Sknil Links Blog

Rules Of Internet Marketing For Attorneys

2008-05-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

Internet Expert To Share The Ten Golden Rules Of Internet Marketing For Attorneys At Legal Marketing Association Luncheon, April 10, 2008

Jay Berkowitz, dissects latest search engine optimization techniques for law firms (http://tengoldenrules.com/tgr-legal-marketing-association.htm) and Internet marketing for attorneys.

Boca Raton, FL - April 9, 2008 -- Jay Berkowitz, an industry leader in Internet marketing, announced he will be presenting his "Ten Golden Rules of Internet Marketing For Attorneys." This one day event will be held at Antique Car Museum in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on April 10, 2008 for the members and non-members of the Legal Marketing Association. Internet marketing for personal injury lawyers has become very competitive; the experts at Ten Golden Rules have been in the lawyer space for several years driving traffic to websites and converting those people into leads.

Overview:
Jay Berkowitz will explore the critical strategies and tactics for success at Internet marketing for attorneys:
* How to improve your website so it shows up in Google searches
* How to generate positive return-on-investment with online advertising
* How to build ongoing relationships with the potential clients who visit a website
* How to capitalize on the Ten Leading Trends in online marketing today
* How to plan media and develop creative and landing pages that sell
* Pay-Per-Click campaign development and advanced optimization strategies
* Web Optimized PR - turn your press releases into website traffic generators
* MySpace, Wikipedia, Twitter, Second Life - How Web 2.0 impacts business
* Hands-on analysis and improvements for your website

"The Legal Marketing Association brings the most relevant marketing tips to our members and the legal community. For many attorneys, Internet marketing is something we all hear about but unsure of what the first steps should be," said Margaret Grisdela, Co-Chair of the South Florida Legal Marketing Association City Group. "We are thrilled to have SEO expert, Jay Berkowitz demonstrate the latest search engine optimization law firms can implement for better results on the web."

About Ten Golden Rules:
Ten Golden Rules are Internet marketing experts based in Boca Raton, Florida. One of the firms focus is on Internet marketing for personal injury lawyers, helping law firms develop the best search engine optimization strategies and achieve better website ROI, using the most effective search engine marketing tactics and creating ideas for marketing on the Internet. For more information please visit www.TenGoldenRules.com. The 10 Golden Rules Internet Marketing Podcast is available at Podcast.TenGoldenRules.com and on iTunes.

Press Contact: Jay Berkowitz
Company Name: Ten Golden Rules
Phone: 561-620-9121
Website: www.tengoldenrules.com

Technology Protect Offers Automatic Detection of Microsoft's Latest Patches

2008-05-16T15:37:00.001-05:00

Shavlik's Any Patch, Anywhere Technology Continues to Provide the Coverage Other Solutions Can't

Shavlik's Industry Leading Technology Protect Offers Automatic Detection of Microsoft's Latest Patches

ST. PAUL, Minn May 16, 2008 --Shavlik Technologies, LLC, the market leader in delivering software solutions that rapidly accelerate and continuously improve security and compliance readiness, today announced the ability for its Shavlik NetChk Protect users to protect themselves from security risks introduced by Microsoft's latest patch release.

Shavlik offers one of the only solutions available to help companies identify which systems are vulnerable to the security risk posed by Microsoft's latest patch MS08-029, released this week. MS08-029 addresses a vulnerability in the Microsoft security suite of tools. Microsoft currently does not provide patches for this bulletin. Shavlik is able to add support for scanning of new vulnerabilities faster than other solutions through the Dynamic Product Detection technology in the scan engine that powers Shavlik NetChk Protect, the industry-leading solution for patch management and application control.

"Many Enterprises may be unaware that their patch management solution is not scanning for the latest patch, which leaves them without the ability to centrally identify their risk, report on their security posture, or have any knowledge about their level of vulnerability to this issue," said Eric Schultze, chief technology officer, Shavlik Technologies.

For more information and commentary from Eric Schultze on this month's release of Microsoft security updates, which underscores the risk in relying on free solutions to patch a network is not a viable solution as it often leaves gaps in security infrastructure, visit http://www.shavlik.com/desk-of-the-cto.aspx#six.

Shavlik's award-winning Shavlik NetChk Protect simplifies and accelerates the detection and remediation of gaps in your system security, resulting in an enterprise that is ready to improve the speed, accuracy and productivity of its IT security and compliance operations - in physical and virtual environments.

About Shavlik Technologies

Shavlik Technologies, LLC delivers enterprise IT organizations robust software solutions that rapidly accelerate and continuously improve security and compliance readiness by simplifying IT operations, and identifying and reliably closing system security gaps. Shavlik's solutions provide Rapid Readiness so IT organizations realize continuous security and compliance readiness in a fraction of the time, cost and IT resources required by alternative approaches.

With more than 10,000 customers worldwide, Shavlik enables enterprises to simplify complex IT security and compliance management, providing trustworthy solutions that free up critical IT resources to focus on innovations that drive business growth while lowering costs. Shavlik also licenses its technology to more than 20 leading security and technology companies such as BMC, Juniper, Sophos, Symantec and VMware. For more information, visit Shavlik Technologies at www.shavlik.com.

Shavlik Technologies is a registered trademark in the United States and certain other countries, of Shavlik Technologies. Additional Shavlik product names are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Shavlik Technologies. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.

Contacts

Shavlik Technologies, LLC
Jill Teut, 651-255-5432
jill.teut@shavlik.com
or
Madison Alexander PR
Dan Chmielewski, 714-832-8716
dchm@madisonalexanderpr.com

Us Vs. In Touch: The Gossip Rags Battle

2008-05-16T15:31:00.001-05:00

Battle Of The Gossip Rags: Us Vs. In Touch

by Phyllis Fine , Friday, May 16, 2008
WHO NEEDS PRINT CELEB gossip anymore? After all, you can get updates on Jessica Simpson's activities all over the Web, seemingly by the hour.

And it's not as if these mags provide any kind of fresh spin or deep analysis that's lacking online. Here's what In Touch considers an exclusive scoop: "My weekend was good," says John Mayer, quoted after his first liaison with Jennifer Aniston.

Seems like gossip rags now exist primarily as a market for the paparazzi -- a theory suggested by the many remarkably similar photos in the May 12 issues of Us and In Touch. Both mags show Natalie Portman walking with her surgical-cone-wearing dog, before- and during-pregnancy head shots of Nicole Kidman, and -- hey, you can't have too many pix of Danny DeVito shopping for new eyeglasses, can you?

So are there any differences at all between the two mags, which I qualified for this gossip-off because of their identical cover stories? (People is often cited as Us' direct competitor, but People is in a different class. That's not just because of its no. 1 status in 2007 ad dollars -- as tracked by PIB, more than triple that of Us -- but because People acknowledges humans beyond the Hollywood axis.)

The J&J show: Both Us and IT feature stories about Jen and John's hot weekend together in Miami, with varying details about how they first hooked up, but the same overall theme: Is the ladies' man compatible with the world's most-famous jiltee?

The difference comes down to whether you like your voyeurism with an up-close, you-are-there vibe, or a focus on celeb perks.

IT provides blurry shots of the couple lying by the pool together -- both in bathing suits -- with details like "At one point, John and Jen's heads touched." Ugh! There's something so heavy-breathingly pathetic about viewing from this vantage point.

I prefer Us' focus on the services you get in a $3,000-a-night suite. As a former travel editor suffering from luxury hotel deprivation, I sigh for details like the couples' massage at Jen's Miami resort.

Us also gets clarity points for including all the lurid details in John's statement about Angelina Jolie; IT's incomplete quote may be PG-rated (no mention of blow jobs), but doesn't make much sense. (If you're wondering, it all has to do with Brad's presumed lack of a fantasy object because he's got the real thing.)

"Real" journalism? Us does a better, more even-handed job of parsing a "scandal" in a piece on the Miley Cyrus photo brouhaha. There's a sophisticated take on whether or not posing semi-nude was a calculated move; a disingenuous putdown of Vanity Fair, where the photos ran; and a sidebar on other "Young Stars Who Grinned and Bared" for an edifying touch of historical context.

IT's all about overblown headlines -- "Divorce Shocker: What Star Found Out"-- with no follow-through. What Star (Jones, natch) actually found out: nothing much, it seems. She's not even quoted in the story, which relies on lots of innuendo on whether or not hubby Al Reynolds is really gay ("I don't want to spoil my image of him," says his mother). In fact, IT has another story ("Lindsay Moves In With Her Girlfriend") where the subtext is, everybody's saying yes, she's really gay while at the same time denying it. Weird, and sadly not very gay-friendly.

Fashion Police: This Us feature, in which style experts sometimes too cutely rag on stars' rags (hey! It's catching!) adds a bit of welcome snark to the generally worshipful tone of most gossip mags. In IT, "Who Wore It Better?" does criticize fashion mistakes, but much more respectfully.

Most titillating tidbits: IT and Us both major in short items -- photo captions, really, in which sources invariably trot out the tritest quotes they can think of ("They're really sad. They were very in love," about a breakup). Within this format appear some odd and funny bits: In Us, Julia Roberts and Matthew McConaughey admit they don't wear deodorant; in IT, Kelly Ripa explains how wearing a pair of padded panties for a shapelier rear view feels "like I am sitting in a very cozy chair!"

Is this the end of civilization as we know it because trees are being killed for this crap: "Finally, Nicole's Bump Is Showing!" in IT.

Bottom Line: I rank Us higher because of its slightly less-sleazy approach to putting celebs under a microscrope.

MAG STATS

In Touch Weekly
Published By: Bauer Publishing Co.
Frequency: Weekly
Web site

Us Weekly
Published By: Wenner Media
Frequency: Weekly
Web site

Post your response to the public Magazine Rack blog.

See what others are saying on the Magazine Rack blog.
Phyllis Fine is columns editor for MediaPost.

Magazine Rack for Friday, May 16, 2008:
http://blogs.mediapost.com/magazine_rack/?p=496

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Retail Development in Iowa's Largest New Urban Community

2008-05-15T18:29:00.001-05:00

Capital Growth Madison Marquette and DRA Properties Announce Partnership to Develop Retail in Iowa's Largest New Urban Community

MINNEAPOLIS-- May 15, 2008 --Capital Growth Madison Marquette (CGMM), a national, fully-integrated commercial real estate company based in Minneapolis, and DRA Properties (DRA), an Ankeny-Iowa-based real estate company owned by Dennis Albaugh, founder and chief executive of Albaugh, Inc., today announced a new partnership to develop the retail portion of Prairie Trail, a 1,031-acre master-planned community being developed by DRA on the former site of the Iowa State University research farm in the center of Ankeny. Prairie Trail is Iowa's largest New Urban development, reflecting the New Urbanism principals of smart, managed growth; sustainable green development and reduced traffic.

The master plan for Prairie Trail calls for two retail components covering approximately a half million square feet of the development. Town Center at Prairie Trail, a lifestyle center, will serve as the community's commercial core. It will feature fashion anchors, a wide variety of restaurants and a mix of regional and national merchants. It will be surrounded by a central park, amphitheatre and abundant parking. There will also be a retail area at the southern entrance to the community-Plaza Shoppes at Prairie Trail. Plaza Shoppes at Prairie Trail will be anchored by a Hy-Vee grocery store.

The rest of the community features approximately 2,500 homes in a mix of styles; a civic and educational component, including the city library, a school and the City of Ankeny police headquarters; and a vast network of trails, parks, and bike paths. Prairie Trails' architecture and design will reflect the best of Iowa's small towns.

Located just north of Des Moines at the intersection of Interstate Highways 35 and 80, Ankeny currently has a population of about 40,000. It is home to the Ankeny Campus of the Des Moines Area Community College, which enrolls nearly 27,000 college credit students and 32,000 continuing education or business training students. It's location at the intersection of two major corridors, within minutes of the State Capitol and only a half hour drive from Ames, home of Iowa State University, attracts travelers from throughout the region and offers excellent growth potential.

"In addition to being an excellent business opportunity, our partnership with DRA Properties on the Prairie Trail retail development marks a return to our roots," said Dick Ward, CGMM's Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Investments. "Almost every member of the Capital Growth Madison Marquette management team has a strong connection with Iowa and understands its people and communities. Several of us built our careers in this industry while working at General Growth Properties, which was founded in Des Moines and has become one of the nation's largest developers of regional shopping centers," he said. Ward is a native of Council Bluffs. CGMM President and Chief Operating Officer John Nagle is a native of Cedar Rapids.

"We believe Capital Growth Madison Marquette is an excellent match for this project," said DRA, owner, Dennis Albaugh. "It has everything we were looking for-outstanding expertise and a strong track record in the industry, an entrepreneurial spirit, and an understanding and appreciation for Iowans and their way of life. We're going to make a great team."

Groundbreaking on the retail portion of the development is expected to begin in 2009. The full project is slated for completion in 2012. Information on the community can be found at www.prairietrailankeny.com

For retail leasing information, call Dick Ward at 515-333-1180.

DRA Properties, L.C. is an Ankeny based real estate development company that was founded in 1992 by Dennis Albaugh. Albaugh, owner and Chief Executive Officer of Albaugh, Inc., a global agricultural chemical company, decided to venture into real estate to have a positive impact on his hometown of Ankeny, Iowa. "Ankeny has always been my home town-I grew up here, I raised my family here, and now my daughters are raising their families in Ankeny. My goal in real estate development has always been to create a lifestyle that all of Ankeny can enjoy and be proud of," said Albaugh.

Minnesota-based Capital Growth Madison Marquette specializes in a strategic array of value-enhancing third party services, including brokerage, construction, development, leasing, management, marketing and tenant representation. CGMM also aggressively pursues acquisitions and joint venture opportunities. Capital Growth Madison Marquette is part of Capital Growth Properties, Inc. (CGP), a private real estate investment company with offices in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Birmingham, Alabama. Further information on both companies can be found online at www.capitalgrowthproperties.com

Contacts

Capital Growth Madison Marquette
Martha Capps, 952-852-5190
Cell: 612-581-0797
or
DRA Properties
Ashley Johnson, 515-965-5249
Cell: 515-491-1389

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Risk Stratification Trials Unveiled

2008-05-15T09:20:00.001-05:00

Major Sudden Cardiac Arrest Risk Stratification Trials Unveiled

Medtronic-Supported Research Efforts Commencing to Better Determine Which At-Risk Patients - Inside and Outside of Currently Indicated Populations - May Benefit Most from ICD Therapy

MINNEAPOLIS & SAN FRANCISCO-- May 14, 2008 --Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE: MDT), along with several partners, today announced details of several major clinical trials aimed at developing and validating new and innovative risk stratification tools to predict which post-myocardial infarction (MI, or heart attack) patients are at greatest risk of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). Medtronic's industry-leading research efforts aim to further advance the base of clinical evidence for implanted cardiac device therapies to ensure those patients at greatest risk of SCA are protected.

"We are on the cusp of new discoveries in clinical cardiology. These trials will utilize advanced innovations in technology and research, spanning novel diagnostics to genomics," said David M. Steinhaus, M.D., vice president and medical director of the Cardiac Rhythm Disease Management business at Medtronic. "Medtronic is proud to have partnered with leading researchers worldwide to apply these scientific innovations in an effort to better understand which patients may benefit from implantable medical therapies."

About Medtronic-Supported Risk Stratification Research Trials

    * VEST / PREDICTS (The Vest Prevention of Early Sudden Death Trial / The Prediction of ICD Therapies Study), is a multicenter, randomized controlled trial designed to test a strategy to reduce the early post-MI sudden cardiac arrest risk, followed by an observational cohort study to develop and validate a tool to determine which patients will benefit most from an ICD two months post-MI.

The VEST portion of the study will test the hypothesis that a non-invasive, wearable automatic defibrillator vest will reduce overall mortality in the first 60 days following an MI in patients with LVEF ?35 percent. The PREDICTS portion of the study aims to develop and validate a tool that predicts the occurrence of spontaneous "treatable" ventricular arrhythmias up to five years post-MI, and identify high-risk patients in whom an ICD would be most cost-effective. Study participants will receive either an ICD or Medtronic Reveal® DX insertable cardiac monitor (ICM) to ascertain data on ICD-treatable arrhythmic events.

VEST / PREDICTS is part of a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant awarded to the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF) and is co-funded by Medtronic, GE Healthcare, and Zoll. It will involve up to 60 centers and more than 4,500 patients in the United States, Canada and Europe.

"The VEST / PREDICTS study is intended to address the two key deficiencies in our current post-MI treatment strategy, which include 1) the untreated high sudden death rate in the early post-MI period and 2) the non-specific nature of ejection fraction to predict spontaneous ventricular arrhythmias and ICD shocks," said Jeff Olgin, M.D., principal investigator for VEST / PREDICTS, and chief of cardiac electrophysiology and professor of medicine at UCSF. "This important study will define a clear pathway to identify those patients who benefit most from ICDs."

    * The objective of Medtronic's GAME (Genetic Arrhythmia Markers for Early Detection) trial is to determine if genetic markers can be used to identify individuals with an increased susceptibility to SCA. Involving 1,000 patients at more than 30 sites in the 48 contiguous United States, GAME will study cardiac events retrospectively to potentially develop a genetic risk scoring system to determine which patients would benefit from an ICD. The first patient enrollment in GAME recently took place at Arkansas Cardiology Clinic in Little Rock, Ark.

"We are about to enter a new era of medicine, one in which so much will eventually be individualized, including prevention and therapy," said Eric Topol, M.D., principal investigator of the GAME trial and chief academic officer at Scripps Health in San Diego. "Genomics has already had a major impact on the treatment of cancer and many other diseases. Now we're looking at genomics of patients with arrhythmias as a way to more precisely treat this important type of heart disease."

    * Also underway is the Medtronic-supported DISCOVERY (Diagnostic Data Influence on Disease Management and Relation of Genetic Polymorphisms to Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias in ICD Patients) trial, involving nearly 1,300 patients at approximately 80 centers in Europe. DISCOVERY is a non-randomized, prospective, multicenter study and is composed of two parts. The first is double-blinded and collects data on genetic polymorphisms and potential prognostic of ventricular and atrial tachyarrhythmias. The second part evaluates the influence of dual chamber ICD-based diagnostic information on long-term patient management and treatment.

Further, Medtronic is committed to ongoing study of Microvolt T-Wave Alternans (MTWA) and other risk markers that will further advance the understanding of how to better identify patients at risk for SCA. MTWA is being studied in the MASTER trial, of which data has previously been presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2007 and American College of Cardiology's Scientific Sessions 2008, and will be presented at Heart Rhythm 2008, the Heart Rhythm Society's 29th Annual Scientific Sessions. Medtronic will continue to explore the potential of MTWA, as evidenced in these aforementioned risk stratification studies.

About Medtronic

Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology - alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world.

Notes to editors: To arrange interviews on VEST/PREDICTS with representatives from the University of California-San Francisco, please contact Corinna Kaarlela at 415-476-2557; or GE, contact Corey Miller at 414-469-5499 (cell) or Corey.Miller@ge.com

VEST/PREDICTS disclaimer: The information stated above was prepared by Medtronic Inc. to report research strategies and reflects solely the opinion of Medtronic. Nothing in this statement shall be construed to imply any support or endorsement of Medtronic or any of its products by the Regents of the University of California, its officers, agents and employees.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 27, 2007. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

Contacts

Medtronic, Inc.
Public Relations:
Tracy McNulty, 763-526-2492
On-site at HRS: 612-819-2190
or
Investor Relations:
Jeff Warren, 763-505-2696
On-site at HRS: 612-819-7630

More Drivers Need DUI Lawyers

2008-05-14T23:30:00.001-05:00

New Year's Eve Arrests Leave More Drivers in Need of Aggressive DUI Lawyers

Aggressive DUI Lawyer, a network of southern California DUI lawyers, is offering services to the many drivers who were arrested for drunk driving over the holidays.

San Francisco, CA - January 5 -- Aggressive DUI Lawyer, a network of southern California DUI lawyers, is offering services to the many drivers who were arrested for drunk driving over the holidays.

The new year is here, and as the celebrations come to an end, the California Highway Patrol is revealing just how many drunk driving arrests took place over the holidays. Bay Area law enforcement agencies have been some of the first to release their drunken driving arrest statistics. They recently stated that 2,736 people were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in the Bay Area between December 14 and 30.

Undoubtedly, many people in Southern California have found themselves in similar situations, as the statistics from New Year's Eve will reveal. Aggressive DUI Lawyer, a network of San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles DUI lawyers, is offering their services to those arrested on DUI charges in Southern California. With an experienced DUI lawyer, Orange County, San Diego and Los Angeles residents will likely receive a more favorable outcome to their case.

More people are arrested during the month of December for drunk driving than any other month of the year, and many people in Southern California are currently awaiting trial. San Diego, Orange County and Los Angeles DUI lawyers can assist with these cases, using their expert knowledge to get results. As Bay Area law enforcement agencies have already shown, drunken driving arrests are an unpleasant but undeniable part of the holidays. With an experienced DUI lawyer, though, it's possible to start 2008 on the right foot and put those drunken driving charges in the past.

To find a Los Angeles, Orange County or San Diego DUI lawyer, or to get more information, visit www.aggressiveduilawyer.info.

About Aggressive DUI Lawyer:

Aggressive DUI Lawyer is a network of specially trained Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego DUI lawyers. Anyone who is arrested for drunken driving charges in these three counties can turn to them for information and assistance in the fight to clear the charges and get their licenses back.

Their basic company principles will ensure the best possible defense:

- Aggressive Defense: As their name says, clients get an extremely aggressive defense provided by a highly experienced lawyer who will leave no stone unturned and no evidence unquestioned.
- Client's Comfort: They get their clients out of jail in no time and take immediate actions to reinstate their driving privileges
- Investigations: They'll double check all the evidence and re-analyze all the samples provided.
- Provide the Best Services: Aggressive DUI Lawyer focuses only on misdemeanor, drunk driving and traffic matters in California.

Press Contact: Mike Cheslar
Company Name: Aggressive DUI Lawyer
Phone: 760 431 8594
Website: http://www.aggressiveduilawyer.info/

Name Intelligence Acquired By Thought Convergence

2008-05-13T20:29:00.001-05:00

Thought Convergence Acquires Name Intelligence

Acquisition Is a Major Milestone in Thought Convergence's Strategy of Developing a Self-Sustaining, Symbiotic Domain Ecosystem That Services the Global Domain Community

LOS ANGELES & SEATTLE-- May 06, 2008 --Thought Convergence, the industry-leading provider of domain management, monetization and development tools and technologies for premium domain owners and aggregators of high-quality domain portfolios, announced today that it has completed its acquisition of Name Intelligence, the company behind the highly-acclaimed DomainTools service and the Domain Roundtable conference. The acquisition expands Thought Convergence's already extensive suite of industry-leading domain tools, services and technologies, and paves the path for management's vision of a unified Domain Ecosystem.

"We are proud to welcome Jay, Ray and the entire Name Intelligence team into the Thought Convergence family," said Kevin Vo, Thought Convergence Founder and Chief Executive Officer. "The addition of Name Intelligence further strengthens our industry-leading technology platform and lays the groundwork for the continuing expansion of our comprehensive suite of tools and services for domain professionals." Further commenting on the acquisition, Thought Convergence Director and Chief Operating Officer, Ammar Kubba, added that "Name Intelligence shares our passion and drive to create technology-driven solutions and innovation within the domain industry. By combining our award-winning monetization and development platform, deep industry relationships and extensive resources with Name Intelligence's unparalleled research, analysis and data aggregation tools, we are putting into place a robust and scalable framework for the creation of a symbiotic Domain Ecosystem."

In commenting on the close of the transaction, Jay Westerdal, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Name Intelligence, said, "We are incredibly excited to join forces with Thought Convergence and to leverage our core competencies and proprietary technology in order to create the next generation of DomainTools, our auction and marketplace platform, intellectual property protection services and semantic suggestion technology." Name Intelligence operations will remain in Seattle, Washington, and will continue to be led by Jay Westerdal and Ray Bero. In addition to their responsibilities at Name Intelligence, both Westerdal and Bero will collaborate with senior management at Thought Convergence to develop and execute on the Company's long-term strategy.

About Thought Convergence

Founded in 2001, Thought ConvergenceT is an industry-leading service provider of domain information, management, monetization and development tools and technologies for the domain name industry. Widely regarded as a pioneer in the domain industry, Thought Convergence provides its award-winning services and technologies under several brands, including TrafficZT, DomainToolsT and Idea.NetT. By leveraging its comprehensive suite of fully-integrated domain services, tools and technologies, Thought Convergence is pioneering the industry's first symbiotic Domain EcosystemT and is working to promote the continued evolution, success and sustainability of the domain industry. Thought Convergence is a privately-held company, growing profitably since inception, and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, with offices in Seattle, Washington. For more information, please visit http://www.ThoughtConvergence.com.

Contacts

Thought Convergence
Ammar Kubba, 310-909-7900
PR@ThoughtConvergence.com

Web 2.0 Marketing Fair in Japan

2008-05-13T19:49:00.001-05:00

Digital River to Exhibit at Web 2.0 Marketing Fair in Japan

Web 2.0 Marketing Fair

MINNEAPOLIS-- May 13, 2008 --Digital River, Inc. (NASDAQ: DRIV), a leading provider of global e-commerce solutions, announced that the company will exhibit at the Web 2.0 Marketing Fair. The event is being held May 14 - 16, 2008, at Tokyo Big Sight in Tokyo, Japan.

At the event, Digital River will host a booth, featuring its global e-commerce and e-marketing technology, tools and services. The booth is located at East 4-29.

The Web 2.0 Marketing Fair is the largest web-related tradeshow in Japan. The event will showcase state-of-the-art products and solutions from more than 1,600 exhibitors. The event expects to draw more than 125,000 industry professionals. More information about The Web 2.0 Marketing Fair can be found at http://www.web20-expo.jp/en/.

About Digital River, Inc.

Digital River, Inc., a leading provider of global e-commerce solutions, builds and manages online businesses for software publishers, consumer technology manufacturers, distributors, online retailers and affiliates. Its multi-channel e-commerce solution, which supports both direct and indirect sales, is designed to help companies of all sizes maximize online revenues as well as reduce the costs and risks of running an e-commerce operation. The company's comprehensive platform offers site development and hosting, order management, fraud prevention, export controls, tax management, physical and digital product fulfillment, multi-lingual customer service, advanced reporting and strategic marketing services.

Founded in 1994, Digital River is headquartered in Minneapolis with offices in major U.S. cities as well as Cologne, Germany; London, England; Shannon, Ireland; Luxembourg, Luxembourg; Stockholm, Sweden; Taipei, Taiwan; Tokyo, Japan; and Shanghai, China. For more details about Digital River, visit the corporate Web site at www.digitalriver.com or call 952-253-1234.

Digital River is a registered trademark of Digital River, Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks, registrations or copyrights of their respective owners.

Contacts

Digital River, Inc.
Media Contact:
Heather Morris, 952-253-8828
Public Relations Specialist
publicrelations@digitalriver.com
or
Investor Relations Contact:
Ed Merritt, 952-540-3362
Group Vice President, Investor Relations
investorrelations@digitalriver.com

New IT Media Disposal Program From Kroll Ontrack

2008-05-13T13:01:00.001-05:00

Kroll Ontrack Goes Green with a New IT Media Disposal Program

Erasure and Recycling Services Help Businesses and Individuals Safeguard Critical Information and the Environment

MINNEAPOLIS-- May 13, 2008 --Kroll Ontrack®, the leading provider of data recovery and legal technologies products and services, today announced a new media disposal program to help businesses and individuals safely dispose of their end-of-lifecycle hard drives in an environmentally conscious way. This fast, secure and convenient erasure and disposal service allows organizations and individuals to protect one of their most important assets - their data.

Kroll Ontrack's media disposal program is comprised of two steps:

Data Erasing Solutions: Kroll Ontrack offers two solutions that completely remove all traces of information stored on storage media and a verification service that ensures no traces of information can be recovered from the media following an erasure procedure.

* Ontrack Eraser software: An easy-to-use, highly flexible data erasure software tool, Ontrack® Eraser, uses overwriting procedures to permanently remove data and meet the most stringent standards for data removal.
* Ontrack Eraser services: A convenient, end-of-lifecycle service performed by Kroll Ontrack specialists that offers complete removal of your data using a "degausser," a hardware device that destroys data using strong magnetic fields.

Media Disposal Services: Kroll Ontrack's environmentally friendly media disposal service ensures certain media is disposed of in a method that protects both the owner of the stored data and the environment. Technicians dismantle the devices removing good parts for re-use prior to disposal of the storage media. All other hard drive and storage device components are turned over to Kroll Ontrack's recycling vendor that separates materials such as metals, circuit boards, copper wiring and aluminum into different commodities that are recycled and re-used for other products. Any left over materials are discarded in a manner that ensures no materials are deposited in landfills or incinerators. Specifically, they are disassembled using an optimal mix of physical and mechanical demanufacturing techniques to separate out hazardous materials from recyclable components.

"With this service, customers now have a convenient means to make sure their media does not fall into the wrong hands and is disposed of in a method that will not harm the environment," said Jim Reinert, vice president of software and services, Kroll Ontrack. "This is especially critical as both businesses and home users are looking for a safe and easy way to get rid of their mounting end-of-lifecycle machines."

From more information regarding this service visit www.ontrackdatarecovery.com.

About Kroll Ontrack Inc.

Kroll Ontrack provides technology-driven services and software to help legal, corporate and government entities as well as consumers recover, search, analyze, produce and present data efficiently and cost-effectively. In addition to its award-winning suite of software, Kroll Ontrack provides data recovery, advanced search, paper and electronic discovery, computer forensics, ESI consulting, and trial consulting and presentation services. Kroll Ontrack is a technology services division of Kroll Inc., the global risk consulting company. For more information about Kroll Ontrack and its offerings please visit: www.krollontrack.com; www.ontrackdatarecovery.com; www.engeniumsearch.com; www.trialgraphix.com.
Contacts

Kroll Ontrack
Kaitlin Creager, 952-516-3581
kcreager@krollontrack.com

Tiny Computer Runs Linux, Development Tools, Controls, and Servers for $80

2008-05-12T20:20:00.001-05:00

$80 Tiny Computer Runs Linux, Development Tools, Controls, and Servers

US embedded hardware OEM KwikByte is shipping a low-cost, tiny embedded system designed for general purpose computing, embedded controls, and database/web servers. KwikByte demonstrated the system running open-source packages such as Apache, MySQL, and PostgreSQL within a Debian environment.

Tempe, AZ - March 12, 2008 -- US embedded hardware OEM KwikByte demonstrated a complete, embedded Debian environment and applications running on a power-conscious, microcontroller-based system. The system is designed for general purpose computing, embedded controls, remote monitoring, and server applications.

The board used for the demonstration, KwikByte's KB9260, is based on the AT91SAM9260 microcontroller. The controller's small footprint reduces system size while the low power consumption allows the board to be powered by Power over Ethernet PoE also known as IEEE 802.3af. By using PoE, a single Ethernet connection to the board can provide power as well as network connectivity. This minimizes facility installation costs.

The board supports minimal configurations like BusyBox and uClibc as well as larger installations like Debian. The Debian development kit was shown running a controls application built and debugged on the board (screen shot attached). No tools were required on a host PC as the system exports a virtual display over Ethernet. This configuration resides entirely within on-board Flash. The dev kit includes schematics and the board ships with recent Linux kernel, currently 2.6.24.

The number of general purpose I/O (GPIO) combined with programmable clocks, serial channels, analog input channels, and timer/counter/PWM channels make it ideal for embedded controls applications. Additionally, the USB host power supply was designed to provide extra power for most USB hard drives. Applications that require very large storage space are only limited by the size of an external hard disk and the entire system can be powered over the Ethernet cable.

System Details
- AT91SAM9260, ARM926EJ-S 200MHz
- 32/64 MB SDRAM
- 8 MB boot Flash
- 256 MB 2 GB NAND Flash
- 10/100 Ethernet
- 1 x USB 2.0 host port
- 35 x GPIO, max
- 3 x serial channels including debug serial
- 4 x programmable clocks
- 3 x timer/counter/PWM channels
- 4 x analog input ADC channels
- Power options: Power over Ethernet, on-board voltage regulator, or external power supply
- Size: 3.1" x 3.1"

Availability
The KB9260 is shipping now with volume pricing of $79.99. A WinCE port is also available.

About KwikByte
KwikByte designs and manufactures embedded hardware systems. Founded in 2003, KwikByte is located in Tempe, AZ.

Press Contact: KwikByte
Company Name:
Phone: 480-303-7475
Website: www.kwikbyte.com

List of Largest Baltimore Title Companies Ranks Equitable Land Title Group Fourth

2008-05-12T13:58:00.001-05:00

Equitable Land Title Group Ranks Fourth in List of Largest Baltimore Title Companies

Equitable Land Title Group, a Baltimore-based title company that now serves customers nationwide, ranks fourth among the largest title companies in the Baltimore Business Journal's Book of Lists.

Baltimore, MD - May 9, 2008 -- Equitable Land Title Group (ELTG) has been serving customers nationwide since last year, but that doesn't mean they have lost any focus on doing business in their hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. The group recently ranked fourth among the largest title companies in Baltimore for the Baltimore Business Journal's Book of Lists.

The Baltimore Business Journal's Book of Lists is an annual publication that includes essential information on the leading buyers, businesses and employers in Baltimore. The book provides a look at the local economy, including contact information and important facts for top businesses, industries, professions, governmental units and nonprofit organizations. Making the list of top title companies in the Baltimore area is an honor for ELTG, whose star has been on the rise in recent years. After the demand for their services led the company to expand nationwide last year, they're clearly still on top of the local market.
ELTG provides comprehensive real estate title and settlement services, thanks to their industry-leading technology and a team of highly resourceful problem solvers. The company serves homeowners, mortgage lenders and the real estate community with an efficient Web-based ordering and processing system that ensures greater accuracy and faster turnaround. Their commitment to service, coupled with leading technology, has enabled them to expand their business nationally.
"We are a technological leader in the title industry while making all of our clients feel as if they are our only client," according to Steven Lenet, Director of Operations.

For more information about ELTG and their services, visit www.eltg.net.

About Equitable Land Title Group:

ELTG is a Baltimore-based company that services real estate title needs nationwide. Located in Baltimore, Maryland and operating nationwide, ELTG keeps lenders, brokers and realtors in control of their settlements.

ELTG is unique. They provide the staff and technology to get settlements done efficiently and right the first time. They pride themselves on superior service and commitment to innovative technology solutions that improve the speed, efficiency and accuracy of title transactions.

Large volume, small volume, simple or complex - they can handle it all.

Practice-Changing Clinical Data Anticipated By Medtronic

2008-05-12T09:11:00.001-05:00

Medtronic Anticipates 'Practice-Changing' Clinical Data for Interventional Cardiologists at EuroPCR

ENDEAVOR II Four-Year Results, Updated ENDEAVOR Pooled Safety Analysis, One-Year Results from E-Five Registry and TAPAS Trial - All Feature on Meeting's Scientific Program

MINNEAPOLIS-- May 12, 2008 --Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT), today announced plans for the release of new clinical data on the Endeavor® Zotarolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent System and the Export® Aspiration Catheter at EuroPCR in Barcelona this week, May 13-16.

"New data from the ENDEAVOR clinical program and the TAPAS trial have the potential to be practice-changing for interventional cardiology," said Prof. Anthony Gershlick of University Hospitals of Leicester in the UK. "As the evidence from this clinical research continues to build, it shows more and more definitively the advantages of the Endeavor drug-eluting stent for a broad range of patients with coronary artery disease and of thrombus aspiration with the Export Aspiration Catheter for a specific group of patients suffering myocardial infarction."

A summary of the data presentations related to Medtronic's product portfolio for interventional cardiology at EuroPCR follows:

    * On Tuesday, May 13, the late-breaking clinical trials session from 15:30 - 18:30 in Room 1 includes presentations by:

- Dr. Jean Fajadet (at approximately 15:45) of the four-year results from ENDEAVOR II, a prospective, randomized, multicenter, controlled trial that compared the Endeavor drug-eluting stent to the Driver bare-metal stent.

- Prof. Bart de Smet (at approximately 16:30) of one-year results from TAPAS, a single-center trial designed to evaluate the effect of thrombus aspiration preceding percutaneous coronary intervention by using the Export Aspiration Catheter in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

    * On Thursday, May 15, the Medtronic-sponsored symposium titled "Patients and Stents: Learning and Progress," 5:00 - 6:30 pm in Room 1, features presentations by:

- Prof. Martin Rothman on the one-year results of 8,300 patients in E-Five, an international registry that investigated the performance of the Endeavor drug-eluting stent in routine clinical practice.

- Prof. Ian Meredith on the updated ENDEAVOR pooled safety analysis, which includes 2,132 Endeavor patients (from ENDEAVOR I, II, II continued access, III and IV) - 678 of whom have now been followed for four years, 1,271 for three years, 1,290 for two and 2,093 patients for one year.

All times are local to Barcelona. Room numbers are for The Forum CCIB Convention Center, the venue for EuroPCR.

"The data we're presenting this week at EuroPCR illustrate the depth of innovation within the CardioVascular business at Medtronic and the growing breadth of our offering to interventional cardiologists," said Scott Ward, senior vice president of Medtronic and president of the CardioVascular business. "We are particularly excited to share the long-term results from the ENDEAVOR clinical program, which continue to illustrate significant performance advantages for patients and physicians, positioning Medtronic for market leadership in coronary stents."

In addition to attending these data presentations and other educational and scientific sessions, EuroPCR participants are encouraged to visit the Medtronic exhibit (booth #D04), which will feature highlights of the company's current and future cardiovascular innovations, including the:

    * Endeavor and Endeavor Resolute Zotarolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent Systems
    * Sprinter Legend Balloon Catheter
    * Export XT Aspiration Catheter
    * Defender Embolic Protection Filter
    * Complete SE (Self-Expanding) Peripheral Stent
    * Assurant Cobalt Balloon-Expandable Iliac Stent
    * Melody Transcatheter Pulmonic Heart Valve

Information on Medtronic's programs designed to foster "Innovation through Collaboration" in the fields of educational development (Academia) and clinical science (Scientia) will also be available at EuroPCR.

"As the trend of closer collaboration across medical specialties continues, our CardioVascular business is uniquely positioned to forge the partnerships necessary to find novel solutions to unmet patient needs," Ward added. "As the theme of our EuroPCR exhibit, 'Better Together,' suggests, we know from decades of experience the profound power of collaboration with the clinical community in the service of patients with chronic diseases."

About Medtronic

Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology - alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 27, 2007. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

Contacts

Medtronic, Inc.
Joe McGrath, 707-591-7367 (Public Relations)
Jeff Warren, 763-505-2696 (Investor Relations)

Health Insurance Advisor On Clinton-Obama Health Insurance Plans

2008-05-11T21:52:00.001-05:00

Florida Health Insurance Advisor On Clinton-Obama Health Insurance Plans

With about two dozen reporters crammed in a press room, Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton outlined her universal health care plan, which "would provide tax credits to make insurance more affordable" and "require businesses to offer insurance to workers or pay into a pool for people without it." Florida's health insurance advisor Morgan Moran added 'her opponent, Barack Obama thinks her plan is just talk'.

November 29 -- Florida health insurance web, a health insurance information web site, in its November 2008 political report says "Hillary Clinton plans to expand Medicare and the federal employees' health insurance plan" and to cover those without adequate workplace insurance. Moran, a Florida health insurance consultant said, Democratic presidential candidate "Barack Obama is casting doubt on Clinton's ability to enforce a requirement in her plan that every American buy health insurance."

"Clinton's plan is the most sweeping universal plan offered by any of the 2008 candidates." According to Moran, her campaign is pulling out all the stops on the health insurance issue.

FloridaHealthInsuranceWeb.com, reporting on each of the presidential candidates positions on healthcare said, "Clinton and Obama are the latest to argue over healthcare. 'The upcoming elections will impact Florida's health care system as far as benefits and rates are concerned' said Moran, 'whichever candidate takes the White House in 2009, Florida residents may end up with better health care than they have today'. "Health insurance is finally on the bargaining table and we all may benefit from it."

Clinton points to her web site where her position on healthcare is clearly stated. On her website www.hillaryclinton.com she has posted the following points:

(1) If you have an insurance plan you like, you can keep it. If you want to change plans or aren't currently covered, you can choose from dozens of the same plans available to members of Congress, or you can opt into a public plan option like Medicare. And working families will get tax credits to help pay their premiums.

(2) Small businesses are the engine of new job growth in the U.S. economy but face bigger challenges when it comes to providing health care for their employees. Hillary would give tax credits to small businesses that provide health care to their workers to help defray their coverage costs. This will make small businesses more competitive and help create good jobs with health benefits that will stay here in the US.

(3) Insurance companies won't be able to deny you coverage or drop you because their computer model says you're not worth it. They will have to offer and renew coverage to anyone who applies and pays their premium. And like other things that you buy, they will have to compete for your business based on quality and price. Families will have the security of knowing that if they become ill or lose their jobs, they won't lose their coverage.

(4) Nobody has worked harder or longer to improve health care than Hillary Clinton. From her time in Arkansas when she improved rural health care to her successful effort to create the SCHIP Children's Health Insurance program which now covers six million children, Hillary has the strength and experience to ensure that every man, woman and child in America has quality, affordable health care.

"Clinton has been criticizing Obama's health care plan for falling short of universal health coverage" said Moran, because unlike her plan, "Obama's (plan) would not require every American to buy insurance". Obama claims "his plan would lower the cost of insurance and guarantee access", removing the obstacles most often faced by people without insurance.

This week Obama argued that his rival (CLINTON) has been unwilling to say how she would enforce the mandate to buy health insurance. Without enforcement, "Obama said, it is nothing more than an empty 'political talking point'."

"Sen. Clinton still hasn't explained what this mandate is: What's she going to do if somebody doesn't purchase health care? Is she going to fine them? Is she going to garnish their wages?" Obama said.

"One of the problems with Clinton's health insurance approach, is that she hasn't been straight with the American people about how she's going to 'impose this mandate'. And without an enforcement mechanism, there is no mandate. It's just a political talking point," he continued.

A spokesman for the Clinton campaign, Lori Singer commented, "The fact remains that Sen. "Obama is going around saying he has a universal health care plan that in fact excludes 15 million Americans." Obama's own health care plan does include a requirement that families purchase insurance for their children.

Shortly after, Obama sent out a memo noting that in Massachusetts, the only state so far to require residents to buy health insurance, "hundreds of thousands of people have not purchased insurance despite a fine levied on those who fail to do so through their tax returns".

About Morgan Moran and FHI-Web
Florida Health Insurance Web is a health insurance consulting service. Find out about health insurance from the experts in a free online or phone consultation. Florida health insurance web is a source of health insurance news, agents, and insurance carriers covering individuals in the state of Florida. Individuals can get insurance quotes, search rates online by city, read current insurance news and events. For a directory and archive of Florida Health Insurance News or Consultants, or free health insurance quotes, please visit www.FloridaHealthInsuranceWeb.com.

Press Contact: Morgan Moran
Company Name: Florida Health Insurance Consulting
Phone: (800) 554-9142
Website: http://www.floridahealthinsuranceweb.com

Retirement Services Direct IRA Funds into Income Property Investments

2008-05-10T13:44:00.001-05:00

Self-Direct Your IRA Funds into Income Property Investments with RealSource Retirement Services

Families and individuals do not have to limit their retirement funds to a range of products or investment policies offered by their employer or financial/insurance institution. RealSource Retirement Services is helping generate monthly income and increased wealth for those who no longer wish to be bound to traditional investment choices or are limited in their ability to invest their hard-earned money as they see fit.

Howell, NJ - April 15, 2008 -- Families and individuals do not have to limit their retirement funds to a range of products or investment policies offered by their employer or financial/insurance institution. RealSource Retirement Services is helping generate monthly income and increased wealth for those who no longer wish to be bound to traditional investment choices or are limited in their ability to invest their hard-earned money as they see fit. This is done with their retirement funds by placing them into income property investments that make sense and in markets that work.

"Despite the negative media attention, there are still real estate markets that fall outside of that, that haven't slowed down and that are still growing at extremely strong and beneficial levels," said Jeremy Hanks, Director of RealSource Retirement Services, whose firm presents investors with self-directed retirement opportunities that have reasonable risk levels and higher net returns. "There are risks out there but if you can locate yourself within the right market with the right tools, the rewards are tremendous, a lot better than most, if not all, individual retirement plans and remember, you are in control of your money."

RealSource Retirement Services has made available an audio Webinar that highlights the RealSource economic model, how to identify markets that have the best investment potential and the ability to separate that into which markets have the best cash flow opportunities and which markets have the best appreciation opportunities. To listen to the audio Webinar, go to www.incomepropertyinvestmenttalk.com/realsource_investor_ira.htm.

"Ideally, as self directing IRA investors, you should look for both appreciation and cash flow in the right place at the right time," said Michael Madsen, Director of RealSource Retirement Services. "A self directed IRA protects assets from creditors and frivolous lawsuits, plus real estate as an investment has generated more wealth than any other vehicle for investors who understood how to avoid common mistakes. We help IRA fund holders invest in real estate well."

To schedule a one-on-one consultation with Messrs. Hanks and Madsen, call (800) 929-2150 or e-mail them at RRS @ realsource.net. To listen to the audio Webinar, go to www.incomepropertyinvestmenttalk.com/realsource_investor_ira.htm.

Press Contact: Peter L. Mosca
Company Name: RealSource Retirement Services
Phone: 732.841.4778
Website: www.IncomePropertyInvestmentTalk.com

Blogging For Quick SEO Benefits

2008-05-09T12:59:00.001-05:00

Realizing SEO Benefits Quickly Through Blogging

by Ambar Shrivastava , Friday, May 9, 2008

QUICK RESULTS IN SEARCH MARKETING are only possible with pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, right? Wrong. The advent of blogging, as well as recent advances to search engine algorithms, has narrowed the gap between PPC and search engine optimization (SEO) to mere hours. With PPC, there is instant gratification as your advertisement will appear in search results almost immediately after your campaign is activated. However, this same advantage can now be seen in SEO.

First, let's take a look at some common reasons why SEO projects have not been carried out in the past.

- Companies don't want to abandon tech investments (e.g. content management systems and Web publishing tools)

- Lack of budget dedicated to SEO

- May take a while to demonstrate ROI

Blogging addresses each of these problems.

- SEO best practices are already in place. Blogging software by default includes a few basic but important SEO practices by using proper Titles, headlines, URLs, and internal linking structure. Search engines also like sites that have fresh content, which can give blogs great influence over search results.

- Recent search engine algorithm changes boost the visibility of blogs. An experiment by Ryan Durk took advantage of temporary changes in Google's logo linking to the search results page for "January 1 TCP/IP". It shows two things: the speed by which a new blog is indexed and the short time between your blog getting indexed and it appearing high in search results.

- Blogs are inexpensive and easy to setup. A new blog can be created in a matter of minutes with little technical knowledge. Blog creation is free in many cases, often with a nominal monthly fee for additional features.

Blogging is great for companies that are not ready to make the larger SEO investment or are worried about abandoning a CMS in which they have already invested. Blogging can be used as a proof of concept that shows that SEO can deliver results. Use of blogging software delays the larger discussion of SEO projects that are potentially more time-consuming and require a larger investment that reap longer term benefits. Setting up a blog is inexpensive and doesn't force you to abandon or modify your existing IT investments.

Then get people to notice your blog.

- Conduct keyword research Creating a blog is just the first step. Keyword research can be the difference between a highly popular, authoritative blog and a blog that no one knows exists.

Since everyone competes on the most popular words, try blogging about slightly less-competitive topics, so your site has the ability to rank for those terms. There are some great tools out there that help facilitate this process of identifying writing topics that other sites aren't necessarily targeting, yet will drive traffic.

If you're just getting started with blogging, write about a subject where you have expertise that you feel will interest your audience. Once you reach a critical mass of blog posts, take a step back and analyze how people are finding your blog and use that information to guide your editorial calendar.

- Utilize social media and pinging. In addition to keyword research, it is important to promote the blog using social media tools that increase the visibility of your blog and generate inbound links to your domain. Be sure to utilize pinging services to notify aggregation services of new content on your blog.

- Customize the blog template. It is also important to link to your new blog from the Homepage of your main Web site to make it easier for search engine spiders to discover it. Often times, the default template needs to be tweaked slightly for maximum SEO benefit. For instance, make sure your blog Permalink uses meaningful anchor text and not www.yourdomain.com/blog/?p=456

Blogging may not be the long-term solution for fixing a broken site, but it will get your foot in the door for SEO, deliver results in the short term, and facilitate the process of getting buy-in for full-scale, long-term SEO projects for the rest of your Web site.

Post your response to the public Search Insider blog.
See what others are saying on the Search Insider blog.

Ambar Shrivastava is product manager of Connors Communications, the developer of HitTail.

Search Insider for Friday, May 9, 2008:
http://blogs.mediapost.com/search_insider/?p=784

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South African Ban on Mesothelioma-Causing Asbestos

2008-05-09T09:03:00.001-05:00

LegalView Updates Mesothelioma Blog Readers with News of South African Ban on Mesothelioma-Causing Asbestos

LegalView, on its mesothelioma blog, recently reported an asbestos ban on the use, manufacture and processing of the cancer-causing contaminant. Asbestos was mined for decades in South Africa and since the 1960s mesothelioma cancer and related illnesses have been associated with inhalation of the deadly fibers.

Denver, CO - April 11, 2008 -- LegalView.com recently reported on its mesothelioma blog the ban of asbestos in South Africa. The Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister there announced the ban with regards to the use, manufacture and processing of asbestos, which causes a deadly form of lung cancer known as mesothelioma. The South African ban marks the latest addition to a worldwide effort to ban the mineral. Currently, approximately 50 countries around the globe have prohibited the production of the contaminant. For years, asbestos was mined in the area and, according to news reports, accounted for 3 percent of the value of all of the area's minerals. To learn more about how to locate mesothelioma attorneys in your area, which may be able to provide consultation on the effects of asbestos exposure.

Asbestos, which is derived from vermiculite - the mineral mined throughout the world and the source of asbestos, was widely used in a variety of construction projects such as the main source of installation in millions of homes, apartments, schools, universities, and business and government buildings worldwide. Individuals who have been exposed to asbestos should not only speak with a medical professional immediately, but should consider finding a mesothelioma lawyer as well.

Often it isn't until years after initial exposure to asbestos that individuals begin to notice symptoms of the inhaled asbestos fibers; the end result is usually an incurable lung cancer. Victims of this cancer in need of a mesothelioma attorney should utilize LegalView's referral service to connect them with any of the many mesothelioma lawyers available through the mesothelioma information portal. Here, an individual can be referred to an experienced mesothelioma attorney who will have important information on the legal implications of exposure to asbestos.

In addition to mesothelioma, LegalView also provides information portals on topics such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), Singulair side effects and the Baxter Heparin recall. TBIs adversely affect millions of Americans each year and thousands of these cases go unreported even though the effects may be severe. TBI side effects range from memory loss to poor motor and social skills to paralysis. Individuals who have been injured in a traumatic brain injury should use the LegalView TBI information portal to locate an attorney as well as to learn about the latest TBI treatments.

On the Singulair practice area, readers will learn of the latest U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigation into the allergy symptom drug. The investigation stems from patient reports that there may be some Singulair side effects that are causing an increased risk of suicidal thoughts among patients.

Learn the latest updates on the FDA's investigation into the Baxter Heparin recall, which was spurred by a rash of allergic reactions among patients who had previously received the drug during surgical procedures. Most recently, the FDA discovered that a Chinese manufacturing plant was responsible for a tainted batch of Baxter Heparin. The drug is a blood thinner used to decrease the risk of deadly blood clots during surgical procedures such as heart surgery.

About LegalView:

LegalView.com is a public service brought to you by Legal WebTV Network, LLC, a Limited Liability Corporation created by a group of the nation's most highly respected law firms: Anapol Schwartz; Brent Coon and Associates; Burg Simpson; Cohen, Placitella and Roth; James F. Humphreys and Associates; Lopez McHugh; and Thornton and Naumes. For more information on the accomplishments and track records of LegalView.com's superior sponsoring law firms and to get in touch with LegalView attorneys, visit LegalView at www.LegalView.com.

Press Contact: Katie Kelley
Company Name: LegalView
Phone: 720-771-3246
Website: http://mesothelioma.legalview.com

Senior Care Professional Online Education Upgrades Affiliate Program

2008-05-08T20:01:00.001-05:00

EasyCEU.com Upgrades Affiliate Program for Online Education

Published on: May 7th, 2008 04:23pm by: SKBrothers

EasyCEU.com, specialists in online training for senior care professionals, launched an upgraded affiliate program today. EasyCEU's program provides nationally accredited continuing education courses for senior care administrators, managers and nurses and other licensed senior care professionals.

Oregon City, OR (OPENPRESS) May 8, 2008 -- The upgraded affiliate program offers very generous commissions for referrals to continuing education courses on a per sale basis. Affiliates can now not only have easy access to custom links for their sites, but with this upgrade they can promote specific and individual courses or even develop a virtual course catalog.

"The time has never been better to align yourself as an affiliate with EasyCEU.com as we are experiencing our largest growth rate in history," explains Wendy Finch, VP Business Development. "We have excellent profitable relationships with healthcare associations through our Partnership Program, and upgrading our affiliate program seemed like an obvious next step to help us increase awareness of our courses and products."

"Through this program reputable companies or individuals who work with senior care professionals can quickly and easily provide information about needed continuing education courses, and earn commissions at the same time. Any company with a website who markets to the senior care industry is a candidate." notes Finch. The affiliate program has proven to be especially useful to professionals who provide seminars or classroom-based training to this population, allowing them to enter the e-learning field without expensive course development or delivery costs.

"Distance education, also known as e-learning or online training, is becoming the product of choice for today's busy senior care professionals," says Finch. "Not only are these individuals expected to accomplish more in less time, but they are also feeling the pinch of travel costs as well. Saving time and money by reducing expensive conference, seminars or classroom training is an obvious step for many in senior care."

EasyCEU courses are available in the areas of care for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, senior care and management, ethics, death and dying, and cultural competencies as well as other topics related to senior care.

Affiliates are screened and accepted into this program from a variety of sites that provide services to this group of professionals.

For more details and an affiliate application visit the EasyCEU website at www.EasyCEU.com and click on the Partner/Affiliate link, or call 877-843-8374.

About
EasyCEU.com is a division of the Institute for Senior Living Education (ISLE-ed.com) a company developed, owned and operated by senior care professionals who have a unique understanding of the training and support needs of individuals who have devoted their careers to senior care. EasyCEU (EasyCEU.com), offers anytime, anywhere web-based courses and continuing education credits for assisted living and nursing home administrators, nurses and managers. All courses are approved by the National Continuing Education Review Services of the National Association of Boards of Examiners of Long Term Care Administrators (NCERS/NAB), as well as by the numerous state licensing boards. Its instructors are professional healthcare and senior care educators and providers. aQuire Training Solutions (aQuireTraining.com) another ISLE-ed product, provides online staff training especially designed to not only meet licensing compliance needs but also to improve quality of care, build stronger staffing teams and reduce staff turnover. ISLE-ed is also launching a new product, Apply2Care (Apply2Care.com) which will help providers utilize internet capabilities for recruitment of new employees.
Release Information

Industry: Education

Country: United States

MSA (Metropolitan Statistical Area): Portland-Vancouver, OR-WA

Company: aQuire Training & EasyCEU.com

Web site: Visit our web site