Thirty-Seven Percent of Working Dads Would Leave Their
Jobs If Their Family Could Afford It, CareerBuilder.com's Annual
Father's Day Survey Finds
- Senior Career Advisor and Father of Three Offers
Tips for a Better Work/Life Balance -
CHICAGO, June 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Don't be surprised if you
see more dads on the playground with the kids during the workday.
According to a new CareerBuilder.com survey, 37 percent of working
dads say they'd leave their jobs if their spouse or partner made
enough money to support the family. If given the choice, another
38 percent would take a pay-cut to spend more time with their
kids. The CareerBuilder.com survey, "Working Dads 2007,"
was conducted from February 15 to March 6, 2007 and included 1,521
men, employed full-time, with children under the age of 18 living
at home.
Nearly one-in-four (24 percent) working dads feel work is negatively
impacting their relationship with their children. Forty-eight
percent have missed a significant event in their child's life
due to work at least once in the last year and nearly one-in-five
(18 percent) have missed four or more.
According to the survey, the time working dads spend on work
far exceeds the time spent with their children. More than one-in-four
(27 percent) working dads say they spend more than 50 hours a
week on work and nearly one- in-ten (8 percent) spend more than
60 hours. In terms of the time they spend with their children,
one-in-four (25 percent) working dads spend less than one hour
with their kids each day. Forty-two percent spend less than two
hours each day.
While more companies today are offering various programs and
options to promote work/life balance, some working dads say their
employers are lacking in this area. Thirty-six percent of working
dads say their company does not offer flexible work arrangements
such as flexible schedules, telecommuting, job sharing and more.
Richard Castellini, Vice President of Consumer Marketing at
CareerBuilder.com and father of three, offers the following tips
to help dads gain a healthy work/life balance:
1. Keep in touch -- While you're at work, make a quick call
in between
meetings and projects and let your children know they're
top of mind.
2. Plan a kid-friendly potluck -- If co-workers in your department
have
kids, ask your boss if you can have a kid-friendly potluck
for lunch on
a Friday. Not only does this allow the kids to spend extra
time with
you, but it also gives the employees in your department time
to get to
know each other better.
3. Give Your Undivided Attention -- When you're at home spending
time with
your family, turn off your cell phone, step away from the
e-mails and
give your undivided attention. If you bring work home, do
it after the
kids have gone to bed.
4. Keep one calendar -- Schedule baseball games and play
recitals on the
same calendar you use for meetings and travel to make sure
you never
double-book yourself. Save your vacation days for those
special events
in your children's lives, so you're there and in the front
row.
5. Make time -- At least once a week, schedule a family activity
that
involves interaction such as a game, bike ride, trip to the
playground,
etc. Also, make sure to schedule a date night for you and
your
significant other.
Survey Methodology
This survey was conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf
of CareerBuilder.com among 1,521 Full-time Employed Fathers (employed
full-time; not self employed; with no involvement in hiring decisions)
ages 18 and over within the United States between February 15
and March 6, 2007. Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education,
region and household income were weighted where necessary to bring
them into line with their actual proportions in the population.
Propensity score weighting was also used to adjust for respondents'
propensity to be online.
With a pure probability sample of 1,521 one could say with
a ninety-five percent probability that the overall results have
a sampling error of +/- 2.5 percentage points. Sampling error
for data from subsamples is higher and varies. However that does
not take other sources of error into account. This online survey
is not based on a probability sample and therefore no theoretical
sampling error can be calculated.
About CareerBuilder.com
CareerBuilder.com is the nation's largest online job site with
more than 21 million unique visitors and over 1.5 million jobs.
Owned by Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE:GCI) , Tribune Company (NYSE:TRB)
, The McClatchy Company (NYSE:MNI) and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT)
, the company offers a vast online and print network to help job
seekers connect with employers. CareerBuilder.com powers the career
centers for more than 1,000 partners that reach national, local,
industry and niche audiences. These include more than 150 newspapers
and leading portals such as America Online and MSN. More than
250,000 employers take advantage of CareerBuilder.com's easy job
postings, 20 million-plus resumes, Diversity Channel and more.
Millions of job seekers visit the site every month to search for
opportunities by industry, location, company and job type, sign
up for automatic email job alerts, and get advice on job hunting
and career management. CareerBuilder.com and its subsidiaries
operate in Europe, Canada and Asia. For more information, visit
http://www.careerbuilder.com/.
Source: CareerBuilder.com
Real Men Cook(R) on 'Emeril Live'
Food Network Features Real Men Cooking for Charity
CHICAGO, June 7 /PRNewswire/ -- A contingent from Real Men
Cook -- event co-founder, Yvette Moyo, and several chefs who participate
in America's premiere urban Father's Day family food-tasting event
-- will be featured on an episode of "Emeril Live" on
The Food Network on Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 8PM EDT. The program,
which has a viewing audience of 91 million homes in 135 countries,
is icing on the cake for the 18th annual Real Men Cook event,
which will occur in nine cities across the nation on Father's
Day, June 17, 2007.
Real Men Cook is the ONLY event of its kind -- one that celebrates
men as fathers, care givers and pillars of strength to their families
and communities. Chef Emeril Lagasse devotes an entire segment
to saluting them as "all the great guys who prepare great
meals for their families." What he prepares on his show is
"a home cooked meal" in tribute to the volunteer efforts
of Real Men Cook "who nourish the body, mind and soul of
their families by giving up their own chance at being pampered
on Father's Day to give something back to the community,"
says Yvette Moyo. Each audience member is presented with the Real
Men Cook cookbook, which includes features profiles, recipes and
family stories with a foreword written by presidential candidate
Barack Obama.
Real Men Cook is presented by Real Men Cook Charities, a 501(c)(3)
organization based in Chicago. First produced in 1990, the event
will occur this year simultaneously in Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas,
Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia and Washington,
D.C. To date, more than $1 million has been raised for various
charities through event ticket sales and donations.
The biggest highlight of the event is the opportunity to taste
"home cooked" specialties prepared by volunteer chefs.
There are also informational pavilions, including Health and Wellness
Pavilions featuring screenings, healthy foods and workshops; product
demonstrations, raffles, fun activities and music for the entire
family.
The lead national sponsors for Real Men Cook 2007 are The Nielsen
Company, Bounty, the official clean-up partner in all cities,
and State Farm Insurance, a multiple city sponsor. In past years,
the event has enjoyed the attention of Time magazine, USA Today
and Southern Living. Celebrities like Barack Obama, Damon Dash,
musician George Duke, Eddie (O'Jays) Levert, boxing champions
Lenox Lewis and Roy Jones, Congressmen John Conyers, John Lewis
and Danny Davis are associated with the events and generally attend
in their home cities.
For event tickets, visit http://www.realmencook.com/. Information
on Real Men Cook on "Emeril Live" (episode EM0615) is
at http://www.foodnetwork.com/.
Fathers & Teens Cycle Across USA for Boys Who
Can't in First 10thGear JettRide
BOSTON, June 7 /PRNewswire/ -- What are the dads in your house
doing this Father's Day? They are probably kicking back and being
celebrated, as they should be. Not in the Blackstone and South
Shore areas of Massachusetts. A number of these dads and their
teens are packing to fly to Portland, Oregon, June 20, 2007 for
the sightseeing and fundraising bicycle ride of their lives.
Participating with a group of 40 adult leaders and teens 14-20
in the first 10thGear JettRide, six dads and their teens are preparing
for a memorable summer. After a few days' training at Seaside,
south of Portland, the father and son or daughter teams will begin
a 3800, cross country bike trip through 14 states to explore America,
while raising funds for research for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
The ecumenical group, called 10th Gear Christian Youth Cyclists,
affiliated with the Village Congregational Church in Whitinsville,
MA and the Boy Scouts of America, is riding to benefit the Jett
Foundation of Pembroke, MA, an organization founded to combat
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). While they are cycling, the
riders will encourage contributions for those who cannot ride
themselves, boys and young men affected by DMD, a fatal muscle
wasting disease that disables them in their teens and usually
claims their lives by the time they are 20.
The 10thGear JettRide is part of the group's first 2007 Explore
America Tour (EAT). The riders look forward to dipping their rear
bike wheels in the Pacific Ocean at the start and their front
wheels in the Atlantic Ocean at the finish. The cyclists hope
to help Jett and Project Catalyst, a research program of Parent
Project Muscular Dystrophy, reach their one million dollar goal
during the stops at 40 churches and other local organizations,
and through supporters' contributions at an online website, http://www.jettride.org/
or http://www.jettfoundation.org/ .
Their itinerary is as follows: 6/24 Portland, OR; 7/3 Missoula,
MT; 7/6 Butte, MT; 7/19 Rapid City, SD ; 7/28 Minneapolis, MN;
8/8 Lapeer, MI; 8/11 Sandusky, OH; 8/14 Canton, OH; and, 8/24
Lincoln, RI or Providence. The group will cycle from Seaside,
OR to Plymouth Rock, MA in five, two and half-week segments through
many national highlights.
Source: The Jett Foundation
Web site: http://www.jettride.org/
Real Dads Vs. Reel Dads: Movie Lovers Weigh In On
Father's Day Survey From Blockbuster
Will Smith Is Voted Top Dad In Movies & Life
DALLAS, June 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Father may know best,
but when it comes to films, movie lovers are the best judge of
dads on the big screen. Just in time for Father's Day on Sunday,
June 17, entertainment retailer Blockbuster presents a survey
on the best and the worst movie dads -- and how they stack up
against those off-screen.
Topping movie lovers' list of on-screen fathers they'd most
like as their own is the devoted and determined single dad Chris
Gardner in "The Pursuit of Happyness," played by Will
Smith. Perhaps because of his convincing portrayal in the movie
opposite his real-life son, Jaden Smith, fans also chose Will
Smith as the celebrity dad they'd most like to have as their own.
Not surprisingly, the on-screen and off-screen Smith was most
popular with young females ages 18-34, although males also named
him a top pick.
Real-life dads get less respect than their on-film counterparts,
with survey respondents comparing their own fathers to some of
the most notoriously humorous and sometimes bumbling dads in movie
history. Topping the list is Steve Martin's George Banks in "Father
of the Bride," who finds himself overruled and bullied by
his wife, daughter, a colorful wedding planner and even two Doberman
Pinschers. Movie lovers also named Jack Byrnes, the overprotective
ex-CIA dad in "Meet the Parents" and Chevy Chase's clueless
Clark Griswold from "National Lampoon's Vacation" as
characters reminiscent of their own dads.
Of course, clueless, overprotective and bumbling is child's
play compared to the evildoings of some movie dads. When asked
what movie dad they'd least like to have as their own, more than
a third chose the terrifying Jack Torrance, played by Jack Nicholson
in "The Shining," followed by Jim Carrey's Fletcher
Reede in "Liar, Liar" and the ominous Darth Vader from
the Star Wars series. Fortunately, none of these characters showed
up on the "movie dads most like my own" list.
Movie fans who haven't had a chance to see these reel life
dads in action can rent the DVDs at any BLOCKBUSTER(R) store or
at blockbuster.com. And, if you want to pick up a classic dad
film on Father's Day, which falls on a Sunday, you can head to
a BLOCKBUSTER store. BLOCKBUSTER stores are open seven days a
week and on holidays, so even when the mail's not available, your
favorite movies are.
An overview of results from the omnibus survey, conducted in
May 2007 by MarketTools on behalf of Blockbuster Inc., is provided
below. More detailed results are available upon request.
Movie Dads You'd Most Like As Your Own
Chris Garder (Will Smith), "The Pursuit of Happyness"
19%
George Banks (Steve Martin), "Father of the Bride"
18%
Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck), "To Kill A Mockingbird"
17%
Bernie Focker (Dustin Hoffman), "Meet the Fockers"
12%
Jack Butler (Michael Keaton), "Mr. Mom"
8%
Movie Dads You'd Least Like As Your Own
Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson), "The Shining"
35%
Fletcher Reede (Jim Carrey), "Liar, Liar"
16%
Darth Vader (David Prowse), "Empire Strikes Back"
13%
Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando), "The Godfather"
13%
Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey), "American Beauty"
6%
Movie Dads Most Like Your Own
George Banks (Steve Martin), "Father of the Bride"
16%
Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro), "Meet the Parents"
16%
Drum Eatenton (Tom Skerritt), "Steel Magnolias"
12%
Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase), "National Lampoon's Vacation"
8%
Jim's Dad (Eugene Levy), "American Pie"
7%
Celebrity Dads You'd Most Like As Your Own
Will Smith, father to Trey, Willow and Jaden
25%
Russell Crowe, father to Charlie and Tennyson
8%
Ben Affleck, father to Violet
7%
Brad Pitt, father to Maddox, Zahara, Shiloh and Pax
7%
Hugh Jackman, father to Ava and Oscar
6%
Tom Cruise, father to Isabella, Connor and Suri
6%
About Blockbuster
Blockbuster Inc. (NYSE:BBI) (NYSE:BBI.B) is a leading global
provider of in- home movie and game entertainment, with more than
8,000 stores throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia.
The company may be accessed worldwide at http://www.blockbuster.com/.
Source: Blockbuster Inc.
Web site: http://www.blockbuster.com/
Did Dad Teach You to Hammer, Saw Or Build?
BobVila.com to Honor Stories of Fathers Working with
their Children
BOSTON, June 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Bob Vila, the home-improvement
expert, got his start working side by side with his dad, building
the family's home in Miami. In honor of Father's Day, June 17,
BobVila.com is looking for other people's favorite stories about
their dads, too.
"We know that people of all ages have enjoyed learning
from and working with their dads on all kinds of projects -- hammering,
sawing, building, remodeling or, even, mowing the lawn. Plus,
we know that many of them were inspired by Bob Vila," said
Melissa Marchand, chief operating officer of BobVila.com. "With
Father's Day approaching, we want to give everyone the chance
to honor Dad -- by posting their favorites stories and photos
at BobVila.com."
In addition to posting the stories and photos that are submitted,
BobVila.com will be selecting, from those submissions, three top
winners of cash prizes: $1,000 - first prize, $500 - second prize
and $250 - third prize.
Entries must be posted by midnight on June 17. "We'll
be judging on creativity and heart," said Marchand, "with
no points off for drips, chips or out-of-plumb projects."
BobVila.com is a Boston-based Web business that provides advice
and information regarding building and renovation projects and
products -- featuring Bob Vila's library of 17 years of syndicated
programming, a new online series of individual how-to projects
and, now the extensive new line of Bob Vila tools.
Source: BobVila.com
Web site: http://www.bobvila.com/
Father's Day Is a Big Day for Golf and a Bigger
Day for Poison Ivy
Leading allergic reaction will leave millions scratching,
according to buji(R) National Golf Survey
CHICAGO, June 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Fathers and those who love
and care for them, take notice: if you are one of the millions
heading out on the course this Father's Day, be aware of the mean
green. A national survey completed in April 2007 by buji, maker
of active lifestyle skin care products, found that 22% of core
golfers have been afflicted with poison ivy, oak or sumac on their
arms, legs or groin while golfing.
According to the survey, over 12% of golfers have added strokes
to their game and 11% have had to forfeit a day of golf as a result
of the relentless itch and irritation of poison ivy.
Jack Morehouse knows this problem all too well. As author of
the popular golf improvement guide book, How To Break 80, he has
encountered poison ivy many times, both personally and through
his countless interactions with other golfers. "Over the
course of years, I have developed a painstakingly detailed and
proven account for improving one's game, but there is simply no
advice for overcoming the ills of poison ivy other than to avoid
it. Trust me, I have learned this lesson the hard way."
"We were surprised to learn of the significance of poison
ivy's impact on golfers, which is why we are working with golf
companies and organizations in helping educate golfers about our
products' ability to help protect them from this nasty rash,"
said Cadey O'Leary, president of buji, LLC. "Using büji
won't necessarily help your swing, but it will allow you to stay
on the course and keep playing, and isn't that what all golfers
want?"
The buji survey was conducted on-line specifically with golfers,
ages 25-55, with 62% of core-golfer respondents hitting the course
at least 20 times per year.
About buji: buji, LLC, wants people to get out and discover.
Its products are designed to protect and condition the skin of
active bodies, and the company supports initiatives that foster
discovery and exploration. buji's premier products target the
source of poison ivy/oak reactions and provide UVA/UVB sun protection.
They are fragrance-free, dye-free, hypoallergenic and dermatologist-
and pediatrician-tested and are sold nationally at Rite Aid or
through http://www.bujiproducts.com/. For more information, visit
our web site or call 888-606-2854.
Source: buji, LLC
Web site: http://www.bujiproducts.com/
Give Your Dad the Perfect Fathers' Day Gift This Year:
A Chance to Live the Dream and Be a Rock Star at Rock 'n' Roll
Fantasy Camp!
NEW YORK, June 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Only Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy
Camp offers the average dad the life changing opportunity to jam
with Bill Wyman of The Rolling Stones and Jack Bruce of Cream,
perform with Roger Daltrey of The Who at the House of Blues and
record at Abbey Road Studios in London.
As part of their Fathers' Day promotion, Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy
Camp is offering a discount to all campers who register for the
2007 Labor Day camp in New York City before June 30th. Imagine
your dad jamming and playing live with Paul Stanley, Ted Nugent,
Max Weinberg and many more!
The next camp is scheduled August 30th-September 3rd (Labor
Day weekend) in New York City at Gibson's Hit Factory and a final
"battle of the bands" performance at BB King's. Each
camp band will perform with Paul Stanley of KISS and the David
Letterman horn section.
The camp will also feature Leslie West and Corky Laing (Mountain),
Mark Farner (formerly of Grand Funk Railroad), Jane Wiedlin (The
Go-Go's), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Alan White (YES), Simon
Kirke (Bad Company), Eddie Ojeda (Twisted Sister), Scott Ian (Anthrax),
Spike Edney (Queen), Skunk Baxter (Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers)
and Kip Winger (Winger).
Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp was dubbed the "most amazing
rock 'n' roll lifestyle experience" by The London Times and
"brilliant" by ABC Good Morning America. The camp has
been featured on television shows such as Ellen, where Ellen Degeneres
jammed with Bonnie Raitt and David Crosby, and on the episode
of The Simpsons where Homer goes to Fantasy Camp and jams with
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp was created by rock and roll producer
David Fishof, a twenty-five year veteran of the music business.
Go to www.rockcamp.com or call 1.888.762.2263 for more information
on the Fathers' Day promotion and to sign your dad up for an experience
of a lifetime!
And if Dad gets hooked on the rocker lifestyle, register him
for the Columbus Day weekend camp October 5th through 8th, 2007
at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, culminating
in a final night jam at the House of Blues.
Source: Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp
Web site: http://www.rockcamp.com/
A Zesty New Dish for Dad on Father's Day
Strawberry Jalapeno Chicken Wings a sweet-hot treat
for a special guy
WATSONVILLE, Calif., June 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The
kids think Dad's sweet. His wife thinks he's hot. This Father's
Day, there's a new recipe that will celebrate both of those qualities
-- Strawberry Jalapeno Chicken Wings. Crispy oven-fried chicken
coated with a zesty sauce that perfectly pairs the sweetness of
strawberries with just a hint of the pepper's heat is sure to
put a smile on any man's face.
"People are used to thinking about strawberries in desserts
or as snacks," says Chef Mary Pagan, creator of the recipe
and Certified Executive Chef/C.E.O. of the Culinary Center of
Monterey in Monterey, California. "But strawberries add a
surprising and delicious twist when paired with savory foods and
main dishes. They really add that 'Wow!' factor. Dishes that impress
but are easy to fix are always a hit with cooks, too."
Strawberry Jalapeno Chicken Wings are great as an entree for
a family Father's Day dinner or as a tasty snack for Dad and his
buddies as they watch a game on TV Sunday afternoon. Including
strawberries in a dish is also an excellent way to increase vitamin
C in a diet. In fact, a serving of eight strawberries has 160%
of the Daily Value of vitamin C and they are also a source of
fiber and folate.
Strawberry Jalapeno Chicken Wings
Ingredients:
2 1/2 pounds chicken wings
4 ounces cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 pounds frozen strawberries
1/4 cup jalapeno -- seeded and diced
1 cup water
Wash chicken wings. Combine cornstarch, salt and pepper. Mix
well. Toss the chicken wings in the cornstarch mixture until all
are lightly coated. Place on single layer on a sheet pan. Spray
lightly with Pam or pan coating. Place in a 375 degree oven for
40 minutes. While the chicken is baking, combine the remaining
ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmering,
stirring occasionally until a sauce begins to thicken a little.
Coat chicken wings with hot sauce.
Makes 8 servings. Serving size: 6 wings
Nutrition information: 234 Calories; 10g Fat (37.8% calories
from fat); 12g Protein; 25g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 47mg
Cholesterol; 260mg Sodium.
Web site: http://www.calstrawberry.com/
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers' 'Father's Day Final Four
Giveaway' Honors America's Most Deserving Dad
Guests encouraged to submit essays describing 'Why
your dad deserves to win the Father's Day Final Four Giveaway.'
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., June 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
This Father's Day, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (Red Robin) is inviting
its guests to show dad how much he means by participating in the
"Father's Day Final Four Giveaway" contest. Red Robin
will reward the most-deserving father with a 2008 NCAA(R) Men's
Final Four(R) package for two based on a 100-word essay submitted
on his behalf.
Red Robin will accept essays now through Sunday, June 17, 2007
describing, "Why my dad deserves to win the Father's Day
Final Four Giveaway." Essays can be submitted by visiting
http://www.cokeusa.com/redrobinfathersday.
The Father's Day Final Four Giveaway winner will be notified
the week of July 2, 2007 and will be announced to the public on
July 9, 2007. The winner will receive a four (4) night trip for
two (2) to attend the 2008 NCAA(R) Men's Final Four(R) in San
Antonio, Texas in April 2008. Prize includes round-trip coach
airfare for two (2), hotel accommodations for four (4) nights,
a rental car for five (5) days, two (2) tickets to the NCAA(R)
Division I Men's Basketball National Semi Finals, two (2) tickets
to the NCAA(R) Division I Men's Basketball National Championship
and $500.
"On behalf of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, I am excited
to honor one extra special dad with this well-deserved fun-filled
escape," said Eric Houseman, Red Robin president and chief
operating officer. "We're happy to give one of our guests
the opportunity to show dad how really special and appreciated
he is."
In addition to the grand prize, Red Robin also will select
one runner-up submission per state and Washington D.C. These fathers
will each receive a $200 Visa(R) gift card and a $50 Red Robin
gift card.
About Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (NASDAQ:RRGB)
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (NASDAQ: RRGB; http://www.redrobin.com),
founded in 1969, is a casual dining restaurant chain that serves
up wholesome, fun, feel-good experiences in a family-friendly
environment. Red Robin(R) restaurants are famous for serving more
than 22 high-quality gourmet burgers in a variety of recipes with
Bottomless Steak Fries(R), as well as salads, soups, appetizers,
entrees, desserts, and signature Mad Mixology(R) Beverages. There
are more than 360 Red Robin(R) restaurants located across the
United States and Canada, which include both corporate-owned locations
and those operated under franchise or license agreements.
Source: Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.
Web site: http://www.redrobin.com/
General Imaging to Unveil Exclusive GE E850 Digital
Camera at RadioShack Stores Nationwide in Time for Father's Day
Camera features sleek and intuitive design, plus a
host of popular, advanced functions
TORRANCE, Calif., June 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- General
Imaging, the worldwide exclusive licensee for GE-branded digital
cameras, announced today RadioShack will begin carrying one of
its stylish new cameras in time for Father's Day.
The GE E850 will be on shelves in 3,000 company-operated RadioShack
stores by June 10 and in remaining locations shortly thereafter.
The digital camera will also be available on the Web at www.radioshack.com
as well as through the company's Ship-to-Store and Direct-to-U
programs. The GE E850 retails for less than $200 and is available
exclusively at RadioShack until September 2007.
"RadioShack is very excited to exclusively introduce the
GE E850 this summer," said Doug Lane, merchandising vice
president of RadioShack Corporation. "This is a quality product
at an affordable price and the GE name will certainly resonate
with our customers as a dependable solution for their digital
imaging needs."
The E850 is in the mid-range of the eight-camera GE line. It's
an intermediate point-and-shoot that offers many features found
in other brands' top-of-the-line models - a 28mm equivalent wide-angle
lens, 8 megapixels of resolution, a 5X optical zoom, a large 3-inch
LCD screen, and a highly intuitive user interface. It's powered
by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
All GE cameras boast a sleek and intuitive design along with
a host of popular, advanced functions built in as standard features,
including face detection, a function that recognizes human faces,
highlights them on the LCD screen, and provides adequate focus
and exposure. Other features include image stabilization, red-eye
removal, ISO 1600 sensitivity, and panoramic stitching, a software
feature built into the camera that allows the photographer to
take up to three photos of a wide vista and "stitch"
them together as a single image.
Hiroshi "Hugh" Komiya, Chairman & CEO of General
Imaging, said he looks forward to a long relationship with RadioShack.
"RadioShack is an American institution, with a long history
of leadership in consumer electronics fueled by convenient neighborhood
locations and very knowledgeable sales people," he said.
"We will add another chapter to that history by offering
RadioShack customers innovative cameras at an excellent price."
Rene Buhay, Vice President of Sales North America for General
Imaging, added he was excited about the new arrangement. "RadioShack
will increase our visibility in neighborhoods throughout the country
and give us access to consumers accustomed to seeing the very
latest in electronics in their stores along with personal assistance
in understanding how it works. It's a win-win for us both,"
he said.
About General Imaging
An independent new company based in Torrance, Calif., General
Imaging unveiled eight cameras carrying the famous GE name in
March during PMA 07, a photographic trade show in Las Vegas. More
information about GE cameras is available at www.ge.com/digitalcameras.
About RadioShack Corporation
RadioShack Corporation (NYSE:RSH) is one of the nation's most
experienced and trusted consumer electronics specialty retailers.
The company has a presence through more than 6,000 company-operated
stores and dealer outlets in the United States, over 100 RadioShack
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NEWSLETTER
- VALENTINE'S DAY
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Table of Contents by Author
Heather Diodati
Susan Dunn
Michelle Gonzalez
Arlene Kaptur
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Kimberly Lainson
Nancy Twigg
Glenda M. Thomas
Michael Webb
T.W. Winslow
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Passing
Thoughts: Fear and Loathing on Valentine's Day
by T.W. Winslow
Valentine's Day is just around the corner and for many of
us men this is one holiday we could do without. Not because we're
against romance necessarily, we just aren't very good at it.
Of course there are exceptions to this rule, but for most of
us men Valentine's Day is like a car wreck - something which
we'd rather avoid. But like our annual tax bill, Valentine's
Day comes once a year whether we like it or not.
Don't get me wrong, if we men were more capable in matters
of the heart, I'm sure this would be a day we'd look forward
to. But sadly, this usually isn't the case. Think of it this
way; a man giving a Valentine's Day gift is much like him trying
to hammer a nail blindfolded. Occasionally he'll hit the mark,
but most often it will result in an unpleasant experience.
Each year we men struggle to come up with what we believe
to be the perfect Valentine's Day gift. And more often than not,
each year these offerings of love are met with less than wild
enthusiasm from our partners. How were we to know such things
as a new iron, blender, toaster, vacuum or dishwasher were not
the ideal Valentine's Day gift? Or giving such things as a treadmill,
aerobics video, or jogging outfit would not be interpreted as
our saying "I love you" but rather, "Honey, your
thighs look like cottage cheese." Maybe the women in our
lives, rather than getting irritated and upset by our feeble
attempts at romance, should simply take pity on us.
Perhaps we men have some strange genetic defect that hasn't
yet been recognized by medical science. Or it might be Cupid's
fault. Perhaps when he shoots his arrows of love at a couple
he hits the woman's heart, but inflicts some sort of massive
head trauma to the male involved. There must be some rational
explanation for our lack of romantic flair. Why else would we
men think the only purpose for candles is emergency lighting
during power outages? That ambiance is some kind of bottled water?
Or that loves notes are what we leave for our partners to let
them know we are out of beer?
Men deserve sympathy, compassion, mercy and understanding,
for when it comes to the fine art of romance, we men are sitting
in our boxer shorts finger painting with our toes. So this year
when you receive oven-mitts adorned with little red hearts or
lingerie even a street walker wouldn't wear, don't get mad at
the man in your life, understand he did the best he could...
all things considered.
About The Author:
T.W. Winslow lives in the Pacific Northwest - USA. He is
a writer and co-creator of United in God http://www.unitedingod.org
10
Creative Ways to Give from the Heart, Not the Pocketbook
by Nancy Twigg
Meaningful gift giving doesn’t have to be expensive.
In fact, some of the most precious gifts are the ones that cost
very little, but mean a great deal because of the time and effort
the giver took in giving the gift. Below you will find a list
of gift ideas that are low-cost but high value. Rather than a
large chunk of change, these gift ideas require you to invest
your creativity and time with only a little of your hard-earned
cash.
* Make a scrapbook of the history of your relationship with
the recipient. Fill it with pictures, mementos and memories from
the past. Include your own heartfelt note thanking the recipient
for the value and warmth she adds to your life.
* Put your artistic abilities to work and create a piece of
art in honor of the recipient. Write a personalized song, do
a painting or sketch, or write a poem.
* Use your computer to make a family cookbook with a variety
of recipes contributed by different family members. Or make a
cookbook of all of your own special recipes to share with the
recipient.
* If you have artistic flair, purchase blank note cards with
envelopes. Decorate the cards with your own drawings to make
personalized note cards for your loved one.
* If you can knit or crochet, make the honoree a new scarf,
hat, afghan or pair of mittens. If you sew, create a new apron,
fleece throw or keepsake pillow.
* Make an “I Love You because...” or “You’re
Special because...” jar. On individual slips of paper, write
something you love and appreciate about the honoree. Place the
slips of paper in a decorative jar. You can also make an “I
Love You” book by writing each thought on a different page
of a blank journal.
* Use a desktop publishing program or your calligraphy skills
to create a wall-hanging featuring a inspirational quote or Bible
verse that is particularly meaningful. If you are handy with
a needle and embroidery floss, do the same thing using your needlework
skills. Display the finished product in an inexpensive, yet attractive
frame.
* For the chocolate lover on your list, fill a gift basket
with several varieties of homemade chocolate cookies, candy,
and brownies. If the recipient loves sweets but is concerned
about weight gain, use recipes for goodies that are low in fat
and calories.
* Make a keepsake video containing something that would be
special to the recipient: her children singing songs, friends
telling why they love her, or you recounting funny stories of
times you’ve shared together.
* Do a week or month’s worth of cooking for the recipient.
Fill her freezer with homemade meals that she can easily heat
and serve rather than having to cook.
Excerpt from Nancy’s book, Celebrate Simply: Your
Guide to Simpler, More Meaningful Holidays and Special Occasions.
Just in time for holiday gift giving -- Use this special link
to get free shipping: http://www.celebratesimply.com/offerNov2003.htm
Nancy Twigg may be contacted at http://www.countingthecost.com
nancy@countingthecost.com. Nancy Twigg is the editor of Counting
the Cost, a free email newsletter about simple and frugal living.
She is also the author of the new book, Celebrate Simply: Your
Guide to Simpler, More Meaningful Holidays and Special Occasions.
To learn more about living simply or celebrating simply, visit
Nancy online at www.countingthecost.com
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18
Great Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day if You Aren't a "Couple"
by Susan Dunn
When we think of Valentine’s Day, we tend to think of
a man and a woman celebrating together. If you aren’t paired
at this time, here are 18 great ways to celebrate Valentine’s
Day YOUR way.
1. Celebrate with a child!
If you don’t have one, borrow one! Invite your niece
over for an afternoon of tea with tiaras and tutus, making Valentines,
and reading Valentine’s books. Got a boy in your life? How
about some slap-jack or Pente, video games and a candle-lit dinner
with fondue – to keep those hands busy! Nice red catsup
is good enough for the sauce!
2. Give a party at a children’s shelter.
The Volunteer Director is trained to help you! Simple refreshments,
favors, plan a game, tie-dye t-shirts, crafts, play the piano
and sing. It’s the thought and the companionship that count.
Games? Play musical chairs, tying big red bows to the front of
the chairs. Pin the Lips on Ms. Valentine – draw “her”
on posterboard – use moving eyes, false eyelashes and pipe
cleaners for hair. Put each kid’s name on a pair of red
lips cut out of construction paper with tape on back. Blindfold
them with Valentine scarf and proceed! Valentine Bingo –
make bingo cards with Valentine items instead of numbers to call.
Use February theme to increase number of items – groundhogs,
Presidents Lincoln and Washington, candy, hearts, doves, lovers,
Valentines, etc. Serve “Love Potion” for the beverage.
3. Make it a special day for someone in a retirement or nursing
home.
Put on that bright red sweater and your Valentine tie - $12
and it’s perfect, red with white hearts; or Taz in love
and red braces available here and head on over! One friend of
mine takes something he bakes called Terribly Naughty. I believe
it has pecans, peanut butter, chocolate morsels, marshmallows,
butterscotch pieces, pure butter, at least a pound of sugar,
and brandy in it. He's very popular!
4. Have friends over for a Valentine's Party.
Sing love songs, watch a video, make an outrageously beautiful
buffet spread. Have everyone bring a grab bag gift. Have a poetry
contest. Romantic songs list here.
5. Call up your son and daughter-in-law and tell them you're
coming for the weekend to take care of the kids so they can go
celebrate.
Bake Valentine’s cookies with the kids and have a red
dinner – red jello hearts, heart-shaped pasta with tomato
sauce or heart-shaped pizza, Hawaiian punch and cinnamon hearts
in hot cocoa. “Willie Wonka” video, everyone gets in
the big bed with Nana, snuggle-time, dogs included. Woo hoo!
6. Celebrate with your animal companion.
There's no more reliable source of love in our lives.
7. Bake some homemade dog biscuits.
Recipes here. Take your dog for a special outing, and on the
way, drop off your treats at the local animal shelter.
8. Take your animal companion with you to a nursing home or
convalescent center.
Many facilities are making this opportunity available for
their guests. You can deck your dog, cat, ferret or rabbit in
a festive Valentine scarf for the occasion. Red vest, tie, bows,
boas! and click here for other festive wear for your small furry
friend.
9. Enjoy the day helping others.
A local place of worship might be building a house for Habitat
or going Valentine caroling at a housing project. If not, why
not? If not you, who?
10. Book a Valentine cruise on the Costa cruise line and dance
the nights away.
Be a gentleman host, or dance with one! Gentlemen dance hosts
"work" from 8 pm to 1 am every night, visiting with
and dancing with women cruise guests. Great vacation for singles!
Gentleman, don’t forget your red cummerbund and bowtie.
Wait til the last minute when the rates go down really low.
11. Have friends over for a Valentine Day Brunch.
Make pancakes and fried eggs shaped like hearts, serve with
strawberry syrup, fresh strawberries, some nice crisp bacon,
strawberry daiquiris and nice hot tea. Yum! Set a terminally
romantic buffet table and fill the DR ceiling with pink and/or
red helium balloons.
12. Check for special events in your town.
A special Valentine pops concert perhaps?
13. Get away for the weekend and see some great art.
Bath House Center in Dallas, Texas has an annual February
exhibit called "El Corazon," "the heart."
14. Organize something with your civic group.
If the New York Giants can do it, so can you. Last year they
visited patients in Children's Hospital of New York-Presbyterian
on Valentine's Day.
15. Call your favorite aunt or your bratty little brother
and head for “New York in Love.” The Museum of the
City of NY is featuring an exhibit of 19th Century Valentines.
16. Try something zany. The Embassy Suites, Richmond, Va.
Offers the King’s Dominion Package – 2-room suite,
breakfast, reception, indoor pool and Jacuzzi and 2 adult tickets
to go ride that roller coaster! There’s more than one way
to ‘lose your heart’ on Valentine’s Day.
17. The Winter-storm adventure! Ancient Cedars Spa, Vancouver
Island at the Wickannish Inn, situated on a rocky promontory
at the westernmost point of Chesterman Beach, at the gateway
to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Enjoy the spectacle of
20’ waves pounding the coast from your room with ocean view,
deep soaker tub, and fireplace for optimum viewing. All spa amenities,
epicurean dining and “the storm-watching experience”.
Slickers provided. Bring along some friends, your pet, and/or
a good book!
18. Feed your heart! Curl up with a good book. “A General
Theory of Love,” of course, by Amini, Lewis and Lannon.
Susan Dunn may be contacted at http://www.susandunn.cc
sdunn@susandunn.cc.
Susan Dunn, MA, Clinical Psychology, cEQc, The EQ Coach™
. Coaching resources, tools and support for your personal and
professional development. EQ Alive! - EQ Coach training and certification.
Susan is the author of numerous ebooks, including "How to
Live Your Life with Emotional Intelligence," "Depression,"
and "EQ's Answer to Addiction: the 14th Step." She
is widely published on the Internet, a syndicated columnist for
WebProNews and Family-Content, and a regular speaker for cruise
lines. She offers home study programs through her distance learning
school.
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History
and Traditions of St. Valentine's Day
by Michelle Gonzalez
Part of the mystery of St. Valentine's Day is the Saint himself.
There are numerous legends about St. Valentine, who is thought
to have died, or been buried, as a martyr on February 14th, around
270 A.D.
Legend tells us that St. Valentine was a priest who served
in third century Rome. Roman Emperor Caludius II wanted to maintain
a great army, and decided that more men would be willing to join,
fight and die for Rome if they did not have to worry about leaving
wives and children behind - so he outlawed marriage. Valentine
defied the Emperor by performing marriages in secret, thus bringing
young couples in love together.
When his traitorous actions were discovered, he was imprisoned,
and eventually put to death. He was subsequently declared a Saint
by the Catholic church.
It is thought that while in prison, Valentine began the tradition
of sending "valentine's". According to one legend,
Valentine fell in love with a young woman, who may have been
the daughter of his jailer, who visited him during his imprisonment.
He wrote his new beloved a letter, which he signed "From
your Valentine", an expression commonly used in Valentine's
greeting today.
Another legend holds that he was so popular with children,
that they passed cards to him through the bars of his cell, and
continued to leave notes even after his death.
Pope Gelasius declared February 14th Saint Valentine's Day
around 498 A.D.
Valentine's Day Traditions-
Valentine's Day cards have been exchanged in the United States
since the early 1700's. The tradition of exchanging heart shaped
gifts symbolizes the giving of one's whole heart and emotions
to the one they love.
The red rose, a year round symbol of love, is often given
on Valentine's day. The International Cut Flower Growers Association
estimates that 100 million roses will be sold for Valentine's
Day this year, generally going for between $60-$65 per dozen.
The phrase "wear your heart on your sleeve" takes
its origin from the Middle ages when young men and women would
draw names from a wooden bowl to discover the identity of their
valentine. They would were the name they chose on their sleeve
for a week.
It is common for many bird breeders to use Valentine's Day
as the beginning of the annual breeding season. On February 14th,
male and female birds are brought back together after months
of separation.
Valentine's Day is also celebrated in Mexico, Canada, the
United Kingdom, Australia and France.
So...
This year, instead of giving simply a box of chocolates or
dozen roses, why not write a poem to your love? It will most
definitely last longer, and is guaranteed to be cherished...as
long as you don't begin with "Roses are...".
Happy Valentine's Day!
Michelle Gonzalez may be contacted at http://www.inspiredparent.com
michelle@inspiredparent.com.
Michelle Gonzalez is the editor of both www.youthweekly.com
and www.inspiredparent.com.
A mother of three, she enjoys writing articles as well as poems
and stories in her spare time. Her passions around childrens
literacy and good parenting led her to create her two successful
ezines.
15 Valentine's
Day Ideas for Under $15
by Glenda M Thomas
HOUSTON, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Every year advertisers attempt
to convince consumers that the only way to prove their love is
to spend an exorbitant amount of money on February 14th. Yet
most women would agree that real romance comes from the heart
and not the wallet. To that end, Money Management International
(MMI) offers 15 ways to say "I love you" that cost
less than $15.
1. Make your loved one a macaroni necklace and present it
in a jewelry box. Enclose a note that says, "When I am with
you, I feel like a kid again." Then head out together to
do something little kids do for fun -- roller skating, bike riding,
swinging as high as you can on the swing set, go to the zoo,
etc.
2. Head down to your local hardware store and have a key made
with your initials engraved in it; then present the "key
to your heart" to your loved one.
3. Make a list of 101 reasons you love him/her and have it
framed.
4. Collect/make a special photo album of your most cherished
times together with notes on each page as to why that moment
was important to you.
5. Have a mousepad made with a picture of you and your loved
one.
6. Create a scavenger hunt for your loved one that requires
him/her to stop at special places the two of you have in common.
7. Leave a trail of post-it notes directing your loved one
throughout the house to find little treasure (chocolate kisses,
single flowers, etc.) with a short expression of love on each
one ("your kisses are as sweet" or "throughout
the years our love has blossomed and unfolded like the most delicate
flower") leading them to home cooked dinner.
8. Create a homemade coupon book for gifts such as one free
uninterrupted afternoon of golf/football or one evening away
from the kids. Free gift certificates can be found at www.moneymanagement.org/gift
.
9. Splurge on food at the grocery store instead of a restaurant.
Buy fresh lobster, or something that you would not normally buy
and cook it together. Have the dinner consist of foods that are
all either red or white.
10. Make a handmade card using pictures of you and your significant
other and find quotes about love online. (www.toinspire.com )
11. Have just a glass of champagne or dessert at a fancy restaurant
or hotel.
12. Write a poem (or if you are grammatically challenged,
find an existing one) and print it out on nice paper. You can
then mail it to your loved one at work. Or, if you have a frame
with outdated pictures, you can use it to frame your poem and
wrap it as a gift.
13. Tour a free local art exhibit and then have a picnic under
the stars.
14. Purchase a box of children's valentines and hide them
all around the house starting a week before Valentine's Day.
15. Learn to say "I love you" in several languages.
Money Management International reminds all consumers that
they don't have to go into debt to prove their love. "It
is important to keep your head when shopping for your heart,"
explains Rudy Cavazos, director of corporate and media relations
for MMI. "Periodic expenses are the adversary of good financial
planning. Valentine's Day is a perfect example of an event that
typically is not budgeted for." Cavazos advises that consumers
should use cash whenever possible. If a credit card must be used
for Valentine's Day expenses, don't charge anything that cannot
be paid off in three months or less.
About Money Management International
Money Management International (MMI) is the nation's largest
non-profit, full-service credit counseling agency, providing
confidential financial guidance, counseling and debt management
assistance to consumers for over 44 years. MMI helps consumers
trim their expenses, develop a spending plan and repay debts.
Counseling is available by appointment in branch offices and
24/7 by telephone and Internet. Services are available in English
or Spanish. To learn more, call 800-762-2271 or visit their website
at www.moneymanagement.org .
Contact: Courtney Carter or Kim O'Quinn Pierpont Communications
713-627-2223
Glenda M Thomas may be contacted at http://yours.at/sister2sister
sis2sis@earthlink.net. Glenda Thomas has been married for 28
years and is the mother of 3 young adult children, and grandmother
to one grandson (age 2). Glenda is the editor of Sister 2 Sister
Newsletter. She also is a dynamic public speaker.
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Alone
This Valentine's Day?
by Susan Dunn
Valentine's Day can range from annoying to dreadful when you
aren't paired, so let's put a new spin on this!
You probably feel sorry for yourself because you're the Only
One who's alone, but if you're alone you're NOT alone. According
to the American Association for Single people, 82 million men
and women in the United States are unmarried.
If you define adults as those over 18, 44% of US adults are
single. By 2010, it should be 47.2%. That's getting very close
to half. What will we do then? Rename the holiday? Abolish it?
Or will those of us who are single rise up and demand our OWN
holiday? An UNValentine's Day??
Holidays DO disappear, you know. When I was young, we celebrated
May Day. Honestly, you bought Hallmark paper basket kits, you
assembled them, you filled them with fresh flowers and placed
them on your neighbors' doorsteps.
I am not making this up.
But I am digressing.
Back to my point. A LOT of us are single, so you AREN'T alone
if you're alone on Valentine 's Day. If that doesn't make you
feel better, try these things, which will be just a little tongue
in cheek, because I want to ramp you out of your position of
feeling sorry for yourself.
I've tried most of these, BTW, having been single longer than
some of you have been alive, and they work!
This is the old - if you can't change IT, change your FEELINGS
toward it.
FREUD!!!
How could we not mention F-R-E-U-D on the national "romantic"holiday?
Remember Freud's "defense mechanisms"? A common misconception
is that they're all "bad," | |
