News Junky Journal

My Girlfriends House, Inc. was hoping to give away 500 purses filled with life’s necessities to at-risk young ladies and women in the Washington metropolitan area. Halfway through a month-long drive to solicit purse donations, the group has already shattered that goal.

“Last year we distributed 300 purses as part of our Purse Strings drive,” said My Girlfriends House executive director, Veronica Eyenga. “When we decided to try for 500, I thought that was an almost impossibly ambitious goal. The amount of support we’ve received is incredible: we’re approaching 600 purses already.”

The largest donation came from Beauty-In-A-Purse, a Maryland-based organization that helps women whose lives have been impacted by homelessness, domestic violence and incarceration. “We’re excited to be a part of My Girlfriends House’s Purse Strings Drive, said BIAP founder, Lanitra Jackson, as BIAP donated 200 purses. “”I understand the commitment and impact of the work of My Girlfriend’s House and this was BIAP way of facilitating those efforts to enhance the self-image of at-risk girls and women.”

The next challenge, according to Eyenga, will be to stuff the purses with health and beauty aids and personal care items. “We’re currently seeking monetary and in-kind donations to fill the purses,” she noted. “We’ve received some corporate and foundation support, and we’re aggressively seeking more.”

The annual Purse Strings Drive, which benefits high school students as well as women in area homeless shelters, halfway houses and other facilities and programs, is only part of the organization’s services, Eyenga noted: the group’s primary focus is to mentor at-risk young ladies to help them succeed in school and the workplace, and support them with the Purse Strings drive, college scholarships, clothing and school supplies. “By working with middle and high school students, we can help them rise above their circumstances in every aspect of life,” Eyenga noted. “We all had help along the way, and we appreciate the support we’re getting to help us give back to the young ladies who need it most.”

For more information, visit http://www.mygirlfriendshouse.org.

ABOUT MY GIRLFRIENDS HOUSE, INC.
My Girlfriend’s House, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of professional women dedicated to both community service and friendship. The organization improves the lives of at-risk girls and young ladies ages 14-18 in Maryland, Virginia and D.C., with personal care items, school supplies and clothing, and helps them prepare for adulthood and the workplace with scholarships, mentoring and internship opportunities. Members also organize a variety of social activities designed to foster and strengthen new friendships and connections. For more information visit http://www.mygirlfriendshouse.org.

Last March a New York City tour bus fell off an elevated highway at 78 mph, struck a utility pole and killed 15 people. Authorities are still investigating the crash, with one passenger reporting the driver fell asleep at the wheel. After that tragedy a quick succession of traffic incidents involving buses caused increased concern for bus safety and commercial drivers in general. As one measure in response to those concerns, New York began an investigation of the validity of licenses for commercial drivers.

Law enforcement officials and the New York Department of Motor Vehicles are using facial recognition technology to catch individuals with more than one license. Over 3,000 people have been caught since the new technology was implemented last year and 600 have been arrested on felony charges.

Of those arrested, 173 drove commercial vehicles, such as buses, taxis and large trucks. These commercial drivers use additional licenses to either get more benefits or to hide previous traffic violations like driving under the influence arrests or other traffic violations. As of this writing, law enforcement officials removed approximately 100 bus drivers and 100 buses from New York roads.

In addition to the crackdown in New York, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced in May new measures aimed at preventing unsafe tour bus companies and drivers from getting on the road. Tour bus companies will now have to pass an audit before being allowed to operate, and new bus driver licenses will now require the possessor to first have a learner’s permit.

Accidents Involving Buses Pose Great Risk

Because of their size and lack of safety features, accidents involving buses can cause catastrophic injuries to both its passengers and other vehicles on the road. A worst-case scenario such as the tragedy in March may result in the deaths of multiple passengers. Unfortunately, hundreds of people die each year in bus accidents, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

If you have been involved in a traffic accident speak with a personal injury lawyer. While no one can take back the accident, an experienced personal injury attorney may be able to help you get compensation for medical expenses, wage loss and other expenses that will allow you to focus on recuperation.

Article provided by The Mandel Law Firm
Visit us at http://www.whenaccidentshappen.com

Rental car companies in Florida are not financially responsible for accidents involving customers driving the company’s vehicles, according to the Florida Supreme Court.

The court, in Rafael Vargas v. Enterprise Leasing Co., threw out a Florida law that said that rental companies could be liable for up to $500,000 when a customer caused an accident while driving a rental car. The court said the Florida law was preempted, or rendered ineffective, by a federal government law that says transportation companies are not financially responsible when a leased vehicle is involved in a wreck.

The court said that the federal Graves Amendment prohibits states from imposing “vicarious liability” on rental car companies. In Florida, the owner of a car may be liable if the car is involved in an accident. Long term leases, that run for more than a year, specify that the person leasing the vehicle from a car dealership is considered the “owner” for purposes of the law.

But the law regarding shorter term rentals, such as vacation or business trip leases, previously defined the “owner” of the vehicle as the car rental agency. This ruling makes it clear that the agency, even though it owns the car, is not responsible for the driver’s negligence.

Rental companies can still be responsible if the injured person proves that the company was negligent in renting the car to the person responsible for the accident. The rental company may also be liable if the accident is caused by a mechanical problem with the car. But, the court said, rental companies are off the hook when it comes to financial responsibility solely because they own the car.

In most circumstances, rental companies offer insurance to people leasing cars from the company. If the driver buys that rental insurance, the insurance company is responsible for damages in case of an accident. In many cases, rental drivers who have their own car insurance on a personal vehicle are also covered by those policies while driving rental cars.

Article provided by Gross & Schuster, P.A.
Visit us at http://www.grossandschuster.com

Many people experiencing financial problems may consider the services of a debt consolidation firm. Others may be tempted to take out a loan and combine their debts into one manageable payment. There are indeed some benefits to these practices. Consolidation may allow consumers to escape high interest fees that keep them from paying off smaller debts. Interest on debt consolidation loans can be as low as six percent, while interest on credit cards could be as high as 29 percent. Meanwhile, debt consolidation companies can help reduce troublesome interest and fees on credit accounts.

However, consolidation has its downsides; especially when offered by unscrupulous companies intent on taking advantage of vulnerable consumers. It may be surprising to some, but not all debt settlement firms are created equal. Desperate consumers are told they can be debt free without the stigma of bankruptcy, only to be left worse off financially than they were before. This article offers some tips to those seeking to combine their debts so that they may avoid debt consolidation traps.

If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. – The old adage you learned as a kid still holds true today. There are thousands of shady debt elimination scams out there that claim to wipe out your debt just by paying a certain fee. The truth is, no company can eliminate debt overnight. In fact, creditors rarely (if at all) favor one debt consolidation company over another, so the potential savings should not be very different among firms. If a company tries to lure you in with stories of reducing debt by 60 percent or helping consumers avoid bankruptcy, be skeptical.

Understand the fine print - Debt consolidation loans (also known as “easy” loans) are geared towards consumers with spotty credit histories. While low interest rates may be attractive, it is important to understand the duration of the loan, as well as the penalties that may accrue should you not be able to pay it off in time. Some loans may continue indefinitely while others have unrealistic payment periods. Make sure all terms are explained in plain language and appear in the loan documents.

Do your homework – As stated before, many dishonest businesses hold themselves out to be saviors working in your best interest. They may even have emblems showing themselves to be certified by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or American Association of Debt Management Organizations (AADMO). Remember, these certifications enable firms to enter the field, and are not accurate representations of their ability to help consumers. Those truly interested should check with the state Attorney General’s office or the Federal Trade Commission before they work with a debt consolidation firm.

The preceding is not intended to be legal advice. If you have questions about debt consolidation and its legal implications, an experienced attorney can advise you.

Article provided by Derren S. Johnson & Associates
Visit us at www.derrensjohnson.com

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NuGo Nutrition, the company that uses REAL dark chocolate to deliciously enrobe protein bars, makes healthy bars for many lifestyles. NuGo Dark, NuGO Organic, NuGO FREE, and NuGO Slim protein bars are coated in REAL dark chocolate, available in scrumptious flavors, and perfect for National Chocolate Day on October 28. The delicious bars with absolutely no bitterness are sure to satisfy any craving, while providing health benefits. All of the dark chocolate bars are vegan, except for NuGO Slim. NuGO FREE and NuGO Slim are gluten-free and high in fiber.

REAL dark chocolate tastes delicious because it’s made from only cocoa beans (cocoa butter and non-fat cocoa solids). The smooth, creamy texture of cocoa butter allows the rich natural chocolate flavor to melt in your mouth, exploding with flavor. REAL dark chocolate is an antioxidant-rich superfood that lowers bad cholesterol and raises good cholesterol.

Fake chocolate substitutes vegetable fats, usually palm oil, for cocoa butter, which raises the melting temperature, so it doesn’t melt in your mouth. This results in a waxy texture and overly sweet flavor that destroys the rich natural flavor. The vegetable fat in fake chocolate is an unhealthy saturated fat which raises bad cholesterol.

The FDA has not set a standard of identity for dark chocolate, thus confusing many consumers. According to company vice president Steve Smith, “When you see palm kernel oil, chocolaty, or chocolate flavored coating on a bar wrapper, it means you aren’t eating REAL dark chocolate.”

Dark chocolate is loaded with flavonoids and has many health benefits, including elevating mood, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, protecting skin, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Recently, a Swedish study found that eating dark chocolate lowered the risk of stroke in women by 20%. Furthermore, dark chocolate controls blood sugar and satisfies sweet cravings.

NuGo bars are naturally low in fat because the principal ingredient is protein. NuGo bars do not contain high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, or trans fats. Unlike other protein bar manufacturers, NuGo never uses waxy vegetable fat compounds in place of REAL, antioxidant-rich dark chocolate. This makes NuGo bars the best tasting, healthiest options available and a nutritious choice for National Chocolate Day.

NuGo bars are sold at retail stores nationwide, including grocery and health food stores featuring natural and organic products. All bars can be ordered online, and five sample packs are available with prices ranging from $6 to $7, including shipping and handling in the US.

NuGo Nutrition makes 28 bars to fit many lifestyles, and all are certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union. Whether consumers are craving chocolate covered pretzels, peanut butter cups, chocolate mint cookies, chocolate chips, brownies, or chocolate covered nuts or fruit, NuGo protein bars coated in REAL dark chocolate are a healthy indulgence for the entire family!

About NuGo Nutrition:
NuGo Nutrition’s mission is to help people make better snack choices without compromising on flavor. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, the company creates snacks without hydrogenated oils, trans fats, or waxy vegetable fat compounds. NuGo’s adherence to top quality natural ingredients, like antioxidant-rich REAL dark chocolate, makes its bars the best tasting and healthiest option available. All products are certified Kosher.

View NuGo bars at a glance to find bars for special dietary needs, including vegan, dairy-free, and Pareve. NuGo Nutrition makes NuGo (family nutrition), NuGo Dark (gourmet protein bars), NuGO FREE (gluten-free, soy-free and vegan), NuGO Slim (almost sugar-free and gluten-free), NuGO Organic (certified organic protein bar), NuGo 10 (raw and gluten-free), and Crispy Cat (gluten-free organic candy bar).

NuGo bars can be purchased in many retail locations, online, or by calling toll free 1-888-421-2032. NuGo is also available at various retail locations internationally in Israel and Canada. Follow @NugoNutrition on Twitter or like us on Facebook.

Contact:
Alyssa Nard, Marketing Director
NuGo Nutrition
http://www.nugonutrition.com
412-828-4115

Portland, Oregon based Namba Gear announces another offering of high performance laptop bags, backpacks and accessories for musicians and dj’s. The Lil Namba Remix Backpack features a security design that can hold up to a 15’’ laptop computer along with many 2-octave MIDI controller keyboards or computer dj controllers. The company uses the highest grade 1680D/poly nylon material for the exterior of their products and includes lockable zippers to secure the contents. The bag is also equipped with cable-ties as part of an integrated cable management system and contains a secret stash pocket.

The backpacks are visually distinctive for their lack of exterior pockets. The bags have two large lockable compartments with all of the pockets inside the compartments to provide better security for their contents.

“I love the design and comfort of the Lil Namba Remix Backpack. It is ergonomically correct for my back and the super cushy shoulder straps make it even better. It’s very flexible for me as a DJ/producer with all the traveling I have to do at times and club gigs. I can fit my Macbook Pro 15? with cables, hard drive, 12? vinyl and Serato box when it’s club time and a mini keyboard or pad controller when it’s producer time”, said Los Angeles DJ Michael Trance.

Other features of the Lil Namba Studio Backpack include: holds 12’’ vinyl and audio devices; convenient carry handle; extra thick padding; extra wide shoulder straps with integrated phone pocket. The Lil Namba backpack is available in five musician-friendly colors: mayan brown, charcoal grey, olive green, midnight blue, and killer bee black.

Namba Gear has also partnered with Broadjam.com and offers a free one year membership to the musician’s online community, along with other valuable offers, upon online product registration.

Namba Gear products are available via musical instrument & dj retailers, Amazon.com, Best Buy online, as well as through Namba Gear’s online webstore.

About Namba Gear:
Namba Gear is a Portland, Oregon based bag and accessories company that designs and produces premium, high performance transport solutions for the working musician. The essence of the brand is defined by the working musicians and dj’s at Namba Gear who are dedicated to creating and delivering exceptional carrying solutions that will stand up to the unique and rigorous workload of professional musicians.

New York City trademark lawyer, Karen Bernstein, announced that the domain name, Occupy.com, is being offered for sale. Ms. Bernstein says that her client has owned the domain name for over ten years. “Here’s this domain name that’s just been sitting there doing nothing for all these years and can now be put to good use. The timing couldn’t be better.” “It’s like a perfect storm,” says Ms. Bernstein.

The New York Observer first broke the story about the sale of the domain name. Ms. Bernstein said that “there are many things that one can do with this wonderful domain name, but given the current state of affairs with the Occupy movement people like George Soros, the unions, and celebrities that have publicly stated they are behind the Occupy movement should buy Occupy.com to use it to spread their own message in support of the group or to donate the domain name to the tech savvy Occupy movement, who already use Twitter and other social media outlets to spread the word about their demonstrations.” “It’s a no brainer,” Ms. Bernstein said.

The New York Observer article about the sale of Occupy.com can be found on its website at http://www.betabeat.com/2011/10/21/owner-of-occupy-com-wants-to-sell-it-to-the-one-percent-for-six-figures/.

Serious buyers should contact Ms. Bernstein by calling her at 212-339-9955 or e-mailing her at kjb(at)karenbernsteinlaw(dot)com.

AvantLink.com announced this week the launch of their application market. Think platform technology (iPhone) and application software (foursquare), then apply that to Affiliate marketing. AvantLink has always offered Affiliates integrated ad technology for free, but the AvantLink App Market takes that one step further by allowing developers from around the world to add functionality to the network.

There are no fees for developers or end users of the applications. Developers have the opportunity to monetize applications, tools, scripts or widgets by participating in the income streams generated by these capabilities, and qualified network Affiliates have free access to certified app market tools. With the AvantLink App Market…

• Affiliate marketers can utilize innovative marketing tools or applications from independent developers.
• Affiliate developers can earn residual income (with zero marketing) on approved app market functionality they build and submit.

The AvantLink App Market is structured like any other Affiliate program. Software application developers will earn 20% of the network’s commission for every sale generated through their capabilities, as long as they keep their app available through the market. For access to the submission platform and for additional terms, Affiliate developers must first apply and be accepted.

“We have already seen lots of killer apps, widgets, dynamic scripts, plugins, etc. being developed out there with the use of our industry-leading Affiliate API… so why not allow developers of these tools to make them available to other Affiliates and further monetize them through our platform?” explains AvantLink CEO Scott Kalbach. “At the same time this expands our capabilities, and offers more innovative tools that can help drive sale conversion for Affiliates.”

About AvantLink
The AvantLink Affiliate network is the premiere Affiliate referral tracking, analytics and technology platform for top tier Affiliates and web retailers. Founded in 2005 on the ideas of innovation, quality and service, AvantLink offers an array of industry leading Affiliate marketing tools and scripts integrated in the network platform free of charge.

Mitch Albert, Master instructor from the Search Engine Academy, will be teaching a free SEO webinar on a Google tool called Insights for Search, on Wednesday, October 26 at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time.

Albert said, “Business owners who want to learn what their customers actually search for on the search engines, should understand how to use this tool.”

Google Insights for Search is a Google search tool that helps advertisers and marketers understand searcher behavior. Insights offers a comprehensive set of statistics based on search volume and patterns, where business owners can compare geographic distributions, seasonal trends and category specific searches. Results can be grouped together to get specific search data.

Google also allows you see “rising searches” separate or in a specific filter that the user can set up. Google Insights for Search analyzes a portion of Google’s worldwide web searches to compute how many searches have been done for the terms, relative to the total number of searches done on Google over time.

The free webinar is available to a limited number of people who register ahead of time by going to http://bit.ly/sea111026.

John Alexander, founder of the Search Engine Academy said, “This is part of a series of weekly free SEO webinars available to people who want to learn more about search engine optimization for their own business.”

About the Search Engine Academy

The Search Engine Academy was founded in 2002, and teaches hands-on search engine optimization and internet marketing workshops throughout the world, including classes throughout the USA, Canada, Asia and Australia.