Magazines: January 2009

Friday, January 30, 2009

BetterInvesting Magazine Releases April's Stock to Study and Undervalued Stock Choices for Investors' Informational and Educational Use

MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- The Editorial Advisory and Securities Review Committee of BetterInvesting Magazine today announced Gildead Sciences, Inc. (NDQ: GILD) as its April 2009 "Stock to Study" and Franklin Resources, Inc. (NYSE: BEN) as its April "Undervalued Stock" for investors' informational and educational use.

"The committee chose biopharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences because of its dominant market position in HIV-related products, promising pipeline and strong financial position," said Adam Ritt, editor of BetterInvesting Magazine. "For the Undervalued selection, the committee believes Franklin Resources' valuation is quite reasonable given the mutual fund provider's strong growth prospects." Check BetterInvesting Magazine's April issue for a detailed review of each company.

Committee members are Robert M. Bilkie, Jr., CFA; Daniel J. Boyle, CFA; Philip S. Dano, CFA; Donald E. Danko, CFA; Maury Elvekrog, CFA; Kenneth S. Janke, Sr.; Walter J. Kirchberger, CFA; Marisa Lenhard, CFA; and Donald T. Spindel, CFA.

As stated, the BetterInvesting committee's Stock to Study and Undervalued Stock choices are for the informational and educational uses of investors and are not intended as investment recommendations. BetterInvesting urges investors to educate themselves about the stock market so they can make informed decisions about stock purchases. For more information about investment education tools available to individual investors and investment clubs visit www.betterinvesting.org.

BetterInvesting Magazine is published monthly by BetterInvesting.

BetterInvesting is the brand identity of the National Association of Investors Corporation, a national, nonprofit association with members consisting of individual investors and investment clubs. Founded in 1951 and with headquarters in Madison Heights, Mich., BetterInvesting is considered the voice of the individual investor, as well as the pioneer of the modern investment club movement. BetterInvesting is dedicated to providing a sound program of investment education and information to help its members become successful long-term, lifetime investors. For more information about BetterInvesting, visit its website at http://www.betterinvesting.org or call toll free (877) 275-6242. For additional BetterInvesting data and news releases, visit the Media Center at http://www.betterinvesting.org/mediacenter.

Recent Reports Regarding Mercury and High Fructose Corn Syrup Flawed and Misleading

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- ChemRisk, a leading scientific consulting firm, was asked by the Corn Refiners Association (CRA) to examine the recent publication by Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP), "Not So Sweet: Missing Mercury and High Fructose Corn Syrup," and the Environmental Health journal publication "Mercury from chlor-alkali plants: measured concentrations in food product sugar," by Dufault et al, 2009, and to offer our comments and analysis.

    In summary we found:
    -- The IATP report and Environmental Health article it references fall
       well below standards for proper scientific research and published
       literature.
    -- The authors of both publications provide incomplete data and misleading
       conclusions.
    -- Methods described by the authors deviate from standard procedure in
       testing for mercury.
    -- The authors ignore important distinctions between organic and other
       forms of mercury and their implications for assessing human health
       risk.
    -- Even if it were assumed that the mercury content found in the extremely
       limited sampling of foods and beverages was representative, the amounts
       are far lower than levels of concern set by government agencies.
    -- The authors assume that the total mercury they detected in a
       questionably small sampling of consumer foods is primarily the result
       of high fructose corn syrup; an assumption that has not been properly
       tested or validated.  The recipes for the items studied may have had
       multiple sources of potential contamination

To imply that there is a safety concern to consumers based on the findings presented is both incorrect and irresponsible.

By combining the results of a four-year-old sampling analysis of high fructose corn syrup with a more recent testing of branded foods and beverages for total mercury, the IATP report fails to recognize basic scientific facts regarding mercury; ignores common dietary sources of mercury, an element that is widely present in our environment at low concentrations; and makes improper assumptions regarding the source of the mercury measured in various branded food products.

    -- More than two-thirds of the samples analyzed by IATP had no detectable
       level of mercury at all. In the remaining sample, most of these were at
       or near the limit of detection. The average concentration for the 17
       samples with detectable levels was only 128 parts per trillion (ppt).
       EPA sets limits for mercury in drinking water at two parts per billion.
    -- It is well known that small amounts of mercury are broadly present in
       our environment. For example, Health Canada reported in 2003 that the
       concentrations of total mercury in steak ranged from 420 to 1,800 parts
       per trillion (ppt); fresh pork contained 1,100 to 1,500 ppt; organ
       meats (liver and kidney) contained over 2,100 ppt; and lamb contained
       290 to 2,300 ppt of total mercury.  (Dabeka et al, 2003)  For the sake
       of reference, one part per trillion is equal to one drop of water
       spread out into 26 Olympic-size swimming pools.  (Washington Suburban
       Sanitary Commission, 2009)
    -- That same study by Health Canada looked at mercury in seafood, finding
       amounts that ranged from 40,000 ppt in fresh or frozen marine fish to
       148,000 ppt in canned fish.  Other foods, such as canned mushrooms, had
       5,100 to 16,000 ppt total mercury, grapes had 180 to 590 ppt,
       blueberries 210 to 640 ppt, rice 570 to 1,800 ppt, raisins upwards of
       700 ppt, and shelled seeds up to 1,000 parts per trillion (ppt).
    -- The levels noted above are substantially greater than those found by
       Wallinga and colleagues in their reports.  (Dabeka et al, 2003)  Other
       studies by other international authorities (FDA, United Kingdom Food
       Standards Agency and others) have found similar or higher levels of
       mercury in common components of a typical human diet.  (FDA, 2006;
       Ysart et al, 2000)
    -- IATP assumes that the total mercury they detected in a questionably
       small sampling of consumer foods is primarily the result of high
       fructose corn syrup; an assumption that has not been properly tested or
       validated. In fact, the authors do not attempt to characterize whether
       there may be mercury in any other ingredients contained within the
       consumer products tested, even while the recipes for the items studied
       may have had multiple sources of potential contamination. As we have
       mentioned, very small amounts of mercury are practically ubiquitous in
       our society.
    -- IATP demonstrates a gross lack of understanding of the current state of
       knowledge of the different forms of mercury and their effect on the
       human body. This is illustrated in their statement that "The mercury
       found in HFCS may be a different form of mercury than the methylmercury
       typically found in fish (we just don't know), but it poses a risk just
       the same.  Mercury in any form can be toxic to the developing brain."
       (Wallinga et al, 2009). The ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and
       Disease Registry) is a sister agency of the Centers for Disease
       Control, and regularly provides reviews of chemicals in our
       society that may pose a risk to human health. Regarding mercury, it is
       clear that inorganic forms are considered to be much less dangerous to
       humans than organic forms, with absorption generally at least ten times
       less (ATSDR, Public Health Statement on Mercury, 1999).

Dr. Dennis Paustenbach is a board-certified toxicologist and industrial hygienist with nearly 25 years of experience in risk assessment, environmental engineering, ecotoxicology, and occupational health. He is currently the President of ChemRisk, Inc., a consulting firm which specializes in human and ecological risk assessment and risk analysis of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. ChemRisk's professionals have a longstanding reputation for thorough scientific analysis and for sharing their results both at major scientific meetings and in the peer-reviewed scientific literature. ChemRisk's more than 60 scientists are experienced in addressing health and safety concerns, with backgrounds including toxicology, industrial hygiene, epidemiology, ecotoxicology, environmental sciences, medicine, statistical analysis, and risk assessment. Many of the more than 1,000 papers presented at scientific conferences and 400 papers published by ChemRisk(R) scientists are frequently referenced in regulatory decision-making and relied upon in litigation proceedings.

Traditional Risk Factors Often Miss Heart Disease Warning Signs

VAP(R) Cholesterol Test helps physicians identify emerging risk factors better than standard cholesterol test and traditional risk factors, study shows

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Traditional risk factors such as age, standard cholesterol levels and blood pressure do a poor job of predicting heart disease risk in younger, healthy adults with a family history of early heart disease. That's according to a recent study published in Clinical Cardiology, which revealed that "emerging risk factors," including detailed cholesterol measurements such as HDL(2) and remnant lipoprotein particles, play a much greater role in determining heart disease risk than previously thought.

The study is titled Prevalence of Emerging Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Younger Individuals with a Family History of Premature Coronary Heart Disease and Low Framingham Risk Score. It is the latest in a series of clinical studies showing that the traditional Framingham risk score doesn't always do a good job of estimating that risk, especially among people in their mid-30s to early 60s.

Measurement of emerging clinical and lipid risk factors in the study was done with the VAP(R) (Vertical Auto Profile) Cholesterol Test from Atherotech, Inc. Physicians are increasingly using such detailed cholesterol testing to more accurately identify their parents' true risk of heart disease, allowing for treatment and lifestyle changes that can decrease the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Atherotech Chief Medical Officer James Ehrlich, M.D., said the study is consistent with a growing body of research revealing how poorly the office-based exam using Framingham analysis and traditional cholesterol testing performs in identifying true cardiac risk.

"Clearly it is time for physicians to take a much more sophisticated and individualized approach to cardiac risk assessment," said Ehrlich, "which may include imaging tests and more revealing and accurate cholesterol profiling such as the VAP Test." The evidence is growing that younger individuals and most women would have been considered at such low risk by standard tests in the months prior to their heart attacks that they would not have even qualified for preventive therapy, explained Ehrlich.

The VAP Test, which is covered by most insurance providers and Medicare, provides physicians with direct measurement of LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol) and all relevant cholesterol subclasses. These important but often overlooked subclasses include non-HDL, particle number as determined by accurate apoB, and emerging risk factors such as Lp(a), low-density lipoprotein remnants and small dense LDL.

The VAP Test is also the only commercially available advanced lipid profile that routinely reports all three lipoprotein parameters -- LDL, non-HDL and apoB -- considered necessary by the 2008 expert consensus guidelines issued by the American Diabetes Association and American College of Cardiology.

In the Clinical Cardiology study, researchers evaluated 89 younger men and women (average age of 47) with a family history of premature coronary heart disease (CHD) and who had a low Framingham risk score. The risk factors included in the Framingham calculation are age, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, treatment for hypertension and cigarette smoking. Patients with existing CHD or CHD equivalents were excluded.

The most common emerging risk factor for heart disease that was missed using traditional cholesterol testing methods was low HDL(2). The second most overlooked emerging risk factor was high levels of triglyceride rich remnant lipoproteins such as IDL (intermediate density lipoproteins) and very low density lipoproteins (VLDL(3)). Low HDL(2) was present in 72 percent of the study group, and high levels of IDL + VLDL(3) were present in nearly half (49 percent) of patients. In addition, 38 percent of the participants had coronary atherosclerosis as reflected in EBCT derived coronary calcium scores, and 24 percent of the participants had "at-risk" levels of C-reactive protein (above 3 mg/dl).

All patients were screened for emerging clinical and lipid risk factors with the VAP Test. Researchers noted that only 11 percent of the participants would have been prescribed lipid-lowering therapy based on current National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines.

The authors concluded that, "The Framingham risk score underestimates cardiovascular risk in individuals with a family history of premature CHD, and screening for emerging cardiovascular risk factors may better assess CV (cardiovascular) risk in these patients."

People with a family history or an existing condition of diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease -- or who are already taking cholesterol - lowering medication -- are candidates for the comprehensive VAP Test. The VAP Test is available nationwide. For more information call 877.901.8510 or visit www.thevaptest.com.

About Atherotech, Inc.

Atherotech is a cardio-diagnostic company focusing on direct measurement of the comprehensive lipid panel using the company's patented VAP technology, which directly measures the cholesterol content of all lipids, components and subclasses. The VAP Test is the first cholesterol profile to comply with updated National Cholesterol Education Program ATP III recommendations for LDL measurement and the only commercially available advanced lipid profile that routinely reports all three lipoprotein parameters considered necessary by the American Diabetes Association and American College of Cardiology expert consensus guidelines. The VAP Cholesterol Test is available through national and regional diagnostic laboratories and is reimbursed by many of the largest private insurers as well as Medicare. For more information, visit www.thevaptest.com.

U.S. News Media Group Introduces U.S. News Weekly

-Digital magazine to offer readers fresh content, smart analysis, and insightful perspectives in new format-

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. News Media Group today announced the expansion of its media properties to include U.S. News Weekly, a digital magazine that includes hard news reporting, insightful analysis, unique features and cutting-edge commentary.

U.S. News Weekly represents the latest in a suite of content offerings from U.S. News Media Group. Blogs, articles, and lively forums at usnews.com keep visitors informed about breaking news, while the single-topic U.S. News & World Report monthly print publication provides readers with deeper insight into one topic each month. As a downloadable subscription-only product, U.S. News Weekly quickly delivers the news analysis, in-depth reports, and perspectives that have been the hallmarks of U.S. News for more than 75 years.

While maintaining the look of a traditional print magazine, with a cover image and table of contents, U.S. News Weekly's digital format enhances the reading experience with increased navigation and browsing abilities. With its multimedia content, including embedded videos and podcasts, U.S. News Weekly helps readers access the news in whole new way, allowing them to receive fresh analysis from a reporter's podcast, or watch a video from a newsmaker.

"We're excited to introduce U.S. News Weekly," said Brian Kelly, editor of U.S. News. "There's still a great need for extensive, credible reporting and analysis, particularly in covering national and world news. By combining brand-new editorial content with multimedia components, our digital product is just one more way we can produce the stories our readers want, delivered and tailored the way they want it."

U.S. News Weekly, a premium paid product selling for $24.95 a year, will be available to subscribers every Friday at USNews.com. U.S. News Weekly includes the following sections:

This Week in Washington

U.S. News's awarding-winning team of reporters provide a window into the inner workings of Congress, the White House, the Administration, the Supreme Court, campaigns and elections, and K Street to help readers make sense of pressing topics, including politics, the economy, energy, the environment, defense, foreign policy, health, and education.

The Presidency

With an extensive contact list of Washington insiders, Kenneth T. Walsh, one of the longest-serving reporters ever to cover the presidency, offers both historical and contemporary perspectives on life inside the West Wing.

Washington Whispers

A behind the scenes look at the secret pleasures of presidents, congressmen, cabinet secretaries, and other political chieftains. Paul Bedard reveals the tricks of the trade of everyone from key lobbyists, White House chefs, and congressional doorkeepers to bureaucrats, fat cats, and White House cats.

Commentary and Opinion

From Editor-in-Chief Mort Zuckerman's essays on national news, the economy, and foreign policy to the dean of American politics Michael Barone's columns on campaigns, elections, and current events, U.S. News Weekly dishes up wit and wisdom from some of the nation's finest and most experienced pundits and commentators.

Features

Rotating features include profiles of leading newsmakers; Pro/Con exchanges on hot-button issues with guest columnists; Q&As with Washington's power brokers; multimedia content, interactive polls, and quizzes; and photo essays and videos on major news events.

For more information about U.S. News Weekly, please visit www.usnews.com/subscribe.

About the U.S. News Media Group

The U.S. News Media Group is a multi-platform digital publisher of news and analysis, which includes U.S. News & World Report magazine, U.S. News Weekly, www.usnews.com, and www.rankingsandreviews.com. Focusing on Health, Money & Business, Education, and Public Service/Opinion, the U.S. News Media Group has earned a reputation as the leading provider of service news and information that improves the quality of life of its readers. The U.S. News Media Group's signature franchises include its News You Can Use(R) brand of journalism and its "America's Best" series of consumer guides that include rankings of colleges, graduate schools, hospitals, health plans, and more.

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Bow Wow and Jermaine Dupri Celebrate Black History With The Source

NEW YORK, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- This month, superstar rapper and actor Bow Wow made his first ever appearance on the cover of the world renowned hip hop culture magazine, The Source. He along with his mentor, music mogul and Grammy Award winning super producer, Jermaine Dupri are featured in the issue, which will be on newsstands everywhere throughout February.

Although only 21, Bow Wow has been recording professionally for almost ten years and is prepping for the release of his seventh album, New Jack City II, on March 31st. He was excited when the Source offered him and JD the cover and thinks this is a great platform to launch his new CD from. "I've never been on the cover of the Source before, but I feel this is a great time to do it because I teamed back up with JD for this project and New Jack City II really shows my growth as an artist and the transitions I've made since my last album," says Bow Wow. "The Source is such a respected magazine and I appreciate them giving me the opportunity to introduce my new music and what is going to be a new phase in my career to the world."

The cover shot and inside images show Bow Wow and Jermaine wearing retro clothing reminiscent of the styles seen in the classic 90's film, New Jack City. This nostalgic theme is fitting because the article delves into the long history that Bow Wow and Jermaine share, the factors that caused them to go their separate ways and what ultimately brought them back together for New Jack City II. This issue is also their Black History Month issue and includes features which chronicle the African American experience in America and analyze the places that Hip Hop and The Source magazine have in that history.

About Bow Wow

Bow Wow is a multi-platinum selling recording artist, producer and actor who began his career as a child prodigy, becoming the youngest solo rapper to ever reach #1 on the charts. With achievements including million + selling albums, starring roles in hit films and on popular television series, sold-out tours and his own record label (The LB Dub Gang) under his belt, Bow Wow has made an indelible mark on the world, all before the age of 21. Bow Wow's most recent accomplishments include his guest starring role on HBO's Entourage, the upcoming film Hurricane Season, where he will co-star alongside Forest Whitaker, and his multi-city voter registration initiative, Walk Across America. Currently, he is preparing for the release of his seventh album, New Jack City II, due out in March.

About The New Era of the Source Magazine

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2008, The Source has been a legendary publication within the music and lifestyle genre since its inception in 1988. The publication is responsible for introducing the music world to top-notch Hip-Hop acts such as Eminem, Notorious B.I.G., DMX, Common, and a variety of others. The publication is now under the new leadership of renowned entertainment lawyer L. Londell McMillan and Greenwich Street.

Also visit www.PrinceBow.com and www.TheSource.com

Adrienne Arsht Among Nation's 50 Biggest Donors on the Chronicle of Philanthropy's Annual List

MIAMI, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Adrienne Arsht, a respected, national business leader and hands-on philanthropist, ranks 39th among the nation's top 50 donors, according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy (www.philanthropy.com). Arsht is the only Miami resident, and one of four women, to make this year's list. In 2008, Arsht donated $43.3 million to several recipients such as the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, Blair House, the University of Miami, American Ballet Theatre, Best Buddies, the United Way of Greater Miami, The Metropolitan Opera, and the Cuban National Council, among others.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090129/CLTH104)

A community-minded power broker, Arsht has taken a leading role promoting artistic, business and civic growth and development in her adopted hometown of Miami, Florida. In January of 2008, her commitment to the community and the arts took the form of a $30 million contribution to Miami's Performing Arts Center. With this contribution, the newly renamed Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County secured its financial footing and ensured the future of quality cultural programming for future generations. In 2008, Arsht also donated $5 million to the University of Miami for the Arsht Ethics Programs, the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami and other university initiatives.

For more than 10 years, Arsht served as chairman of the board of TotalBank. Under her leadership, TotalBank grew from four locations to 14 locations with over $1.4 billion in assets. In November 2007, she sold the bank to Banco Popular Espanol, the third largest banking group in Spain, and was named chairman emerita of TotalBank.

New to The Chronicle of Philanthropy's annual list, but not to the world of philanthropy, Arsht has generously donated funds and resources to numerous organizations over the years. In 2004, Arsht became the first woman to join the Million Dollar Roundtable of the United Way of Miami-Dade. In 2005, she announced a $2 million gift to Goucher College, creating the Roxana Cannon Arsht Center for Ethics and Leadership, in honor of her late mother, a Goucher graduate.

Arsht serves on various national boards, including the Metropolitan Opera, American Ballet Theatre, Best Buddies International and the Global Advisory Board of the Washington National Opera. In South Florida, Arsht is chairman of the Adrienne Arsht Center Foundation and vice chair of the Miami Business Forum. She also sits on the boards of the University of Miami and Amigos For Kids. Arsht is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a lifetime trustee of Vizcaya Museum and is a fellow of The Aspen Institute.

Celebrity Cruises' Millennium-Class Foursome 'Takes 10' Again in Prestigious Conde Nast Traveler's Annual Readers Poll

MIAMI, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- While relishing ongoing rave reviews of its new Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity Cruises also is celebrating high honors bestowed on its Millennium-class fleet in the prestigious Conde' Nast Traveler magazine's annual "Top Cruise Ships in the World" poll.

The eagerly-anticipated poll once again places every Millennium-class ship in Celebrity's fleet in the top 10 in the large-ship category -- double the number of ships in the top 10 among any other major line -- retaining Celebrity's domination of that category.

In the large-ship category, Celebrity Constellation earned the number-two slot -- and received top marks among all large ships in itineraries/schedule and food/dining -- while sister ship Celebrity Summit ranked number three overall, Celebrity Millennium came in sixth, and Celebrity Infinity netted ninth.

Celebrity Solstice entered service several months after the votes were tabulated, but will be eligible for next year's poll.

"We're grateful to the well-informed readers of Conde' Nast Traveler who have repeatedly ranked all of Celebrity's Millennium-class ships in the top 10 in this prestigious poll," said Celebrity's President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. "We're equally grateful to our extraordinary staff, who so successfully deliver Celebrity's Star Treatment(SM) across the fleet to our valued guests."

Conde' Nast Traveler subscribers rated a total of 418 ships on a 100-point scale in seven categories: itineraries, shore excursions, crew/service, cabins, food/dining, activities/facilities, and design/layout. Only ships that received a required minimum number of responses were eligible to be included in the rankings.

Celebrity Cruises offers comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experiences with highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity sails in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Australia, Canada, Europe and South America. Noted for four of the top 10 "Top Cruise Ships in the World" in the large-ship category, as voted by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler (February 2009 readers' poll), Celebrity's fleet -- including the new Celebrity Solstice -- will be joined by Celebrity Equinox this year, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011, and a fifth in 2012. For more information, call your travel agent, dial 1-800-437-3111 or visit www.celebritycruises.com.

Bersin & Associates Announces the 2008 Learning Leaders Winners

Complimentary Research Report Details the Best Practices of the 26 Winning Organizations

OAKLAND, Calif., Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Bersin & Associates, the only research and advisory firm focused on enterprise learning and talent management, today announced the winners of the Bersin & Associates 2008 Learning Leaders Program. Based on detailed criteria compiled over years of research, the Learning Leaders Program recognizes organizations which have developed and implemented effective and efficient approaches to employee learning and development resulting in significant business improvement.

The Bersin & Associates 2008 Learning Leaders include 26 organizations in United States, Europe and Australia. The winners are:

Operational Program Excellence

Beers + Cutler (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.beersandcutler.com), for its college internship onboarding program which greatly improved the intern experience, led to better hiring decisions and generated revenues.
The Boeing Company (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.boeing.com), for its learning program for excellence in the rigorous Systems Engineering approach to development, manufacturing, and customer service.
CA (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.ca.com), for its coaching program for sales managers, featuring on-the-job training and an online support community, which has reduced turnover and increased sales volumes.
Textron (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.textron.com), a winner in two categories, for its program for manufacturing leaders designed to teach all disciplines of integrated supply chain, which has reduced inventory costs and increased quality.

Organizational Management Excellence

Freeman (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.freemanco.com), for its integration of training and HR, achieving a customer-driven, strategic focus on effective management of the entire employment life cycle.
Sun Microsystems (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.sun.com), a winner in three categories, for its central learning services organization which operates as a successful profit center, serving employees, customers and partners.
Telstra (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.telstra.com), for its learning program, in partnership with Accenture, which supports its strategic imperative to develop a next-generation engineering, technical and operations workforce.

Leadership Development Excellence

Sun Microsystems (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.sun.com), which prepares senior and executive leaders through skills assessment, coaching, training, and a sophisticated custom-designed simulation.
Textron (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.textron.com), for its leadership program in which participants apply core marketing processes, tools, and principles to the entire product lifecycle using a real Textron business challenge.
The United States Air Force (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.airforce.com), for its initiative, developed in conjunction with Vangent, Inc., targeting 42,000 officers and based on well-defined competencies and levels of proficiency required at every rank.

Learning Initiative Excellence

KPMG LLP (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.us.kpmg.com), whose performance measurement group implemented an enterprise-scale measurement technology infrastructure and sophisticated analytics methodologies, generating clear increases in productivity, efficiency, and time to competence.
Luxottica Retail (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.luxotticaretail.com), for implementation its enterprise-wide talent management strategy which includes a new LMS and talent management suite, governance boards, talent management processes, and the elimination of ah-hoc systems.
Vestas (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.vestas.com), which built a successful e-learning initiative for a global onboarding program using a series of short modules featuring virtual colleagues, doubling test scores.

Technology Excellence

Booz Allen Hamilton (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.boozallen.com), which combines all talent-related functions into a single portal so employees know where to go when they need to do anything related to their employment and career.
Cisco (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.cisco.com), whose e-learning program quickly prepares the sales force for strategic product launches by consolidating new product and technology information into small chunks for self-paced, easy access at the time of need.
Sun Microsystems (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.sun.com), for its YouTube-like portal where sales employees can post, view, rate, tag, share, or download content to computers or wireless iPod devices, allowing them to get information and guidance quickly and easily.

Vendor Innovation

Allen Communication Learning Services (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.allencomm.com), for the Allen Learning Portal, a fully functional, on-demand, portal-type LMS solution targeted at the corporate market, with a unique pricing model -- a fixed price no matter how many learners use the system.
Brainshark (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.brainshark.com), for The Brainshark Content Network, a YouTube-like open market for e-learning and other content, where users can search and purchase instructional content and then easily integrate into their own LMS.
InnerWorkings (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.innerworkings.com), for InnerWorkings Developer and InnerWorkings Recruiter, which offer ways for software organizations to hone and validate .NET developer skills through a structured learning and testing environment, with a library of learning challenges for employees and skills tests for candidates.
Kognito Interactive (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.kognito.com), for The Investigator, a web-based, interactive learning simulation that teaches human resource managers how to effectively and legally investigate complaints of workplace misconduct including sexual harassment, retaliation, and unethical behavior.
Mzinga (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.mzinga.com), for The Social Learning Suite, which combines LMS and performance management with social media and networking technologies, collaborative authoring, and virtual classroom capabilities within a single SaaS platform.
NIIT (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.niit.com), for the learning administration solution it developed for its customer, Philips, which includes a global LMS coupled with 24x7 customer support services for employees in more than 80 countries.
Ninth House (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.ninthhouse.com), for The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Interactive Edition, an innovative personal and professional development solution, developed with FranklinCovey, building on the traditional 7 Habits classroom-based training with new, interactive activities.
Richardson (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.richardson.com), for Richardson QuickSkills, a package of web-based courses designed for sales professionals featuring a unique wizard-style interface for customizing content to reflect a company's specific challenges and sales opportunities.
Saba (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.saba.com), for The Saba Knowledge Center, a portal extension to Saba's enterprise LMS, adding search engine functionality so that learners can find informal and formal learning activities, experts, and communities of practice.
Suddenly Smart (http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.suddenlysmart.com), for SmartBuilder v3, a Flash-based web e-learning development platform with an intuitive, drag-and-drop authoring environment that enables users to quickly lay out content, incorporate rich media, establish robust interactivity and customize content from templates.

"The 2008 Learning Leaders represent the very best of enterprise learning with high impact on the business, which is especially important in this difficult economy," said Josh Bersin, president of Bersin & Associates. "We found several themes in common among these organizations -- a strong alignment with their most urgent business problems, a focus on collaboration and informal learning, and a priority on learning program adoption and change management. We believe that all training and development professionals can gain valuable insight from the Learning Leaders success stories."

The Bersin & Associates report, Learning Leaders 2008: Award Winners, provides an in-depth look at the best practices of the 26 winners. http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/Click here to receive a complimentary copy. A print version of the report can be ordered for $595.

Learning Leader winners will be recognized at Bersin & Associates upcoming research conference, http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/IMPACT 2009: The Business of Talent(R). The conference agenda includes a panel presentation, "The Best of the Best," featuring representatives from the following winning organizations: Freeman, Sun Microsystems, The Boeing Company, Beers + Cutler and Vestas.

In addition, Learning Leaders Program partner Elearning! magazine features the 2008 winners in its http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/January 2009 issue. Elearning! will also feature the Learning Leaders in follow-on articles and in webinars throughout 2009.

According to Catherine Upton, CEO and publisher of Elearning!, the Learning Leaders program is a compliment to the magazine's goal of providing executives a roadmap to successful enterprise learning implementations. Upton added, "We are happy to announce that Sun Microsystems and Bersin & Associates will present a live web session at the Elearning! Summit about how Sun operates its successful and profitable central learning services." Register for this complimentary session scheduled for April 30, 2009 at: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/http://www.2elearning.com/events/elearning-summit.html.

For more information on the Learning Leaders Program, go to http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.bersin.com/leaders. To be added to the Bersin & Associates mailing list for Learning Leaders Program news, updates, and the 2009 call for applications, please contact http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/diane.siroky@bersin.com.

About Bersin & Associates

Bersin & Associates is the only research and advisory firm focused solely on research in enterprise learning and talent management. The company's WhatWorks(R) research and research-based services are designed to deliver actionable and practical guidance and to improve operational effectiveness and business impact.

Bersin & Associates research members gain access to a comprehensive library of best practices, case studies, benchmarks, and in-depth market analyses designed to assist professionals in making fast and confident decisions. Research areas include planning and strategy, learning programs and delivery, talent management, talent acquisition, leadership development, technology and infrastructure, and measurement and analytics. Member benefits include strategic advisory services, briefings, forums, analyst interaction, and workshops.

Bersin & Associates is the host of the industry's only annual research conference on enterprise learning and talent management. http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/IMPACT 2009: The Business of Talent(R) will be held April 14-16, 2009, in St Petersburg, Florida.

For more information, go to http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.bersin.com or call 561 455 0622, extension 223.

About Elearning!

Elearning! helps business executives build smarter companies with enterprise-wide learning technologies. Elearning! Magazine provides executives a roadmap to building a high performance organization by focusing on industry best practices, real-world case studies, trends, analysis, new products and services. Elearning! Magazine, Government Elearning! Magazine, e-zines, E-News, Alerts, Elearning! Summits and Web sites are produced by B2B Media Company, LLC. To learn more, visit http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/www.2elearning.com.

Northern Trust Named European Private Equity Fund Administrator of the Year

LONDON, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Northern Trust has received the European Private Equity Fund Administrator of the Year award at the 25th annual European Venture Capital Journal ("EVCJ") awards dinner, held in London on January 28, 2009.

The awards recognise the achievements of 2008 and are presented across 20 industry categories. Winners are selected according to a combination of pitch submissions, the EVCJ editorial team's research and the results of an online industry voting poll, and are announced at an awards dinner attended by senior private equity and venture capital professionals from across the globe. All profits from the event are donated to Save the Children -- which Thomson Reuters has supported for the past 13 years.

"We congratulate Northern Trust on their win and commend their achievements in the European private equity industry during 2008. They have taken on quite a few clients over the year. The group has a 20 year track record and has been through several private equity cycles," said Amanda Williams Palmer, executive editor at European Venture Capital Journal. "EVCJ is a leading European venture capital and private equity magazine, owned by Thomson Reuters, and following the Reuters Thomson merger in 2008 this year's awards are now bigger than ever."

Northern Trust administers private equity funds domiciled in nearly 30 jurisdictions and across a broad spectrum of fund structures and investment strategies. With hubs in Guernsey, Jersey, Dublin, Chicago, Limerick and Luxembourg, Northern Trust has a dedicated team of more than 110 private equity professionals.

Says Wilson Leech, head of Northern Trust's Global Fund Services group: "We are delighted to receive this prestigious award commending our leadership in the European private equity fund administration arena. Our team of fund administration professionals has exceptional breadth and depth of local experience and technical knowledge, supported by our wide geographic capabilities. This ensures our focus on devising solutions that cater to our clients' specific requirements, both in administering and helping to launch a variety of different types of funds."

About Northern Trust

Northern Trust Corporation (Nasdaq: NTRS) is a leading provider of investment management, asset and fund administration, fiduciary and banking solutions for corporations, institutions and affluent individuals worldwide. Northern Trust, a financial holding company based in Chicago, has a growing network of 85 offices in 18 U.S. states and has international offices in 15 locations in North America, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. As of December 31, 2008, Northern Trust had assets under custody of US$3.0 trillion, and assets under investment management of US$575.5 billion. Northern Trust, founded in 1889, has earned distinction as an industry leader in combining exceptional service and expertise with innovative products and technology. For more information, visit http://www.northerntrust.com.

Where Northern Trust's UK entities undertake regulated business, they are authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Services Authority.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Free Wallpaper Stock: Wallpaper Quotes On Sad Love

RDA Economic 'Recession Plan' to Include Job Eliminations

PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y., Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The Reader's Digest Association, Inc., citing a drop in consumer spending and magazine advertising in most markets in which it operates, today informed its employees that it will adopt a global "Recession Plan" to strengthen its financial performance in the current economy including a planned reduction of approximately 8 percent of its current global workforce.

Mary Berner, President and CEO, said RDA is making these moves to strengthen the company's financial performance and to act as a buffer against the effects of the global economic downturn. Results for the company's Fiscal 2009 second quarter, the period ended December 31, 2008, will be announced in mid-February. RDA plans to take a charge against earnings in its Fiscal 2009 third quarter to cover the costs associated with the plan's job eliminations.

"We have announced a comprehensive 'Recession Plan,' which is our internal roadmap for dealing with the extraordinary effects of this recession on consumer spending. We hope and expect that most of these moves will be temporary and that the company will soon resume the progress it made in Fiscal 2008, when we achieved success in our three-part program to launch growth initiatives, reduce costs and transform the company culture," Berner said.

Other cost-savings measures in the plan, which are being adopted with the intention of avoiding additional layoffs, include unpaid time off in both Fiscal 2009 and 2010 where permitted by laws and agreements, and the suspension of company matching contributions to the U.S. 401(k) retirement plan.

The company expects to continue its global program of growth initiatives and investments, including previously announced new-product launches and partnership ventures.

About The Reader's Digest Association, Inc.

The Reader's Digest Association, Inc., is a global multi-brand media and marketing company that educates, entertains and connects audiences around the world. The company builds multi-platform communities based on branded content in areas like Food & Entertaining, Health & Wellness, and Home & Garden. With offices in 45 countries, it markets books, magazines, and music, video and educational products reaching a customer base of 130 million households in 79 countries. It publishes 92 magazines, including 50 editions of Reader's Digest, the world's largest-circulation magazine, operates 65 branded websites generating 18 million unique visitors per month, and sells approximately 68 million books, music and video products across the world each year. Its global headquarters are in Pleasantville, NY.

Forward-looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this news release and oral statements made from time to time by representatives of RDA (including, but not limited to, statements regarding the implementation or effectiveness of the Company's Recession Plan; statements regarding the expectations of operating plans and strategies generally; statements regarding expectations of the performance of our lines of business and other lines of business; and future operating results) may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the Federal securities laws. Although the company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that its expectations will be achieved. Forward-looking information is subject to certain risks, trends and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Many of these factors are beyond the company's ability to control or predict. Important factors that may cause actual results to differ materially and that could impact the company and the statements made herein are contained in the company's public filings. For forward-looking statements in this news release, the company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The company assumes no obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

New Study Reveals Key Insights Into the Mind of the American Grocery Shopper

Findings Forecast How Manufacturers Will Connect with Consumers in the 2009 Marketplace

NEW YORK, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- BrandSpark International's Best New Product Awards (BNPA), one of the largest North American consumer survey programs focused on new product development and innovation, today revealed research and insights from its first American Grocery Shopper Study.

The study, which surveyed more than 50,000 U.S. shoppers, revealed key findings in the areas of current and future spending habits, brand preferences, attitudes toward organics and environmental accountability, and a profile of today's "early adopter" shopper. The survey follows the December 30th announcement of the 23 winners of the first U.S. Best New Product Awards.

At a New York breakfast today presented by consumer media partner Better Homes and Gardens, Robert Levy, President and CEO of BrandSpark International and founder of the BNPA announced key findings* on:

Consumer Spending and Confidence

Some of the top lifestyle changes consumers are making to cope with the current economic state include: "eat out less/eat in more," "turn down the thermostat," "be more efficient with my shopping trips," and "buy less name brand products/buy in bulk."

52% of U.S. grocery shoppers said they plan to eat at home more often than last year.

96% of shoppers considered it important that any new product provide them value for the dollar.

Over 80% of consumers said they will spend the same or more on essential personal care products as they did last year.

When respondents were asked to name their most trusted grocery store brands, Kraft topped the list, followed by Campbell's, General Mills, Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg's, Betty Crocker, Del Monte, Tide and Clorox.

Green and Natural Products

70% of consumers are motivated to buy products that are better for the environment, but only 40% are willing to pay more for those products.

75% of consumers believe that some companies are exploiting environmentally friendly claims for marketing purposes.

58% of shoppers consider it important for a new product they purchase to be "natural."

78% of shoppers believe that manufacturers have a long way to go to reduce the amount of packaging.

Health and Wellness

Shoppers revealed health as a greater priority, with 68% reporting increasing concerns about their health.

Consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about chemicals in products: 68% expressed increased concern about chemicals in food products; 63% in household products; 57% in skin care products.

Over 80% of respondents believe that making better food choices can prevent illness.

71% of consumers are concerned about the added health claims of products they purchase.

Early Adopters

"The survey revealed that "early adopters" show stronger brand loyalty and prefer products that are environmentally friendly and offer improved technology and innovation," says Levy.

80% of shoppers who qualify as "early adopters" - first to try new products - are women.

In relation to the larger shopper demographic, early adopters are more receptive to the influence of internet, social media and magazines: early adopters spend 50% more time per week reading magazines and 50% have downloaded coupons off the internet

"This survey provides a roadmap for manufacturers, allowing them to pinpoint their efforts on those areas that are most important to shoppers today," says Levy. "We have uncovered what matters most to shoppers, who they're listening to, where they're willing to spend, and what shopping trends we can expect in the year ahead."

For more information on the American Grocery Shopper Study and a complete list of winners of the Best New Product Awards please visit www.BestNewProductAwards.com.

*Please credit all data to BrandSpark International's American Grocery Shopper Study

About the Study

The Best New Product Awards survey was conducted between November 17 - December 19, 2008. The survey included key questions about individual product appeal, intent to repurchase, consumer confidence level, expected future spending habits, and a number of other insight provoking queries.

In total, a sample of 51,295 qualified grocery shoppers were surveyed, weighted (MRI) by region, language, age, and gender. This year, 77 products were evaluated, with 23 winners chosen from 38 leading manufacturers in categories that included cereal, juice, ice cream, anti-aging skin care, oral care, mascara, shampoo and household cleaners. Each category had a minimum of three products from at least two different manufacturers. In order to win, the product had to score highest on product appeal and also highest on re-purchase intent among those who had purchased the product.

About BrandSpark International

BrandSpark International is an independent brand strategy firm with a strong grasp on North American consumer segmentation, innovation and new product research. We strive to provide strategic insights providing clients with clear direction and actionable results.

About Better Homes and Gardens

Better Homes and Gardens is America's largest enthusiast magazine, fueling and satisfying readers' desire for improving their homes and their lives. With a circulation of 7.6 million and a readership of nearly 38 million, Better Homes and Gardens delivers smart, approachable editorial on design and individual style, decorating and gardening, food and entertaining and personal and family well-being.

New York Women in Communications Presents the 2009 Matrix Awards

Distinguished Honorees Will Include... Campbell Brown, S. Epatha Merkerson, Linda Wells, Leslee Dart, Linda Sawyer, Among Many Others

NEW YORK, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- New YorkWomen in Communications will present the 2009 Matrix Awards, sponsored by Seventeen, during a luncheon held at the Waldorf=Astoria in New York City to eight distinguished women on Monday, April 27, 2009. The prestigious annual award recognizes exceptional women who have established themselves in communications fields such as, advertising, arts & entertainment, broadcasting, digital media, magazines, marketing, newspapers and public relations.

The Matrix Awards luncheon is recognized by New York's communications and entertainment community as one of the most outstanding events of the year, with more than fifteen hundred people expected to gather in salute of exceptional women in the communications fields. Portions of the proceeds from the Matrix Awards Luncheon go to our Foundation which offers a full range of scholarships. Additionally, proceeds are used by the organization to develop and maintain a full calendar of affordable programs and special events, networking and support systems for the organization's members and the community at large.

The 2009 award honorees are as follows:

Advertising: Linda Sawyer, chief executive officer, Deutsch, Inc.

Arts & Entertainment: S. Epatha Merkerson, award-winning actress, Law & Order

Broadcasting: Campbell Brown, CNN anchor, "No Bias, No Bull"

Digital Media: Dany Levy, founder and editorial director, Daily Candy, Inc.

Magazines: Linda Wells, editor-in-chief, Allure Magazine

Marketing: Sherrie Rollins Westin, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Sesame Workshop

Newspapers: Monica Langley, deputy bureau chief, The Wall Street Journal

Public Relations: Leslee Dart, founder and chief executive officer, 42West

"In the 80th year of our organization, New York Women in Communications is thrilled to host the Matrix Awards, in celebration of the achievements of our distinguished honorees and to showcase 'Women Who Change the World,'" said Nancy Rabstejnek Nichols, senior vice president, external affairs at Weber Shandwick Worldwide and president of New York Women in Communications.

TICKETS: Individual tickets for members and non-members, as well as information on sponsorships and program advertising opportunities are now available at www.nywici.org.

About The Matrix Awards

Since 1970, New York Women in Communications' Matrix Awards Luncheon has been recognized by New York's communications and entertainment communities as one of the most outstanding events of the year. Past recipients include Arianna Huffington, Katie Couric, Meryl Streep, Nora Ephron, Ann Moore, Toni Morrison, Barbara Walters and Anna Quindlen.

Proceeds from the Matrix Awards Luncheon are used by New York Women in Communications to develop and maintain a full calendar of affordable programs and special events, networking and support systems for the organization's members and the community at large. Additionally, the New York Women in Communications Foundation awards scholarships and provides educational programs for women, whether just beginning their careers or embarking on a transition in their careers. It is the largest foundation for communications scholarships for women in the tri-state area. Recipients are introduced at the luncheon.

New York Women in Communications

New York Women in Communications, founded in 1929, is a not-for-profit organization of almost 2,000 communications professionals dedicated to promoting the highest standards throughout the industry and to providing education and leadership for the next generation. The membership encompasses senior executives and other experienced communicators from a wide range of enterprises as well as young professionals and students. The organization empowers women in all communications disciplines to reach their full potential by promoting their professional growth and inspiring them to achieve and share their successes in the rapidly changing world of communications.

Seventeen

Seventeen (www.seventeen.com) is the best-selling monthly teen magazine, reaching more than 13 million readers every month. In each issue, Seventeen reports on the latest in fashion, beauty, health and entertainment, as well as information and advice on the complex real-life issues that young women face every day. Readers can also interact with the brand on the digital front, with Seventeen mobile (m.seventeen.com). In addition to its U.S. flagship, Seventeen publishes 13 editions around the world. Seventeen is published by Hearst Magazines, a unit of Hearst Corporation (www.hearst.com) and one of the world's largest publishers of monthly magazines, with nearly 200 editions around the world, including 16 U.S. titles and 19 magazines in the United Kingdom, published through its wholly owned subsidiary, The National Magazine Company Limited. Hearst reaches more adults than any other publisher of monthly magazines (70.6 million total adults, according to MRI, Fall 2008).

    Contact:
    Kristen Kurtz: 212.297.2135
    kkurtz@kellencompany.com

People En Espanol Partners With Yahoo! En Espanol and Telemundo To Kick-Off 2009 '51st Most Beautiful' Search

MIAMI, Jan. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on the success and popularity of the contest in 2008, People en Espanol magazine has teamed up with Yahoo! En Espanol (www.yahooenespanol.com) and Telemundo Network (www.telemundo.com) once again to launch a nationwide search for the "51st Most Beautiful" to be featured in its "50 Most Beautiful" issue. The special annual issue, which hits newsstands in early May, highlights the 50 most popular Hispanic celebrities in TV, film and music. The "51st Most Beautiful" search provides a unique opportunity for a non-celebrity to be featured in this celebrated issue.

The contest starts today and runs through February 20. During this time, Yahoo! En Espanol users will have the opportunity to submit their photos at www.51bello.com to compete for the title of People en Espanol's "51st Most Beautiful." In the weeks that follow, 25 finalists, as selected by People en Espanol, Yahoo! En Espanol and Telemundo, will be posted on www.51bello.com. During this time users will be able to view contestant photos and profiles, comment and vote for their favorites.

Last year's contest was a big hit for users who not only uploaded 8,000 photo entries and voted for their favorites but also remained highly engaged throughout the process and posted over 34,000 comments on the "51st Most Beautiful" site.

The "51st Most Beautiful" site will also feature a Bello 51 Blog with information on celebrity news, fashion, as well as beauty tips and videos with how-to makeup advice. In addition, the site will also incorporate several community elements such as message boards, which allow users to post comments, share opinions and interact with one another, and Yahoo! Message Boards and Yahoo! Respuestas, where users can ask and answer questions on any contest-related topic.

From mid to late February, the site will post the 15 and then the five contest finalists as voted by Yahoo! En Espanol users. Voting for People en Espanol's "51st Most Beautiful" will culminate on February 26th. The winner will be determined by People en Espanol, taking into account user votes and other editorial components.

Once all of the votes have been tallied, the winner will be flown to Miami to be announced before a national television audience on Telemundo Network on March 5th. The newest "Bello" or "Bella" will be given a makeover and be photographed for the special edition and will enjoy a trip to People en Espanol's "50 Most Beautiful" cover photo shoot. The winner will complete the whirlwind experience by attending People en Espanol's "50 Most Beautiful" party in May and walking the star-studded red carpet.

For further information on People en Espanol's "51st Most Beautiful" or to view and vote for your favorite participants and for contest legal rules, visit www.51bello.com.

About People en Espanol:

PEOPLE en Espanol was launched in 1996 as a special issue, and today has become the top-selling Hispanic magazine in the United States. Published 11 times a year, PEOPLE en Espanol's guaranteed circulation is 515,000 and reaches six million readers every month with its editorial mix of Hispanic and popular entertainment, fashion and beauty trends, and compelling human-interest stories. PEOPLE en Espanol delivers original editorial content that captures the values, contributions and impact of today's Hispanics in the U.S. For daily news, photos, exclusive behind-the-scenes video and celebrity scoops, visit www.PeopleEnEspanol.com.

About Yahoo!:

Yahoo! Inc. is a leading global Internet brand and one of the most trafficked Internet destinations worldwide. Yahoo! is focused on powering its communities of users, advertisers, publishers, and developers by creating indispensable experiences built on trust. Yahoo! is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. For more information, visit www.yahoo.com.

About Telemundo:

Telemundo, a U.S. Spanish-language television network, is the essential entertainment, news, and sports source for Hispanics and a leading international player in the entertainment industry with presence in more than 100 countries worldwide. Broadcasting unique national and local programming for the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population, Telemundo reaches 93% of U.S. Hispanic viewers in 210 markets through its 16 owned-and-operated stations, 45 broadcast affiliates, and 800 cable affiliates. Telemundo is wholly owned by NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.