With a stunning 7" display, powerful quad-core processor and all day battery life, Nexus 7 was built to bring you the best of Google in a slim, portable package that fits perfectly in your hand.
Google (Nasdaq: GOOG)'s first own-brand tablet is following in the footsteps of the popular low-cost Amazon.com Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN) Kindle Fire rather than attempting to tussle for the high-end with Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL)'s iPad.
The search giant revealed its Nexus 7 tablet at its developers' conference in San Francisco Wednesday afternoon. The tablet is made for Google by AsusTek Computer Inc. and will start at US$199 for an 8GB model.
Specifications for the tablet include:
Google's latest Android 4.1 Jelly Bean operating system
An Nvidia Corp. (Nasdaq: NVDA) Tegra 3 quad-core processor
A 7-inch display
"Android Beam" Near-Field Communication (NFC) support
Up to eight hours of active battery use
"Tons of free cloud storage"
Tight integration with Google apps
Here's what Google has to say about its latest hardware move:
Why this matters
The sleek and inexpensive Wi-Fi-only tablet is a flagship for the latest cut of the Android OS and a streaming signpost for Google's "Play" content and app store. The device appears similar to the Kindle Fire, but sports a faster processor and more optional storage while lacking Amazon's speedy Silk browser. It is rumored that Amazon may respond with a new tablet launch as early as the end of July.
Profile America — Thursday, June 28th. Fifteen years ago this week, the first of a series of books was published in the United Kingdom — "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone," published in the U.S. with the title "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." The books, written by J.K. Rowling, ended up breaking all known publishing records, selling 450 million copies and translated into more than 60 languages. Some critics have credited the series with sparking an increase in reading among juveniles. In addition, the seven novels have been made into wildly successful motion pictures. Nearly $23 billion worth of printed books are sold in the U.S. each year.
The College Board’s ‘Don’t Forget Ed’ grassroots effort to keep schools in the spotlight during presidential election
857 empty desks on the National Mall represent the number of students who drop out of American schools every hour of every school day.
857 desks on the National Mall, part of the College Board's Don't Forget Ed campaign, represent the number of students who drop out of school every hour of every school day.
WASHINGTON — June 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — The College Board today kicked off a nationwide movement to make education a more prominent issue in the 2012 presidential campaign. The effort calls upon the major candidates to discuss and debate their plans for reform amid an alarming decline in the state of American education. The College Board launched the campaign on the National Mall with a compelling public installation of 857 school desks, representing the 857 students who drop out of American schools every hour of every school day.
“‘Don’t Forget Ed’ recognizes that education is the foundation of our society. If our schools fail, then so will everything else — from our economy to national security,” said College Board President Gaston Caperton. “Yet every four years, the issue of education is shockingly underplayed on the campaign trail. That’s why this year we are encouraging candidates all over the country to tell voters precisely how they would reverse the sharp decline of American education. Parents, teachers, students and administrators have had enough of the silence. This year they are speaking loud and clear, and the College Board is committed to amplifying their voices.”
Don’t Forget Ed is an innovative, multitactical campaign that is being launched on the National Mall with an installation of 857 empty school desks symbolizing the number of students who drop out of school every hour of every school day. The campaign includes a website, a petition to be presented to the candidates at the nominating conventions, a full-page ad in The New York Times, and a PSA featuring former New York City Schools Chancellor Joel Klein and Merone Tesfaye. Tesfaye is a graduating senior at New York’s LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts and will be tweeting and speaking to promote the campaign over the summer months.
On August 15, Don’t Forget Ed will rally thousands of voices via Twitter and Facebook in order to send a powerful message to the candidates. Don’t Forget Ed will continue staging additional events in conjunction with the nominating conventions and leading up to Election Day to generate further support and engagement.
“We’re not criticizing any candidates and we are not advocating a particular policy. We are mobilizing students and others to create a more visible constituency that wants education to be a prominent issue in the election,” said Peter Kauffmann, vice president of communications at the College Board. A poll commissioned by the College Board in April 2012 found that 67 percent of voters in nine key swing states believe education is an “extremely important” issue in the run-up to the general election.
More than 1.2 million students drop out of school every year, which averages out to 6,000 students every school day and 857 every hour. Recent data show that students in this country rank 25th in math and 21st in science among students from 30 industrialized nations.
About the College Board:
The College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education. Today, the membership association is made up of over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions and is dedicated to promoting excellence and equity in education. Each year, the College Board helps more than seven million students prepare for a successful transition to college through programs and services in college readiness and college success — including the SAT® and the Advanced Placement Program®. The organization also serves the education community through research and advocacy on behalf of students, educators and schools.
STAY CONNECTED:
On the Web: www.dontforgeted.org
Follow on Twitter: #DontForgetEd
Michigan Republicans think it’s okay to legislate vaginas – but not talk about them. During a debate over one of the most restrictive anti-choice bills yet, Michigan state Rep. Lisa Brown read a letter from a voter that concluded, "Finally Mr. Speaker, I'm flattered that you are all so interested in my vagina, but no means no."
In response, Republican Speaker of the House Jase Bolger banned Rep. Brown from speaking on the state House floor the next day.
Send Jase Bolger an email telling him that if he is uncomfortable with lawmakers using the word "vagina," then he should stop legislating vaginas.
With buying power of nearly one trillion annually, if African Americans were a country, they would represent the 16th largest economy in the world (slightly smaller than Canada but larger than Australia) – Nielsen 2011 State of the African American Consumer.
Between 2000-2009, African American homes have experienced significant growth among households earning $75,000+ (up 63.9%) and households earning $100,000+ (up 88.7%) – Nielsen 2011 State of the African American Consumer.
Nearly one out of every seven babies born in the United States are of African American descent – National Center for Health Statistics based on CDC's National Vital Statistics 2010.
.There are 1,702 African American babies born daily; more than half a million AA babies (623,029 babies) join our population every year – Source: US Census Statistical Abstracts- Live Births, Birth Rates and Fertility Rates.
Every hour on the hour, there are 71 African American babies entering the world's population– Source: US Census Statistical Abstracts- Live Births, Birth Rates and Fertility Rates.
Brad Pitt Wins Four "Big Daddy Awards" Including "Biggest Big Daddy Of Them All" for Receiving the Most Votes of Anyone; Other Winners Include Johnny Depp, Mark Wahlberg, Will Smith, Bruce Willis, David Beckham, LeBron James, President Obama, Brad Paisley and George Stephanopolous
THE FIRST-EVER 2012 "BIG DADDY AWARDS" ENCOURAGED FANS TO VOTE FOR THEIR TOP CELEBRITY DADS THROUGH FATHER'S DAY ON JUNE 17 TO RAISE AWARENESS AND FUNDS FOR PROSTATE CANCER PROGRAMS AND RESEARCH
Big Daddy Brad Pitt with some of his children.
LOS ANGELES, June 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Brad Pitt wins four awards including the "Biggest Big Daddy Of Them All" for receiving the most overall votes of all of the nominees in the "Big Daddy Awards," it was announced today. Pitt also won the "Current Movie Big Daddy," "Do-Gooder Big Daddy" and was voted one of three celebrities to be added to the "Movie Dad Hall of Fame." Johnny Depp, Mark Wahlberg, Will Smith, Bruce Willis, David Beckham, LeBron James, President Obama, Brad Paisley and George Stephanopoulos are among the winners in the online voting for the 2012 "Big Daddy Awards." Fans participated in the first annual "Big Daddy Awards," an awards show held exclusively online for top celebrity dad picks in 33 categories that encompass film, television, music, comedy, sports and more. Voting continued through Father's Day on Sunday, June 17 at www.bigdaddyawards.com.
In association with "On The Line," a national prostate cancer awareness campaign, the "Big Daddy Awards" honor celebrity fathers in fun and unique categories. Top celebrity dads who have won each award are listed below:
In association with "On The Line," a national prostate cancer awareness campaign, the "Big Daddy Awards" honor celebrity fathers in fun and unique categories. Top celebrity dads who have won each award are listed below:
"Current TV Dad Big Daddy" Dan Castellaneta/Homer Simpson
"Current Movie Dad Big Daddy" Brad Pitt/Moneyball
"All Time Reality TV Dad Big Daddy" Ozzy Osbourne
"Real TV Doctor Big Daddy" Dr. Mehmet Cengiz Oz
"Morning TV Show Big Daddy" George Stephanopoulos
"Late Night TV Host Big Daddy" Jimmy Kimmel
"Entertainment TV Talk Show Host Big Daddy" Mario Lopez
"Talk Radio Big Daddy" Howard Stern
"Country Big Daddy" Brad Paisley
"Hip Hop Big Daddy" Eminem
"Rock On Big Daddy" Jon Bon Jovi
"Top Pop Big Daddy" Patrick Monahan - Train
"Pro Hoops Big Daddy" LeBron James
"Pro Baseball Big Daddy" David Ortiz
"Pro Football Big Daddy" Drew Brees
"Golfing Big Daddy" Bubba Watson
"Racing Big Daddy" Jeff Gordon
"Father/Son of Sports Big Daddy" Peyton & Eli Manning – Archie Manning
"Coaching Big Daddy" Bela Karolyi
"Heartthrob Big Daddy" Johnny Depp
"Funny Man Big Daddy" Robin Williams
"Tough Guy Big Daddy" Mark Wahlberg
"Best Dressed Big Daddy" Will Smith
"Bald and Beautiful Big Daddy" Bruce Willis
"Iconic Big Daddy" Clint Eastwood
"Best Accent Big Daddy" David Beckham
"Hottest Thing in the Kitchen Big Daddy" Gordon Ramsay
"Business Mogul Big Daddy Bill Gates
"Do-Gooder Big Daddy" Brad Pitt
"Presidential Candidate Big Daddy" President Barack Obama
"ON THE LINE—Prostate Cancer Survivor Big Daddy" Robert De Niro
"Hall of Fame TV Dad" Bill Cosby as Dr. Cliff Huxtable on The Cosby Show, Andy Griffith as Sheriff Andy Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show and Bob Saget as Danny Tanner on Full House
"Hall of Fame Movie Dad" Brad Pitt as Billy Beane in Moneyball, Chevy Chase as Clark Griswald in National Lampoon's Vacation, and Will Smith as Chris Gardner in Pursuit of Happyness
Anne Enright, Robert K. Massie, first recipients of the Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction
ANAHEIM, Calif., June 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Library Association (ALA) is proud to announce the first recipients of the Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction, funded through a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York. Anne Enright's The Forgotten Waltz received the medal for fiction and Robert K. Massie's Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman received the nonfiction prize. The medals recognize the best in fiction and nonfiction books for adult readers published the previous year in the United States. The selections were unveiled during the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif.
This is the first time that the ALA, which sponsors the prestigious Youth Media Awards, including the John Newbery and Randolph Caldecott Medals for children's literature, is offering single-book awards for adult trade fiction and nonfiction. Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction winners and finalists were selected based on the expert judgment and insight of library professionals who work closely with adult readers. This is a departure from most major book awards, which are judged by writers and critics.
In Enright's The Forgotten Waltz, published by W. W. Norton & Company, the vicissitudes of extramarital love and the obstructions to its smooth flow—including spouses, children, and the necessary secrecy surrounding an affair—are charted in sharp yet supple prose. In a year without a Pulitzer Prize in fiction, this award becomes even more meaningful for the literary community.
Massie's Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman, published by Random House, an imprint of the Random House Publishing Group, is a compulsively readable biography of the fascinating woman who, through a combination of luck, personality, and a fine mind, rose from her birth as a minor German princess to become the Empress of all the Russias.
"Congratulations to Anne Enright, Robert K. Massie and our finalists," said Nancy Pearl, high-profile librarian, NPR commentator and chair of the Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction selection committee. "We are so excited to have such a talented and deserving group of authors for our inaugural awards."
The medals are made possible by a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York and are co-sponsored by ALA's Booklist magazine and the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA).
"In many ways, librarians are the first book critics many readers come into contact with, and hence we are deeply thankful for their insight and guidance," said Vartan Gregorian, president of Carnegie Corporation of New York and a former president of the New York Public Library. "The Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction take that notion one step further and place the librarians' seal of approval on these wonderful books."
Enright and Massie each receives a medal and $5,000, and each finalist receives $1,500.
Nonfiction finalists include The Information: A History, a Theory, a Flood, by James Gleick, published by Pantheon Books, a division of Random House, Inc., and Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention, by the late Manning Marable, published by Viking Penguin, a member of Penguin Group (USA).
Fiction finalists include Lost Memory of Skin, by Russell Banks, published by Ecco, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers and Swamplandia!, by Karen Russell, published by Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Random House, Inc.
For annotations and more information on the winners, finalists and the awards please visit http://www.ala.org/carnegieadult .
Members of the 2012 Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction inaugural selection committee include: Chair, Nancy Pearl; A. Issac Pulver, director, Saratoga Springs (N.Y.) Public Library; Nonny Schlotzhauer, librarian, Collection Development/Social Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa.; Danise Hoover, associate librarian, Public Services, Hunter College Library, New York; Brad Hooper, editor, Adult Books, Booklist, Chicago; Donna Seaman, senior editor, Adult Books, Booklist, Chicago; and Rebecca Vnuk, editor, Reference and Collection Management, Booklist, Chicago.
About Carnegie Corporation of New York
Carnegie Corporation of New York was created by Andrew Carnegie in 1911 to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding. In keeping with this mandate, the Corporation's work focuses on the issues that Andrew Carnegie considered of paramount importance: international peace, the advancement of education and knowledge, and the strength of our democracy.
About Booklist
Booklist is the book review magazine of the American Library Association, considered an essential collection development and readers' advisory tool by thousands of librarians for more than 100 years. Booklist Online includes a growing archive of 135,000+ reviews available to subscribers as well as a wealth of free content offering the latest news and views on books and media.
About Reference and User Services Association (RUSA)
The Reference and User Services Association is responsible for stimulating and supporting excellence in the delivery of general library services and materials, and the provision of reference and information services, collection development, readers' advisory, and resource sharing for adults, in every type of library.
About the ALA
Established in 1876, the American Library Association (ALA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization created to provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.
SOURCE American Library Association
CONTACT: Brittnie Mabry, +1-212-260-3401, brittnie.mabry@widmeyer.com, or Macey Morales, Manager Media Relations, ALA, +1-312-280-4393, mmorales@ala.org
Des Plaines, IL, June 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported today that 2011 is on track (final numbers will be published in the fall) as yet another consecutive year of declining vehicle thefts. Four of the top 10 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) reported more thefts in 2011 (+925 collectively) while the remaining six posted fewer (-2,017 collectively).
It is important to note that the Hot Spots report is a reflection of vehicle thefts on a per capita basis. An area with a much smaller population and a moderate number of thefts can—and often does—have a higher theft rate than an area with a much more significant vehicle theft problem and a larger population to absorb it.
NICB’s Hot Spots report examines vehicle theft data obtained from the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) for each of the nation’s MSAs. MSAs are designated by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and often include areas much larger than the cities for which they are named. For example, the Fresno, Calif., MSA includes all thefts within the entire county of Fresno, not just the city of Fresno.
The FBI’s preliminary 2011 crime statistics released last week indicate a 3.3 percent drop in vehicle thefts from the 2010 number of 737,142. Contributing to this decline was the significant drop in the rankings of the Laredo, Texas MSA—from No. 1 in 2009 to 53 in 2011. Within two years, Laredo’s thefts were down 53 percent, from 1,792 in 2009 to 849 in 2011.
Watch this video to see how the Laredo Police Department’s efforts to reduce thefts have paid off.
The full Hot Spots report is available at www.nicb.org.
Although national vehicle thefts continue to decline, NICB still recommends that drivers follow our four “layers of protection” to guard against vehicle theft:
Common Sense — The common sense approach to protection is the easiest and most cost-effective way to thwart would-be thieves. You should always:
Remove your keys from the ignition
Lock your doors /close your windows
Park in a well-lit area
Warning Device — The second layer of protection is a visible or audible device which alerts thieves that your vehicle is protected. Popular devices include:
Audible alarms
Steering column collars
Steering wheel/brake pedal lock
Brake locks
Wheel locks
Theft deterrent decals
Identification markers in or on vehicle
VIN etching
Micro dot marking
Immobilizing Device — The third layer of protection is a device which prevents thieves from bypassing your ignition and hot-wiring the vehicle. Some electronic devices have computer chips in ignition keys. Other devices inhibit the flow of electricity or fuel to the engine until a hidden switch or button is activated. Some examples are:
Tracking Device — The final layer of protection is a tracking device which emits a signal to police or a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen. Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles. Some systems employ “telematics” which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle. If the vehicle is moved, the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked via computer.
Anyone with information concerning vehicle theft can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422), texting keyword “fraud” to TIP411 (847411) or by visiting our website at www.nicb.org. Or, iPhone or iPad users can download the NICB Fraud Tips app to make it easy to quickly send a tip and get a response.
About the National Insurance Crime Bureau: headquartered in Des Plaines, Ill., the NICB is the nation’s leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to preventing, detecting and defeating insurance fraud and vehicle theft through data analytics, investigations, training, legislative advocacy and public awareness. The NICB is supported by more than 1,100 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. NICB member companies wrote over $339 billion in insurance premiums in 2011, or approximately 80 percent of the nation’s property/casualty insurance. That includes more than 94 percent ($156 billion) of the nation’s personal auto insurance. To learn more visit www.nicb.org.
###
Media Contact:
Frank Scafidi
916.979.1510
fscafidi@nicb.org
40% of cell owners said they found themselves in an emergency situation in which having their phone with them helped
19 Jun 2012 06:01 Africa/Lagos
Americans Remain Complacent as Devastating Disasters Strike
New Study Finds Many Americans Largely Unaware of Local Emergency Communications
WASHINGTON, June 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite a record-breaking year of federally declared disasters in 2011, including floods, tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires, many Americans still lack basic awareness of their local emergency communications systems. At the BE Safe America Congressional Briefing presented by Safe America Foundation at the U.S. Capitol, Federal Signal Corporation today announced the findings of the 2012 Public Safety Survey, which takes a hard look at how knowledgeable and prepared Americans are for emergencies. While the survey found that more than 56 percent of Americans believe they are aware of the steps they need to take should disaster strike, the results uncover a shocking lack of knowledge—and even indifference—surrounding emergency alerts and notifications.
"Not only is it necessary to create a thorough preparedness and response plan for an emergency or disaster, it's critical that people are as educated as possible about the emergency communications systems in place within their communities—which can prove lifesaving," said Len Pagano, president and CEO, Safe America Foundation. "We were surprised to see just how many people remain unaware of the alerting systems in their area, and even more disconcerting, how many are apathetic in their response to emergency scenarios and communications."
Conducted for the third consecutive year by Zogby International, the survey found that 71 percent of Americans are unsure if they have a personal alerting and notification system (ANS) in their area, which includes a combination of options for calls, text and email message notifications. Yet, respondents said they would be more motivated to take action in an emergency by ANS alerts than any other communication, ahead of traditional warning sirens, radio and TV public services announcements and even word-of-mouth communication from friends and family.
The survey also showed that the public is largely unaware of their local warning sirens. More than half (57 percent) of those surveyed do not know when sirens in their area are tested, and 70 percent are unaware of the sounds and sirens associated with various warnings. In fact, more than one in four respondents did not know if their community has a warning siren system at all.
"With all of the options available to keep the public informed of nearby disasters or emergencies, we were alarmed to see how many people aren't aware of the existing notification systems in their communities," said Joe Wilson, president of the Industrial Systems Division, Safety and Security Group at Federal Signal. "In times of crisis, people need to act fast—or risk waiting until it's too late. Now more than ever, it is essential that we educate communities on the emergency communications options available to them, and to drive the sense of urgency surrounding swift response to emergency alerts."
Even severe weather conditions do not motivate Americans to take action. Less than one half (47 percent) of survey respondents would take action based on a potential severe weather warning and one-third (33 percent) of respondents would require actual property damage or injury in order to care strongly about public safety awareness. Further, one in four respondents (28 percent) would require confirmation of severe weather, such as an actual tornado sighting, flood waters or a visible fire in order to take immediate action. A shocking 1 in 12 people said that nothing would cause them to care.
"We were shocked to see that the public could be so complacent when it comes to awareness and response to emergency communication," said Wilson. "The fact that people could receive a warning that wouldn't motivate them to action is extremely concerning, particularly with 99 FEMA major disaster declarations issued last year alone."
Survey findings show that the public continues to rely on community officials to ensure public safety. In fact, results found that more than half of respondents (58 percent) trust local and regional government to ensure sufficient public safety standards, communication and planning in their area. Yet, only 29 percent feel that their community officials currently are investing in, or giving government attention to, their public safety. In terms of potential contributing factors, more than one-third feel that the economy has had a negative impact on the level of investment in their community.
"Preparedness starts with awareness," said Wilson. "As emergency managers strive to support their community with effective programming and planning, it's imperative that the public stay informed of what communications systems local officials and emergency managers currently have in place—and more importantly, that communities are prepared to respond efficiently and effectively."
For more information on the 2012 Federal Signal Public Safety Survey, visit http://www.alertnotification.com/.
About the Survey
Zogby International was commissioned by Federal Signal to conduct an online nationwide survey of 2,059 adults. All surveys were completed June 1 through June 4, 2012. A sampling of Zogby International's online panel, which is representative of the adult population of the U.S., was invited to participate.
About the Safe America Foundation & BE Safe America
The Safe America Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit licensed by the state of Georgia. Chartered in 1994, the Marietta, Georgia based foundation partners with corporate, governmental, public and private sector organizations, and other nonprofits to improve the safety awareness and preparedness of Americans nationwide. The BE Safe America Program is the nation's first coast-to-coast "drill" involving more than two million Americans in grassroots emergency drills this September – October. Included is the "Text First. Talk Second" Campaign, being endorsed by First Spouses across the country and headed by Puerto Rico First Lady Luce Vela. For more information please contact Matthew Thome at matthew.thome@safeamerica.org. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or via cell at 847-431-7825.
About Federal Signal
Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE:FSS) enhances the safety, security and well-being of communities and workplaces around the world. Founded in 1901, Federal Signal is a leading global designer and manufacturer of products and total solutions that serve municipal, governmental, industrial and institutional customers. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., with manufacturing facilities worldwide, the Company operates four groups: Safety and Security Systems, Environmental Solutions, Federal Signal Technologies, and Fire Rescue. For more information on Federal Signal, visit: http://www.federalsignal.com.
Media Contacts
Luke Cushman
Hill + Knowlton Strategies
+1 312-255-3080
Luke.Cushman@hkstrategies.com
Abbie Ginther
Hill + Knowlton Strategies
+1 312-255-3136
Abbie.Ginther@hkstrategies.com
FILE - In this Jan. 25, 2005 file photo, Syrian President Bashar Assad, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands during a signing ceremony in the Kremlin, Moscow. Russia has shielded Syrian President Bashar Assad’s regime, its last ally in the Arab world, from international sanctions and has continued to provide it with weapons despite international outrage. It has shipped billions of dollars worth of missiles, combat jets, tanks, artillery and other military gear to Syria over more than four decades.
- Sergei Chirikov, Pool-File /AP Photo.
President Obama: Stop U.S. Support for Syrian Weapons
In a major announcement this week, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton condemned Russia, and its state-owned weapons company for shipping attack helicopters to Syria and enabling President Bashir al-Assad's regime to carry out brutal attacks on civilians.
But the United States has a dirty little secret — the U.S. military has a $1 billion dollar contract with the same Russian company, Rosoboronexport. Tell President Obama that the United States needs to cease all contracts with Rosoboronexport.
It's time to stop doing business with Rosoboronexport and start standing up for the innocent people of Syria.
Veteran War Reporter, Alex Quade Wins Prestigious Edward R. Morrow Journalism Award For Horse Soldiers of 9/11
WASHINGTON, June 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Organizers for the 2012 National Edward R. Murrow Awards have announced that veteran war reporter, Alex Quade's Horse Soldiers of 9/11 has won the award in the category of National Online for Writing.
Horse Soldiers of 9/11 was an original, groundbreaking story for The Daily Caller. The story was later expanded into a short film of the same name, narrated by actor Gary Sinise, and is now being screened at film festivals across the country.
War reporter, Alex Quade has made a career out of "going to bad places" as an embedded reporter. In body armor, helmet and anti-ballistic eyewear protection, she has covered U.S. soldiers in war zones around the globe including Iraq and Afghanistan. Extreme storytelling and silent risk-taking lie at the heart of what she does.
It was in her capacity as a war reporter that Alex tracked down the elite commandos who first rode horses into Afghanistan after 9/11. Those secretive teams of U.S. Special Operations Forces, including Green Berets, Air Force Special Operations Combat Controllers and CIA Operatives, shared their stories with Alex.
It was the news the world breathlessly waited for immediately after the 9/11 terror attacks: a report of the first American troops on the ground in Afghanistan. All at once the world's attention focused on an iconic photo of small teams of U.S. Special Operations Forces doing something no American military had done in nearly a century: ride horses into combat. That photo would go on to inspire an artist to sculpt an 18 ft. tall monument at Ground Zero ten years later.
The courage of the first into battle is what guarantees the courage of those that follow: Horse Soldiers of 9/11 by war reporter, Alex Quade.
For more information about the 2012 National Edward R. Murrow Awards, please go to www.rtnda.org.
WHO: War reporter, Alex Quade, Edward R. Murrow Award winner for Horse Soldiers of 9/11 , Producer & Director of the short film, Horse Soldiers of 9/11.
WHAT: Winner of the 2012 National Edward R. Murrow Award in the category for National Online writing.
SOURCE Alex Quade
CONTACT: Cherry Hepburn, +1-818-505-1104, +1-818-471-7079 (cell)
