Thursday, December 4, 2008

Tapatap Exectutives Head to Washington, DC to Seek Bailout Funds for Mobile Entertainment Industry

Team plans to drive their Prius.

San Mateo, CA (PRWEB) December 4, 2008 -- In an effort to raise awareness and invigorate the fledgling mobile content business, Tapatap executives are heading to Washington, D.C. to secure a bailout plan for Tapatap and the mobile entertainment industry. Tapatap is a mobile social games community where users can make friends and play games for fun and rewards.    San Mateo is home to over 15 mobile entertainment companies and is a key driver for the County of San Mateo's local economy, home to over 700,000 residents.

"San Mateo has become the global hub for the mobile entertainment industry, which drives every level of our local economy, "said an anonymous City of San Mateo council member. "The innovation this industry has shown has brought mobile entertainment to the forefront both globally and locally, and it is important it receives the financial support needed from Washington."

San Mateo has become the global hub for the mobile entertainment industry, which drives every level of our local economy,
"It's pertinent for the global economy to keep Tapatap and other mobile entertainment companies in business. We think $50 million is the right number to ask congress to approve from the TARP or other bailout fund sources for the industry," said Isaac Babbs, CEO of Tapatap. "Besides if executives from the big 3 automotive companies no longer have games to play on their mobile devices, what will they do during their executive meetings or their long drives to Washington?"

Tapatap executives are departing San Mateo later this week in the company Prius and plan to arrive in DC by December 15 to meet with congress. Hopefully, congress will still be in session and will not yet have begun their yearend break by the time they arrive in DC.

About Tapatap, Inc.
Tapatap is a mobile social games community where users can make friends and play games for fun and rewards. Users can create, enter and play user generated or sponsored contests by some of today's major consumer brands. Harnessing the power of mobile 2.0, Tapatap combines pop culture and game show logic, to deliver the most unique consumer mobile entertainment experience. Based in San Mateo, CA, Tapatap launched in June 2007 and is privately funded by Gabriel Venture Partners. Tapatap is on your mobile phone at m.tapatap.com and on the web at http://www.tapatap.com

Disclaimer
None of the above is true. This press release was written to show that every industry in this country is going through a challenging time right now and needs support. As we did post dot-bomb crash of 2001 with no federal support, Silicon Valley will continue to show its resilience by changing the future of interactive entertainment through innovation. In the mean time, please support Tapatap by using our product, playing our games, and buying tokens at m.tapatap.com on your mobile phone browser!

For More Information Please Contact:
Jennifer Herman
Tapatap
650.344.9599

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[Via Automotive]

CW Howard Auto Transport's Updated Car Shipping Website Offers More Convenience

CWHoward Transport updates their website www.CWHowardTransport.com with easy and convenient features for their car shipping customers.

Largo, FL (PRWEB) December 4, 2008 -- CW Howard Transport's newly updated website features five easy ways to get a free auto shipping quote: via office phone, cell phone, fax, email, and on their web site http://www.CWHowardTransport.com Free Quote Page. These free auto, boat, truck, and motorcycle shipping quotes are delivered in one business day or less. Their website also provides comprehensive answers to many of the questions that car shipping customers ask.

For over 25 years CW Howard Auto Transport Service has shipped cars, boats, motorcycles, and heavy equipment. In addition to a customer friendly website, they also have put customer convenience first with their standard car shipping services such as pick-up and delivery at any accessible residential or commercial location.

"We have many loyal repeat customers," says Curtis Howard, Owner and Driver, "Our clients like dealing directly with the driver and the company that is hauling their vehicle. Since we are not a broker our personal attention to the customer stands out." Why do clients call CW Howard specifically for their auto transport service needs? "Because of our consistent record of high quality, our excellent safety record, our attention to detail and our very fair prices," says Howard.

CWHoward is a Florida based auto transport business that operates trucks all across the United States and Canada. Their company owned tractor-trailers are available for transporting a large variety of vehicles such as cars, trucks, boats, and motorcycles. It does not matter if the autos being shipped are in operable or inoperable condition since their trucks come equipped with the capability to winch on.

Whereas other companies charge extra for the special care of high-end vehicles, such as using strap downs and paying attention to individual vehicles specific details, CWHoward Transport does not, as they have no hidden fees. They treat every vehicle no matter what its value, with special care. That is their standard operating procedure. "We don't differentiate in quality," says Darlene Brockway, Office Manager, "we consistently cater to our clients individual needs and concerns. We take the time and effort to treat every vehicle as if it is a $100,000 vehicle."

What does CWHoward's car shipping business primarily consist of? "There is a large variety," states Brockway, "We have transported vehicles for individuals that have purchased cars through the Internet on sites such as Ebay Motors (affiliated with the auction site www.eBay.com ), as well as auto auctions and car dealers who purchase and transport upwards of 800 cars a month, from all across the United States.

With over 25+ years of experience hauling and transporting everything from show cars, classic autos, motorcycles, heavy equipment, boats and their trailers, jet skis and everything in between, "you can imagine in that time we've seen it all," says Brockway.

Catering to customers who change residences seasonally, or Snowbirds, as they are affectionately referred to in the southern United States, is a specialty of CW Howard Auto Transport. "We love the relationships and personal contact that we've establish and built with our seasonal customers that just want the convenience of their personal vehicle waiting at their doorstep when they arrive," says Brockway.

CW Howard auto transporters newly updated website http://www.CWHowardTransport.com provides a printable free quote form and a contract that can be faxed, or emailed for a quick quote within one business day or even quicker for verbal quotes 24 hours 7 days week. They also encourage direct communication with the owner / operator and/or the office manager by using the phone numbers listed on their newly updated website.

"We know that customers have different needs and different schedules that's why we at CW Howard Transport offer personalized individual service to each and every customer," says Howard. "We make it easy and convenient for all of our auto ship customers, because we really do care."

For additional information on the news that is the subject of this release contact Darlene Brockway or visit www.CWHowardTransport.com.

About CW Howard Transport Services Inc.:
They are a full service vehicle transporter. Specializing in door-to-door service in the United States and Canada. They have been shipping autos, boats, heavy equipment, and motorcycles since 1981. Licensed and insured, they also deliver vehicles for domestic shipping and do vehicle drops at ports for shipping to international destinations.

Contact:
Curtis Howard, Owner/Operator
CW Howard Transport Services Inc
727-452-8856
or
Darlene Brockway, Office Manager
727-446-7686 or 727-204-4417
http://www.CWHowardTransport.com

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[Via Automotive]

Intertek Launches New Quality & Performance Mark (QPM)

Manufacturers can employ the new Intertek Quality & Performance Mark to differentiate their products and help consumers make informed buying decisions. Products are independently tested by Intertek, a leading third-party laboratory, to validate up to five baseline performance criteria including durability, functionality, life cycle, usability and workmanship. A sixth parameter, called "CheckPlus Performance," allows manufacturers to test and validate performance and quality claims specific to their product for an added selling advantage.

Through Intertek's experiences with manufacturers and retailers around the world, we realized their challenges and concerns are focused on product differentiation, eroding margins, and a more critical and 'value-driven' buyer base

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) December 4, 2008 -- Intertek (LSE: ITRK), a global leader in testing, inspection and certification services, today announced the launch of its new Quality & Performance Mark (QPM). The Mark offers manufacturers and brand marketers a means to clearly differentiate themselves among competing products. For consumers, it provides much needed trust in quality assurance, as well as offering depth of information for more educated purchasing decisions.

Intertek Quality & Performance Mark Label
Intertek Quality & Performance Mark Label

As independent, third-party validation from the world's leading product performance lab, the Quality & Performance Mark substantiates marketing claims and demonstrates that a product has passed a baseline of quality and performance tests.

"Through Intertek's experiences with manufacturers and retailers around the world, we realized their challenges and concerns are focused on product differentiation, eroding margins, and a more critical and 'value-driven' buyer base," said Gregg Tiemann, chief executive, Intertek Commercial and Electrical division. "With the introduction of the Quality & Performance Mark, Intertek responds to the need to demonstrate outstanding performance and distinguish superior products, and as a result, increase revenues."

Testing for the Quality & Performance Mark can validate up to five baseline performance criteria:

  • Durability - The range of conditions a product can handle and continue to operate as expected.
  • Functionality - Performance of the product's functions and features under normal use.
  • Life Cycle - How long the product lasts in normal operation.
  • Usability - Ease of use for a product's intended tasks.
  • Workmanship - High quality fabrication of a product.
For further differentiation, a sixth parameter called "CheckPlus Performance" allows manufacturers to test and validate performance and quality claims specific to their product for an added selling advantage.

Manufacturers and retailers can use the Mark to:

  • Broadcast performance data to customers at the most critical moment: at the point of purchase (online, on-the-shelf, in advertising, or on the product).
  • Illuminate a product's brand attributes and selling advantages.
  • Advertise to skeptical buyers that a product does more than promise, it performs.
  • Secure trust, confidence and loyalty among buyers and influencers.
For more information on the Intertek Quality & Performance Mark, see www.IntertekCheck.com.

About Intertek's testing and certification services
Intertek provides testing and certification services for a variety of commercial and electrical products, including product safety testing and certification, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing, performance testing, and management systems certification. These services provide global market access to customers in industries such as automotive, building products, cabling/wiring products, consumer products, food service, furniture, household appliances, HVAC, industrial machinery, IT, lighting, life safety/security, medical devices, power systems, retail, semiconductors, telecom/radio, wireless equipment.

Visit www.intertek-etlsemko.com for further information or call +1-800-WORLDLAB (+1-800-967-5352).

About Intertek
Intertek is a leading provider of quality and safety solutions serving a wide range of industries around the world. From auditing and inspection, to testing, quality assurance and certification, Intertek people are dedicated to adding value to customers' products and processes, supporting their success in the global marketplace.

Intertek has the expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through its network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 23,000 people in 110 countries around the world.

For further information, visit www.intertek.com.

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[Via Automotive]

ENEC Mark Expanded - for Safe Electrical Products in Europe

ENEC Mark Expanded - for Safe Electrical Products in Europe

PARIS, France (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) December 4, 2008 -- ENEC is the high quality European mark for electrical products that demonstrates compliance with European safety standards.

The application of the ENEC Mark to an electrical product ensures that it complies with the relevant European safety standards. Monitoring of product and production provides safety assurance for the lifetime of the ENEC certification.
The ENEC Mark Certification Scheme has now been expanded to all electrical products, creating a single independent high quality safety mark for Europe.

News Image Commenting at the re-launch event in Paris, attended by European manufacturers, standardisers, certification bodies and consumer associations, keynote speaker Mike Vint, Past President, European Electrical Products Certification Association (EEPCA), said:

“The opening of the Scheme to manufacturers worldwide improves the safety of electrical products being placed on the European market.

It’s a significant shift in the way electrical products are now being certified Europe-wide.

“The application of the ENEC Mark to an electrical product ensures that it complies with the relevant European safety standards. Monitoring of product and production provides safety assurance for the lifetime of the ENEC certification.”

Mr Vint added: “The ENEC Mark is now an even more potent initiative in ensuring safe electrical products in Europe. Its expansion has been enthusiastically welcomed by manufacturers, certification bodies and consumer groups.”

The ENEC Mark re-launch has received wide support.

There was a positive response at the EEPCA Anniversary Colloquium (Autumn ’08, Paris) largely dedicated to ENEC, where presentations were made by key stakeholders including CENELEC (European standard makers in the electrical field), ORGALIME (European engineering industries association), ANEC (European federation of national consumer associations) and LVD ADCO (European Administrative Cooperation body for market surveillance in the low voltage area).

About the ENEC Mark

Only independent, accredited European Certification Bodies can issue the ENEC Mark and testing takes place in European approved test laboratories throughout the world (including manufacturers’ test laboratories).

More than 14,000 certificates covering 32,000 products have already been granted and the ENEC Mark scope has now been extended to include:

  • Luminaires and associated components
  • Household appliances
  • IT equipment
  • Consumer electronics
  • Safety transformers
  • Couplers, connecting devices
  • Controls, switches
  • Capacitors, filters.

The ENEC Mark offers many benefits including:

  • One high quality mark recognised in Europe demonstrating compliance with European safety standards
  • ENEC certified products available on the public register on: www.enec.com
  • Usage supporting application of CE marking
  • Robust defence against product liability claims.

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[Via Automotive]

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Peter Tyrrell Presides Over Restructured EON

Peter Tyrrell, a luminary in the technology and design fields, was tapped last week as President of EON, the Enthusiast Online Network. EON is a group of 19 automotive Web sites previously known as The Enthusiast Network (TEN), of which Tyrrell is charged with revitalizing for Mesa, Arizona-based Internet Pioneers, Inc.

Mesa, AZ (PRWEB) December 4, 2008 -- Peter Tyrrell, a luminary in the technology and design fields, was tapped last week as President of EON, the Enthusiast Online Network. EON is a group of 19 automotive Web sites previously known as The Enthusiast Network (TEN), of which Tyrrell is charged with revitalizing for Mesa, Arizona-based Internet Pioneers, Inc.
The Internet is the medium of choice for enthusiasts looking for information on their vehicles and others, and EON already has an audience of millions from its previous iteration. Under Tyrrell's direction, a revamped EON will attract even more unique visitors, creating a more robust environment for exchanging information and to provide a community for enthusiasts.

Tyrrell has nearly 23 years of professional IT experience, working in all facets of information technology. Beginning with programming low-level chipsets for use in industrial computers for General Motors, Peter's career is punctuated with highlights such as producing an enterprise- wide financial monitoring solution for Deutsche Bank, creating promotional entertainment software for Acura and Ford Motor Company, and founding numerous high profile websites. Predating the wide spread use of the Internet, Peter broke new ground by developing "push technology" for use by Dow Jones and The Wall Street Journal.

As a consultant, Peter developed software for many well-known clients such as Clear Channel, Shania Twain, Vancouver Canucks, New York Islanders, Nickelodeon's Rugrats, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Trump Hotels among them. In addition, Tyrrell has been used by the Department of Defense and the Navy to design computer-based training courses for submarine operation.

Most recently, Peter served as IPI's Director of Operations, assisting in managing various aspects of all daily operations and logistics. His experience with face forward technologies enabled IPI to expand their existing audience and bring new, exciting technologies to market.

EON operates industry-leading Truckworld.com, FordTruckWorld.com, DodgeTruckWorld.com, ChevyTruckWorld.com, MustangLife.com, MuscleCarNews.com and more than a dozen other sites that quench enthusiasts' thirst for timely automotive information. IPI also operates GotoAutoAccessories.com along with a suite of e-commerce sites. For more information, please contact: Enthusiast Online Network, 480-654-8015, or email Jason(at)tenmedia.net.

EON, 6239 E. Brown Rd. #113, Mesa, AZ 85202 480.654.8015 Office; 480.289.5439 Fax

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[Via Automotive]

My Local Insurer Unveils Powerful Resource for Insurance Agents

My Local Insurer, Inc., a leading, privately held media company headquartered in Melville, New York, has announced the launch of their flagship insurance lead generation website: FindaLocalAgent.com. The website provides comprehensive leads from qualified consumers and business owners who turn to the internet to find the insurance products they need. FindaLocalAgent.com delivers superior Commercial and Personal Lines insurance leads with pre-determined lead filters, including the ability to target markets by three- and five-digit zip codes, electronic filtering and the power of data verification services.

Melville, New York (PRWEB) December 4, 2008 -- My Local Insurer, Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of their flagship insurance lead generation website: FindaLocalAgent.com. Created to provide target leads for insurance agents, FindaLocalAgent.com specializes in both Personal and Commercial Lines.

Since the website's launch in early 2008, FindaLocalAgent.com has established a significant online presence among the internet's leading search engines and portals. Moreover, FindaLocalAgent.com is also the featured lead generation source for a number of highly targeted financial services websites. Such granular marketing strategies have enabled FindaLocalAgent.com to not only increase brand identity, but also quickly establish itself as a leader in online lead generation for the insurance industry.

With no long term commitments and no upfront fees, FindaLocalAgent.com has also proven to be a popular choice among independent insurance agents and national carriers alike. The website provides comprehensive leads from qualified consumers and business owners who turn to the internet to find the insurance products they need.

FindaLocalAgent.com delivers superior leads with pre-determined lead filters, including the ability to target markets by three- and five-digit zip codes, electronic filtering and the power of data verification services. The website's lead categories include:

Personal Lines, Commercial Lines, Life and Health Homeowners, Business Owner's (BOP), Life Renter's, General Liability, Health Automotive, Worker's Compensation, Group Health

For more information about FindaLocalAgent.com and the website's basic category filters and retail pricing, please contact 866.537.2045 or visit us online at http://www.FindaLocalAgent.com

My Local Insurer, Inc. is a leading, privately held media company headquartered in Melville, New York. The firm specializes in creating, managing and maintaining innovative insurance-related lead generation websites, concentrating on both Personal Lines and Commercial Lines

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[Via Automotive]

Confused.com Urges Motorists to Protect Their Vehicles from the Cold-snap

Drivers need to protect their cars from the icy conditions.

Cardiff (PRWEB) December 4, 2008 -- With a freezing winter on the cards, Will Thomas, car insurance expert at Confused.com, suggests steps which drivers could take, in order to avoid being left out in the cold - or financially squeezed this winter.

energywatch Confidence Code
energywatch Confidence Code

Make sure that car batteries are charged: batteries use more energy in the winter, as they are increasingly powering lights and heaters; it is therefore important to ensure that batteries are well-charged before long journeys. The average life of a battery is approximately five years, at which point it may be worth thinking about a battery replacement, rather than risk breaking-down in the freezing cold.

Check the tyres before a journey: it is important that tyre tread is well above the legal minimum of 1.6mm, as it determines grip which is important on frosty roads; however, Confused.com would recommend 3mm, for that extra peace of mind. Tyre pressure is equally important, as not having the optimum tyre pressure not only means that grip will be reduced, but it will also mean less efficient fuel consumption. It is therefore worth checking the pressure regularly at petrol stations.

Keep Jack Frost at-bay: it is important to top up the anti-freeze in the radiator before long journeys; this will only cost a couple of pounds, but could save drivers hundreds of pounds by avoiding cracked engine block repairs. Frozen windscreens are another side-effect of winter weather, and can always be relied upon to make drivers late for work. As well as the trusty kettle of boiling water, it is a good idea to make sure that the windscreen washer fluid is topped up, preferably with added anti-freeze. It is always worth keeping an insulated flask of hot water in the glove compartment, in case the windscreen and mirrors need to be de-iced during the day.

Avoid being blinded by the light: late sunrises and early sunsets mean that visibility can be a serious issue for drivers, during the winter. In addition to making sure that windscreen wipers are working efficiently, and that the fluid is topped up, it is imperative that windscreens are in good condition; scratches, both inside and out, and dirt can accentuate the startling effect of the sun's dazzle.

"Winter is a potentially hazardous time for motorists. As well as being more vigilant in these conditions, motorists need to plan their journeys in advance. Leaving home ten minutes earlier, in order to de-ice the windscreen, will save that potentially dangerous mad rush to work. As well as the obvious danger of careless driving, accidents could also cost motorists financially; on average, a driver with three points will see car insurance premiums leap by 7%, rising to 25% for six points, and 50% for nine points. While nobody is perfect, we would advise motorists to take more care when driving, especially in winter months."

For further information please contact:
Press office
Confused.com
02920 434 398

Joanna Harte/ Karen Wagg
Polhill Communications
020 7655 0550

Notes to editors
About Confused.com:
Confused.com is one of the UK's biggest and most popular price comparison services. Launched in 2002, it generates over one million quotes per month. It has expanded its range of comparison products over the last couple of years to include home insurance, travel insurance, pet insurance, van insurance, motorbike insurance, breakdown cover and energy prices, as well as financial services products including credit cards, loans, mortgages and life insurance.

Confused.com is not a supplier, insurance company or broker. It provides a free, objective and unbiased comparison service. By using cutting-edge technology, it has developed a series of intelligent web-based solutions that evaluate a number of risk factors to help customers with their decision-making, subsequently finding them great deals on a wide-range of insurance products, financial services, utilities and more. Confused.com's service is based on the most up-to-date information provided by UK suppliers and industry regulators.

Confused.com is owned by the Admiral Group plc. Admiral listed on the London Stock Exchange in September 2004. Confused.com is regulated by the FSA.

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[Via Automotive]