Monthly Archives: May 2012

Travel the Globe With Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales Around the World

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My son and I disagree on which Scooby-Doo episodes are the best I side with the classics from the late 1960s and early 70s and he prefers the latest Mystery, Inc. episodes. Im not big on Scrappy-Doo, and thankfully Decker hasnt taken to the little annoying pup, either. I find humor in the old episodes as I watch the same bookcase go by five or six times as the Scooby Gang walks down the impossibly long hallway in the haunted house and Decker finds humor in the many ways that the newest animation techniques show Scooby shake and shiver. It really is a good time to be a Scooby-Doo fan, and my sons 5th birthday party this last weekend had a Scooby theme it makes me smile that he loves the Scooby Gang as much as I do.

As the Scooby-Doo franchise has developed over the years, the Scooby Gang has been around the world and then some. China, Hawaii, Transylvania, South America theyve been everywhere! Ive really lost track of every destination thats sported a mystery for the gang to solve. But I can name at least a dozen exotic locations thanks to the latest release, Scooby Doo! 13 Spooky Tales Around the World from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

This DVD is a collection of older episodes mainly the classics from the early 70s involving trips to the Bermuda Triangle and Venice (remember the Ghostly Gondolier?) and episodes from the mid to late 70s that take them to the jungles of Brazil and a temple in Greece haunted by a Minotaur. Whats great about the episodes selected here is that Decker has seen so few of them and has enjoyed each and every one of them as Ive watched them with him and relived a bit of my childhood.

If youre interested in which 13 episodes are included, Ill give you the rundown here:

Disc 1:

The Fiesta Host is an Aztec Ghost, The Harum Scarum Sanitarium, The Spirits of 76, A Creepy Tangle in the Bermuda Triangle, To Switch a Witch, A Menace in Venice

Disc 2:

Shiver and Shake, That Demons a Snake, Lock the Door, Its a Minotaur, The Ozark Witch Switch, The Jaguaro, Moonlight Madness, Ghosts of the Ancient Astronauts Part I, Ghosts of the Ancient Astronauts Part II

If you have an Ultraviolet Digital Copy account, you can add all of these episodes as they are included with the DVD versions. Ive downloaded them to the iPad 2 so he can watch them on the small screen in the car but be aware that downloading the full 13 episodes can take quite a few gigabytes of storage space!

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Travel the Globe With Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales Around the World

Searchlight, the New Interactive Product and Travel Necessity

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SALEM, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

On Call International, the leading provider of medical, security and travel assistance has introduced a dynamic new risk mitigation and traveler tracking tool, Searchlight. This highly anticipated service provides travel preparation, tracking, interactive communications and even social media integration to reduce health and safety risks for students and company employees when traveling anywhere in the world. The Searchlight mobile app grants users full access to the portal including profile, trip details and destination information.

After listening to our customers and researching how we can best help them protect the health and safety of their travelers, we created Searchlight, stated Michael J. Kelly, company CEO. This product does it all for both administrators and the travelers themselves by providing useful and interactive travel information before and during trips, organizing important documents and itineraries and offering a direct line of communication between travelers and administrators. As both a parent of college age children and a frequent business traveler, I am excited to bring something this valuable and unique to the marketplace.

Searchlight is composed of four key components:

Upon booking a trip, users can either add their travel details manually or the trip itinerary can be fed directly from their travel management company. Travelers can easily create a personal profile in the customized online resource center within the secure Searchlight portal, which allows them to designate emergency contacts and store important travel documents such as copies of their passports. The tool then provides travelers with pre-trip advice via email including medical, security and cultural overviews specific to their destination. While the traveler is away, Searchlight also provides tools to locate and communicate with travelers to reduce health and safety risks and can be accessed by a short list of user designated individuals and administrators. These administrators can communicate with the traveler directly via email, two-way SMS text, phone and social media sites, providing complete interactivity between the traveler and the organization.

The global-view dashboard aggregates all of the travelers data into one place. This secured data is available 24/7/365 for a crisis or for regular risk mitigation purposes. All of the travelers data including flight itineraries, hotel and destination information is connected to On Calls risk alerts to provide administrators customizable reporting of travelers exposure by country and region; enabling travelers to receive breaking updates and travel advice.

The information and advisory tools give an overview to travelers upon booking including medical, security, travel and cultural information to help travelers prepare for their upcoming trip. Additional items can include country manner and embassy information. This information can be shared with the traveler via email and is available via the portal at all times granting access to a comprehensive, vetted worldwide provider database. If travel advice changes, Searchlight alerts are issued to travelers before, during and immediately after travel if they are affected by the country or region experiencing unrest allowing travelers and administrators to communicate through the portal or privately through social media sites such as Facebook.

Specializing in worldwide emergency medical evacuations which can cost up to $30,000 domestically and as much as $100,000 internationally On Call Internationals services are designed help fulfill an organizations duty of care obligations and to safeguard employers and educational institutions from unnecessary personnel, legal and financial risk.

Additional medical assistance services range from emergency prescription replacement to worldwide hospital and physician referral and include medical case monitoring and dispatching a physician or specialist in emergencies. The companys 24/7 Nurse Helpline provides medical advice for those traveling and is staffed by U.S.-licensed nurses who assess patient symptoms, identify the urgency of a situation and recommend a plan of care. On Call also provides members with advice related to security concerns, situational security analysis for administrators and assistance during a security crisis.

Ideal for business and academic travelers, Searchlight is an interactive travel risk management platform that combines an online resource center, the global view dashboard, worldwide provider database and automated advisory alerts in a single solution.

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Searchlight, the New Interactive Product and Travel Necessity

What's new in the world of travel

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The new-look economy cabin aboard Virgin Australia's A330 domestic flights. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

Historic... The refurbished Harbour Rocks Hotel in Sydney, NSW. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

OUR weekly wrap-up on what's new in travel.

Latest Airbus

VIRGIN Australia's first contemporary new Airbus 330-220 will begin service on domestic routes this week. Two of the planes, which will be used on domestic routes between Sydney and Melbourne and Perth, arrived last month with a third expected later this year. The planes have spacious cabin interiors, lie-flat business class seats, leather seating and mood-lighting throughout the cabin. The airline launched its business class cabins earlier this year.

Hotel rocks on

SYDNEY'S Harbour Rocks Hotel has undergone an extensive refurbishment, with a new 40-seat restaurant called Scarlett, HRH wine bar and a gym. Set in a three-level building and six adjoining terrace buildings built in 1887, the 59-room boutique hotel sits on the site of the city's first hospital. It was turned into a hotel in 1989. Rooms start at $209 a night.

Island by iPod

VISITORS to Norfolk Island will be able to take part in a new self-guided walking tour using an iPod. The tour gives people the flexibility to wander the national park trails at their leisure while listening to recorded, informative commentary about the walk and the plants and birds of the island, off the East Coast of Australia. Construction work has also started on a new purpose-built visitor interpretive centre, which is expected to be open by the end of the year.

Game's on for a conservation trip

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What's new in the world of travel

MATCH Hospitality AG appoints Great Atlantic Travel and Tour as Authorized Sales Agent for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ …

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MATCH Hospitality AG, the worldwide exclusive rights holder of the FIFA Hospitality Programme, has appointed Great Atlantic Travel and Tour as an Authorized Sales Agent in Canada for the sale of the Official Hospitality Programme of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ and the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013. Official Commercial Hospitality Packages are being offered by Great Atlantic Travel and Tour to ...

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MATCH Hospitality AG appoints Great Atlantic Travel and Tour as Authorized Sales Agent for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ ...

Mexico To Welcome Leaders From The T20 And World Travel And Tourism Council (WTTC)

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MEXICO CITY , May 14, 2012 /CNW/ - Mexico's Ministry of Tourism and the Mexico Tourism Board are pleased to welcome this week, the leaders of the T20 and the WTTC, to Merida and the Riviera Maya for two high level events: the 4th T20 Ministers of Tourism Meeting and the WTTC Regional Summit of the Americas.

Mexico's Secretary of Tourism, Gloria Guevara , emphasized that these two events are critical in strengthening the tourism sector as a pivotal driving force for the global economy.

Secretary Guevara stressed that these meetings will benefit the image of Mexico at an international level, and will be an opportunity to flaunt to the world Mexico's rich tourism offering including the Mayan World, the Gastronomic Routes, the Magical Towns, world renowned beaches and archeological sites.

The T20 meeting will be held on May 15th and 16th in Merida, Yucatan. At this forum, the Ministers of Tourism from the 20 most developed economies in the world will discuss the topic of "Tourism: an Opportunity to Generate jobs."

This meeting will be a key part of the lead up to the G20 Leaders Summit which will take place in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, on June 18th and 19th. The objective of the T20 Meeting is to devise proposals, harnessing the tourism industry to fuel job creation.

In addition to the Ministers of Tourism from the G20, visiting countries who will participate include: Denmark , Spain , Chile , Colombia , Cambodia , El Salvador , Guatemala , Jamaica and Peru ; as well as international organizations such as the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), International Labor Organization (ILO), International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), among others.

The UNWTO recently reported that in 2011, there was a flow of 980 million international tourists worldwide, representing a 4 percent increase from the previous year. Forecasts indicate that tourism will experience sustained development in the short to medium terms, reaching one billion international visitors in 2012 and 1.8 billion by 2030.

Mexico will also host the 1st World Tourism and Travel Council's Regional Summit of the Americas, from May 16th through 18th on the Riviera Maya, where more than 500 CEOs from international companies in the tourism industry will gather.

The WTTC is comprised of leaders in the travel and tourism industry globally, and comprises the top executives from the world's main tourism and travel companies.

The WTTC's objective is to strengthen the travel and tourism industry, which is responsible for generating 260 million jobs and contributes to nine percent of the world's GDP.

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Mexico To Welcome Leaders From The T20 And World Travel And Tourism Council (WTTC)

Summer Travel Forecast Sunny For U.S. Travelers

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NEWTON, Mass., May 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --TripAdvisor, the world's largest travel site*, today announced the results of its annual summer travel survey of more than 1,800 U.S. respondents. Eighty-six percent of travelers are planning leisure trips this summer, up from 81 percent that traveled last summer.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/49265-tripadvisor-summer-travel-survey-2012-leisure-trips

(Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120515/MM05990)

(Logo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080902/TRIPADVISORLOGO)

A separate survey of more than 1,200 U.S. respondents showed that recently declining gas prices will not have an effect on leisure travel plans this summer, according to 86 percent of U.S. respondents. However, 10 percent now expect to take more trips by car this summer as a direct result of lower prices at the pumps.

Summertime Shell-Out

Memorial Day in Motion

Summer Hotspots

The top five most popular summer destination types this year, according to U.S. travelers:

U.S. regions travelers are planning to visit this summer:

See more here:

Summer Travel Forecast Sunny For U.S. Travelers

Invention kit for banana pianos, alphabet soup keyboards

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The MaKey MaKey Invention Kit enables nutty computer-connected creations like Playdough Super Mario controllers and water bucket Dance Dance Revolution triggers.

Go ahead, MaKey MaKey my day.

For the most part, keyboards just aren't very exciting. They sit there and go clickety-clack. What if you want a keyboard that goes squish-squash or splish-splash? Then you turn to the MaKey MaKey Invention Kit.

MaKey MaKey is a kit that turns just about any object into a touchpad. It consists of a circuit board and a set of alligator clips.

A banana piano. What more could you possibly want? (Click to enlarge.)

Clip those clips onto fruit, people, or pieces of bread. Even pencil markings can work. Open up a Web site or a program, plug the board into your computer's USB port, and you're good to go.

This means that absurd notions like banana pianos, alphabet soup keyboards, and beach ball game controllers can come to life. The only limit is your imagination, what you can fit the alligator clips onto, and a little bit of electrical conduction.

MaKey MaKey works with most recent operating systems. Your computer just sees it as a regular input device, like a keyboard or mouse.

The invention kit is already making a splash on Kickstarter, having topped its $25,000 funding goal with 28 days left to go. The best part of all of this is that a full MaKey MaKey kit will only put you back $35. Banana piano, here I come!

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Invention kit for banana pianos, alphabet soup keyboards

Supermicro® Launches Widest Range of Server Platforms Supporting Intel® Xeon® E3-1200 v2

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- Advanced Server Solutions Optimized for Low Power 22nm 3D Tri-Gate Processors Deliver Maximum Performance with Highest Energy Efficiency

SAN JOSE, California, May 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Super Micro Computer, Inc., a global leader in high-performance, high-efficiency server technology and green computing, announces immediate availability of a wide array of systems and motherboards supporting Intel Xeon E3-1200 v2 (Ivy Bridge) processor family. Supermicros new platforms boost system performance with upgraded PCI-E 3.0 bus speed and DDR3-1600MHz memory bandwidth. Server solutions include the high-density 3U, 8x node, MicroCloud (5037MC-H8TRF [http://www.supermicro.com/products/system/3U/5037/SYS-5037MC-H8TRF.cfm]) providing cost-effective performance for cloud computing, data center and web hosting. A wide variety of other systems include server appliances for networking/embedded applications (5017C-LF [http://www.supermicro.com/products/system/1u/5017/sys-5017c-lf.cfm], 5017C-MF [http://www.supermicro.com/products/system/1u/5017/sys-5017c-mf.cfm], 5017C-TF [http://www.supermicro.com/products/system/1u/5017/sys-5017c-tf.cfm]); mainstream server systems with optional Supermicro Battery Backup Power (BBP) modules (PWS206B-1R) for mission-critical reliability; and gateway/security/DVR/media transcoding and broadcast solutions (5017C-MTF [http://www.supermicro.com/products/system/1u/5017/sys-5017c-mtf.cfm], 5017C-MTRF [http://www.supermicro.com/products/system/1u/5017/sys-5017c-mtrf.cfm], 1017C-TF [http://www.supermicro.com/products/system/1u/1017/sys-1017c-tf.cfm]), plus server towers for small/mid-size business applications, file/storage serving, and remote desktop applications (5037C-i [http://www.supermicro.com/products/system/tower/5037/sys-5037c-i.cfm], 5037C-T [http://www.supermicro.com/products/system/tower/5037/sys-5037c-t.cfm]).

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120514/AQ06135 [http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120514/AQ06135])

"Supermicro offers the advantage of diverse product lines with the most earth-friendly, future-proof designs, " said Charles Liang, President and CEO of Supermicro. "Strong engineering expertise allows us to consistently deliver the latest energy efficient computing technologies first to market across the widest selection of platforms. Our Ivy Bridge solutions are optimized and ready for the new 22nm, Tri-Gate microarchitecture delivering higher performance and energy efficiency with lower TDP compared to previous generation solutions. Supermicros current UP Sandy Bridge systems and boards only need a BIOS upgrade without any hardware changes to make these systems capable of supporting the new Intel Xeon E3-1200 v2 series processors."

"Customers today are looking for computing solutions that offer better energy efficiency and more flexibility without compromising performance, " said Boyd Davis, VP and GM of Intels Datacenter Infrastructure Group. "Intel welcomes Supermicros new generation of server platforms, which have been built on the Intel Xeon processor familys leadership performance and breakthrough I/O capabilities. Supermicro is able to offer optimized solutions for customers across a broad spectrum of workloads and segments, including Green Computing."

Along with complete systems, Supermicro has a full line of Ivy Bridge based motherboards which provide the foundation of its Server Building Block Solutions. A wide range of motherboards featuring the H2 socket (X9SCD-F [http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/xeon/c202_c204/x9scd-f.cfm] (for MicroCloud), X9SCM [http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/xeon/c202_c204/x9scm.cfm]/-F [http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/xeon/c202_c204/x9scm-f.cfm], X9SCL/-F [http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/xeon/c202_c204/x9scl-f.cfm]/+-F [http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/xeon/c202_c204/x9scl_-f.cfm], X9SCA [http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/xeon/c202_c204/x9sca.cfm]/-F [http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/xeon/c202_c204/x9sca-f.cfm], X9SCM-IIF, X9SCi-LN4 [http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/xeon/c202_c204/x9sci-ln4.cfm]/-LN4F [http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/xeon/c202_c204/x9sci-ln4f.cfm], X9SPU-F, X9SAE/-V, C7P67 [http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/core/p67/c7p67.cfm]) are available for server, workstation, desktop and embedded applications. This diverse lineup of products allows systems integrators and resellers to build application optimized solutions that address the widest variety of business, commercial and industrial needs.

For more information on Supermicros complete line of high-performance, high-efficiency server and storage solutions, visit http://www.supermicro.com [http://www.supermicro.com/].

About Super Micro Computer, Inc.

Supermicro , the leading innovator in high-performance, high-efficiency server technology is a premier provider of advanced server Building Block Solutions for Data Center, Cloud Computing, Enterprise IT, HPC and Embedded Systems worldwide. Supermicro is committed to protecting the environment through its "We Keep IT Green" initiative and provides customers with the most energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly solutions available on the market.

Supermicro, SuperServer, MicroCloud, Building Block Solutions and We Keep IT Green are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Super Micro Computer, Inc.

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Supermicro® Launches Widest Range of Server Platforms Supporting Intel® Xeon® E3-1200 v2

Supermicro® Debuts New X9 DP and 4-Way MP Platforms

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SAN JOSE, Calif., May 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Super Micro Computer, Inc. (SMCI), a global leader in high-performance, high-efficiency server technology and green computing, announces it is shipping server solutions optimized for Intel Xeon E5-2400 "Sandy Bridge-EN" and E5-4600 "Sandy Bridge-EP" series processors.

(Photo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120514/AQ06162)

"Supermicro leads the industry with the widest range of solutions targeting Data Center, high-end Enterprise, High Performance Computing and entry level SMB applications," said Charles Liang, President and CEO of Supermicro. "We've optimized our X9 DP server solutions to meet the demands for cost sensitive applications where customers can retain overall performance, opting for cost effective CPUs and essential functionality. X9 4-Way MP solutions are designed for compute-intensive tasks with support for up to 4 CPUs with 8 or 6 cores, 1TB of memory, up to 8 PCI-E 3.0 and dual 1GbE or 10GBase-T interconnectivity. With Supermicro's first to market products and breadth of application optimized solutions, customers have an immediate path to positively impacting their bottom line."

New X9 Dual-Processor (DP) solutions offer a cost optimized entry point for Data Centers looking for best power usage effectiveness (PUE). Systems built around Supermicro's compact 12" x 10" form factor (X9DBL-3/i(F), X9DAL-3/i) and UIO (X9DBU-3/iF) "B2" socket motherboards are engineered with high quality, cost-effective components delivering customers the best performance-cost ratio. They feature memory capacities of up to 192GB (X9DAL, X9DBL) and 384GB (X9DBU), plus PCI-E 3.0 support. SuperServers based on the X9DBU series motherboard feature Supermicro's innovative UIO architecture that supports full height expansion cards in 1U and 2U chassis making them ideal for data center and network/security appliances (6017B-NTF, 6017B-URF, 1027B-URF, and 2U 6027B-URF). SuperWorkstations based on the X9DAL series motherboard are ideal for CAE/MCAD/ECAD/GIS, video editing, and 3D animation (7037A-iL). SuperServers based on the X9DBL series motherboard are ideal PUE optimized servers for Data Centers, web servers, search engine appliances, gaming systems and ATMs (6017B-MTF, 6017B-MTLF, 6017B-MTRF, 1027B-MTF).

Supermicro'sX9 4-Way Multi-Processor (MP) platforms targeting high-end Enterprise IT and high performance computing (HPC) are also available supporting Intel's latest Xeon processor E5-4600 family. Supermicro will exhibit its new X9 4-Way platform at Intel Developer Forum (IDF) Brazil, May 15. 4-Way servers are built around Supermicro's high-end MP serverboards (X9QR7/i-(T)F+, X9QR7/i-(J)(T)F) which are designed to maximize the performance and energy efficiency, making them ideal for mission critical and data-intensive applications. Supermicro's new advanced 4-Way platforms support a massive 1TB ECC Reg. DDR3 memory in 32 DIMM slots and feature up to 8x PCI-E 3.0 x16 expansion slots, onboard 6Gbps SAS/SATA hardware and host-based RAID controllers, an onboard dual-port 10GBase-T Intel Ethernet controller and redundant Platinum level high-efficiency (94%+) digital switching power supplies. SuperServer solutions are available in 1U (8017R-TF+/7FT+), 2U (8027R-TRF+/7RFT+), 4U Tower (8047R-TRF+/7RFT+) and 4U SuperStorage (8047R-7JRFT/4047R-7JRFT) systems. Engineering, scientific, computational finance and geophysics applications can all benefit from the enhanced CPU, I/O, expansion and networking capabilities of Supermicro's new 4-Way MP platforms.

Supermicro's exhibits at IDF Brazil include the debut of the 4-Way 8017R-7FT+, a 2U SuperServer 2027GR-TRF optimized for Intel MIC and the innovative 2U Twin2 6027TR-H70RF. Also on display will be Supermicro's new X9 MicroCloud 5037MR-H8TRF supporting the Intel Xeon E5-2600 processor family. For more information on Supermicro's complete line of high-performance, high-efficiency server and storage solutions, visit http://www.supermicro.com.

About Super Micro Computer, Inc.Supermicro (SMCI), the leading innovator in high-performance, high-efficiency server technology is a premier provider of advanced server Building Block Solutions for Data Center, Cloud Computing, Enterprise IT, HPC and Embedded Systems worldwide. Supermicro is committed to protecting the environment through its "We Keep IT Green" initiative and provides customers with the most energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly solutions available on the market.

Supermicro, SuperServer, MicroCloud, Building Block Solutions and We Keep IT Green are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Super Micro Computer, Inc.

All other brands, names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SMCI-F

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Supermicro® Debuts New X9 DP and 4-Way MP Platforms

Supermicro® Launches Widest Range of UP Server Platforms Supporting Intel® Xeon® E3-1200 v2

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SAN JOSE, Calif., May 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Super Micro Computer, Inc. (SMCI), a global leader in high-performance, high-efficiency server technology and green computing, announces immediate availability of a wide array of single processor (UP) systems and motherboards supporting Intel Xeon E3-1200 v2 (Ivy Bridge) processor family. Supermicro's new platforms boost system performance with upgraded PCI-E 3.0 bus speed and DDR3-1600MHz memory bandwidth. Server solutions include the high-density 3U, 8x node, MicroCloud (5037MC-H8TRF) providing cost-effective performance for cloud computing, data center and web hosting. A wide variety of other systems include server appliances for networking/embedded applications (5017C-LF, 5017C-MF, 5017C-TF); mainstream server systems with optional Supermicro Battery Backup Power (BBP) modules (PWS206B-1R) for mission-critical reliability; and gateway/security/DVR/media transcoding and broadcast solutions (5017C-MTF, 5017C-MTRF, 1017C-TF), plus server towers for small/mid-size business applications, file/storage serving, and remote desktop applications (5037C-i, 5037C-T).

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120514/AQ06135)

"Supermicro offers the advantage of diverse product lines with the most earth-friendly, 'future-proof' designs," said Charles Liang, President and CEO of Supermicro. "Strong engineering expertise allows us to consistently deliver the latest energy efficient computing technologies first to market across the widest selection of platforms. Our Ivy Bridge solutions are optimized and ready for the new 22nm, Tri-Gate microarchitecture delivering higher performance and energy efficiency with lower TDP compared to previous generation solutions. Supermicro's current UP Sandy Bridge systems and boards only need a BIOS upgrade without any hardware changes to make these systems capable of supporting the new Intel Xeon E3-1200 v2 series processors."

"Customers today are looking for computing solutions that offer better energy efficiency and more flexibility without compromising performance," said Boyd Davis, VP and GM of Intel's Datacenter Infrastructure Group. "Intel welcomes Supermicro's new generation of server platforms, which have been built on the Intel Xeon processor family's leadership performance and breakthrough I/O capabilities. Supermicro is able to offer optimized solutions for customers across a broad spectrum of workloads and segments, including Green Computing."

Along with complete systems, Supermicro has a full line of Ivy Bridge based motherboards which provide the foundation of its Server Building Block Solutions. A wide range of motherboards featuring the H2 socket (X9SCD-F (for MicroCloud), X9SCM/-F, X9SCL/-F/+-F, X9SCA/-F, X9SCM-IIF, X9SCi-LN4/-LN4F, X9SPU-F, X9SAE/-V, C7P67) are available for server, workstation, desktop and embedded applications. This diverse lineup of products allows systems integrators and resellers to build application optimized solutions that address the widest variety of business, commercial and industrial needs.

For more information on Supermicro's complete line of high-performance, high-efficiency server and storage solutions, visit http://www.supermicro.com.

About Super Micro Computer, Inc.

Supermicro (SMCI), the leading innovator in high-performance, high-efficiency server technology is a premier provider of advanced server Building Block Solutions for Data Center, Cloud Computing, Enterprise IT, HPC and Embedded Systems worldwide. Supermicro is committed to protecting the environment through its "We Keep IT Green" initiative and provides customers with the most energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly solutions available on the market.

Supermicro, SuperServer, MicroCloud, Building Block Solutions and We Keep IT Green are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Super Micro Computer, Inc.

All other brands, names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

More here:

Supermicro® Launches Widest Range of UP Server Platforms Supporting Intel® Xeon® E3-1200 v2

Stem cell co Gamida Cell raises $10m

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Stem cell therapies developer Gamida Cell Ltd. has raised $10 million in its fifth financing round from all its investors. The company will use the proceeds to support the global commercialization of its lead cell therapy product, StemEx, as an alternative therapeutic treatment for patients with blood cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma, who can be cured by bone marrow transplantation but do not have a matched bone marrow donor.

Gamida Cell is developing StemEx with Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (Nasdaq: TEVA; TASE: TEVA), and it is seeking a strategic partner for the product's global commercialization.

The company will also use the proceeds for the further development of other products, primarily a clinical trial of its NiCord treatment for sickle cell anemia and thalassemia.

Gamida Cell chairman Reuven Krupik said, The investors were unanimous in their decision to reinvest, understanding the importance of bringing StemEx to market as well as maintaining the companys leadership role in the stem cell industry. Gamida Cell is a game changer."

Gamida Cell completed enrollment for a pivotal Phase III clinical trial of StemEx in February, and expects results in the fourth quarter. The company plans to launch the product in 2013, and it could be the first allogeneic stem cell product in the market.

The company's current investors include Elbit Imaging Ltd. (Nasdaq: EMITF; TASE: EMIT), Clal Biotechnology Industries Ltd. (TASE: CBI), Israel Healthcare Venture, Teva, Amgen, Denali Ventures and Auriga Ventures.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - http://www.globes-online.com - on May 15, 2012

Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2012

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Stem cell co Gamida Cell raises $10m

Vet undertakes stem cell surgery

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Animal stem cell regenerative therapy is the newest service at the Animal Hospital of Tiffin.

"We are the official first site for the therapy in Ohio," said veterinarian Bob McClung.

The technology uses an adult animal's stem cells to heal itself.

Veterinarian Mike Brothers performed the surgery Monday on his dog, Tucker, a 2-year-old labrador retriever. It was the second surgery performed at the clinic.

Brothers said his dog's joint problems are hereditary and he's had problems since he was a puppy.

"What we've been able to do is slow down the arthritis," Brothers said. The cause of the degeneration will continue, but the fatty tissue removed from the dog can be used for future treatments.

From a piece of fatty tissue of the size removed from Tucker, McClung estimated $3.2 billion stem cells were harvested.

Each injection uses about 90 million cells, so there will be enough of the material for future treatments.

"We have basically 2 billion cells to bank," he said. "We use cryo-preservation."

In the freezing process, the cells are gradually cooled to prevent damage and stored in liquid nitrogen at temperatures of minus 80 to minus 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Vet undertakes stem cell surgery

Stem cell banking firms to deploy marketing initiatives to boost sales

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Kolkata, May 15:

Stem cell banking companies are looking at aggressive marketing initiatives to move into the mass market segment. Direct marketing to customers and reduction in price tag for storing umbilical cord blood are on the cards.

The umbilical cord blood and cord tissue are one of the richest sources of stem cells and have potential to treat over 75 serious ailments.

The average cost for storing these for a period of 21 years ranges between Rs 75,000 and Rs 90,000 in India.

According to Chennai-based Life Cell, high price points and lack of proper marketing have limited the penetration of cord blood banking in India. Affordability is the key factor in India.

Only when the prices come down will we see more customers opting for the service. We are working on it (bringing down prices), Mr Mayur Abhaya Srisrimal, Executive Director Life Cell, told Business Line.

Stem cell bankers have already rolled out easy finance options such as EMIs to make the services attractive. CordLife, for instance, offers EMI facility for 12-24 months.

This has helped boost our sales. We have been acquiring 350-400 clients each month, said Managing Director, Mr Meghnath Roy Chowdhury.

Finance, however, is not the only stumbling block. Cord blood bankers have, so far, been depending largely on hospital network for signing up clients. Bangalore-based Ms Deepa Shankar, who is expecting and is due for delivery in June, recently opted for Life Cell services through the hospital.

It's not a sustainable approach. We need to get into direct marketing for pushing up volumes growth, Mr Srisrimal points out. To strike a cord with the would-be mothers, the company has roped in Lisa Ray as brand ambassador. Ms Ray was cured of multiple myeloma courtesy stem cell therapy.

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Stem cell banking firms to deploy marketing initiatives to boost sales

International Stem Cell Corporation Scientists to Present Pre-Clinical Research Results at American Society of Gene …

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CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

International Stem Cell Corporation (OTCBB: ISCO.OB - News) (www.internationalstemcell.com) today announced that several of its leading scientists will present experimental results from three of ISCOs pre-clinical therapeutic programs.

Firstly, the application of A9 dopaminergic neurons derived from human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSC) for the treatment of Parkinsons disease. Demonstrating functional dopaminergic neurons in vivo represents an important milestone towards the goal of creating well characterized populations of cells that could be used to develop a treatment for Parkinsons.

Secondly, the differentiation of hpSC and embryonic stem cells into cornea-like constructs for use in transplantation therapy and the in vitro study of ocular drug absorption. There are approximately ten million people worldwide who are blind as a result of damage to their cornea. Generating human corneas from a pluripotent stem cell source should increase the likelihood that people will receive treatment in the future even in the absence of suitable tissue from eye banks.

Lastly, the in vivo and in vitro characterization of immature hepatocyte derived from hpSC. Such cells could be used to develop a treatment for individuals with a liver that has been damaged by disease or sufferers of genetic disorders that inhibit normal liver function. In both cases, implanting healthy hepatocyte cells could treat the underlying disease and prolong the life of the individual.

These results not only show the progress we have made in these important programs, but also demonstrate the broad application of human parthenogenetic stem cells in the development of treatments for incurable diseases, says Dr. Ruslan Semechkin, Vice President of Research and Development.

The presentations will take place at the 15th Annual Meeting of American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy, in Philadelphia at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 17th.

About International Stem Cell Corporation

International Stem Cell Corporation is focused on the therapeutic applications of human parthenogenetic stem cells (hpSCs) and the development and commercialization of cell-based research and cosmetic products. ISCO's core technology, parthenogenesis, results in the creation of pluripotent human stem cells from unfertilized oocytes (eggs). hpSCs avoid ethical issues associated with the use or destruction of viable human embryos. ISCO scientists have created the first parthenogenic, homozygous stem cell line that can be a source of therapeutic cells for hundreds of millions of individuals of differing genders, ages and racial background with minimal immune rejection after transplantation. hpSCs offer the potential to create the first true stem cell bank, UniStemCell. ISCO also produces and markets specialized cells and growth media for therapeutic research worldwide through its subsidiary Lifeline Cell Technology (www.lifelinecelltech.com), and stem cell-based skin care products through its subsidiary Lifeline Skin Care (www.lifelineskincare.com). More information is available at http://www.internationalstemcell.com or follow us on Twitter @intlstemcell.

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Anger, faith and rising up: Spirituality in Springsteen’s ‘Wrecking Ball’

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By Jeffrey B. Symynkywicz

[Editor's note: The Rev. Jeffrey B. Symynkywicz is the author of the highly recommended book "The Gospel According to Bruce Springsteen." He recently delivered a sermon based on Bruce Springsteen's "Wrecking Ball," and offered to adapt it for us in the essay below.]

Photo: brucespringsteen.net

The darkness is no longer on the edge of town. It is now at the very heart of our nation.

Almost 30 years ago in My Hometown, Bruce Springsteen wrote about factory closings and jobs heading south. The tone was something of sadness, as a young man and his wife lie in bed at night, discussing whether or not to uproot their young son, in search of (perhaps) better economic prospects elsewhere. The insinuation in the song is that they will stay put. It probably wasnt a good decision.

Now, in the face of the economic devastation that came to a head with the financial meltdown of 2008, the whitewashed windows and empty stores of 1984 seem almost quaint. Thirty years of greed, speculation and unfettered, robber baron capitalism have brought, in Springsteens words, Death to My Hometown.

Even worse, perhaps, is that no one has been called to justice for the devastation. Not a single person has been prosecuted for the crimes that nearly toppled our entire financial system; instead the perpetrators walk the streets as free men now, Springsteen sings. He warns that they and their mayhem will be back unless we unite to Send the robber barons straight to hell.

Springsteens tone isnt one of resignation any longer. Wrecking Ball presents a word of prophecy and judgment, with plenty of blame to go aroundand plenty of work for all of us to do.

There are other allusions to Born in the U.S.A. here, as well. We Take Care of Our Own speaks of the promise from sea to shining sea, with American flags again waving in the breeze. But like the priest and the Levite in the parable of the Good Samaritan, we have come answer the question, Who is my neighbor? much too narrowly, Springsteen believes. The years have killed something in us, and the American spirit is circling the wagons and drawing in on ourselves. Almost in desperation, he cries out for eyes that can see, and hearts filled with mercy. But the only answer that comes the refrain, We take care of our own, over and over sounds like the icy sarcasm of a Scrooge, slamming the door in the face of the solicitors ask him for charity.

All higher values seem to have left the field. From Easy Money the shallowness of a life lived for material gain alone were led to being Shackled and Drawn, part of a universal chain gang, cogs in a great neo-feudal economic machine. But while for working people, all notions of the dignity of labor lie buried by the side of the road, Up on Bankers Hill, the partys going strong, Springsteen sings, and again, our memory drifts to earlier times. In Mansion on the Hill from Nebraska, a young boy and his sister also listen to the music coming from a big house on the edge of town. Back in 1982, even amid the grittiness and starkness of Nebraska, there was still some sense of longing and at least a glimpse of hope. Now, 30 years later, it is as though the young boy is again standing at the foot of the rich mans hill, but this time with his legs in irons.

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Anger, faith and rising up: Spirituality in Springsteen’s ‘Wrecking Ball’

New Book Asks Others to “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself”

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Author Tenzin Norbu converts a Christian idea into a Buddhist philosophy.Omaha, NE (PRWEB) May 14, 2012 Follow the path to enlightenment. Live a life of universal love. It is possible for every living being to become a Buddha.Based on the idea of loving one's neighbor as oneself, author Tenzin Norbu pens his new book "Ocean of Compassion" (published by WestBow Press). Norbu offers understanding ...

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New Book Asks Others to “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself”

Temple fair in the clouds

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Prayers in Paragon Hall. New iPad apps on meditation centres. A haunted house in which earthly desires stalk you like inexorable ghosts. A "dharma boy band" of singers interpreting their tunes through the spiritual looking glass. Then monks as film programmers picking movies that discuss virtues and vices in diverse voices. In short, Buddhism in a new setting: Buddhism in a mall.

Some ask why. Or others ask: why not? As part of the Sumbuddha Jayanti celebration to mark the 2,600th anniversary of Lord Buddha's enlightenment, Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives together with city of Bangkok will host two major events with the aim to bring the prophet's teachings close to the urban environment and throwing open the door to the study of the religion.

Tomorrow the "Lan Bodhi Festival: Temple in the Clouds" opens at Royal Paragon Hall and runs until Sunday, May 20. In early June, the first International Buddhist Film Festival opens at SF Cinema at CentralWorld, where 30 films with Buddhist-related themes will be shown, including a section of movies curated by respected monks (see sidebar on page 6).

Minus only the ferris wheel, the Lan Bodhi Fair is designed to be a colourful rendition of Buddhist-related activities, with the motif of transporting a temple fair into Bangkok's biggest shopping centre. There will be praying sessions, traditional ngan wat games (dunks, for instance, in which players throw balls at symbolic, wordly vices), lectures, concerts, and booths promoting Buddhist activities. More than 100 Buddhist organisations will come together to enliven the fair, and the underlying concept is clearly to make the thought of Buddhism less boring, more in tune with the pace of urban life, and bringing the religion closer to the people.

The Lan Bodhi Fair _ the title signifies the tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment _ and the International Buddhist Film Festival were initiated by Buddhadasa Indapanno Archives, an organisation set up mainly to preserve the writing of revered abbot Buddhadasa Bhikku and to promote the learning of Buddhism. Run by laypeople, the archives have sought guidance from several monks in coming up with the two events. In trying to bring Buddhism into the new playing surroundings, in this case a luxurious mall, the organisers aren't just taking a proactive step in re-adjusting the image of the religion, but also asking devouts to have an open-mind to the new and provocative way that Buddhism might be accessed and appreciated.

Admired by many as a strict and forward-looking cleric, Jayasaro Bhikku is one of the consultants. He told us in an email about the challenge of bringing a big Buddhist event to the unlikely venue of a downtown mall: ''This project is not aimed at promoting or preserving the essence of Buddhism. It is meant to be an open door into the Buddhist world, a portal. It might also be compared to an artistic provocation _ The Paragon Provocation.''

Jayasaro Bhikku is actually the one who initiated the idea of a film festival as a means to promote Buddhism. ''Speaking as someone who considers Shakespeare and Ken Loach amongst his earliest teachers,'' he said, '' I believe in the power of drama to deal with topics like meaning and meaninglessness, love and hate, kindness and cruelty, selfishness and selflessness, justice and injustice, revenge and forgiveness, heroism and cowardice, wisdom and foolishness in stories that engage the emotions and provide memories that last a lifetime.''

At the fair this weekend, at least three new iPad apps will be launched. One of them is a nationwide guide to Buddhist retreats and meditation centres; another is an interactive e-book of the famous Kalanukrom, a timeline history of Buddhism told in paralell with world history, written by Phra Payut Payuto.

Shifting into a more exciting gear, Pod Moderndog, Arak 'Pe' Amornsupasiri and Tul Waitoonkiat are three headline rockers who will perform at the fair. It's not clear how loud they would be allowed to be, but Santi Opaspakornkij, one of the event's publicists, says that the musicians will show the audience how to interpret their songs along the line of spiritualism. Even a love song, for instance, can lead to the lesson of impermanence.

''Buddhism doesn't have to be dull,'' says the publicist. ''This way we hope to reduce the prejudice that some people may still have with learning the religion. We simply try move closer to everyone.''

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Temple fair in the clouds