Majority of American Parents Prefer Stanford Ahead of Harvard

Majority of American Parents Prefer Stanford Ahead of Harvard

Stanford University is the first dream college majority of American parents prefer their children to attend according to the Princeton Review's 2013 "College Hopes & Worries Survey".

The colleges parents most named as their "dream college" for their children were:

1. Stanford University
2. Harvard College
3. Princeton University
4. University of Notre Dame
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
6. Yale University
7. New York University
8. Brown University
9. Columbia University
10. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

The following is the complete report.


21 Mar 2013 11:00 Africa/Lagos

The Princeton Review's 2013 "College Hopes & Worries Survey" Reports On 14,125
Students' & Parents' Top 10 "Dream Colleges" And Application Views
- 69% Report High Stress
- 89% Say Financial Aid "Very Necessary"
- Stanford is #1 "Dream College" Among Students & Parents / #2 is Harvard
NEW YORK, March 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Some call it "the other March madness." It's nail-biting season now through April as college acceptance / rejection and financial aid letters land in family mailboxes.

According to The Princeton Review's 2013 "College Hopes & Worries Survey" – an annual poll of college applicants and parents of applicants – stress levels are high and worries about college costs are higher than ever. Eighty-nine percent of survey respondents this year say financial aid will be "very" necessary to pay for college and within that cohort 66% say "extremely" necessary (a 5% increase over 2012). Nonetheless, 100% of the respondents believe college will be "worth it" and 51% see a "potentially better job / higher income" as the main benefit of the diploma.
The college applicants and parents most named as their "dream college" – the school they wish they (or their child) could attend were cost and acceptance not issues – was Stanford. Harvard was the 2nd most named.

The Princeton Review, one of the nation's best known education services companies, has conducted its "College Hopes & Worries Survey" since 2003. Findings for the 2013 survey are based on responses from 14,125 people. Seventy percent (9,955) were teens applying to colleges: 30% (4,170) were parents of applicants. Respondents hailed from all 50 states and DC, plus several countries abroad. The 15-question survey ran in The Princeton Review book, The Best 377 Colleges: 2013 Edition (Random House, August 2012), and it was accessible on www.PrincetonReview.com from September 2012 through March 5.

Top 10 "Dream Colleges"
Answering the survey's only fill-in-the-blank question, "What 'dream college' do you wish you or your child could attend if acceptance or cost weren't issues?" respondents wrote in more than 500 institution names.

The colleges students most named as their "dream college" were:
1. Stanford University
2. Harvard College
3. Columbia University
4. New York University
5. Princeton University
6. University of California – Los Angeles
7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
8. Yale University
9. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
10. University of California – Berkeley

The colleges parents most named as their "dream college" for their children were:
11. Stanford University
12. Harvard College
13. Princeton University
14. University of Notre Dame
15. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
16. Yale University
17. New York University
18. Brown University
19. Columbia University
20. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

In students' and parents' responses to questions with multiple answer choices, findings show these perspectives among respondents overall:

• Applications are stressful.
97% reported having college application stress: 69% gauged their stress levels as "High" or "Very High."

• Biggest worry? Debt.
39%, the plurality, said their biggest worry is "Level of debt incurred to pay for the degree." Previously (2010 to 2012), the answer most selected was "Will get into first-choice college, but won't have sufficient funds/aid to attend." In 2009, it was "Won't get into first-choice college."

• College cost estimate? $50,000+
87% estimated their degree to cost "More than $50,000." Within that cohort 45% said "More than $100,000."

• Main benefit of college? Better job.
51% said "Potentially better job / income." 24% said "Education." 25% said "Exposure to new ideas."

• Distance from home "ideal" college would be? Parents and students differ.
52% of parents chose "Less than 250 miles": 61% of students chose answers in ranges from 250 to 1,000 miles.

Other survey findings report on: number of colleges respondents were applying to, the toughest part of their application experiences, if the economy was affecting their school choices (and how). The Princeton Review also asked respondents their advice for 2014 applicants and parents. The most repeated exhortation among parents and students alike: "Start early." One parent wrote, "College is not a prize to be won but a match to be made." A teen wrote, "Enjoy applying to colleges. You (hopefully) only get to do it once."

A survey report (all questions, answer choices, and findings) plus a sampler of respondents' advice is at www.princetonreview.com/college-hopes-worries.aspx
The Princeton Review is also known for its annual college rankings in 62 categories (www.princetonreview.com/college-rankings.aspx) it reports in August in its book, The Best 377 Colleges, and its many other categories of school rankings and lists accessible at www.princetonreview.com

The Princeton Review is not affiliated with Princeton University and it is not a magazine.

About The Princeton Review
Founded in 1981, The Princeton Review (www.PrincetonReview.com) is a privately held education services company headquartered in Framingham, MA. The Company has long been a leader in helping students achieve their education and career goals through its test preparation services, tutoring and admissions resources, online courses, and more than 150 print and digital books published by Random House, Inc. The Princeton Review delivers its programs via a network of more than 5,000 teachers and tutors in the U.S.A., Canada, and international franchises. The Company also partners with schools and guidance counselors worldwide to provide students with college readiness, test preparation and career planning services.
WEBSITE: www.princetonreview.com/college-hopes-worries.aspx
SOURCE Random House / Princeton Review Books

CONTACT: Jeanne Krier, Publicist, Princeton Review Books, jeanne@jeannekrier.com, 212-539-1350 or Kristen O'Toole, Editor, The Princeton Review, 888-865-7737 ext. 1405, kotoole@review.com
Web Site: http://www.princetonreview.com

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Americans Vote Italy First For Best Overall Foods In The World

Hot dogs are the least recommended dish by Americans, as discovered by the Hotels.com global food survey.

Americans Guide the Way to the World’s Best Food

Hotels.com® culinary survey reveals top countries for best cheap chow, extravagant eats and overall authentic local fare

56% of American participants in the Hotels.com culinary survey would recommend Barbeque as the “must try” dish of the United States.

According to the Hotels.com global food survey of 27,000 travelers, Americans voted Italy as number one for best overall local food across all age groups, genders and geographical regions.

DALLAS — July 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Hotels.com® has long been an authority on lodging around the world, but savvy travelers know that there is more to finding the perfect place than just the hotel property alone. That’s why vacationers rely on the experts at Hotels.com to provide insider information on key trip-planning elements, such as food and activity trends, to make their journey a success. Today, the online booking expert has released the results of a global survey of 27,000 travelers that discovered some core facts about American food preferences internationally and domestically.
Over 1,000 Americans participated in the global survey and 63 percent of the respondents specified food as an important factor when selecting a hotel for various types of leisure travel, from city escapes to romantic rendezvous and family getaways. Below are some key findings from the survey that may help to point future globetrotters in the direction of the world’s best food:
The Best of the Best (according to Americans)

• Italy was voted number one for best overall local food across all age groups, genders and geographical regions.
• France came in second place for best overall food in the world, followed by Mexico, and the U.S. following closely behind.
• The consensus is that the U.S. is the best destination for family dining, followed by Italy and Germany.

Best Local Food
1.	Italy
2.	France
3.	Mexico

Foodie Budgets and Best Values (according to Americans)

• On average, Americans spend 25-49 percent of their daily budget on food when traveling abroad.
• With 14 percent of the total response count, the United States emerged as the leading country for a good value when it comes to meals while traveling.
• The U.S. was also voted number one for street food – unsurprising with the surge of gourmet food trucks in recent years, which likely served as a contributing factor to the country’s budget-friendliness.
• Mexico came in second for both the best value and street food categories.
• Other countries that topped the list for cheap (but good) eats include: Italy, China, India, Canada and Spain.

Best Food on a Budget
1.	USA
2.	Mexico
3.	Italy

Best Luxury Menu (according to Americans)

• All age groups, genders and geographical regions agreed that France is the best country in which to find superior quality dining.
• Italy came in second for the most posh eating experience, except among respondents in the Northeastern part of the U.S. and those in the 55-64 age group, which each picked the U.S. as second best.

Best Fine Dining
1.	France
2.	Italy
3.	USA

‘Must Try’ American Dishes

• Most Americans (56 percent) would recommend Barbeque as the “must try” dish of the United States – a decision that was consistent across all geographical regions.
• Burgers and fries is the second most recommended dish overall, followed by fried chicken.
• Respondents in the 16-24 age group said burgers and fries are best, even over barbeque.
• Hot dogs are the least recommended dish.
• Apple pie is the only dessert item to make the list and it even ranked above other long-time American classics like macaroni and cheese and chili.

Most Recommended Home Favorites
1.	Barbeque
2.	Burgers and Fries
3.	Fried Chicken
4.	Apple Pie
5.	Buffalo Wings

The U.S. portion of the survey is a regional segment of an even larger global food survey from Hotels.com, which polled more than 27,000 travelers. The global edition of the survey shows that international travelers also favor Italian and French cuisine overall, taking first and second spot in the rankings respectively. However, the global survey differs from the regional U.S. findings in that it indicates that dishes from Japan that are gaining popularity around the world, with favorite dishes such as Sushi, Tempura, Ramen and Japanese Soba helping it to snag the third most favored country for cuisine overall on a global scale.

# # #

About Hotels.com®
Hotels.com is a leading online accommodation booking website with more than 150,000 properties around the world, ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favorites and bed & breakfasts, together with all the information needed to book the perfect stay. Hotels.com benefits from one of the largest hotel contracting teams in the industry, negotiating the best rates for its customers, and offers frequent sales, special deals and promotions. There are more than 6.5 million Guest Reviews on the site from users who have actually stayed in the hotels to ensure customers can make an informed choice when booking. Through its industry-leading loyalty program Welcome Rewards™, customers can earn a free night for every 10 nights stayed at more than 65,000 hotels. Under its Price Match Guarantee, if a customer can find the same deal for less on a prepaid hotel, Hotels.com will refund the difference. Travelers can book online or by contacting one of the multilingual call centers. Special apps for mobile phones and tablets can also be downloaded at www.hotels.com/deals/mobile_app/ enabling customers to book on the go with access to 20,000 last minute deals. Hotels.com publishes an award-winning twice-yearly review of international hotel room price trends called the Hotels.com Hotel Price Index™, which is now produced in 31 individual country editions, with North American data available at www.hotel-price-index.com. Follow Hotels.com on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hotelsdotcom, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/hotelsdotcom and on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/hotelsdotcom. Hotels.com is part of Expedia, Inc., the largest online travel company in the world with an extensive portfolio that includes some of the world’s best-known brands.
Hotels.com, Finding You The Perfect Place and the Hotels.com logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Hotels.com, LP. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. © 2012 Hotels.com, LP. All rights reserved. CST # 2083949-50.

www.hotels.com
www.travelsmartblog.com
www.thesmarterapp.com

Press Contacts:
Ashley Aberbach – Finn Partners for Hotels.com
Phone: (212) 715-1524
Email: ashley@finnpartners.com

Taylor L. Cole, APR
Hotels.com North America
Phone: (469) 335-8442
Email: taycole@hotels.com

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Celebrate the 4th with Appoday -- Get Connect Poker for FREE on July 4th

3 Jul 2012 15:00 Africa/Lagos

Celebrate the 4th with Appoday -- Get Connect Poker for FREE on July 4th

Appoday brings you this fun and highly addictive game at no cost for a limited time

PALO ALTO, Calif., July 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- We're aiming to make your Fourth of July extra-special this year. Add an extra helping of fun to your celebration with Connect Poker, brought to you by Appoday.

Connect Poker combines the best elements of Connect 4, Bejeweled, and Poker. The recently released app is a simple, yet highly refined matching game where players connect two to five cards from a grid to make a poker hand. Connect Poker is incredibly fun and compelling, rapidly growing a loyal fan base from moms to gamers alike.

Developed by Shrink Ray Studios, Connect Poker reinvents the classic poker game. It features three distinct gaming modes (classic, arcade, and infinite), includes unique power-ups and offers users hours of fun-filled game play. The game is integrated with Apple's Game Center bringing you the ability to compete with friends for rank and achievements.

"We're delighted to be able to offer our users Connect Poker for free this 4th of July. This new take on the classic poker game will take over the App Store. Be careful – it's unbelievably addictive," said Andrej Nabergoj, CEO and founder of Iddiction.

To get the Connect Poker app for free, download Appoday: http://itunes.apple.com/app/appoday-free-app-deal-day/id492105097.

Discover Connect Poker on the web at http://shrinkraystudios.com/ConnectPoker/ or on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ConnectPoker.

ABOUT APPODAY

Appoday provides the best user discovery experience for mobile apps and games. Download Appoday from the iTunes App Store at http://itunes.apple.com/app/appoday-free-app-deal-day/id492105097. Visit Appoday on the web at http://appoday.com, on Twitter http://twitter.com/appoday or on Facebook http://fb.me/appoday.

ABOUT SHRINK RAY STUDIOS

Shrink Ray Studios is a mobile game development company based in Toronto, Canada. Founded in 2011 by Sebastian Barrotta and Brian Coleman, the company takes pride in creating unique games with high quality and replay value. The goal of Shrink Ray Studios is and forever will be to make apps that are fun, challenging and addictive. For more information about Shrink Ray Studios visit http://shrinkraystudios.com.

ABOUT IDDICTION

Iddiction, Inc., the latest start-up from mobile games veteran Andrej Nabergoj, is focused on delivering user the best mobile apps and games. The company is backed by Rick Thompson, Comcast Ventures, IDG Ventures, Highland Capital Partners and Felicis Ventures.

SOURCE Iddiction

CONTACT: Diana Dozier, iddiction@groupsjr.com, +1-646-217-0431

Web Site: http://shrinkraystudios.com/ConnectPoker

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Americans Remain Complacent as Devastating Disasters Strike

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

SOURCE Federal Signal Corporation

Web Site: http://www.federalsignal.com/

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Nearly One in Four Americans Would Refuse a Full Body Scan at Airport Security

23 Dec 2011 15:36 Africa/Lagos

Thomson Reuters-NPR Health Poll Finds Nearly One in Four Americans Would Refuse a Full Body Scan at Airport Security

22.8 Percent Would Opt for Alternative Screening Citing Health Concerns, Privacy Violations

ANN ARBOR, Mich. and WASHINGTON, Dec. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Roughly one-quarter of Americans say they would refuse a full body scan using new airport body scanners and 14.9 percent said new airport security measures have them concerned for their health, according to the Thomson Reuters-NPR Health Poll.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090507/NY12658LOGO )

Thomson Reuters and NPR conduct a monthly poll to gauge attitudes and opinions on a wide range of health issues.

The survey, which asked respondents their opinions and concerns regarding flight safety, found that the main reasons for resistance to new scanners are exposure to radiation (22.6 percent), personal privacy violations (17.1 percent) and concerns the scanners violated their 4th Amendment rights (13.3 percent). Forty-seven percent of respondents expressed no concern with the technology.

Additionally, only 7.8 percent said they have health concerns associated with flying. However 11 percent of all respondents said they had become sick as a direct result of air travel. Of those Americans who expressed concern, the top five health risks cited were crashing (21.1 percent), contracting the flu or a cold (16 percent), air quality (7 percent), anxiety (6.8 percent) and blood clots (5 percent).

"While I applaud the survey participants' concern with radiation exposure, these scanners are safe. Based on the amount of radiation these machines produce, a traveler would have to take 2,000 plane rides before being subjected to the equivalence of a single chest x-ray," said Raymond Fabius, M.D., chief medical officer at the healthcare business of Thomson Reuters. "The much more serious health concerns associated with flying are exposure to communicable illnesses and blood clots during long air excursions. By avoiding traveling when sick and exercising in your seat, these risks can be minimized."

To date, the Thomson Reuters-NPR Health Poll has explored numerous health topics, including generic drugs, abortion, vaccines, food allergies, and organic and genetically modified foods. NPR's reports on the surveys are archived online at the Shots health blog here:

Thomson Reuters maintains a library of poll results here.

The Thomson Reuters-NPR Health Poll is powered by the Thomson Reuters PULSE(SM) Healthcare Survey, an independently funded, nationally representative telephone poll that collects information about health-related behaviors and attitudes and healthcare utilization from more than 100,000 US households annually. Survey questions are developed in conjunction with NPR. The figures in this month's poll are based on 3,013 participants interviewed from November 1-13, 2011. The margin of error is 1.8 percent.

For a copy of the flight safety survey, visit: http://healthcare.thomsonreuters.com/npr/ .

About Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial, legal, tax and accounting, healthcare and science and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization. With headquarters in New York and major operations in London and Eagan, Minnesota, Thomson Reuters employs more than 55,000 people and operates in over 100 countries. For more information, go to www.thomsonreuters.com.

About NPR
NPR is an award-winning, multimedia news organization and an influential force in American life. In collaboration with more than 900 independent public radio stations nationwide, NPR strives to create a more informed public - one challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas and cultures.

SOURCE Thomson Reuters

CONTACT: Brian Erni, For Thomson Reuters, Healthcare, J. Roderick, Inc. Public Relations, brian@jroderick.com, +1-631-656-9736, +1-631-495-7006; Anna Christopher, Director, Media, NPR, achristopher@npr.org, +1-202-513-2304, +1-202-680-3848

Web Site: http://www.thomsonreuters.com

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Half of Americans Do Not Believe President Obama Will be Re-elected

President Barack Obama

20 Oct 2011 15:08 Africa/Lagos

Half of Americans Do Not Believe President Obama Will be Re-elected

President's job rating one year from election lower than five of past six presidents at same time

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2011

NEW YORK, Oct. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- One year from now the country will be in the final days of the 2012 presidential campaign. Most likely the final debates will have been held and the two candidates will be on their final campaign trips wooing undecided voters. President Obama will be trying to move on to a second term and one of the Republicans will be trying to stop that. However, the President is heading into this year-long campaign with only one-third of Americans (33%) giving the job he is doing positive ratings while two-thirds (67%) give him negative marks. This is almost unchanged from last month when 32% gave him positive ratings and 68% gave him negative ones.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100517/NY06256LOGO)

These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,463 adults surveyed online between October 10 and 17, 2011 by Harris Interactive.


Looking back

Going back to The Harris Poll Vault, we can take a look to see what the ratings of other presidents were one year before they attempted to win a second term. Only one, Jimmy Carter had lower ratings with 25% of Americans giving him positive marks while three-quarters (74%) gave him negative ratings.

Click here for the full report.

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Majority of Americans Would Opt to Whiten Their Teeth to Enhance Their Smile

Dr Ann Demarais


Majority of Americans Would Opt to Whiten Their Teeth to Enhance Their Smile

All About Whitening

• Causes of Discoloration More >
• Treatment Options More >
• Key Considerations More >

Get It Right! Educational Campaign to Highlight Importance of Involving a Dental Professional in Teeth Whitening for a Whiter Smile



CULVER CITY, CA, September 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Philips, the makers of Sonicare power toothbrushes and Zoom whitening, announced today the launch of a new educational campaign called Get It Right!, which encourages people to engage a dental professional in the teeth whitening process to ensure a healthy smile worthy of a great first impression. Smiling is an instinct that starts as early as one month of age and as we grow it becomes one of our most important social assets. “Smiling affects not only how someone feels, but also how others perceive that person,” said psychologist, executive coach and author Ann Demarais, Ph.D. “In fact, research suggests there are a number of benefits to smiling – from a mood enhancer to being more socially appealing.”


Dr Bill Dorfman

The majority of Americans agree. A recent telephone survey conducted by Harris Interactive, and commissioned by Philips as part of the Get It Right! campaign, found that 89 percent of adults agree that a bright or white smile makes a good first impression and 55 percent believe a person’s smile is the best physical indicator of someone’s friendliness. Given this, it is no surprise that the survey also found that more than half (53 percent) of adults say if they could enhance one thing about their smile it would be the whiteness of their teeth, more than the straightness of their teeth or any other cosmetic feature.¹

The survey also revealed that while most adults feel that a smile is important for how a person is perceived, there is a gap between the positive perception towards teeth whitening and the action that people take. Only 20 percent of adults have had their teeth whitened by in-office treatments² despite the fact that more than three quarters (77 percent) of adults agree that a white smile is best achieved by seeing a dental professional. Findings further support that 57 percent of adults do not believe over-the-counter (OTC) products are as effective as professional teeth whitening and 29 percent do not believe OTC products work at all.

“Teeth need care and attention like any other part of the body and teeth whitening could play an important role in teeth maintenance,” explained Dr. Bill Dorfman, DDS, one of the creators of Zoom whitening and best-selling author. “However, many factors must be considered when whitening a smile, such as teeth sensitivity or a medical condition. No one knows more about oral health than a dental professional who can help advise patients about whitening options, including professional treatments, to ensure safe results for an optimal smile.”

There are numerous causes of discolored teeth, including age, genetic factors, food and beverage consumption, tobacco use, poor dental hygiene, disease, medication use and tooth trauma.³ Given all of the causes of discolored teeth, it is no surprise that teeth whitening has evolved into one of the most popular aesthetic dental treatments. And consumers have many whitening options available to choose from, including toothpastes, whitening strips and professional treatments administered by a dental professional, including a dentist, hygienist or dental assistant, such as light-activated whitening conducted in the dental office.

With the Get It Right! campaign, The American Dental Hygienist Association (ADHA) emphasizes the importance of speaking with a dental professional to get advice on the best whitening option. “Questions about whitening come up during dental hygiene appointments every day and too often, patients may not be informed about all of their options,” said ADHA president, Pamela Quinones, RDH, BS. “Consulting a dental professional from the beginning before a patient starts any whitening treatment and having them remain involved throughout the whitening process can ensure that the patient is receiving the treatment that is right for his or her situation.”

For more information about Get It Right! including a tool to find a dental professional near you, visit www.getitright.info. The website also contains a report by Dr. Demarais, “The Power of a Smile,” that examines the evolution and power of a smile and provides tips on how people can maximize their smile power. Visitors to the site will also find links to the campaign Facebook and YouTube pages.

About the Survey
Harris Interactive conducted a telephone survey within the United States for the Get It Right! educational campaign, commissioned by Philips, between August 5-7, 2011 among a nationwide cross section of 1,006 adults aged 18 and older to identify perceptions of smiles and teeth whitening. Figures for age, sex, race, region and education were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the population.

About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of “sense and simplicity”. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs 119,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 25.4 billion in 2010, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in flat TV, male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

# # #

¹ Harris Interactive. Smile Survey. August 2011.
² Harris Interactive. Smile Survey. August 2011.
³ Williams, Darren. Dental Health and Tooth Discoloration. WebMD. Retrieved July 26, 2011 from http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tooth-discoloration.


For media inquiries, please contact:
Philips
Gonzalo Condés de Bethencourt
Head of Brand & External Affairs
(310) 845-8202
gonzalo.condes@philips.com


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Almost Half of Americans Do Not Think President Obama Will be Re-elected

22 Sep 2011 16:43 Africa/Lagos


Almost Half of Americans Do Not Think President Obama Will be Re-elected

Approval ratings unchanged from lows of last month

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2011

NEW YORK, Sept. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- After a spirited speech to Congress and presenting his jobs bill President Obama starts the fall with the same approval ratings he had at the end of the summer. This month, exactly the same as in August, just one-third of Americans (32%) give the president positive ratings on the overall job he is doing while two-thirds (68%) give him negative ratings.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100517/NY06256LOGO )

These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,462 adults surveyed online between September 12 and 19, 2011 by Harris Interactive.

Looking at the ratings on a partisan level, it's not shocking that almost all Republicans (96%) and nine in ten Conservatives (90%) give the President negative marks, but so do seven in ten Independents (71%) and almost two-thirds of Moderates (64%). While majorities of Democrats (58%) and Liberals (53%) still give the President positive marks, large enough numbers of both groups of the President's traditional supporters (42% of Democrats and 47% of Liberals) give him negative ratings, giving the White House and the re-election team a bit to be concerned about.

While the President's ratings may continue to be at his lowest, one small piece of comfort he has is that he is doing a better job than Congress. Right now, almost all Americans (94%) have a negative view of the overall job Congress is doing and just 6% give them positive ratings. This low rating transcends party lines as only 7% of both Democrats and Republicans and 5% of Independents give Congress positive marks.

What has bounced back just slightly from last month is the number of people who think the country is going in the right direction. This month, 22% think the country is heading in the right direction while 78% think things have gotten off on the wrong track. While still low, this is better than in August when only 16% thought things were going in the right direction and 84% said they were going off on the wrong track.

One reason for all the negativity is the concern over economic issues. When asked what the two most important issues for the government to address are, half of Americans (50%) say it is employment and jobs. Another quarter say the government needs to address the economy (27%), while 17% say healthcare, 13% say the budget deficit, 11% say the budget and government spending and 7% each say taxes and social security.

Looking to next November

Even more disturbing for the White House are the numbers on likelihood of voting for President Obama. If the election for president were to be held today, over half of Americans (53%) say they would be unlikely to vote for Barack Obama while 39% say they would be likely to vote for him. Almost half (47%) say they would be very unlikely to vote for President Obama. Looking at this on a partisan level, nine in ten Republicans (92%) say they are unlikely to vote for President Obama as are three in five Independents (59%). Even among the two groups who are the President's more staunch supporters over one in five of both Liberals (23%) and Democrats (21%) say they are unlikely to vote for the President if the election were to be held today.

What is another concern is something that could become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Just three in ten Americans (30%) think President Obama will be re-elected while almost half (47%) do not think he will be re-elected; one-quarter (23%) are not at all sure. While 51% of Democrats believe President Obama will be re-elected, one-quarter do not (24%) and one-quarter are not at all sure (24%).

So What?

As multiple political commentators have said, the 2012 general re-election campaign began with President Obama's recent address to Congress. Yes, the Republicans still have to pick their candidate, but the President is starting to push forward the agenda he hopes to work his re-election campaign around next year. If he doesn't do something and stays mired in these low approval numbers and negative re-elect numbers, this election may be over before it even starts. The only consolation is that the GOP primary looks like it may be a long one and the eventual Republican candidate may emerge tired and possibly wounded after a blistering primary.

Click here for the full report.


2012 U.S. Presidential Election.

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