Category Archives: Obama Daughters

Autism Speaks Kicks-Off Light It Up Blue Campaign on World Autism Awareness Day

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New York, NY (PRWEB) April 02, 2013

Imagine if the worlds lights turned blue to show support and raise awareness for the more than three million Americans who currently live with an autism spectrum disorder? Today, Autism Speaks, the worlds leading autism science and advocacy organization, hopes to do just that with the launch of its fourth-annual Light It Up Blue (LIUB) campaign, a global initiative to raise funds and increase awareness of autism.

Tonight, to mark World Autism Awareness Day, Autism Speaks kicks-off the campaign with more than 7,000 iconic structures and landmarks in 90 countries shining a bright blue spotlight on autism. Participating landmarks include the Empire State Building and George Washington Bridge in New York City, Niagara Falls in Canada and Burj Al Arab in Dubai. This year, Autism Speaks continues its quest to make Light It Up Blue bigger, bluer and better than ever before, by asking individuals, retailers and corporations worldwide to proudly shine a light on autism throughout the month of April Autism Awareness Month in their own personal way.

In 2010 I turned my porch light blue for the first time, said Jennifer Bunt-Chronister, whose daughter was diagnosed with autism at age four. Two years later more than 300 consecutive homes in what we now call our Blue-evard will shine bright blue. Light It Up Blue has given me a great platform to raise awareness for autism in my community and I hope others will be inspired to do the same this April.

Supporters can join the initiative by participating in any of three ways:


Illuminate: Change your white bulbs to blue. Light up your home, business, school, place of worship or even your website blue to show your support.
Donate: Text Autism to 25383 to donate $ 10 to Autism Speaks* or make a donation on LightItUpBlue.org.*
Advocate: Take action as we call on President Obama and Congress to develop and implement a comprehensive national plan to address autism. Sign our petition on LightItUpBlue.org.

For other ideas to get involved in LIUB visit LightItUpBlue.org. A list of participating landmarks is also available on the Light It Up Blue website.

Prevalence Rates on the Rise

The fastest-growing, serious developmental disability in the United States, autism currently has no cure however a new Centers for Disease Control survey of parents indicates that 1 in 50 school-age children has an autism spectrum disorder. The new estimate is significantly higher than the official government estimate of 1 in 88 American children. This number does not replace the official 1 in 88 estimate, but does suggest that we may be significantly underestimating autism prevalence in the U.S.,” says Autism Speaks Associate Director of Public Health Research Michael Rosanoff, M.P.H. One in fifty, or two percent, is much closer to what weve seen from research that involves directly screening children in the community.

However, the recent government announcement of an $ 85 billion federal spending sequester means cuts to vital research and services for all those with autism. The cuts will specifically impact special education, housing and research programs, and even employment support for those affected by the disorder. This news follows recent estimates that on average, autism costs a family $ 60,000 annually.**

Growing prevalence rates demand that we increase our support for autism, said Suzanne and Bob Wright, co-founders of Autism Speaks. With this years Light It Up Blue campaign we hope to go beyond awareness and fundraising, and make our greatest impact yet by inspiring leaders in government to implement the national plan for increased funding, services and support that is so desperately needed.

At the state level, the Nevada State Capitol in Carson City will be illuminated the entire month of April, the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix will participate for the first time and major events are planned at the state capitols in Tennessee, Minnesota, Nebraska and Massachusetts.

Philanthropic Partners Offer Support

This month, Autism Speaks corporate sponsors will offer essential awareness and fundraising support. As the largest partner of Autism Speaks, ToysRUs, Inc. will conduct its Shine A Light For Autism fundraising campaign between April 1 and April 30 at more than 870 ToysRUs and BabiesRUs stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com/AutismSpeaks. As the national sponsor of the Walk Now For Autism Speaks program, ToysRUs is also inviting individuals to join a Walk event in their local community. And, for the first time, those who are unable to attend an event in person can still fundraise as they Walk With Geoffrey virtually at WalkNowForAutismSpeaks.org/Geoffrey. In addition, the worlds leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer is offering the Ten Toys That Speak To Autism list, created in partnership with Autism Speaks, which includes toy suggestions that help build various skills and aid in the development of children with autism.

Other partners offering their support this Autism Awareness Month include:

Major League Baseball: The MLB is partnering with Autism Speaks throughout Autism Awareness Month. All 30 MLB Clubs will raise awareness for the disorder during one home game in April, or on another date during the regular season.

The NBA: For the fourth consecutive year, the league and its teams will raise fan awareness about autism through a variety of activities at arenas and games. In addition, Nets star Deron Williams is teaming up with Autism Speaks in an effort to raise awareness.

AMC Networks: Secured 29 networks, including the four national AMC Networks channels, to air a special LIUB PSA. In addition, most channels turned their on-air logo bugs blue for the day and hosted LIUB banners and a digital version of the PSA on their websites.

The Home Depot: $ 1 per blue light bulb sold between March 1 and April 30 will benefit Autism Speaks.

NEST Fragrances: 100 percent of proceeds from purchases of NESTs Blue Garden Candle will be donated to Autism Speaks during the month of April. Those who use the promo code BLUEGARDEN when purchasing a Blue Garden candle on nestfragrances.com will receive free shipping.

Coleman.com: $ 5 per lantern sold on Coleman.com between March 15 and April 30 will benefit Autism Speaks.

Panera Bread: Covelli Enterprises-owned Panera Bread stores in WV, Western PA and Columbus, OH will be selling puzzle piece shortbread cookies, of which 100 percent of proceeds will benefit Autism Speaks. WV and Western PA will sell cookies from April 2 6 and Columbus, OH will sell cookies from April 23 27.

White Castle: All White Castles will run an in-store donation campaign from March 24 April 30. A portion of coupon redemptions from a free-standing insert distributed to 65 million US households in April will also benefit Autism Speaks.

Village Supermarkets: Select Shop-Rites primarily in New Jersey will ask customers to support Autism Speaks with at-register donations between March 24 and April 13.

Build-A-Bear Workshop: $ 1 from each blue bear sold + 50 cents per branded Tiny Tee sold between March 27 and April 30 will benefit Autism Speaks.

Caseys General Store: From April 1 30, Caseys General Stores across the U.S. will invite customers to make $ 1 and $ 5 donations in all 1,750+ locations.

Coinstar: Autism Speaks will be featured on 11,000 kiosks between April 1 and April 30.

Joes Crab Shack/Ignite Restaurant Group: Between April 1 and April 30, $ 1, $ 5 and $ 10 bounce back coupons will be given out to customers who give a donation to Autism Speaks.

Modells Sporting Goods: Modells stores will run an in-store dollar donation campaign benefitting Autism Speaks between April 1

Tickets For Beyonce: QueenBeeTickets.com Gains Customers By Discounting Pricing On Its Entire Inventory Of Beyonce Concert Tickets For The 2013 Mrs. Carter World Tour

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Germantown, Wisconsin (PRWEB) February 10, 2013

Once the Mrs. Carter Show World Tour was confirmed, fans began looking for tickets for Beyonce concerts right away. Popular concert tickets can be pricey, but fans do not have to sacrifice quality to save money. QueenBeeTickets.com has delighted many customers by discounting pricing on their entire selection of Beyonce concert tickets for the Mrs. Carter Show World Tour.

Beyonce’s Mrs. Carter Show World Tour is easily one of the most highly anticipated tours of 2013. The tour will visit Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and Australia. Although the complete schedule has not been announced, Beyonce has released her schedule from April through September of 2013.

Although it is still early in the year, 2013 is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting years in Beyonce’s incredible career. This year, she had the opportunity to sing at President Obama’s inauguration and headline the halftime show at the Super Bowl. Critics believe that the Mrs. Carter Show World Tour will easily break Beyonce’s previous sales records, and this will be the first full tour Beyonce has scheduled in over three years.

Beyonce’s personal life seems as blessed as her professional life. She has been married to one of the most powerful people in music, Jay-Z, since 2008. Last year, the couple welcomed daughter Blue Ivy Carter into their happy family.

Beyonce’s first love is music, but she has also branched out into many different areas. Beyonce and her mother have their own fashion line, House of Dereon. The artist has also moved successfully into the acting world. She was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards for her show-stopping performance in the movie musical “Dreamgirls” in 2006.

Discount Beyonce tickets are a hot commodity, so QueenBeeTickets.com is excited to offer great ticket deals to fans. Fans can purchase Beyonce concert tickets now at the site, even though ticket on-sales have not officially occurred for all performances of the Mrs. Carter Show World Tour.

It seems like concert and event tickets get more expensive every year, but QueenBeeTickets.com is able to offer discounted seats to help make the dreams of their customers a reality. The company has an incredible selection of theater, concert, sports and other event tickets at bargain prices. Other hot sellers in the industry today include Taylor Swift tickets and San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo tickets.







Viva Editions Proudly Goes to the White House with Feisty First Ladies, Including Fascinating Information about Lincoln’s Wife

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(PRWEB) January 19, 2013

Move over Michelle Obama, Mary Todd Lincoln’s back. If you thought you were a fashionista, you’ve got nothing on Mary Lincoln, who was quite a clothes horse herself, and perhaps the first shopaholic in the White House. As Autumn Stephens says, “Today, maniacal Mary Lincoln would be the self-dramatizing star of some Beltway twelve-step program, or popping Prozac like miniature petit fours, or holding an Oprah audience in thrall with tales of how an ungrateful nation did her wrong.”

Feisty First Ladies

And Other Unforgettable White House Women

By Autumn Stephens

Part irreverant portrait gallery, part exuberant expos

Former ESPN Broadcaster, Steve Bunin, Takes on New Role at Comcast SportsNet Houston

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Glendora, CA (PRWEB) December 05, 2012

The Factory Agency (TFA) is pleased to announce that after 9 years with ESPN, broadcast journalist Steve Bunin has accepted a new position with Comcast SportsNet in Houston, TX. Steve will be the lead anchor for the 6pm and 10pm editions of SportsNet Central, as well as serve as a reporter for CSN Houston. The 4th largest city in the nation, Houston will provide Steve with the ideal platform to begin the next phase of his career.

After nine great years at ESPN, Im thrilled to begin the next chapter of my career at Comcast SportsNet Houston. It is a great city for me and my family personally and a great sports city for me professionally, with the Texans on top of the NFL, Beardsanity (James Harden) in full effect, the NBA All-Star game in February, and a young Astros team moving to the AL West, exclaimed Steve about his new role and new city.

“We couldn’t be happier for Steve with his new role as lead sports anchor at Comcast SportsNet Houston, said Jeremy Snyder, Managing Partner at TFA. With his love and knowledge of sports and passion for giving back to the local community, this couldn’t be a more perfect fit for Steve in the Houston market. TFA is excited about Steve’s future with Comcast SportsNet and the opportunities that it will bring in the future.”

On top of Steves love of sports and broadcast journalism lies his passion for coaching and mentoring at-risk teens. Steve received the Presidential Service Award, signed by Barack Obama, for his volunteer work with at-risk youth. Now, in a diverse city like Houston, Steve will seamlessly continue his efforts of working with youth.

About Steve Bunin

Steve Bunin is a broadcast journalist from Seattle, WA. Prior to accepting his position with Comcast SportsNet Houston, Steve was a broadcast anchor for ESPN and frequently hosted the Emmy Award-winning program Outside the Lines, ESPNs flagship sports news program, SportsCenter, as well as NFL Live, Baseball Tonight, and ESPNEWS. Steve also provided studio coverage for various live events, including the World Cup, college football, and mens college basketball. A 1996 graduate of Syracuse Universitys Newhouse School of Public Communications, Steve currently resides in Houston, TX with his wife, Dr. Viviane Bunin and three year old daughter Gabriela. For more information visit http://www.factory-agency.com/athletes/steve-bunin.

About The Factory Agency

The Factory Agency is a specialized sports and entertainment agency helping their clients develop a holistic brand that connects each phase of their lives to pain a cohesive, lasting image. By focusing on the five pillars of brand development professional career, philanthropy, business interaction, resources/infrastructure, and public exposure and tying each component together to reinforce an overarching message, TFA shapes clients desired brand image and develops a plan to monetize the opportunities through the vast network of corporate, media, and personal relationships. For more information visit http://www.factory-agency.com







New Novel Imagines America in the Throes of Another Civil War

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VERSAILLES, Ill. (PRWEB) December 14, 2011

R.D. Bullards new novel Civil War III (published by iUniverse) is a political thriller that imagines the U.S. in the grips of another civil war.

Bullard views a possible civil war in the U.S. as a remote, but real, possibility and cites the dissatisfaction with federal government as its immediate cause.

The growing cancerous nature of the government leads a majority of the states to secede from the Union and form a new union with a revised Constitution, and the eventual triumph of the revolution, says Bullard of his political thriller.

In Civil War III President Obama is elected to a second term in a hotly debated presidential election in 2012, and within two months nearly three-fifths of the states secede from the Federal Union.

Bullards stark predictions of the world to come are inspired by real-life events he sees in motion. Someone should have the guts to put in print what many dare only whisper about, or find it easier to ignore, says Bullard.

Bullard hopes Civil War III instills into Americans a sense of national pride. And, adds Bullard, a belief that just maybe there are still Americans who are willing to fight and die for the basic freedoms that our founding fathers thought that they were insuring with the U.S. Constitution, but which have been subverted by politicians lies and outright disregard for the law.

About the Author

R.D. Bullard is currently retired on his farm in Illinois pursuing a lifelong desire to write. He is a former Marine captain who flew F-4s in Vietnam. He holds a bachelors degree in engineering. Bullard is a retired aerospace manager, who has three married daughters and six grandchildren.

iUniverse, an Author Solutions, Inc. self-publishing imprint, is the leading book marketing, editorial services, and supported self-publishing provider. iUniverse has a strategic alliance with Indigo Books & Music, Inc. in Canada, and titles accepted into the iUniverse Rising Star program are featured in a special collection on BarnesandNoble.com. iUniverse recognizes excellence in book publishing through the Star, Readers Choice, Rising Star and Editors Choice designationsself-publishings only such awards program. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, iUniverse also operates offices in Indianapolis. For more information or to publish a book, please visit iuniverse.com or call 1-800-AUTHORS. For the latest, follow @iuniversebook on Twitter.

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