal lovers from around the world will be able to watch and follow the cubs’ journey using the Twitter and Instagram handle @SARMOTIcubs and on Facebook at Facebook.com/SARMOTIcubs.
“Our newest ‘Ambassadors of Conservation’ play an important role in our never-ending quest to protect these animals,” said Roy. “It is imperative to continue our conservation efforts to save these magnificent tigers for future generations to enjoy and cherish.”
“It is always exciting to welcome new members to our family at The Mirage,” said Siegfried. “We are pleased to introduce these magical creatures to the world to relish in their beauty and are thrilled that people across the world can watch the cubs grow and learn on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7621651-mirage-siegfried-roy-tiger-cubs/
Vitamin Bee, LLC today announced a new collaboration with the Bayer Bee Care Program through its “Vitamin Bee®” character to help promote the Feed a Bee initiative, bee advocacy and healthy nutrition awareness for children.
Created by veteran director and animator Geoffrey Kater, Vitamin Bee is the central character in a nutrition education program that encourages kids to eat nutritious foods and empowers them to make healthy lifestyle choices. Their approach is to teach children and have fun while doing it, with the help of a dynamic animated character, as well as an entire curriculum that entertains and educates through the use of videos, quizzes, activity sheets, games and hands-on lessons.
“Vitamin Bee is a great role model that teaches kids about the value of the honey bee to our planet, our food supply and our daily lives,” said Geoffrey Kater, creator of Vitamin Bee. “We hope that getting kids to appreciate the role of the honey bee at an early age will encourage them to be great bee advocates for their entire lives. Vitamin Bee speaks a language that kids understand and uses humor to teach them these important lessons. I think we’ve created a great thing here and I’m so happy to be working with the Feed a Bee program and to be part of the Bayer Bee Care Center to help educate schools, kids and families alike.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7452952-bayer-vitamin-bee-feed-a-bee/
Today Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), the nation’s #1 advocate for kids and teens, launched their new Boys & Girls Clubs - Alumni & Friends Club to engage its estimated 16 million Club Alumni. Alongside Alumni & Friends Club spokesperson Shaquille O’Neal, numerous other celebrity ambassadors, hundreds of local Boys & Girls Clubs, corporate and media partners, BGCA is calling former Club members to join the movement in building great futures for the next generation.
“Boys & Girls Clubs have impacted the future of multiple generations, with 54 percenti of our Alumni saying that their Club saved their lives,” said Jim Clark, president & CEO of BGCA. “We want to reconnect with the millions of former Club kids and issue a call to action to come together as advocates and ambassadors for Clubs around the country, so that every kid in America has an open door to a great future.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7618751-boys-and-girls-clubs-alumni/
The National Climate Assessment: Climate Change Impacts in the United States concludes that warmer and drier conditions have already contributed to increasing wildfire events across the western United States, and future increases are projected in some regions. Already this year, there have been over 44,000 wildfires that have damaged or destroyed almost 8.5 million acres. Long periods of record high temperatures are associated with droughts that contribute to dry conditions and drive wildfires in some areas.
USDA Secretary Vilsack recently stated, “This year, we are experiencing yet another devastating wildfire season, particularly in the drought-ravaged West. Climate change, drought, fuel buildup, insects and disease are increasing the severity of unprecedented wildfire in America's forests and rangelands, which impacts the safety of people, homes and communities. Development close to forests has also increased the threat to property, with more than 46 million homes in the United States, or about 40 percent of our nation's housing, potentially at risk from wildfire.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7607931-fema-national-prepareathon/
Wacom® today announces new Bamboo stylus products at IFA Berlin 2015. Leading the charge is the fine tip smart stylus for iPad: Bamboo®Fineline 2, a high-precision digital pen allowing creative thinkers to capture and shape their ideas.
“Our customer’s feedback drove the updates for our existing pen products,” Mike Gay, senior vice president of the consumer business unit at Wacom stated. “Wacom refined its pressure sensitive pen for the iPad to recreate the feel of writing with pen on paper. Bamboo Fineline 2 is the perfect complement to our Bamboo Paper app, allowing users to easily save, edit and share their work. Combined with the Wacom Cloud, this complete solution enables our customers to make their ideas a reality using their iPad.”
Bamboo Fineline 2’s improved industrial design provides a better writing experience and improved comfort. The battery for the Bamboo Fineline 2 lasts approximately 20 hours and is easily recharged via USB cable.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7613151-wacom-making-ideas-bamboo-fineline/