Tiny Toothpick Flags Causing a Large Commotion

The Flag Company, Inc. has expanded its product line of toothpick flags due to increased demand since its inception last year.

Atlanta, GA (July 10, 2008) -- The Flag Company, Inc., has expanded its already large line of toothpick flags to accommodate the high demand for the unique celebratory item.

Fun. Cute. Nice touch. These are just a few of the words used to describe the effect toothpick flags have on parties and special events. Whether it's a Happy Birthday party, a St. Patrick's Day celebration, or a retirement party, toothpick flags will add that little finishing touch that will make your party just a little more special. They decorate cupcakes, sandwiches, cheese cubes, fruit for drinks - the list is endless, but the "Wow" factor knows no bounds.

The lowly toothpick flag began as an "off-the-cuff" remark last year, but has become the surprising celebrity of the stock merchandise category. Company executives were discussing the range of sizes for the U.S. flag (from 12"x 18" up to 30'x 60'), that the company has on hand and someone joked, "The only size we don't have is toothpicks". It was the ultimate "Ah Ha" moment.

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Press Briefing on the President's Trip to Japan and the G8 Summit
James S. Brady Press Briefing Room

MR. JOHNDROE: Good afternoon. This is an on-the-record, off-camera briefing by Dennis Wilder, National Security Council Senior Director for Asian Affairs; Dan Price, Assistant to the President for International Economic Affairs, and Deputy National Security Advisor; as well as Jim Connaughton, Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality -- a briefing on the President's trip to Japan and the G8 Summit. We'll start with Dennis.

MR. WILDER: Thank you. Good afternoon. I'd just like to take a couple of minutes to brief you on the bilateral agenda with Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda, as well as the bilateral meeting the President will have with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, and Chinese President Hu Jintao.

This will be the President's fourth visit to Japan since taking office, and his second meeting with Prime Minister Fukuda since he assumed the office last September. After arriving in Japan on Sunday, July 6th, the President will have an hour-long meeting with Prime Minister Fukuda, followed by a joint press briefing. Later that day, Prime Minister and Mrs. Fukuda have invited President and Mrs. Bush to a small social dinner.

The meeting with Prime Minister Fukuda offers a good opportunity to review the steps the United States and Japan have taken during this administration to strengthen our alliance, which is the cornerstone of our security policy in East Asia. As you may know, we are in the midst of a major force posture realignment in Japan that will see some American forces transferred from Japan to Guam, and other U.S. forces consolidated in areas of Japan away from major urban centers and better suited to military training.

The two leaders will also discuss the way ahead in the six-party talks as we work to put in place a verification regime so that we can verify that North Korea has given up its nuclear ambitions and stopped proliferating nuclear technology.

The President, as he did last Friday, will reassure the Japanese people that he will never forget the abduction of Japanese citizens by North Korea, and that we will continue to cooperate closely with Japan to obtain a swift resolution to the abduction issue.

I'm sure other topics of major international concern will be discussed between them, such as the situations in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Burma and Zimbabwe. The two leaders will also certainly compare notes just prior to the G8 meeting on major global issues such as how to bring the Doha Round negotiations to closure, and international policy on climate change. They will also likely give special attention to U.S.-Japan cooperation in the area of health and food security, particularly in Africa.

Let me now briefly discuss meetings the President will have on his final day in Japan, that is on July 9th, with President Lee and President Hu. In each of these meetings the President will have a chance to coordinate U.S. strategy in the six-party talks, and explore the best ways to move the process of Korean denuclearization and peace forward. Let me also note that the meeting with President Lee will be an opportunity to lay the groundwork for the visit that President Bush will make to South Korea, which is now scheduled for August 5th and 6th. That is just prior to the President going to Beijing for the Olympics.

As you may remember, President Lee, when he visited Camp David in April, said that he looked forward to creating a 21st-century strategic alliance with the United States. At this meeting in Japan the two Presidents will begin to put real substance to that goal by discussing ways in which to expand the peninsular regional and global dimensions of the alliance. President Bush and President Lee will discuss their commitment to getting their respective legislatures to ratify the U.S.-Korea free trade agreement, which will bring important benefits to workers, farmers, ranchers, and entrepreneurs in both the United States and Korea.

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WASHINGTON, July 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ Celebrating our nation's independence is a time-honored tradition, typically marked by barbeques, fireworks -- and also, a cold beer.

Top Period for Beer Sales

Last year, July 4th was the biggest beer-selling holiday of the year, with beer sales at supermarkets across the country topping 23 million cases during the holiday period, according to The Nielsen Company. Beer sales during this period also accounted for approximately 5.2 percent of total annual beer sales in 2007, helping generate billions of dollars in economic activity for our nation.

Major Economic Contributions

Rising sales of beer are contributing heftily to the U.S. economy - nearly $190 billion, in fact. According to an economic impact study commissioned jointly by the Beer Institute and the National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA), the beer industry also contributes more than 1.7 million jobs paying almost $55 billion in wages annually. The production of beer helps support other segments of the economy as well. For example, the study showed more than $4 billion in economic contributions for the agricultural sector, including malting barley ($537.8 million), hops ($280.7 million), brewers rice ($222.9 million), and brewers corn ($58.4 million).

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AT&T Corporate Headquarters to Move to Dallas

SAN ANTONIO, June 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) , the world's largest telecom company, announced today that it will move its corporate headquarters from San Antonio to Dallas to gain better access to its customers and operations throughout the world, and to the key technology partners, suppliers, innovation and human resources needed as it continues to grow, domestically and internationally.

The move will begin in the coming weeks and is expected to be complete around year end. It is expected to involve about 700 of the company's nearly 6,000 San Antonio-based employees.

"We're a growing global company with customers and operations around the world," said Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and CEO. "Being headquartered in Dallas will benefit our long-term growth prospects and human resources needs, and our ability to operate more efficiently, better serve customers and expand the business in the future.

"San Antonio is a great city with much to offer and it's been good for AT&T as we've grown from primarily a five-state local phone company to the world's largest telecom company," Stephenson said. "San Antonio will continue to be a major operations and employment center for us."

Following the move, AT&T will have about 1,700 more employees in San Antonio than before it relocated its corporate headquarters to the city from St. Louis in 1992. The company's Telecom Operations group, which serves residential and regional business customers in 22 U.S. states, will remain in San Antonio.

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Enter Your Pregnant Belly Photos and Pictures of Pregnant Bellies into the Parents.com Best Baby Bump Contest

Take your best pregnant belly shots – from little baby bumps to big pregnant bellies – and upload those pregnant belly pictures to the Parents.com photo contest

New York, NY (June 27, 2008) -- Parents.com today invited readers to enter their pregnant belly photos and pictures of pregnant bellies into its Best Baby Bump Contest. It’s easy to enter: Just sign in at http://www.parents.com/bump-contest and upload your pregnant belly pictures.

Liz Zack, Executive Editor of Parents.com, says, “We want you to take your best pregnant belly shots – from little baby bumps to big pregnant bellies – and enter them into our Baby Bump Contest. While you’re there, rate and comment on other people’s pregnant belly images, too.”

The Best Baby Bump Contest starts today and ends September 30, 2008. Vote for your favorite bump photo from October 6 to 21. The winner will be announced on Thursday, October 23. The prize is $2,500 cash.

Photos must be .jpeg or .bmp image formats and cannot exceed 3 MB. Photos must be original, unpublished and may not have won any prize or award. Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m., E.T., on September 30, 2008.

Zack adds, “Show us your gorgeous belly! Enter your best big, beautiful belly pics in our Belly Photo Contest now for the chance to win $2,500.”

Recently Discovered Collection of Letters Explores the Lives of Two Princeton Friends From the 1950s Through the 1970s

The Next Will Be Better by Fred Slivon and Frants Albert is a collection of the authors' correspondence from student days through army stints and burgeoning careers.

Novato, CA (June 21, 2008) -- The Next Will Be Better by Fred Slivon and Frants Albert is an inspirational collection of letters between two college roommates whose correspondence portrays the depth of an enduring friendship. The collection includes a brief foreword by classmate, novelist and poet Ned Conquest.

Poet and printer Fred Slivon met architect Frants Albert while both were undergraduates at Princeton in the 1950s. Their friendship flourished with the rich and eloquent letters they wrote to each other. Separated by circumstances of life for more than five decades, the beginnings of their friendship were revealed when they discovered that each had kept a cache of the other's letters. Amazingly, the two are once again neighbors.

This is a captivating correspondence which mirrors some of the American experience of the 50s and 60s. In letter after letter, the authors struggle to discover their talents, even as they discuss the difficulties of youth, self-discovery, and love.

Riveting and profound, The Next Will Be Better offers a rare look over time into an uncommon and lifelong friendship.

About the Authors

Fred Slivon graduated from Princeton University in 1952 and from Harvard Law School in 1955. He became a senior vice president for RR Donnelley, the world's foremost printing company which produces The New Yorker, Time, and more. A poet for more than 50 years, he lives with his wife in San Rafael, Calif.

Frants Albert came to America from Denmark at age 15, graduated from Princeton University and received an M.A. from University of California, Berkeley. He became an architect and planner in California and subsequently professor of architecture and director of the Urban Design Program at Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. He later returned to practice in the San Francisco Bay area. He and his wife live in Novato, Calif.

Harley-Davidson Helps Divas Put The Brakes On Breast Cancer

Company Supports Divas For A Cure Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run.

Milwaukee, WI (June 20, 2008) -- Harley-Davidson Motor Company is proud to announce its participation in the third annual Divas For A Cure (DFAC) Annual Cross-Country Breast Cancer Motorcycle Run (http://www.divasforacure.org).

Hundreds of motorcyclists and motorcycle enthusiasts will make their way to Atlanta, Ga., to kick off the event on July 19. The annual motorcycle run is organized by DFAC, a service-based nonprofit organization dedicated to raising cancer awareness through early detection, education, screenings and supporting research for eradicating cancer. Last year DFAC raised $50,000 for breast cancer research. The organization is looking forward to reaching a target of $100,000 from this year's ride. The DFAC motorcycle run is scheduled to take place from July 16 to Aug. 6 with donations presented to the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center - Nellie B. Connally Breast Center.

Along with Harley-Davidson attendees, the ride features the "Divas" including Founder and President of the organization Jan Emanuel-Costley, Vice-President Aj Coffee, Cynthia Marcy and Elaine Thomas. Road captains will accompany the "Divas" from the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers & Troopers Motorcycle Club. The DFAC run will include "Meet and greet" events at various participating Harley-Davidson dealerships along the route where people will have the opportunity to make donations or register to ride. The "Divas" are also scheduled to participate in a VIP tour of the Harley-Davidson Museum on July 22 guided by Curatorial Director, Jim Fricke. "We are very excited to have Jan Emanuel-Costley and her supporters tour our exciting new museum. Similar to Jan's commitment and passion to bring awareness to breast cancer, we are just as committed to support great efforts like the Divas For A Cure ride and other community-focused initiatives," said Jim Fricke.

The 6,000-mile ride is scheduled to depart from Brown Mills, N. J., to official kick-off city of Atlanta; Atlanta to Canada; Canada to the National Bikers Roundup in Pennsylvania; down the East Coast; and finally returning back to Atlanta.

For more information on Divas For A Cure, registration, donation information, dates and event times, visit http://www.DivasForACure.org. For further information or to schedule an interview with Jan Emanuel-Costley or Harley-Davidson during the event, please contact Charisse Browner at (323) 469-8680 ext 240.

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Baltimore, MD (June 16, 2008) -- The first strategy for a consumer struggling to manage his or her debt is to reduce expenses and improve spending habits. This is especially difficult in the summer months as gas prices soar, families take vacations, and air conditioners are running up electric bills.

"Consumers must budget for those added expenses the summer can bring," says CareOne Credit Counseling Services Spokesperson Clarky Davis. "It's tempting to splurge on extras like summer travel, but, if you are in debt, taking a trip can put you in a bigger financial hole. Instead, reschedule your vacation for when your finances are not so shaky. Reexamine your budget to account for necessary expenses - gas to get to and from work and energy to keep you cool. Don't forget to take advantage of seasonal food items that are found at your local farmers' market for a low cost."

Providers of CareOne Credit Counseling Services offer the following tips and advice for consumers wanting to save on summer expenses:

1. Gas prices affect not only long distance driving trips and vacations, but also flight costs. Take vacations closer to home if possible. Some common, local vacation spots may include amusement parks, national parks, camping grounds, ocean or lake beaches, or historical sites. Also, consider day trip ideas such as museums or the theatre, for relaxing, air-conditioned entertainment.

2. The high cost of fuel in the summer also affects day-to-day driving. To save even more money, try to consolidate errands into fewer trips when possible (such as buying groceries directly before or after picking up the kids from a play date). Carpooling is another option to save money on fuel. Run errands with a friend or neighbor so that you both can take advantage of the savings.

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White's City, NM (June 16, 2008) -- Higgenbotham Auctioneers International announced today that their firm would sell at auction White's City, New Mexico. The entire municipality as well as its surrounding acreage will be offered on July 14th at 11am. The city, which was founded in the early 1920's by Charlie L. White, is a national icon and has been managed by the White family since its beginnings in the roaring 20's.

Situated at the entrance to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, White's City thrives on the parks national draw of daily visitors and boasts many amenities, which cater to the constant flow of vehicular traffic and tourist. The city has two operating motels with 105 rooms, RV park with 46 spaces with water and electricity, 25 campsites, U.S. Post Office, grocery store, two restaurants, gift shops, gas station, museum, opera house, ice cream parlor and all the desert beauty of the Guadalupe Mountains.

Included in the auction are all the assets of the city, which include its water rights for 460 acre-feet of daily potable water usage. This amounts to 150,000,000 gallons per year from its three Artisan wells. As the only source of potable water for nearly 20 miles, this asset is truly significant as it is the life's blood of the community.

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