Send2Press Newswire

'(why) I Hate to Date (online)' Challenges Cultural Dating Phenomenon

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:05:14 GMT

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- DC-101, Inc. announces the publication of a new book by MaryAnna Donovan: "(why) I Hate to Date (online)" (ISBN: 978-0-981-7068-0-1). This hilarious new book offers an insider's view of the world of online dating in a format that is fun to read and educational, all at once.

Some studies reveal that online daters equal nearly 50 million; other studies estimate 18 million. No matter what the number, many people believe that online dating is a cultural phenomenon that efficiently meets the needs of today's partner-seeking singles; author Donovan disagrees.

Her reasons are numerous. First is the trucker who wears panty hose. Then there is the 50-year old posing as 26-year old. And, let's not forget the stalker who follows women home after the first date.

"(why) I Hate to Date (online)" addresses, in detail, Donovan's thoughts about online dating. She holds nothing back and dubs online dating, "The meat market of the millennium." She speaks from the heart and from real-life experience as a person who has "tried it, dated through it, and hated it."

In Donovan's hilarious, and sometimes raunchy and outrageous book, she tells readers why online dating is not the answer for today's singles. She analyzes it from all angles -- the good, the bad, and most definitely the ugly. She questions readers and makes them think. She asks: Do you think online dating is safe? Does a screen name tell you something? She provides her own answers to these questions as well.

Donovan also offers advice for those determined to stay in the cyber-dating game. She talks about how to play it safe; how to set up a profile to avoid the meat market; what not to say in a profile; how to recognize an imposter by her/his screen name; and what questions to ask.

In addition to being an author, Donovan was a college professor and taught writing and literature courses for 10 years. During that time, she met scores of young people who provided inspiration.

Donovan's unique style of writing as well as her never-ending candor and wit will make readers think twice before clicking the mouse once.

For more information, or to order a copy, visit:
www.i-hate-to-date.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, author MaryAnna Donovan, online dating guide book

Podclass Announces Web Services Technology That Promises To Bring Education into Social Networks

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:12:49 GMT

SAN DIEGO, Calif., July 29 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Podclass, Inc. announces Podclass Web Services (PWS), an application programming interface to enable online courses to be accessed from within Facebook(R) and other social networking sites. PWS enables users of learning management systems to access and manage course content, and to collaborate and interact with classmates from within Facebook.

Currently, PWS integrates with Moodle, the leading open-source learning software system used by more than 40,000 colleges, universities and companies, worldwide. It is expected to integrate with other learning management systems in the future.

With the PWS interface, any institution using Moodle can now offer their students and instructors complete access to their courses from inside of Facebook. Instructors and students can access all of their content, interact with classmates, post to forums, and collaborate on assignments using the new Podclass Facebook application.

Learning management software systems such as Moodle, Blackboard, WebCT and others are designed to facilitate online teaching and learning and are used for course management. In addition to colleges and universities, companies such as Google and Intel also use learning management systems for employee, vendor and partner training.

"One of the biggest limitations of a traditional learning management system is that they typically serve a single institution (college, university or company), and therefore force students to learn in a closed or isolated environment," Gary Gil, Founder and CEO of Podclass, Inc., says.

"Learning is not confined to a single class, college or institution. Students learn most effectively by interacting and collaborating with friends, colleagues and social connections that exist in the real world, not only with classmates and students who attend the same college. Podclass provides a solution for this by enabling students to learn in an environment where these social connections already exist, inside of Facebook," Gil adds.

Instead of students being limited to accessing online courses from a single college or institution, Gil envisions a world where education is widely distributed and accessible from wherever a student chooses to access it.

Podclass is pioneering the way into a new educational frontier in which social networking is an integral part of the education process for higher education as well as industry.

For more information, visit: pws.podclass.com.

Video News Release (VNR):
http://send2press.com/newswire/2008-07-0729-001.shtml

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Podclass Web Services, online courses social networking

Podclass Announced as Recipient of fbFund for Application Built on Facebook(R) Platform

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:47:48 GMT

SAN DIEGO, Calif., July 23 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Podclass, Inc. announces that their new web services technology that interfaces with Moodle, the leading open-source learning management software system, built on Facebook Platform has been awarded a grant through Facebook's fbFund.

The announcement was made today at f8, Facebook's annual developers' conference, and helps deliver on Facebook's mission to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected.

In an effort to grow the Facebook ecosystem, fbFund was introduced last year to provide resources to developers by eliminating some of the challenges of starting a company. Through fbFund, Facebook hopes to encourage entrepreneurs to build compelling businesses on Facebook Platform.

There were more than 1,000 applications submitted, but only 10 applicants were provided with grants.

"We are very excited to be one of ten companies to receive this grant," Gary Gil, founder, Podclass, Inc. says. "We are confident that our Podclass application will only serve to enhance the user experience."

With over 90 million active users, Facebook is the fourth-most trafficked web site in the world. So, why not include an application that millions of users can use within Facebook to access their educational classes on line?

The fbFund winning applications were evaluated based on the following criteria: originality of concept - does the application introduce an idea in an unexplored area?; target market - is the application targeted to key cohorts and does it meet compelling needs?; social/useful - does it deliver real value to users?; expressive - does it allow people to share more information?; intuitive - is it compelling and easy to use?; potential - can it be a real business someday?; and team - can the team execute to succeed?

In 2007, Facebook launched Facebook Platform, a development platform that enables developers and entrepreneurs to integrate with Facebook and create meaningful social experiences for millions of users. Facebook provides unparalleled potential for applications and the opportunity to build a business that is highly relevant to people's lives.

Facebook(R) is a registered trademark of Facebook Inc. All other trademarks acknowledged.

For more information, visit: www.Facebook.com.

VNR: http://send2press.com/newswire/2008-07-0723-007.shtml

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Podclass learning management software, fbFund Facebook Platform

Museum of Robots in Second Life Announces Competition Winners at Event on July 19, 2008

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:07:00 GMT

Virtual World Museum of Robots Hosts Award Event for Winners of Robot Building Competition

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., July 7 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Museum of Robots (www.MuseumofRobots.com) in Second Life will announce the winners of its first annual "Build-a-Robot" Competition at an event on July 19, 2008 at 9:30 a.m. PDT. A Linden dollars prize will be awarded to 10 winners and all entrants receive a merchandise prize. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and by popular choice. Entry Classes include Standalone display, Wearable, and Homage to Classic Robots.

The three top-judged entries in each category will win an award, and a People's Choice prize will be given. Winners in the Homage category receive the Fred Barton Award, named after the famous robot builder who is a recent Saturn Award recipient.

The competition's goal is to explore what a robot is, how it can be expressed within the parameters of Second Life, and to encourage creativity and originality. With almost 50 entries received, creativity is indeed on display.

Says Museum of Robots co-founder Vicki Kung (Bibi Bayliss in Second Life), "The quality and variety of the work done by competition entrants is extraordinary. Each entry explores and interprets the theme 'robot' in a different way, and the range of creative vision, the skills in building and a sense of fun and humor is evident in each one. We are delighted and proud to be able to showcase the remarkable talents of these designers."

Competition entries are currently on display at Museum of Robots and will remain on exhibit through August. The Museum is located at (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Kubrick/98/161/26).

A video introducing some of the entries can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZHuA2tuO6g

About Museum of Robots
Museum of Robots is dedicated to the appreciation of robots. Its mission is to promote understanding of the place of robots in popular culture, art, and science and features exhibits, art, and special events. Current exhibits include: "The Art of Eric Joyner" featuring selected works from his upcoming book, "Robots and Donuts"; Celebrity Robots Hall of Fame, sponsored by Fred Barton Productions and featuring famous robots of cinema and television; Toy Robots, featuring toy robots from a private collection, and Bot Shots, featuring robot photography.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Museum of Robots, robot design contest

Music and Social Networking Get Redefined in New Interactive Site from BETA Records

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:48:28 GMT

Artists and music fans immerse themselves in downloads, ringtones, streaming, internet radio, virtual commerce, communication, video, and more

LOS ANGELES, Calif., June 26 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Giving musicians and music lovers more power and flexibility than ever before, BETA Records (betarecords.com) has launched a newly expanded site combining search-and-match music selection, virtual commerce, and social interaction.

Technology partners took part in a global 2-year effort to transform BETA Records into a music ecosystem to accommodate the way fans like to interact with music and artists.

"BETA Records is taking the ideas, philosophy and functionality of the record labels of yesteryear and adding modern technology," states Chris Honetschlaeger, President. "Now, fans and bands are going to be able to interact in exciting ways, leading to more people sharing and recommending more new music than ever."

The newly launched site offers quick-and-easy tools for artists and fans to communicate with each other while sharing, buying or selling music, ringtones, and merchandise. "We created a whole new world involving virtual branding, communication, music, and commerce," says Georg van Handel, CEO.

Visitors to the online BETA world will find downloads, streaming, video, email, widgets, ringtone makers, dynamic song pricing, and intuitive search-and-match technology to help find new music.

"Other sites have made music accessible, but it's not about how many 'friends' listen to you because friends don't pay the bills," notes Honetschlaeger. "What we've launched will take a song to 20 different markets, giving 85% of the revenue back to the artists. The more exposure a song has, the more likely it is that someone will buy it." Even fans can earn revenue via recommendations and their own profile's traffic.

The new music and social networking technology is now available in the USA. Next to launch will be England, www.betarecords.co.uk; Germany, www.betarecords.de; and Mexico, www.betarecords.com.mx, with China coming soon.

About BETA Records
BETA Records is a hybrid community that actively finds, produces, and showcases unsigned artists to the music industry and distributes content to fans via digital channels. BETA offers each artist a dedicated page to utilize the full range of the site's technology.

Media contact:
Scott G
ScottG@betarecords.com
Phone: 1-818-223-8486

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, music ringtones and internet radio, BETA Records social network

Museum of Robots in Second Life Announces the Build-A-Robot Competition

Wed, 28 May 2008 14:32:11 GMT

Virtual World Museum of Robots Hosts Competition That Asks Residents to Create Robots to Wear and Display

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 28 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Museum of Robots (www.MuseumofRobots.com) in Second Life announces the "Build-a-Robot" Competition, and invites all Second Life residents to participate. According to the organizers, "Our goal is to explore what a robot is, how it can be expressed within the parameters of Second Life, and to encourage creativity and originality. Our definition of 'robot' is unlimited: any creation that the designer thinks can be called a robot is acceptable."

Entrants receive a merchandise prize, with an additional Linden dollars cash prize pool awarded to the top 10 winners. Entries must be received by June 25, 2008. Winners will be selected by panels of judges and popular choice, and announced at an awards ceremony at Museum of Robots on July 19. Entry Classes include Standalone display, Wearable, and Homage to Classic Robots.

There is a maximum limit of 100 prims per entry. A "prim," or primitive, is the basic building unit in Second Life, and a goal of the competition is to encourage efficient Second Life building techniques.

Says Museum of Robots co-founder Vicki Kung (Bibi Bayliss in Second Life), "Our purpose in limiting the number of prims used in an entry is to challenge designers to efficiently work within strict prim limits, but we don't want to limit imagination or creativity. We're excited to see how designers interpret and explore 'robot' with limited building resources."

Competition rules are available at Museum of Robots and sponsoring locations in Second Life and on the Museum's web site. The Museum of Robots is located at [SLurl = http://slurl.com/secondlife/Kubrick/98/161/26].

About Museum of Robots
Museum of Robots is dedicated to the appreciation of robots. Its mission is to promote understanding of the place of robots in popular culture, art, and science and features exhibits, art, and special events. Current exhibits include: "The Art of Eric Joyner" featuring selected works from his upcoming book, "Robots and Donuts"; Celebrity Robots Hall of Fame, featuring famous robots of cinema and television; Toy Robots, featuring toy robots from a private collection, and Bot Shots, featuring robot photography.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Museum of Robots, Second Life robot contest

Thousands of U.S. Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen Add Recently Launched Facebook Application

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 10:04:34 GMT

Facebook Application, My Military Experience, enables United States Military Personnel and U.S. Veterans to locate and communicate with military colleagues

FORT BRAGG, N.C., April 2 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Electronic Allies LLC, operators of the military career advice community SmartSoldier.com, today announced the availability of the My Military Experience Facebook application. The application, launched for final beta testing last week, allows Facebook users with military experience to display details of their military service within a seamlessly integrated box on their Facebook profile.

Over 4,000 users installed the application during the initial testing phase and the developer forecasts over 25,000 users will be displaying their military experience on their profiles by the end of April.

Users can add their branch, duty status and the time spent at specific duty stations. In addition, the application enables users to search for other members of the U.S. Armed Services using the same criteria.

"Facebook is a powerful platform for locating and connecting with people," said U.S. Army Veteran and SmartSoldier.com Founder William Fernandez. "Building a truly useful application for members of the U.S. Armed Forces on this platform is directly in line with our primary goal- to continually provide resources to help our servicemen and women make informed choices throughout their military careers."

Locating former military friends and colleagues is only one of the creator's intentions. Similar to Fernandez's military career advice community, users are advised to connect and communicate with other individuals in similar situations or even those in places or positions they are considering.

The My Military Experience Facebook application is free and readily available to Facebook users serving in or connected to the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corp or Coast Guard. Individuals can add the application by searching for "Military Experience" in the Facebook application directory, or by visiting apps.facebook.com/military-experience.

About SmartSoldier
An Electronic Allies LLC property, SmartSoldier.com is an online military career advice community run by current military personnel and recent veterans from all branches of the United States Armed Services. The military community was launched in 2002 with the intention of providing a supportive online resource to help new recruits, currently enlisted members and military veterans make informed choices throughout their military careers.

For more information visit www.smartsoldier.com.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Electronic Allies LLC, SmartSoldier military social network

Online Dating CEO Marries Customer

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:00:10 GMT

SAN DIEGO, Calif., April 1 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- In a stunningly ironic twist, OnlineBootyCall.com Founder and CEO has married one of his own customers. In a private Vegas wedding, Moses (Mo) Brown married Heather Rivers (Username: WantNLovN), a 24-year-old fashion designer from New York. Online Booty Call is a unit of Mobeze, Inc.

On a traditional dating site like eHarmony(R), such an event would be championed as a testament to the community's romantic strength. Yet, at Online Booty Call (OBC), it has quite the opposite effect. Members of OBC actually enjoy being single and believe the adventure of dating doesn't have to be based on the pretense of long-term commitment. So the idea of the CEO attending to the domestics of married life will have a chilling impact on this community of Next Gen daters. It's all very reminiscent of Hugh Hefner's similar marriage attempt in 1989.

Brown, with a sparkle in his eye, describes the beginning of their newfound eternal love, "So there I was thinking, man for sure this profile is fake, she's the most gorgeous woman I've ever seen. But, after some investigation, and a bit of 'Google stalking,' I discovered she was the real deal. It's awesome; I'm ready to cash in all my chips, and leave it all behind for our life together as one!"

OBC employees worry Brown will make good on his plan to "change the name of the site and gear it towards a guaranteed marriage service... because my wife and I want everyone to be as happy as we are." In response, a senior programmer responded, "Hell, his ship is going down and the fool didn't even get a prenup!"

We're predicting a widespread "WTF... Married, seriously?" response from OBC members. As the man who created the "patented" Booty Call Commandments (second commandment "Thou shouldest never ask: can we see each other from now on?") will be ending his Playboy lifestyle, literally, as Brown does party at the Mansion.

About Online Booty Call
OnlineBootyCall.com is an online dating community for singles who enjoy being single. The site's lighthearted approach to dating allows its members to combine all the benefits of dating with the excitement of maintaining the single life. With millions of registered members throughout the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia, OBC makes millions of personal connections every week. OBC is an interactive and fun dating site where "you don't have to promise marriage just to get a date!"

For more information on this topic, contact Leo Francis (619) 253-2505. To view the website visit www.OnlineBootyCall.com.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Mobeze Inc online booty call, online dating community

Plangarden's Vegetable Gardening Software Expands Web 2.0 Social Networking Features

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 14:12:13 GMT

Plangarden enhances vegetable garden software by allowing vegetable gardeners to share, view, comment and rate gardens in the Plangarden community.

HALF MOON BAY, Calif., March 27 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Plangarden enhances its drag-and-drop online vegetable gardening software by expanding features for its rapidly growing community of vegetable gardeners. The new Web 2.0 social networking features enable vegetable garden enthusiasts from all over the world to interact over a "virtual backyard fence" where they can ask or swap advice. On a Google Maps mash-up you can visually find fellow gardeners in your area or type in locations around the world that you are interested in.

With the enhanced "Shared Garden" feature of the Plangarden Web site, gardeners can now leave comments, rate, and put a "watch" on other shared gardens, allotments and small farms. These community features complement Plangarden's award-winning Web-based layout and design tool that has appealed to many vegetable gardeners who can quickly create a virtual on-line garden.

"I found myself not only viewing my garden from work and at home (Macintosh and Windows), but when the opportunity presented itself, I was able to use this incredible program to show off what I was growing to friends - on their computer. Now that is cool!" comments Karl Mueller, a Plangarden user since 2006.

The expanded Shared Garden features include "GardenComments," "GardenWatch" and "GardenRating."

GardenComments is a great way to communicate, share and learn from fellow gardeners. Like many social networking sites, this feature creates a friendly, interactive way for gardeners to exchange ideas and tips in the Plangarden community. The Google Maps mash-up lets gardeners visually find Plangarden users in their area (represented as ladybug icons) who opt to share their garden plan. Clicking on a ladybug icon will allow gardeners to view that particular Plangarden user's layout, vegetables, and garden journal. If they desire, they can add a comment or ask a question to the garden owner. Any comment sends an automatic email alert to the Plangarden user.

GardenWatch lets gardeners build up a "buddy list" of gardeners. Buddy gardeners can be alerted by email or RSS feed when a Plangarden user makes changes to her plan.

GardenRating allows vegetable gardeners to give star ratings to plans of Plangarden users. This fun option allows people to give kudos to interesting and creative garden layouts. And while users may focus on gardens in their area, they are also free to explore the world and rate gardens in faraway places!

About Plangarden:
Over 12,000 users from all over the world have discovered Plangarden, the first Web-based vegetable garden design application, that assists gardeners in visualizing, planning and recording gardening activities. Plangarden has been member-tested and recommended by the National Home Gardening Club. Users can sign up for a free 45-day trial. A full year subscription is available for $20 per year, or $36 for 3-years.

More information: www.plangarden.com.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Plangarden gardening software, virtual vegetable garden

MyHollywoodFilm Creates Virtual Studio System

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 10:20:20 GMT

Independent film industry and its creative artists find home for education, production and distribution of their craft

LOS ANGELES, Calif., March 25 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- MyHollywoodFilm, a global virtual studio for the Independent Film production and education industry, has established a unique P2P networking community. Filmmakers can find instruction, establish their careers, create the films of tomorrow and gain worldwide, viewable exposure, 24/7.

"The vision for My Hollywood Film is to be a key global player in the Independent Film production and education industry through the utilization of a unique online business network and the advancement of sustainable production and business practices," said Founder and President Jodi Nelson.

ESTABLISH A MOVIE CAREER

Highlight talent for every stage of a movie production anywhere in the world. Independent film makers can market and source what they need to make it happen with resources available in the MHF community. Find amazing and diversified projects to work on or start independent productions. Take the virtual online Core Boot Camps and Break out Courses taught by Professional experts in Hollywood to get the tools and the roadmap needed to be competitive in the global marketplace and help sustain a lasting career.

CONNECT, INITIATE AND COORDINATE GLOBALLY

Discover talent and resources in the MHF Community who live next door or around the world. Join groups to keep informed and involved in common interest areas.

PROMOTE YOURSELF AND YOUR TALENT

Network with like-minded people to get a career and projects started. Self-promote within the MHF community with a profile that can include a resume, headshots, reel and rates to get working on desired projects.

"As an actor, producer and filmmaker myself, I understand how difficult it is to get a film made. However, armed with the right tools and information, treading the unstable path of filmmaking can be an exciting and sustainable journey," commented Ms. Nelson. "There are no 'secrets' to Hollywood; just the facts. Having real information, the right resources and solid personal relationships will help you get to the next level and sustain your business. MyHollywoodFilm provides just that," Nelson concluded.

About MyHollywoodFilm
MyHollywoodFilm has established important affiliations and partnerships to facilitate a complete turnkey system online that is able to unite Independent film organizations and associations from all over the globe for collaborative efforts. Students of the film industry seeking sustainable careers are able to network with mentors and industry leaders while continuing their education. The existing Independent film industry can leverage networking opportunities from production to distribution within the MyHollywoodFilm community.

For more information please visit www.myhollywoodfilm.com or contact: 1-310-871-7897.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, MyHollywoodFilm social network, Independent film industry

Metrofunk.com Launches into Public Beta

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:40:53 GMT

NEW YORK, N.Y., March 19 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Metrofunk, the first online social network devoted to nightlife, fashion, film, and music announced today that www.Metrofunk.com has officially launched into public beta. All the content of the site will now be freely available for public viewing when non-members go to the site.

Now non-members can check out exclusive events that are happening in the area as well as browse through premium videos, articles, galleries, and music from the creative worlds of fashion, music, and film. However, to preserve the exclusivity of the site and maintain the integrity of its users, membership to the Metrofunk.com community will remain invite-only. This move will allow Metrofunk.com to continue to operate as an invite-only site but also give its trendsetters a focused channel to expose their creative works and events.

The site operates quite differently from other niche social networking sites on the internet in the sense that Metrofunk.com is not so much a social network, but more a network of independent social networks. Each individual network is run by a trendsetter with a specific creative mission. Trendsetters on Metrofunk.com all have their own branded social networks with ownership and influence over members within their network.

A user becomes part of Metrofunk.com's community only when they are invited by an existing trendsetter on the site. Trendsetters are greatly incentivized to build a strong network as that will help increase the popularity and support of their creative works. Additionally, if a non-member is viewing the site and sees content that they like, they can immediately submit an "invite request" to the specific trendsetter and request to be part of their network.

When asked how opening up will affect the site, Co-Founder and CTO Adam Helfgott responds, "With all the attention we've been getting, we're expecting quite a significant surge in traffic. However, Elastra, the infrastructure scaling solution that we have in place will allow us to effectively leverage Amazon's EC2 and S3 technology to scale quickly and cost effectively without having an impact on our web services."

Metrofunk.com has also begun partnership discussions with established organizations within the nightlife, fashion, film, and music industries. The company has recently secured a partnership with IMG's FashionWeekDaily.com. Metrofunk.com will provide IMG's online fashion publication with a community and content distribution platform for their users and subscribers.

Metrofunk.com's red carpet launch party back in November, which was hosted and attended by such celebrity figures as John Mayer, Ashlee Simpson, Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz, Gym Class Heroes Travis McCoy, and dozens of other prominent industry figures, received quite an overwhelming response from both the press and the public. So overwhelming that the online company decided to expand the network offline and launch Club Metrofunk. The celebration of the Metrofunk.com's public launch will be held tonight at Club Metrofunk (532 W 27th Street, New York, New York). Club Metrofunk will be open every Wednesday thereafter to provide an offline place for its members to network and expose their creative works.

About Metrofunk
Metrofunk.com is an invite-only social and mobile network specifically designed to attract and empower trendsetters around the world in the lifestyle industries of nightlife events, fashion, film, and music. Metrofunk.com's primary focus is to help facilitate creativity, foster openness, and become a useful marketing tool. This allows the mundane process of getting a message into public awareness to be simple and easy, thus allowing more energy and focus on the work itself. That's the overall idea.

No celebrity endorsement claimed or implied. All trademarks acknowledged.

LocaModa Connects Social Networks to Social Locations

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 07:44:31 GMT

Interactive Out-of-Home platform, supports web-based social networks and user-generated content in cafes, bars, colleges, malls and public spaces

BOSTON, Mass., Feb. 27 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- LocaModa Inc. today introduced breakthrough social connectivity to its interactive Out-of-Home platform. LocaModa 3.0 enables mobile consumers to control and interact with social media around them using any mobile phone on any network, while also giving their friends online a window into what's happening via websites such as Facebook.

"By connecting social networks to social locations, our platform is uniquely positioned to deliver the same kind of measurability for Out-of-Home networks as advertisers and brands expect from the web," said Stephen Randall, CEO LocaModa.

LocaModa 3.0 offers a full range of mobile interactivity that seamlessly enables multi-channel integrated marketing. Out-of-home advertisers can now extend their reach to the web and the phone, while networks and location owners can tap into web-based user generated content and bring in incremental revenue via online advertising.

Applications designed for LocaModa 3.0 can run on existing digital signage platforms or be installed as part of a complete LocaModa interactive Out-of-Home solution. The platform is ideal for cafes, bars, colleges and public spaces, but can also be used for conferences, conventions and campaigns.

About LocaModa
LocaModa connects people and places. The company's social platform enables people to access and control media in their favorite places, bringing location experiences to the web and web experiences to locations. LocaModa connects people in bars, cafes, colleges, public spaces and conferences.

The company is privately held, headquartered in Massachusetts and founded by Stephen Randall, a former EVP/Founder of Symbian. True to its global vision, LocaModa is internationally backed by Dace Ventures in USA, Mahindra Group in India and Sumitomo Corporation of Japan, via its U.S.-based strategic investing arm, PresidioSTX.

More information: www.locamoda.com

The LocaModa logo is a trademark of LocaModa, Inc.

Media Contact:
Jayne Karolow
Director of Community,
LocaModa Inc.,
617-864-9600 ext 101

Metrofunk.com Launches Bringing Together Celebrities and Trendsetters

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:48:22 GMT

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Nov. 16 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Metrofunk announced today that their invite-only social network built by trendsetters, Metrofunk.com, has officially launched. Metrofunk.com, a site devoted entirely to the genres of nightlife, fashion, music, and film will provide a centralized place for people to gather information on what is hot and trendy in the genres of their interest. This news comes on the heels of their red carpet event last night in conjunction with Stereo's two-year anniversary party where celebrities, industry insiders, and trendsetters alike came together to celebrate the beginning of the Metrofunk movement.

If you drove down 29th street on the west side of Manhattan last night all you would have seen is a bright yellow Lamborghini parked in front of a long red carpet, and a line outside Stereo Nightclub. A line long enough that it really makes one appreciate VIP treatment, exactly what Metrofunk.com gives its users.

Various celebrities came out to celebrate occasion with Metrofunk.com and Stereo. Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz and Gym Class Heroes' Travis McCoy took over the DJ booth before Travis took stage with some friends and performed Gym Class Heroes hit "Cupid's Chokehold." Los Angeles rapper Mickey Avalon also performed his hits, "Jane Fonda" and "My Dick" along with his friends and fellow rappers Dirt Nasty and Andre Legacy. Many other stars like John Mayer, Ashlee Simpson, VH1's Sherrod Small of the Best Week Ever, MTV's Damien Fahey, Aaron Reid of MTV'S My Sweet Sixteen, NYC' DJ Jus Ske, Rapper Ray J, Singer Constantine Maroulis and the famous Naked Cowboy were in the crowd.

Metrofunk.com CEO Han Kao said, "It's been 3-4 days of no sleep juggling infrastructure and technology issues, press and PR, celebrities, investors, partners, promoters, DJs, models, event staff, and much more. But it was all so very worth it. We had a launch party that was beyond perfection, insane proprietary technology, a tight management team, and an overwhelming amount of support from trendsetters from all around the world. As of today we will begin approving trendsetter requests and allow trendsetters across the nightlife, fashion, film, and music industries to start building their own online social followings."

For interview opportunities, footage, or to gain access to www.Metrofunk.com please contact press@metrofunk.com, special media accounts are available as the site is invite only.

About Metrofunk
Metrofunk.com provides industry trendsetters, such as exclusive club promoters, fashion designers, filmmakers, and music artists, the ability to create and build their own individually branded social networks. These branded networks combined with Metrofunk.com's suite of social media tools allow real trendsetters to effectively promote and monetize all their creative works: exclusive events, fashion collections, films, music albums, photos, blogs, and videos.

In order for other users to view and access the content, they must be invited to the site by an existing network. One might compare Metrofunk.com to the Barneys and Saks Fifth Avenue of social networking. All user-generated content is displayed in a popularity-driven manner and categorized under one of Metrofunk.com's four lifestyle verticals (nightlife, fashion, film, and music). The site is designed so the trendsetting community, not hired editors, decide what's hot and what's not.

PHOTOS FOR MEDIA:

*(PHOTO 72dpi: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/07-1117-Metrofunk_72dpi.jpg )

*(PHOTO Caption: Metrofunk.com CEO Han Kao with Travis McCoy of the Gym Class Heroes on the red carpet.)

*(PHOTO 300dpi 4x5": Send2Press.com/photobay/1107MF/ )

Metrofunk's Red Carpet Launch Party at Stereo

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:41:25 GMT

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Nov. 15 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Metrofunk announced today that their invite-only social network built by trendsetters, Metrofunk.com, has officially launched. Metrofunk.com, a site devoted entirely to the genres of nightlife, fashion, music, and film will provide a centralized place for people to gather information on what is hot and trendy in the genres of their interest. This news comes on the heels of their red carpet event last night in conjunction with Stereo's two-year anniversary party where celebrities, industry insiders, and trendsetters alike came together to celebrate the beginning of the Metrofunk movement.

If you drove down 29th street on the west side of Manhattan last night all you would have seen is a bright yellow Lamborghini parked in front of a long red carpet, and a line outside Stereo Nightclub. A line long enough that it really makes one appreciate VIP treatment, exactly what Metrofunk.com gives its users. Various celebrities came out to celebrate occasion with Metrofunk.com and Stereo. Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz and Gym Class Heroes' Travis McCoy took over the DJ booth before Travis took stage with some friends and performed Gym Class Heroes hit "Cupid's Chokehold." Los Angeles rapper Mickey Avalon also performed his hits, "Jane Fonda" and "My Dick" along with his friends and fellow rappers Dirt Nasty and Andre Legacy. Many other stars like Ashlee Simpson, MTV's Damien Fahey, Aaron Reid of MTV'S My Sweet Sixteen, NYC' DJ Jus Ske, Rapper Ray J, Singer Constantine Maroulis and the famous Naked Cowboy were in the crowd. The best part of the night was when John Mayer surprised the crowd and took over the mic and rapped from his table along with Sherrod Small from VH1's Best Week Ever because obviously stars are trendsetters too!

Metrofunk.com CEO Han Kao said, "It's been 3-4 days of no sleep juggling infrastructure and technology issues, press and PR, celebrities, investors, partners, promoters, DJs, models, event staff, and much more. But it was all so very worth it. We had a launch party that was beyond perfection, insane proprietary technology, a tight management team, and an overwhelming amount of support from trendsetters from all around the world. As of today we will begin approving trendsetter requests and allow trendsetters across the nightlife, fashion, film, and music industries to start building their own online social followings."

About Metrofunk.com
Metrofunk.com provides industry trendsetters, such as exclusive club promoters, fashion designers, filmmakers, and music artists, the ability to create and build their own individually branded social networks. These branded networks combined with Metrofunk.com's suite of social media tools allow real trendsetters to effectively promote and monetize all their creative works: exclusive events, fashion collections, films, music albums, photos, blogs, and videos.

In order for other users to view and access the content, they must be invited to the site by an existing network. One might compare Metrofunk.com to the Barneys and Saks Fifth Avenue of social networking. All user-generated content is displayed in a popularity-driven manner and categorized under one of Metrofunk.com's four lifestyle verticals (nightlife, fashion, film, and music). The site is designed so the trendsetting community, not hired editors, decide what's hot and what's not.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Superlife World Service, a New Web Network, Powers Transition to Better World

Thu, 15 Nov 2007 00:00:01 GMT

Featured Experts Show Way to Next Level of Mind, Spirit, Health, Science, Business, and Society

MOUNTAIN LAKES, N.J. - Nov. 15 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Take a deep breath and position your surfboard. A social tsunami is coming. So says Richard W. Samson, founder of Superlife World Service, a web network that makes its debut today. The tsunami, an emerging meta-trend, "will either swamp us or carry us to a whole new future," he predicts.

The Superlife site - www.superlife.ws - will help people ride the wave successfully.

What is the meta-trend or over-arching development? "It's the combined force of accelerating developments in consciousness studies, quantum physics, biotechnology, economic theory and other fields," he says. "The big picture is this: We're rapidly entering a hyper-human age of expanded powers and possibilities. Within our lifetimes, we're moving from life to superlife."

Drawing upon today's best thinking, the Superlife site features videos of experts describing tributary surges toward very positive outcomes, "if we see what's coming and make smart choices," Samson says.

The tributary surges are -

Samson emphasizes that there is an equal chance of disastrous outcomes. "We need to see the tsunami coming so we can ride it."

Featured experts include leaders in medicine, biotechnology, physics, electronics, psychology, sociology, philosophy, religion, business, the arts, community development, and other fields.

Many of the videos are embedded in the site from YouTube and Google Video. "We make the meta-trend clear by aggregating the relevant items all in one place," says Samson. "We also add perspective and action options -- through our articles, forum, and membership roster. Most important, we make the overall synergy visible and accessible."

Joining Superlife - at www.superlife.ws - costs nothing, and there are tools to help members promote their services or solutions. "Worthwhile projects will get a boost through Superlife," Samson says. "Change makers as well as consumers will benefit."

Superlife is an offering of EraNova Institute, a New Jersey think tank directed by Samson.

Samson introduced the concepts of hyper-human skills, hyperjobs, and the hyper-human economy in Futurist Magazine in 2004 and 2005. An expert on mental skills, he has published 10 books and served as consultant to IBM, AT&T, and other leading organizations.