Press Releases

SHARM EL SHEIKH, Egypt--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Hyatt Regency Sharm el Sheikh Resort

6:39 P.M. (Local)

PRESIDENT BUSH: Mr. President, thank you for your time, and thank you for your courage.

We talked about two issues primarily. First, I do want to discuss Lebanon. The President is deeply concerned about Lebanon, the fate of the Siniora government, as am I. We're concerned about radical elements undermining the democracy. It is clear that Hezbollah, which has been funded by Iran, can no longer justify its position as a defender against Israel when it turns on its own people. This is a defining moment; it's a moment that requires us to stand strongly with the Siniora government and to support the Siniora government. And the President was quite articulate about his concerns -- and I appreciate you sharing your strategy with me.

And then we talked, of course, about the Palestinian state. I told the President that I am absolutely committed to working with he and his negotiators, as well as the Israelis, to get a state defined. And I do so for a couple of reasons. One, it breaks my heart to see the vast potential of the Palestinian people really wasted. They're good, smart, capable people that when given a chance will build a thriving homeland. It'll be an opportunity to end the suffering that takes place in the Palestinian Territory.

And the second reason I am for it is because it's the only way for lasting peace. The President and his team are committed to peace. They stand squarely against those who use violence to stop the peace process. And for that I admire you and your team, Mr. President, and I commit to you once again that our government will help achieve a dream, a dream that you have -- and the truth of the matter is, a dream that the Israelis have, which is two states living side by side in peace.

So thank you for coming, appreciate it.

PRESIDENT ABBAS: (As translated.) Mr. President, thank you very much for receiving us today. Of course we have talked about the peace process and the negotiations that are taking place these days between us and the Israeli side. We know very well that you, personally, as well as your administration, are committed to reach peace before the end of 2008. Therefore, we are working very seriously and very aggressively with the hope that we will be able to achieve this objective before the end of the year.

We have talked with the President about the details of the negotiations that are taking place between our side and the Israeli side. And of course we also talked about a wide range of issues that affect the entire region, but also affects the Palestinian people. Because it is very important for us that the entire Arab region will be living in stability in order to be able to achieve peace in our Palestinian Territory.

We are very delighted that the President is following all the details of everything and every discussion that is taking place in the Palestinian negotiations, as well as issues in the region.

Therefore, we're delighted to continue our engagement with you, Mr. President, in order to be able to achieve all the objectives, which are ours and yours at the same time.

Thank you.

Source: White House Press Office

CHICAGO, May 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Members of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Postville, Iowa, are responding to the needs of people who have been affected by a May 12 federal immigration raid at a Postville meat processing plant. Hundreds of family members of those arrested have taken refuge inside St. Bridget's Catholic Church, Postville, said the Rev. Stephen P. Brackett, St. Paul Lutheran Church.

On May 12 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested 390 people, and were seeking an additional 300 people who were not at the kosher meatpacking plant, Agriprocessors Inc. The purpose of the raid was to secure evidence of possible identity theft, stolen Social Security numbers and illegal immigration, said an ICE spokesperson. Federal officials said the raid was the largest operation of its kind in U.S. history.

Church members and others in the community have stepped in to help family members who were affected, Brackett said. He estimated that as many as 30 members of St. Paul are helping out at St. Bridget's by providing food and clothing, tutoring students and reading to younger children. Several students from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, one of 28 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) colleges and universities, are also helping, he said.

For those arrested a significant need will be securing legal help, Brackett said. The cost of meeting with a lawyer is at least $150 per person, he said.

No one is staying at St. Paul because most people affected are Roman Catholic and afraid to leave the church building for fear of arrest, Brackett explained.

Calling the situation "very traumatic" for those affected, Brackett said some family circumstances are "excessively complicated" because some children are U.S. citizens and their parents may not be U.S. citizens. Families could be broken up if members are deported, he said.

"Families and friends are suffering tremendous loss and grief," said the Rev. Steven L. Ullestad, bishop, ELCA Northeastern Iowa Synod, Waverly. "The long-term implications for these families, as well as the impact on the schools and businesses of Postville, are significant."

The synod is developing a list of pastors who speak English and Spanish to assist families, Ullestad said. He asked Lutherans to pray for the people of Postville, and the bishop invited congregations to talk about immigration concerns.

SOURCE Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas, May 17 /PRNewswire/ -- DFW International Airport today successfully staged its triennial LifeSaver Drill to test the Airport's response to an emergency situation. Today's LifeSaver Drill 2008 exercise was based on the Airport's response to all of the potential aspects of an explosion that encompasses both a terminal and airplane, including aircraft and structure fires, rescues and recovery.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080517/CLSA011 )

Within a few hours, DFW's emergency response teams had the situation under control and were evaluating not only those wounded in the scenario, but also next steps for action and the impact to operations at the Airport. A team of evaluators from across the U.S. observed the drill.

"Our employees and key partners in the airport community performed with professionalism, sensitivity and amazing calm under very strenuous conditions," said Jim Crites, DFW executive vice president of operations. "Everyone is well aware that the consequences can be severe in airport-related emergencies, and we need to use a holistic approach to protect lives and preserve property. We did well and all learned a lot, and our airport preparedness is certain to be even more improved."

The purpose of the drill is to exercise and evaluate DFW's emergency response procedures. The process involved not only a mock disaster site, but also activation of several phases of the Airport's emergency functionality, including DFW's Emergency Operations Center, Family Assistance Program and the Airport Operations Center, along with mutual aid requests to area police and fire agencies.

"Our training is always an ongoing learning process," said Alan Black, DFW's Director of Public Safety. "We're constantly learning new ways of responding to different types of emergencies, so we are ready when an emergency happens."

More than 300 volunteers from across North Texas took part in the LifeSaver Drill, with many donning makeup to simulate injuries to victims and survivors.

"We lead the nation and even teach emergency response techniques to firefighters from around the world, but to actually have the opportunity to train in this high intensity environment is a great experience for everyone involved," said Brian McKinney, DFW's Fire Chief. "It puts a lot more urgency into your training when you can see the people you need to help right in front of you."

The Baylor Health Care System used the drill to test its Mass Trauma Preparedness, and key response vehicles from area mutual aid partners also took part to gauge their emergency response procedures. American Airlines activated its CAARE Program team as part of the drill.

DFW has staged and passed nine of these drills in its history. The drill is staged every three years as required by the Federal Aviation Administration as part of the Airport's ongoing safety certification program.

    Participating Organizations:
     FBI
     Transportation Security Administration
     Centers for Disease Control
     American Red Cross
     Dallas Office of Emergency Management
     Irving Office of Emergency Management
     KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
     Northwest Airlines
     American Airlines
     Delta Airlines
     UPS
     Baylor Health Care System
     Dallas County Medical Examiner
     Bedford Fire Department
     Colleyville Fire Department
     Flower Mound Fire Department
     Roanoke Fire Department
     Bedford Fire Department
     Grapevine Fire Department
     Haltom City Fire Department
     Watuaga Fire Department
     Dallas Fire Rescue
     Lewisville Fire Department
     Euless Fire Department
     Fort Worth Fire Department
     Plano Fire Department
     Irving Police Department
     Euless Police Department
     Dallas Police Department
     Fort Worth Police Department
     Texas Maritime Reserve
     Love Field Airport
     Salt Lake City Airport Fire Department
     Austin Bergstrom International Airport
     San Diego International Airport
     Tarrant County 911 Dispatch
     PHI
     Careflite

About DFW International Airport

Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW International Airport is the world's third busiest, offering nearly 1,900 flights per day and serving 60 million passengers a year. DFW has been named "Best Airport for Customer Service in North America" by an Airports Council International survey of passengers in 2006 and 2007. DFW International Airport provides non-stop service to 136 domestic and 38 international destinations worldwide. For the latest news, real-time flight information, parking availability or further details regarding the many services provided at DFW International Airport, log on to www.dfwairport.com.

SOURCE DFW International Airport

    CLEVELAND, May 17 /PRNewswire/ --

    What:   Local kickoff of the 2008 "Click It or Ticket" law enforcement
            mobilization,

    When:   Monday, May 19, 2008
            Noon (free buffet lunch for media and invited guests at 11:30 AM)

    Where:  The Cleveland House of Blues
            308 Euclid Avenue
            Cleveland, OH 44114

    Who:    Commander Mark Kwiatkowski, Bedford Heights Police Department
            Speaking on behalf of Northeast Ohio Law Enforcement and the
            Cuyahoga County Speed, Reckless, Aggressive Driving &
            DUI Reduction Task Forces

Presentation of a Saved By the Belt Award to the family of Sgt. Scott Zahniser, Cleveland Metroparks Ranger. On July 19, 2007, Sgt. Zahniser was called to respond to a motor vehicle crash with possible injuries, only to find the crash involved his own father and 17-month-old son. When he arrived on the scene, he found his father's car had been struck from behind at a red light by a pickup truck, which had pushed the vehicle's trunk into the back seat. Scott was relieved and amazed to find that his father and son escaped the potentially fatal crash with only minor injuries-his father because he was wearing his seat belt and little Connor because he was securely buckled into a properly installed car seat.

Presentation of public services announcements and art designed by area teens promoting seat belt use

Finalists in Rainbow's "Use It or Lose It High School Seat Belt Challenge," sponsored by Kohl's, will perform or screen their creative entries and winners will be announced, adding a fun, high-energy vibe to the law enforcement mobilization kickoff. Winning entries will receive airplay or screen time throughout Greater Cleveland this summer.

Why:

Wearing seat belts is the single most effective means of reducing the risk of death or serious injury for adults and teens in motor vehicle crashes, yet Cuyahoga County has one of the lowest belt use rates in the state. In Ohio, 123,000 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes during 2006; 1,239 of them did not make it. That's 1,239 fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters and best friends. Three of every five fatalities were not wearing seat belts. For motor vehicle occupants aged 16 to 20, 2 of every 3 fatalities were unrestrained. This year's Click It or Ticket campaign kickoff will highlight the urgent need to increase belt use in Northeast Ohio, with a special focus on those most at risk of motor vehicles crashes: teens and young adults.

From May 19 to June 2 local law enforcement officers across Northeast Ohio will increase enforcement of safety belt laws. Local officers warn drivers to buckle up or expect a ticket. Drivers who are stopped for a traffic violation such as speeding during the mobilization period will be given a second citation if they are not in compliance with the state's seat belt law.

The goal of this campaign is not to issue citations -- the goal is to encourage drivers and passengers to buckle up and protect themselves, boost Cuyahoga County's abysmal 65 percent safety belt use rate, and reduce fatalities, with a special emphasis on young adults. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for Americans aged 1 to 44.

While teens are more likely to be involved in motor vehicle crashes than other drivers, they're significantly less likely to be buckled up. That's why the Click It or Ticket kickoff will feature finalists in Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital's Use It or Lose It seat belt challenge who have created songs, commercials and posters encouraging their peers to buckle up and be safe in the car. The more than 100 law enforcement officers in attendance will vote for their favorite entries.

    Media Highlights:

    -- Local high school music groups, artists and producers will be competing
       in the finals of a creative messaging contest aimed at encouraging teen
       drivers and their passengers to buckle up.
    -- Speakers will be available for interviews after the press conference
    -- Media are encouraged to take b-roll footage of seat belt use at the
       corner of Euclid and Ontario
    -- Free HOB buffet lunch for all media participants!!!

The Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital Injury Prevention Center, lead agency for the Greater Cleveland Safe Kids/Safe Communities Coalition, works with communities, children, and families through education and outreach to decrease unintentional injury risk and improve wellbeing.

Kohl's, based in Menomenee Falls, Wisconsin, supports Rainbow's Use It or Lose It High School Seat Belt Challenge through the Kohl's Cares for Kids(R) program, which raises funds for children's health and educational opportunities through the sale of special gift items. Kohl's community outreach also includes Kohl's Kids Who Care(R), an annual youth volunteer recognition program, as well as an associate program to encourage volunteerism.

Liberty Mutual Insurance Liberty Mutual Group has been "Helping people live safer, more secure lives" since 1912. The eighth-largest auto and home insurer in the U.S., Liberty Mutual sells full lines of coverage for automobile, homeowners, valuable possessions, personal liability, and individual life insurance. Visit www.libertymutualgroup.com.

SOURCE Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Liquidus, a pioneer of video-based classified advertising, today announced the official launch of new products based on its revolutionary video-based classified advertising technology platform for VOD. The company has been flying under the radar since 2005, when it began working with Comcast Spotlight to help forge this advertising niche in the video-on-demand (VOD) side of the business.

Now Liquidus is in the process of providing Interactive TV advertising services to multiple cable companies and is extending its video production platform to serve other media as well. Its online video product extension (VideoLink) is available to Internet advertisers in the online side of the business. And, its Linear ShowBuilder product is available for the production of inexpensive long-format advertising shows that run on analog and digital TV linear channels. In short, video produced for one media (like VOD) can be re-used across the Internet and in long-format linear video programs as well...administered through a central online administrative interface called "SpotSense."

"If a dealer is going to thrive in the years ahead, they absolutely must give consumers what they want - on-demand, robust vehicle inventory information," commented HomeNet's Director of Sales, Tim James. "On demand video is a powerful, yet inexpensive marketing tool and dealers are just beginning to realize the potential impact it can have on their bottom line. HomeNet is pleased to work with Liquidus in an effort to equip more than 12,000 Inventory Online (IOL) dealers throughout North America with the ability to create high-quality video advertisements on a large scale, for distribution to their online marketing channels and in the future, to extend that reach into additional On demand spaces."

The Liquidus technology platform revolutionizes video-based advertising, allowing advertisers to create and distribute locally-tailored video ads quickly, easily and cost-effectively on digital cable VOD, the Internet and standard TV. Advertisers can leverage existing creative assets such as digital photos to assemble and distribute video ads via a user-friendly web interface. And unlike any other player in this space, Liquidus can create and distribute video ads on a mass scale. Liquidus is producing tens of thousands of videos per week, which is expected to grow to 150,000 videos per week by the end of this year and will still not be close to capacity. In the near future, these capabilities will also expand to other media channels, including mobile devices.

"Today advertisers realize the power of video, and they want an easy, inexpensive way to produce it for all their products and be able to place, distribute and localize it in more than just one media," said Todd Holmes, CEO and co-founder of Liquidus. "Customers can now advertise on TV and the Internet 24/7, place ads locally or nationally, create long-format video programs and modify content quickly so the video is always fresh. It's all available through the Liquidus SpotSense web interface."

    Liquidus' product offering includes the following:

    --  VOD Ads Created through SpotSense

SpotSense is Liquidus' online interface that allows advertisers to create and modify VOD ads on a weekly basis, a significant turnaround advantage over competitors. VOD ads remain live 24/7. Users can select products with their remote (like autos or real estate) and the local markets where the products are available and shop from the comfort of their couch.

-- Linear TV programs Created through SpotSense

A tool within the SpotSense web interface, called "Linear Showbuilder" significantly reduces the production costs of creating long-format advertising videos to run on TV linear channels. An advertiser can create an entire Sunday morning real estate show (for instance) with this easy-to-use web tool.

-- Online Video Ads (VideoLink) through SpotSense

VideoLink is Liquidus' online offering that allows advertisers to create, distribute and modify existing ads in real-time, regardless of incidence or location. As a result, when VideoLink ads are updated they will automatically update in every location, ensuring the most current ads are being shown across the Internet. Similar to VoD ads, VideoLink ads remain live 24/7.

"For a lower price than black-and-white print classified ads, Liquidus can produce and place high-quality ads utilizing the sensory power of video on TV and the Web," said Kirk Davis, co-founder and EVP of Liquidus. "Advertisers get the most out of the videos they're creating through our SpotSense interface because they can create and display them in a variety of formats and media--on TV, online, and soon on mobile devices."

About Liquidus

Liquidus' goal is to work with cable operators to revolutionize video-based advertising by allowing advertisers to create and distribute video classified ads quickly, easily and cost-effectively on digital cable video-on-demand (VoD), the Internet and standard TV. Liquidus allows its customers to place ads locally or nationally on a mass scale, and modify ads quickly so the content is always fresh. The Liquidus platform has been deployed or is being trialed by most of the major cable operators (MSOs) in the U.S. including the market leader Comcast. Chicago-based Liquidus is privately held and funded. For more information on Liquidus, please visit www.liquidusmedia.com.

Source: Liquidus