Phoenix Celebrates the 28th Annual Matsuri: A Festival of Japan!

By: admin - February 22nd, 2012  Filed under: Toys For Holiday Add Comment


Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) January 19, 2012

The 28th Annual Matsuri Festival takes over Heritage & Science Park in downtown Phoenix on Saturday and Sunday, February 25 & 26, 2012. This two-day celebration features colorful displays of authentic Japanese art, crafts, and entertainment. Traditional Japanese food and merchandise will be on sale.

For 2012, the festival committee chose the theme Daruma; a hollow, round Japanese traditional doll modeled after Bodihdharma, the founder of the Zen sect of Buddhism.

These dolls are typically red, depicting a bearded man named Dharma. These dolls may vary in color and design depending on the region in which the artist resides. It is a toy, but it is rich in symbolism and looked upon as good luck to the Japanese. These dolls symbolize perseverance and good fortune. A modern, motivational Buddhist teacher may use it alongside goal setting and achieving success.

ALSO NEW! Sakura: The Cherry Blossom Tree ~ Upon special request by the Japanese Consulate, The Matsuri 2012 Committee has happily added this element: The 100th year celebration of the Cherry Blossom (donated to Washington from Japan) to the Festival.

Flowering cherry trees have been symbols of Japan?s friendship to the people of America for 100 years.

In 1912, over 3,000 cherry trees were gifted from the City of Tokyo to the City of Washington, D.C. as a symbol of lasting friendship from the people of Japan. Since that time, Japanese organizations have made gifts of cherry trees to America to commemorate significant milestones in the relationship between Japan and the United States.

In Southern California, there are many places where you can see flowering cherry trees which were planted by Japanese individuals or Japan-related organizations.

In 2012 there will be twelve cherry blossom festivals in Southern California. There will be more events in 2012 commemorating the centennial.

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE (TENTATIVE, Stay posted to AZMatsuri.org for entertainment updates.)

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Plaza Stage

9:45 a.m. Assemble for the Mikoshi Procession

10:00 a.m. Procession Begins

10:35 a.m. Kyo Rei Taiko Kai (Japanese Drums)- Arizona Buddhist Temple

10:45 a.m. Opening Ceremony

City of Phoenix

Consul General of Japan, Los Angeles

Himeji Sister City

Sakura Dance ? Mari Kaneta Suzuyuki Kai ? Nihon Buyo

(Japanese Dance)

11:30 a.m. Ondo (Japanese Folk Dance) ? Arizona Buddhist Temple

12:00 p.m. Taiko Project (Japanese Drums)

12:30 p.m. Sunny Seki, Author/Illustrator

12:45 p.m. Karaoke (Japanese Folk Singing)

1:15 p.m. Kimono Fashion Show

1:45 p.m. Kishin Daiko ? Kotobuki Jishi (Japanese Lion Dance)

2:15 p.m. Mari Kaneta Suzuyuki Kai ? Nihon Buyo (Japanese Classical Dance)

3:45 p.m. Kokin Gumi & Frieds ? Music with Traditional Japanese Instruments

4:45 p.m. (Japanese Friendship Garden play)

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Plaza Stage

10:30 a.m. Kyo Reir Taiko Kai (Japanese Drums) ? Arizona Buddhist Temple

11:00 a.m. Sakura Dance ? Mari Kaneta Suzuyuki Kai ? Nihon Buyo (Japanese Dance)

11:15 Kinshin Daiko ? Kotobuki Jishi (Japanese Lion Dance)

11:45 Kokin Gumi & Friends ? Music with Traditional Japanese Instruments

12:45 p.m. Taiko Project (Japanese Drums)

1:15 p.m. Karaoke (Japanese Folk Singing)

1:45 p.m. Ondo (Japanese Folk Dance) ? Arizona Buddhist Temple

2:15 p.m. Sunny Seki, Author/Illustrator

2:30 p.m. Gassho Bu (Children?s Choir) ? Arizona Gakuen School

2:45 p.m. Mari Kaneta Suzuyuki Kai ? Nihon Buyo (Japanese Classical Dance)

4:15 p.m. (Japanese Friendship Garden play)

2012 Taiko Entertainment

The following Japanese Taiko Drumming groups and entertainers will be performing on the ASU Stage at Heritage Square and Science Center from 10:30 am – 5:00 pm:

Fushicho Daiko*Phoenix Drummers

All Arizona Taiko Team

Phoenix Taiko Kai

Saboten Taiko

Aozora

Kemushi

Ken Koshio, a native Japanese singer & song writer, Taiko player and Japanese folk artist.

Washington Elementary Taka Taiko Drummers

Faith North Montessori Taiko

Senators Taiko

SGI Taiko

Awa Odori Dancers from Los Angeles, CA

Hands On Taiko ~ you know you want to try it!

Martial Artists:

Araki Ryu Iaido, Kenshin Dojo http://www.kenshindojo.net/

Arizona Aikido http://www.azaikido.com/index.html

Arizona Karate Association http://web.mac.com/azkarate/Arizona_Karate/Home.html

Arizona Kyudo Kai and University of Arizona Kyudo Club http://www.mindspring.com/~bsavary/kyudokai.html

Arizona Shotokan Association http://www.azshotokan.com/azshotokan/Home.html

Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu http://www.arizonabujinkan.org/links.html

Phoenix Kendo Kai http://www.phoenixkendo.org/

Southwest Dojo http://www.southwestshinkendo.com/

Monroe Street Stage Performers:

Araki Ryu Iaido, Kenshin Dojo http://www.kenshindojo.net/

Arizona Aikido http://www.azaikido.com/index.html

Arizona Karate Association http://web.mac.com/azkarate/Arizona_Karate/Home.html

Arizona Kyudo Kai and University of Arizona Kyudo Club http://www.mindspring.com/~bsavary/kyudokai.html

Arizona Shotokan Association http://www.azshotokan.com/azshotokan/Home.html

Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu http://www.arizonabujinkan.org/links.html

Kitsune Robot http://www.kitsunerobot.com/

Phoenix Kendo Kai http://www.phoenixkendo.org/

Southwest Dojo http://www.southwestshinkendo.com/

Toybox http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/uponsun/2010/08/toybox_stay_alive.php

Stay posted to http://www.AZMatsuri.org for entertainment updates.

Admission to attend the festival is FREE! For more details, please call Heritage Square Office at 602.262.5071. Recorded information is available at 602.262.5029. Or at the website: http://www.azmatsuri.org

Matsuri: A Festival of Japan has been a Phoenix favorite for years and draws 75,000 people during the course of the weekend.

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K?NEX? Featured in ?Made Right Here? Segment on WFMZ Evening News

By: admin - February 21st, 2012  Filed under: Toys For Holiday Add Comment

Hatfield, PA (PRWEB) January 17, 2012

K’NEX, the construction toy company focused on Building Worlds Kids Love?, was featured in a ?Made Right Here? segment that aired during the 6pm edition of the WFMZ evening news on January 16, 2012. The ?Made Right Here? segment features companies manufacturing product in eastern Pennsylvania.

?We couldn?t be happier that WFMZ has decided to include K?NEX in their ?Made Right Here? series,? said Michael Araten. President and CEO of K?NEX and The Rodon Group. ?We are proud to manufacture in nearby Hatfield and honored to be included.?

The Made Right Here segment includes footage shot in Hatfield, Pennsylvania at both K?NEX and The Rodon Company?s headquarters this past fall. WFMZ has profiled 12 local companies in their Made Right Here series since it began airing in 2009. Check out the http://www.knex.com homepage to watch the entire K?NEX Made Right Here segment.

Founded in 1992, K?NEX is pleased to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2012 and maintains its commitment to continued manufacturing in the United States. At a time when most toys are made overseas, K?NEX has become America?s Building Toy Company–over 90% of its parts are manufactured by its sister company, The Rodon Group. The Rodon Group has been in business since 1956 and is an eco-friendly manufacturing facility in Hatfield, PA. that has manufactured over 30 billion parts for K?NEX.

About K?NEX Brands

Founded in 1992, K?NEX Brands, the world?s most innovative construction toy company, was established to make and sell what has become one of the world?s leading integrated construction systems for children. Winner of over 200 international awards and recognitions, K?NEX is America?s building toy company focused on Building Worlds Kids Love, and encourages youngsters to ?imagine, build and play.? For more information, please visit http://www.knex.com.

About The Rodon Group

The Rodon Group is an ISO 9001-2008 certified plastic injection molder. In business since 1956, the Rodon Group makes billions of parts each year in its 125,000 square foot facility. With over 106 injection molding presses, Rodon is one of the largest family-owned and operated injection molders in the United States. The Rodon Group serves a diverse group of industries including consumer products, medical, construction, pharmaceutical and toys. Since 1992, Rodon has manufactured over 30 billion parts for the K?NEX building toy system, and is a subsidiary of K?NEX Brands, L.P. For more information please visit http://www.rodongroup.com.

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Bodybuilding.com Strengthens Corporate Team with New 2012 Leaders

By: admin - February 20th, 2012  Filed under: Toys For Holiday Add Comment


Boise, ID (PRWEB) January 18, 2012

Bodybuilding.com, the most-visited bodybuilding and fitness site and largest online retailer of nutritional supplements, is proud to announce their new 2012 leaders: SVP of Ecommerce, Peter Thornton; VP of Human Resources, Raquel Moreno; VP of Marketing, Jennifer Hetherington, VP of Operations, Michael McCabe; and VP of Finance, Ryan Vestal.

SVP of Ecommerce, Peter Thornton brings extensive Ecommerce and multi-channel marketing expertise to Bodybuilding.com. Peter will be responsible for bringing leadership and strategy to the overall Marketing, Merchandising and Category Management functions while creating the best online shopping experience for Bodybuilding.com’s customers. Peter was the former VP of Marketing, Ecommerce and Merchandise Planning at The Territory Ahead and had prior stops at Harry & David, Coldwater Creek, and Xerox. Peter earned a degree in Marketing from University of Idaho.

VP of Human Resources, Raquel Moreno brings a wealth of experience to Bodybuilding.com after spending much of her time in the consumer retail industry at Toys R Us, Target, and AT&T Wireless. As VP of Human Resources, Raquel will be responsible for HR strategy while leading and aligning the HR team towards achieving business goals. Raquel earned a degree in Psychology from Northwestern University and a J.D. from John Marshall School of Law in Chicago.

Bodybuildng.com has also experienced internal growth. Jennifer Hetherington has become VP of Marketing (formerly Director of Marketing) and has been with the company since June 2010. Michael McCabe is now VP of Operations (formerly Director of Operations) and began his career at Bodybuilding.com in March 2006 as the Florida Distribution Center Manager. Ryan Vestal has been promoted to VP of Finance (formerly Controller) and has been with the Company since June, 2008.

2012 is a big year for Bodybuilding.com with a stronger global focus in the U.K., Brazil and Australia; the new redesign of BodySpace (the world?s largest social fitness network); further build-out of personalization and recommendations; and much more. These new leaders will help ensure all initiatives are met and customer expectations are exceeded.

Bodybuilding.com offers more than 13,000 health and fitness supplements and accessories to help more than 11 million people every month achieve their health, fitness and appearance goals. The website contains more than 35,000 pages of FREE information, including more than 20,000 articles and videos, expert online trainers and new content added daily.

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San Jose Medical Marijuana Dispensary, South Bay Healing Center Announces Donation and Charity Drives in the Community

By: admin - February 19th, 2012  Filed under: Toys For Holiday Add Comment


San Jose, CA (PRWEB) January 18, 2012

San Jose medical marijuana dispensary, South Bay Healing Center appreciates their community and enjoys hosting drives to raise funds for those in need. Some of the past donation drives South Bay has hosted include Toys for Tots, Second Harvest Food, and Wine to Waves MS Bike Ride.

The season?s toy drive recently ended which benefitted a local family homeless shelter called ?InnVision.? This local shelter focuses on family needs and offers strong programs to educate and teach skills to the residents so that they can be successful when entering back into the work force.

The toy drive, geared toward youth and teens, collected almost two full bins of new toys in less than 23 days. For more information about InnVision, visit: http://www.innvision.org.

A warm clothing drive called ?One Warm Coat? is collecting donations through Jan. 31. All warm clothing collected by South Bay Healing Center will also benefit San Jose?s InnVision.

?We are overflowing with warm clothing donations,? said Pat Sullivan, General Manager of South Bay Healing Center, ?but the more the merrier!?

Hosting community donation drives has been an important part of the foundation of South Bay Healing Center since they opened. South Bay Healing Center was founded on the commitment of improving the lives of their patients, which includes the community where they all live and work.

?We accept all donations, small or large, and as always 100% of the donation proceeds go to the cause. SBHC also matches most drives dollar for dollar,? said Pat. ?We do encourage both patients and non-patients to join in and donate. There is always an incentive program set per drive for all patients. Each donation drive is held on site for 30 to 60 days, and is advertises on our website, Facebook, and Weed Maps account. ?

For more information on South Bay Healing Center, call (408) 899-4676 or visit them online at http://www.southbayhealingcenter-sj.com. South Bay Healing Center is located at 991 Saratoga Ave., San Jose, CA.

About South Bay Healing Center

South Bay Healing Center is a full-service marijuana dispensary and marijuana club. Their boutique style collective offers a selection of the finest medicinal strains, concentrates, edibles, and clones. SBHC strives to provide a healing solution that excels with professionalism and compassion.

South Bay Healing Center was created to enhance the development of physical, mental, and emotional fitness of its members, find solutions for, and share knowledge of the health problems of its members, and to facilitate and coordinate the cultivation and distribution among the members of herbal remedies including cannabis for medical purposes as lawfully permitted in the State of California.

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Canine Celebrity Survivors of Michael Vick’s Dog Fighting Operation Sign Books, Greet Public in Pacifica, CA

By: admin - February 19th, 2012  Filed under: Toys For Holiday Add Comment


Pacifica, CA (PRWEB) January 18, 2012

Bay Area dog fans will have an opportunity to meet three dogs who survived Michael Vick’s dog fighting operation on Saturday, January 21, from 1-4pm. Dogs Jonny Justice, Teddles and Uba will be offering paw print autographs, friendly licks and photos in celebration of the launch of Melissa McDaniel’s third and newest book in The Photo Book Projects series, titled: “Pit Bulls & Pit Bull Type Dogs – 82 Dogs the Media Doesn’t Want You to Meet.”

The event is a fundraiser for BADRAP, the Oakland-based non-profit that participated in the landmark animal welfare case through the evaluation, rescue and recovery of Vick?s former dogs. BADRAP brought 13 of the dogs back to the SF bay area after a federal judge in Virginia cleared their release. All of the dogs – including Jonny, Teddles and Uba ? have been adopted by local families. Each dog has earned his Canine Good Citizen Certification and Jonny went on to become a therapy dog, helping learning disabled children find the confidence to read.

Philadelphia-based portrait photographer Melissa McDaniel first spent time around pit bulls when she volunteered to photograph dogs at her local shelter several years ago. ?I admit I was a little hesitant around these dogs at first since I had never spent much time around them and I believed the negative media hype. However, after the third or fourth pit bull type dog I photographed wanted nothing more than to wag his tail and lick my face, I quickly realized that the media has it all wrong.?

To create her latest book, McDaniel toured the US for six months, traveling 12,550 miles to photograph 82 pit bull or pit bull type dogs. She said, ?Ever since I decided to create a series of photo books on dogs, I knew I would be devoting an entire book to pit bulls. You only have to visit your local shelter to understand why.?

BADRAP Director Donna Reynolds noted, ?Watching Melissa work with the dogs was fascinating. She drew out their joyful natures and just poured their personalities into her photographs. These photos can probably do more to help the public see the souls of these dogs than just about anything we could ever hope to say or do!?

The event is Saturday, January 21 from 1-4pm at AnnaBee’s in the Pedro Point Shopping Center at Linda Mar Beach. Suggested donation five dollars. Directions to AnnaBee’s

About AnnaBee?s

Established in 2009, AnnaBee’s Doggie Boutique & Cafe is a pet fashion boutique and indoor cafe for dogs located in the Pedro Point Shopping Center in Pacifica, CA. AnnaBee’s boutique offers ready-to-wear couture garments for dogs of all sizes and a unique selection of handmade accessories and eco-friendly toys for cats and dogs.

About BADRAP

BADRAP formed in 1999 to tackle the difficult issues that had been bringing early death and suffering to San Francisco bay area pit bull type dogs. They soon developed into a nationally recognized resource for both dog owners and shelters, offering desirable pets for adopters, training classes for dog owners and presentations and professional consultations to animal welfare leaders around the country.

About The Photo Book Projects

The Photo Book Projects is a series of photo books (and more!) designed to raise awareness about companion animals in the U.S. and Canada today, especially those that are mistreated or abused. Issues addressed include the pet overpopulation problem, breed-specific legislation, puppy mills and myths about deaf dogs. A percentage of the proceeds from the first three photo books, Deaf Dogs, Rescued in America and Pit Bulls & Pit Bull Type Dogs, is donated to animal rescue and advocacy groups.

Contacts

Maureen (Mo) Murray, owner AnnaBee’s

tel: (650) 735-5566

email: annabeesboutique(at)gmail(dot)com

Melissa McDaniel, Photographer & Founder [the photo book projects]

tel: (267) 968-9973????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

email: melissa(at)melissa-mcdaniel(dot)com

Donna Reynolds, Director BADRAP

tel: (510) 414-7122

email: donna(at)badrap(dot)org

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Sherwood Oaks College Offers Screenwriters Access to Actors & Directors January 31 through February 2

By: admin - February 18th, 2012  Filed under: Toys For Holiday Add Comment

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) January 18, 2012

An impressive lineup of production companies and directors is building for the Sherwood Oaks College Bankable Actors & Directors class beginning January 31st and running through February 2nd, 2012. The list includes the companies of Tom Hanks, Will Smith, Morgan Freeman, Johnny Depp, Natalie Portman and many more who have either indicated that they will attend or have expressed strong interest in attending.

An optional day of pitching has been set-aside for Friday, February 3rd. The location for each day of class will be provided to registered participants.

Sherwood Oaks has strived for 30 years to provide students with unparalleled movie-industry access to leading business professionals and this year?s Bankable Actors and Directors class is no exception.

The class is limited to 20 writers who will meet representatives from the production companies of some of the top actors and directors in Hollywood. Gaining access to this type of influential talent would be a coo for the most seasoned writer but for the unknown or beginning writer it?s unheard of.

Kevin Pollak who had pivotal roles in the Usual Suspects and A Few Good men has indicated his interest as a guest speaker as well. Last year, Mike Farell from Mash spoke to the fortunate 18 students enrolled.

The class provides undiscovered writers with an opportunity to access the top talent in the industry by meeting at least five guests each day for three days, followed by an optional fourth day devoted just to pitching. Class participants will have full access to meet the attending companies and pitch their concept.

In addition to the class, Sherwood Oaks College founder Gary Shusett will be available for Hollywood Coaching sessions for $ 25. Mr. Shusett?s coaching, vast knowledge of the Industry and ability to coach pitching is widely sought-after.

Following this class, Sherwood Oaks will host another teaching event beginning February 22 and running through February 24 introducing screenwriters to Studio Heads, Executives and Big Budget Producers.

The following companies have indicated their attendance or expressed interest:

????Tom Hanks (DaVinci Code, Toy Story)*
????Will Smith (Hancock, I am Legend, Men in Black)*
????Natalie Portman (Black Swan, V for Vendetta, Thor)*
????Johnny Depp (Pirates, need I say more ?)*
????Drew Barrymore (Scream, My Date with Drew, Charlie?s Angels, WhipIt)
????Curtis Hanson (Director of LA Confidential, WonderBoys)
????Joel Schumacher (Batman Forever, Phatom of Opera)
????Ben Stiller (Tropic Thunder, TowerHeist)
????Harry Gittes (About Schmidt ? Jack Nicholson)*
????John Malkovich (Burn After Reading, Being John Malkovich)
????Francis Ford Coppola (Godfather, Apocalypse Now)*
????Morgan Freeman (Dolphin Tale, Dark Knight)*

Registration for the class can be completed online at http://www.sherwoodoakscollege.com

For more information about this and other Sherwood Oaks College seminars, please visit: http://www.sherwoodoakscollege.com.

For media inquiries concerning the Sherwood Oaks College Pitch to the Bankable Actors and Directors class please contact Christine Owens at 323-878-2226 or at sherwoodoakscollege(at)gmail(dot)com.

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May Cheong Group Acquires Muscle Machines

By: admin - February 17th, 2012  Filed under: Toys For Holiday Add Comment


Fontana, CA (PRWEB) January 17, 2012

The May Cheong Group (MCG), manufacturers of the die-cast and radio control brands Maisto and Bburago, have announced the acquisition of tooling and intellectual property of the Muscle Machines brand from Bodylines/Bruce Schultz, the famed 3D artist who worked on the original models. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Muscle Machines was first launched by Funline Merchandising Company in 1999. The company sold to Action Performance in 2003 which then merged with Motorsports Authentics. The Muscle Machines brand, which features American muscle car replicas with exposed chrome-plated engines, beefy rear wheels, and on the larger scales, steel braided hoses, took vehicle aisles by storm in early 2000. The distorted cars with cartoon-like features were best represented on trading card art created by popular Australian artist Rohan Day which accompanied the 1:64 models and much of the packaging. Day has also been retained by MCG to create new artwork for the line.

?We are ecstatic to add this iconic brand to the Maisto line,? said Rick Berman, Director of International Licensing/Marketing/Design. ?The vehicle aisles could use some excitement, something unique. The return of the Muscle Machines brand will create immediate buzz and we have long-term plans to sustain the excitement for years to come.?

The company is planning to unveil the Muscle Machines line at the Nuremberg and New York Toy Fairs this February and to ship to the market towards the end of Q2 2012. The official re-launch will include original castings in 1:64 and 1:24, at least 2 original 1:18 models, and 1:18 radio control. New tools for 1:64 and 1:24 are scheduled for Q4 2012.

More information will soon be available at http://www.maisto.com.

ABOUT MAISTO

The Maisto brand name was registered in 1990 by May Cheong, a vertically integrated manufacturer based in Hong Kong. The company has been manufacturing die cast replicas for over 40 years, employs over 11,000 employees worldwide and maintains their own manufacturing facilities covering over 2,000,000 square feet.

For marketing and licensing information, contact Rick Berman at rberman(at)maycheonggroup(dot)com.

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Initiatives to Improve Healthfulness of Restaurant Meals and Influence of Growing Population Groups Will Shape Restaurant Industry in 2012 and Beyond, Reports NPD

By: admin - February 16th, 2012  Filed under: Toys For Holiday Add Comment

Chicago (PRWEB) January 17, 2012

Pressure to improve the healthfulness of kids meals and restaurant fare in general along with the influence of the growing Asian, Hispanic, Boomer, and Millennial population groups are among the factors that will shape the restaurant industry in 2012 and beyond, according to The NPD Group, a leading market research company. Overall, NPD?s foodservice market research forecast of U.S. commercial foodservice traffic projects consumer demand for restaurant-prepared meals/snacks to rise slightly above 2011 levels.

Kids meals have been the focus of legislative and health advocacy activities over the past few years and that focus is expected to continue throughout 2012. The continuing pressure on restaurant operators to improve the healthfulness of kids meals combined with increasing health consciousness among moms has resulted in children, younger than 13, eating more better-for-you foods like fruit, non-fried chicken, chicken wraps, cereal; and less of the not-so-good-for-you foods, like French fries, dessert items/frozen sweets, regular size burgers, and fried chicken, according to NPD?s CREST? service, which continually tracks consumer usage of restaurants. In general, healthy and lighter foods are faring better than many foods and beverages consumers have learned should be controlled in their diets.

In addition to restaurant consumers eating more healthful food, another growing influence in the industry is the rapid growth in the Hispanic and Asian population in the U.S., which will continue to drive demand for more ethnically diverse foods this year. Tastes will evolve, and consumers will seek spicier and more flavorful foods. The large Millennial and Boomer age groups will also influence restaurant foods. Based on NPD CREST information, juice drinks are also likely to grow, particularly among younger adults, along with food items popular among Boomers, like coffee, fish/seafood, and breakfast foods.

Other factors that will influence the restaurant industry in 2012 and beyond include:

Retail competition will increase. Convenience stores are capturing more dashboard-dining occasions, delivering the benefits of fast, on-the-go, one-stop shopping. Supermarkets, on the other hand, are making inroads with prepared foods being taken home to eat.

Work-related visits and lunch will experience a turn toward recovery. Unemployment has hit the work-related lunch occasion most heavily, and recent more positive economic indicators, such as reduced unemployment and increased consumer confidence, are encouraging. Some turn toward recovery of that meal occasion is anticipated in 2012, providing broad benefit to commercial and non-commercial operators.

Higher beef and chicken prices in 2012 will affect restaurant offerings and menu prices. There will be a shift away from high-cost beef and chicken items and those items under less price pressure will be promoted, similar to what happened with chicken in 2011 when beef prices rose. Coffee is also anticipated to be under cost pressures in the near term.

Social media will continue to stimulate trial, especially at full service restaurants. Social media is still evolving, but it?s clear that leveraging it has the potential to benefit restaurants, especially in the full service segment. Expect innovation in harnessing social media to continue. Social media will be important in stimulating consumer trial and restaurants will use discounts, loyalty and other programs to convert these consumers into regular customers.

Beverages will continue to be a focus of quick service restaurants- Successful recent tactics to drive traffic and boost profits include beverage loyalty programs, promotions to build off-hour demand for specialty drinks, an influx of new and non-carbonated options, and offerings that appeal to the aging population. Finding new ways to promote beverages will continue to be a successful strategy for restaurants in 2012.

?We?re forecasting a continued slow recovery for the restaurant industry in 2012,? says Bonnie Riggs, restaurant industry analyst at NPD. ?Still, there will be pockets of real growth, behaviors supporting traffic that will outpace overall demand. To tap into that growth, however, operators need to understand what influences will affect consumer behavior and drive traffic in the next 12 months.?

About The NPD Group, Inc.

The NPD Group is the leading provider of reliable and comprehensive consumer and retail information for a wide range of industries. Today, more than 2,000 manufacturers, retailers, and service companies rely on NPD to help them drive critical business decisions at the global, national, and local market levels. NPD helps our clients to identify new business opportunities and guide product development, marketing, sales, merchandising, and other functions. Information is available for the following industry sectors: automotive, beauty, entertainment, fashion, food, home and office, sports, technology, toys, video games, and wireless. For more information, contact us, visit http://www.npd.com/, or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/npdgroup.

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K’NEX? Brands Launches 2 New Computer Controlled Sets

By: admin - February 15th, 2012  Filed under: Toys For Holiday Add Comment

Hatfield, PA (PRWEB) January 16, 2012

K?NEX Brands, the US construction toy company focused on Building Worlds Kids Love?, is pleased to introduce two exciting new Computer Control Sets to its K?NEX? Education elementary & pre-school product lines that allow you to control K?NEX models while learning, and applying, science, technology, engineering & math?important STEM concepts.

The new K?NEX Education Discover Control? and K?NEX Computer Control? Sets are specially designed for students in grades 2 through 8. Using the included software, control box and interface, students can build, program, and control fully-functioning K?NEX models. Key concepts include: linear thinking and programming, critical thinking and problem solving, optimization, testing, evaluating and modifying and much more.

Discover Control?

STEM concepts come to life as students build and control K?NEX models using the K?NEX Discover Control? Box. Build 5 K?NEX models, one at a time. Models are fully functioning replicas of exciting real-world amusement park themed models and include Gateway, Spinning Carpet Ride, Double Ferris Wheel, Swing Ride and a Tramcar. Control box stores up to 64 actions and allows for multiple outputs (motors, LED?s, buzzer) to be controlled simultaneously. Compatible with interactive whiteboards and PC?s. Suggested retail price is $ 249.99. Recommended for grades 2-6.

K?NEX Computer Control?

This dynamic STEM set challenges students to build and control K’NEX models using the K’NEX Computer Control? interface. Students write programs to control on-screen K’NEX models using the software included, then download into the interface’s memory and use to operate student built K’NEX models. Build 5 K’NEX models, one at a time. Models are fully functioning replicas of real-world machines and include a Sliding Door, Elevator, Bascule Bridge, Oscillating Fan and Amusement Park Ride. Compatible with interactive whiteboards and PC?s. Suggested retail price is $ 449.99. recommended for grades 3-8.

Both K?NEX Education Controlled Sets are available January 2012 through education cataloguers.

About K?NEX Brands

Founded in 1992, K?NEX Brands, the world?s most innovative construction toy company, was established to make and sell what has become one of the world?s leading integrated construction systems for children. Winner of over 200 international awards and recognitions, K?NEX is America?s building toy company focused on Building Worlds Kids Love, and encourages youngsters to ?imagine, build and play.? For more information, please visit http://www.knex.com.

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Small Company with Big Heart – Octo Consulting Group Celebrates the Holidays With Over $60K in Charitable Donations

By: admin - February 14th, 2012  Filed under: Toys For Holiday Add Comment


Mclean, VA (PRWEB) January 14, 2012

Octo Consulting Group, a leading provider of technology and management consulting services to the Federal government, celebrated the holiday spirit by donating $ 60K to 39 different charities. The highest contribution of $ 5,000 went to Covenant House International. Covenant House International is a charity whose mission is to provide immediate and long term support and care to homeless children in crisis. Octo Consulting Group was able to make such a large donation by promoting this cause on Facebook. For every new “Like” posted on Octo?s Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/OctoConsulting) between December 15th, 2011 and Christmas Day, the company donated $ 10 to Covenant House International. In just ten short days, Octo received just under 500 likes and donated $ 5000 to Covenant House International.

Octo Consulting Group also gave each of their employees the opportunity to donate $ 501 to a charity of choice. Octo contributed over $ 60,000 to 39 different charities during calendar year 2011. ?We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to give back to the community this holiday season.” said Mehul Sanghani, President and CEO of Octo Consulting Group. “Each employee has chosen a charity that is close to their heart with hopes of making a difference in someone?s life.?

The top choices included organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Children’s Inn at the National Institutes of Health, the American Cancer Society, World Vision, Red Cross, Toys for Tots and the Humane Society. “This is the second year running that MehuI has provided each of us an opportunity to donate $ 501 to the charity of our choice.? said Nick Totten, Associate of Octo Consulting Group. ?I find it to be representative of the Octo ideals and a genuine reflection of the positive nature of the firm.”

List of organizations for donations chosen by Octo?s employees:

1.????Covenant House International

2.????St. Judes Children?s Hospital

3.????NIH Children?s Inn

4.????American Cancer Society

5.????World Vision

6.????Red Cross

7.????Toys for Tots

8.????Humane Society

9.????Centerville Fire Dept

10.????St. Francis School

11.????Northern Lights Sled Dog Rescue

12.????Helen Woodward Animal Center

13.????Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans of America

14.????Whitman Walker Clinic

15.????Toby Dean Foundation

16.????Camp Highroad

17.????Wonder Warrior

18.????Children?s National Medical Centers

19.????Smile Train Organization

20.????Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

21.????Open Door Presbyterian Church

22.????Dare to Care

23.????NRDC

24.????Interfaith Church

25.????Electronic Frontier Foundations

26.????The ALS Association

27.????Holy Trinity Catholic Church

28.????Washington Animal rescue Lead

29.????Room to Read

30.????Kennedy Kreiger Institute

31.????Good Will

32.????MAAP

33.????Share Our Strength

34.????CPF

35.????South County Youth

36.????Calvary Woman?s Services

37.????Donors Choose Organization

38.????Prostate Cancer Foundation

39.????WARL

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