Regional winners of the Rotten Sneaker Contest® gathered at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! Times Square for the 2016 national competition. Six contestants from across the country, ages seven to thirteen, went head-to head in New York City today to show off their foul smelling sneakers for a chance to win the national title. But only one pair of sneakers could be crowned the winner and they belonged to 12 year old, Mason Young-Hiss, from Berthoud, CO.
The Odor-Eaters Rotten Sneaker Contest is the ultimate test that shows how offensive kids’ sneakers can get when they are playing outdoors, splashing through puddles, slogging through mud and more. The contest has a long history (over 40 years) and kids from across the country look forward to this annual event in their hometown. Participants take pride in mucking up their shoes to stand out from their competitors to ultimately win over the judges. Sneakers are judged on the interior and exterior conditions of the shoe, and most importantly odor, by a professional panel that includes NASA “Master Sniffer” George Aldrich, Chemical Specialist for NASA space missions, and Rachel Herz, Ph.D., an expert and author on the psychology of smell. Additionally, Brittany Every, Marketing Manager of Ripley’s Believe Or Not! Times Square joined the expert judges this year. Brittany is accustomed to seeing the unexpected and unusual at Ripley’s so she was up for the task.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7720051-odor-eaters-rotten-sneaker-contest/
https://youtu.be/Y6rIs220PXc More businesses are taking their products and services online than ever before. Consumers, for the most part, are feeling safer about completing online transactions – especially with businesses they trust.
But some entrepreneurs in the e-commerce world have never started their own business. Many are unfamiliar with how to run an e-commerce store. There’s no doubt that this is an exciting time to explore the e-commerce marketplace – especially for people who are testing it out while keeping their full-time jobs.
Having said that, business owners new to the online world should understand from the get-go that the e-commerce industry is one of the most lucrative targets for cyber criminals. News of the recent eBay hack is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities associated with online businesses. But big businesses aren’t the only ones getting hacked. More than 20 WordPress sites are hacked every minute of every day.
But there are a few basic things you can do to help prevent losing control of your website and your customer’s private information.
Choose a Secure eCommerce Platform
More than two third of all active e-commerce sites are using either Magento or WordPress’ WooCommerce. Why? Mainly because of their sophisticated security features. There are other factors as well, but what makes them stand apart is the extensive security. PrestaShop can be yet another choice with a proven security framework.
Keep your software up-to-date and, it should go without saying, keep your passwords unique and secure. Educate your clients, as well as your workforce, about your information security practices. Let them know how you are protecting customers’ credit card information and what they should do from their end to keep the financial information secure.
Implement SSL Certificates
SSLs (secure socket layers) are the de facto standard when it comes to securing online transactions. An SSL certificate authenticates the identity of users and encrypts data while at store and transit. Implementing SSL is essential for E-commerce websites to establish secure connectivity between the end-user systems and your website.
For tech-savvy buyers, the padlock icon with HTTPS in the address bar is an essential prerequisite for providing their personal details and credit card information. If the consumers believe that a vendor is doing everything possible to secure their transactions, they are more likely to do business with them.
Scan Your Site for Security Vulnerabilities
Although SSLs protect your transactions, they don’t protect your website. No matter which platform you decide to use, ensure that your server maintains PCI compliance requirements by running PCI scans on your server to validate whether you are compliant or not. Companies like Trust Guard not only scan your site for more than 75,000 known vulnerabilities, giving you detailed reports about its safety, but they also provide users with trust seals.
These small, digital images, when placed on your home page and checkout page, have been proved to drastically increase sales and conversion rates. They show potential buyers through accompanying certificates that you are serious about their privacy and security. It gives them the peace of mind they need to make the buying decision.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just are getting started, you should understand that keeping your site safe is your most important endeavor. Hackers can (and do) cause economic, legal and reputational damage every day. Keep your site safe and protected by following these three simple website security tips for your online business.
Whether for the rising culinary explorer or the advanced cook needing an extra hand in the kitchen, three new small appliances from KitchenAid are sure to make welcome gifts this holiday season. They include a Multi-Cooker with Stir Tower attachment, Siphon Coffee Brewer, and Spiralizer Attachment for the KitchenAid stand mixer. Further information about the products detailed below can be found at www.KitchenAid.com/Countertop-Appliances
Home cooks likely to multi-task in the kitchen during the holidays should consider one of the latest countertop cooking appliances from KitchenAid: a four quart Multi-Cooker with stir tower, providing 10 cooking functions, step-by-step cooking modes and a stirring accessory that allows for assisted cooking at precise temperatures.
The Multi-Cooker’s pre-programmed settings take the guesswork out of preparing such essentials as rice, risotto, soup and yogurt. Each setting provides cooks with next step instructions to help deliver perfect results. Additional cooking modes include simmering, sautéing, searing, steaming and two slow cook options, all of which can be programmed for up to 12 hours of cooking, plus a Keep Warm function that can be programmed for up to 24 hours. The Multi-Cooker automatically sets the temperature for each setting, while the brand’s Even-Heat™ technology allows for precise temperature regulation between 110° - 450° F to prevent under or over cooking.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7558052-kitchenaid-small-appliances-2015/
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, the company announced today a first-of-its-kind art exhibit open to the public. Through the power of visual arts, Giving Gallery: Community in Process will highlight the collective impact of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation and its nonprofit partners in the greater Milwaukee community and beyond.
For the past 25 years, the Northwestern Mutual Foundation has driven its communities forward by investing in the people who stand up, tune in and engage every day to ensure that everyone has a chance at a brighter future.
“This year, we’re commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, which has improved the lives of children and families in our hometown of Milwaukee and across the country,” said John Schlifske, chairman and CEO, Northwestern Mutual. “We are bringing 25 years worth of stories to life through art, highlighting our commitment to the communities we serve and celebrating the work we’ve done in partnership with outstanding nonprofits.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/7991457-northwestern-mutual-giving-gallery/
Call it a homecoming.
When Toyota introduced Lexus to the U.S. market in 1989, the Georgetown, Ky., plant – its first stand-alone vehicle manufacturing facility in America – was just in its second year of producing the Camry.
Fast forward 26 years and that same plant is celebrating the start of U.S. Lexus production. Today at a ceremony fit for a luxury brand king, the first-ever U.S.-produced ES 350 was unveiled before several thousand proud team members in Georgetown. And, just like a newborn foal at the nearby horse farms in Central Kentucky, the newcomer was brought into the world with plenty of TLC and hope for a bright future.
“This is really a proud moment for us and brings us full circle,” said Wil James, president, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky, Inc. “To be the first wholly owned plant, building the number one best-selling car in America, the Camry, for 13 years in a row, and then to be selected to build the first Lexus is truly a tribute to our team members.”
For the past two and a half years, the Kentucky plant – Toyota’s largest in North America – has been gearing up to make the ES 350, Lexus’ best-selling sedan in the U.S. In all, $360 million was invested toward a new dedicated assembly line, adding 750 new jobs. Total capacity for the new line will be 50,000 vehicles.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7655351-lexus-kentucky-plant-es-350/
Leading smartphone manufacturer Meizu unveiled its latest cutting-edge fast charging solution at Barcelona’s Mobile World Congress 2017 in Hall 7, Stand 7K5.
Overcoming a major technological barrier, Meizu introduces the third generation fast charging technology that uses the high-voltage direct charge method. The pioneering fast charging solution, Super mCharge, is a major breakthrough among existing direct charging solutions that enables batteries to top up at a much faster rate.
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8050951-meizu-fast-charging-solution/
The St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a volunteer-powered charity dedicated to funding children’s cancer research, is recognizing National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with a number of activities planned throughout September. As the leading non-governmental funder of childhood cancer research grants, St. Baldrick’s is asking people to get involved by helping to raise awareness and funds for childhood cancer research.
“One in five kids with cancer will die in the first five years of diagnosis, and those that do survive face a lifetime of serious health issues caused by the toxicity of their cure,” said Kathleen Ruddy, CEO of St. Baldrick’s. “The American public wants kids with cancer to be a national health priority, but our leaders are leaving these kids behind with the lack of federal research funding. We are calling upon everyone to speak up about the need for increased childhood cancer research funding as well as to stand up in support of kids with cancer during this important month.”
Today, as part of the official kickoff for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, St. Baldrick’s will ring the opening bell at the NASDAQ Stock Market. St. Baldrick’s board members will be joined by researchers, as well as children and families directly affected by childhood cancer.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7610751-st-baldricks-childhood-cancer-awareness-month/
As the colder winter weather takes hold across the country, it’s important for homeowners to ensure their heating systems are ready to stand up to the frigid temperatures. To help prevent unexpected breakdowns, American Home Shield, the nation’s largest provider of home warranties, is offering five expert tips to maintain heating systems and help ensure homes stay warm.
“Over the last five years, we responded to more than two million service requests for heating system issues, and with a few minor maintenance checks, many of these issues may have been avoided,” said Mike Clear, vice president of operations for American Home Shield, a business unit of ServiceMaster Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SERV). “With one of the nation’s largest networks of independent service contractors, we take pride in our ability to keep customers warm if winter heating issues occur.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7699751-american-home-shield-winter-tips/
More than half of Americans under the age of 40 surveyed in a recent poll (58.4%) would choose a day without food over a night without sleep. But they might want to hang onto their hamburgers. It seems they aren’t getting enough shut eye, anyway. This is interesting food for thought that led the Sleep Inn® hotel brand to dig deeper into the state of American sleep. The findings were eye-opening. And now the brand that prides itself on better dreams and relaxing rest is asking Americans around the country to take a stand for more sleep and join the “Let’s Sleep Inn” Movement.
“We are launching the “Let’s Sleep Inn” Movement because the Sleep Inn hotel brand recognizes the vital importance of a good night’s rest - for health, happiness and even, perhaps, the American economy. The word ‘Sleep’ is not only in the name of our Sleep Inn hotels, it’s in our brand DNA,” said Anne Smith, vice president of brand strategy for Choice Hotels. “We wanted to learn more about how and when Americans are sleeping. Our survey not only reveals interesting trends about sleep styles and preferences, but also just how much people would be willing to give up or trade for more quality rest.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7267151-sleep-inn-movement/
For those using the “I don’t bake” excuse for not investing in a KitchenAid® Stand Mixer, the brand has introduced two new attachments that reinforce its role as the culinary center of the kitchen. A new Fresh Prep Slicer/Shredder attachment and Vegetable Sheet Cutter attachment will join more than a dozen other attachments used for grinding meat and grains, spiralizing and juicing, and making everything from ice cream to pasta.
“There’s no question that Stand Mixers have always been a kitchen essential for bakers,” notes Beth Robinson, senior manager of brand experience for KitchenAid. “But every cook should know that each KitchenAid® Stand Mixer model has an attachment-ready Power Hub that opens up a world of possibilities for making one appliance do the work of many.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8013851-kitchenaid-stand-mixer-culinary-center/
When the designers for the Scion C-HR Concept began their research, they were told by young urban creative customers, “Polarizing is ok. Boring is not.” That sentiment was evident today as the Scion C-HR Concept had its World Debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
With an iconic design that also incorporates functionality and sporty performance, the Scion C-HR Concept is much like Scion’s customer in that it strives to stand out from the crowd.
“Scion is known for doing things differently, and maybe even being a little weird,” said Scion Vice President Andrew Gilleland. “This C-HR Concept embraces that idea and wears it like a badge of honor. We couldn’t be more excited to add the production version to our line-up.”
The C-HR Concept is named for its Compact size and High Ride height. With four doors and a hatch for supreme functionality, it’s the perfect vehicle for “yuccies,” the young urban creatives who inspired the design.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7697651-los-angeles-auto-show-laas-2015/
