Sunday, July 27, 2008

Women's Fashion Blog Has Inside Story

New Blog Gives Inside Story on Women's Fashion

London fashion expert Caryn Franklin's website howtolookgood.com is not only a dedicated women's fashion advice site on body shape, but now includes her new blog, offering a real behind the scenes, no holds barred insight into the UK fashion industry

London, UK - July 27, 2008 -- In her new blog (
http://www.howtolookgood.com/blog) Caryn tells it like it is and offers readers the opportunity to sign up and interact with her, by posting comments and receiving feedback and advice on all issues around fashion and how to dress for body shape.

She also flags up her own clothing solutions giving insight into the wardrobe of a 'fashion expert.'

Written with authority (she has spent 25 years in the business and has interviewed everyone from Yves Saint Laurent to Georgio Armani, as well as presenting on numerous TV shows, writing books and contributing to women's magazines) Caryn also writes from an ageless perspective.

As Caryn Franklin says, "Women can love fashion and dress confidently whatever their age, when they understand how to see beyond what commercial fashion offers. I give women tools to create the best wardrobe for their shape, age and lifestyle. And I'm there as a resource on my site. Since our launch in 2001, I have answered many hundreds of questions from readers."

Caryn's main website
http://www.howtolookgood.com offers advice and tips on how to be a clever consumer of women's fashion and by signing up to her new blog, subscribers will receive a free e-book on Jeans - giving them all the information they need on shape, fit and brand.

The site also offers women the opportunity to download one of 19 different e-books on

how to dress for your body shape (
http://www.howtolookgood.com/advice_home.html), for either their current wardrobe, or when shopping for new clothes.

These comprehensive and practical e-books are designed to provide valuable tips and advice to help women avoid making time consuming and costly mistakes by understanding what to wear and also what to avoid.

As these three testimonials show, Caryn's advice has been crucial:

Good morning,

I just wanted to let you know how absolutely wonderful your e-book has been for me. Until I read it last week I would stand in front of a wardrobe that consisted primarily of black and white, and still be confused about what I should wear. Always feeling out of shape and completely uncomfortable, with no confidence at all in my appearance.

The following day we went out to dinner and might I say, I looked and felt great. I had three comments on how great I was looking. It was all clothing from my existing wardrobe, put together with your rules and it looked great.

I have had my colours and style done before; however no one has ever produced an action plan (what a brilliant idea, particularly the collage). And the cost to have them come into your home and assist is quite expensive.

I cannot thank you enough; you really are the Queen of Style.

Jacqueline

Hi Caryn,

Simply had to put pen to paper, so to speak.

Just read the first 15 pages of your e-book and it addresses my central concern - large and square shoulders. Your diagrams and short to-the-point good for, or bad for remarks, are just what I require. Great, I now know what suits my top half and this will make such a difference to my shopping and confidence.

Many, many thanks. My 4-year search is over.

Kind regards,

Trixie

Thank you for your very helpful and practical e-book. It's the only one I know of with exclusively the right advice for women of my particular shape, and I found it a valuable source of inspiration. I just wish it had been around when I was sixteen. What a lot of heartache (at not being the 'right shape') and shopping headaches I would have avoided, not to mention how much money I could have saved! I've told all my friends about your site. They are all equally enthusiastic.

Kind regards

Aimée

The website also provides information on the current fashion trends to help readers understand what's on offer this season, news from the catwalks, an online shopping directory and a monthly newsletter.

For additional information on the news that is the subject of this release, contact info@brilliantproductions.co.uk or visit howtolookgood.com

About Howtolookgood.com

Howtolookgood.com was launched in February 2001 by Caryn Franklin and Jane Galpin offering fashion advice for all women.

About the author: Caryn Franklin has worked in the fashion industry for 25 years. She presented the BBC's Clothes Show for 12-years and has presented many other fashion shows including Style Bible, Style Academy, The Frock and Roll Years, as well as appearing regularly on network TV shows LK Today, GMTV and This Morning. She has written many books, contributes to mainstream women's magazines and has interviewed everyone from Yves Saint Laurent to Georgio Armani. Through her company Brilliant Productions, she hosts many live shows on the subject of image and style and her website howtolookgood.com offers all women advice on how to look good, whatever their body shape.

Contact: Caryn Franklin or Jane Galpin, owners

Brilliant Productions Ltd

0870 442 4498

http://www.howtolookgood.com

Contact Information
Julian Barrett
Brilliant Productions Ltd
http://www.howtolookgood.com
01453 839321

Multi-Billion Online Sports Betting Biz Tapped

Casinos VIP Lounge Taps into the Multi-Billion Online Sports Betting Biz

Online casino portal CasinosVIPLounge.com launches a new sports betting section. Among the info available are detailed reviews of leading sports betting websites as well as articles on the most prominent sports betting events.

July 27, 2008 -- CasinosVIPLounge.com, a leading online casino portal (
http://www.casinosviplounge.com/), recently unveiled a new section targeted at online sports betting aficionados. The new sports betting section provides readers with extensive and valuable information on this particular industry, from in-depth reviews of the most popular sports betting websites and detailed gambling advice to articles on the hottest sports betting (http://www.casinosviplounge.com/sports-betting-intro.html) action.

Over the years, betting on sports has become a multi-billion dollar industry. According to sports betting industry experts, the total amount of money wagered on bets annually in the United States alone stands at over $200 billion. Today, thousands of online bettors enjoy placing daily bets on their favorite sports, such as horse racing, soccer, American football, hockey, baseball, basketball, boxing and golf. Trustworthy information on winning odds, Internet bookmakers and the most popular sporting events is crucial to people seeking to make successful wagers.

CasinosVIPLounge editor-in-chief Marcy Jefferson said, "The CasinosVIPLounge team is very proud to launch this new sports betting section. We seek to provide newcomers to this industry as well as seasoned bettors with reliable information and useful advice. CasinosVIPLounge has already become an authority in the world of online casinos. We expect to achieve the same status in the world of online sports betting."

About CasinosVIPLounge

CasinosVIPLounge, a top provider of reliable and up-to-date information on online casinos and sports betting websites, has already gained tremendous prominence. CasinosVIPLounge offers in-depth reviews of the online gaming industry's most reputed online casino destinations, breaking casino news as well as updates on the richest promotional offers available over the Internet. Already a major authority in the world of online gaming, Casinosviplounge.com is an independent online casino portal not affiliated with any online gambling website.

Contact Information
John Smith
CasinosVIPLounge
http://www.casinosviplounge.com/
18665598690

Friday, July 11, 2008

Sales of iPhone 3G Kicked By Telecommunications Giant

AT&T Kicks Off Sales of iPhone 3G Phone

Online Resources Available to Help Customers Prepare for Purchase

Variety of Attractive Plans Combine Voice and Unlimited Data

Dallas, Texas, July 11, 2008 - AT&T begins selling iPhone 3G today in its retail stores at 8 a.m. local time across the United States, along with a variety of attractive monthly plans that combine voice and unlimited data use. iPhone 3G uses the nation's fastest 3G wireless network, which reaches 300 major metropolitan areas.

Pricing and Eligibility
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) has announced that AT&T is making it easy for customers to prepare for their iPhone 3G purchase by posting "Get iReady" tips and frequently asked questions at www.att.com/iphone. The site also includes a link for customers to check their upgrade eligibility and other wireless account information.

iPhone 3G phones will be available for $199 for the 8GB model and $299 for the 16GB model. These prices require two-year contracts and are available to the following customers:

    * iPhone customers who purchased before July 11*
    * Customers activating a new line with AT&T
    * Current AT&T customers who are eligible, at the time of purchase, for an upgrade discount

Current customers who are not eligible for an upgrade discount can purchase iPhone 3G for $399 for the 8GB model or $499 for the 16GB model. Both options require a new two-year service agreement. Current customers may also choose to wait until they become eligible for an upgrade discount. Eligibility is generally determined by amount of time remaining on a current contract and payment history.

Current AT&T customers who are upgrading to iPhone 3G will pay an $18 upgrade fee and new AT&T customers will pay the standard $36 activation fee.

Voice, Data and Text Messaging Plans
AT&T brings iPhone 3G customers the best coverage on the globe and the largest mobile-to-mobile calling community with unlimited calling to AT&T's 71.4 million wireless customers. iPhone 3G customers can choose from four individual AT&T Nation plans, which bundle voice and unlimited data (e-mail and Web browsing).

    * AT&T NationSM Unlimited: Includes unlimited Anytime Minutes for $129.99 a month.
    * AT&T Nation 1350: Includes 1350 Anytime Minutes and unlimited Night & Weekend Minutes for $109.99 a month.
    * AT&T Nation 900: Includes 900 Anytime Minutes and unlimited Night & Weekend Minutes for $89.99 a month.
    * AT&T Nation 450: Includes 450 Anytime Minutes and 5,000 Night & Weekend Minutes for $69.99 a month.

All AT&T Nation and AT&T FamilyTalk® plans for iPhone 3G include nationwide long distance and roaming, Visual Voicemail, Rollover®, unlimited Mobile to Mobile calling, Call Forwarding, Call Waiting, Three-Way Calling and Caller ID.

AT&T will offer FamilyTalk plans, with bundled voice and unlimited data, starting as low as $129.99 a month for two iPhone 3G lines. Up to three additional iPhone lines can be added for $39.99 each.

Unlimited text messaging can be added for an additional $20 ($30 for FamilyTalk plans of up to five lines); $15 (1,500 messages), or $5 (200 messages).

Additional Tips for Consumers
New AT&T customers who wish to port or retain their phone number from another wireless carrier should consider bringing a copy of a bill from their current service provider. Customers will be asked to provide account information as it appears on record with their current provider, including:

    * Account number
    * Name of the account holder
    * Account holder's SSN or Tax ID
    * Billing address
    * PIN or password (if applicable)

Customers who inherit an original iPhone from a friend or family member will need to request a SIM card from AT&T for the phone and activate the device using the in-home activation process through iTunes.

Customers should listen to voice mail messages on their current devices and write down any necessary information before purchasing iPhone 3G, because existing voice mail messages will be lost when upgrading to iPhone's Visual Voicemail feature.

AT&T will offer accessory bundle options specific to iPhone 3G in its retail stores.

iPhone 2.0 Software
All iPhone customers will benefit from the iPhone 2.0 software, which will be pre-loaded on all iPhone 3Gs and available as a free download for current iPhone customers. The new software will include numerous enhancements, such as business-class e-mail access via Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync; the iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK), which allows a business to easily create applications customized to its needs; and the App Store, available at www.apple.com/webapps, which offers a wide-range of applications - from games to business, education to entertainment and productivity to social networking.

For example, AT&T has developed YELLOWPAGES.COM Mobile for iPhone, which takes local mobile search to a new level by allowing users to discover businesses and local events based on their popularity among other iPhone users, get directions and access business reviews. Numerous enterprise applications are and will continue to be available on iPhone 3G, via the App Store, including Oracle's CRM, collaboration and e-mail applications.

iPhone for Business
Oracle and Kraft Foods Inc. are among the first business customers to deploy iPhone 3G. Business customers interested in iPhone 3G should contact an AT&T business sales representative or review their account information online to determine their eligibility for upgrade pricing. Corporate e-mail and other business applications require the Enterprise Data Plan for iPhone, which is $45 a month and bundled with an eligible voice plan. Small business customers may qualify for AT&T BusinessTalk, the industry's only shared plan specifically for small businesses. Additional details on iPhone business offerings are available at www.att.com/iphoneforbusiness.

*iPhone 3G is available to customers who are currently prepaid customers; however, there is no prepaid plan for iPhone 3G. Additionally, customers' accounts must be in good standing at the time of purchase.



AT&T Offers Nation's Fastest 3G Network

Nation's Fastest 3G Network Complements Best Global Coverage and Industry-Leading Portfolio of 3G Devices

Dallas, Texas, July 10, 2008 - For customers who want access to blazing-fast wireless broadband service, there's one clear choice among all U.S. carriers. AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) today announced it offers the nation's fastest third-generation (3G) network, according to data compiled by leading independent wireless research firms. AT&T's superfast 3G mobile broadband network is currently available in nearly 300 major U.S. metropolitan areas, with plans to expand to nearly 350 by the end of the year. In addition, AT&T has the best global coverage of any provider with roaming available in more than 200 countries, including more 3G roaming than any other carrier.

The fastest 3G network claim is based on a variety of tests conducted by leading third-party researchers, who downloaded a variety of applications and files to test throughput and overall performance. AT&T was the winner by a significant margin.

AT&T also announced it has started doubling the data capacity of its 3G markets, and nearly half of all cell sites will receive additional 3G capacity by the end of the year. The additional capacity will help accommodate the anticipated growth of 3G subscribers over the next several years. According to the Yankee Group, the number of 3G subscribers in the U.S. is expected to increase by 160 percent by 2012.

"We've invested billions of dollars in our 3G network, and now we can proudly claim it as the nation's fastest 3G network," said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO of AT&T's wireless unit. "We will continue to expand our 3G network coverage into new areas, grow our lineup of industry-leading devices, such as iPhone 3G, and deliver compelling new 3G services to market like Video ShareSM. And to top it off, only AT&T offers the best global coverage. AT&T's ability to serve its wireless customers is unparalleled in our industry."

Between 2005 and 2008, AT&T will have invested more than $20 billion in network improvements and upgrades - an average of $5 billion a year. Much of this network investment has gone to build out the 3G broadband data network, which today is available in 296 major metropolitan markets. In addition, the company is deploying additional 3G coverage using 850 megahertz (MHz) spectrum that is now available from the recent sunset of its older TDMA network. This spectrum extends farther and better covers the interior of buildings.

In addition to the company's constant 3G expansion in the U.S., only AT&T can offer 3G data roaming in 60 countries, including Japan and South Korea, as well as voice calling in more than 200 countries. Nearly all devices in AT&T's current portfolio are "world phones" that can be used around the world.

Another advantage of AT&T's 3G network is the ability for customers to simultaneously use voice and data features. For example, customers can make a call while checking for a local address on YELLOWPAGES.COM.
Sprint's "iphone clone" the Samsung Instinct priced at $129.99

Daytona Beach, FL (PRunderground) June 20, 2008 - Sprint's highly anticipated phone, the Samsung Instinct, goes on sale Friday. Sprint has announced via a press release that the instinct will cost $129.99, with a 2 year contract after a $100 mail-in rebate. The Samsung Instinct is Sprint's answer to the iPhone, which is slated to cost $199 next month.

There is a catch. Sprint also announced that activation of the Instinct requires a pricing plan offering unlimited data. Customers can choose from Everything plans for individuals starting at just $69.99 per month for 450 voice minutes or Talk/Message/Data Share plans for families starting at $129.99 per month for 1500 voice minutes to share between two lines.

The Instinct is a touchscreen device that includes EV-DO Rev. A, which is equivalent to AT&T's 3G speeds, for Web browsing, e-mail and more. The Instinct has already been awarded such honors as "Most Innovative Product at CTIA Wireless 2008?, and "Best Cell Phone" by CNET's CTIA 2008 awards. Only time will tell if Sprint has a winner with the Samsung Instinct. To purchase a Samsung Instinct you can visit
http://samsunginstinctstore.com

About SamsungInstictStore.com
SamsungInstinctStore.com provides access to the best deals on Samsung Instinct phones and accessories. For more information please visit
http://samsunginstinctstore.com

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Michelle Wagner
contact@samsunginstinctstore.com
http://samsunginstinctstore.com

Thursday, July 3, 2008

UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s Earnings Guidance and Settlements Generates Comments

A.M. Best Comments on UnitedHealth Group Inc.'s Earnings Guidance and Settlements

OLDWICK, N.J.-- July 03, 2008 --A.M. Best Co. has commented that the ratings of UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UnitedHealth) (Minnetonka, MN) (NYSE: UNH) and its subsidiaries remain unchanged following the company's release of a revision to earnings guidance and reduced second quarter and full year 2008 earnings. UnitedHealth also announced a settlement in the federal securities class action and Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) lawsuits.

On July 2, 2008, UnitedHealth announced a revision to its earnings outlook for 2008 following an assessment of preliminary second quarter 2008 results and recent business trends. The company's risk-based commercial business produced a lower level of gross margin than expected due to increased pressure on premium yields, which are resulting from a competitive commercial business environment. Furthermore, UnitedHealth is experiencing a decrease in the gross margin for Medicare Part D and Medicare Chronic Special Needs Plans.

Additionally, UnitedHealth announced that it had reached an agreement to settle both the federal securities class action and ERISA lawsuits. Both lawsuits arose from UnitedHealth's historical stock option practices. As a result of the settlements, UnitedHealth will pay $895 million pre-tax into a settlement fund for the benefit of class members of the federal securities class action lawsuit and $17 million into a settlement fund for the benefit of ERISA class members. UnitedHealth's insurance carriers will cover the majority of the ERISA settlement.

A.M. Best expects UnitedHealth to continue to experience pressure in the commercial market, which may result in lower margins. The result of these announcements and the subsequent payment for the settlements are expected to increase UnitedHealth's debt-to-capital ratio above 40%, should the company use debt for the payment. While A.M. Best is not comfortable with an increase in the debt-to-capital ratio above 40%, A.M. Best expects the ratio to remain less than 45% and for this ratio to return to 40%by second quarter 2009. A.M. Best also expects UnitedHealth's earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) interest coverage to remain at 10 times or greater. Additionally, A.M. Best would like UnitedHealth to scale back its share repurchase program until the debt-to-capital ratio decreases to 40%.

On January 29, 2008, A.M. Best issued a press release announcing a downgrade to the ratings of UnitedHealth Group and select subsidiaries. At that time, A.M. Best considered the change in the company's capital structure and increase in debt-to-capital ratio in the rating action.

If UnitedHealth's debt-to-capital ratio increases above 45% or if the company announces another negative revision to earnings (including any additional settlements or fines), a negative rating action may occur. Additionally, A.M. Best would take into consideration the magnitude of the amount of any settlement or fine in any rating action. A.M. Best will continue to monitor the financial results and risk-based capitalization of UnitedHealth and its insurance subsidiaries, as well as continue its ongoing dialogue with company management.

Founded in 1899, A.M. Best Company is a global full-service credit rating organization dedicated to serving the financial and health care service industries, including insurance companies, banks, hospitals and health care system providers. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Contacts

A.M. Best Co.
Analysts:
Sally Rosen, 908-439-2200, ext. 5280
sally.rosen@ambest.com
or
Kenneth Frino, 908-439-2200, ext. 5012
kenneth.frino@ambest.com
or
Public Relations:
Jim Peavy, 908-439-2200, ext. 5644
james.peavy@ambest.com
or
Rachelle Morrow, 908-439-2200, ext. 5378
rachelle.morrow@ambest.com

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Program to Protect Consumers Against Fraud

MoneyGram Announces Program to Protect Consumers Against Fraud

MINNEAPOLIS-- July 02, 2008 --MoneyGram International is adding to its existing efforts to protect consumers from fraud-induced money transfers in response to concerns from state Attorneys General. Through an agreement of voluntary compliance, MoneyGram is taking steps to enhance consumer protections and further address the problem of wire transfer fraud. The company and 44 states plus the District of Columbia are cooperating on a five-year plan to raise public awareness of the dangers of fraud through a variety of tactics including enhanced consumer education, more prominent fraud warnings for money transfer customers and enhanced training for agents.

Besides enhancing its own education efforts, MoneyGram will contribute $1.1 million to the AARP Foundation for Consumer Education to fund a fraud awareness program aimed at the elderly, who are often targets for fraud. This program is expected to get underway in the next three to six months.

"We are very pleased to help launch this program," said Tony Ryan, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of MoneyGram International. "We are committed to helping to stop fraud and protect consumers, and we know that this is an issue that none of us can tackle alone."

"AARP Foundation's fight against consumer fraud advances AARP's goal of ensuring the economic security of people 50 and over," said AARP Foundation President Robin Talbert. "Preventing consumer fraud and abuse are critical components of financial security. AARP, the AARP Foundation and hundreds of community volunteers have been fighting fraud directed at older consumers for more than 10 years. We are very proud of our outreach and education."

MoneyGram will also pay $150,000 to the Attorneys General Executive Committee to cover costs.

MoneyGram International, Inc. is a leading global payment services company. The company's major product and services include global money transfers, money orders and payment processing solutions for financial institutions and retail customers. MoneyGram has 152,000 global money transfer locations in 180 countries and territories. For more information, visit the company's website at www.moneygram.com.

Contacts

MoneyGram International
Michael Fox, 203-682-8218
mfox@icrinc.com

Inventors Wanted For Texas Reality TV Show

Reality TV Show Looks for Inventors in Texas

How TV Shows and Internet Sites Help Thousands of Aspiring Inventors Transform their Big Ideas into Reality. Everyday Edisons has announced the casting calls for Season 3, with the next auditions being held at the Dallas Convention Center today, starting at 7am. Internet sites such as IdeaTango help inventors through online resources and community forums.

Dallas, Texas  -  March 16 -- Exactly how can the average person transform a mere sketch on a napkin into a useful product available to the masses? This was the question that Louis Foreman wanted to answer when he created Everyday Edisons, the inventor reality TV show on PBS. After two successful seasons, Everyday Edisons has announced the casting calls for Season 3, with the next auditions being held at the Dallas Convention Center today, starting at 7am.

Inventors are often not aware about the multi-step product development process through which a basic concept is transformed into a marketable product. This is where television shows like Everyday Edisons or websites like Dallas-based IdeaTango.com come into the picture.

Whereas some are able to take their ideas to the masses through TV reality shows, many more can interact through IdeaTango features like a virtual trade show, a yellow pages for service providers, community forums, and most importantly, educational guides to help inventors launch their million-dollar idea.

IdeaTango.com president and founder Bryan Daigle says, "It's great to see how Everyday Edisons is helping the independent inventors and bringing so many brilliant ideas into the market." "As thousands of inventors line up across the country for a shot at big time, we're also meeting many of these inventors along the way, helping them to turn their dreams into reality."

The Everyday Edisons show will be looking at a range of inventions, and also at those in various states of development, from simple concepts and sketched ideas to detailed, patented designs and factory prototypes. The finished products will also be reviewed by representatives from the major retailers.

In addition to the casting call, there will also be a series of seminars and an opportunity to meet with experts from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Everyday Edisons is produced with the cooperation of the United States Patent & Trademark Office, and like IdeaTango, hopes to propel thousands of local inventors into the spotlight.

About Everyday Edisons
Everyday Edisons is a reality TV show that airs on PBS, and follows inventors as they go from idea to product. The show's producers and industry experts work with all the contestants, helping them to succeed in the development and marketing of their inventions. Everyday Edisons is a production of Bouncing Brain Productions.

For more information about Everyday Edisons, visit
www.everydayedisons.com

About IdeaTango.com
As seen on The Big Idea with Donnie Deutsch, local and national news stations across the country, and one of the largest technology blogs, Gizmodo, Dallas-based IdeaTango.com is a one-of-a-kind social networking site specifically created to help inventors act on their great ideas. This "ingenuity community" provides inventors interactive, collaborative, and educational tools to help inventors connect with valuable resources, and one another. IdeaTango is also the winner of the Rice Alliance 2007 "Most Promising" Web 2.0 Company award.

More information about IdeaTango.com is available at www.ideatango.com

Press Contact: Bryan Daigle
Company Name: IdeaTango.com
Phone: 214-680-3551
Website:
http://www.ideatango.com