Ceridian Benefits Services, a leading provider of employee benefits outsourcing, is urging its clients and others to join forces to help preserve Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) ? a widely used tax-advantaged program that may be in jeopardy under health care reforms being considered by Congress.

Ceridian, one of the largest business services companies in the nation, believes that the elimination or curtailment of the tax savings provided through FSAs will make it more expensive for employees and their families to pay their ever-rising out-of-pocket medical costs

?Ceridian is actively engaged in the legislative process to ensure that our customers and their employees don?t lose a valuable tool in managing their health care costs,? said Bart Valdez, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Ceridian Benefits Services. ?Eliminating or restricting Health Care FSAs would dramatically affect the ability of working families to pay their out-of-pocket health care expenses.?

Valdez has contacted U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida to voice Ceridian?s concerns. Ceridian will send targeted messages to its FSA customers based in states with senators on the Senate Finance Committee. The company will provide its clients with letters they can fax or email to their senators to urge them to keep FSAs intact. In addition, Ceridian has engaged a prominent Washington, D.C., law firm to monitor the legislation and has joined forces with others in the industry in a grassroots effort to make the case to preserve Health Care FSAs.

Studies show that 30 million Americans use FSAs. These tax-advantaged plans can save employees up to approximately 30 percent on out-of-pocket health care expenses, including prescriptions, co-pays and preventive, dental and vision services.

The Senate Finance Committee is considering legislation that would ?cap? the tax advantages currently available for employer-provided health benefits, including the portion paid by employees. The proposed cap might cover employee contributions to FSAs.

Although Ceridian would prefer to see no changes in tax law affecting FSAs, it will advocate, on behalf of its clients, for a separate FSA cap.

?There is a crucial difference between the costs of health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket health costs,? Valdez said. ?While we would prefer to see no changes in tax law affecting FSAs, if the Committee decides to cap the tax exclusion for employer-provided health care coverage, then there should be a separate FSA cap or a specific FSA carve-out within the single cap.?

To see how FSA accounts save consumers money, visit Ceridian?s Flexible Spending Account Calculator.

About Ceridian:

Ceridian is a global business services organization that offers a comprehensive range of innovative solutions. From human resources and benefits to accredited employee assistance, work-life and health and productivity services, Ceridian helps organizations maximize their human, financial and technology resources. As a leader in payroll outsourcing, gift cards and controlled spending, Ceridian is also a driving force in payment innovation. Whether partnering to improve employee productivity, save money or minimize financial risks, Ceridian’s business is to help organizations stay focused on their business. For more information about Ceridian’s comprehensive array of human resource solutions, visit http://www.ceridian.com.

CONTACT:

Joe Brown

(727) 395-8952

joe.brown @ ceridian.com

or

Stephanie Brown

(727) 395-8586

stephanie.brown @ ceridian.com

This press release was distributed through eMediawire by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: http://www.HRmarketer.com) on behalf of the company listed above.

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Ceridian Benefits Services, a leading provider of employee benefits outsourcing, is urging its clients and others to join forces to help preserve Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) ? a widely used tax-advantaged program that may be in jeopardy under health care reforms being considered by Congress.

Ceridian, a global business services organization, believes that the elimination or curtailment of the tax savings provided through FSAs will make it more expensive for employees and their families to pay their ever-rising out-of-pocket medical costs

?Ceridian is actively engaged in the legislative process to ensure that our customers and their employees don?t lose a valuable tool in managing their health care costs,? said Bart Valdez, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Ceridian Benefits Services. ?Eliminating or restricting Health Care FSAs would dramatically affect the ability of working families to pay their out-of-pocket health care expenses.?

Valdez has contacted U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida to voice Ceridian?s concerns. Ceridian, one of the largest benefits administrators in the country, will send targeted messages to its FSA customers based in states with senators on the Senate Finance Committee. The company will provide its clients with letters they can fax or email to their senators to urge them to keep FSAs intact.

In addition, Ceridian has engaged a prominent Washington, D.C., law firm to monitor the legislation and has joined forces with others in the industry in a grassroots effort to make the case to preserve Health Care FSAs.

Studies show that 30 million Americans use FSAs. These tax-advantaged plans can save employees up to approximately 30 percent on out-of-pocket health care expenses, including prescriptions, co-pays and preventive, dental and vision services.

The Senate Finance Committee is considering legislation that would ?cap? the tax advantages currently available for employer-provided health benefits, including the portion paid by employees. The proposed cap might cover employee contributions to FSAs.

Although Ceridian would prefer to see no changes in tax law affecting FSAs, it will advocate, on behalf of its clients, for a separate FSA cap.

?There is a crucial difference between the costs of health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket health costs,? Valdez said. ?While we would prefer to see no changes in tax law affecting FSAs, if the Committee decides to cap the tax exclusion for employer-provided health care coverage, then there should be a separate FSA cap or a specific FSA carve-out within the single cap.?

To see how FSA accounts save consumers money, visit Ceridian?s Flexible Spending Account Calculator.

About Ceridian

Ceridian is a global business services organization that offers a comprehensive range of innovative solutions. From human resources and benefits to accredited employee assistance, work-life and health and productivity services, Ceridian helps organizations maximize their human, financial and technology resources. As a leader in payroll outsourcing, gift cards and controlled spending, Ceridian is also a driving force in payment innovation. Whether partnering to improve employee productivity, save money or minimize financial risks, Ceridian’s business is to help organizations stay focused on their business. For more information about Ceridian’s comprehensive array of human resource solutions, visit http://www.ceridian.com.

CONTACT:

Joe Brown

(727) 395-8952

joe.brown (at) ceridian (dot) com

or

Stephanie Brown

(727) 395-8586

stephanie.brown (at) ceridian (dot) com

This press release was distributed through eMediawire by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: http://www.HRmarketer.com) on behalf of the company listed above.

###

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High school students from Chicago’s South Side spent last week learning and experiencing entrepreneurship in science, engineering and green technology from some of the city’s most successful entrepreneurs and competed for Ford Blue Oval Scholarships at the 2nd Annual Future Founders Academy hosted by the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center (CEC).

The week-long “Apprentice” style summer business camp was made possible in part by a newly-formed partnership of the CEC, Ford Motor Company Fund, and the SME Education Foundation. Twenty five students from eight Chicago Public Schools were immersed in entrepreneurship at the 2009 Future Founders Academy. The highly engaging week of programming provided a backstage pass to entrepreneurship in Chicago including thriving green-tech businesses, a leading technology corporation, emerging fashion designers, a gourmet pretzel manufacturer and much more. The Academy provided team building and individual leadership development opportunities and culminated in a business plan competition. Students gained important entrepreneurial skills including networking, sales, technology, critical thinking, financing and public speaking. The final competition resulted in four winning teams receiving Ford Blue Oval Scholarship awards totaling $ 35,000.

“Today’s workplace demands innovative thinking and an ability to independently create our own career path. The goal of the Future Founders Academy is to introduce students to the possibilities of an entrepreneurial career and give them basic skills for creating a complete business plan,” said Scott Issen, managing director at the CEC.

“Ford Motor Company Fund is delighted to participate in an entrepreneurial program which fosters the development of real world skills in a fun learning environment,” stated Mike Schmidt, director, Education and Community Development, Ford Motor Company Fund. “The Future Founders Academy’s focus on a positive hands-on approach to learning with an emphasis on math and science exemplifies the mission of the Ford Blue Oval Scholarships. Our participation in this Academy is one of the many ways that the financial resources of Ford Fund continue to make a difference in the lives of the South Side community that Ford has been a part of for over 100 years. We are committed to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs with the resources that provide them and the community with hope for a brighter future,” Schmidt added.

Working with the Ford Motor Company Fund, the CEC developed curriculum based on sustainability, centered on a trip to the SMART HOME: Green and Wired exhibit now on display at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. The student entrepreneurs toured the SMART HOME exhibit selecting and researching one of its featured innovative green products. The students then developed an advanced business plan focused on sustainability, marketing of the product, technology and finances.

On June 19, student teams faced their final competition– vying for Ford Blue Oval Scholarships – with the presentation of their product’s business case to a panel of judges from the entrepreneurial community, Ford Motor Company and the SME Education Foundation, among others.

Ford Blue Oval Scholarship criteria requires that a student is interested in pursuing a Science, Technology, Engineering or Manufacturing related career and plans to pursue a college degree. Scholarship dollars will be administered by the SME Education Foundation and be distributed through the student’s school’s financial aid office.

The Blue Oval Scholarship 2009 Winners:

FIRST PLACE – $ 4,667 SCHOLARSHIPS EACH

In a racing first, punters are being urged to vote for the latest legend to join Phar Lap and Bart Cummings in the 2009 Australian Racing Hall of Fame.

Punters can add their vote by texting or calling 1300 MYLEGEND for the cost of a local call or SMS message.

The four final contenders are Carbine, Makybe Diva, Scobie Breasley and Tommy Smith. The winner of the event will be announced at Australian racing’s night of nights to be held at Palladium at Crown Casino on 31st of August.

“Everyone should get involved,” says 1300 Australia CEO Gavin Scholes, the company that provided the 1300 MYLEGEND phone word to enable the voting. “Every vote counts towards the winner, whether you SMS your choice to our phoneword or dial it, plus there’s a chance you’ll win a $ 1000 cash prize.”

Induction into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame is the industry’s highest accolade and categories include horses, jockeys, trainers and others associated with the industry. Voting has never been opened up to the public before.

Since its beginnings in 2001, the inductees have read like an Australian who’s who of racing. They include Carbine, Phar Lap, Kingston Town, Bart Cummings, Colin Hayes, Tommy Smith, Scobie Breasley, Roy Higgins, George Moore, Bill Collins, Chester Manifold and Banjo Patterson.

In 2007, Phar Lap became the first to be elevated to the status of Legend, followed by Bart Cummings in 2008.

To enter, voters need to dial 1300 MYLEGEND using their alpha-numeric phone pad on their landline or mobile phone.

“Racing Victoria is using our Phone Word because it is easier for everyone to remember a word rather than a phone number,” says Scholes. “And voters can SMS text or dial 1300 MyLegend, when dialling you can listen to Bart Cummings answer your call.”

1300 Australia is Australia’s largest provider of Phone Words and Phone Names. There are more than 20,000 businesses of all sizes and across all different industries that have secured a Phone Word to make their advertising more effective.

“They are popular with marketers and business owners because they have been proven to improve advertising responsive rates so businesses that advertise find that they add a great deal of improvement,” says Scholes.

For more information about 1300 MYLEGEND, visit http://www.1300australia.com.au or http://www.racingvictoria.net.au

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Quality equipment is essential to a quality education. 3M’s in-kind gift of 250 Super Close Projection Systems 700 Series, valued at about $ 720,000, which includes projectors, speakers and wall-mounts, has been donated to the SME Education Foundation for distribution to the network of middle and high schools across the country offering Project Lead the Way (PLTW)

The National Corn Growers Association is pleased the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency will begin accepting and approving applications for farm storage loans on Monday, Aug. 17. USDA has released notices to FSA state and county offices on the new regulations for the Farm Storage Facility Loan Program improvements authorized in the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008.

“These loan changes are a great benefit to corn farmers,” NCGA President Bob Dickey said. “Better farm storage allows producers to improve future planning for their businesses and increasing loan length and amounts of loans will make a huge difference. Many farmers are pleased to have these new options available for their farming operations.”

Changes made in the 2008 farm bill include increasing the maximum loan limit from $ 100,000 to $ 500,000 and the maximum loan term from seven to 12 years. Additionally, the Secretary of Agriculture is now authorized to allow partial disbursement of the loan to assist in the construction of storage facilities and offer more options for farmers to be able to pledge security for the loan.

“We are excited that producers across the country now have access to a much improved program,” NCGA incoming First Vice President Bart Schott said. “NCGA worked closely on these important changes with members of Congress, including House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.), Representative Earl Pomeroy (D-N.D.) and Senator Kent Conrad (D-N.D.), during the past farm bill. Our organization appreciates the work these gentlemen put into making this a reality.”

Founded in 1957, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) represents approximately 35,000 dues-paying corn growers and the interests of more than 300,000 farmers who contribute through corn checkoff programs in their states. NCGA and its 48 affiliated state associations and checkoff organizations work together to help protect and advance corn growers’ interests.

For more information contact:

Ken Colombini

NCGA

636-733-9004, ext. 115

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Cinema/Chicago is proud to announce another 20 films that will appear at this year’s Chicago International Film Festival. From dazzling CGI animation to tales of existential ennui and little white lies gone wrong, The 45th Chicago International Film Festival promises an impressive array of diverse films that will excite cinema fans in Chicago and beyond. Below is a newly released sampling of the 145 films that will be shown at this year’s Chicago International Film Festival, which will take place October 8th through the 22nd at the AMC River East 21 Theater (322 E. Illinois St – Chicago). Film Festival passes are on sale now! Through September 22nd, order your passes with promotional code 45FEST09 to receive $ 10 off your pass orders.

Newly Announced Titles

Iran

About Elly

Director: Asghar Farhadi

From the director of Fireworks Wednesday (winner of the 2006 Gold Hugo), this complex mystery launches with the lighthearted weekend reunion of a group of old college pals. Sepideh has brought along her new friend Elly, hoping she’ll hit it off with Ahmad, newly divorced from his German wife and in search of an Iranian bride. But when Elly disappears from their seaside bungalow, compounding lies and deception quickly lead to catastrophe.

Persian with subtitles.

USA/Hong Kong/Japan

Astro Boy

Director: David Bowers

A thrilling tale of a true hero, Astro Boy is full of action, adventure, humor, and heart–brought to life on the big screen in breathtaking CGI animation. Set in futuristic Metro City, Astro Boy is about a young robot with incredible powers. Embarking on a journey in search of acceptance, he learns the joys and emotions of being human, and gains the strength to embrace his destiny. When his friends and family are in danger, Astro Boy returns to Metro City in a valiant effort to save everything he cares about and to understand what it takes to be a hero. Freddie Highmore, Kristen Bell, Nathan Lane, Eugene Levy, Matt Lucas, Bill Nighy, Donald Sutherland, Charlize Theron, and Nicolas Cage lead an all-star voice cast.

USA

Against the Current

Director: Peter Callahan

Paul, still wracked with grief five years after his wife’s death, has a goal: to swim the entire length of the Hudson River in a month. His friends Jeff and Liz come along on the adventure, but they are dismayed when Paul reveals the true purpose behind his trip. By turns wry and sorrowful, this unconventional indie-drama-meets-road-trip-movie stars Joseph Fiennes, Justin Kirk, Elizabeth Reaser, Michelle Trachtenberg, and Mary Tyler Moore.

USA

Cropsey

Directors: Barbara Brancaccio, Joshua Zeman

The directors, who both grew up on Staten Island, connect the urban myth of a childsnatching, escaped mental patient that haunted their youth with the true stories of the kids who actually went missing in their community. This chilling horror documentary follows the filmmakers as they investigate the seedy underbelly of their borough, searching for answers only to unearth more mysteries.

Bulgaria/Sweden

Eastern Plays

Director: Kamen Kalev

This multilayered debut is a fresh, honest, sensitively wrought portrait of two young men struggling with their existential ennui in different ways. Swept up in the Bulgarian capital’s turbulent political climate, Georgi falls in with a violent gang of neo-Nazis while blackout drunk and all-around jerk Christo flounders in a dead-end job. Their roles in a racist beating will reveal the connections between them and alter their lives in unexpected ways.

Bulgarian, Turkish with subtitles.

UK

An Education

Director: Lone Scherfig

In the post-war, pre-Beatles London suburbs, a bright schoolgirl (Carey Mulligan) is torn between studying for a place at Oxford and the more exciting alternative offered to her by a charismatic older man (Peter Sarsgaard). Directed by award-winning Danish filmmaker Lone Scherfig (Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself, Italian for Beginners) from a screenplay by Nick Hornby (High Fidelity, About a Boy), An Education was adapted from a memoir by journalist Lynn Barber. Alfred Molina, Dominic Cooper, Olivia Williams, Sally Hawkins, and Emma Thompson also star.

Taiwan/France

Face (Visage)

Director: Tsai Ming-Liang

A four-time award-winner at the Festival, master Tsai Ming-Liang (Goodbye, Dragon Inn; What Time Is It Over There?) returns with a sumptuously staged, boldly visual film about a Taiwanese filmmaker who casts French actors in his latest disaster-fraught film–despite not speaking a word of French. An artistic tip of the hat to Fran

The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce will present Business EXPO 2009, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, September 29th. The public is invited to attend the free event at the Holiday Inn & Conference Center, at Routes 85 and 355 in Frederick.

EXPO 2009 features interactive exhibits from over 70 Frederick-area companies. This year?s EXPO also includes informative seminars throughout the day and many opportunities for networking, including a Tweetup from 9 to 11 a.m. Back by popular demand, ?Taste of the EXPO? will spotlight delicious samples from local restaurants and caterers from 9 to 11 a.m. and 12 to 2 p.m.

The EXPO is free and open to the public. Advance registration is not required, but those who sign up at http://www.frederickchamber.org will receive updated event information and be automatically entered in prize drawings. Guests are encouraged to bring plenty of business cards to exchange with new contacts. Additional tips for attendees are available at http://bit.ly/expo2009reg.

Frederick County is home to thousands of diverse, successful, and innovative companies, and this regional showcase offers an interactive experience beyond a typical business networking event. Exhibitors will offer samples, demonstrations, and prize drawings.

?We?re thrilled with the response to this year?s EXPO,? says Ric Adams, Chamber President & CEO. ?Now more than ever, the Frederick County business community understands the importance of doing business locally. The EXPO is always a fantastic way for local professionals to recharge their networks.?

Exhibits will be of interest to business professionals, consumers, families ? Anyone who wishes to find local suppliers, service providers, clients, and career opportunities. EXPO 2009 is the Chamber?s biggest public event of the year, and provides opportunities to meet new people, make new connections, and learn more about Frederick County?s vibrant business community.

Schedule of events:

9 a.m. — Exhibits open with a ribbon cutting ceremony in the lobby

9 to 11 a.m. — Tweetup in the Courtyard; Taste of the EXPO

9:30, 10:30, 11:30 a.m. — Seminars in Conference Rooms A & B

12 noon to 2 p.m. — Taste of the EXPO

12:30 & 1:30 p.m. — Seminars in Conference Rooms A & B

2:30 p.m. — Awards & closing remarks in the Courtyard

3 p.m. — Exhibits Close

Exhibitors

930 WFMD / 99.9 WFRE – Clear Channel

AFLAC – Plue

Bar-T Mountainside Challenge

BB&T Bank

BNI

Broadview Security

Business Management Company, Inc.

CBIZ Financial Solutions

City of Frederick Dept. of Economic Development

Connie Phillips Insurance & Financial

Conquest Web Design

Corp OHS

Corporate Exposure

Document Management Solutions

East Frederick Self Storage

Eduro Networks, LLC

e-End

Fastsigns

First United Bank & Trust

FITCI

Frederick Basket Company

Frederick County Bank

Frederick County Chamber of Commerce

Frederick County Office of Economic Development

Goodwill Industries of Monocacy Valley, Inc

HarVest Bank of Maryland

Holiday Inn and Conference Center

Hood College

Imagination Center

JK Moving & Storage

Kahley Marketing & Events

Kaplan University – Frederick Campus

Keeney & Basford Funeral Home

Klinger & Associates

Little Sparkie Electric, LLC

Majestic Wood Floors

Mary Kate McKenna Photography LLC

Maryland School for the Deaf Foundation

Matan Companies

McLean Koehler Sparks & Hammond

Mid Atlantic Clinic of Chiropractic

Morgan-Keller

Mount St Mary’s University

Nassau Broadcasting – Key 103

National Museum of Civil War Medicine

NewTeQ Computer Services

Out of the Mud Multimedia

PNC Bank

SAIC-Frederick, Inc.

Sandy Spring Bank

Signs By Tomorrow

Smart Company Magazine

Specialized Engineering

Spring Ridge Chiropractic

SriSai Biopharmaceutical Solutions

Support Unlimited, Inc.

TelData Communications

The Frederick News-Post

The Gazette

The Gettysburg Hotel, Est. 1797

The Plamondon Companies

The Spine Center

ThorpeWood, Inc.

TM Design

TransIT Services of Frederick County

Verizon Wireless

Woodsboro Bank

YMCA of Frederick County

Seminars

Conference Room A ? This special series, sponsored by Sandy Spring Bank, will help your business find success, regardless of the state of the economy.

9:30 a.m. — ?Establishing a relationship with your Commercial Lender?

Cindy Palmer, Sandy Spring Bank

10:30 a.m. — ?Commuting Solutions that save money, time, and the environment?

Justin Schor, Frederick County TransIt & UrbanTrans

11:30 a.m. — ?Are you ready for the future??

Philip Fish & Vicky Gillespie, Sandy Spring Bank

12:30 p.m. — ?Mortgages?

Steve Fennington & Hugh Gordon, Sandy Spring Bank

1:30 p.m. — ?Investment strategies in a recession?

Chesapeake Financial Group

Conference Room B ? Chamber member share their expertise to help other local businesses succeed

9:30 a.m. — ?How broadband enables your business?

Ken Ober, Eduro Networks

10:30 a.m. — ?Inspired leadership: The key to success?

George Wunderlich, National Museum of Civil War Medicine

11:30 a.m. — ?Workplace Wellness & Healthcare Reform?

Catherine Mock, Performance Rx

12:30 p.m. — ?Event & meeting planning on a shoestring?

Deborah Kahley, Kahley Marketing & Events

1:30 p.m. — ?Impress the press?

Kate Rader, Smart Company Magazine

Tweetup

Frederick is well-represented on Twitter, with hundreds of local users that include many Chamber member business owners and professionals. Conversations on Twitter often lead to offline meetings and productive partnerships. Tweetups are events that are organized online, but offer an opportunity for local Twitter users to meet each other and build relationships ?in real life.?

This year?s EXPO features a very special Frederick Tweetup, sponsored by Beth Schillaci at VillageWorks Communications. Guests are invited to the Cakes for Cause booth in the Courtyard from 9 to 11 a.m. for networking, even if they don?t already use Twitter. Tweetup registration, and a list of local Twitter users who plan to attend, is available online: http://twtvite.com/e7i260

Urbandictionary.com defines a Tweetup as an organized or impromptu gathering of people who use Twitter. (A meet up of people that ‘tweet’ using Twitter.) For example: Are you going to the tweetup?

For more information about this and other Chamber programs, call the member information desk at 301-662-4164 or visit frederickchamber.org.

The Frederick County Chamber of Commerce connects business and community through leadership, advocacy, and education. The Frederick Chamber was the first chartered member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2012.

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“Is your house on fire, Clark?” “No, Aunt Bethany, those are Christmas lights.”

Everyone knows someone like Clark Griswold, the goofy-but-lovable dad, played by Chevy Chase, in the 1989 movie, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Clark’s mission to create a memorable family Christmas, which included stapling his home with 25,000 twinkle lights, became a pop-culture symbol for the friend, family member or neighbor who decorates in over-the-top Clark Griswold fashion each year.

This holiday season marks the 20th anniversary of the quirky Christmas classic and to commemorate, the actual house used in the filming of another favorite holiday movie, A Christmas Story, will be decorated with 25,000 twinkle lights. The person who most represents the Clark Griswold approach to Christmas can win a chance to ceremoniously plug-in the lights. Brian Jones, owner of the Cleveland-located A Christmas Story House & Museum (http://www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com), said, “It’s classics like Christmas Vacation and A Christmas Story that everyone loves most, because it reminds them of the less-than-perfect, but still endearing, people in their lives who will do anything to make the holidays special for those they love.” He added, “In this spirit, we want to celebrate the people out there who strive each year to go big for the love of the holiday season.”

The Griswold Contest

From now until November 13, 2009, contestants can email photos or a YouTube video link of a home that they have decorated in true Griswold fashion to griswoldcontest(at)achristmasstoryhouse.com along with a description, in 200 words or less, of how they feel they reflect the spirit of Clark Griswold at Christmas. One lucky winner will win the opportunity to come to A Christmas Story House & Museum in Cleveland to officially plug-in the lights on Saturday, November 21, 2009. Included for the winner and a guest are: $ 1000 in travel expense; a 2-night stay at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel; an exclusive, guided tour of the Museum, by owner Brian Jones including a close-up look at the items in a special “Ralphie and Randy” collection; and dinner at the Pearl of the Orient while in town. The winner will also receive a “major award” leg lamp, a set of moose mugs and $ 200 shopping spree in the gift shop. Photos will be displayed on http://www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com so that people can see the Clark Griswold-inspired decorating that goes on around the country! The winner will be announced the week of November 16, 2009. (For official rules, go to http://www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com/index.php/Griswold-Contest.)

“We promise we won’t staple the winner’s shirt to the house, or ask them to check every bulb!” Brian joked.

About A Christmas Story House & Museum

A Christmas Story House & Museum, located in Cleveland, Ohio’s Tremont neighborhood, is the original Parker family home from the 1983 holiday film in which Ralphie pleads for a Red Ryder BB Gun although everyone assures him he will only shoot his eye out. Visitors to the house take a nostalgic journey through the sights and scenes of the film, including visiting memorable spots such as the backyard where Ralphie battled Black Bart, under the sink where little brother Randy hid because “Daddy’s gonna kill Ralphie!”, and the bathroom where Ralphie’s decoder ring helps him to decipher, “Be sure to drink your Ovaltine.” Of course, the front window is graced with “the soft glow of electric sex” from the Old Man’s leg lamp, which he called a “major award.” In addition, the museum contains hundreds of photographs and original props, including the “I can’t put my arms down” snowsuit.

The house was purchased in 2004 by 33-year-old San Diego native Brian Jones, a fan of the movie and founder of http://www.RedRiderLegLamps.com. Jones saw the house listed on eBay, made an offer of $ 150,000, spent $ 240,000 to renovate the outside and make the inside match the movie’s sound stage, and opened it as a tourist destination Thanksgiving weekend 2006. Since that time, A Christmas Story House and Museum has hosted more than 100,000 visitors from all over the world. To further celebrate Christmas Vacation’s 20-year milestone, the gift shop is offering Moose Mugs just like the ones Clark and Cousin Eddie used to toast eggnog.

A Christmas Story starred the late Darren McGavin as The Old Man and Peter Billingsley as Ralphie who famously pleaded for a Red Ryder BB gun, although everyone assured him he would only shoot his eye out. The film became a holiday favorite years after its theatrical release and is celebrated annually on cable with a daylong marathon.

A Christmas Story House & Museum is located just five minutes from downtown Cleveland at 3159 W. 11th St. in the Tremont neighborhood. It is open year-round on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Tours of the house run every 30 minutes. Regular admission tickets are $ 7.50 for adults, $ 6.50 for seniors, $ 5.50 for children (ages 7 to 12) and free for children ages 6 and under. For more information or for directions, visit http://www.AChristmasStoryHouse.com or call 216-298-4919.

CONTACT:

Jodi O’Neill

216-912-2855 or

joneill(at)landaupr.com

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Kerry Rhodes will welcome the NFL?s elite, recording artists, actors, actresses, TV and radio personalities and other VIP guests to aid the Kerry RHODES Foundation in raising funds to support educational and financial advancement for our youth. Kerry will host his 3rd Annual Kerry RHODES Foundation Celebrity Events, Monday, November 2, 2009 in New York, NY.

The festivities include the Kerry RHODES Foundation Black Tie VIP Dinner & Silent Auction followed by the Kerry RHODES Foundation Celebrity Bowling Bash, ?Bowling with the Stars.? The VIP Dinner & Silent Auction will take place at 5 star restaurant, STK, located at 26 Little W 12th St, NY, NY. The event will be hosted by award winning television sports anchor Dr. Marvell Scott, with music provided by DJ Funky Drummer, and the 2009 NY Jets players such as Bart Scott, Braylon Edwards, Calvin Pace, Darrelle Revis, Dustin Keller, Jay Feely, Mark Sanchez, Vernon Gholston and more, serving as celebrity table hosts! There will also be a 2 hour premium open bar presented by Ketel One and Diageo with a surprise celebrity bartender. Following the dinner, attendees will have the option to bid on amazing, one of a kind auction items such as sports memorabilia, luxurious vacation getaways, concert tickets and more, valued at tens of thousands of dollars. There will also be a special performance by John Legend?s HomeSchool Records Presents Vaughn Anthony. The Celebrity Bowling Bash, ?Bowling with the Stars,? hosted by comedian Kevin Hart and music provided by celebrity DJ Funk Master Flex will take place in the chic Luxe Suite at Lucky Strike, 624-660 W 42nd St, NY, NY.

Event Sponsors Include: Correction Officer Benevolent Association, Cuttita Law, Diageo, France Athletes, Heineken, Ketel One, Merrill Lynch, Moddell?s, Pamela James Jewelry, Starwood Resorts and Hotels, Under Armour, Dennis Sports, Locker Blogger, Bacardi, Applebee?s, Muscle Milk, Lucky Strike and US Limo.

Gift Bag Sponsors: Atlantic Records, Beats By Dre, Pamela James, Phyto, Sean John, US Tourism Virgin Islands, Under Armour, North Star Charter and Pastries. Hasbro, BBraxton, Chayil Candles, Jane Carter Solution, Housekeeper to the Stars, JASK Clothing, Glamorous Chicks, Pop Chips and SET Magazine courtesy of Good Girl PR.

Confirmed Celebrities Include: Adrienne Bailon (Actress), Al Harrington (NY Knicks), Allan Houston (NY Knicks), Angel McCoughtry (ATL Dream), Anthony Patanella (Boxer), Bart Scott (NY Jets), Bianca Golden (America?s Next Top Model), Black Buddafly (Singing Group), Braylon Edwards (NY Jets), Brimstone (Wrestler), Busta Rhymes (Rapper), Calvin Pace (NY Jets), Carl Banks (Former NY Giants), Charles Barkley (NBA Legend), Damien Woody (NY Jets), Danny Aiello (Actor), Darrelle Revis (NY Jets), Demarco Morgan (NBC Anchorman), Derrick Anderson (NBA Retiree), Donnie Klang (Singer), Dr Marvell Scott (Sports Anchor), Dustin Keller (NY Jets), Egypt (Radio/TV Personality), Evan Oglesby (Baltimore Ravens), Fabulous (Rapper), Funk Master Flex (Celebrity DJ), Hassan Johnson (Actor), Ice T & CoCo (Actor), Idris Elba (Actor), Jared Jeffries (NY Knicks), Jay Feely (NY Jets), Jerricho Cotchery (NY Jets), Jessica Brown (Daddy?s Little Girls), Jimmy Fallon (TV Personality), Julissa Bermudez (BET TV Personality), Justin Tuck (NY Giants), Kevin Hart (Comedian), Kristen Dalton (Miss USA), Kwame Jackson (Celebrity Apprentice), Larenz Tate (Actor), Leilene Joy (Flavor of Love), Lil Mama (Rapper), Liris Crosse (Model/Actress), Marcus Landry (NY Knicks), Mario Manningham (NY Giants), Mark Sanchez (NY Jets), Matt Levy (I Love NY), Maureen Shea (Female Boxer), Michael Boley (NY Giants), Michael Imperioli (Actor), Miguel Perdomo (Supermodel), Mike Hill (ESPN Sports Broadcaster), Missy Hyatt (Wrestler), Osi Umeniyora (NY Giants), Ramses Barden (NY Giants), Rex Ryan (NY Jets Head Coach), Rocsi (106 & Park), Roman Oben (Sports Broadcaster), Sinorice Moss (NY Giants), Tanya Blount (Actress), Terrance J (BET 106 & Park), Terrell Thomas (NY Giants), Teyana Taylor (Singer), Tyson Beckford (Supermodel), Wilson Chandler (NY Knicks), Vaughn Anthony (Singer, John Legend?s brother), Vernon Gholston (NY Jets), Vivica A Fox (Actress) and many others.

Schedule of Events:

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