The creators of the nine projects will each be awarded up to US$100,000 to work on their communications idea and will be mentored by a Cannes Chimera panel made up of representatives of each of the 2012 Cannes Lions Grand Prix winners. The Cannes Chimera will work with the grantees to help develop and hone their initiatives. Grantees are then invited to apply for up to US$ 1 million of additional funding from the Gates Foundation to implement their ideas.

The nine projects from agency and non-profit organisations from around the world are:

• BeHere-BeThere Project by Serviceplan, Hamburg, Germany: Using location-based network applications in collaboration with local retail partners, Serviceplan will connect consumers to charity projects in the developing world to raise awareness of development issues and trigger donations from retail locations to specific projects.

• Cause Generation: a Platform to Define a Generation's Cause by OgilvyEarth, San Francisco, USA: OgilvyEarth will develop and launch an online platform for university student teams to use to campaign for a single global development cause for their generation, convince their peers to support that cause, and execute an awareness raising project around the winning cause.

• Hactivating Development Aid by Coxswain Social Investment Plus, Tunis, Tunisia: The organization will develop an online crowdsourcing program that engages young people around the world and enables them to learn about global development challenges through first-person narratives as well as provide solutions to real-life challenges identified by their peers.

• HMKD by Leo Burnett, Chicago, USA: Leo Burnett will develop a plan to create a working stock ticker on the New York Stock Exchange that will track the daily return on investment from development aid to raise awareness that investments in humankind are working.

• House Parties: Experiential Marketing for Global Aid by Plan International, Washington, USA: Plan International USA will test a proven marketing model - the House Party - as an engagement tool to build support among the public for international development programs.

• Global 360 by Media Trust, London, UK: Building on its existing programming, Media Trust will produce the first television, online and mobile channel run by young people, which will create and distribute stories about global development.

• Mobile-izing the United Voices of Aid Recipients by Environics Trust, Ghaziabad, India: Environics Trust will use an Interactive Voice Response system to collect 10,000 personal narratives about the impact of aid programs in rural India, will disseminate them online and through social media, and then measure how the information changes perceptions among a youth audience.

• RADIO8 by Digital Kitchen, Seattle, USA: Digital Kitchen will create a worldwide radio channel for eight-year-old children to provide knowledge, insights and perspectives on the impact of aid through first-person stories, music, and cultural exchanges, with a goal of promoting connections between the developing and the developed world.

• Smart Cities: An Interactive Multi-Media and Mapping Platform by Spatial Collective, Nairobi, Kenya: Spatial Collective will create an interactive community platform, accessible via SMS, for citizens to present local development challenges and suggest possible solutions, with a goal of promoting better communication between citizens, service providers, local governments, and members of the international community and improving living conditions for people in developing countries.

"Once again we are seeing some truly inspirational and creative ideas being brought to the table for the better good of the world. I'm particularly proud to see that the global communications industry is rising to the challenge and increasingly engaging with this unique and fantastic initiative," comments Philip Thomas, CEO of Lions Festivals. 'Having had the privilege to see the first Cannes Chimera in action during the mentorship workshop in Seattle last year, I have no doubt that when these nine grantees convene in Seattle in October, they will be blown away by the experience of working first hand with the most skilled and passionate creative communicators in the business."

The creative challenge "Aid is Working. Tell the World" solicited communications ideas that can help change the global conversation about the impact of investments in foreign aid. Answering to a competitive creative brief for ideas in four specific submission categories: Mobile, Data, Young Audiences and The Progress of Development, the nine new projects were selected from entries submitted from around the world. They were chosen solely on merit - applicants' details are kept confidential - by a review panel comprised of experts from the first Cannes Chimera, winners of the 2011 Cannes Lions Grand Prix, and representatives from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. These grants are awarded as part of the foundation's Grand Challenges Explorations initiative which fosters innovations that can help overcome the most persistent challenges in global health and development.

"Innovative communications are going to be an important part of solving the world's biggest challenges," said Tom Scott, director of Global Brand & Innovation at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "We're thrilled to be partnering with Cannes Lions, which enables us to collaborate directly with the global creative community to find ways to build awareness and support for critical global development problems."

Some of the nine grantees will also be honoured on stage during the four awards ceremonies that take place during the Cannes Lions festival week 16-22 June.

A new global creative challenge will be announced on Monday 17 June at the 60th Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity during the Cannes Chimera Initiative seminar. An all-star cast, including Chimera Members and previous grantees, will take to the stage to discuss the Cannes Chimera Initiative and launch the next challenge.

The Cannes Chimera Initiative, in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, exists to harness great ideas for the good of the world. It is open to anyone from any discipline, from students to communications executives, and from any organisation. Applications are submitted online to Cannes Lions, and initial grants of $100,000 are awarded for the finalists. Successful projects have the opportunity to apply for a grant of up to US$1 million to implement their idea.

Notes to Editors:

About the Cannes Chimera Initiative
This partnership inspires and activates the creative community to help solve the world's most urgent global health and development problems. Each year, the initiative challenges the world's creative talent to develop ground-breaking communications approaches that motivate global audiences to support change and take actions that address a unique development issue, through a competitive creative brief.
Winners of the competition are eligible to apply for an up to US$1M US grant from The Gates Foundation to execute their idea. To learn more about the Cannes Chimera, please visit www.canneschimera.com

About the 60th Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, 16-22 June 2013, Cannes, France:
The International Festival of Creativity, also known as Cannes Lions, is the world's leading celebration of creativity in communications. Founded in 1954, the Festival takes place every June in Cannes, France. As the most prestigious international annual advertising and communications awards, over 34,000 entries from all over the world are showcased and judged at the Festival. Winning companies receive the highly coveted Lion trophy honouring the most creative film, print, outdoor, interactive, radio, design, sales promotion & activation, film craft and integrated, branded content & entertainment advertising, as well as the best media, direct marketing, PR, titanium and creative effectiveness ideas. The Festival is also the only truly global meeting place for advertisers, advertising and communication professionals. Close to 11,000 delegates from 95 countries attend seven days of exhibitions, screenings, as well as high-profile seminars, workshops, forums and master classes presented by renowned worldwide industry leaders. As the networking and learning opportunity of the year, Cannes Lions is the must-attend event for anyone involved in brand communication. www.canneslions.com

About Grand Challenges Explorations:
Grand Challenges Explorations fosters innovation in global health and development research. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed $100 million to encourage individuals worldwide to expand the pipeline of ideas to fight our greatest health and development challenges. The grant program is open to anyone from any discipline, from student to tenured professor, and from any organization - colleges and universities, government laboratories, research institutions, non-profit organizations and for-profit companies. The initiative uses an agile, accelerated grant-making process with short two-page applications and no preliminary data required. Applications are submitted online, and winning grants are chosen approximately five months from the submission deadline. Initial grants of $100,000 are awarded two times a year. Successful projects have the opportunity to receive a follow-on grant of up to $1 million. For more information about Grand Challenges Explorations, visit www.grandchallenges.org/explorations

About the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation:
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people's health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Jeff Raikes and Co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett. For more information, visit: www.gatesfoundation.org

Members of the 2nd Cannes Chimera, who will advise on the programme, review submissions, and mentor the winners as they develop their projects are:

• Alexander Schill, Worldwide Chief Creative Officer and Partner, Serviceplan Group, Munich
Winner of the Design Grand Prix: 'The Solar Annual Report 2011', Austria Solar

• Angel Anderson, Experience Director, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Boulder, USA and
• Rob Reilly, Worldwide Chief Creative Officer, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Boulder, USA
Winners of both the Direct and Promo & Activation Grands Prix: 'Small Business Gets an Official Day', American Express

• Carlo Cavallone, Creative Director, Fabrica, Amsterdam
Winner of the Press Grand Prix: 'Unhate' Campaign, United Colors of Benetton

• Chloe Gottlieb, Executive Creative Director, R/GA New York and
• Nick Law, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Creative Officer, R/GA New York
Winners of both a Cyber Grand Prix and the Titanium and Integrated Grand Prix: 'Nike+ Fuelband', Nike+

• Drew Ungvarsky, Owner and Creative Director, Grow Interactive, Norfolk USA
Winner of the Mobile Grand Prix: 'Hilltop Reimagined for Coca-Cola', Google

• Graham Fink, Chief Creative Officer, Ogilvy, Shanghai
Winner of an Outdoor Grand Prix: '#Cokehands', The Coca Cola Company

• Jaime Rosado, Vice President and Regional Creative Director, JWT San Juan, Puerto Rico
Winner of the PR Grand Prix: 'The Most Popular Song', Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

• Jesse Coulter, Co-Chief Creative Officer, CAA Marketing, Los Angeles and
• Todd Hunter, Creative Executive, CAA Marketing, Los Angeles
Winners of both the Film and Branded Content Grands Prix: 'Back to the Start / Cultivate Campaign', Chipotle

• Joao Livi, Executive Creative Director, Talent, São Paulo
Winner of the Radio Grand Prix: 'Repellent Radio', Go Outside Magazine

• Jonathan Bottomley, Head of Strategy, BBH London
Winner of the Creative Effectiveness Grand Prix: 'Axe Excite - Returning to Universal Truths to Create Global Hits', Unilever

• Mike Florence, Executive Director & Head of Creativity, Manning Gottlieb OMD, London
Winner of the Media Grand Prix: 'Google Voice Search', Google

• Patrick Kampmann, Creative Director, Volontaire, Stockholm
Winner of a Cyber Grand Prix: 'Curators of Sweden', Swedish Institute/Visit Sweden

• Stephane Xiberras, Chief Creative Officer, BETC Paris
Winner of the Film Craft Grand Prix: 'Bear', Canal+

• Ted Royer, Executive Creative Director, Droga5, New York
Winner of the Grand Prix for Good: 'Help I Want to Save a Life', Help Remedies

• Thimoteus Wagner, Chief Creative Officer, Jung von Matt, Hamburg
Winner of an Outdoor Grand Prix: 'The Invisible Drive', Daimler

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'Each year, especially during the summer months, we hear reports of the tragic loss of young children as a result of heatstroke in hot vehicles,' said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. 'We hope everyone who cares about the safety of our children – parents, grandparents, caregivers and others – will follow the simple, and important, safeguards that can save lives and avoid unnecessary heartache.'

Over the last 15 years, Nevada had ranked among the top 20 states hardest hit by heatstroke fatalities. Since 1998, at least 11 children across Nevada have lost their lives to vehicular heatstroke.

'Child heatstroke in a hot car can happen to any caregiver from any walk of life, even to the most loving and conscientious parents,' said NHTSA Administrator Strickland. 'We want to reduce the risk of these preventable deaths and help caregivers avoid accidentally harming a child, as well as address some of the misconceptions about the causes of child heatstroke in cars.'

When outside temperatures are in the low 80s, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels in only 10 minutes, even with a window rolled down two inches. Children's bodies in particular overheat easily, and infants and children under four years old are at the greatest risk for heat-related illness.

Data from the San Francisco State University Department of Geosciences show 32 children died in 2012 due to heatstroke – medically termed 'hyperthermia' – and 75 percent of those deaths (24) occurred in the months of June, July and August. An unknown number of children are also injured each year due to heatstroke in hot cars, suffering ailments including permanent brain injury, blindness, and the loss of hearing, among others. Often heatstroke deaths and injuries occur after a child gets into an unlocked vehicle to play unbeknownst to the parent. Other incidents can occur when a parent or caregiver who is not used to transporting a child as part of their daily routine inadvertently forgets a sleeping infant in a rear-facing car seat in the back of the vehicle.

'Losing one child is one too many. That's why we're calling on everyone to work together to help protect kids from this very preventable tragedy,' says Kate Carr, president and CEO of Safe Kids. 'Whether you are a parent or caregiver, or just a concerned bystander, you can help save lives.'

NHTSA, Safe Kids and its safety partners are urging parents and caregivers to take the following precautions to prevent heatstroke incidents from occurring:

• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle—even if the windows are partially open or the engine is running and the air conditioning is on;
• Make a habit of looking in the vehicle—front and back—before locking the door and walking away;
• Ask the childcare provider to call if the child does not show up for care as expected;
• Do things that serve as a reminder a child is in the vehicle, such as placing a purse or briefcase in the back seat to ensure no child is accidentally left in the vehicle, writing a note or using a stuffed animal placed in the driver's view to indicate a child is in the car seat; and,
• Teach children that a vehicle is not a play area and store keys out of a child's reach.

In addition, NHTSA and Safe Kids urge community members who see a child alone in a hot vehicle to immediately call 911 or the local emergency number. A child in distress due to heat should be removed from the vehicle as quickly as possible and rapidly cooled.

To learn more about NHTSA's 'Where's baby? Look before you lock.' campaign, visit www.SaferCar.gov/heatstroke.

Safe Kids supports NHTSA's heatstroke education campaign and the increased national coordination on the issue. In addition, with the support of the GM Foundation, Safe Kids and its network of 600 coalitions and chapters across the nation are helping to educate parents and caregivers through its heatstroke awareness campaign, Never Leave Your Child Alone In a Car.

To learn more about Safe Kids' 'Never Leave Your Child Alone in a Car' campaign, visit www.safekids.org/heatstroke

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Washington, DC – Camera traps in China have captured images and video footage of giant pandas and other species that are often difficult to see in the wild. The photographs and video are some of the most amazing images ever of pandas, red pandas, Milne-edwards' Macaques, leopard cats, and other species in their remote habitat, which were caught on film as part of long-term wildlife monitoring projects set up in panda nature reserves by the Chinese government and World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Video footage: http://www.wwfchina.org/a/0522-biodiversity-video-EN.zip

Photographs: https://photos.panda.org/gpn/external?albumId=4416

'These photos offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of giant pandas, as well as other animals, which are difficult to see in the wild,' says Dr. Sybille Klenzendorf, managing director of WWF's species program. 'They demonstrate that by saving the iconic giant panda, we secure a vibrant future for other incredible wildlife, wild places and people – it's the best kind of win-win proposition.'

'The multimedia materials were obtained under circumstances where there was little external disturbance and therefore they truly reflect the conditions of those species in the wild,' said Jiang Zeyin, species programme officer at WWF-China.

The materials were captured in 2011 and 2012 by more than 100 infra-red camera traps set up in six nature reserves by WWF and its partners from the local forestry authority as part of the monitoring effort under the giant panda conservation program.

From the footage, WWF conservation officers have gained a better understanding of the impact of human activities on the species and management of nature reserves, according to Jiang Zeyin.

China is considered one of the 12 globally recognized 'mega-biodiversity' countries, with more than 6,500 species of vertebrates representing 14 percent of the global total. However, the population of some of the most charismatic and integral species in China, including the Amur tiger, musk deer and the Yangtze finless porpoise, have undergone a marked decline that was particularly severe between the 1960s and 1980s.

WWF was the first conservation group invited into China to study the giant panda. It is estimated that only 1,600 giant pandas remain.

MATERIALS FOR DOWNLOAD

Video footage*: http://www.wwfchina.org/a/0522-biodiversity-video-EN.zip

Photographs: https://photos.panda.org/gpn/external?albumId=4416

*Please note the files take a moment to download

— WebWireID175121 —

The executive MBA style program guides participants through the process of assessing, purchasing, owning and operating radio and television stations. It is taught by senior level broadcast managers, FCC staff, communications attorneys, Wall Street investors and members of the banking community as well as academic faculty from leading universities.

When the 2013 class graduates in June, the BLT program will have 220 alumni, over 50 percent of whom have been promoted one or more times, 34 program graduates who currently own or have owned stations, and numerous others in various stages of station acquisition.

The training will begin in September with meetings one weekend a month for ten months through June. Fellowships are available to women and people of color. For the application and additional information, click here: https://www.nabef.org/initiatives/broadcastLeadership.asp

About NABEF
The NAB Education Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to reinforcing the future of broadcasting through a commitment to education and to advancing excellence in the diversity and community service efforts of our industry. Learn more at www.nabef.org.

About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.

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Titian's Diana and Callisto, acquired for the nation in 2012, will be the subject of an exciting new National Gallery venture. Visitors to arts festivals this summer can step inside a mobile cinema truck, sit under a star-studded canopy and watch a short film that approaches Titian's work from a 21st-century perspective. They can learn about the goddess Diana and the nymph Callisto, and discover how the painting remains a powerful source of inspiration for a wide range of people today – including poets, artists, schoolchildren and curators.

Three Titian paintings are reproduced on the side of the truck as if on a gallery wall, with the images in 3D frames. Supported by the Art Fund, the national fundraising charity for art, 'The Titian Experience' truck will appear at Hay, Grassington, Buxton and Latitude festivals between May and July 2013. The project supports the National Gallery's aim to promote the understanding, knowledge and appreciation of Old Master paintings to as wide an audience as possible.

Dr Nicholas Penny, Director of the National Gallery, says:

"In 2012, when we acquired Titian's masterpiece 'Diana and Callisto' to sit alongside 'Diana and Actaeon', I said that no greater pair of Old Master paintings could possibly be secured for the public. Last year, in celebration of these acquisitions, 'Diana and Actaeon' painting went on tour to a number of venues around England and this cinema truck is another accessible and enjoyable opportunity for festival goers to learn more about these major acquisitions for the Nation."

Dr Stephen Deuchar, Director of the Art Fund, says:

"Mesmerising in conception and execution, Titian's 'Diana and Actaeon' and 'Diana and Callisto' are two of the most beautiful and important acquisitions ever made by a public collection. We are delighted to be supporting the National Gallery's Titian Experience, and hope that festival-goers around the UK will have fun learning more about these great works of art."

'Diana and Callisto' was acquired for the public in 2012 for £45 million by the National Gallery, London, and National Galleries of Scotland. This acquisition was made possible with the generous charitable support of individuals and trusts, including the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the Art Fund and the Monument Trust. 'Diana and Callisto' and Diana and Actaeon were painted for King Philip II of Spain between 1556 and 1559 and belong to a group of large-scale mythologies inspired by the Roman poet Ovid's 'Metamorphoses'. At the same time, Titian began another painting associated with this pair, The Death of Actaeon, also in the National Gallery. For some reason, Titian never sent this painting to the king and it remained in his studio unfinished at his death.

Notes to Editors

Festivals and Dates

Festival - Date - Time - Location

1. Hay Festival*
www.hayfestival.com - 23 May–2 June - Shows throughout the day - Next to Venue 4

2. Grassington Festival
www.grassington-festival.org.uk - 22–23 June - 10am–6pm - Festival in the Field

3. Buxton Festival
http://www.buxtonfestival.co.uk - 6–7 July - 10am–4pm - Pavilion Gardens Promenade (outside Tourist Information Office)

4. Latitude
http://www.latitudefestival.com - 18–21 July - 10am–5pm - Pandora's Playground

*At Hay Festival, experts will be presenting the film on 25–27 May and 1–2 June only
'Diana and Callisto' image credit

Titian, 'Diana and Callisto', 1556–9 © Bought jointly by the National Gallery and National Galleries of Scotland with contributions from the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Art Fund, the Monument Trust and through private appeal and bequests, 2012

The National Gallery

The National Gallery is one of the greatest art galleries in the world. Founded by Parliament in 1824, the Gallery houses the nation's collection of Western European paintings from the late 13th to the early 20th century. The collection of over 2,300 works includes paintings by Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Turner, Rembrandt, Degas, Cézanne, Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet, Rubens, Velázquez, Van Dyck, Titian and Bellini. The Gallery's key objectives are to enhance the collection, care for the collection and provide the best possible access to visitors.

Art Fund

The Art Fund is the national fundraising charity, helping museums to buy and show great art for everyone.

Over the past 5 years we've given £24m to help over 200 museums and galleries acquire works of art for their collections, from ancient sculpture and treasure hoards to Old Master paintings and contemporary commissions. We also support a range of programmes which promote museums and their collections to wider audiences, including the national tour of the ARTIST ROOMS collection, the Art Fund Prize which rewards and celebrates Museum of the Year, and our Art Guide, a pioneering smartphone app offering the most comprehensive guide to seeing art across the UK. We are independently funded, the majority of our income coming from 95,000 members who, through the National Art Pass, enjoy free entry to over 200 hundred museums, galleries and historic houses across the UK, as well as 50% off entry to major exhibitions. Find out more about the Art Fund and the National Art Pass at www.artfund.org

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Heavy clashes have been reported in Qusayr, a city near the Lebanese border, with a population of some 30,000. Between 12,000 and 20,000 people, many of them children, are thought to still be inside the city.

In recent days, hundreds of families have fled into Lebanon and various areas in Syria. UNICEF, other UN agencies and partners are providing much needed humanitarian assistance including food, clothes and hygiene kits to many of those who have been displaced.

In Hasiaa close to Homs, UNICEF and partners are supporting some 500 families made up of women, children and elderly from Qusayr and nearby villages.

They are joining an additional 1,144 families who had previously fled Qusayr where fighting has flared over the past month.

Many of the families left at night with little or no possessions. Aside from providing clothing and hygiene kits, UNICEF and partners will also start trucking in critically needed water and improve the sanitation in the coming days.

The situation is desperate. Hasiaa gets cold at night and sporadic rains have made life for children and the weakest particularly precarious as families struggle to find shelter in the area. Many have cramped into two schools, unfinished buildings and tents.

UNICEF has repeatedly called on all parties to comply with their international legal obligations and respect the sanctity of children's lives. The continued brutal violence in Syria is causing extreme human suffering and loss of life.

Since March 2011, some 4.25 million people, nearly half of them children, have been displaced inside Syria and an additional 1.5 million people have fled to neighbouring countries and are in need of humanitarian assistance.

###
About UNICEF

UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. For more information about UNICEF and its work visit: www.unicef.org

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The agreement will establish AkzoNobel as one of the top partners and preferred paint supplier of the Cruyff Foundation, allowing both parties to join forces and create safe sporting environments in communities across the globe.

Launched by famous Dutch footballer Johan Cruyff, the foundation is dedicated to setting up projects for mainly disabled and unprivileged young people. Since it was formed in 1997, soccer fields (known as Cruyff Courts) have been created in neighborhoods where children lack the possibility to play sports in a safe environment.

'We are very proud to team up with the Cruyff Foundation and support their work through the delivery of our colors and coatings,' said Conrad Keijzer, member of AkzoNobel's Executive Committee responsible for Performance Coatings. 'The partnership underlines our commitment to contributing and giving back to our local communities across the world.'

Carole Thate, Director of the Cruyff Foundation, added: 'We are proud and grateful that AkzoNobel has decided to support the Cruyff Foundation. Their contribution will help to roll-out our sports projects in countries like Brazil and India, providing children and young people who do not always have access to a safe sport environment with a great opportunity to develop their talent and skills.'

One of the Foundation's latest projects, Schoolyard14, is designed to create a more sporting and challenging environment at schools in the Netherlands in order to prevent inactivity among young people.

The agreement with AkzoNobel was signed by Conrad Keijzer and Carole Thate in the presence of Johan Cruyff at the recent Cruyff Foundation Cup, an annual fundraising football tournament held in Amsterdam.

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Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) announced today it will donate $250,000 in monetary support and merchandise to assist with tornado relief efforts in Moore, Okla. The donation includes $150,000 in cash and in-kind donations to the American Red Cross, $30,000 in a cash donation to the Salvation Army and $20,000 in product donations for other community needs such as water and other rescue and recovery supplies. Target will also donate $50,000 to Plaza Tower and Briarwood Elementary Schools to aid in recovery efforts.

'Target is saddened by the devastation in Moore, Oklahoma and committed to being a resource for this community,' said Gregg Steinhafel, Chairman, President and CEO, Target. 'By volunteering our time and donating product and funds, we hope to help the residents of Moore recover from this disaster.'

Target is supporting local police and emergency responders, whose command center is currently located in the Moore Target store parking lot at 720 SW 19th St. Local stores have donated bottled water, coolers, tents, utilities gloves, batteries, diapers, and food to first responders and the community as needed.

In addition, this year Target has given $500,000 to the American Red Cross as part of the nonprofit's Annual Disaster Giving Program. Target teams spend countless hours preparing for disasters of any magnitude and will continue to help communities across the country before, during and after a crisis.

About Target

Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at 1,832 stores – 1,784 in the United States and 48 in Canada – and at Target.com. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its profit through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $4 million a week. For more information about Target's commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.com/corporateresponsibility.

For more information, visit Target.com/Pressroom.

— WebWireID175009 —

• Individualized awards to local food banks over the next four years, including grants given this spring to 27 food banks, tailored to best serve the child and family nutritional health needs in each community;


• Financial support of cutting-edge research to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of child hunger-relief programs;


• Continuing assistance for the National Produce program that helps bring fresh produce to families in need across the United States through a network of 61,000 Feeding America partner agencies such as soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters; and


• Continuing assistance for the BackPack program that provides free backpacks with food staples so children who usually receive reduced or free lunch at school can get the nutritious meals they need over weekends or long school breaks.

'Giving back has been a cornerstone of Morgan Stanley's culture and values since our founding in 1935,' said James P. Gorman, President and CEO of Morgan Stanley. 'Our partnership with Feeding America has long been an important way for us to create impact, and I am proud of the innovative programs we have worked on together that give children the healthy start they need for lifelong achievement.'

In this latest phase of Morgan Stanley's Fill the Plate initiative, awards to local food banks will total more than $1 million each year for the next four years. The innovative design for this grant-giving allows individual food banks to select hunger-relief programs that most effectively match their local population and capabilities. The awards provide groundbreaking flexibility to Feeding America and its hunger-relief network of over 200 food banks nationwide.

'With more than 16 million children in the United States in danger of going hungry, we know that we can't solve this issue alone,' said Bob Aiken, President and CEO of Feeding America. 'This historic gift by Morgan Stanley shows the true commitment they have to help us fight hunger in all of our communities. We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with them in looking for ways to solve this problem.'

For 50 years, the Morgan Stanley Foundation has supported employee communities and innovations in pediatric health through initiatives such as its Global Alliance for Children's Health. Through Fill the Plate, Morgan Stanley is dedicated to addressing food insecurity. Currently, one in five children in the U.S. does not have enough to eat, according to Feeding America's 2010 Hunger Study.

'It is an honor for Morgan Stanley to strengthen its partnership with Feeding America in the fight against children's hunger. At the same time, I take special pride in the efforts of individual Morgan Stanley employees who regularly spend time volunteering at Feeding America's network food banks across the country,' said Joan Steinberg, Global Head of Philanthropy at Morgan Stanley. 'Morgan Stanley looks to bring intellectual capital, leadership and 'sweat equity' to its partnership with Feeding America and with all of our community partners.'

About Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, investment management and wealth management services. The Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals from more than 1,200 offices in 43 countries. Through its Global Alliance for Children's Health, the Firm is dedicated to improving the lives and welfare of the world's youngest citizens. For more information about Morgan Stanley, please visit www.morganstanley.com.

About Feeding America
Feeding America provides low-income individuals and families with the fuel to survive and even thrive. As the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, our network members supply food to more than 37 million Americans each year, including 14 million children and 3 million seniors. Serving the entire United States, more than 200 member food banks support 61,000 agencies that address hunger in all of its forms. For more information on how you can fight hunger in your community and across the country, visit www.feedingamerica.org. Find us on Facebook at facebook.com/FeedingAmerica or follow our news on Twitter at twitter.com/FeedingAmerica.

— WebWireID174993 —

Denver -- Colorado just raised the bar for helping our four-legged friends. That's because, on May 13, Gov. John Hickenlooper signed into law a bill that establishes dogs and cats adopted from animal shelters as the official "state pet"—or pets, in this case. The idea was proposed by students from the Peakview School in Walsenburg and Rooney Ranch Elementary School in Lakewood. Colorado is the first state to designate animals adopted from shelters as the official state pets. For conceiving of the measure and seeing it through to a successful conclusion, the young "lobbyists" at both schools will receive PETA's Compassionate Kids Award from PETA Kids, PETA's children's division. The bill's primary sponsors, state Sen. Andy Kerr and Rep. Brittany Pettersen, and Hickenlooper—whose rescued dog Sky accompanied him to the signing ceremony—will each receive a box of delicious vegan chocolates.

"The way that schoolchildren, legislators, and Colorado's chief executive teamed up to focus attention on the crisis of animal homelessness should be emulated by states across the country," says PETA Director of Youth Outreach and Campaigns Marta Holmberg. "Many animal shelters perform heroic work, and everyone who adopts an animal in need of a loving home is a hero, too."

Every year, 6 to 8 million animals end up in U.S. shelters, and approximately half of them have to be euthanized because there simply aren't enough good homes for them. Countless more are abandoned on the streets, where they are often subjected to injuries, starvation, exposure, disease, and cruelty. That's why PETA encourages families always to spay and neuter their dogs and cats and to adopt from animal shelters rather than buying from breeders or pet stores, which contribute to the homeless-animal crisis.

Gov. Hickenlooper also signed into law another bill that requires police officers to undergo training in dog behavior. The bill was introduced following several incidents in which police officers shot dogs under questionable circumstances.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.

— WebWireID174961 —

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Save the Children's U.S. emergency response team is mobilizing staff and essential supplies to provide support, relief and recovery services to communities and families in Oklahoma.

"We know from experience that children are always the most vulnerable during emergencies," said Carolyn Miles, president and CEO of Save the Children. "Children and families in and around Moore, Okla., have experienced destruction and loss and need our support to help them recover."

As a national leader in child-focused disaster response and recovery programs, Save the Children is prepared to quickly deploy our Child Friendly Space kits in shelters, creating safe play areas where kids can be kids again. We are also ready to deploy infant and toddler hygiene materials to support young children's well-being while they are displaced from their homes.

Save the Children's disaster-tested programs have served thousands of children in major U.S. emergencies, including hurricane Katrina and the tornado outbreaks in 2011 that devastated areas of Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Joplin, Mo.

Save the Children has led and supported child-focused community resilience building programs in Oklahoma over the last five years. We will seek, not only to support the immediate needs of children in the tornado-affected communities, but also to partner with communities to strengthen their ability to protect children and help them recover when a disaster strikes.

Please DONATE NOW to help provide relief and support for children affected by disasters in the United States (https://secure.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6239051/k.FC4A/US_Emergencies_Fund/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp)

You can also text TWISTER to 20222 to donate $10 to Save the Children and help the response effort. Standard rates apply.

About Save the Children
Save the Children works to break the cycle of poverty and improve the lives of children by ensuring they have the resources they need — access to quality education, healthy foods, and opportunities to grow and develop in a nurturing environment. When disasters strike, like hurricanes and wildfires, Save the Children is among the first on the ground, ensuring the needs of children are being met.

In the United States, Save the Children's early childhood education, literacy, physical activity and nutrition, and emergency response programs reached more than 185,000 children last year alone. For more information, visit www.savethechildren.org/usa.

Save the Children is the leading independent organization for children in need, with programs in 120 countries, including the United States. We aim to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives by improving their health, education and economic opportunities. In times of acute crisis, we mobilize rapid assistance to help children recover from the effects of war, conflict and natural disasters. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

— WebWireID174960 —

The president announced Monday afternoon Ride will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a ceremony at the White House later this year. The Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor, presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

"We remember Sally Ride not just as a national hero, but as a role model to generations of young women," said President Obama. "Sally inspired us to reach for the stars, and she advocated for a greater focus on the science, technology, engineering and math that would help us get there. Sally showed us that there are no limits to what we can achieve, and I look forward to welcoming her family to the White House as we celebrate her life and legacy."

Monday night, NASA further paid tribute to Ride by creating a new agency internship program in her name and renaming a science instrument aboard the International Space Station. The announcement was made by NASA Administrator Charles Bolden during a national tribute called, "Sally Ride: A Lifetime of Accomplishment, A Champion of Science Literacy," at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington.

The Sally Ride Internship is intended to help students from underserved backgrounds pursue a research interest at one of NASA's centers nationwide. As many as 10 internships total will be available in the spring and fall semesters of each school year, giving students the opportunity to develop a meaningful professional experience and work side by side with practicing scientists and engineers who are helping the United States lead the world in exploration and discovery. The internships also will encourage students to go into careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), of which Ride was a strong and longtime proponent.

NASA also is recognizing Ride by renaming a camera aboard the space station the Sally Ride EarthKAM. Through Sally Ride Science, hundreds of thousands of middle school students have participated in space research by using EarthKAM. Students use the Internet to request images based on their classroom investigations, and the image collection and accompanying learning guides and activities are extraordinary resources to support lessons in Earth and space science, geography, social studies, mathematics, communications, and even art.

"Sally's impact on our nation and future generations of explorers is immeasurable," said Bolden, who served with Ride in NASA's astronaut corps in the 1980s. "God speed, Sally Ride, and thank you for reminding us to reach higher, break barriers and dream big."

Monday's tribute highlighted Ride's contributions and her legacies. The celebration included longtime friends and colleagues who worked side-by-side with her to motivate and inspire girls and boys to study the STEM fields.

"Sally Ride Science is thrilled to be presenting a National Tribute to Sally to honor her lifelong commitment to space exploration, but also to improving science education and to supporting science literacy for all students," said Tam O'Shaughnessy, Ride's life partner, co-founder and chair of the board of Sally Ride Science.

In addition to space exploration and science, the tribute was built around others things that had special meaning to Ride, including sports, music, dance and poetry. Those were represented by the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras playing Claude Debussy's "Clair de Lune"; Twyla Tharp's "Jordan" dance; Patti Austin singing Tena Clark's "Way Up There"; and Maria Shriver reading Mary Oliver's poem "The Summer Day."

Speakers at the tribute included Sen. Barbara Mikulski of Maryland, who talked about how Ride changed STEM education and policy, and NASA's Associate Administrator for Education and former astronaut Leland Melvin and former astronaut and space shuttle commander Pam Melroy, who spoke about Ride's impact on the astronaut corps, the space program and beyond.

"I'm thrilled to pay tribute to Sally because her dedication and superb talent cemented the value of women's contributions in space and in science, smoothing the path for all women to achieve success," said Pam Melroy, former NASA astronaut and space shuttle commander. "Sally showed the world what was possible, opening the eyes of millions of women and men to what could be. Her achievements in space inspired a generation of young women, and her achievements in STEM education will pass that legacy of inspiration on to future generations."

Ride died on July 23, 2012, after a 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Ride's first space flight was 30 years ago next month, on June 18, 1983.

For more information about Sally Ride Science, visit:

http://www.sallyridescience.com

For more information about Ride and the national tribute, visit:

http://go.nasa.gov/15sRyyM

— WebWireID174936 —

"Game & Wario is an entertaining collection of uproarious games that uses the Wii U GamePad controller in unique and hilarious ways," said Wario, CEO of WarioWare, Inc., and all-around amazing guy. "Wahahahaha! That Was My Impression Of A Super-Serious Guy In A Suit! Game & Wario Is The Best Game In The History Of Time! It's The Year Of Wario! Wahahahaha!"

Fans can visit Crowdfarter.com and show their support today. In addition to the immense satisfaction one will get from supporting an incredible game that will make all Wii U users of the world howl with laughter and weep with delight, participating in the Crowdfarter.com campaign offers visitors a whole lot of great rewards. As fans continue to show support, stretch goals will be unlocked, offering fun rewards such as an exclusive video, wallpaper and even a ringtone with Wario's melodious voice.

In addition, Wario himself is going to take time out of his busy schedule to visit Crowdfarter.com and post daily executive updates. These updates will range from not-so-helpful tips from Wario to exclusive assets from Game & Wario. Wario's executive updates are guaranteed to make everyone's day a gas. Be a part of gaming history! Check out Crowdfarter.com today!

For more information about Game & Wario, visit http://www.gameandwario.com. For more information about Crowdfarter, visit http://www.crowdfarter.com and make it rain!

About WarioWare, Inc.: Founded by genius entrepreneur Wario, WarioWare, Inc., is a game-design company that pretty much makes the best games ever. Since its launch in 2003, WarioWare, Inc., has produced such classics as WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! and WarioWare: Twisted! for the Game Boy Advance hand-held system, WarioWare: Smooth Moves for Wii and the upcoming Game & Wario game for Wii U. WarioWare, Inc., is based in Diamond City and employs a celebrated team of diverse employees, including a cat, a cyborg and an alien. Like we said: diverse. For more information about WarioWare, Inc., please refer to the word "awesome" in the dictionary.

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— WebWireID174902 —

• Perspectives of Preparation for the CIH Exam v7.0/RT 236, Wednesday, May 22nd, 1:30-4:30 pm. Sponsored by Students and Early Career Professionals Committee (SECPC).
• ABIH Forum, Wednesday, May 22nd, 10:00 am – noon. ABIH Directors and the Executive Director will discuss certification topics, answer questions and seek audience input.

— WebWireID174898 —

Over the years, Tektronix has partnered in many ways with Oregon State to drive educational excellence," said Dr. Kevin Ilcisin, Chief Technology Officer, Tektronix. "In return, Tektronix has attracted productive and very innovative employees from OSU's undergraduate and graduate programs who are contributing to Tektronix's long term success. With the ever competitive environment of our business, it is imperative that universities educate graduates with broad technical skills, effective interpersonal and leadership skills, and ability to develop innovative solutions to the most challenging problems."

This latest gift to OSU by the Tektronix Foundation, a private foundation funded each year with a portion of Tektronix' profits, will support:

Creative Collaboratory - Modeled after the MIT media lab, the Oregon State Collaboratory enables teams of engineering students to develop working prototypes of new electrical systems. Project areas include sensing and informatics in living systems, personalized mobile platforms, and smart energy living. The latest commitment supplements the $80,000 seed funding provided by the Tektronix Foundation in September 2012 and supports Tektronix scholars through the end of the year.

SAE Vehicle Teams - OSU undergraduate and graduate students participating in this program design and build vehicles to compete in student competitions around the world. Vehicles include electric and internal combustion formula cars as well as a mini-Baja vehicle. The formula vehicles are designed, built, and compete in collaboration with DHBW-Ravensburg University in Germany. The SAE vehicle teams have achieved a remarkable total of six first-place finishes over the past two years alone. In addition, the SAE vehicle teams have also received a donation of a 289 Digital Multi Meter from Tektronix' sister company, Fluke.

Solar Car Challenge - Tektronix continues to support the OSU Solar Vehicle Team. Using funding from Tektronix, the team will be able to purchase new solar cells to upgrade its solar array in order to compete in the Formula Sun Grand Prix to be held October 2013 in Irvine, Calif. The OSU Phoenix is a three-wheeled, single passenger vehicle powered exclusively by solar energy. The team uses Tektronix oscilloscopes and Keithley meters SourceMeter® SMU instruments to help the vehicle achieve maximum efficiency.

"Support from industry partners like Tektronix is critical to the university," said Terri Feiz, head of OSU's School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. "Tektronix not only helps to fund valuable student research programs, but supports OSU in creative educational opportunities that prepare our students to enter the workforce to hit the ground running. This partnership is invaluable to our programs and students."

Wondering what else Tektronix is up to? Check out the Tektronix Bandwidth Banter blog and stay up to date on the latest news from Tektronix on Twitter and Facebook.

About Tektronix
For more than sixty-five years, engineers have turned to Tektronix for test, measurement and monitoring solutions to solve design challenges, improve productivity and dramatically reduce time to market. Tektronix is a leading supplier of test equipment for engineers focused on electronic design, manufacturing, and advanced technology development. Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Tektronix serves customers worldwide and offers award-winning service and support. Stay on the leading edge at www.tektronix.com.

About OSU College of Engineering
Oregon State University's College of Engineering is among the nation's largest and most productive engineering programs. Since 1999, the college has more than tripled its research expenditures to $37.2 million by emphasizing highly collaborative research that solves global problems, spins out new companies, and produces opportunity for students through hands-on learning. To learn more about it and Oregon State University, go to: oregonstate.edu.

— WebWireID174890 —

'We appreciate the many ways that Capital Area United Way supports the community and provides much-needed services that help improve lives,' said Tom Yura, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the BASF site in Geismar, La. ' The people that United Way helps are our neighbors, our friends, and our families. Every day in our community, and even in our own workplace, we hear stories about people in need. At BASF, we share the United Way's commitment to improve lives is by mobilizing the caring power of communities. '

The check, which represents all of the sponsorships, event fundraisers and corporate and employee pledges made by BASF employees during the 2012 campaign, was presented to the Capital Area United Way during a jambalaya fundraiser at the Geismar site, an annual company event that raises thousands of dollars each year.

'Capital Area United Way is proud to have BASF continue to support our efforts in making our communities better places for all to live,' said Richard Williams, Capital Area United Way Interim President and CEO. 'We greatly appreciate their efforts to give back to the communities we serve to advance the common good.'

According the Yura, the passion of BASF employees is what makes the United Way support at the company a success. The campaign is an employee-led drive that begins with the site's jambalaya cook-off in May, includes a chili cook-off in the fall, and continues through October with the employee pledge drive.

'At our Geismar site, we have more than 1,600 direct and contract employees. Our employees live in the local community and raise their families here. So we continuously support their generous volunteerism and United Way support and encourage them to take an active role in our community to make it an even better place to live and work,' said Yura.

For a press photo, please click on the following link:
http://www.basf.us/pressphotos/05-21-13_CapitalAreaUnitedWay.jpg

Suggested caption: BASF employees present Capital Area United Way President and CEO Richard Williams with a check for funds raised during the 2012 United Way campaign. From left are Capital Area United Way President and CEO Richard Williams, BASF Geismar Site and Community Relations Manager Jolen Stein, BASF Geismar 2012 United Way Campaign Leader Bridgett Rivet, BASF Geismar 2013 United Way Campaign Leader Jason Gathright, and Tom Yura, BASF Geismar site Senior Vice President and General Manager.

BASF - The Chemical Company

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 16,600 employees in North America, and had sales of $18.5 billion in 2012. For more information about BASF's North American operations, visit www.basf.us.

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics, performance products and crop protection products to oil and gas. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Through science and innovation, we enable our customers in nearly every industry to meet the current and future needs of society. Our products and solutions contribute to conserving resources, ensuring nutrition and improving quality of life. We have summed up this contribution in our corporate purpose: We create chemistry for a sustainable future. BASF had sales of €72.1 billion in 2012 and more than 110,000 employees as of the end of the year. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

— WebWireID174877 —

The Forgiveness Project, founded by Marina in 2004, was born from her need to restore the balance from the language of retaliation that dominated politics and the media in the lead up to the war in Iraq: 'I was a journalist with a small voice and I thought 'I need to do something'.'
A striking story of reconciliation in a local paper prompted Marina to start collecting stories of forgiveness and reconciliation with a photographer who she was working and travelling with at the time. Their work was eventually shown as an exhibition called 'The F word – images of forgiveness'.

'The Forgiveness Project uses story telling, real stories of victims and perpetrators of crime and violence, to explore the concepts of forgiveness and reconciliation. The very broadest aim is to inspire people to consider alternatives to revenge, retaliation and resentment. If you hear other people's stories it stimulates an inquiry into yourself.'

Beyond exhibitions worldwide, annual lectures, and story telling sessions in schools, the Forgiveness project runs a victim empathy restorative justice programme in prisons, facilitated by ex-offenders and victims of crimes. It encourages prisoners to explore concepts of forgiveness and reconciliation in a framework that fosters greater accountability and responsibility. Marina said: 'Restorative justice is looking at how we can mend relationships that have been broken with the community, with the family, between victim and offender.'

'So what is forgiveness?' asked Marina. Exploring various definitions, she finally came up with her own: 'Forgiveness is about coming to terms with things that you cannot change. Making peace with them.'

She then took the participants through various existing conceptions of forgiveness, based on stories of people presented by the Project.
She mentioned the vision supported by faiths like Islam and Judaism of forgiveness as a social contract, a moral relationship between self and other. This 'contract' required the perpetrator to be identified and to make repentance before the victim could forgive.

She then explored the relationship between forgiveness and justice, explaining how some people think that justice must come first. Marina warned of the close relationship between justice and revenge but also said: 'Some people need to be in prison. You have to respect the laws of the land.'

But the most accepted notion of forgiveness, she said, is that it is an act of self-healing. There she gave the example of a father who drank to forget the death of his daughter in the Oklahoma bombing of 1995. One day he realised: 'I have to do something different because what I'm doing isn't working.' That is how his path towards forgiveness began.

Then Marina asked: 'How do you forgive when someone shows no remorse but also when the offence has been so extreme and barbaric?' The answer she gave, based on another story, was through 'finding empathy for someone who is imprisoned in their tormented, distorted mind; trapped with a brain that wants to do harm.'

Exploring the impact of forgiveness on the perpetrator, Marina told the story of the founding member of the largest racist skinhead organisation in the world who was astounded when people started reaching out to him including survivors of the Holocaust from the local synagogue. This made the difference.

Finally, bringing this down to ordinary relationships, Marina shared her personal feeling: 'The more I work in this area, and the more I live, and the more I see relationships around me tumbling, […] the more I think forgiveness is the oil of personal relationships. And it's designed for us to be able to co-exist because we as human beings have expectations and when those are not met, we get disappointed. And when we get disappointed, we can either go down the blame and punishment route or we go down the empathy and forgiveness route.'

A participant shared his own story of forgiveness after having seen his parents being killed for being the children of religious leaders in a Marxist revolution, and after being jailed himself for nine years. He shared how in prison he had had nobody to listen to but his inner voice, which led him to forgiveness: 'I realised there is a reward for everything,' he said. 'The reward for forgiving is peace and tranquillity.'

Marina concluded: 'Forgiveness is risky, it's messy, it's difficult, it's costly, it's unpredictable, but it's actually transformative. Forgiveness is a journey. It's not a destination, it's a process. In some cases you move in and out. Every case is different. There is no right or wrong.'

And answering another question, she said: 'All studies on forgiveness show that having a forgiving nature has a good impact on our mental and physical health. We'd be crazy not to give it a go.'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLWy0ze-3blCKTzODm92qhe4TcTntsLUXv&v=Fc9DQNpwcng

— WebWireID174864 —

-- New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to visit work site --

(Silver Spring, Md.) More than 125 Discovery Communications' employees and on-air talent from across the United States, including Buddy Valastro of TLC's CAKE BOSS and Dave Salmoni of Animal Planet, will be in the Atlantic City suburb of Ventnor City, New Jersey, from May 16-18 to work with Habitat for Humanity on major home rehabilitations in partnership with residents affected by Superstorm Sandy. Ventnor City Mayor Mike Bagnell will work alongside Discovery employees and talent for the duration of the build and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie will be on site for the second day of the build.

Habitat for Humanity, the 6th largest home builder and the largest private home builder in the United States, works in more than 1,500 locations across the country and was one of the first on the scene for rebuild efforts in the region. Leaders from Habitat for Humanity International and Atlantic County Habitat for Humanity worked closely with Discovery to determine projects where the company's employees and on-air talent could make an impact on recovery efforts already under way.

"Since its inception, Discovery has been dedicated to satisfying viewers' curiosity and making a difference through programs that educate and enlighten, and we also recognize that our mission extends beyond the screen," said David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications. "We are proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity on this important 'Rebuilding Atlantic City' project and to demonstrate the positive impact that businesses can make in answering the call to service."

'New Jersey has made significant strides rebuilding and recovering in the six and a half months since Superstorm Sandy,' said Governor Chris Christie. 'I'm proud of how our communities and residents have shown the world our strength, determination and resilience. Through the support and volunteerism of individuals and organizations across the globe, we experienced the human spirit at its best. I would like to thank Discovery Communications, Habitat for Humanity and TLC for being a part of that spirit as they partner together to repair homes for the residents of Ventnor.'

'Like almost every community in New Jersey, Ventnor was hit hard by Superstorm Sandy. Since the day of the storm, Ventnor has been in recovery mode and our citizens have done a wonderful job helping each other to rebuild our community,' said Ventnor City Mayor Mike Bagnell. 'I'd also like to thank Discovery Communications, TLC and Habitat for Humanity for coming to our town and partnering with us to move Ventnor forward. Sandy knocked us down, but not out.'

'This event is just one way that Habitat for Humanity is responding to those who are still suffering from the devastation of the storm,' said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. 'We are delighted to work with partners like Discovery Communications to help families rebuild their lives and strengthen communities.'

The initial idea and inspiration behind Discovery's 'Rebuilding Atlantic City' project came from David Zaslav as part of the company's Discovery Impact initiatives, which leverage the power of Discovery's brands, businesses and employees to give back and make a difference in the communities in which they live and work. In 2011, Discovery employees rebuilt homes in tornado-ravaged suburbs of Birmingham, Alabama.

Buddy Valastro of TLC's CAKE BOSS will work with Discovery employees in the rebuilding efforts in his home state of New Jersey. A new season of CAKE BOSS returns to TLC on Monday, May 27 at 9p.m., followed by a brand-new project BAKERY BOSS, where Buddy helps transform a struggling family-run bakery into the success they desperately need.

Also participating in the rebuild efforts are Animal Planet's Dave Salmoni and the stars of TLC's HONEY DO, Jonathan Waud, Kevin Peake and Benjamin Patterson. HONEY DO, premiering June 17 at 10 p.m., follows a dream team of handy men who come to the aid of one wife with a totally relatable problem - she's got a "honey do" list a mile long - and her husband doesn't know where to begin.

To further Discovery's impact, Discovery Education is also presenting an exciting and educational assembly for the students and staff of Atlantic City Public Schools' Sovereign Avenue School. The assembly will offer students a sneak peek of the upcoming Discovery Channel series NORTH AMERICA, and will include special appearances by Animal Planet's Dave Salmoni and TLC's CAKE BOSS, Buddy Valastro.

In conjunction with the rebuilding efforts, Whirlpool is generously donating household appliances including washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, ranges and refrigerators to several homes that were greatly affected by the storm. The 30 appliances will be installed throughout the three-day project by Discovery Communications' volunteers and Habitat leaders.Whirlpool and Habitat for Humanity have been working together for more than a decade to create decent, affordable housing around the world. Over the past 13 years, Whirlpool has contributed more than $78 million in cash and product to support the mission of Habitat for Humanity.

About Discovery Impact
Through its Discovery Impact programs, Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) leverages the power of its brands, businesses and employees to give back to the world. From programming that inspires and educates to annual events that make a direct impact on the communities in which we live and work, Discovery strives to celebrate, support and sustain the majesty of the earth's people, animals and natural beauty. For more information about how Discovery is making an impact, please visit: http://impact.discovery.com.

About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than two billion cumulative subscribers in 223 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through 162 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as U.S. joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub and 3net, the first 24-hour 3D network. Across the Nordic region, Discovery owns and operates SBS Discovery Media, a top-three portfolio of 20 television brands that feature leading nonfiction content, as well as locally produced entertainment programs, sports and the best scripted series and movies from major studios. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of digital media services, including Revision3. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit Christian housing organization that seeks to put God's love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 600,000 families by welcoming people of all races, religions and nationalities to construct, rehabilitate or preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit www.habitat.org, or follow us at www.facebook.com/habitat or at www.twitter.com/habitat_orgor join Habitat's blog community at www.habitat.org/blog.

About Whirlpool brand
Whirlpool Corporation is the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $18 billion in 2012, 68,000 employees, and 65 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. Whirlpool brand recognizes that consumers lead busy, active lives and continues to create solutions that help consumers optimize productivity and efficiency in the home. In addition to designing appliance solutions based on consumer insight, Whirlpool is one of Habitat for Humanity's largest corporate partners, donating a refrigerator and range to every new Habitat for Humanity home built in North America. For more information on Whirlpool brand please visit www.whirlpool.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whirlpoolUSA. Additional information about the company can be found at www.whirlpoolcorp.com.

— WebWireID174804 —

Despite efforts to overcome the crisis by increasing their own revenue-raising efforts, fewer than one in five poor countries is spending the recommended level on agriculture and only two of five are spending what the World Health Organization recommends on health.

Although many have managed to increase spending in these areas and in others that benefit poor people such as education, this has been funded by a large increase in borrowing. Fears about rising debt, combined with recent aid cuts mean they are now cutting spending.
Cuts make the situation worse

Cuts to agriculture threaten to make an already dire situation worse. One in 8 of the world's people will go hungry tonight. Cuts in health spending meanwhile will undermine recent progress to combat malaria and HIV and AIDS and to reduce the number of children dying before their fifth birthday.

Putting Progress at Risk is based on data from a new Government Spending Watch database, a joint venture between Oxfam and Development Finance International which monitors spending in 52 low income countries. It finds that poor countries' lost $140bn in revenues due to the crisis – a situation compounded in the last two years by aid cuts. As a result, between 2008-13 40 per cent of their extra spending has been funded by borrowing, much of it expensive – for example off-budget private infrastructure finance initiatives and domestic and external commercial bonds.

Matthew Martin, Director of DFI, said: 'Developing countries have made huge efforts to overcome the economic crisis and reach the Millennium Development Goals, but the international community has not been delivering on its promises. Without higher aid flows, countries are being forced to choose between sharply increasing debt burdens or sacrificing spending on food, hospitals and schools.'

Oxfam's Stephen Hale said: 'The idea that developing countries have come through the economic crisis unscathed is wishful thinking. Rising levels of debt are forcing poor countries to cut support to the poorest at a time when they need additional protection from climate change and rising food prices. The quality of investments also need to be improved. Investment in agriculture must focus on supporting small-scale farmers to improve the food security and livelihoods of those that need it most.'

'Dismal levels of investment in agriculture are one of the main reasons why one in eight people in the world are hungry. These new findings constitute worrying evidence that things may get worse before they get better.'
Far from reaching the Millennium Development Goals

The database tracks trends in poor countries' expenditure on areas needed to reach the Millennium Development Goals: agriculture, education, environment, gender, health, social protection and water and sanitation. It measures spending against agreed international targets.

Fewer than a quarter of countries are spending what is needed to deliver education for all or to meet targets on water and sanitation.

Spending is also worryingly low on social protection to fight inequality, climate change and gender. Virtually no donors are funding poor country spending on climate change or social protection.

All of these have been identified as key to global development progress after the MDGs expire in 2015, by a UN High Level Panel considering successors to the MDGs, which is co-chaired by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, and Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom.

Notes to Editors

The Government Spending Watch database can be viewed at www.governmentspendingwatch.org

The report identifies major gaps in data relating to developing country spending in different areas but this was mainly at a detailed level – eg capital vs concurrent spending. It did not affect the top line conclusions about levels of spending on different sectors.

Targets

Countries' spending on agriculture is measured against the commitment of African governments to spend at least 10 per cent of national budgets on agriculture by 2008 (the Maputo commitment). The target has been supported by the World Bank. 19 per cent of countries are meeting this target.

Education expenditure is measured against the target to allocate 20 per cent of national budgets to the sector – a target agreed as part of the Education For All Fast Track Initiative. 24 per cent of countries are meeting this target.

Health spending was measured against both the World Health Organization target of $30-40 per capita – a rate it calculates is necessary to fund essential interventions to avoid preventable debts. 37 per cent of countries are meeting this. Only 3 per cent are meeting the Abuja target to allocate 15 per cent of spending to health.

The International Labor Organization estimates that governments need to spend at least 2.9 per cent of GDP on social protection to provide even basic safety nets. No country is close to meeting that target.

African Union ministers have set a spending target of 0.5 per cent of GDP on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) while the UNDP estimate that 1 per cent is needed to halve the proportion of people without access to safe water and sanitation. 23 per cent of countries are spending at least 1.5 per cent of GDP on WASH.

There are no targets on environment or gender.

— WebWireID174787 —

Hair for Hope is the Children's Cancer Foundation's call to the public to go bald. Through this symbolic gesture, shavees help to spread awareness of childhood cancer in Singapore, show children that it is okay to be bald and that they are not alone in their fight against cancer, as well as raise funds to help children with cancer and their families.

'StarHub is supporting Hair for Hope because we firmly believe in helping the children with cancer, and their families,' said Mr Adam Reutens-Tan, Corporate Sustainability & Responsibility Manager, StarHub. 'Children with cancer face many challenges in their lives, such as pain from the disease and the treatment, and the stigma imposed by society and even family members. Many of their families also struggle to afford the costly treatments. As young children, it is more difficult for them to understand why and accept that they are afflicted.

'StarHub wants the children and their families to know that they are not alone, that there is a community who supports them in spirit and in kind,' stated Mr Reutens-Tan, who is shaving his head for the fourth time. 'For the StarHub staff who shaved today, this is a brave yet relatively small gesture. Our hair will grow back, either in weeks or months. But for these children, their hair may never return. We hope that well-wishers will support our sacrifice with donations to Children's Cancer Foundation.'

To support this cause and its employees' bald statement, StarHub will donate $46,000 from the StarHub Sparks Fund, or $1,000 for each of the 46 employees who shaved at the satellite event. This is in addition to the $20,000 in online donations raised by well-wishers at the time of the event. Supporters can continue to make online donations until 30 September 2013.

One of the seven female shavees, Ms Michelle Yap from Frontline Training, shaved her head in memory of her late father who suffered from prostate cancer and to support her best friend who was recently diagnosed with cancer.

'My father lost his hair due to the chemotherapy and I have been shaving my head since to honour my memory of him,' shared Ms Yap. 'And I also want to let my best friend and all children with cancer know that they are not alone. Let's grow our hair back together!'

Another female shavee, Ms Wong Yen Yen from StarHub's SHINE division, hopes to comfort and inspire the children with another message: 'It is not the number or amount of hair on our heads that matter; it is who we are inside that counts.'

Ms Celine Ho from StarHub's Customer Service Centre shaved her head in support of her six year-old son Kye Feng, who had just been discharged after a successful bone marrow transplant and who is now on the road to recovery from leukaemia.

'While many people may feel shaken upon learning that they or their loved ones are ill, having cancer is not the end of the world. I want the children and their families to know that there is still hope,' said Ms Ho.

Those who are interested in supporting StarHub's shaving efforts can make an online donation at http://www.hairforhope.org.sg/index.php?/shavee/sdetails/17.

— WebWireID174762 —