Verizon Offers Free Holiday Calling for U.S. Troops in Iraq

Verizon recently announced that, in a move similar to AT&T, the company will be helping U.S. troops and their families stay in touch during the holiday season. For the fourth consecutive year, Verizon Business will provide free phone calls for U.S. Armed Forces personnel stationed in Iraq. The calls will be provided from Nov. 22 through 28 and from Dec. 22 through Jan. 2.

"For our troops stationed far away from home, hearing the sound of a loved-one's voice can go a long way to lift the spirits during the holidays,'' said Jerry Edgerton, group president for Verizon Federal, the sales organization within Verizon Business dedicated to serving federal government customers. "Verizon Business has made it a tradition to help the troops stay connected during the holiday season as a gesture of appreciation for the sacrifices they make daily."

In addition to a mobile communications facility outfitted with phones to allow military personnel to make calls,  Verizon Business makes technology, resources and employee support available to military personnel and their families around the world.

Verizon Business also is supporting the USO of Metropolitan Washington on Dec. 17 at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, by hosting a Verizon Business Phone Home for the Holidays program in conjunction with the USO's holiday event.  Verizon Business will deploy one of its mobile emergency communications vehicles to allow troops and their families to make free local, long-distance and international calls as well as send e-mails.

RadioShack Launches New Online Consumer Electronics Courses

RadioShack recently announced the launch of four new online consumer electronics educational courses through the RadioShack Learning Center at http://learningcenter.radioshack.com. Completely free, the courses are designed to allow consumers to learn about technology in an interactive, self-paced format.

"Since the launch of the RadioShack Learning Center in October, we have seen a lot of consumer excitement and interest in these classes," said Cara Kinzey, RadioShack's senior vice president-information technologies. "We know more consumers than ever are researching their technology purchases online before they shop, and the November courses cover some of the most popular product categories we offer. No doubt a major reason why this initiative has been so well received is that it taps a prevalent need for something RadioShack is known for: helping people get the most out of technology in every neighborhood in America."

New courses being added for November include: Digital & Wireless Accessories for Your Car, The Wireless Mobile Office, Designing the Ultimate Home Theater and Digital Music Essentials. November courses are available for enrollment through December 8.

The free courses are moderated and taught by subject matter experts from across the country, including award-winning authors, technology leaders and technology professionals. Powered Inc., which worked with RadioShack to develop and host the course content at the new RadioShack Learning Center, is a provider of online consumer education programs for some of the world's leading brands, including HP and Sony.

Yahoo! Poll: Three out of Four Holiday Shoppers Will Buy Gifts Online

Three out of four (76 percent) holiday shoppers said they plan to shop for holiday gifts online, and a similar number, 75 percent, said they are likely to purchase gifts online from small businesses, according to a new survey commissioned by Yahoo! Small Business and conducted by Harris Interactive®. Survey respondents expressed strong support for e-commerce with small businesses that offer a secure payment system, easy customer checkout and free shipping.

Nearly a third of holiday shoppers (30 percent) said that they would do half or more of their holiday shopping online, and nearly two thirds (63 percent) said online specialty, 'niche,' or boutique retailers are one of the "best places" to shop for unusual or hard-to-find gifts.

"Many consumers rely on small businesses that are online during the holiday shopping season because they offer variety, value and unique gifts that aren't always available in stores," said Rich Riley, vice president and general manager of Yahoo! Small Business, the division of Yahoo! that powers more than 40,000 online stores. "The survey shows that shoppers have high expectations, but also high confidence in buying holiday gifts online with small businesses."

The nationwide survey of 2,766 U.S. online adults is being released in advance of the beginning of the peak holiday shopping season. The survey, conducted in late October, measured sentiment among the general online adult population about holiday shopping online.

For more information, check out the Yahoo! press release.

AT&T Offers Free Calls for Miltary Members Overseas During the Holidays

AT&T recently announced that it is working with United Service Organizations Inc. (USO) to distribute an additional 10,000 free prepaid phone cards to U.S. military members overseas in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East this holiday season. This is the third batch contributing to more than 30,000 prepaid phone cards— valued at $270,000— that AT&T has donated to the U.S. military in 2006.

This holiday phone card donation follows military donations made in honor of the Father's Day and July Fourth holidays. It is the company's third and final wave of donated prepaid cards this year and will be distributed to troops this holiday season in two ways: AT&T will hand out roughly half of the cards to troops on military bases in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Spain, and the USO will assist with the rest through USO distribution centers in South Korea, Japan Germany and Italy.

Distribution of the phone cards is already under way so that troops will have them in time for Thanksgiving, a peak time for phoning home from military calling centers, according to AT&T. According to the USO, the number one item requested by military personnel is a prepaid calling card. The phone card donation follows the company's $250,000 sponsorship of the USO's celebrity entertainment program this year.

"Many military members will be away from their loved ones on Thanksgiving and through the December holiday season, a time typically focused on families spending time together here at home," said Cathy Martine, senior vice president-AT&T National Mass Markets. "We want to help connect these families as the holidays approach— and to honor the many men and women who sacrifice so much."

If you would like to donate phone cards to deployed service members, visit the USO's Operation Phone Home??.

Comcast Gives Its Customers Happy Feet

Comcast digital cable and high-speed Internet customers can get a sneak peek at the penguin stars of the new movie Happy Feet with exclusive content available 24x7 on Comcast's ON DEMAND service and on Comcast.net, its broadband portal.

The comedy adventure, Happy Feet, from Warner Bros. Pictures, debuts in theaters November 17. In the great nation of Emperor Penguins, deep in Antarctica, you're nobody unless you can sing-which is unfortunate for Mumble, who is the worst singer in the world. He is born dancing to his own tune - tap dancing. Mumble's mom, Norma Jean, thinks this little habit is cute, but his dad, Memphis, says "it just ain't penguin." Besides, they both know that, without a Heartsong, Mumble may never find true love. Leaving home, Mumble meets the Adelie Amigos, led by Ramon. The Adelies invite Mumble to party with them in Adelie Land, where Mumble seeks the counsel of Lovelace the Guru, a crazy-feathered Rockhopper penguin who will answer any of life's questions for the price of a pebble. Together with Lovelace and the Amigos, Mumble sets out across vast landscapes and, after some epic encounters, proves that by being true to yourself, you can make all the difference in the world.

Comcast offers fans a variety of exclusive Happy Feet entertainment on its signature video-on-demand service and award-winning portal, including:

• A Dancing Lesson with Savion Glover - Glover, an award-winning tap dancer who has starred in musicals, such as "The Tap Dance Kid" and "Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk," gives home audience members step-by-step instruction on how to do the tap with Mumble in his "I WISH" solo. As Savion teaches the entire routine, he gives away hints and tricks of his own to make learning easier. Clips of Mumble's dance help guide viewers to perfecting his moves.

• "Somebody To Love" Music Video - Viewers can enjoy special behind-the-scenes footage of Brittany Murphy, the voice of Gloria in Happy Feet, performing "Somebody To Love" from the Happy Feet soundtrack and talking about her animated, on-screen alter-ego.

• The Amigos Spanish Lesson 101 - Happy Feet fans can learn some key Spanish words and phrases from the film, taught by the Adelie Amigos, a group of un-Emperor-like penguins Mumble meets when he ventures away from the Emperor Nation.

• Penguin Environment Trivia - As the audience watches penguins in their natural habitat, Mumble shares interesting facts about life in Antarctica.

Comcast high-speed Internet customers also can download Happy Feet mobile tones and wallpapers for no additional charge.

In addition to the Happy Feet content, Comcast's ON DEMAND service offers a growing library of more than 8,000 programs each month, including 100 hours of high-definition content. Customers can watch programs any time they want to watch them - with the ability to fast forward, rewind and pause selections. Comcast.net, an online portal for the company's 11 million high-speed Internet customers, provides communications tools, search functionality, entertainment and information content, as well as account management functionality. The portal also features T online media player, which streams thousands of video clips related to news, entertainment, games, shopping, travel and other content that consumers want to view online.

AT&T Is Calling All Aspiring Caddies for the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am

Casting calls are familiar to many celebrities who participate in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, but a "caddie call" has an altogether different script. The "AT&T Caddie Call" is a program that will give fans a chance to show their golf knowledge and enter a sweepstakes for a chance to caddie for PGA Tour professional Camilo Villegas during a practice round the week of the 2007 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.

Fans enter by going online to participate in the AT&T Caddie Call—an interactive game where they must answer questions on the rules of golf. Questions will be presented as a computer simulation or video footage. Those who answer all nine multiple-choice questions correctly are entered into a sweepstakes to caddie for Camilo.

The grand prize includes airfare, hotel accommodations and passes to the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, as well as the opportunity to caddie for Camilo during a practice round. Other golf fans who enter can win AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am merchandise and autographed memorabilia from Camilo.

The 2007 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am will be held from Feb. 5 to 11, 2007. You can read this AT&T press release to find out how to play.

EMBARQ Donates Computers, High-Speed Internet To Single Marine Organization at Parris Island

EMBARQ recently presented the Single Marine Center at Parris Island a technology donation of more than $6,000, including multi-media computers, other equipment, and EMBARQ high-speed Internet DSL service.

"EMBARQ and our predecessor companies always have made support of our military personnel a priority," Green said. "When we consider everything our military personnel do for our nation's security, we believe it is important to do what we can for them."

According to Linda Green, EMBARQ's public affairs manager, EMBARQ and its predecessor companies have provided educational scholarships to dependents of military personnel for many years at military installations in the Carolinas. Some 28 $1,000 scholarships were presented earlier this year at six bases, including Marine Corps Air Station-Beaufort. The company's investment in those scholarships totals more than $1.5 million over the last 20 years.

EMBARQ also provided computers and high-speed Internet access to Tri-Command Military Housing at Edisto Woods Community Center and Dotcom Café in December 2004 through the company's Internet Connection Program.

Qwest Communications Teams Up with the Minnesota Vikings

Qwest Communications and the Minnesota Vikings recently announced a new sponsorship agreement that names Qwest the "Official Communications Services Provider of the Minnesota Vikings." Per the new agreement, communications services for the Vikings training facility in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, will be exclusively provided and maintained by Qwest.

"We are very pleased to announce we are partnering with a world-class organization such as Qwest," said Steve LaCroix, Minnesota Vikings vice president, sales and marketing. " 'The Vikings' training facility will be set up exclusively with Qwest services, which will allow staff and players to enjoy the ease, convenience and reliability of Qwest high-speed Internet, DIRECTV® service and Qwest Digital Voice."

In addition to recognition as the official communications services provider of the Minnesota Vikings, the agreement includes Qwest's increased support for local Vikings charities and community events in Minnesota.

For the 2007-2008 season, Qwest will co-sponsor the Viking Children's Fund Golf Tournament, which benefits the team's in-house charity, and will be the title sponsor of "Vikings Community Tuesdays," the community outreach efforts led by Minnesota Vikings players.

"Qwest is proud to be a sponsor of the Minnesota Vikings, and —through our world-class communications services — help bring more football to the Vikings' training facility and Minnesota communities," said John Stanoch, Qwest Minnesota state president. "Qwest is also thrilled to work with the Vikings to promote community programs and charitable activities. We look forward to a solid partnership with the Vikings — a win not only for Qwest, but also for Vikings fans and Minnesotans."

For more information, check out the press release Qwest Communications and Minnesota Vikings Strike Strategic Agreement for Communications Services.

TXU Gives Tips for Safe Holiday Lighting

With Thanksgiving only a week away, many people have started taking decorations out of the attic and untangling last year's lights to prepare for holiday decorating. In response, TXU Electric Delivery is urging all consumers to take time to review some simple electric safety rules before hanging indoor and outdoor electric lights.

"Holiday lighting is one of the great pleasures of this time of year," said Rob Trimble, president and chief operating officer, TXU Electric Delivery. "To make sure this is an accident-free holiday, please observe some simple precautions when putting up lights and decorations. Our goal is for everyone to have a safe and happy holiday season. Take time to be careful."

Before adding holiday lighting to your home or business, TXU suggests you remember the following:

• While up on the rooftop, stay away from electric lines to avoid electric shock. Keep tools and ladders away, too.
• Choose the right holiday lights. Choose only Underwriters Laboratory-approved lighting.
• Know the ins and outs. Before using lights outdoors, be sure they're rated for exterior use.
• Give lights the once-over. Assure that light cords are not worn and that sockets are not chipped.
• Watch your step. Keep wires away from walkways. Don't run cords beneath carpets.
• Use proper light clips. Never use staples to support holiday lights.
• More is not always better. Be careful not to overload electric outlets.
• Turn off the lights when you leave. And make sure they're off when you go to bed.

I would also suggest not getting into a National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation-style decorating war with your neighbors. Follow these great tips and you will be well on your way to a safe and happy holiday season!

Sprint Awarded "'Marketing y Medios' Marketer of the Year for 2006"

Sprint Nextel this past weekend by Marketing y Medios, a leading publication that covers Hispanic-targeted marketing, advertising and media, as "'Marketing y Medios' Marketer of the Year for 2006," an award given to an elite group of companies that have demonstrated exemplary marketing to the Hispanic community. Sprint received this award at a celebration event held in conjunction with the ANA Multicultural Marketing Conference in Los Angeles.

The editors of Adweek's Marketing y Medios looked at the outstanding individuals who have made inroads into the U.S. Hispanic marketplace on behalf of their respective companies, looking at current strategies, planning, grass-roots marketing and an entrepreneurial spirit that sets marketers apart from competitors. Isaac Mizrahi, director of multicultural marketing for Sprint, was presented the award on behalf of the company.

"What an honor it is to be recognized by Marketing y Medios for focusing on a growing and very important market, one that is not only important to Sprint but that is helping shape the very framework of our country," said Mizrahi. "Wireless services are changing the way we live, work and play, and Sprint is at the forefront of providing the Hispanic community with innovative products and services, giving customers the power to do more in more places."

In addition to being the first carrier to introduce a live Spanish TV service for wireless phones earlier this year with the launch of Sprint TV En Vivo, Sprint is actively demonstrating its commitment to the Hispanic community through two high-profile Latin music sponsorships that deliver Latin music fans with unique, Spanish-language wireless content, delivered via the high-speed Sprint Power Vision(SM) Network.

• Sprint is a title sponsor of the 2007 U.S. Tour of MANÁ, one of the hottest Mexican rock bands of all times. Exclusive content was made available via the Sprint Power Vision(SM) Network in August.
• Sprint is also a sponsor of a new venture with Bad Boy Latino, a music label created by Emilio Estefan and Sean "Diddy" Combs that showcases emerging Latino artists and is distributed by Warner Music Group. Sprint introduced ChristianDaniel, the first Bad Boy Latino artist, by making his single release, titled Dónde Quedarán, video and the self-titled album available on the Sprint Power Vision(SM) Network two weeks before wider commercial distribution - a first in the U.S. mobile space.

In September, Sprint was honored by the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), the largest and most influential advocate for Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States. Sprint was named its 2006 "Corporation of the Year," receiving the President's Award, the highest award bestowed on any company by the USHCC.

Sprint has been widely recognized for its commitment to inclusion and diversity. In addition to the Marketing y Medios and USHCC awards, Sprint has received recognition from Black MBA Magazine, DiversityBusiness.com, DiversityInc., Hispanic Magazine, Hispanic Network Magazine, the Human Rights Campaign, the Kansas City Asian American Chamber of Commerce, the Minority Business and Professional Network, the Northern Virginia Urban League and PR News.