Liberty Mutual Insurance is launching new ads during the Olympics

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By Chris Reidy, Globe Staff

Liberty Mutual Insurance said it will debut new ads during the Olympics. The campaign is titled Humans, and it begins with a 60-second and a 30-second TV spot.

The creative for the campaign was developed by Hill Holliday of Boston, Liberty Mutuals advertising agency of record.

The TV spots feature vignettes that illustrate everyday moments when people show their imperfections - and when there is a need for responsibility and insurance, Boston-based Liberty Mutual said.

The 60-second spot opens with a voice-over saying: Humans. We mean well but we are imperfect creatures living in an imperfect world.

Vignettes span a wide range of mishaps that damage property, cars, or homes.

The spot closes with the voice-over saying: Thats the funny thing about humans. When things are at their worst, we are at our best.

Actor Paul Giamatti does the voice-over. The musical score is provided by the Human League and its hit song, Human.

Liberty Mutual Insurance is a diversified global insurer and the third largest property and casualty insurer in the United States.

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Liberty Mutual Insurance is launching new ads during the Olympics

Liberty Mutual Insurance Capitalizes On London Games To Launch All-New Advertising Creative

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BOSTON, July 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Liberty Mutual Insurance will debut all-new advertising creative during the Summer Games, introducing a new theme, "Humans." The campaign kicks off July 28 with two executions a 60-second and a 30-second spot. The spots feature entertaining vignettes that illustrate everyday moments when people show their imperfections and when there is a need for responsibility and insurance.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/liberty-mutual-insurance-capitalizes-on-london-games-to-launch-all-new-advertising-creative-163917896.html

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110607/NE15669LOGO)

Working with NBC, Liberty Mutual Insurance secured time on its flagship TV and digital properties, including NBC, Bravo, CNBC, and NBC Sports Network, with a high percentage of placements during primetime broadcasts and a consistent presence throughout each day of the Games.

"The new campaign communicates Liberty Mutual's 'Responsibility' brand character in a way that is relevant to consumer and the role of insurance in their lives," said Jim MacPhee, senior vice president and Chief Marketing Officer, Liberty Mutual Personal Insurance. "In a highly competitive personal insurance marketplace it is important to promote our differentiating attributes, characterized by our empathy towards policyholders in times when they need us."

The 60-second spot opens with the V/O: "Humans. We mean well but we are imperfect creatures living in an imperfect world." Vignettes span a wide range of mishaps that damage property, cars or homes... and sometimes all three at the same time. The musical score is provided by The Human League and its hit song, "Human." The spot closes with the V/O: "That's the funny thing about humans. When things are at their worst, we are at our best."

The 30-second spot focuses on auto policies and Liberty Mutual products, exclusive Better Car Replacement and Accident Forgiveness. The narration opens: "Humans. Even when we cross our Ts and dot our Is, we still run into problems. Namely, other humans." Vehicles are damaged in many ways set against the musical backdrop of theme song from "The Odd Couple."

Each spot includes Liberty Mutual Insurance agents on the scene to help policy holders in their moment of greatest need, regardless of whether the damage was self-inflicted or avoidable. The tagline continues to be, "Responsibility. What's your policy?"

"Humans" includes the premiere of award-winning actor Paul Giamatti as celebrity voiceover talent. The campaign will run with several new executions throughout the year in high-profile sporting events, and continue Liberty Mutual Insurance's presence within strong cable properties such as HGTV, Food, TBS, USA, Discovery, History, ESPN, A&E and AMC.

"Paul's voice sets the perfect tone for the Humans campaign," said MacPhee. "He is an extremely talented actor who is relatable to everyone."

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Liberty Mutual Insurance Capitalizes On London Games To Launch All-New Advertising Creative

‘Islands & Tigers’ in the WOAI.com Garage

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By Michael Botsford & Sami Yazdanyar

SAN ANTONIO - The members of Islands & Tigers may only be in their teenage years but theyre proving that age really aint nothing but a number. With some high-energy dance moves and musical diversity to the max, the band hopes to take over the San Antonio vintage dance/rock world by storm.

Coming from an artsy magnet high school in San Antonio, the band has a laundry list of talents they incorporate into their live show. Despite the Xs on their hands while performing, they never have a hard time surprising concertgoers.

For our live shows I bring my glockenspiel. I also play tambourine and keyboards. Ive been teaching myself how to play because its a hobby I like to do. It wasnt stressful, it was cool I get to do it in a band now. Now Im cooler than everybody, says Alexa Rivas.

Members Dane Rousay and Daniel Escalante have no trouble switching off from bass to drums to keep their set fresh. Each member is able to play different instruments, a talent thats helped set them apart from their peers.

Being a young band and booking shows is the last thing on their minds.

We are confident that once people hear us theyll want to book us. If you dont book us because were young, your loss, says lead man Bobby Rivas.

With tons of live shows at bars and parties under their belt, there is one appearance that the band wont be forgetting anytime soon.

The coolest show weve played so far was in a Barnes and Noble bathroom. It was an acoustic set. We huddled up and did some covers and a few of our songs. We built up this big crowd of people in the bathroom. When we finished playing they were all clapping, we didnt even know they were there because we were crowded into a little stall. On a toilet with a guitar, you cant beat it, says Rivas.

While the band is keeping the details of their new album under wraps until later this summer, they shared 2 songs with us in The Garage studio.

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‘Islands & Tigers’ in the WOAI.com Garage

Cayman Islands proposes income tax on foreign workers

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GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands (Reuters) - Known as a tax haven for the mega rich around the world, the Cayman Islands is proposing the unthinkable: a direct tax on expatriates to help fix the budget woes of the British territory. The proposal - called a "community enhancement fee" and unprecedented in the island's history - is effectively a 10 percent payroll tax on all foreign workers earning ...

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Cayman Islands proposes income tax on foreign workers

Independence Blue Cross Debuts New "Changing the Game" Position, Creative Campaign

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PHILADELPHIA, July 27, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Independence Blue Cross (IBC) today introduces a new brand position and advertising campaign that highlights the benefits of a better coordinated health care system that places members' health and wellness at the center of everything the company does. IBC is leading the transformation of health care in southeastern Pennsylvania by delivering access to high-quality patient care and lowering costs for consumers -- truly changing the game. The compelling new advertising campaign debuts July 27 during the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Olympic Games on NBC, and launches a new tagline, "Changing the game."

"As the region's number one health insurer, Independence Blue Cross is uniquely positioned to drive improvement in the quality of care. We have the vision, resources, and partnerships with leading hospitals, doctors, and specialists to reward quality of care over volume, and to move from a model that reacts to illness to one focused on preventing it," said Daniel J. Hilferty, IBC president and CEO. "This new campaign highlights our commitment to building a better health care system -- to 'changing the game.'"

The new ad campaign, which spans television, radio, print, digital, transit signage, and billboards, uses the human body as a metaphor for the power of perfect coordination. As the human body has many complicated moving parts that all work together seamlessly, the ads ask, "Wouldn't it be nice if our health care were this coordinated?"

The new tagline, "Changing the game," signals that at a time of remarkable transformation in health care in the United States, IBC is leading the way with changes that will ultimately deliver improved care.

IBC redesigned its 20-year old logo to reinforce the trusted Blue brand through a more contemporary, bold, yet friendly mark. The company's newly redesigned logo now consists of the word "Independence" followed by the iconic blue cross graphic.

"At Independence Blue Cross, we see a day when patients, physicians, nurses, and hospitals are all seamlessly connected through improved coordination, better access to information, and doctor-patient accountability, resulting in better quality care and lower costs. And we are the company that is making it happen," stated Hilferty.

The advertising campaign was developed by IBC's agency of record, Philadelphia-based Tierney. New York-based branding experts Siegel+Gale developed the redesigned brand logo.

About Independence Blue Cross

Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, Independence Blue Cross and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.1 million people. For nearly 75 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered high-quality health care coverage tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, and health care professionals. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit us at ibx.com. Fan us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter (@IBX).

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Independence Blue Cross Debuts New "Changing the Game" Position, Creative Campaign

Health care law ignores illegal immigrants; hospitals may get stuck with the bill

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Hospital leaders told The New York Times they're wary of terms in the health care reform law that will eventually halve the amount of money they receive for caring for uninsured people without addressing the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the country, most of them lacking insurance. Emergency rooms are required to take in [...]

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Health care law ignores illegal immigrants; hospitals may get stuck with the bill

Supplemental Health Care Appoints Cory Kreig As Division Vice President

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PARK CITY, Utah, July 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Supplemental Health Care, a leading healthcare workforce solutions provider, today announced the appointment of Cory Kreig as Division Vice President for its Supplemental Physicians division. Kreig is an accomplished healthcare staffing executive with significant experience in healthcare recruiting processes, business development initiatives, and operations and financial management.

Reflecting Supplemental Health Care's continued expansion, the Supplemental Physicians division is a growing segment for healthcare staffing provider. In his new role as Division Vice President, Kreig will drive new initiatives for Supplemental Physicians by providing strategic oversight for the entire locum tenens recruiting operations, including managing the financial health, recruiting operations, client development efforts, and marketing strategies for this segment.

"Cory Kreig is a welcomed addition to our leadership team as he possesses the entrepreneurial spirit we believe will position the Supplemental Physicians division for great success," said Janet Elkin, President and CEO at Supplemental Health Care. "Given his proven track record, we are confident he will distinguish our brand in this staffing segment and deliver positive results for our company."

Most recently, Kreig served as the Vice President at Martin, Fletcher Locums, a staffing agency based in Irving, Texas, where he is credited with growing the company from its start-up phase to a lucrative recruiting agency. Throughout his tenure, Kreig earned three promotions and managed tasks including recruitment strategy development, incentive execution, compliance monitoring, and budgeting. In previous years, Kreig served as a Corporate Recruiter at Baylor Healthcare System and an Account Manager for AMN Healthcare, distinguishing himself as a top performer in both roles as a solid leader and skilled business manager.

"It's an exciting time to join Supplemental Health Care's team," Kreig said. "The company continues to note substantial growth across all of its primary business lines, and I'm excited to take part in continuing that trend with the Supplemental Physicians division. With the support of the organization's leadership team and an expert team of staffing specialists, we are positioned to experience substantial growth in the coming year."

Supplemental Physicians is dedicated to placing physicians and physician assistants to work on a locum tenens or permanent basis. The division leverages Supplemental Health Care's exclusive client partnerships to provide rewarding career opportunities to medical doctors and physician assistants in an array of specialties such as family and internal medicine, hospitalists, psychiatry, emergency medicine and many more.

To learn more about Supplemental Physicians and its current staffing options, please visit http://www.SupplementalHealthCare.com/physicians.

ABOUT SUPPLEMENTAL HEALTH CARE

Based in Park City, Utah, Supplemental Health Care delivers wide-ranging workforce solutions that address staffing challenges faced by healthcare organizations today. For more than 27 years, the company has provided organizations better access to skilled nurses, therapists, physicians and other healthcare specialties. With more than 60 local offices in major U.S. markets and four national travel divisions, Travel Nursing, Travel Allied, Locum Tenens and Health Information Management, Supplemental Health Care places healthcare professionals in temporary and travel positions throughout the country. Visit Supplemental Health Care online at http://www.SupplementalHealthCare.com.

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Supplemental Health Care Appoints Cory Kreig As Division Vice President

Futurists converge on Toronto to discuss brain preservation, technology, and how we might live…

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So you die in 2050. Then, a few decades later, your ancestors pick up your brain at the local cranium depot, upload it to a computer and read your memories. Maybe they reanimate you with an artificial body.

This scenario, brought to you by chemical brain preservation, is a hypothetical procedure where doctors preserve a dying persons brain complete with memories and knowledge for a possible revival later.

This is just another way of having another morning, says John Smart, sounding a bit like fictional ad man Don Draper reciting a slogan. Its just a very unusual strange way, now my morning is 50 years later, I wake up again.

Smart is a futurist and this weekend, futurists from around the world will converge at Torontos Sheraton Centre for their yearly conference about intriguing technologies and ideas. Smart, who is the co-founder of the Brain Preservation Foundation, will talk about how to live forever.

The idea is that if the synapses and connections of the brain are preserved at death, the contents of the brain your broken arm from soccer, that time you vomited on the bus downtown, the birth of your child may be understood later, when neuroscience is more advanced.

Someone will eventually crack the long-term memory code, to show which chemicals need to be preserved, Smart said.

But first, the preservation of the entire brain must be perfected like a very high end, rigorous embalming. Neuroscientists can already preserve small volumes of brain tissue after death, but The Brain Preservation Foundation is holding a contest with a $25,000 prize to the first team to perfectly preserve all the connections inside a mouses brain, and a $75,000 purse for the preservation of the large mammalian brain, using either cryogenics or plastination.

You have to have a preservation technique that will very quickly go in after the animal dies, before any cell damage starts occurring, and lock down all those protein molecules, to keep them from being able to decay and interact with each other, he said.

So far, two teams are competing, with judges from Harvard and MIT. Things seem reasonable so far.

We might come across something that makes it unreasonable at any one of these steps, he said. The biggest weirdness is this whole process, the idea that people can be preserved.

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Futurists converge on Toronto to discuss brain preservation, technology, and how we might live...

Freedom of Choice and Career Creativity Beats pay for Freelancers

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LONDON, July 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Freedom of choice in work and career creativity is significantly more important to freelancers than greater financial reward, according to our landmark Freelance Landscape survey. Major Players collected the answers and opinions of over 1,000 creative, design and marketing freelance professionals this February. We found that 42% rated greater choice over their projects as the most appealing aspect of freelancing while for 28% it was gaining greater creative experience and opportunity. Only 19% stated it was to achieve higher financial reward than the permanent equivalent. The least appealing aspect was periods of inactivity between assignments, with 39% stating this reason, followed by 26% most concerned with the comparative insecurity of freelancing - a cancelled assignment for example.

Our survey forms part of a larger investigation into the changing employment landscape across the UK by our parent company Randstad. The result is The Navigator report, which was published 12 March. It confirms that contracting continues to be a massive spark within the advertising & marketing world - with 72% freelancing through choice. Only 28% of those surveyed are freelancing because they could not find a permanent position or for other reasons. Freelancing has undoubtedly been boosted by the more challenging environment since 2009, as 39% of respondents began freelancing after this point.

Pay disparity between the sexes appears as prevalent within the creative, design and marketing freelancing community as within the permanent world. Twice as many men (8%) as women (4%) are earning over 500 per day. Similarly 71% of men earn between 200-500 per day compared with 67% of women surveyed. The high freelance earners by sector were those working in market research, and financial & professional services, with 16% of both these sectors earning over 500 per day. Creative & design jobs and retail both had the least earners of over 500 per day at only 3%. However both recorded high percentages in the middle category with 76% and 69% respectively earning between 200-500 a day.

Integrated colleagues were also seen to earn slightly more than their creative & design equivalents with only 16% earning less than 100 a day compared to 21% in creative & design. Freelancers also expressed their opinions on the everyday life of a freelancer and their motivations. 'Flexible working times around my children', 'freedom from the stink of internal politics', and as one respondent simply put it, 'freedom, money, buzz', were all reasons for freelancing.

Drawbacks included 'having to spend ages chasing payments and doing accounts', 'missing out on the social aspects and networking', and 'not being able to have blue Mondays and lazy Fridays'. Jack Gratton, CEO at Major Players, said "The response we got to this survey was phenomenal and indicates that the freelance community in the creative and marketing world wants to be heard. Freelancing has always been a lifestyle and career choice for our market, and now with agencies and brands seeking to become more streamlined and sustainable we see our space continuing to adapt. Our clients are actively using contract working not only to become more efficient but to fuel creativity.

"Freelancers stand to be a key component of the creative industries in the next decade. As ways of working change and their rights are strengthened further through legislation the freelancer looks set to be a key dynamic in our futures." To order a free copy of the Navigator report please visit http://www.majorplayers.co.uk/the-navigator-2012.html.

Editor's Notes:

Major Players are the No.1 recruiter for the creative industry and marketing in the UK. We supply high-calibre professionals to the country's top agencies and in-house divisions, across all levels within both the permanent and freelance markets. Our story began in 1993 and we are now 60 strong and growing in partnership with our parent company Randstad. Still based in the heart of Covent Garden and helping people find their way

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Freedom of Choice and Career Creativity Beats pay for Freelancers

Freedom Bank Celebrates 13th Consecutive Quarterly Profit

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FAIRFAX, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

The Freedom Bank of Virginia (Bank) (Bulletin Board:FDVA.OB) earned a Net Profit Before Taxes of $252,083 for the quarter ending June 30, 2012, its thirteenth consecutive quarterly profit. Net Profit for the quarter ending June 30, 2011 was $386,395. Net Profit Before Taxes was $560,855 for the first half of 2012 compared to a Net Profit for the first half of 2011 of $802,037. The reduction in profit was principally due to an increase in the provision for loan losses. According to CEO Craig S. Underhill, The Bank continues to be profitable and is growing during a challenging economy.

Total Assets increased 18% to $206,560,467, up from $174,913,192 at June 30, 2011. Loans Receivable increased $17,447,975 (12.5%) to $157,026,486 and Investment Securities increased $20,099,420 (175%) to $31,584,026 during the same period. The growth in assets was funded by $29,666,827 growth in deposits (19.5%). Non Interest Checking increased $4,508,951 (14.8%) to $34,889,239. Certificates of Deposit growth was $24,608,276 (26.1%).

Capital continues to be strong, growing $1,896,511 (8.4%) over the same period in the prior year to $24,409,278. Regulatory Capital minimums for Tier 1 Leverage Ratio, Risk Based Capital Tier 1, and Risk Based Capital Tier 2 were 5.0%, 6.0% and 10.0% respectively to be considered well capitalized. At June 30, 2012, the ratios for the Bank were 11.29%, 14.54% and 15.80% respectively, all in the well capitalized category. The Bank continues its tradition of maintaining a strong capital base to serve the needs of its customers and stockholders.

Freedom Bank is a community-oriented, locally-owned bank with locations in Fairfax and Vienna, Virginia. For information about Freedom Banks deposit and loan services, visit the Banks website at http://www.freedombankva.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements, including our expectations with respect to future events that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from management's projections, forecasts, estimates and expectations include: fluctuation in market rates of interest and loan and deposit pricing, adverse changes in the overall national economy as well as adverse economic conditions in our specific market areas, maintenance and development of well-established and valued client relationships and referral source relationships, and acquisition or loss of key production personnel. Other risks that can affect the Bank are detailed from time to time in our quarterly and annual reports filed with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. We caution readers that the list of factors above is not exclusive. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release, and we may not undertake steps to update the forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of any circumstances or events that arise after the date the forward-looking statements are made. In addition, our past results of operations are not necessarily indicative of future performance.

Common stock, $4.17 par value. (5,000,000 shares authorized: issued and outstanding 2,846,117 shares for June 30, 2012 and 2,842,398 shares for June 30, 2011)

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Freedom Bank Celebrates 13th Consecutive Quarterly Profit

Kenji Kamiyama's Pepsi Nex x 009 Re:Cyborg Ads Streamed

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Cyborg Joe Shimamura vies for drink using his powers in ads that played in 3D theaters

The two theatrical Pepsi Nex x 009 Re:Cyborg ads produced by director Kenji Kamiyama (Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Eden of the East) began streaming online on Saturday. The ads played in 3D in Japanese theaters before Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides and Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace 3D, although they are in regular 2D here:

In the first tongue-in-cheek ad "Acceleration Device," the cyborg hero Joe Shimamura ("009") uses his enhanced powers to toy with a Pepsi Nex bottle alongside Francoise Arnoul ("003").

In the second ad "Skydiving," Joe and Jet Link ("002") battle for a Pepsi Nex bottle plummeting through the skies.

Kamiyama is directing a new computer-animated Cyborg 009 film under the title 009 Re:Cyborg. The film will open on October 27.

Besides the previous Pepsi Nex ad, Kamiyama created a "Xi AVANT" anime short with NTT Docomo and started an advertising animation firm called Steve N' Steven. Another director with Ghost in the Shell and Production I.G ties, Mamoru Oshii, directed his own 3D short of Cyborg 009 in 2010 with sponsor Panasonic.

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Kenji Kamiyama's Pepsi Nex x 009 Re:Cyborg Ads Streamed

Two Bryan County Beaches Reopened For Swimming

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Two Bryan County Beaches Reopened For Swimming Two Bryan County Beaches Reopened For Swimming BRYAN COUNTY, OK -- The Army Corps of Engineers says they have reopened two beaches that were closed earlier this week due to blue-green algae. The Burns Run East and Burns Run West swimming beaches wereMore >> BRYAN COUNTY, OK -- The Army Corps of Engineers says they have reopened two beaches that were closed earlier this week due to blue-green algae. The Burns Run East and Burns Run West swimming beaches wereMore >> Wind Gusts Leave Damage in Calera Wind Gusts Leave Damage in Calera CALERA, OK -- Strong gusts of wind caught Bryan County residents off guard early Thursday evening. Power went out in a number of businesses and some damage was left behind. Just before 6:00 pm, 72 mileMore >> CALERA, OK -- Strong gusts of wind caught Bryan County residents off guard early Thursday evening. Power went out in a number of businesses and some damage was left behind.More >> Sherman/Denison Area Next in Line to Get New Mobile Network Sherman/Denison Area Next in Line to Get New Mobile Network SHERMAN, TX -- A new wireless network is quickly expanding across the U.S. and the Sherman/Denison area is next on the list to get it. The Sherman/Denison area is a part of the second group of citiesMore >> SHERMAN, TX -- A new wireless network is quickly expanding across the U.S. and the Sherman/Denison area is next on the list to get it.More >> Whitewright Introduces Chamber of Commerce App Whitewright Introduces Chamber of Commerce App WHITEWRIGHT, TX -- Whitewright is the latest city to jump on the chamber App bandwagon. The chamber has joined Chambers To Go, an App you can get for free on your mobile device. You just download it andMore >> WHITEWRIGHT, TX -- Whitewright is the latest city to jump on the chamber App bandwagon. The chamber has joined Chambers To Go, an App you can get for free on your mobile device.More >> Students Pitch In At New Pottsboro Park Students Pitch In At New Pottsboro Park

POTTSBORO, TX -- A new park unlike anythingthis town hasever seen is almost ready to open, and some students did their partto help.More >>

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FANNIN COUNTY, TX -- Funeral arrangements are set for a Bonham woman who died in a head-on wreck on Highway 82.More >>

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BRYAN COUNTY, OK -- The Army Corps of Engineers says they have reopened two beaches that were closed earlier this weekdue to blue-green algae.

The Burns Run East and Burns Run West swimming beaches were temporarily closed after test results showed high algae cell counts, but now theArmy Corps of Engineers says the beaches are safe for swimming.

"Test results have shown that toxin levels are below the state of Oklahoma guidelines. The beaches were temporarily closed earlier this week while the Corps of Engineers awaited toxin results," says a statement posted on the Corps website.

Earlier in the week, the Corps reported thattest results from July 17 at Burns Run East showed cell counts over 1.5 million cells per milliliter of water. At Burns Run West, a July 20 sample showed blue-green algae cells about 1.3 million cells per milliliter.

The Corps had said they were closingthe beaches as a precaution, but now they will be open again for swimming.

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Two Bryan County Beaches Reopened For Swimming