Human Curiosity Demands SOCON - A 3 Day Social Festival Created by Online Facebook, Google , Twitter, Meetup, Match, POF Friends Who Want to Meet in Real Life

Human Curiosity Demands SOCON - A 3 Day Social Festival Created by Online Facebook, Google , Twitter, Meetup, Match, POF Friends Who Want to Meet in Real Life: Curiosity sent humans to the moon. Curiosity made humans eat the apple. Curiosity is a universal motivator for humans. This curious nature created the virtual world where they met people who they would not naturally meet. This same basic fundamental curiosity sent Christopher Columbus on his fantastic voyage, a student to plant a seed, and a billion people to Facebook each day.

NY Jets' Eric Decker Teams with Veterinary Pet Insurance to Fund the Rescue, Training and Uniting of Service Dogs with Veterans with Disabilities

In honor of National Pet Parent's Day on April 27, Deckers Dogs is teaming up with Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) to raise money to help fund the rescue, care and training of service dogs for our military veterans returning home with disabilities. From April 22 through Memorial Day (May 26), VPI will donate $5 (up to$10,000) to Deckers Dogs for every free pet insurance quote generated on petparentsday.com.

New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker and his wife, singer Jessie James Decker, established Deckers Dogs in September of 2013 to provide support to Freedom Service Dogs' Operation Freedom. Operation Freedom was developed to help returning war veterans and military personnel transition from active duty and combat to civilian life. Active duty service members and veterans with disabilities are placed with highly specialized service dogs that help them find a new level of independence in their post-combat life. 

For a typical service dog, the journey from shelter to service costs approximately $25,000. With the help of the public's support, Deckers Dogs has already funded the care and custom training for three service dogs in just six months.

"Pet Parent's Day recognizes the human-animal bond and the commitment pet owners give to their furry family members," saidEric Decker. "We're proud to partner with VPI to help build new bonds between those rescued service dogs and our wounded warriors as we free a hero to save a hero."
Deckers DogsIn partnership with Freedom Service Dogs of America (FSD), Deckers Dogs was founded by New York Jets' wide receiver Eric Decker and his wife, Jessie James to provide needed service dogs to returning military personnel and veterans with a service-connected disability. Freedom Service Dogs is a charitable organization. With increased financial support, FSD can rescue, train and provide even more service dogs to those in need. Clients include children, veterans and active duty soldiers, and other adults. Their disabilities include Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Cerebral Palsy, spinal cord injuries, Muscular Dystrophy, Multiple Sclerosis, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).


Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) a member of the Nationwide Insurance family of companies, is the first and largest pet insurance company in the United States with more than 500,000 insured pets. VPI plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. CareGuard® coverage for routine care is available for an additional premium. Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Additionally, one in three Fortune 500 companies offers Veterinary Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are offered and administered by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and DVM Insurance Agency in all other states. Underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Brea, CA, an A.M. Best A rated company (2012); National Casualty Company (all other states), Madison, WI, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2012).

SOURCE Deckers Dogs

Parents Freaking Out Over New Common Core Standards Testing!

In the days of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), each state had its own set of academic standards and Achievement Tests that assessed whether or not students had mastered the state mandated course of study.  What students learned in school varied depending on the state in which they lived.  Some states have adopted strong standards, while others have set the bar lower.  This is all about to change and parents are wondering how this will impact their child especially in states like New York where the Common Core testing starts this April!

TestingMom.com comes to the rescue for parents to prepare their darling child for the upcoming test. Testing Mom just launced a new common core online program to help parents with test preparation and to provide common core lessons that align with these tough standards for kindergarten to eighth grade.

According to Michael McCurdy, CEO and co-founder of TestingMom.com, "Parents around the nation are wondering what the impact will be with these new and much tougher standards. The test is tough and standards raise the bar for American students to compete against other students around the world. Parents still don't understand what's happening with Common Core and we've been able to ease the anxiety of the thousands of parents who have recently reached out to us with their concerns."

Under the Common Core Standards initiative, public schools in 45 states and the District of Columbia "agreed" that by the 2014-2015 academic year, they would give all students at each grade level the same test based on these new standards of learning. The states that held out and will administer their own tests are Alaska, Nebraska, Texas and Virginia.  Minnesota will use the Common Core English test, but not the math test. Even though the implementation isn't happening until next school year for most participating states it's extremely important to start now to get familiar with what your child will be required not only for school but for the big Common Core test given every spring.

Testing Mom not only has materials for the new Common Core Standards but also original test prep materials for concepts based upon commonly-used intelligence tests, including the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales, the #WPPSI-ERB test (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence), #OLSAT test, the Bracken School Readiness Assessment, the #CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test),  #NNAT2 test (Naglieri Non-Verbal Ability Test), WISC-4, Raven's Progressive Matrices and KBIT-2.

SOURCE TestingMom.com

#NCLB 
RELATED LINKS
http://www.testingmom.com

L'eggs "Fabulous after 40 Years" with a limited edition Iconic Egg Package and an Exciting Sweepstakes

--Over $40,000 in Prizes Awarded--

L'eggs Sheer Energy legwear is bringing back the iconic egg packaging for a limited time. The egg packaging was an important symbol of sheer legwear and was instrumental in making Sheer Energy the No. 1 sheer support brand in America. The L'eggs brand was an important part of the women's empowerment movement during the 1970s and continues to support women in 2014.

The decision to bring back the egg was the result of numerous consumer requests, including one super fan asking for its return twice a week for the past year.  "We're excited to bring back a part of the L'eggs brand heritage that's remembered and cherished by so many," says Angela Hawkins, vice president, general manager of legwear at HanesBrands.  

With the tagline, "Fabulous after 40," the L'eggs brand is celebrating its iconic heritage with an exciting sweepstakes offering female consumers a chance to win more than $40,000 in prizes. The sweepstakes will run from March 3 to April 28, 2014. To enter, female consumers, 21 years or older, can go to www.leggsluckyegg.com and complete the sweepstakes entry form. See Official Rules for details. No purchase necessary.

The L'eggs Lucky Egg #Sweepstakes grand prize winner and guest will receive a round trip to Las Vegas for a special egg hunt, a $2,000 shopping spree, a beauty make-over, and tickets to attend a Las Vegas show. In addition, the grand prize winner will receive $25,000.

Starting March 10, eight weekly prize winners announced every Monday will receive a check for $1,000. For complete details, visit the L'eggs Facebook page.

To excite and engage L'eggs egg aficionados, the brand will launch a social media campaign starting March 1 with a 3D animated video showcasing the egg through the years, from the Far Out '60s, the Totally Awesome '80s and OMG 2000s. Consumers can learn fun facts about L'eggs Sheer Energy legwear on Facebook and enter the sweepstakes at Leggs.com

The L'eggs egg will be available nationwide beginning in March for a suggested retail price of $5.50. The egg will be available at Walgreens and select Rite-Aid and Walmart stores.

SOURCE L'eggs Sheer Energy

RELATED LINKS
http://www.leggs.com

Holland America Line Honors World Cancer Day With On Deck For A Cause Fundraising Walks

s a part of its ongoing cancer research fundraising and awareness program, Holland America Line will hold On Deck for a Cause events this week across its fleet of 15 ships in support of World Cancer Day. From Australia and Antarctica to the Indian Ocean and Caribbean, guests and crew around the world will gather on deck to make the walk amid glaciers, palm trees and the Panama Canal.

On Deck for a Cause invites guests to participate in a noncompetitive 5k fundraising walk on every sailing of the line's ships, with proceeds distributed among the American Cancer Society, Canadian Cancer Society, Cancer Council Australia, Cancer Research UK, Deutsche Krebshilfe (German Cancer Aid) and KWF Kankerbestrijding (Dutch Cancer Society). These walks take place on more than 500 cruises each year.

"Although we support the fight against cancer year-round with our On Deck for a Cause program, World Cancer Day is a time to reflect on the potential we have to impact future treatment and prevention," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president marketing, sales and guest programs for Holland America Line. "Cancer is a disease that affects every region in the world, and we're proud to support top organizations in those countries where many of our guests come from."

Since fully launching across the line's 15 ships in mid-2013, On Deck for a Cause fundraising events have raised more than$200,000 with 200 walks and more than 10,000 participants. Holland America Line began its onboard fundraising walks in 2006 with On Deck for a Cure which raised more than $3 million to fund breast cancer research, education and treatment.

With On Deck for a Cause, guests of all ages are invited to donate $20 to the Holland America Line Foundation, and a minimum of 80 percent ($16) is distributed to the organizations. The remaining 20 percent covers program and administrative expenses. On a day at sea, participants join in a 5k walk around the ship's decks. Guests may walk less or not at all, as they prefer. Participants also receive an On Deck for a Cause T-shirt, wristband and a reception following the walk. Depending on the ship, the distance to reach 5k ranges from nine to 12 laps.

Holland America Line and its corporate foundation's charitable giving programs include cash sponsorships, in-kind donations, shipboard events, free- and reduced-fare cruise donations for nonprofit fundraising events, donations of usable shipboard items around the world, employee volunteerism and other philanthropic activities.

SOURCE Holland America Line

Local CITGO Marketer Atlas Oil Company Teams Up With Autism Alliance Of Michigan, 2013-2014 Relentless Tour For Anti-Bullying Awareness

Local CITGO Marketer Atlas Oil Company has teamed up with the Autism Alliance of Michigan and former Michigan State basketball player Anthony Ianni for the 2013-2014 Relentless Tour: Ianni Project to raise anti-bullying awareness across the state. On Dec. 17^th, Ianni traveled to Allen Park Middle School to share his story with students and encouraged them to become a part of the initiative. From there, Ianni made his way to the Brownstown CITGO location for the grand unveiling and fueling of the official 2013-2014 Relentless Tour Bus. Ianni spoke throughout three hour-long assemblies about his own struggles with bullying. The fueling and unveiling of the tour bus took place immediately following.

"We are very proud to team up with Anthony and the Autism Alliance of Michigan to support this important initiative," said Mary Zaleski, director of marketing at Atlas Oil Company. "Bullying is an issue for children and students across the country that must be addressed and we are happy to support such a great campaign, in hopes of putting an end to bullying in our community and across the country."

The 2013-2014 Relentless Tour: Ianni Project is a first-of-its-kind grass roots initiative designed to help eradicate bullying across Michigan. The tour will visit 659 schools spread across every Michigan school district over six months. After each stop, Ianni will leave behind a plaque to remind students of their commitment to end bullying.

After being diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder as a child, Ianni was told he would barely graduate from high school and would never have the opportunity to be an athlete. He beat the odds and went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree from Michigan State University and is the first known athlete with autism to play basketball in the Big Ten conference. After years of being bullied himself, Ianni has made it his mission to help those who face similar struggles and to end bullying by sharing his own story with students across the country.

For more information, visit www.CITGO.com.

SOURCE CITGO

Anheuser-Busch Sends More Than 206,000 Cans Of Water To Assist Residents In Portions Of West Virginia And Kentucky

Anheuser-Busch is providing 8,624 cases of emergency drinking water — or 206,976 cans — to the American Red Cross for their use in relief efforts associated with a chemical spill on the Elk River nearCharleston, W.Va., and weather related concerns impacting the water supply of residents in Floyd County, Ky.

Four trucks loaded with emergency drinking water from Cartersville, Ga., will be sent to three Anheuser-Busch wholesalers for distribution to their local American Red Cross operations.  The American Red Cross will then get the water where it's most needed.  The Anheuser-Busch wholesalers are Proud Eagle Distributing in South Charleston, W.Va.; Eagle Distributing Company in Huntington, W.Va. and Perry Distributors in Prestonsburg, Ky.  

"People in the region are in need of drinking water, and this is one way Anheuser-Busch can help our friends and neighbors," said Peter Kraemer, vice president of Supply and head brewmaster for Anheuser-Busch. 

Since 1988, Anheuser-Busch has donated more than 72 million cans of emergency drinking water following natural and other disasters.

Helping communities cope with disasters has been an Anheuser-Busch tradition since 1906 when Adolphus Busch made a donation to the American Red Cross for victims of the San Francisco earthquake.  Today, in addition to providing monetary support, Anheuser-Busch packages emergency drinking water and works with the American Red Cross and other emergency relief organizations for distribution to those in need. 

For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com.

SOURCE Anheuser-Busch

Sheetz Convenience Restaurants Come Through with Water Donation in West Virginia Contamination Crisis

Thousands of People without Potable Water Will Be Aided by Sheetz Emergency Contribution

Sheetz is making a special delivery of more than 5,000 gallons of bottled water to be distributed in the Charleston, West Virginia area to help those affected by the recent chemical spill along the Elk River.

Several of the company's distribution trucks are headed to Poca High School located on State Route 62 and The Charleston Civic Center to make the donation this evening.  Sheetz operates more than 460 locations in six states, including seven in the greater Charleston area and is ideally positioned to be able to direct resources wherever needed in emergency situations.

"Our team is always prepared and willing to help in these kinds of disasters," says Sheetz Executive Vice President of Operations, Travis Sheetz. "Customers depend on Sheetz to be there 24/7 whenever they need us.  If a situation occurs where they cannot come to us, we will do our best to go to them."

Deliveries are scheduled to arrive at designated donation points later this evening. Putnam County EMS personnel and volunteers will be on hand to help give away the product.

Other area Sheetz locations in Huntington, Milton, Barboursville, Hurricane, Teays Valley, and Scott Depot are cleared and open for business.

SOURCE Sheetz

Happiness Workshop to be Held at the World Trade Center Building, Dubai, UAE

Take the Happiness Challenge and join the Happiness Workshop that will be held at the World Trade Center Building, Dubai, UAE on 8 Febuary 2014.

The UAE has been ranked the 14th happiest country in the world, and was ranked first among the Arab countries in the second United Nations World Happiness Report.

"A country cannot develop without the happiness and satisfaction of the people. The happiness of one individual is the beginning of a stable, content and productive society"

"We always work to serve the nation and for the happiness of our citizens, and investing all that we have to develop capable human resources that can achieve success. My message to all UAE citizens is this: Be optimistic because in the past we have overcome many challenges, the present is filled with achievements, and the future is promising and built on ambitions." His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Gulf News-Published: 15 September 8, 2013

Got Happiness? Want to be Happy and Stay Happy no matter what?

Gloria Belendez-Ramirez is guest speaker, her book is endorsed by Jack Canfield, Author of Chicken Soup for the Soul. Her happiness and amazing spirit is so infectious, her message is simple, but powerful…. Be Happy, Stay Happy, No Matter What! She is a world renowned traveler and worked formally as an international interpreter speaking over 10 languages by the age of 29. She has connected with many cultures, religions and people all around the world.

Agenda includes:  taking 100% responsibility of your wealth, health and wellbeing, alignment and balance, living in the now, taking action and much more.

This will be a 4 hour workshop with surprise giveaways, lunch, networking and an opportunity to open doors you never knew existed.

If you are interested in participating in this life changing event, please email info@3scworld.com or call +971-4-4529600 for more information and to RSVP as seats are limited.  Additional information about Gloria can be found at:http://www.happiestgloria.com

SOURCE 3SC World