Saturday, November 10, 2007

Harvard Law School Hosts Conference on Poker


Are you buyin’ this? I’m all in. — LD

Speakers Include World Champion Mike Sexton,
Author Jim McManus, Psychologist Alan Schoonmaker


CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Students and professors at Harvard Law are hosting a one-day academic conference Saturday examining the educational possibilities of using poker as a teaching tool, and several poker celebrities are expected to attend.

Harvard's Global Poker Strategic Thinking Society (GPSTS) announced the schedule for the conference, which is part of a continuing series at Harvard Law School that examines educational and academic aspects of poker.

The GPSTS has organized student poker societies at several major universities, including UCLA, Stanford, Harvard, and Michigan.

Titled "Innovative Thinking: The Educational Value of Poker," the conference will take place on Saturday, November 10th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the Austin East lecture room of Harvard Law School's Austin Hall.

Press may register by email at globalpoker@gmail.com

Charles Nesson, the Harvard Law Professor and one of the founders of the GPSTS, said: "This conference underscores that poker is more than just a fun game. It is one of the best tools we have to teach negotiation, risk assessment, strategic thinking and other essential life skills."

"It is also a quintessentially American game that draws on the best traditions in our culture, mixing individualism and sociability, and placing a premium on smarts," Nesson continued. "Poker has real educational possibilities, which I look forward to examining in detail at the conference."

Andrew Woods, the Harvard Law student who is executive director of the GPSTS, said, "We are dedicated to three basic goals at GPSTS: forming local chapters at colleges and universities, presenting academic conferences that highlight the strategic thinking and policy implications inherent in poker, and exploring ways to use poker as a bona fide educational tool to teach life skills.

"We are delighted to have such notable speakers Jim McManus, Mike Sexton and Dr. Alan Schoonmaker join us on the 10th."

Conference Topics

-- Fun and Cool: How Educators Can Reach Students Through Poker – Mike Sexton
-- The History of Poker: How U.S. Luminaries Have Anted Up Throughout History, and Why Our Students Should Too - Jim McManus
-- Poker is Good for You: The Ability Of Poker To Teach Life Skills - Dr. Alan Schoonmaker
-- Tools for Education: Interactive Workshops: Introduction To Poker Literacy and Texas Hold'Em Beginners Workshop - Professor Charles Nesson and Andrew Woods
-- Focusing on Pedagogy: Developing An Effective Curriculum For Different Levels Of Education - Professor Charles Nesson and Andrew Woods

About GPSTS
The Global Poker Strategic Thinking Society views poker as an exceptional game of skill that can be used as a powerful teaching tool at all levels of academia and in secondary education. We use poker to teach strategic thinking, geopolitical analysis, risk assessment and money management. We see poker as a metaphor for skills of life, business, politics and international relations. Our goal is to create an open online curriculum centered on poker that will draw the brightest minds together, both from within and outside of the conventional university setting, to promote open education and Internet democracy.

SOURCE: Global Poker Strategic Thinking Society

Friday, November 9, 2007

Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff


Ewe sum kind-a fan-at-tic? Nah . . . jes' luv da Kettle . . . & da Bell! — LD

Cub Foods donates
$10,000 challenge gift


BLAINE, Minn -- If The Salvation Army's red kettles and ringing bells symbolize Christmastime, then it's official: The holiday season begins Thursday, Nov. 15 at Cub Foods in Blaine, located at 4205 Pheasant Ridge Drive (off I-35W and Lexington Avenue).

That's where The Salvation Army will hold its Kettle Kickoff celebration, a 12-hour fund-raiser themed "Make Big Change". The event runs from 6 a.m. -- 6 p.m. and will feature an eight-foot quarter that has seemingly crashed into the pavement, a 3,000-pound red kettle and free refreshments courtesy of Cub Foods, Old Dutch and Angie's Kettle Corn.

KOOL 108 FM will broadcast live at the event from 6 a.m. -- 12 p.m.

On-air personalities will encourage listeners to become volunteer bell ringers and to donate to The Salvation Army at Cub Foods' 56 Twin Cities Metro area locations, the only places in which red kettles will be set up for the day. The kettle campaign gets underway at all other Twin Cities locations on Friday, Nov. 16 and runs through Dec. 24.

Cub Foods will match contributions up to $10,000 through its Cub Cares Community Foundation, which focuses on hunger relief and youth education.

A Kettle Kickoff ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. with guest speakers Greg Page, CEO of Cargill Inc., and Steve Irland, Cub Foods VP of marketing and advertising.

The Salvation Army is proud to partner with Cub Foods. Last year The Salvation Army raised $865,000 in kettle donations at Cub Foods storefronts.

The Salvation Army serves more than 200,000 people in the Twin Cities. Donations can be made by mailing a check to 2445 Prior Ave, Roseville, MN 55113, online at http://www.thesalarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

SOURCE: The Salvation Army

Thebloogle.com - Blogging & Information Portal


So, you blog . . . I blog, therefore I am. — LD

NOVI, Mich. -- News, views, how-to's and more . . . that's what you'll find at thebloogle.com, a new blogging and information portal.

While there are thousands of blogs on the Internet, entrepreneur Nipa Shah believes the new venture will fill a definite need.

"Blogs that are focused on a particular topic or expertise are quite common. But there are fewer sites where you can find topics of all interests and even fewer that are user-friendly, informational and interesting," said Nipa Shah, president of the online marketing and web site development company Jenesys Group, LLC in Novi, Mich. "This portal will be different. Our goal is to provide a blogging experience that will attract and engage readers and writers alike."

The 14 categories on thebloogle.com range from Books, Films & More, where readers may find book or film reviews, to Dollars & Sense, where authors share financial know-how. Other categories include: Getting Down to Business, Health & Wellness, Kindergarten to College, On the Town, Hobbies & How To, Globally Speaking, Family & Friends, A Higher Power, Sports & Fitness, By Air Land & Sea, Pets and The Tech Place.

Shah, an Internet marketing expert who loves reading, writing and sharing knowledge, added that she is providing a medium for writers and subject matter experts to share their expertise with a global audience. She has teamed up with writer and editor Sue Voyles, president of Logos Communications, Inc. in Canton, Mich., who shares her enthusiasm for sharing information.

"We are confident that readers will find a blog that intrigues, informs or inspires them," said Voyles.

Shah added: "I have a vision to create several portals to meet various needs of online users. It has always been my goal to facilitate knowledge sharing and thebloogle.com was a natural project to help me meet that goal."

Writers and other subject matter experts are invited to contribute articles to thebloogle.com. Simply visit http://www.thebloogle.com to learn more.

About Jenesys Group, LLC
Jenesys Group, LLC (http://www.jenesysgroup.com) is a full-service online marketing and web site design, development, and maintenance company delivering web solutions to companies across the globe. The company's clients include lawyers, marketing companies, other web site development companies, radio show hosts, hardware and software retailers, and many other companies in diverse market segments.

About Logos Communications, Inc.
Logos Communications, Inc. (http://www.logos-communications.com) is a full-service public relations and marketing firm serving a wide range of small to medium-sized businesses. It provides ongoing counsel to the 20,000 member Michigan Business and Professional Association and is Best Practices Certified(TM) through the Management Impact Institute.
Contact: Sue Voyles (734) 667-2005
-or- Nipa Shah (248) 470-6299

SOURCE: Jenesys Group, LLC

Give Creative Gifts This Holiday Season


And here I thought you had some degree of sophistication? Well, no. Not at all. I like gifts, you know, like fun stuff. — LD

Tips from a Chicago shopping expert
for gift ideas that are fun to shop for
and fun to receive


CHICAGO -- Don't let holiday shopping become just another item on your to-do list this holiday season. It's easy to start holiday shopping the intention of giving a unique gift, but wind up grabbing whatever is easiest as many stores overflow with uninspired choices. The lines, packed parking lots, crowds and unchanging merchandise
all promote stale gift giving.

The answer? Funky, neighborhood boutiques.

Local boutiques tucked away in quaint, character-filled neighborhoods make holiday shopping more creative and fun for both the shopper and the gift recipient. The boutiques cannot compete with larger stores with mas merchandise, so they typically carry handcrafted, one-of-a-kind, unique items. There is a story behind their products: whether it is the store owner's passion for her goods; the up-and-coming designer that was given his first opportunity to showcase his product at a local shop; or the extra-special packaging boutiques offer.

Urban Shop Guide, a Chicago shopping tour operator, helps small groups explore the blossoming neighborhood boutique scene. Julie Cameron, the founder, offers some tips to navigate the small shops for an efficient, but enjoyable holiday gift-giving experience.

Most cities have one or more of neighborhoods where the boutique assortment is best. Driving to one-off stores can be cumbersome with holiday traffic, but these neighborhoods allow you to grab your list, park the car and wander only a few short blocks.

Some tips to get started for a unique day of shopping include:

Do your homework. Searching websites such as dailycandy.com and luckymag.com are good sources to find the general area in a city where most of the best boutiques are located.

Shop during the weekday if possible. While you won't typically run into mall-sized crowds in these areas, weekdays after work are great times to shop. Most boutiques are open until 7 or 8 pm during the holiday season, and with no big budget to promote their holiday hours, there is even more opportunity for personal attention.

Meet the shop owners. Everyone wants to be a "regular" whether it is a shop, a restaurant or a bar. When you find your favorite store, introduce
yourself to the owner and take time to learn about the boutique. Most boutiques frequently have events for their best shoppers offering as much as 20% off their merchandise, as well as fun social events where you can relax with some wine and learn more about the products.

Explore the neighborhood beyond shopping. If you're going to make a day of it, plan some other aspects into your itinerary -- four or more hours is too long of a time for just shopping. The neighborhoods allow for a fun lunch at a cool new spot, some time in a park or other landmark that you don't often see, great people watching and socializing, and architecture and historical delights that you won't find in most shopping venues.

Know the return policies. Lastly, while many boutiques have more restrictions on their return policy than larger-format stores, most are willing to offer an exchange for a new size or other item. If the boutique was a place where you thought of your friend or family member for a gift,
most likely they will love the store as much as you did and be happy they had a new reason to shop there.

About Urban Shop Guide:
Urban Shop Guide (http://www.urbanshopguide.com) is a Chicago-based privately held corporation founded by Julie Cameron, a 15-year retail industry veteran. Urban Shop Guide offers guided, customized shopping tours of Chicago's trendy neighborhoods, providing visitors access to small boutiques and the essence of Chicago shopping.

SOURCE: Urban Shop Guide

NASA Wants Students to Share Their Ideas


I knew it! You are a Trekkie! Live long, and be preposterous. — LD

WASHINGTON -- NASA's commitment to promoting science and technology has the agency looking to students to share their thoughts on how NASA technology impacts their lives. NASA's 50th anniversary essay competition for middle and junior high school students during the 2007-2008 school year will close in early January 2008.

The agency will use the essay contest to inspire and encourage students to continue their studies in science, technology, engineering and math.

Through hands-on, interactive educational activities, NASA is engaging students, educators, families and the general public to increase America's science and technology literacy.

The competition consists of two topics with each essay limited to 500 words. The first topic challenges students to describe benefits in their everyday lives from technologies built by NASA during the last 50 years.

The second topic challenges students to imagine how their everyday lives 50 years from now may benefit from NASA's future technologies.

U.S. students enrolled in an accredited middle school, junior high school or home school are eligible to enter the competition for prizes.

Non-U.S. citizens and students in international locations also may enter. NASA will award trophies and certificates to each winner, regardless of
citizenship. A teacher, parent, guardian or other adult mentor associated with the student's education must sponsor each entry.

For additional information and contest rules and requirements, visit:

www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/5-8/features/F_Essay_Competition.html

SOURCE: NASA

Entrepreneur Woman Behind Upscale Magazine


Are you some kind-a Feminist? I have three daughters, female grand-kids, a great wife and a Mom without compare . . . That it, folks! — LD

ACUSHNET, Mass. -- Celebrating yet another year of success, Upscale Living Magazine climbs the ladder to the top. "The magazine business is indeed a challenge to be in," Alina Cabral, Publisher of Upscale Living Magazine states. "However, when you have a passion and the vision to make your dream a success, there is no stopping!"

"We came out with a unique publication that caters to the affluent communities in New England and Florida; and right now, we have subscribers and distribution as far as Georgia, Washington State and California. We are driven by our faith and passion and we are focused on making Upscale Living
Magazine the publication that brings solutions to those who entrust their advertising dollars with us." Alina goes on by saying, "There is nothing more pleasing to me than hearing one of our customers tell us that we've made a difference in their lives. That nothing has worked for them in the past until we came along. That is the best feeling, after motherhood of course, that anyone in my type of business can have."

Coming from a once successful and well-to-do family, Alina Cabral was born and raised in Havana, Cuba until she was 14 years old. Her family, loosing it all to Castro's regime, moved to Spain and then later established themselves in the United States. "Although I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth, my mother always instilled her good taste in me, while teaching me the importance of staying real and not loosing my focus
in life." Now all grown up with two teenagers of her own, two step children, a dog and a loving and supportive husband, Alina finds herself on a road to success.

"I always tell my clients and prospective clients that my job is not done until I achieve their success, because without them succeeding, I am just another magazine struggling to make it to the top. Customer satisfaction is my number one priority, whether my customers are my readers or my advertisers. If I don't deliver good news to keep my readers wanting more, then I am not a success; and, if I don't bring you business, then I haven't done my job."

With Alina it's all simple: Upscale Living Magazine has been her passion for exactly three years this December and her passion has been the tool to drive new customers to her advertisers; bringing much success to everyone involved. "What can I say!, There will be bumps in the road and mountains to climb, but rest assured that Upscale Living Magazine is driven by the right set of people whose craving and passion is to make a difference in the world. With that, we will raise our glasses to heaven and Thank the Lord and everyone involved for giving us the opportunity to make a difference in their lives. After all, Upscale Living Magazine is not only our magazine, but Your magazine as well."

If interested in purchasing a copy of Upscale Living magazine, please visit the following vendors: Borders in Chestnut Hill Atrium Mall, MA; Roche Bros. Supermarket in Sudbury and Canton locations; Desivolte Boutique in Cambridge, MA; IGA Supermarket in Rockport, MA; Dave's Marketplace in
East Greenwich and Wickford, RI; Eastside Marketplace in East Providence; and starting December, Upscale Living Magazine will be available for purchase at Barnes & Nobles stores nationwide. We also provide the ability to purchase single copies or yearly subscriptions through our website at http://www.upscalelivingmag.com.

Press Release Contact Information:
Alina Cabral, Publisher
ADMS Publishing Group, LLC
508-763-0055
publisher@upscalelivingmag.com

SOURCE: ADMS Publishing Group, LLC

World War I Museum Ends 1st Year With a Bang


You some kind-a warmonger? No, but I respect Veterans who gave it all – for whatever reason . . . lest we forget. — LD

Rare, battle-scarred French tank from WWI
acquired for Museum collection,
nine decades after its last battle


KANSAS CITY, Mo -- After nearly a year of success beyond expectations, the National World War I Museum at Kansas City's Liberty Memorial has topped off the year with the acquisition of a rare jewel for its collection -- a battle-scarred WWI tank.

"To find such a rare artifact intact except for its actual battle damage, 90 years after it was built, gives us a great deal to celebrate on our upcoming first anniversary," said Brian Alexander, who was recently appointed as the Museum's new President/CEO, "especially considering that we made the acquisition as Armistice Day approaches."

The French-made Renault FT-17 tank, which still bears its camouflage markings and a huge hole left by German artillery, fills a key gap in the Museum's world-class collection of WWI weapons, uniforms, writings and other objects. A tank was the only major historically significant exhibit that has eluded the Museum since its organizers began collecting artifacts in 1920.

Renault FT-17 light tanks first saw battle in 1918. American tank forces used the French-made Renaults -- possibly including the one obtained by the Museum.

"What makes this the perfect tank for our collection is that it will be an important tool for interpreting World War I," said Doran Cart, Museum Curator. "You can see the original camouflage paint and the registration numbers that identified the tank. With those markings we have a good chance to learn about its exact battle history. We can't wait to do in-depth research into its history."

The tank was obtained in 1920 by an American from the French government and was on display in San Francisco for several years. The tank was eventually obtained by Hayes Otoupalik of Missoula, Montana, from whom the Museum purchased it for $225,000. The Museum must still raise an additional $175,000 to complete the acquisition.

An anonymous donor gave $125,000 for the down payment. The additional $175,000 that must be raised will cover the remaining cost of the tank, its transportation and for exhibit installation.

"The acquisition of this tank was a once-in-a-generation opportunity -- maybe our last chance. The Museum purchased it with only a portion of funding in hand," explains Eli Paul, Museum Director. "We have confidence that with the proven success of the new museum -- and the importance of this tank -- our patrons will come forward to help make this acquisition a reality."

Donations of any amount are welcome and are tax deductible. Checks can be made payable to the Liberty Memorial Association and mailed to PO Box 411475, Kansas City, MO 64141-1475.

Officially designated the National WWI Museum by the 108th Congress, the 50,000-square-foot core Museum exhibit and companion research center and archives are housed directly beneath the historic Liberty Memorial. The 217-foot Liberty Memorial Tower and two exhibit halls were built by the citizens of Kansas City and dedicated, in 1926, by President Calvin Coolidge.

Museum information is available at http://www.nwwone.org or (816) 784-1918.

SOURCE: National World War 1 Museum

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Drink Yourself Beautiful? Gulp, Gulp . . .


I thought beauty was in the eye of the be-holder? In this case, it's the cup-holder. — LD

Hot New Tea Line is Changing
the Beauty Biz, Sip by Sip


BOSTON -- Beauty junkies and tea-lovers, get ready. Now you can enjoy a cuppa and get gorgeous at the same time! The secret? It's called Sipping Beauty, a new line of specialty teas guaranteed to add a brand new flavor to the business of looking good.

Created and distributed by Boston-based Maswel Brands, Sipping Beauty is the first product line to deliver beauty aids in the form of a tea. The result is a completely new concept in both the beverage and beauty markets - a delicious high-quality tea that does double duty by delivering beauty benefits, making you look better with every sip.

"With consumers demanding more and more sophisticated specialty beverages, the idea of beauty treatments people can actually drink is a really exciting concept," explains Claudia Starkey, designer of the SIPPING BEAUTY brand. "We're excited to be able to offer beauty-conscious consumers what has to be the easiest way ever to look great and enjoy it too."

Sipping Beauty gives tea lovers a choice of six delicious flavors to enjoy hot or iced, each targeted to a specific beauty need. Chocolaty, minty Forever Young contains antioxidants to keep skin youthful.

Weightless, flavored with papaya and pineapple, has the weight reducing benefits of green tea. Whiff's blend of spearmint and peppermint keeps sippers' breath fresh, while herbal Puritea is like detox in a cup. Fruity Multi-Beautimin is packed with skin-renewing Vitamin C, and finally, chamomile and licorice-packed Beauty Sleep lulls sippers to dreamland for a restful night's sleep.

More than just a drink or a beauty treatment, Sipping Beauty also offers sippers a whole new beauty lifestyle with a newsletter, The Sip and
the interactive Doll Club. Plus, our upcoming beauty ParTeas will turn the Sipping Beauty experience into bona-fide social events, where glamour gals gather to share sips and tips. To put it simply, tea has never been so hot.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit our websites at http://www.sippingbeauty.net and http://www.maswelbrands.com.

Images to accompany this story can be found at:
http://www.sippingbeauty.net/ekit.htm

For more information contact:
Claudia Starkey
Phone: 617-905-3843
Fax: 617-977-0185
Email: media@sippingbeauty.net

SOURCE: Sipping Beauty

The Biggest Men's Underwear!


Boxer or briefs? For some reason, I don’t want to know. — LD

Australia's Favourite Underwear Company
Breaks the Guinness Book of World Record


SYDNEY, Australia -- In an effort to secure a position in the Guinness World Records book, aussieBum will unveil what is believed to be the "World's Largest pair of men's underwear."

Measuring in at 15.5 metres wide and 11 metres high, with a waist circumference of 32 metres, the mammoth pair of undies is the size of the front of a three-story building. It includes 300 metres of fabric, 500 metres of wide-width elastic, 5000 metres of cotton and a 1.5 x 6 metre logo. The giant underpants weigh a whopping 180 kg.

The aussieBum World's Biggest Undies have been built with the help of aussieBum's long term business partner, Italian firm Eurojersey, a major name in the international textiles industry. Eurojersey put its faith into the project by generously donating 300 metres of Sensitive(R) fabric. The incredibly soft, light and easy-to-handle nature of the Sensitive(R) fabric helped aussieBum achieve this challenge.

Visit the following links to view some behind-the-scenes footage of the production of the undies:

(youtube version)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GbOfLka_IE

(High res version)
aussiebumvideo.com/rss/forcedownload.php?file=promo1_bigundies_aussiebum.mov

The underwear will be unveiled in the world-famous Royal Botanic Gardens, overlooking the Sydney Harbour, with the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge as a backdrop.

Date: Thursday, November 8 - Guinness World Records Day!

Time: 10.00am sharp

SOURCE: aussieBum

Ghirardelli Raises the Dark Chocolate Bar


Sounds like they’ve gone over to the dark side whoosh, whoosh "Luke, I am your chocolate." whoosh, whoosh — LD

SAN FRANCISCO -- America's obsession with premium dark chocolate is intensifying, a trend marked by rising sales and an appreciation for richer, darker and more sophisticated flavors. To satisfy the cultured palates of dark chocolate enthusiasts, the Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is announcing the addition of three new flavors -- Midnight Reverie(TM), Evening Dream(TM) and Mint Bliss(TM) -- to its popular Intense Dark product line launched in 2006.

Ghirardelli is a leader in premium dark chocolate that has been changing the category landscape with its strong innovation. In 2006, the top four premium chocolate bars launched were the four new Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate Bars. Confectioner magazine awarded Ghirardelli the Gold Medal for being the Premium Chocolate Bars Category Driver this year.

Ghirardelli will expand the Intense Dark line this year to meet growing demand for more flavors.

Dark chocolate lovers nationwide are indulging themselves at a record pace. The category has grown 49 percent from 2003 to 2006, with sales reaching nearly $1.2 billion last year, according to Mintel research.

Mintel projects continued growth of dark chocolate in the coming years and Ghirardelli is leading the way with its delectable variety of flavors.

Each named for a distinct and pleasurable everyday moment, Intense Dark Chocolate Bars are available in a range of flavors, sizes and cacao percentages. Ghirardelli is launching Midnight Reverie, an 86 percent cacao bar, one of the highest cacao content bars widely available nationwide, and earlier this year expanded the line to include 4.87-ounce bags with individual bite-sized pieces.

"As chocolate lovers' tastes for dark chocolate become more developed, Ghirardelli will continue to create new flavors to satisfy and intrigue their more sophisticated palates," said Fabrizio Parini, senior vice president of marketing for Ghirardelli. "The expansion of the Intense Dark line will provide a complete range of high cacao percentage dark chocolate products from the milder, more rounded 60% Evening Dream to the ultimately intense 86% Midnight Reverie."

New products in the Intense Dark Gourmet Chocolate Line for 2007 and 2008
Each Intense Dark Chocolate Bar is named after a distinct and pleasurable everyday moment. The three new flavors that will be available nationwide:

-- Midnight Reverie (86 percent cacao) -- Savor the ultimate in chocolate intensity with this 86 percent cacao dark chocolate. The deep, full bodied flavor is noticeable upfront and evenly throughout with hints of dark cherries, dried plums and a roasted flavor from the high cacaocontent. The supremely smooth texture has a fine, crisp snap with overall round, warm chocolate notes that linger for a lasting, enchanting finish.
-- Evening Dream (60 percent cacao) -- Embark on a sweet escape and let your worries float away with the impeccably matched balance of 60 percent cacao dark chocolate blended with prized Madagascan vanilla, a variety specially sourced to complement the chocolate's distinctive flavor profile. The light, floral notes of the vanilla enhance the vibrancy of the creamy dark chocolate, mellowing the flavors and creating exquisite harmony.
-- Mint Bliss (60 percent cacao) -- Close your eyes and rejuvenate with luxurious 60 percent cacao dark chocolate infused with the essence of natural mint. The crisp, clean and zesty flavor of fresh mint adds sparkling contrast to the smooth and seductive dark chocolate to awaken the senses.

The suggested price for Midnight Reverie, Evening Dream and Mint Bliss bars is $2.99. Mint Bliss is currently available in bars nationwide, and also in 4.87-ounce bags with individually wrapped bite-sized pieces.

Evening Dream is available now with limited distribution and Midnight Reverie bars will debut in January 2008. Intense Dark Chocolate Bars in the original Twilight Delight(TM), Citrus Sunset(TM), Toffee Interlude(TM) and Espresso Escape(TM) flavors are available in Ghirardelli retail shops, specialty stores, local grocery stores and drug stores. Twilight Delight, Espresso Escape and Mint Bliss are also available in 4.87-ounce bags with a suggested retail price of $3.99 each.

For pairing information, tasting notes and to find out your chocolate personality, visit http://www.savorchocolate.com.

About The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company
The Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is a manufacturer and marketer of premium chocolate products. Incorporated in 1852, Ghirardelli has an incredibly rich American history. As the country's longest continuously operating chocolate manufacturer, Ghirardelli has established its position as America's Premium Chocolate Company with more than 150 years of chocolate making experience. Ghirardelli's product line includes its signature Squares(TM) chocolate, Intense Dark(TM) chocolate, other chocolate confections, baking chocolate and beverages. These items are sold through select specialty stores, grocery stores, drug stores, mass merchandisers and department stores. In addition, Ghirardelli sells a line
of premium chocolate, syrups and drinks for the Food Service channel.

Ghirardelli currently owns and operates 11 retail stores in four states, including the original Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop located in San Francisco's historic Ghirardelli Square. For more information about Ghirardelli, visit http://www.ghirardelli.com.

SOURCE: Ghirardelli Chocolate Company

Kids: 'Why Should Your Parent Be President?'


Kids asking Chelsea about Hillary? I kid you not. — LD

Scholastic Kid Reporters to interview
children of presidential candidates


NEW YORK -- Today, one year from Election Day 2008, Scholastic News(R), America's leading news source for kids, announced the 84 members of the Scholastic Kids Press Corps (listed below), a team of student reporters ages 10-14, who are covering the race to the White House from their hometowns across the country. The students'articles and interviews will appear on the Scholastic News Election 2008 Web site http://www.scholastic.com/election2008, complementing the robust in-print election coverage in classroom magazines Scholastic News(R) (for students in grades 1- 6) and Junior Scholastic(R) (grades 6-8).

Wearing red polo shirts and armed with their microphones and trusty notebooks, Scholastic Kid Reporters will interview presidential candidates and political experts throughout the election year and will cover the debates, caucuses and primaries in key states including Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Nevada, California and Florida. They will also report on the Democratic and Republican Conventions, Election Day and the presidential inauguration.

For their first major assignment, Scholastic Kid Reporters will interview the children of presidential candidates and find out why they think their dad- or mom-should be the next President of the United States.

"In addition to reporting from Scholastic's award-winning team of editors, the Scholastic Kids Press Corps will offer a first-person, youthful perspective to help raise students' interest in politics, current events and the electoral process. Our hope is that our readers - tomorrow's voters - will gain a deeper understanding of the world around them and will become engaged, well-informed citizens," said Rebecca Bondor, Editor in Chief, Scholastic Classroom Magazines. "Congratulations to our newest Kid Reporters and good luck on the campaign trail."

Parents, teachers and students can also look for occasional appearances by the Scholastic Kids Press Corps on NBC News programs and at MSNBC.com as part of a partnership between Scholastic News and NBC News to report on the 2008 Presidential Election.

To apply to the Scholastic Kids Press Corps Program, students were asked to submit a writing sample and to describe their interest in journalism and in the election. Besides their valuable on-site reporting experience, Scholastic Kid Reporters receive training in the principles of journalism and are put through a rigorous editing process by Scholastic News Online Editor Suzanne Freeman.

The Scholastic Kids Press Corps for 2007-2008 (Some of these reporters also covered the 2004 election, as indicated by *.)

Iowa:
Madeline Bowman, Davenport, IA
Adam Dada, Davenport, IA
Michal Porubcin, Davenport, IA
Lolly Talleen, Davenport, IA
Sydney Rieckhoff, Cedar Rapids, IA
Michael, Geheren, Huntley, IA
*London Ball, Des Moines, IA
Autumn Daniel, Des Moines, IA
Ronny DeMoss, Des Moines, IA
Devin Harter, Des Moines, IA
Marilyn Lo, Des Moines, IA
Coltin Martin, Des Moines, IA
Remy Nanthanorath, Des Moines, IA
Hailey Rice, Des Moines, IA
Austin Zanatta, Des Moines, IA

New Hampshire:
Molly Henry, Concord, NH
Hana Knowles, Concord, NH
Robert Law, Concord, NH
Victoria Pendak, Concord, NH
*Molly Wienberg, Concord, NH
*Chloe Conway, Manchester, NH
*Elizabeth Conway, Manchester, NH

South Carolina:
*John Dixon, Columbia, SC

California:
*Gabriella Casteneda, Sacramento, CA
Rachel Tucker, Culver City, CA
Allison Tam, Cupertino, CA
Abi Robinson, Dixon, CA
Mariam El Hasan, Laguna Niguel, CA
Katie Lyness, Pleasanton, CA
Eileen Iniguez, Sylmar, CA

Florida:
Jimmy Pitenis, Daytona Beach, FL
Charlotte Samson, Clearwater, FL
Shelby Fallin, Lakeland, FL
Juliette Johnson, Margate, FL
Michael Riordan, Panama City, FL
Jacqueline Parker, Tampa, FL


New York:
Alexandria Coffey, Sleepy Hollow, NY
Sean Coffey, Sleepy Hollow, NY
Samantha Group, New York, NY
Emma Hulbregste, New York, NY
Juliette Kessler, New York, NY
Jamie Sanders, New York, NY
Emmet Smith, New York, NY
Ethan White, Lewiston, NY
Shannon Kaupp, Pittsford, NY
Joe McIntyre, Randolph, NY
Jacqueline Minogue, Southhampton, NY
Michael Carboni, West Islip, NY

Kid Reporters from other states include:
Mackenzie Korbus, Colorado Springs, CO
Ashlyn Stewart, Salida, CO
Jack Greenberg, West Haven, CT
Gabrielle Aiardo, Orange CT
Cassie Madigan, Orange CT
Caitlin Wardlow, Stratford, CT
Gabbyliz Machado, Chicago, IL
Rudy Marschke, Chicago, IL
Joe Wlos, Chicago, IL
Allie Sakowicz, Park Ridge, IL
Carly Rodgers, Alexandria, LA
Taylor Keaton, White Plains, MD
Maeve Hammond, Battle Creek, MI
Kayla Gough, Canton, MI
Addie Backhus, Minneapolis, MN
Daysha Patterson, St. Paul, MN
Demarian Williams, Steele, MO
Jacob Schroeder, Albuquerque, NM
Matthew Smith, Collingswood, NJ
Kajal A. Jani, Fair Lawn, NJ
Danielle Azzolina, Lincroft, NJ
Hayley Livingston, South Orange, NJ
Jacob Wiseneck, West Orange, NJ
Kyle Nowak, Las Vegas, NV
Shelby Payne, Cushing, OK
Grace Choi, Portland, OR
Tess Foriesteri, New Tripoli, PA
John Foran, Philadelphia, PA
Aaron Broder, Memphis, TN
Michelle Sheena, Houston, TX
Lya Ferrerya, Fairfax, VA
Blake Murphy, Fairfax Station, VA
Danny Murphy, Fairfax Station, VA
Michael Murphy, Fairfax Station, VA
Madison Hartke-Weber, Washington, DC

About Scholastic Classroom Magazines
Scholastic is the largest publisher of educational magazines with 32 publications for grades PreK-12, reaching over 25 million students and teachers across the country. Teachers rely on these publications to enhance instruction in such subjects as science, reading and language arts, math, social studies, current events, history, geography, world languages, and art. Scholastic News Online (http://www.scholastic.com/news), the magazines' online companion, gives teachers, students and parents an additional resource with which to learn about and discuss current events in the classroom and at home.

About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (Nasdaq: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children's books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school- based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and the Company's Internet site, http://www.scholastic.com.

SOURCE: Scholastic Corporation