TSA and Ad Council Launch Public Education Campaign to Build Greater Awareness of Security Procedures at Airport Checkpoints
Campaign debuts in time for New Security Procedures and Thanksgiving Holiday
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, is joining with The Advertising Council today to launch a national public awareness and education campaign designed to build awareness of checkpoint security procedures in an effort to better prepare passengers for airport travel. The campaign launch coincides with Thanksgiving, one of the busiest travel periods of the year. More than 23 million people were screened at the nation’s airports during last year’s holiday.
TSA’s passenger feedback shows that travelers are more willing to cooperate with airport security when they better understand the reasoning behind the measures. The new public awareness campaign aims to improve security by compelling airline passengers to become better prepared for security processes, thereby resulting in less frustration and a more positive experience. The campaign builds upon TSA’s ongoing commitment to communicating why certain procedures and requirements are an important part of airport security. For example, the campaign explains why travelers are asked to remove shoes and coats, limit liquids to three ounces and show their IDs.
“TSA encourages passengers to know the rules and be prepared when they reach the security checkpoint. Your safety is the priority of our security officers and you can contribute to a smoother process at the checkpoint,” said TSA Assistant Administrator for Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Ellen Howe.
Last year, the average peak wait time during the Thanksgiving holiday at all airports nationwide was 12.6 minutes, and during the winter holidays, the average peak wait time was 14 minutes. TSA is expanding its popular family lanes nationwide for families and others traveling with medically necessary liquids larger than three ounces. These lanes will be available at all airports and will provide more time for families traveling with children and other passengers who need extra assistance.
“Research shows that Americans are more willing to comply when they understand why certain security measures are in place. Therefore, we have a great opportunity to educate them on their important role in the airline security process,” said Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of the Ad Council. “We are proud to join TSA in this critical effort.”
Campaign activities will be conducted during the course of the year in conjunction with the nation’s busiest travel times: Thanksgiving, the winter holidays and Memorial Day. The campaign will employ a series of informational videos airing in airports and online, social media strategies, as well as national radio sponsorships and public relations tactics in an effort to communicate with the travelling public during these travel periods
All of the campaign strategies direct audiences to visit www.tsa.gov to find travel tips, local airport information, including wait times, and how to get your questions about airline security answered.
This is the first time the Ad Council has partnered with TSA on a public education effort, and TSA’s first national awareness campaign. Since 2003, the Ad Council has been working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on the Ready Campaign designed to encourage all Americans to prepare for emergencies.
TSA
TSA is a component of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that was formed following the tragedies of September 11, 2001. TSA protects the Nation’s transportation systems to ensure freedom of movement for people and commerce. Its 45,000 transportation security officers are responsible for airport security at more than 450 U.S. airports.
The Advertising Council
The Ad Council (www.adcouncil.org) is a private, non-profit organization that marshals talent from the advertising and communications industries, the facilities of the media, and the resources of the business and non-profit communities to produce, distribute and promote public service campaigns on behalf of non-profit organizations and government agencies in issue areas such as improving the quality of life for children, preventive health, education, community well-being, environmental preservation and strengthening families.
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Wirefly Top Hottest Selling and Buzz Worthy Cell Phones for Holidays 2008
Wirefly (www.wirefly.com), the Internet’s leading seller of cell phones and wireless service plans, today announced its “Top 10 Hottest Selling Phones” and predicts the most sought after devices for this year’s holiday shopping season. Smartphones and other feature driven devices with converged technology such as streaming video, MP3 music players, GPS, and hi-resolution cameras, dominate both lists.
“Our current top selling cell phones clearly reflect the tremendous impact the iPhone 3G had on the wireless industry. Based on our current sales trends, it is obvious customers want the newest, most cutting-edge devices with multimedia applications,” said Andy Zeinfeld, CEO. “Consumers are no longer interested in having just a stylish phone. They are now considering both form and function in their wireless purchases. Cell phones with touch screen interfaces, MP3 music players, hi-resolution cameras, GPS, email and streaming video capabilities are among our most popular.”
Wirefly has released its Top 10 Hottest Selling Phones list in advance of the holiday shopping season in an effort to help consumers find the most popular wireless products for that special ‘techno-savvy’ someone.
Wirefly’s Top 10 Hottest Selling Phones
- LG Vu CU920 - The LG Vu has dominated our best-seller list since its arrival. A sleek touchscreen phone with high-speed data and expandable memory, the Vu is specifically tailored for live TV and Video Share services.
- Blackberry Curve 8330 - This CDMA version of the BlackBerry Curve adds high-speed connectivity on EVDO networks, while retaining the other features that make the Curve so popular - including a 2-MP camera, GPS, push email, and memory card slot.
- LG Rumor - The LG Rumor remains an extremely popular option for heavy messaging. The candy bar design hides a full-size slide out QWERTY keyboard, as well as a 1.3-MP camera and quality speakerphone.
- Sony Ericsson TM506 - The TM506 is a well-designed flip phone with large buttons and a full browser that makes it simple to view web pages over a 3G data network. The TM506 also features GPS, a music player, and a camera.
- BlackBerry Bold - The latest BlackBerry to hit our best-seller list, the Bold delivers HSDPA 3G data speeds - faster than any other BlackBerry - and improves screen resolution by twofold. With 1 GB of built-in memory, WiFi, and GPS, the Bold is a powerhouse.
- LG enV2 - The LG enV2 is a uniquely designed successor to previous enV models, bringing more style, less heft, and quicker data speeds. The face of the enV2 flips up to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard, and a large QVGA display.
- Nokia 5610 XpressMusic - This stylish music phone from Nokia is a sleek slider with external controls for navigating your music collection. The 5610 also includes a 3.2-MP camera with auto focus and video capture, and a colorful hi-res screen.
- Samsung Instinct - One of the most popular touch screen phones. The Instinct features a large display, EVDO high-speed data, threaded messaging, a 2-MP camera with video capture, and a high degree of customization.
- LG Shine CU720 - The LG Shine is a thin, high-end slider phone for use on HSDPA high-speed networks. A beautifully constructed metallic form houses plenty of memory for your multimedia, and supports Video Share and voice-dialing.
- Motorola Krave ZN4 - Motorola’s first touch phone is also a remarkably unique one. The Krave includes a large main display with finger-touch technology, and a clear flip cover with a touch surface of its own. GPS, mobile TV, and a 2-MP camera round out the features.
In addition to the top sellers, Wirefly’s own active consumer research indicated several additional devices that have only recently debuted or have yet to launch, but they have already begun to generate a huge buzz and will likely be the most highly sought after devices during the holiday shopping season. Similar to the Wirefly’s Top 10 Hottest Selling Phones, these highly anticipated devices also are optimized for messaging and other advance multimedia features.
Wirefly’s Top 5 “Buzz-Worthy” Phones
- Blackberry Storm - The Storm isn’t scheduled to launch until November 21st, however, based on early indications such as customer inquiries and traffic volume, BlackBerry’s first touch screen device is easily the most anticipated cell phone of the season.
- UTStarcom Quickfire - The touch screen revolution continues with the Quickfire, a horizontal slider phone similar in form to the popular Sidekick, with one significant exception: the beautiful 2.8″ QVGA touch display that slides aside to reveal the full QWERTY keyboard.
- HTC Fuze - The Fuze is a Windows Pro smartphone that shares many of its features with another hugely popular touch screen phone, the HTC Touch Diamond. In addition to the crisp display, the Fuze offers a slide-out keyboard, WiFi, and a 3-MP camera.
- Samsung Behold - The Behold is the fourth phone on our list, and the fourth touch screen device. This beautiful candy bar style cell phone also comes loaded with a best-in-class 5-MP camera, video capture capabilities, and runs on Samsung’s new TouchWiz user interface.
- Samsung Gravity - The Gravity is similar to other messaging-centric cell phones like the LG Rumor, with its slide-out horizontal QWERTY keyboard. This Samsung device comes loaded with a music player, memory card slot, and stereo Bluetooth as well.
Wirefly.com provides an easy and affordable way to shop for wireless phones and accessories. All of the devices listed can be found on www.wirefly.com or through Wirefly’s Holiday Gift Center, an annual gift guide designed to assist shoppers find the perfect gift for a technology fan.
About Wirefly
Wirefly (www.wirefly.com) is the online leader in one-stop comparison shopping for cell phones, wireless service plans and wireless accessories. Owned and operated by Simplexity, Wirefly is an authorized dealer for every major cellular carrier in the U.S. Wirefly also offers discounts and services not available in retail wireless stores, including real-time online order status and tracking, and the guaranteed lowest price - online or anywhere else — on cell phone devices from Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, LG, BlackBerry and many other cell phone handset manufacturers. Wirefly.com has been named Best of the Web by Forbes magazine as the “best all-around number portability portal” and “Best in Overall Customer Experience” by Keynote Performance Systems. For more information on Wirefly, its wireless products and its services, visit www.wirefly.com.
Disney Interactive Studios Launches Fully Awesome Adventure with Disney’s Bolt
Bolt, the superdog, and his companion Penny are ready to spring into action. Disney Interactive Studios today announced that the Disney’s Bolt video game is available at retail stores throughout the United States in time for the film’s opening on Friday, November 21. Inspired by the animated comedy adventure of the same name from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Bolt game versions are available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Wii™ home video game console, PLAYSTATION? computer entertainment system, PlayStation? computer entertainment system, Nintendo DS™ and Windows-based PC.
Developed by Avalanche Software, Disney Interactive Studios’ renowned studio in Salt Lake City, the Bolt video game follows a unique storyline, which takes place within the fictional high-action television series featured in the film. In the game, players must take on the personalities of Bolt and Penny to utilize their unique talents and superpowers to save the world and Penny’s father from the evil Calico. Players will take on Calico’s henchmen; avoid capture at the Mayan Temple; and hack enemy computer systems as the duo’s adventures take them throughout expansive areas in five global locations: Italy, Russia, Belize, China and Oceania. Separately, the film focuses on Bolt’s inadvertent shipment to New York City and his journey back to Hollywood with the help of a jaded cat named Mittens and a TV-obsessed hamster named Rhino, whose favorite word is “awesome.”
“The action TV show within the film was an excellent basis for the game to give fans a story that extends far beyond the movie experience,” said John Blackburn, vice president and general manager of Avalanche Software. “We maintained an ongoing collaboration with Walt Disney Animation Studios so there would be a natural familiarity for game players.”
As Bolt, players can devastate opponents with his superpowers. His laser vision melts enemies in just one glance; his ground pound, an earth-shattering attack, catches enemies off-balance; and his superbark sends out a sonic blast that disables opponents. As Penny, players utilize her stealth abilities and a wheelbar, inspired by her scooter from the movie, to climb around locations and outwit enemies. In addition, Bolt features unique minigames based on Penny’s ability to hack computers. When players assume the role of Penny, they are required to complete various tasks in virtual worlds to progress in the game.
“Avalanche Software is a premier studio for family friendly games and has an expertise in creating video games that exist within a film’s universe, but expand beyond the movie-going experience to give fans and gamers a truly unique experience,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “Bolt continues this legacy by delivering a high-quality game with intriguing storylines and exciting adventures that extend from and complement the film.”
Developed by Altron, the Nintendo DS version will include competitive and co-op local wireless multiplayer modes such as competing against a player in a hacking game or teaming up with a friend in one of five single-player missions. A Nintendo DS exclusive minigame featuring Rhino enables him to become a hero just like Bolt. The Nintendo DS version also includes DGamer, Disney Interactive Studios’ innovative new technology that provides a fun, connected game community for Disney video game fans. With DGamer, players earn content, interact and chat with others on Nintendo DS through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection or on a computer through the www.dgamer.com website.
The game is available for Xbox 360, Wii, and PLAYSTATION 3 system for $49.99. Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2 and Windows-based PC versions are available for $29.99. Bolt for home consoles and Windows PC is rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and Older by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). The Nintendo DS version is rated E for Everyone. For a limited time Bolt video games will include a code for Movie Money, which can be accessed online to print a $5 certificate for admission into a movie theater. The certificate is valid at participating theaters throughout the United States and the code can be redeemed through January 31, 2009.
Fans of Bolt also have a chance to win a family vacation for four at Walt Disney World® Resort. More information, including details and official rules, is available at the Bolt video game web site: www.Boltvideogame.com. The sweepstakes offer is valid November 18, 2008, to January 31, 2009. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.
In addition, Bolt: The Mobile Game will also be available in November 2008 on most major wireless carriers. Bolt: The Mobile Game is an action-filled game that features diverse environments and epic boss battles. In the game, players control Bolt and his super power moves: superbark, superbite and superspeed to defeat the evil Dr. Calico and save the world. Bolt: The Mobile game has a suggested retail price of $6.99 (prices may vary by carrier).
For more information, log on to www.BoltVideoGame.com.
About the “Bolt” film
For superdog Bolt (voice of John Travolta), every day is filled with adventure, danger and intrigue - at least until the cameras stop rolling. When the star of a hit TV show is accidentally shipped from his Hollywood soundstage to New York City, he begins his biggest adventure yet - a cross-country journey through the real world to get back to his owner and co-star, Penny (voice of Miley Cyrus). Armed only with the delusions that all his amazing feats and powers are real, and with the help of two unlikely traveling companions: a jaded, abandoned housecat named Mittens (voice of Susie Essman) and a TV-obsessed hamster named Rhino, Bolt discovers he doesn’t need superpowers to be a hero. Directed by Chris Williams and Byron Howard, “Bolt” is a hilarious, fun-filled, action-packed animated comedy adventure in Disney Digital 3-D™. Rated PG, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Bolt” hits theaters Nov. 21, 2008.
About Disney Interactive Studios
Disney Interactive Studios, part of Disney Interactive Media Group, is the interactive entertainment affiliate of The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS). Disney Interactive Studios self publishes and distributes a broad portfolio of multi-platform video games, mobile games and interactive entertainment worldwide. The company also licenses properties and works directly with other interactive game publishers to bring products for all ages to market. Disney Interactive Studios is based in Glendale, California, and has six internal video game development studios around the world: Avalanche Software, Fall Line Studio, Propaganda Games, Black Rock Studio, Gamestar and Junction Point Studios; and two internal mobile game development studios: Enorbus and Living Mobile. For more information, log on to http://www.disneyinteractivestudios.com.
Hands on: Zenbe’s social, collaborative e-mail works well
E-mail is no longer just e-mail, and it arguably hasn’t been for some time. Webmail clients like Yahoo’s have offered IM and calendar integration for a while, and now Gmail allows video chatting and embedded gadgets. Zenbe, a new startup, is bringing social features, collaboration, and a new perspective on our e-mail routine.
TimeWarner and Google Launch Life Magazine Online Photo Archive
Search millions of photographs from the LIFE photo archive, stretching from the 1750s to today. Most were never published and are now available for the first time through the joint effort of LIFE and Google. The images will be free to use for personal and research purposes but will be digitally watermarked to prevent unauthorized or unlicensed commercial uses. There is an option to purchase each image for commercial use.
According the announcement on the official Google blog, “Only a very small percentage of these images have ever been published. The rest have been sitting in dusty archives in the form of negatives, slides, glass plates, etchings, and prints. We’re digitizing them so that everyone can easily experience these fascinating moments in time. Today about 20 percent of the collection is online; during the next few months, we will be adding the entire LIFE archive — about 10 million photos.”
The Images are being hosted by Google here.
Thepuppychannel.com Re-Launches with New Technology, Free Video Players and White House Dog Nominations
While politics have their seasons and financial markets go up and down, America’s love for puppies is constant. That’s the primary reason entertainment entrepreneurs at CHANNEMALS LLC have re-vamped and re-energized thepuppychannel.com, a website dedicated to “all things puppies.” In addition to the opportunity to upload their puppy videos, photos, art, and audio, the site enables puppy fans to meet one another, and to share videos and commentary.
The rebuilt site comes online again just in time to join with others trying to help the Obama family choose America’s First Dog, as viewers are now invited to nominate the next White House puppy.
Thepuppychannel.com® now includes:
- A more user-friendly format
- Puppy videos, picture shows and audio (including some original music)
- A free “personal puppy video player” — being offered for a limited time — that allows visitors to display content from thepuppychannel.com on their blogs, websites or social networking pages like MySpace and Facebook
- An online “store” that offers shirts, hats and other items for women, men, pets, babies and bigger kids, showing The Puppy Channel® logo or puppy pictures, a CD, and a popular 1-hour DVD.
Accenting public contributions like the popular “puppycam” content being circulated online, seasoned TV creative people will produce videos designed to generate pass-along, and to establish the site as the ultimate destination for the best and most entertaining puppy-centric content. Videos on the site have been provided by the public and industry professionals, including Bob “Casey” Kasarda, former videographer-producer of a nationally syndicated TV show and a CBS-affiliate station.
Dan FitzSimons, the company’s managing partner, said, “Whether they’re nominations for First Dog, best breed, or favorite puppy, our viewers can upload thousands of videos and pictures thanks to the tried and true Endavo Media Internet TV platform we use. (www.endavomedia.com) It allows us to deliver a high quality Web 2.0 entertainment experience that’s easy to use. Plus, it gives us the flexibility to offer new features as we grow, like live streaming and user-generated contests, in the same player we have right now.”
Now more than ever, Americans can use a “puppy break” between confronting the challenges of the times. And with more than 10 billion online videos being watched every month, The Puppy Channel people believe this type of entertainment just might help us all feel a bit better — and maybe help the new First Family, as well.
CHANNEMALS LLC is based in Clearwater, Florida. FitzSimons, its chief executive, has created and produced video, audio, and printed communication commercially, including advertising, training, information and entertainment pieces for national and international organizations. He also co-created the websites for his communications firm and The Puppy Channel.