A billboard for the new electronic cigarette “Fifty-One?” reads “Finally, the electronic cigarette that the world has been waiting for.” While this may seem boastful, makers of Fifty-One offer some convincing arguments to support their claim.

For one, Fifty-One resembles the look and feel of a real cigarette, a point that won favor among those smokers who tried the product. Another plus is the simple construction and use of the new e-cigarette. It has only two parts: the rechargeable battery and the disposable cartridge, which includes both the nicotine pad and atomizing mechanism. Screw off the old and screw on the new. It’s that simple. When smokers compare electronic cigarettes, they can easily see that the Fifty One is a superior product.

A key benefit of this cartridge design is that the atomizer is never reused, thereby avoiding problems with nicotine residue, build-up and clogging — a common complaint voiced by those who have tried other e-cigarettes on the market. Finally, puffing on Fifty-One doesn’t generate smoke. Instead, users draw in a “vapor” that is dense enough even to be noticeable when exhaled. While this may seem to be a minor point, smokers seeking a healthier alternative to real cigarettes appreciate how this simulates the experience they already know.

This vapor — which delivers a measured amount of nicotine — not only is odorless but also is safe to breathe. No problems with either first-hand or second-hand smoke. This smoke-like look and experience is achieved with propylene glycol, an FDA-approved ingredient commonly found in toothpaste, mouthwash, moisturizers and foods.

“I loved to smoke,” said Fifty-One developer Sean Ben, who used to smoke two to three packs of cigarettes a day. However, health concerns and smoking bans encouraged him to try the first e-cigarettes that hit the market. Unfortunately, he found the experience unsatisfying.

“The first e-cigarette brand I tried was very long and not shaped like a real cigarette,” he said. “Also, it was hard to assemble and messy to use.” So, Ben waited for a better product to come along. It didn’t.

Frustrated, he sought out a development team that gave the longtime former smoker everything he was looking for in an e-cigarette. He wanted a healthier alternative to conventional cigarettes, the smoke from which contains dozens of known toxins, tar, carbon monoxide and carcinogens. Without these, users of Fifty-One can avoid the dangers connected to smoking, including lung cancer and heart disease. Moreover, he could now smoke his smokeless cigarette in public places such as restaurants, movies, malls and even airplanes.

Ben sought a more hygienic and socially acceptable smoking alternative. Since Fifty-One e-cigarette doesn’t burn tobacco or deliver smoke, users avoid bad breath, yellowed teeth, smelly hair and clothing, smoke-filled rooms and dirty ashtrays.

These days, Ben knew, a smoking alternative needs to be cost effective. Fifty-One has no tobacco, so users don’t have to pay tobacco excise taxes and health-impact fees that average $ 1.18 per pack of cigarettes, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

A safety byproduct of this smokeless cigarette is that there is no flame, therefore no chance of catching anything on fire. Fifty-One also is environmentally friendly. It produces no air pollution and no carbon dioxide, and since a single cartridge is equivalent to two packs of traditional cigarettes, less goes into the waste stream. Even its battery is rechargeable.

Smokers can purchase an electric cigarette starter kit that includes everything they need to begin benefiting from Fifty-One:

    Two nicotine cartridges, which come in various strengths, including 8 mg., 6 mg., 4 mg. and 0 mg., as well as five flavors, including tobacco, menthol, chocolate, vanilla and coffee.
    Two lithium batteries (one long, which lasts the average user a full day, and one short, which lasts about half that time).
    Battery charger.

In a world where people still will beat a path to your door when you build a better mousetrap, Fifty-One delivers a multitude of benefits. Sean Ben knows this is the best e-cigarette on the market, and he is anxious for smokers across the country — and around the world — to beat a path to the company’s Web site at http://smoke51.com.

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With an economy that is facing hard times, one of the most prominent issues before us is the energy crisis. TheInverterStore.com is a company solely devoted to energy efficient ways to save and use energy and they are announcing the addition of two new products to their list of quality offerings.

The first of the two products is a 300-watt pure sine power inverter. This product has a compact and lightweight design with a thermal fan and USB port. Only 3 lbs it is easily transportable and far lighter than other 300-watt inverters. This power inverter is perfect for powering small items such as; cell phones, mp3 players and handheld games. Some of its features include 300W continuous power, pure sine wave, thermal fan, dual AC receptacle, on/off switch, enclosed DC battery connections, convenient cigarette plug and alligator clips.

The second product is the new AIMS 1000-watt pure sine power inverter. With many of the same features as the 300-Watt pure sine wave inverter, the 1000-watt inverter differs mainly in that it is made for powering large electronics like pellet stoves, variable speed motors and small microwaves. This inverter combines a larger source of power with the clear current necessary for sensitive equipment.

For those that don’t know what a power inverter is, it is an electrical or electro-mechanical device that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), with the resulting AC transformed to the required voltage and frequency with the use of appropriate transformers, switching, and control circuits. In this way the user can harness a power source, such as a car battery, to plug in and run any electrical device. An inverter offers an almost endless source of portable power.

Beyond these two products TheInverterStore.com carries a variety of products and inverters from simple DC to AC inverters to solar powered car battery chargers, allowing a person to charge their car battery with nothing more then the power of the sun. With innovation and affordable prices TheInverterStore.com continues to keep themselves at the forefront of the inverter market.

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For over 135 years, Epiphone instruments have provided musicians worldwide with the best in quality, design, performance and value. In today’s challenging economy, that combination is as important as ever before. Epiphone has announced an exclusive, limited time promotion that gives consumers the opportunity to purchase any new Epiphone guitar for $ 500 or more at any authorized U.S. retailer (all 50 states included) and receive the new “GuitarRig Mobile?” free. Supplies are limited and packages will be available only for as long as the supply lasts.

From the pioneer and market leader in software instruments, Native Instruments, Guitar Rig Mobile turns any Epiphone guitar and your computer into a powerful and easy-to-use guitar recording and performance rig. Combining the new ultra-compact Guitar Rig Mobile I/O USB 2.0 audio interface with the versatile Guitar Rig 3 LE software, it offers studio-grade sound quality and a wide range of creative features that allows musicians and producers to “plug in and play” anywhere without any compromises.

No larger than a cigarette pack, the bus-powered Guitar Rig Mobile I/O provides the professional sound quality of Native Instruments’ audio interface range in a package that literally fits in a pocket. At the same time, the interface offers an uncompromising feature set with stereo high-impedance inputs and outputs featuring 24bit/192 kHz Cirrus Logic audio converters, I/O volume dials, and multi-purpose low-latency drivers for Windows and Mac OS X.

The included Guitar Rig 3 LE software offers the acclaimed versatility and ease-of-use of the industry-leading Guitar Rig platform. Three charismatic amp emulations for guitar and bass, 12 classic effect units, and a wide selection of cabinets, all freely combinable within a “virtual rack”, make it easy to create authentic custom tones for any musical genre. The software also includes two virtual tape decks, tuner and metronome, to facilitate all typical guitar applications from recording, live performance and rehearsal to instrument learning and tuition.

You must purchase your new Epiphone instrument between May 1, 2009 and June 30, 2009 and supplies are limited. For complete details and information, visit http://www.epiphone.com. (Offer good for U.S. customers only. Void where prohibited.)

About Epiphone:

Recognized worldwide as a leader in musical instrument quality, design, performance and value since 1873, the Epiphone Company produces every major type of fretted instrument including electric and acoustic guitars, mandolins and banjos as well as amplifiers. Epiphone’s new “Ultra-II” guitar combines a traditional Les Paul guitar with the unique NanoMag acoustic pickup system to give you the ultimate combination of electric and acoustic sounds. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, Epiphone is part of the Gibson family of brands. For more information visit http://www.Epiphone.com.

About Native Instruments:

Founded in 1996, Native Instruments is the pioneer and market leader in the field of software instruments, and one of the key players in the market of computer-based audio production technology. The company’s mission is to develop outstanding tools for musicians, producers, sound designers and DJs of all styles and genres. The resulting products regularly push technological boundaries and open up new creative horizons for professionals and amateurs alike. For more information visit http://www.NativeInstruments.com.

Press images are located at: http://www.epiphone.com/press/NIoffer.html

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Larson Electronics Magnalight announced the addition of an industrial grade, telescoping LED light on a collapsible tripod. As a LED light, the WALTP-L2X4 addition represents the lightest weight and most portable member of a portable lighting tower family that encompasses 2000 Watt Metal Halide towers (WAL-C-2XM), 140 watt Class 1 Division 1 hazardous location metal halide wheeled towers (EPL-TP-2X70) and 4 headed, 500 watt quartz light, tripod mount lighting (WAL-QP-4X500-25).

“Generally, our customers need a substantial amount of light for working at night or illuminating fuel tanks, security checkpoints or event areas. Combined with our portable electrical distribution panels and hazardous area transformers, we can cover hundreds or thousands of square feet. But many of our customers are also looking for a lightweight, portable solution that can cover a few hundred square feet for shorter term work applications. The WALTP-L2X4 LED telescoping tripod light weighs less than 8 pounds and collapses to less than 3 feet. This LED light telescopes to 8 feet and can be plugged into to any ‘jump start” portable battery pack, vehicle cigarette plug or connected to any available car/tractor battery. Drawing just 2 amps, this LED light tower will run about 9 hours on any $ 50 ‘jump start’ battery pack you would find at the local Walmart or auto parts store. A typical car battery would run these tripod mount LED lights for 25 or more hours.”

Rob explained further, “Priced under $ 500, this is an affordable, durable telescoping LED light tower can be stored in any size vehicle, and easily set up at the temporary worksite or event area. While a 1000 watt metal halide light will cover more area, typically the light must placed a distance from the worksite, closer to a generator. This LED light tower can be placed right in the middle of the worksite or event, without concern for generator noise, fumes or high voltage wiring. Each light tower has its place. The telescoping LED light is ideal for the first responders on the job at a downed line, broken main or accident. It might take several hours for generator driven 1000W metal halide light towers to reach the scene. Meanwhile work can begin. For one or two man jobs, this worksite LED light tower is sufficient. We offer a range of LED light heads for this telescoping tripod mount, all the way up to 9600 lumens of light output, which can be configured in a spot or flood pattern, depending on the application.    

Rob explained, “Larson Electronics LLC has been manufacturing lights for the utility, industrial and military markets since 1967. We started selling LED lights in 2005 and we continue to build on our experience in vehicle mount LED lighting, LED boat lights, military spotlights, handheld explosion proof LED lights and magnetic mount LED lights. Now we are equipping our explosion proof lights with LED bulbs and our portable light towers with LED light fixtures. We have a deep utility, military and industrial customer base and we integrate new technology, like LED bulbs and fixtures into our existing product lines to meet new needs of those customers.”

Rob continued, “All organizations need to carefully consider their choice of vendors. Companies like Cyberlux (CYBLE) for example, are relatively new to the lighting business and while they have jumped on the LED bandwagon, customers need to consider whether Cyberlux will survive to support them long term. Cyberlux is more than 150 days past due on $ 15,465.52 for components that they purchased from Larson Electronics’ Magnalight.com and resold to US National Guard. The Seattle Times reported that Cyberlux has the resources to chase earmarks and host fundraising dinners for Senator Elizabeth Dole and Representative David Price, but our recent attempts to get paid resulted in a Cyberlux response of, ‘Please do not deposit any checks as they will be returned for insufficient funds.’ There are a lot of new developments in the LED marketplace and organizations need to work with lighting providers that understand their needs and will support them in the future as the technology continues to change. Larson Electronics Magnalight has been doing that for the last 40 years and will continue to do so into the future.”

You can learn more about Larson Electronics at magnalight.com or by calling 1-800-369-6671.

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Topman, the U.K’s leading men’s clothing retailer has announced that following the success of his first Autumn/Winter collection for Topman, Antony Price has designed his second exclusive ‘Priceless’ range for Spring/Summer 2009.

This season the new Antony Price (http://www.topman.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StaticPageDisplay?storeId=12555&catalogId=17551&identifier=tm1%20antony%20price%20ss09 ) collection is split into two clear themes: the first has a colour palette of pastel shades and contains references to Antony’s renowned work with Duran Duran in their ‘Rio’ period whilst the second comprises much darker and sinister tones and draws comparison to the Roxy Music period of elegance and sharp tailoring.

Harking back to the outfits Antony designed for the likes of David Bowie, Steve Strange and Duran Duran, the new collection contains a range of crinkled three piece ‘Smoothie’ suits which are available in pale cherry, ice grey and peach. These have been perfectly twinned with tonal pleated short sleeve shirts (http://www.topman.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=17551&storeId=12555&categoryId=39015&langId=-1&top=Y ) and silk ties to complete this crisp energetic summer style. Separate lightweight chintz cotton suits with triple tape highlights further add to the vibrant pastel shadings exhibited through the collection and help evoke Antony’s love of the tropics.

In direct contrast to this, a darker element to the collection is seen through the introduction of a black, high gloss coated swimming suit mimicking Bryan Ferry’s style in the early 80′s. This feel is further augmented by two slim fit suits (http://www.topman.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?catalogId=17551&storeId=12555&categoryId=38990&langId=-1&top=Y ) in both electric green and vivid purple. These both retain the hallmark Antony Price glam lounge lizard look through the use of yarn-dyed taffeta to create a sharp classic almost shiny effect on the surface.

The new range is completed with the introduction of leisurewear available in Antony’s original ‘capped sleeve’ fit. His ‘butch lace’ design in purple and grey perfectly captures the party feel to the collection whilst his illustration of a woman smoking a cigarette harks back to his first Camden Palace shows.

About Topman:

Topman offers the latest in mens fashion, encompassing a range of styles to suit every shopper. Topman’s extensive collection embraces everything from the latest fashion trends to classic pieces, and extends to mens shoes, accessories and formal wear. Topman also provide the simplest way to search for and buy mens clothes (http://www.topman.com/ ), placing it among the leading fashion retailers in the UK market today.

For all Topman press enquiries, please contact:

Gemma Boner

Colegrave House

70 Berners Street

London

W1T 3NL

0207 291 2601

http://www.topman.com

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The Electronic cigarette is gaining popularity, and it’s little wonder why. This battery powered device offer a real alternative to tobacco cigarettes. Because they don’t involve smoking as most know it, they’re not subject to the smoking bans that are going up around the country. What’s more, though, is they don’t pose the health risks the thousands of carcinogens in tobacco cigarettes do, so it is of little surprise that so many smokers are interested in the prospect. With two distinct varieties emerging, though, it can be difficult for some to decide which is right for them. This quick guide may help.

Many companies make a three-piece electric cigarette that is getting quite a bit of press. The three parts include the cartridge, the atomizer unit, and the battery. The filter cartridge has a small internal piece of plastic to hold the liquid nicotine on a sponge. In many cases, the user would have to put drops of liquid nicotine on it before beginning to smoke. In other cases, there is a need to insert a new cartridge on a fairly frequent basis. The atomizer is typically a steel tubular unit that the filter cartridge fits into. This part screws directly to the battery and will be used on a continuous basis. Unfortunately, that can lead to some clogging problems as well as reduced smoke volume. While they can be replaced, they’re easily one of the costliest parts of this design. The battery is the final part of the design, and they’re rechargeable units that will last a few hours at a time. They’re also often the heaviest part of the unit and add some bulk to the experience overall.

Green Smoke introduces the two piece electronic cigarette. The advantages here are enormous. It starts with the basic design. Instead of a cartridge and an atomizer, the smoker simply gets a one piece cartridge that has the atomizer built in. There are some real advantages to this type of design. First, because each cartridge has a built-in atomizer, e-smokers won’t experience the clogging and reduced smoke volume they might have with the three piece design. A fresh experience is a must with the electric cigarette, and that’s exactly what these design advantages provide. What’s more is that there isn’t a liquid nicotine solution that must be refilled or dropped on those small cartridges as there is with the other style. The two part style is also much easier to maintain. Green smokers simply screw in a cartridge, and are ready to smoke, even when they are on the go. Compare other electronic cigarette to Green Smoke to learn more about the differences.

This is what David, a Green Smoke customer had to say about his experience with a 4 part e-cigarette: “When I got it, I almost cried because almost NO smoke came out. Then, BOTH of my atomizers broke within the same weekend. I was always checking the cotton and fluid and making sure that they were good, and the battery was horrible. The lip pieces kept cracking from the continuous fixing that I had to do to it.” After he heard about Green Smoke he decided to give it a try, and this is what he had to say: “I tried green smoke at the testing station, and with the first 2 drags, I was sold… I am telling you from personal experience, green smoke might cost more, but in the end, you will be 100% happy”

The Bottom Line

Since the 3 or 4 part e-cigarette takes more work to maintain and use, many smokers end up going back to tobacco. Now, when Green Smoke offers the two part electric cigarette, that takes no maintenance but charging the battery, smokers can remain on electronic cigarette. While the three piece models do tend to be cheaper, in the long run, most smokers either go back to tobacco or make the smarter choice of buying a 2 part electronic cigarette. Electronic cigarettes can make a real difference in the smokers life, but that’s only going to be true if they will get the right model.

Green Smoke now offers a 12% discount for the summer. Use coupon code: GREENSUMMER when checking out.

For those who own a 3 or 4 part e-cigarette, Green Smoke offers a trade in program to save even more.

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Larson Electronics Magnalight adds the MUL-012 magnetic mount 12 volt flood light with cigarette plug as a low cost , durable task light option for utility fleet service vehicles.

To meet the demand of utility service operators and contractors seeking lower cost, durable handheld lighting, Larson Electronics Magnalight introduced the MUL-012. The MUL-012 handheld flood light as flood light with lens guard, 5 inch upright handle and 100 pound grip magnetic base. This 12 volt task light is powered by a detachable 16 inch cord with gives it ample room to be used at reasonable distances from the utility service trucks. Unlike the MUL-011, which has a similar form factor but with a longer, focused spotlight beam, the MUL-011 produces a soft, wide beam for close up task lighting. The MUL-011 is simple, durable task light that can be temporarily attached to any metallic surface in and around vehicles and equipment. Once the task is complete, the operator can pull the light 12 volt magnetic light off of the steel surface and return it to the tool box.

?Our HML-2, HML-3, HML-4 and ML-2 continue to be staples in the cable, telephone and electric service fleets,? said Rob Bresnahan with Larson Electronics. The original Magnalight spotlights are made here in the USA and provide a lot of light in an easy to service form factor. However, newer products like the MUL-012 flood light are hybrids, combining some lower cost illumination components from overseas with our American made chassis. This enables us to bring down the cost for these new products like the MUL-011 spotlights and MUL-012 floodlight. We continue to focus on the important aspects of lighting that degrade with heavy use, like the cords, handle and base. We still integrate a detachable 16 foot cord with a cigarette plug that will actually stay put in the socket. The SP2 jacket cord is UV proof and designed heavy use. The bulbs are easy to change and the solid, injected molded handles and powder coated steel brackets are built here in the States to last. These simple 12 volt spotlights and floodlights are made to suit the needs of large utility service fleets or large contractor bases where it is difficult to keep track of these portable lights. With a price point under $ 50, the MUL-011 spotlight and the MUL-012 flood light can be an ideal additional to the tool box for fleet service trucks in the utility industries including cable, telephone and electric companies.”

Larson Electronics Magnalight was one of the first companies to develop and produce a 12 volt spotlight that plugged into the cigarette plug socket back in the 1960s. Today, Larson Electronics continues to augment the Magnalight line of 12 and 24 volt spotlights and work lights for the utility service industry. However, today Magnalight.com offers a wider range of lighting for those same industries, ranging from explosion proof and hazardous location lighting to portable LED light towers for first responder applications.

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Larson Electronics Magnalight announced the addition of the CML-LED10W6R, a 4800 lumen LED light with handle and magnetic base. A detachable 16 foot cord with cigarette plug enables the light to run from any voltage ranging from 9-32 volts. This enables the operator to use this handheld light on vehicles and equipment that operate on 12 or 24 volts DC. Consumer and commercial vehicles, including cars and trucks run on 12 volts.

Military vehicles and heavy equipment run on either 12 volts and 24 volts. Alternative cords are available to power the 4800 lumen LED light, including 21 foot with battery ring terminal connections, 16 foot cord with battery spring clamps, 16 foot coil cord with cigarette plug. The 3.25 inch diameter magnetic base has 100 pounds of magnetic grip and will hold to a any metallic surface. Once in place, the user can use the handle to control the rotation and tilt of the LED light. These LED lights will stay in the position the user sets, due to the tension based hinge.

?This is basically an LED version of our CML series, which includes a whole range of halogen and HID light options,? explained Rob Bresnahan with Larson Electronics Magnalight. The CML series, including the CML-4 halogen light and the CML-15 HID light, is based on a magnetic handle base that enables operators to position the beam. Users can either use the CML-LED10W6R as a handheld light or they can use the magnetic base to position it semi-permanently. The halogen based CML-1, CML-2, CML-3 and CML-4 are popular with cable, telephone and electric utility service companies. Our LED10W series lights are popular mounted LED lights for military vehicles. So, the combination provides military grade durability with the portability and convenience of the CML handle base. ?

Rob continued, ?the CML-15, which is a high intensity discharge (HID) light is popular with hunters. However, both the halogen and HID lights require a bulb change at some point. However, the LED light is unique, with 6 of 10 watt LEDs, the average life hours exceed 50,000 hours. Thus, operators need not be concerned with re-lamping for several years. Finally, this LED light draws only 5 amps, which is a bit more than the CML-15 at 3 amps, but the additional 1600 lumens is a good trade off. However, a 100 watt halogen bulb draws more than 8 amps. Thus, the CML-LED10W6R offers more light output with less amps than any of our current CML series at this time.?

Larson Electronics Magnalight offers a wide range of fixed mount and portable LED lighting for commercial, industrial and military applications. From explosion proof LED lights to 480 watt LED fixtures for wide area outdoor lighting, magnalight.com offers a versatile range of LED lighting. You can learn more about Larson Electronics at magnalight.com or 1-800-369-6671.

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Committed to helping customers ‘green’ their meetings, the Raleigh Convention Center (RCC) exceeded its own goals, attaining the Silver Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification. While the award puts the RCC alongside six other U.S. centers that have achieved a degree of LEED certification*, the region’s overall sustainability profile makes it a one-of-a-kind destination.

Says Laurie Okun, the center’s director of marketing, “This is one of many reasons for planners and visitors to think of Raleigh when they think of smarter, greener meetings.”

RCC had originally sought only LEED certification from the United States Green Building Council. LEED certification distinguishes building projects that have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability by meeting the highest performance standards. ?LEED ratings were always part of the consideration, ” says Dan Pruitt, senior project manager with Barnhill Construction. “As we moved forward, we realized we had accumulated enough points to make Silver a reachable goal.”

The LEED effort included promoting an energy-efficient design, recycling building materials, and designating the building as being cigarette smoke-free. The certification process outlines a number of available points awarded for promoting environmentally friendly building concepts. During the design phase, the design team, the construction management team, and City staff began identifying cost-effective measures that earned the project the requisite point totals.

?With good management, these measures offset a lot of costs,? Pruitt says. ?The LEED process requires expending some funds, but there are savings in the long term and it?s a great accomplishment.?

One such cost-saving effort included coordinating the design of the electrical, air conditioning, heating, and building envelope systems to make the center 30 percent more energy-efficient than a normal building would be. Other features included elements aimed at reducing water usage by 20 percent, locating the building in a prime location to maximize use of mass transit, committing the project to recycling at least 50 percent of the construction waste, and purchasing at least 20 percent of the building materials locally.

But RCC is about more than what happens within its very modern walls (http://www.raleighconvention.com). Sustainability initiatives on-going in the City of Raleigh include LED lighting, greening the City?s vehicle fleet, renewable energy projects, rainwater harvesting and public-private collaboration, among others. Researchers at institutions such as NC State University and companies like CREE (the LED pioneer) seek out environmentally-friendly breakthroughs. And as the capital city, Raleigh is home to the state headquarters of groups such as the NC Sustainable Energy Association and the Sierra Club.

“Being one of the few LEED certified convention centers in the country certainly puts us at a competitive advantage when trying to attract conventions and meetings where sustainability is one of the key requirements in the RFP process for the convention center or city,” says Dennis Edwards, CEO and president of the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau. “This certification adds to the number of positive reasons why Greater Raleigh is a major player in the convention market.”

Adds Okun, ?The certification is a new piece in a bigger picture that includes Research Triangle Park, state government and NC State’s Centennial Campus. With the cutting-edge technology and energy solutions being developed there every day, this certification highlights our commitment to sustainability. We’re in sync with the leading environmental and architectural studies programs at our local academic institutions. And we’re proud to be aligned with the City of Raleigh’s leading sustainable initiatives that include required LEED certification for new and expansion projects.?

For more information, please contact Raleigh Convention Center Director Roger Krupa at 919.996.8505 and visit http://www.raleighconvention.com.

The country’s other six LEED certified convention centers — David L Lawrence Convention Center , Pittsburgh PA: Gold; Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix AZ: Silver; Spokane Convention Center Expansion, Spokane WA : Silver; Portland, Oregon Convention Center Expansion – Oregon Convention Center, Silver; Monona Terrace Convention Center, Madison, WI: Silver; McCormick Place Convention Center West Expansion, Chicago IL : Certified.

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Americas Watchdog’s Global Piracy and Counterfeiting Consultants have been warning about the potential of a devastating exported disaster from China for years. The group is saying, “it was never a question of if very poorly made Chinese products would kill citizens of other nations, it was really more of a question about how soon. Unlike the Japanese, who take pride in their work product, the Chinese have no such internal barometer. It’s always been about making a buck, about being really cheep, and its always been about greed.” The group says, “while we continue to be extremely worried about China as the world leader in counterfeiting drugs or cigarettes, their toxic Chinese drywall has just floated to the surface of the US housing market punch bowl. Toxic Chinese drywall is going to effect millions of US homeowners and their families in ways that are not yet known–because there is no health data on the effects of exposure to wallboard exported from China to the USA–but it’s going to be really bad.” Last year Americas Watchdog created the Chinese Drywall Complaint Center as a platform to share and gather information about toxic Chinese drywall and/or imported Chinese gypsum, that was then processed by US manufacturers without proper safety testing protocols — Http://ChineseDrywallComplaintCenter.Com.

But the Chinese are taking over the world–right? Wrong. The Global Piracy and Counterfeiting Consultants are saying, “toxic Chinese drywall is going to be a deal killer for most US consumers. Made in China is about to a become radioactive brand for the average US citizen, and in all likelihood, this sentiment will become a virus that will effect most of the industrialized world.” Translation: China is about to get cooked as a major US trading partner, and they can be replaced by India, or other up and coming nations or regions. The group is saying, “toxic imported Chinese drywall/gypsum-dumped in US ports is going to be the last straw in what has been one US consumer disaster after another, when it comes to Chinese-made products.” Http://GP-CC.Com

President Obama is all over this toxic Chinese drywall issue? Wrong. The Global Piracy & Counterfeiting Consultants are saying,”when the average US consumer begins to understand how poorly the Obama Administration has responded to the US toxic Chinese drywall disaster, he will be a one-term wonder as a US President. He will also be the last US President that will ever bow to a Chinese official.” The group is saying, “President Obama and his absolutely pathetic US Consumer Products Safety Commission have yet to recall one sheet of toxic Chinese drywall, and to our knowledge President Obama has yet to address this US homeowner disaster one time–even though its been in the US news everyday for a year. Change–this is not what US voters thought they were getting.”

What are the indicators on toxic Chinese drywall? According to the Chinese Drywall Complaint Center,”indicators of toxic Chinese drywall include homeowners with failed, or degraded electrical systems, or repeated air conditioning coil failures, combined with homeowners, or their family members experiencing upper respiratory issues, nose bleeds, severe headaches, and other severe medical issues.” The group says,”the worst symptoms appear to be in the extreme US Southeast-we think because of extreme humidity, combined with high heat. However, we are now beginning to discover toxic drywall on the US West Coast & Mid West. We fear when its all said & done- toxic Chinese drywall will be discovered in all 50 US States, and has the potential of effecting hundreds of thousands of US homes, if not more.” The time lines for imported toxic Chinese drywall are 2001-to-early 2009. The real PR problem for China begins when the health effects related to exposure are known by US citizens, and homeowners. Http://ChinesedrywallComplaintCenter.Com

Were the Chinese counterfeiting drywall products & then exporting this building product to the US? The Global Piracy & Counterfeiting Consultants says, “we fear yes. We and others have discovered Chinese drywall that says made in the USA, with phoney fire rating codes on the wallboard. We have also discovered blank drywall with nothing written on it at all—called blanks—-this came from China as well.”

So where do we go from here? The Global Piracy & Counterfeiting Consultants is saying, “if China has no concerns about the quality of its products, or the fact that they are the largest counterfeiter in the world–we should cut a deal with India that has teeth. Teeth includes stiff penalties for counterfeiting, re-engineering of patented products, theft of intellectual property, etc.” The group is saying, “the plus side of an India that eclipses China as one of our most important trading partners is we also get a friend that will back the US and its allies, when it comes to the lunatics who currently lead Iran, or other rouge nations, or states. China can become BFF’s with Cuba, Venezuela, Sudan, Iran, and North Korea-Who needs China after this?.” For more information please contact the Global Piracy & Counterfeiting Consultants at Http://GP-CC.Com

According to the Global Piracy & Counterfeiting Consultants, “aside from the fact that Chinese unbridled greed will effect untold hundreds of thousands of US homeowners & their children, the Chinese actually slaughter themselves with their counterfeits or knock off’s all the time. They just won’t bother to tell their citizens the truth. With friends like China-who needs an enemy?”

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