Baltimore, Maryland, USA -- With support from the Starbucks™ Shared Planet™ Youth Action Grants program, 20 youth-led initiatives in 12 countries will expand the impact of their social change work. The grants, ranging from US$7,500-$10,000, will support youth-led projects such as efforts to influence the legislative agenda in Kenya, equip disadvantaged women in the Philippines with income-generating skills, and raise awareness of solutions to climate change.

The Youth Action Grants program is a key component of the Starbucks™ Shared Planet™ commitment to communities. Grant recipients were chosen by Starbucks and the International Youth Foundation (IYF) in order to make funding available to young leaders who have completed IYF's YouthActionNet® Global Fellowship. The Fellowship seeks to develop a new generation of socially-conscious global citizens who create positive change in their communities, their countries, and the world.

'The diversity of projects led by this year's grant recipients testify to the tremendous drive, creativity, and compassion of today's young social entrepreneurs,' said IYF President and CEO William S. Reese. 'Through this much-needed support, Starbucks is enabling these youth to realize their visions of a better world – and inspire others in the process.'

'We congratulate each of these young leaders for their hard work and innovative solutions to local challenges,' said Ben Packard, Starbucks vice president, Global Responsibility. 'Through Starbucks™ Shared Planet™ commitment to communities, we seek to celebrate, support, and spread this spirit of innovation and service in addressing community needs.'

Among the 20 projects to receive a total of US$200,000 in StarbucksTM Shared PlanetTM Youth Action Grants are:

Family in Need Trust, Zimbabwe: The Trust, established by Jack Bbabbie Mukulu, 29, will provide vocational training and HIV/AIDS prevention education to 50 women caretakers of orphans and vulnerable children.

Human Artificial Vision, Mexico: Developed by Luis Octavio Ortigoza Ayala, 27, Human Artificial Vision will train 500 visually-impaired individuals in the use of a prosthesis enabling them to perceive images.

Sri Arunodayan Charitable Trust, India: Under the leadership of Iyyappan Subramanyan, 29, the Trust will construct a physiotherapy room serving 90 children with intellectual disabilities.

Youth Action for Change (YAC), Italy: Founded by Selene Biffi, 26, Youth Action for Change will publish an online youth magazine, Young Innovations Europe, aimed at showcasing youth-led innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity.

Fired Up Media, United States: Launched by Richard Graves, 26, Fired Up Media will form seven new media teams, one from each continent, to report on the most compelling climate change stories in the world related to the UN Climate Conference in Copenhagen in December 2009.

A committee comprised of IYF staff and Starbucks partners (employees) selected the final grant recipients. To learn more about the Starbucks™ Shared Planet™ Youth Action Grants program and the planned activities of all 20 grant recipients, visit www.youthactionnet.org.

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Additionally, EIPS has a new Masters of Arts(MA) in psychology with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT )and Licensed Professional Counseling(LPC.) In California the MFT and LPC programs fulfil the requirements to sit for licensure.

For students with a B.A. degree, Eisner Institute for Professional Studies has a three year combination MA/Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Clinical Geropsychology, Health Psychology and Parapsychology. The doctoral programs can be completed in two years.

The programs are completely on-line. There is no residency requirements. The Capstone or final project is either a research proposal or a position paper. There is no Dissertation or Thesis.

Eisner Institute for Professional Studies offers Masters of Arts (M.A.) and Doctor of Psychology(Psy.D.) Degrees. Donald A. Eisner, Ph..D., J.D., is a licensed psychologist and attorney. More information is available at www.eisnerinstitute.org
(818) 380-0185

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According to a recent report commissioned by Becta into parent teacher relationships, forty-two percent of teaching staff said they feel these parents lack the confidence to approach them to discuss their child and forty-three percent even admit that parents might find them 'difficult to approach sometimes'.

Becta is the government agency aiming to promote and achieve the productive and innovative use of technology throughout the teaching and learning process. The Schools & Parents: A New Partnership report is part of the 'Next Generation Learning' campaign, which encourages parents to contact their child's school in order to establish how and if technology is already being used, and how it can improve communications between them and their child's school in future.

Becta's report also reveals that fifty-nine percent of parents admit to being in contact with their child's school just once a term or less with more than twenty-two percent of this number saying they did not see how being in regular contact with their child's school has any benefit for their child. A large majority (67 percent) of school staff questioned said that these parents simply do not realise how important parental support is to their child's development. Even though it has been proved in numerous studies that parental involvement is key to a child's educational success, it seems that many parents just aren't aware of how important their role is.

Sixty percent of teachers questioned believe the reason some parents are not in regular contact with them is because they think their job stops at the school gates. This is backed up by some parents who say they rarely get in contact with their child's school because they believe teachers should be in charge of their child's education.

The comprehensive study also highlights the vast majority (54 percent) of school staff involved said they thought parents were just too busy to engage with their child's school but only eight percent of parents say the reason they don't get in touch regularly is because they 'struggle to find time', suggesting that there are other factors behind their lack of engagement.

To view the Becta Schools & Parents: A New Partnership or for more details about Becta and the 'Next Generation Learning' campaign visit www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk

For more information, please contact:

Sophie Jackson 0207 025 6412 / Sophie.jackson@redconsultancy.com

Catherine Sharrott 0207 025 6589 / Catherine.Sharrott@redconsultancy.com

Kate Cox 02476 797146 / Kate.Cox@becta.org.uk

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By understanding how the wing surfaces control light to produce iridescence, the team will apply the same physics to control infrared, microwave or radio wave radiation to develop new anti-counterfeit technology, radio-frequency identification technology, wi-fi efficiency and security applications.

The initial product targets are in the growth markets of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and Anti-Counterfeiting measures (ACF). It is estimated that more than 5% of World trade is in counterfeit goods. EU seizures of counterfeit goods increased by 13% in 2008 with a 50% increase in fake medicines. The research plans to develop enhanced security to prevent unqualified, untested, products such as medicines, car and aircraft parts, software, media and toys from reaching the consumer.

Simple RFID tags have become commonplace in stores and libraries to aid item location and prevent theft. The team will use its research into controlling electromagnetic radiation in the UHF (ultra high frequency) band, to eliminate interference, improve accuracy and deliver performance improvements in RFID.

'Butterfly wings create a myriad of visual effects through subtle changes in the size, shape or structure of fine scales on their surface which can refract or absorb light and produce vivid colours,' added Dr Andrew Treen, QinetiQ's entrepreneur within the project. 'By understanding the underlying optical properties, we can develop and apply the principles to a variety of other commercial applications in the infrared, microwave and radio wave segments of the spectrum and develop solutions that will help society. The natural world still holds many of secrets but this project will hopefully unlock a few more of them.'

Dr Andrew Shaw of the University of Exeter said: 'This project represents a major opportunity for us to use our expertise to benefit society. Our physical sciences research is world-class and this partnership gives us the capacity to take it to the next level by applying it to the development of new ideas. It is also gives us an opportunity to help create a lasting legacy of investor culture in the South West, which will support the development of Exeter's Science Park.'

The £3.2m project is funded through the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council's (EPSRC) Knowledge Transfer Accounts (KTA), which were established to help translate research into business innovation.

The team aims to launch its first innovation in spring 2010 and will be hosting a number of investor forum events at the University and in London. These evenings are part of the KTA's commitment to develop a lasting relationship and engagement with business angel networks and venture capitalists.

The collaboration between the University of Exeter and QinetiQ formalises a ten-year research and development relationship that has already led to the development of seven patents.

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SAN DIEGO — Teradata Corporation (NYSE: TDC), the world's largest company solely focused on data warehousing and enterprise analytics, today announced that its Teradata Customer Education program has expanded and it now offers more that 200 courses for business and technical users.

Teradata customers worldwide can customize an education program and provide their employees with on-site training or select the cost-effective web-based training – for either a single class or a subscription for many classes. Classes, catalogs, and training are delivered globally by Teradata instructors in person and over the web - a reach not matched by other data warehouse providers.

'We designed a learning environment that is both flexible and affordable,' said Debi Hoefer, consulting partner, Teradata Customer Education Americas. 'The Teradata Database is the easiest database to use. As the data warehouse grows and becomes mission critical with additional users, applications and data volumes, it is important that users understand its power and potential. The Teradata Customer Education program enables businesses to leverage the performance and capability of the database, which helps them to out-maneuver their competitors.'

Based on the customer's experience level – from foundational knowledge to mastery, Teradata Customer Education training consultants provide personal assistance in developing the right training plan. Customers can create individual learning plans based on job roles and Teradata certification levels, resulting in a self-managed education plan which benefits individuals and their companies. Users may select live, online classes, or prerecorded web-cast classes. Customers who want to shorten their 'learning curve' can access Teradata classes when they are ready, anytime, anywhere using the web-based tools. In addition, instructors are available for in-classroom learning.

The Teradata Customer Education programs can serve as preparation for the Teradata Certified Professional Program, which trains and certifies individuals. Those who achieve this status have a robust knowledge of data warehousing technology.
About Teradata

Teradata Corporation (NYSE: TDC) is the world's largest company solely focused on raising intelligence through data warehousing, data warehouse appliances, consulting services and enterprise analytics. Teradata is in more than 60 countries and on the web at www.teradata.com

Teradata is a trademark or registered trademark of Teradata Corporation in the United States and other countries.

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The live call from orbit will take place between 11:08 a.m. and 11:28 a.m. CST. Twenty students, ranging from kindergarten to college age, will ask questions of Wilmore and fellow astronauts Nicole Stott and Leland Melvin. Stott has served as a flight engineer and member of the Expedition 21 crew living aboard the International Space Station for more than two months. She will return to Earth aboard Atlantis. Melvin is a mission specialist and crewmate of Wilmore's aboard Atlantis.

Reporters interested in attending the event should contact Monica Greppin at 931-372-3214.

Gordon is the chairman of the House Science and Technology Committee. Wilmore was born and raised in Gordon's district in Tennessee and earned bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering from Tennessee Technological University.

The downlink is one in a series with educational organizations in the U.S. and abroad to improve teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It is an integral component of NASAs Teaching From Space office. The office promotes learning opportunities and builds partnerships with the education community using the unique environment of human spaceflight.

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This is another 'first' for Mapyx whose software was awarded 'Best Buy' by Computer Shopper and has received rave reviews in computer and outdoors magazines.

Mapyx has gained a reputation for being responsive to its users and developing user friendly solutions for the outdoor communities. The release of digital maps for Ireland is a direct response from its users to cover greater geographical areas. The software is notable in that it is free to download at www.mapyx.com and you only pay for the maps that you require.

Steven Wood, a director of Mapyx, stated 'We are exceptionally pleased to be able to offer maps of Ireland and to Partner with Ordnance Survey Ireland. This is an exciting opportunity for both organisations and especially the outdoor community who desire digital mapping. We are justifiably proud of working with Ordnance Survey Ireland and to provide digital maps of Ireland for leisure use.'

The software 'Quo' permits the storing and displaying of digital map data on a computer or handheld device to aid route planning, navigation, route downloads to GPS or paper and storing all key data such as tracks, photos, videos and notes. Quo is used by walkers, cyclists, runners and many other outdoors enthusiasts.
To find out more, please visit www.mapyx.com.

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When Alma Hoffman founded Write More Education Resources (www.writemorestuff.com), her goal was to provide an interesting and fun way to teach children how to use games and activities as part of creative writing. With more than 20 years in the education field and a teaching career that made Hoffman a certified Reading Recovery teacher, in 1996 she wrote a teacher's resource book called 'Writing Works', and the company was born. Now, she uses her successful techniques to teach the teachers about the best ways to develop creative writing skills in students.

Through writing camps and workshops, the Write More programs offer unique ways to teach lower elementary on up how to use creative writing and incorporates other subjects, as well. The Write More Professional Development Bundle includes training for teachers and the curriculum for the various grade level programs. The Professional bundle has everything that a district needs to implement their own Write More programs, which children and teachers both seem to love.

With the professional writing program for schools, teachers learn how to use creative teaching and some of the activities and props make the Ranger, Explorer, and Quest programs something that all students want to be a part of. There are workbooks, activity game cards that list different games and activities, and there are helpful Write More Stuff tools, like portfolios, activity sets and writing sets to encourage a writing environment in the classroom.

Hoffman said: 'Our innovative program combines graphic organizers, rubrics, and conferencing records to create the ideal classroom writing tool. Our writing products, programs, and curriculum can be used as standalone writing programs or they can easily be incorporated into current writing programs.'

In 2008 and 2009, the graduate students of Towson University completed seven studies in twelve classrooms in the Baltimore inner-city elementary and middle schools, regarding the use of Write More products and results proved the program was effective to promote daily creative writing and improve writing skills on a noticeable level. Write More Stuff programs teach creative writing in conjunction with other classes, it doesn't have to be taught at a separate time of day.

According to 'The Write More Keys to Success' research study done in 2008, Knowledge of Transition words went from under 20% to over 50% and the Capitalization skills went from under 40% to almost 90%. It is through these results that creative writing programs were shown to enhance performance in other classes, especially those where writing is required for essays or compositions, like History or English, for example.

Through the Rangers programs, lower elementary students get exposed to writing through a fun classroom environment, with games and activities. The Explorers program for the intermediate level encourages experimenting with different writing styles and the Quest program teaches students to write more organized, focused, connected and detailed compositions or essays.

As teachers are taught new techniques to make creative writing more interesting, they are able to implement other subjects into the writing curriculum. The curriculum makes a transition from brainstorming, organizing thoughts, writing, reviewing, revising, and editing to get to the final publication of an essay or composition. The focus is more on the creative process than it is on the boring rules that can be associated with creative writing.

Through these innovative tools, Write More Professional Writing Program for Staff Development is helpful, when it comes to making creative writing and interesting and fun part of the curriculum. To find out more about Write More's professional bundle, visit http://www.writemorestuff.com/pages/products_bundle.html.

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Extending HP's industry-leading thin computing portfolio, the new solutions include:

* HP thin client platforms designed to optimize the end-user experience for client virtualization by delivering higher performance and remarkable ease of use.
* HP client virtualization solutions that provide a high-quality user experience and increased scalability and reliability in a secure environment at a breakthrough price.
* HP MultiSeat solution that can double computing seats without expanding IT budgets for smaller computing environments, with simple set up and low energy use.

In addition to HP MultiSeat, HP introduced specifically tailored, easy-to-manage education solutions – HP TeachNow and HP SchoolCloud – that make it easier to teach with technology while reducing overall costs.

'Businesses and educational institutions are looking for alternatives to traditional personal computing, such as client virtualization or multiseat computing, to centralize management and increase security, while reducing their total cost of ownership,' said Robert Moctezuma, vice president, Desktop Solutions Organization, Personal Systems Group, HP. 'Customers recognize HP is the only provider that can design, deploy and manage complete thin computing and client virtualization solutions – from the desktop to the data center – that meet IT and user needs.'

Customers cut costs and increase efficiencies with HP

New York-based JetBlue Airways needed a way to cut long-term costs for airport-based technology and improve security. The airline installed nearly 1,400 HP thin clients, which were supported by JetBlue's central data center and backed by 25 HP ProLiant server blades. Today, more than 12,000 JetBlue crew members use the HP thin clients at curbside check-in, ticket counters, and gate and back office locations at airports.

'In terms of maintenance and cost-effectiveness, the 'thick client' model simply wasn't sustainable for us. We realized it was critical to increase efficiency and manageability to drive down costs,' said Pat Thompson, director, IT Operations, JetBlue Airways. 'Our decision to deploy HP Thin Clients is expected to save nearly $5 million over five years, while improving customer satisfaction.'

Thin computing platforms deliver new levels of performance and value

* The new HP t5740 and HP t5745 Flexible Series Thin Clients deliver a superb computing experience for client virtualization deployments. The t5740 Flexible Series Thin Clients feature Intel® Atom N280 processors and an Intel GL40 chipset, enabling a power-efficient and rich PC experience delivered with the dependability of a thin client. HP Flexible Series Thin Clients can grow with a business, providing eight USB 2.0 ports and an optional PCI expansion module for easy upgrades. The HP Flexible Series also meets stringent ENERGY STAR®, EPEAT® Silver and Energy Using Products Directive (EuP) Lot 6 requirements.
* HP Flexible Series Thin Clients support rich multimedia for visual display solutions, including the new HP LD4700 47-inch Widescreen LCD Digital Signage Display. The HP LD4700 can run 24/7 in both bright and dim lighting while maintaining longevity, and can be set in either a horizontal or vertical position. In addition, with the new HP Digital Signage Display (DSD) Wall Mount, users can hang the display on a wall to showcase videos, graphics or text in a variety of commercial settings where an extra-large screen is desired.
* The HP t5325 Essential Series Thin Client is an affordable, power-efficient thin client with a new interface that simplifies setup and deployment. It offers a combination of features unique in its class and enables local web access and basic multimedia support.
* All new HP Thin Clients now include intuitive setup tools that streamline configuration and management into a short series of easy-to-follow steps. The ThinPro Setup Wizard for Linux and HP Easy Config for Microsoft Windows® help customers quickly choose the right configurations for their virtual environment in just a few clicks. In addition, HP thin clients also include on-board utilities that automate deployment of new connections, properties, low-bandwidth add-ons and image updates from one centralized repository to thousands of thin clients.

New client virtualization solutions extend the power of the data center to the desktop

HP is extending the power of its Converged Infrastructure strategy to help customers accelerate the delivery of client virtualization with solutions that combine servers, storage, software and thin clients, along with services and support.

* Three new client virtualization architectures that combine Citrix XenDesktop 4, Citrix XenApp or VMware View™ with HP ProLiant servers, storage and thin clients to provide midsize to large businesses with a range of scalable and affordable offerings that meet the performance and reliability needs of task workers and knowledge workers.
* HP ProLiant WS460c G6 Workstation Blade brings centralized, mission-critical security and reliability to workstation computing by delivering a breakthrough user experience that also allows individuals or teams to work and collaborate remotely and securely. This solution meets the performance and scalability needs for high-end visualization and handling of large model sizes demanded by enterprise segments such as engineering and oil and gas.
* HP Client Automation 7.8, part of the HP Business Service Automation software portfolio and fully supporting Windows 7, allows customers to easily deploy and migrate to a virtual desktop infrastructure environment and manage it through the entire life cycle. It manages traditional and virtual client environments – including all thin clients, virtual back-end infrastructure and traditional PCs – with a common methodology that reduces management costs and complexity. Customers also capture inventory and usage information to help size their initial virtual client deployment and reoptimize as end-user needs change over time.
* New HP Technology Services implementation, support and education offerings help organizations lower complexity and risk with new business value services that provide a reliable path to client virtualization:
o HP Transformation Experience Workshop helps customers build their strategy for virtualized solutions, identify a high-level roadmap and get executive consensus in a one-day intensive session.
o HP Business Benefit Workshop allows customers to identify, quantify and analyze the business benefits of client virtualization as well as set return-on-investment targets prior to entering the planning stage.
o Enhanced HP Solution Architecture and Pilot Service ensures the successful integration of the client virtualization solution into the customer's infrastructure through a clear roadmap, architectural blueprint and phased implementation strategy.
* HP Enterprise Services extends the value of HP's client virtualization solutions by hosting the customer's applications and data in a remote data center.
* Recently announced HP business computing bundles bring end-to-end IT capabilities to small business owners. The bundles, which include HP Thin Clients, HP ProLiant tower servers and Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2, efficiently deliver Windows desktops, business applications and remote access while improving security and reducing total costs.

HP MultiSeat Solution doubles computing seats without expanding IT budgets

The HP MultiSeat Solution stretches the computing budgets of small businesses and other resource-constrained organizations by delivering up to twice the computing seats as traditional PCs for the same IT spend.

HP MultiSeat uses the excess computing capacity of a single PC to give up to 10 simultaneous users an individualized, fully supported and licensed Microsoft Windows 7 computing experience. This not only helps organizations affordably increase computing seats, but also simplifies IT management with setup simple enough for non-technical users and reduces energy consumption by as much as 80 percent per user over traditional PCs.

Pricing and availability(1)

* HP t5740 Flexible Series Thin Client starts at $429 and is currently available
* HP 5745 Flexible Series Thin Client starts at $399 and is currently available
* HP t5325 Essential Series Thin Clients starts at $199 and is expected to be available Dec. 1
* HP LD4700 47-inch Widescreen LCD Digital Signage starts at $1,799 and is currently available
* HP ProLiant WS460c G6 Blade Workstation starts at $3,044 and is currently available

More information about this announcement is available in an online press kit at http://www.hp.com/go/virtualization09.

About HP

HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world's largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com/.

(1) Estimated U.S. street prices. Actual prices may vary.

Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. ENERGY STAR is a registered mark owned by the U.S. government.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If such risks or uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect, the results of HP and its consolidated subsidiaries could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning expected development, performance or market share relating to products and services; any statements regarding anticipated operational and financial results; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include macroeconomic and geopolitical trends and events; the execution and performance of contracts by HP and its customers, suppliers and partners; the achievement of expected operational and financial results; and other risks that are described in HP's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2009 and HP's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to HP's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2008. HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

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"The additions of Amber, Dan, Brooke and Lorrie to our team solidify the foundation of this new children's network," said Loesch. "Each of them is a leader in the industry and among the best and brightest in their fields. Their expertise and hard work will help build a world-class, family-friendly destination for children featuring compelling storytelling, strong characters and engaging brands."

Amber Fredman-Tarshis joins the Discovery Communications-Hasbro Joint Venture after serving as vice president of marketing for Victoria's Secret since 2006. As CMO, Fredman-Tarshis will work directly with Loesch and the Senior Joint Venture Team in developing all aspects of the network's brand identity including its name, logos and overall brand essence. Fredman-Tarshis also possesses a wealth of experience in the children's entertainment space from her time as vice president of global brand management for Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. While at Warner Bros., Fredman-Tarshis managed the "Harry Potter" brand worldwide, as well as Tim Burton's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "The Polar Express" starring Tom Hanks.

Dan Pimentel, CFO for the joint venture, will oversee management of its financial planning and analysis functions. Pimentel has extensive experience in both the children's entertainment and cable television arenas from his time at Walt Disney Company and most recently Discovery Communications. While at Walt Disney Company, Pimentel served as controller of the Disney Stores. Most recently, he was vice president of finance for Discovery's Commerce Division, where he led the initiative to reengineer Discovery's financial systems and reporting processes in preparation for Discovery Communications' transition to a fully public company.

As SVP of ad sales, Brooke Goldstein will lead the sales team for the joint venture. Goldstein will report to Loesch and receive functional support from Joe Abruzzese, Discovery Communications' president of ad sales, and Discovery's Senior Ad Sales Leadership Team. Prior to joining the joint venture, Goldstein was a managing partner at Mediacom Communications, where she also served as the director of client services. During her tenure at Mediacom, she worked extensively with a number of premier national clients, including Hasbro.

Lorrie Copeland comes to the Discovery Communications-Hasbro Joint Venture from Hasbro, where she served as senior vice president and head of consumer insights. In her new role, Copeland will provide the qualitative and quantitative context to support multiplatform, multimedia business efforts across the joint venture. As SVP of consumer insights and research, she will spearhead the network's customized studies, appearance at industry events and other initiatives designed to break new ground in the field of consumer understanding.

About Discovery Communications-Hasbro Joint Venture
Announced in April 2009, the Hasbro, Inc., and Discovery Communications multiplatform joint venture will both entertain and educate, featuring content drawn from Hasbro's rich portfolio of entertainment and educational properties built over the past 90 years, including original programming for animation, game shows and live-action series and specials. New programming will be based on brands such as ROMPER ROOM, TRIVIAL PURSUIT, SCRABBLE, CRANIUM, MY LITTLE PONY, G.I. JOE, GAME OF LIFE, TONKA and TRANSFORMERS, among many others. The TV network and online presence also will include content from Discovery's extensive library of award-winning children's educational programming, such as BINDI THE JUNGLE GIRL, ENDURANCE, TUTENSTEIN, HI-5, FLIGHT 29 DOWN and PEEP AND THE BIG WIDE WORLD, as well as programming from third-party producers. The yet-to-be-named network is expected to launch in fall 2010, reaching approximately 60 million U.S. households on what is currently Discovery Kids channel.

About Hasbro
Hasbro, Inc. (NYSE:HAS) is a worldwide leader in children's and family leisure time products and services, with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world. As a brand-driven, consumer-focused global company, Hasbro brings to market a range of toys, games and licensed products, from traditional to high-tech and digital, under such powerful brand names as TRANSFORMERS, PLAYSKOOL, TONKA, MILTON BRADLEY, PARKER BROTHERS, CRANIUM and WIZARDS OF THE COAST. Come see how we inspire play through our brands at http://www.hasbro.com. © 2009 Hasbro, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's number one nonfiction media company, reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Planet Green, Investigation Discovery and HD Theater, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including HowStuffWorks.com. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

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"The First Emperor's magnificent terra cotta army is one of the great wonders of the ancient world," said Terry Garcia, National Geographic's executive vice president for Mission Programs. "Visitors to the National Geographic Museum will have the rare opportunity to experience one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century as they stand face-to-face with the terra cotta warriors."

The ticketed exhibition offers an in-depth look at the First Emperor's enormous tomb complex that contained thousands of terra cotta warriors intended to protect him in the afterlife. The exhibition showcases 15 life-size terra cotta figures and 100 sets of objects, including 20 "Level 1" artifacts — China's highest possible ranking in terms of rarity and importance.

"Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor" is co-organized by the Bowers Museum, Houston Museum of Natural Science and the National Geographic Museum, and is guest curated by Dr. Albert E. Dien, professor emeritus, Stanford University.

"Terra Cotta Warriors" is supported by American Airlines; Amtrak; Washington, D.C.'s Loews Madison Hotel; P.F. Chang's China Bistro; The PIMCO Foundation; UPS; Viking River Cruises; and WTOP.

The exhibition is supported locally by Asia Nine; Cultural Tourism DC; Destination DC; D.C. United; Hong Kong Palace; Mie N Yu; TenPenh; Union Station; Washington National Opera; The Washington Nationals; and The Washington Post.

In support of the exhibition, National Geographic has published a companion book, "Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor," by Jane Portal, and exhibit-related merchandise is available online and in the National Geographic Museum store. A teacher's guide can be found online via the For Teachers page at www.warriorsdc.org. A touchable terra cotta warrior replica and two kiosks featuring an interactive game are available for museum visitors to access free.

Free screenings of the film "The Real Dragon Emperor," featuring the latest archaeological research and imaging techniques that take viewers inside the massive tomb of Qin Shihuangdi, will be shown in National Geographic's Grosvenor Auditorium at 12 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through the run of the exhibition. The hour-long film also will be screened on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.; and on the following Saturdays: Nov. 28, Dec. 26, Jan. 30, Feb. 27 and March 27, at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

In addition, National Geographic will host a Chinese New Year celebration on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010. P.F. Chang's China Bistro, presenting sponsor of the celebration, will provide complimentary tickets to the exhibition that day. Details on how to receive these tickets will be made available soon. Additional support of the Chinese New Year celebration is provided by The PIMCO Foundation.

Historian and guest curator Albert Dien will review the tumultuous era of Chinese history that saw the construction of the terra cotta army at a sold-out National Geographic Live event on Nov. 21.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Discovered after being buried for more than 2,000 years, the terra cotta warriors reveal secrets of the Qin dynasty. The warriors were found in 1974 by a group of farmers digging a well near Xi'an in China's Shaanxi province. When archaeologists began excavating the area, they uncovered a subterranean vault containing fragments of thousands of terra cotta figures in four pits. More than 1,000 life-size figures have been unearthed as part of the site's ongoing excavation, with estimates of 6,000 more remaining in the known underground pits.

Construction of Qin Shihuangdi's tomb took 36 years to complete, and the tomb complex is estimated to extend more than 19 square miles. The terra cotta figures were created in assembly-line fashion, and molds were used to mass-produce hands, heads and ears. Craftsmen sculpted individual armor details and facial features by hand. It is believed that no two faces are alike.

"Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor" features 15 terra cotta figures, consisting of nine warriors — two infantrymen, a chariot driver, two officers, an armored warrior, two archers and a cavalryman — as well as two musicians, a strongman, a court official, a stable attendant and a horse. The exhibition showcases 100 sets of artifacts, including weapons, stone armor, coins, jade ornaments, roof tiles and decorative bricks, and a bronze crane and swan. Two replica bronze chariots will also be on display.

The 12,000-square-foot exhibition is organized into four themes. The first, "Building the Empire," introduces visitors to Qin Shihuangdi and his formidable rule. This gallery also details the emperor's establishment of new standards, including dictated script, coinage, weights and measures.

The second theme, "Power and Paranoia," highlights the First Emperor's architectural projects as he sought to create physical proof of his power. He was preoccupied with keeping his location secret, and his many dwellings, including 300 extravagant palaces and 400 lodges, allowed him to stay in a different place each night.

The third theme, "The Afterlife," focuses on the construction of the massive underground tomb complex and the practice of burying objects with the dead to serve their spirits in an afterworld.

The final theme, "Armies Unearthed," showcases eight of the warriors and details how the terra cotta army was created. This section also highlights the work of excavators and conservators in reconstructing and preserving the artifacts.

The exhibition began its U.S. tour at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, Calif., in May 2008. The same collection of objects then visited the High Museum of Art in Atlanta from November 2008 through April 2009, under a different title and curatorial framework. "Terra Cotta Warriors" visited the Houston Museum of Natural Science from May through October 2009, before traveling to the National Geographic Museum.

The objects in the exhibition are drawn from 11 different collections in and near Xi'an, including the Museum of the First Emperor's Terra Cotta Army and Horses, Shaanxi Provincial Institute for Archaeological Research, the Zhouzhi Museum, Baoji Museum, Xianyang Museum, Lintong Museum, Fengxiang Museum, Chencang Museum, Xi'an Institute for Archaeological Research and Protection, Baoji Archaeological Excavation Team and Xianyang Institute for Archaeological Research.

TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets are timed and dated and can be purchased online at the Buy Tickets page of the exhibition Web site www.warriorsdc.org, by phone at (202) 857-7700, and at the National Geographic Museum ticket booth located at the exhibition's entrance or at the National Geographic ticket office, 1600 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.

The exhibition is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours on Wednesdays until 9 p.m. The National Geographic Museum will be closed on Dec. 25.

Ticket prices are $12 for adults; $10 for seniors, students, military personnel and National Geographic members; and $6 for children ages 2-12. Children under age 2 are admitted free. A companion audio tour, offered in English, Mandarin and Spanish, is available for $5.

Prices for groups of 10 or more are $8 per ticket, and K-12 school groups are $6 per person with one free adult ticket for each group of 10 students. For more information on group sales, call (202) 857-7281.

The PIMCO Foundation will provide 200 free, same-day tickets each Wednesday evening during the exhibition's run. These tickets will be distributed at the museum at 5:30 p.m. for the 6 p.m. viewing on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of two tickets per person.

P.F. Chang's China Bistro is offering $2 off a full-price exhibition ticket for guests at its nine D.C.-area restaurants. Guests will receive a special promotional code that can be used when purchasing tickets online, by phone or at the museum.

The National Geographic Museum's official hotel partner, the Loews Madison Hotel, is offering a package that includes one night deluxe accommodation, two premium anytime tickets to the exhibition and a 20 percent discount at the museum gift shop, available online at www.loewshotels.com/madison. Additional hotel packages, including premium tickets for anytime access to the exhibition, are being offered at several area hotels through Destination DC's Weekend Warriors promotion. Visit www.weekendwarriorsdc.com for details. Hotel packages are also available through AAA.

For additional ticketing information, visit www.warriorsdc.org.

The National Geographic Museum, located at 1145 17th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., features a variety of changing exhibitions as well as permanent and interactive displays that reflect the richness and diversity of our world.

ABOUT NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
The National Geographic Society is one of the world's largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. National Geographic reflects the world through its magazines, television programs, films, music and radio, books, DVDs, maps, exhibitions, live events, school publishing programs, interactive media and merchandise. National Geographic magazine, the Society's official journal, published in English and 32 local-language editions, is read by nearly 40 million people each month. The National Geographic Channel reaches 310 million households in 34 languages in 165 countries. National Geographic Digital Media receives more than 13 million visitors a month. National Geographic has funded more than 9,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program combating geography illiteracy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

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San Francisco, CA (November 17, 2009) – In 1909, when Star of the Sea School in San Francisco was formed, the City was well on its way to recovery after the disastrous 1906 earthquake. All around the City, residents and institutions like the Cliff House and the Palace Hotel were celebrating their rebirth. Fashion, too, was having a rebirth, with a new silhouette emerging from the fashion houses of Paris: the pigeon-breast shapes popular at the turn of the century were giving way to a narrower, straighter silhouette. Amidst this backdrop, Star of the Sea School was established by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, and their legacy lives on in this thriving inner Richmond school turning out many of this city's finest and most fashionable students.

To celebrate its centennial, Star of the Sea is presenting 'An Evening of Stars', a centennial fashion show modeled by Star of the Sea alumni and families on December 6, 2009. The event takes place from 4:30-5:30 at the school gymnasium on 8th Avenue between Geary and Clement in San Francisco, followed by a boutique with proceeds benefitting the school.

After leaving behind the traditional navy blue and white uniforms of Star of the Sea, alumni have donned clothing as varied as furs, football helmets and vestments, although to our knowledge none have worn all those items at the same time. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, we present some notable Star of the Sea alumni and reflect on their fashion choices.

Perhaps the best-known of all Star alumni is Grace Ethel Cecilia Rosalie Allen, better known as Gracie Allen, who according to her bio loved to shop and had a fondness for furs, beautiful clothes and ¾ length sleeves. Although early records are murky, due in part to birth certificates and documentation being lost in the 1906 earthquake, and also in part to Gracie's coyness, she was born in the late 1890s and graduated from Star of the Sea in 1914. She's best known as the zany partner to George Burns, and was a gifted comedienne beloved by many. She passed away in 1964. Today Star of the Sea's computer lab bears her name, from a gift given by her estate.

John Talesfore graduated from the Star of the Sea grammar school in 1974. His fond memories of Star include 'Hot Dog Day' once a month, and endless fights with seagulls for scraps left unguarded. A fashion plate who 'never met a mirror he didn't like', according to his father, Talesfore was widely known for his platform shoes, cow bells and silky polyester shirts on the rare and much-anticipated free dress day. He went on to study architecture for two years at Cal, before realizing he might have a vocation to the priesthood. He was ordained a priest in 1989, and now serves as pastor at St. Mary's Cathedral. 'When I found out that black is always in style, that's when I made the logical choice of profession,' says Father Talesfore. He also claims the snazzy Star of the Sea uniform got him hooked on fashion, but we think he's just humoring us.

'I can honestly and proudly say that anything I have been given spiritually and academically is founded in my Star of the Sea education,' said Father Talesfore.

Another Star alumnus favors shoulder pads and a football helmet. He is Zac Lee, starting quarterback for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Lee, the son of an NFL quarterback, graduated from Star of the Sea in 2001. He was a standout in Star athletics and continued his prowess at St. Ignatius, where he was a 3 year starter in both football and baseball, and the first SI player in 23 years to be named offensive player of the year in the West Catholic Athletic Conference. He went on to star in both football and baseball for one year at City College before making his big Midwest move.

Classic clothes of the 20s, 30s and 40s will be featured in the Star of the Sea Fashion Show, and perhaps none wears them better today than cabaret singer Mary Cleere Haran. Haran, whose performances were lovingly covered in Entertainment Weekly in 1999, is another alumna that Star is proud to call its own. She covers the great American songbook, and has performed in prestigious clubs from coast to coast, including the Algonquin in New York.

Star of the Sea joins with all of its alumni to celebrate 100 years of academic excellence, teaching life values and looking good while doing so. To learn more about the centennial celebration and the fashion show, contact Star of the Sea:

Telephone: 415-221-3399 (Centennial Hotline for information and messages)
Email: alumni@staroftheseasf.com
Website: www.staroftheseasf.com/centennial

# # #

About Star of the Sea
Founded in 1909 by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Star of the Sea Schools include the preschool and elementary school under the authority of the parish, serving a diverse population of girls and boys. Our schools are nurturing, dynamic, and constantly evolving environments that support academic achievement, develop moral and spiritual character, and encourage students to be globally aware and become lifelong learners and problem solvers. Star's graduates are consistently accepted to and excel in San Francisco's top Catholic, public and private high schools, including Sacred Heart Cathedral, Saint Ignatius, Riordan, Mercy, ICA, Lowell, and University. Star of the Sea is located at 360 9th Avenue in San Francisco's inner Richmond neighborhood.

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Mr. Roscini, age 51, serves as a senior lecturer in the Business, Government and the International Economy Unit at Harvard Business School. Prior to joining Harvard in 2008, he was the Country Head of Italy and Chairman of European Capital Markets for Morgan Stanley, as well as the board director of Morgan Stanley International Bank, In 1999, Mr. Roscini joined Merrill Lynch as Head of Global Equity Capital Markets and, from 1988 to 1998, he was the Head of European Capital Markets for Goldman Sachs. Dante holds a summa cum laude Laurea degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Rome and an MBA from Harvard.

Mr. Rowley, age 57, currently is a non executive director of ARM Holdings plc, HMV Group plc and Misys plc and has previously served a non executive director at Tradus plc. From 2001 to 2007, Mr. Rowley was with AOL Europe, where he became Chairman and CEO. In 1998, Mr. Rowley joined Kingfisher plc as Group Finance Director. Prior to relocating to England, he held the posts of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at EMI Music Worldwide and was the COO and CFO of Golden Books. Mr. Rowley holds a degree in chemical engineering from Imperial College, London, and qualified as a chartered accountant with Peat Marwick in 1976.

"We are delighted to welcome Philip and Dante to the board," said Graham Howe, Chairman of Chalkfree Limited. "Their impressive track records and experience will strengthen our Board and are highly relevant as we plan our continued expansion and as more and more countries turn their attention to bringing interactive learning technology to their classrooms."

Additionally, Promethean's CEO, Jean-Yves Charlier has also been recognized for his significant accomplishments in driving the company forward over the past year when he accepted the British Venture Capital Association (BVCA) Award for the best CEO of private equity backed companies in the UK. The award recognises the achievements of CEOs throughout 2008 and nominees selected from across the UK were judged on their company's performance.

Mr. Charlier was recognized for his leadership, further consolidating Promethean's strong market position across the 90 countries in which it operates and for driving the company's revenue growth up 49% in 2008, following a 25% growth the previous year. This growth can be linked to key initiatives instigated by Mr. Charlier in 2008 included focusing the business solely on the education software sector, adopting a global indirect sales model and accelerating new product development investment.

- ENDS –

About Promethean:
Promethean is a global leader in interactive classroom solutions that empowers teachers to engage, educate, assess and motivate learners. Developed by and for educators, its award-winning ActivClassroom is an innovative and integrated suite of solutions such as interactive whiteboards and interactive whiteboard tools, providing time-saving technology for teachers and engaging, informative content for the modern-day classroom that has been proven to significantly raise achievement levels.

Beyond the classroom, Promethean's integrated learning system also provides comprehensive training and support. Promethean Planet (www.PrometheanPlanet.com) is the largest online teacher forum for premium and interactive whiteboard content. Nearly half a million educators from around the world currently access and adapt downloadable flipcharts, participate in conversations on the forum and blog and share best practice to create fun, engaging lessons that capture both the imagination and attention of their students.

Press enquiries:
Tracey McLaine
Head of PR
Promethean
Lower Philips Road
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB1 5TH
UK
+44(0)1254 290 752
www.prometheanworld.com

— WebWireID107872 —

A team of U.S., Canadian and Italian scientists led by researchers at Johns Hopkins report evidence from studies in animals and humans supporting a link between Alzheimer's disease and chronic heart failure, two of the 10 leading causes of death in the United States.

The international team of biochemists and cardiologists say they have identified three changes in the chemical make-up of a key structural protein, called desmin, in heart muscle cells in dogs. The changes led to the formation of debris-like protein clusters, or amyloid-like oligomers containing desmin, in heart muscle, similar to the amyloid plaques seen in the brain tissue of Alzheimer's patients. The protein alterations, which were reversed by surgically repairing the heart, occurred at the onset of heart failure. Further experiments by the Hopkins scientists found the same chemical modifications to desmin in the heart muscle in four people already diagnosed with the disease.

Misshaped desmin proteins and amyloid-like debris had been previously reported in 2005 in mice genetically altered to develop chronic heart failure, providing the first biological link between the two chronic diseases. Studies since have also reported desmin changes in failing animal hearts, but none detailed what the chemical changes were or how they might affect organ function.

Researchers say their latest analysis, to be presented Nov. 15 at the American Heart Association's (AHA) annual Scientific Sessions in Orlando, is believed to be the first to tie common underlying structural changes in desmin to malformations observed in the heart as it weakens, strains to pump blood and starts to fail. Their results are also believed to be the first to suggest that toxic, desmin-like amyloids could form in response to stress placed on the heart.

'Our study leads us to believe that desmin plays a key role in heart failure,' says lead study investigator and protein biochemist Giulio Agnetti, Ph.D. 'Now we have a chemical target to research further and help us investigate what could be the underlying biological cause of heart failure and if it is like Alzheimer's, an amyloid-related disease.'

'Just as significantly, our study raises the prospect of testing new treatment options for heart failure by moving beyond treating symptoms of the disease and getting to the root of the matter, preventing these desmin amyloids from forming and impairing heart function from the start,' says Agnetti, a postdoctoral research fellow at both the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and its Heart and Vascular Institute, and the University of Bologna and its National Institute for Cardiovascular Research, in Italy. Symptoms of heart failure may include fatigue, shortness of breath and enlargement of the heart.

Agnetti's work has been recognized at the heart meeting, where he is a finalist for the inaugural Functional Genomics and Translational Biology Council's Young Investigator Award.

The team's latest investigation began with an analysis of proteins contained in heart tissue samples collected from a group of dogs whose hearts had been surgically altered to beat irregularly, become stressed and fail. Additional tissue samples were taken from another group of healthy controls.

Researchers compared these samples, looking for structural and chemical changes in desmin, which is found in all heart muscle cells and is a key component of the intermediate filaments that make up the scaffolding, or muscle cell support structure. They say this is the same muscle structure that becomes disorganized in heart failure.

The team's analysis yielded at least three chemical differences in each desmin protein in response to heart failure. Further tests showed that phosphate molecules had attached at two spots within the protein's structure. They also found accumulating amyloid-like debris, containing desmin, in the damaged heart tissue.

When researchers performed surgery restoring the dogs' heart pumping function to normal, they found phosphorylated sites mostly reverted to normal. The amlyoid-like oligomers also began to disappear. Tissue samples from four people with heart failure showed similar desmin modifications.

Senior study investigator Jennifer Van Eyk, Ph.D., says that it is 'not surprising' these changes in the so-called 'scaffolding' structure of the heart can produce toxic debris. 'But what is most interesting about our findings is that we have shown that these chemical changes and debris are related to impaired heart function, which, ultimately, may explain how and why the heart can fail,' says Van Eyk, a Johns Hopkins professor and director of Hopkins' NHLBI Proteomics Group and the Proteomics Center at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, where the protein analysis took place.

Researchers next plan to analyze each of the desmin modifications to determine the subsequent biological impact of each chemical change.

Agnetti points out that the team's protein analysis was only made possible in the last 15 years, and with the development of technologies for detailed chemical analysis, such mass spectrometry and gel electrophoresis. Previously, he says, scientists had mostly focused on genetic changes and their relationship to disease, as opposed to disease-causing alterations to proteins that occur after proteins are made.

Some 5.7 million American men and women suffer from chronic heart failure, which caused an estimated 290,000 deaths in 2005. A majority of sufferers have high blood pressure, the leading risk factor for the disease.

Funding support for this study was provided by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, a member of the National Institutes of Health, and Compagnia San Paolo di Torino, in Italy. The Johns Hopkins NHLBI Proteomics Group is one of 10 centers funded as part of the U.S., seven-year program dedicated to the study of proteomics and understanding the functions of proteins in the development of cells, tissues and organisms, in both normal and disease processes.

Besides Agnetti and Van Eyk, other Johns Hopkins researchers who took part in this study were Victoria Halperin-Kuhns, B.Sc.; Yurong Guo; Simon Sheng, M.Sc.; Zongming Fu, Ph.D.; David Kass, M.D.; and Gordon Tomaselli, M.D. Other researchers involved in the analysis were Francesco Nicolini and Tiziano Gherli, both from the University of Parma, in Italy, and Carlo Guarnieri and Claudio Caldarera, from the University of Bologna.

(Presentation title: Novel human and canine desmin phosphorylation as potential regulators of oligomer formation and disease in heart failure.)

For additional information, go to:
http://www.proteomics.jhu.edu/index.php?id=211&tx_mininews_pi1[showUid]=13&no_cache=1

— WebWireID107846 —

A considerable proportion of teachers (42 percent) involved in the report felt that the reason some parents have so little contact with their child's school is due to a lack of confidence in talking about their child with teachers. Nineteen percent of the parents involved said that they are worried about taking up teacher's time and bothering them, with twenty-two percent saying that they don't want to add to the teacher's workload. This lack of confidence and break-down in communication could be putting children's education at risk as parental support is vital to a child's learning development.

The report also reveals that some teachers believe parents are a great source of support but they don't always know the best ways to get in contact. However, some of the teaching staff said they would welcome ways to show parents how they could contact the school and teachers.

'Parental engagement is vital to a child's learning and known to help raise attainment. To do this effectively, there needs to be a meaningful dialogue between parent and school, keeping the parent informed and updated,' said Niel McLean, Executive Director of Becta.

Becta is the government agency, which aims to encourage the creative use of technology throughout a child's learning experience. It aims to make use of technology in order to create a more exciting, rewarding and successful experience for children no matter of their age or ability, enabling them to achieve their potential.

The report is part of Becta's 'Next Generation Learning' campaign, which urges parents to talk to their child's school and find out how and if technology is already being used, and how it can help improve communications between parents and schools in future. The use of new technology should enable parents to improve communications by keeping track of their child's work, by viewing their reports, attendance records and grades at any time of the day via Online Reporting.

To read the Schools & Parents: A New Partnership report in full or for more information regarding Becta and the 'Next Generation Learning' campaign log on to www.nextgenerationlearning.org.uk

For more information, please contact:
Sophie Jackson 0207 025 6412 / Sophie.jackson@redconsultancy.com
Catherine Sharrott 0207 025 6589 / Catherine.Sharrott@redconsultancy.com
Kate Cox 02476 797146 / Kate.Cox@becta.org.uk

— WebWireID107693 —

To best detect early signs of life-threatening heart defects in young athletes, screening programs should include both popular diagnostic tests, not just one of them, according to new research from heart experts at Johns Hopkins.

Sudden cardiac death due to heart rhythm disturbances is blamed for more than 3,000 deaths a year in young people, especially athletes who have inherited tendencies to develop overly enlarged and thickened hearts, says Theodore Abraham, M.D., an associate professor at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and its Heart and Vascular Institute. In some instances, top athletes have died from heart conditions while seemingly in peak physical form, something that can hide warning signs and allow many cases to go undiagnosed.

In a study to be presented Nov. 15 at the American Heart Association's (AHA) annual Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Abraham and colleagues analyzed data from 134 top Maryland high school athletes that they screened at the 2008 track and field state championships. The researchers were looking for life-threatening cardiac abnormalities, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathies. Doctors took a medical history, took weight and blood pressure measurements and listened for unusual heartbeats or murmurs. They also conducted an echocardiogram — a cardiac ultrasound, or ECHO — to measure heart size and pumping function and to check for faulty heart valves; and an electrocardiogram, or EKG, to assess the heart's electrical rhythms.

None of the student athletes were found to have life-threatening heart defects, but abnormal findings were discovered in 36 athletes. Twenty-two of those abnormalities were found by EKG alone, nine by ECHO alone and five were picked up on both tests. Those with abnormalities -- which included 19 with high blood pressure, 29 with elevated blood pressure in need of future monitoring, and five with low blood pressure readings -- were referred for follow-up to their doctors.

"If you are going to screen, it has to be comprehensive," says Abraham, who spearheads the annual "Heart Hype" screening program run by Johns Hopkins, and designed to serve as a national model for other leading academic medical centers. Some screening programs just include EKGs and not ECHOs. "An EKG does show you a lot," he says, "but it doesn't tell you the whole story. The advantage of a comprehensive screening is that it is holistic, rather than being pinpoint."

For example, if a doctor were screening for prostate cancer, "he wouldn't ignore a large tumor on your head," Abraham says.

Lead study investigator Aurelio Pinheiro, M.D., a postdoctoral research fellow at Hopkins, says he wasn't surprised that he and his colleagues didn't find anyone with a life-threatening heart abnormality since it is estimated that one in 500 Americans has undiagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and the Hopkins team screened fewer than that. Still, he says, the screening program is not just designed to prevent deaths from sudden cardiac arrest, but also to raise awareness of the risks to young athletes.

Less pressing — but still serious — medical conditions also were found by the researchers, notably high blood pressure, which in teenagers, Pinheiro says, can lead to heart failure or kidney disease 10 or 15 years in the future if left untreated. He adds that two of the track stars examined were obese, which can lead to other health risks in the future if not taken care of.

During this year's screening program, doctors found a serious undiagnosed valve disease in one athlete and found another suffering from a condition they didn't know about that could likely mean a heart transplant in the future. The students had no symptoms.

In some nations, programs to screen teenage athletes and non-athletes for possible heart problems have been routine for years. In 2004, the International Olympic Committee recommended that all athletes be EKG-tested every two years for potential heart abnormalities, regardless of whether they have a history of cardiac trouble. The U.S. Olympic Committee offers voluntary cardiac screening.

Other screening programs have used just EKG and not ECHO, which the study suggests will miss some heart problems.

Some argue that doing expensive diagnostic tests such as the EKG and ECHO are not worth the costs since sudden cardiac death in young people is relatively rare and mass screenings are unlikely to turn up a large number of teens in immediate danger.

Abraham disagrees. "What is the price for a single life?" he asks. "We're counting the costs upfront. We're not counting the savings on the downstream end."

"They're still teenagers. They think and feel like they're at the top of the world," Abraham says. "Athletes and other teens should let someone know how they are feeling, especially if they have had chest pains, shortness of breath with activity or have fainted. This could save their life."

###

The other Johns Hopkins researchers involved in the study are Daniel Bernard; Veronica L. Dimaano; Saman Nazarian, M.D.; Richard George, M.D.; Reid Thompson, M.D.; and Joel Brenner, M.D. Deepti Bhandare, M.D., and Luis Afonso, M.D., both at Wayne State University in Detroit, were also involved.

For additional information, go to: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/heart_vascular_institute/clinical_services/centers_excellence/hcm.html

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'What is very striking,' says Professor Croll, 'is that for this generation there is absolutely no gender stereotyping in hopes for the future. Furthermore, what children say at the age of 11 about school participation after the age of 16 is highly predictive of their actual behaviour.'

The research concludes that to increase participation in schooling post-16, schools need to focus on giving advice and information to children as soon as they enter secondary education. Greater attention also needs to be paid to social relationships, in order to make school a more enjoyable experience for some children. But the study acknowledges that schools face a difficult balance between encouraging high expectations and providing realistic opportunities and goals.

Girls are as likely as boys to see themselves as supporting families and boys are as likely as girls to see marriage and children as a significant part of their lives. However, by far the most important, for both boys and girls, is getting a good job. School is seen as instrumental in achieving this.

'A major background of the research is concern for relatively low levels of participation in education post-16,' says Professor Croll, 'as well as the under-representation of children from disadvantaged backgrounds at university.'

However, the study found no support for the view that children from disadvantaged backgrounds have attitudes to education or value systems that are incompatible with those of school. Indeed, virtually all children think school is important.

Furthermore, although intentions for post-16 participation are lower than might be hoped, only a small proportion of the children said that they definitely would not go to university. This suggests that the possibility of higher education is becoming a norm for this generation of young people.

The study found that a significant number of children were confused about the educational routes available to them and did not understand the link between specific educational and employment opportunities. For example some planned to go to university but also said they intended to leave school at 16.

More significantly, the children in the study were occupationally ambitious with 70 percent choosing professional and managerial occupations. Children whose own parents were in such occupations were more likely to be ambitious but two-thirds of children whose parents were in manual occupations wanted professional and managerial jobs for themselves.

'Many more children wanted these kinds of jobs regardless if these jobs will be available in the future,' says Professor Croll, 'and the question arises of not just who wants them but also who will get them.'

Professors Croll and Attwood have fed their findings into the Government initiative on raising the participation age (RPA) and have briefed MPs on their work.

The study, which is designed to advance our understanding of how young children see the educational and occupational possibilities available to them and how they begin to make choices, shows that boys and girls from all backgrounds see education as important for the future.

The ESRC will return to this issue of young people's aspirations as a part of the longitudinal study, Understanding Society. For the first time thousands of young people will be surveyed about their attitudes offering a new insight into this group.

Notes for editors

1. This release is based on the findings from 'Children's perception of the value of education', funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and carried out by Professor Paul Croll from the Institute of Education at the University of Reading and Gaynor Attwood of the University of the West of England.
2. Methodology: The research involved two principal methods of data collection, a large scale representative survey and detailed personal interviews with a sub-sample of the children in the survey. The children were in their third term of year 7, aged 11 or 12, when they completed the questionnaire and in their first term of year 8, aged 12 or, in a few cases 13, when they were interviewed. A stratified multi-stage sample was taken involving local authorities, schools within LAs and tutor groups within schools. Six local authorities were sampled in three areas of the country, the South East, the South West and South Yorkshire/North Midlands.
3. The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is the UK's largest funding agency for research and postgraduate training relating to social and economic issues. It supports independent, high quality research, which impacts on business, the public sector and the third sector. The ESRC's planned total expenditure in 2008/09 is £203 million. At any one time the ESRC supports over 4,000 researchers and postgraduate students in academic institutions and research policy institutes.
4. A book based on the study is being published by Continuum in December 2009; Croll, P., Attwood, G. and Fuller, C. (2009) Children's Lives, Children's Futures. London: Continuum.
5. The ESRC confirms the quality of its funded research by evaluating research projects through a process of peers review. This research has been graded as 'outstanding'.

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CARY, NC - The use of SAS Curriculum Pathways in virtual learning environments has increased 360 percent in the past two years, with nearly 100 virtual schools now using the online resource for students and teachers. Building on the momentum, SAS Curriculum Pathways will be spotlighted in three presentations at the International Association for K-12 Online Learning's (iNACOL) Virtual School Symposium 2009 in Austin, TX.

Popular with thousands of educators in all 50 states, SAS Curriculum Pathways provides standards-based content in the core academic disciplines of English, mathematics, social studies, science and Spanish for grades 8-12. Bruce Friend, Director of SAS Curriculum Pathways, will speak on how to start an online learning program and reduce the cost of online course development while improving quality. He will also describe the various ways that iNACOL supports new and existing online programs.

SAS Curriculum Pathways became available at no cost to all US educators in 2008. Since the beginning of the 2008-09 school year, there have been nearly 300,000 logins from virtual schools.

'Virtual schools are one of the fastest-growing segments of K-12 education and we're positioned well to support that trend,' said Friend. 'SAS Curriculum Pathways helps make online courses more engaging through the use of media-rich content and engaging, interactive online tools and simulations.'

SAS Curriculum Pathways earned a Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA) CODiE Award this year for Best Reading/English Instructional Solution. In 2009, the total number of SAS Curriculum Pathways account holders has increased 65 percent, and the governors of Virginia and West Virginia recently advocated the product's use statewide. Florida Virtual School, the country's first statewide, Internet-based public high school, has used SAS Curriculum Pathways since 2003.

Aligned with state standards, SAS Curriculum Pathways offers more than 1,000 academic resources, including lessons, engaging activities and interactive teaching tools, along with links to more than 4,000 academically appropriate Web sites. Designed for wide-ranging classroom environments, technology capabilities and learning styles, the product can be used in one-computer classrooms, virtual schools, small groups and 1-to-1 computing initiatives.

The Virtual School Symposium will bring together more than 1,200 representatives from national, state, district, private and other virtual school programs to attend the industry's leading event in K-12 online learning.

About SAS
SAS is the leader in business analytics software and services, and the largest independent vendor in the business intelligence market. Through innovative solutions delivered within an integrated framework, SAS helps customers at more than 45,000 sites improve performance and deliver value by making better decisions faster. Since 1976 SAS has been giving customers around the world The Power to Know®

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"Unhealthy high triglyceride and low HDL levels are factors that can raise the risk of heart disease," said Eliot A. Brinton, M.D., associate professor, University of Utah, School of Medicine. "Understanding cholesterol and lipids, fats found in the blood, can be confusing, but it's important patients know what HDL and triglycerides are and how they can affect heart health."

Often, cholesterol conversations center on LDL, the "bad" cholesterol. These Web sites focus on commonly overlooked HDL and trigs and the role they play in health. Other information featured includes tips on diet, exercise and how patients can talk to their doctor about their risk factors for heart disease.

"Abbott has a long-standing commitment to patient education and providing tools patients need to take a proactive approach to managing their health," said Darryl Sleep, M.D., Dyslipidemia project director, Abbott. "These new web sites encourage education, a healthy lifestyle and communication with physicians to help patients better understand important heart disease risk factors."
About HDL Cholesterol

There are two sources of HDL cholesterol: the liver and food. According to the American Heart Association, a low level of HDL cholesterol (less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women) may increase the risk of developing heart disease. However, a high level of HDL cholesterol (60 mg/dL or more) may protect against heart disease.
About Triglycerides

Triglycerides are lipids, fats found in the blood, made by the body and found in food. In normal amounts (less than 150 mg/dL), triglycerides help provide energy and are important to one's health. However, high amounts of triglycerides (200 mg/dL or more) can contribute to the hardening and narrowing of blood vessels, making it hard for blood to flow and increasing the risk for heart disease.
About Abbott

Abbott (NYSE: ABT) is a global, broad-based health care company devoted to the discovery, development, manufacture and marketing of pharmaceuticals and medical products, including nutritionals, devices and diagnostics. The company employs more than 72,000 people and markets its products in more than 130 countries.

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Engineered to expand and enhance the reach of the popular National Geographic Young Explorer magazine, the ActivLessons provide a whole-class digital supplement to the series. The range of exciting activities for interactive whiteboards is guaranteed to spark the interest of inquisitive young minds.

Developed in partnership with the National Geographic Society, the Young Explorer ActivLessons educational resources are based on the stories and instruction in Young Explorer and feature stunning photography supported by group activities, narrated stories, printable worksheets and a full teacher guide. The National Geographic Young Explorer Magazine and ActivLessons work together to improve literacy skills and introduce learners to science and social studies.

While the Young Explorer ActivLessons teaching resources stand alone, they can also be used with the magazine, offering teachers multiple options to create engaging lessons that provide practice with reading strategies, build academic vocabulary and meet NCLB goals.

Brent Taggart, Head of Promethean Planet and Strategy said, "Promethean is thrilled to partner with National Geographic to produce the Young Explorer ActivLessons. Intended to be teacher led; the design and functionality of the ActivLessons facilitate versatility in the classroom by offering multiple options for student engagement and educator adaptability. All the activities contained are flexible, collaborative and extendable; key requirements of any content created for Promethean's ActivClassroom."

Fran Downey, Vice-President and Publisher of National Geographic added, "National Geographic Young Explorer is known for teaching important literacy skills through high-interest science and social studies content. The magazine connects to existing curriculum while inspiring students to care about our planet. The partnership with Promethean, a leader in developing interactive classroom solutions for the education market, allows teachers to present truly interactive lessons that will engage students and deepen understanding. This takes the printed magazine to a whole new level."

Young Explorer ActivLessons can be purchased and downloaded through the Promethean Planet online shop where educators can also browse a wide variety of digital content.

Promethean Planet will be introducing a range of new functionality over the coming months to further address the modern-day educator's needs.

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Notes to Editors:
The ActivLessons interactive whiteboard resources can be used on any brand of interactive whiteboard using a free download of Promethean's Software: ActivInspire Personal Edition available for download

About Promethean:
Promethean is a global leader in interactive classroom solutions that empowers teachers to engage, educate, assess and motivate learners. Developed by and for educators, its award-winning ActivClassroom is an innovative and integrated suite of solutions providing time-saving technology for teachers and engaging, informative content for the modern-day classroom that has been proven to significantly raise achievement levels.

Beyond the classroom, Promethean's integrated learning system also provides comprehensive training and support. Promethean Planet is the largest online teacher forum for premium and interactive whiteboard content. More than 400,000 educators from around the world currently access and adapt downloadable flipcharts, participate in conversations on the forum and blog and share best practice to create fun, engaging lesson plans that capture both the imagination and attention of their students.

Press enquiries:
Tracey McLaine
Head of PR
Promethean
Lower Philips Road
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB1 5TH
UK
+44(0)1254 290 752
www.prometheanplanet.com

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