Life is Not So Hard as Funny

NBA Turns To Twitter, TechCrunch Disrupt Winner Shaker For A More Social All-Star Game

Coverage of the NBA’s All-Star game in Orlando began tonight at 5pm ET, starting with the Sprite Slam Dunk contest, featuring the Indiana Pacers’ Paul George, Minnesota Timberwolves’ Derrick Williams, the Knicks’ Iman Shumpert, and Rockets’ Chase Budinger. The NBA is stepping up its social media coverage of the All-Star game this year, and is making some crowdsourcing-type changes to the Slam Dunk Contest, which we thought were worth quickly sharing geotechnical engineering.

This year, the dunk contest will only consist of one round, and each competitor will get three dunks, fan voting will open after all four players have performed their acrobatics. But, more importantly, for the first time ever, fans get to vote directly for the winner of the dunk contest through SMS, NBA.com, or the Twitters. To vote on Twitter, fans simply tweet their favorite player’s last name along with the hashtag “SpriteSlam.” The player with the most votes, via this new “dunksourcing” will take home the victory.

Tonight’s All-Star game also includes another “first” for the NBA and social media, thanks to TechCrunch Disrupt winner Shaker, which is, essentially, a virtual nightclub that lives inside Facebook. During this year’s All-Star game, the NBA and Shaker have teamed up to host fans from across the globe in the NBA’s first online arena. The Shaker-NBA partnership will give fans a chance to interact, chat, watch exclusive interviews and highlights, and test eachother’s NBA knowledge.

The league is also offering a bunch of updates and new channels to its GameTime mobile app to bring fans 90-plus hours of streaming video, including

GOOD NEWS - State Career Education Leaders Say Entrepreneurship...

>Columbus, Ohio (PRWEB) February 21, 2012 The 6th Annual National Entrepreneurship Week is featuring local entrepreneurs such as Joe Russell of Russell's Cycling + Fitness, a bicycle shop in Washington, IL.    This entrepreneur demonstrated his interest in mentoring the students of the Business Entrepreneurship Class at Washington Community High School, in the winning video interview for "Hot Shot Entrepreneurs" http://www.ubciweek.com/news/radiology-degree-online.html. YouTube link The competition was sponsored by the Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education with the winning video posted on the National Entrepreneurship Week website.     Entrepreneurship Education, like this Illinois program, is alive and well in most of the United States, with various types of action being taken to support entrepreneurship as a career choice in the public schools of different states. SURVEY OF STATES - To honor the 6th annual celebration of National Entrepreneurship Week, the host (The Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education) conducted a survey of the state education leaders to determine "THE STATE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP EDUCATION, 2012". The goal was to explore where each state stands on providing entrepreneurial experiences with emphasis on K-12 programs. Most significant from the survey, 80% of the states said "Entrepreneurship skills are extremely important to the future." However, for the most part, these state leaders have not taken major steps to include entrepreneurship education in the curriculum. Important results included:
    More than two-thirds of the states said "they have standards that include entrepreneurship competencies". Even more said they "offer separate classes in entrepreneurship" (76%), and almost all (90%) said the "colleges offered entrepreneurship education."     When asked if their teacher training/certification had requirements for teacher

Fitness & Health Bloggers Conference 2012

The "Fitness & Health Bloggers Conference 2012" will take place in United States, Denver CO on 22 Jun 2012. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRLog (Press Release) - Feb 19, 2012 - Fitness and health bloggers, industry professionals, and social media professionals will gather from throughout North America to meet, learn, and share flight scheduler degrees. Plus with the session like Yoga, running or walk to dinner, it’s the conference that fitness & health bloggers don’t want to miss. This is not your normal bloggers conference. We have kept the best aspect of blogger conferences, including:- A full morning of blogger-to-blogger education covering important topics such as ethics, SEO, monetization, creating a community, and more.- Two dinners included and we are working on adding some breakfasts or lunches.- Important networking time during evening parties.- Time for fit camps, running clinics, and other cutting-edge activities where you will both learn new things and stay active.However, with our alignment with The Colorado Center for Health and Wellness at the University of Colorado’s medical school, we will be able to offer things no other conference can offer:- Topics that cover the current cutting-edge science of health and wellness.- Speakers drawn from the Center’s 100+ scientific researchers, among the leading figures in their industry.- Access to a brand-new, four-level, $70 million building that is scheduled for completion in April, 2012. See below.- A hard-nosed, scientific approach to the conference that vets sponsors, speakers, and activities for their scientific credentials.Attendance cost: $250-$450 (space is limited to 200 attendees)More Information & Registration for the Fitness & Health Bloggers Conference 2012 at http://itevent.net/fitness-health-bloggers-conference-2012---At ITEVENT.NET we collect IT conferences provided by global corporations (such as Microsoft, IBM and Oracle

Medical School Admissions Expert Dr. Paul Toote Speaks To Premed Students At The University of Texas

Premed Consulting Expert, Dr. Paul Toote, recently spoke with a group of premed students at the University of Texas at Arlington, discussing keys to being successful in the medical school admission process http://www.selfprofit.com/neuroradiologists-and-x-ray-tube/. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPRLog (Press Release) - Feb 20, 2012 - Premed Consulting Expert, Dr. Paul Toote, recently spoke with a group of premed students at the University of Texas at Arlington, discussing keys to being successful in the medical school admission process.McKinney, Tex. – February 17, 2012 – Dr. Paul Toote, D.O., a top-level emergency medicine physician and founder of National Premed Consulting, was recently asked to speak to a group of premed university students, about the medical school admission process and keys to success.  The Medical and Dental Preparatory Association at University of Texas at Arlington, Texas invited Dr. Toote to speak to this group of students on February  15, 2012.“I had a great time speaking with these students.  I share with them some of the success keys that could increase there odds of getting into medical school. We had a good time exposing some of the myths out there about the whole medical school admission process.”Dr. Toote is a nationally sought after speaker at universities, medical colleges and other educational groups.  He is consistently making time to be available to speak to students and faculties, sharing his insider knowledge and expertise in navigating the medical school admissions process.He recently launched “Medical School Admissions 101,” a podcast for those interested in premed and looking to get into medical school. “Medical School Admissions 101” has ranked as high as #1 in the world in the Higher Education section of Podomatic. Since the launch of the podcast, the popularity and listenership has exploded.  Since May of 2011, Dr. Toote has seen over 7,000 listeners and downloads in over 20 different countries.  The podcast is described as “Giving you the Medical School admission

Chocolate as a Lifestyle

For many people, chocolate is a guilty pleasure. For sisters Frances and Ginger Park, Korean Americans, it's sweet success.  They opened Washington's first gourmet chocolate shop more than a quarter century ago verdede tabulas. In addition to running their shop, they have published award winning books embracing their family's roots and the American Dream.

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Cecilia Perry has been coming to this shop, Chocolate Chocolate, almost every day for years. "[I come here often] because they have the best chocolate in the entire region," said Perry.Esther Alpert comes in a couple of times a week. "It is just so sweet and pleasant to be here.  We love these guys, and I think it is the best chocolate in the city," Alpert added.Offering the best chocolate from around the world is what Frances and Ginger Park had in mind when they opened the first independent chocolate shop in the nation's capital 28 years ago.  "We grew up on some very fine chocolate because our dad worked for the World Bank and would bring back European chocolate in suitcases when

Green Education Foundation (GEF) to Present at Green Schools National Conference

Session to Discuss Innovative Course to Integrate Sustainability Concepts in the Classroom FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRLog (Press Release) - Feb 17, 2012 - Green Education Foundation (GEF) has announced their participation as an exhibitor and presenter at the Green Schools National Conference February 27-29, 2012 in Denver, Colorado http://verdede.posterous.com/problems-with-disaster-logistics-in-re-establ.  This event is set to be the only national gathering of K-12 leaders and educators coming together to make their schools and districts green and healthy centers of academic excellence. This conference will be a ‘take notice’ event as the centerpiece of a national movement sending a strong, clear, message that green is the future of our schools.In their breakout session on the morning of the 28th, GEF will be sharing the overwhelming success stories from their pilot professional development course, Sustainability Education Concepts and Teaching Methods, as well as providing a live tour of the course content to session attendees.  The goal of the session will be to introduce a new generation of online learning that shapes sustainability as a natural and necessary component of any discipline or curriculum schedule.  GEF hopes to provide the tools to inspire and motivate educators to integrate sustainability in their existing curriculum while still teaching to core standards and STEM topics.  In the fall 2011 pilot version, over 700 educators from around the world enrolled to explore basic sustainability concepts and methods for integrating those new concepts into their classrooms. Feedback from participants was exceedingly positive and has provided a springboard from which GEF Institute, a division of GEF, will launch two new online sustainability courses for educators, students, and adults in April. Bryan Field, a physics, biology, STEM and Sustainability teacher from Conant High School in New Hampshire, shared his enthusiasm about the delivery and content of the online course:  “My complements to the E-learning designer for an excellent integration of video and text an

The 404 995: Where the damage is done (podcast)

It's Wilson's penultimate episode on The 404 Podcast, but his departure just wouldn't feel right unless we let him carry on today about the Apple OS 10 Roentgenology as a Field of Radiologic Science/.8 Mountain Lion announcement.

What am I supposed to do with this?

Leaked from 404 Podcast 995:

Apple Mac OS X 'Mountain Lion' takes more bites out of iOS. Get started with iMessage for OS X. Low Latency No. 10: Good artists copy, great artists steal. Apple PR maintains a blacklist of journalists that it refuses to talk to. Bathroom break video : Live television texting-while-walking fail.

Ep. 995: Where the damage has been done

Episode 995 Listen now: Download today's podcast Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video

Follow us on Twitter!The 404 Jeff Bakalar Justin Yu Wilson Tang Add us on Facebook!The 404 Fan Page The 404 Group Justin Yu Jeff Bakalar Wilson Tang ...

Source: The 404 995: Where the damage is done (podcast)

Kids Preferred Celebrates 50 Years of Puff, the Magic Dragon!

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Puff, the Magic Dragon and a new collection at Toy Fair Booth 2866 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRLog (Press Release) - Feb 15, 2012 - East Windsor, N.J. (February 9, 2012) – Since the original Peter, Paul, and Mary song released  almost 50 years ago, the cultural history of American childhood has included Puff, the Magic Dragon. Puff has become as iconic as Winnie the Pooh and Mother Goose. The legend of Puff is much-loved among children's classics: it tells of the wonder of childhood, its flights of fancy and imagination, and the eventual leaving behind of youthful dreams as we grow up. Puff, the Magic Dragon has delighted three generations, and now it’s time for your child to fall in love with him too. In 2007, Sterling Publishing released the first illustrated children’s book, co-authored by Peter Yarrow and Lenny Lipton, based on the song Puff, the Magic Dragon.  The tale of Puff is brought to life in the book with vibrant, full-color illustrations that captivates kids' imaginations, and allows parents to relive their own childhoods. While the song ended with young Jackie Paper leaving behind Puff, his childhood friend, to seek out the real world, the storybook has added a wonderful and touching coda to the story: Jackie Paper’s young daughter is introduced to Puff and befriends him, just as her father did. Now, five years after the release of the book, Puff, the Magic Dragon is brought to life with the new Kids Preferred Puff plush toy.  Inspired by the book, Puff-- a sumptuously soft toy rendered in a beautiful moss green soft fabric. Puff is available in a large 16” model, or a toddler-friendly 11” size. He is hand-washable and is suitable for children of any age. Puff is a dream dragon -- he has a long neck, a curved back, a warm and friendly face with a long snout -- perfect for fire-breathing or kissing -- and his wings are edged in deep forest green. Puff is the perfect doll for kids to play with, cuddle, and keep company while they read their beloved storybook! Kids Preferred has created a range of Puff merchandise, including the plush dolls, in celebration of Puff, the Magic Dragon's 50th anniversary. There is also a melamine dinner set, a set of utensils, and a boxed-set of finger puppets guaranteed to keep any child engaged for hours. Each set comes packaged in a collectible, keepsake gift box, so you and your child can remember the commemoration of Puff's anniversary for years to come. Look for the following items to be available in May 2012 at the Kids Preferred website, www.kidspreferred.com.Puff, the Magic Dragon Large Plush•   Ages 0+•   16 inches•   J-hooked•   Pack of 2•   Hand washThis plush recreation of everyone’ favorite dragon is sure to be a hit with children ages 0+. Whether as a companion to the book or just a friend to cuddle, Puff, the Magic Dragon Large Puff is perfect!Puff, the Magic Dragon Small Plush•   Ages 0+•   11 inches•   J-hooked•   Pack of 6•   Hand washThe perfect size for cuddling regardless of a child’s age or size, this Puff, the Magic Dragon Small Plush is one that will be cherished and loved for a long time to come.Puff, the Magic Dragon Finger Puppets•   Ages 0+•   9.25 x 2 x 6.5 inches•   Boxed•   Pack of 4•   Hand washChildren will love acting out their own adventures with the characters of Puff, the Magic Dragon with these fun finger puppets. The older kids can put on shows for their parents while those too small to put on a show can sit back and watch in awe as someone else brings these finger puppets to life! Puff, the Magic Dragon Hand Puppet•   Ages 0+•   10 inches•   J-Hooked•   Pack of 4•   Hand washBring Puff to life with this endearing hand puppet that is a perfect little representation of the magic dragon himself. Easy to use and soft enough to cuddle, this hand puppet is sure to make for hours of fun!Puff, the Magic Dragon Musical Waggy•   Ages 0+•   10 inches•   Pack of 4•   Hand washA child will be absolutely mesmerized watching as Puff, the Magic Dragon Musical Waggy sings his beloved song and moves his head to the music! An absolute joy to watch and listen to!Puff, the Magic Dragon Melamine•   Ages 1+•   11.5 x 3.25 x 8.5 inches•   Pack of 2 sets•   Gift boxed•   Top rack dishwasher safeThis 5-piece set of melamine children’s dishes is sure to make meal time loads of fun! The set includes: 8.5” sectioned plate, bowl, sippy cup, fork, and spoon. It comes packaged in coordinating gift box, ready to give to that special little person.Puff, the Magic Dragon Utensils•   Ages 1+•   Pack of 4 •   Gift boxed•   Top rack dishwasher safeA sweet addition to meal time, children will love having their very own utensils from this beloved story, which come gift boxed and ready for sharing.About Kids Preferred, LLCKids Preferred, LLC is an award-winning division of Kids Preferred, Inc., which was founded in 1983 and is one of the largest plush toy manufacturers in the U.S. Known for its superior quality and unique designs, Kids Preferred, LLC serves the specialty, juvenile, gift, and better department store trade by distributing soft toys and gifts under its own brand, private label and licensed brands including amazing baby™, asthma &  allergy friendly™  - Healthy Baby™, Arthur™,  Biscuit™, Classic Pooh®, Disney’s Winnie the Pooh®, Disney’s Mickey & Minnie, Disney Princess, Elmer, The World of Eric Carle™, Goodnight Moon, Greenzys™, The Gruffalo®,  Guess How Much I Love You™, Harley-Davidson®, Jabbers™, Kimmidoll Junior®, Label Loveys™, Martha Speaks™, pat the bunny®,  The World of Beatrix Potter™, Peep and the Big Wide World™,  Puff, the Magic Dragon,  Smarty Kids™, Spot™ , The Snowman™, Special Delivery, Squaredy Cats® and Traykit®....

Source: Kids Preferred Celebrates 50 Years of Puff, the Magic Dragon!

Dollar Loan Center Announces College Scholarship Program

Company donates $500 scholarship for educational expenses at an accredited college FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Charles Brennan, CEO of Loan Shack and Dollar LoanPRLog (Press Release) - Feb 15, 2012 - Dollar Loan Center announces its Back-to-School Scholarship Program, offering high school and college students the chance to win a $500 scholarship for educational expenses at an accredited college or private career school anywhere in the United States.  “In nearly any profession, writing and grammar skills are of great importance,” said Chuck Brennan,, president/founder and CEO of Dollar Loan Center. “That is especially true in the financial industry. With our Back-to-School Scholarship Program, Dollar Loan Center is providing a chance to further assist in educating our communities.”  Brennan, who founded Dollar Loan Center in 1998, is also co-author of the book Saving Money: It’s in Your Best Interest.Students can apply for the scholarship on Dollar Loan Center’s Facebook page or website by February 28, 2012. The application includes a short essay on “How technology has affected my personal finances.”  Essays will be judged on grammar, creativity and relevancy. Five finalists will be chosen and the scholarship recipient will be announced on March 5, 2012.“The Dollar Loan Center Back-to-School Scholarship Program is one more spectacular way we are extending opportunities to those who are truly committed to their education and pursuing it,” said Brennan.  “Our young people are the leaders of tomorrow and it is up to us to help them make their dreams come true!”Details and rules for the Dollar Loan Center Back-to-School Scholarship Program can be found on the company’s Facebook page and website.Brennan owns and operates 50 Dollar Loan Center locations throughout Southern Nevada, South Dakota, and Utah.  The philanthropic stores maintain a continuous stream of generous giving by supporting a collection of established charities. The company and its employees give to dozens of organizations including Las Vegas’ favorite charity, Opportunity Village, and Alice and Sheryl Cooper’s Solid Rock Foundation, among many others.Brennan himself is one of Nevada’s most recognized philanthropists, giving more than $200,000 annually to charities across the country. In 2011 alone, Brennan supported Opportunity Village in several campaigns, the 15 Foundation, Henderson Little League, Olive Crest, and dozens of other deserving organizations. Dollar Loan Center is also the largest provider of short term credit services in South Dakota and Clark County (Las Vegas) Nevada. In 2007, Entrepreneur Magazine listed the company among its “Hot 500” Fastest Growing Businesses and Entrepreneurs.”  For more information, visit www.dontbebroke.com....

Source: Dollar Loan Center Announces College Scholarship Program

Sell Simp.ly Rebrands As Chirpify; Launches New Twitter Commerce Platform For Brands

We first covered Sell Simp.ly in November last year, as it looked to capitalize on the increasing interest in social media as not only a place to advertise and build an online presence for brands, but as a platform for conducting social commerce http://s1.zetaboards.com/Pens_and_Mocha/profile/1704677/. Most of that interest has surrounded Facebook, as a host of solutions and services have emerged that allow big brands and startups alike to create retail storefronts on Facebook, sell to customers, and to a certain extent, manage their transactions.

With an enormous reach in its own right, one might expect that Twitter would look to leverage its platform (which has also become popular among celebrities and brands looking to hawk their wares) to throw its weight around in the emerging social eCommerce marketplace. As of now, Twitter has shown no interest in building this into its repetoire, with CEO Dick Costolo saying that the company is making enough money on advertising, thank you very much.

That’s why one-man-show Chris Teso launched Sell Simply — as a simple way to take advantage of this big market opportunity — and enable consumers to buy, sell, donate, and transact right on Twitter. The goal was to turn Sell Simply into a digital marketplace, making it possible for any Twitter user to buy and sell their products or items, just by replying “buy” to any tweet listing.

While the idea has a lot of potential, Teso was operating as a solo founder, and to really make it work, he says, he knew that he needed help. The Founder turned to a new Portland-based accelerator called Upstart Labs, which offered him $50K in seed funding and access to a team of designers and developers that would assist in scaling the business.

A by-product of joining UpStart Labs has been that the startup will no longer be known as Se