AT&T to Provide Three-Screen Content for 2007 Masters Tournament

Good news, golf fans! AT&T announced this week that you can now enjoy more of the 2007 Masters Tournament as the company launches its first major content initiative across the three screens central to customers' lives: the wireless device, the TV and the PC.

Under an agreement with the Masters, AT&T will provide golf fans with access to Masters previews and daily highlights, live tournament and practice range coverage, player interviews, live updates, links to real-time scoreboards and more. Masters coverage will be available through AT&T blue room, AT&T U-verse^SM TV, AT&T Homezone^SM service, AT&T U-verse OnTheGo, AT&T Broadband TV, and Cingular, now AT&T, wireless service. Live video, including Masters Extra and Amen Corner Live, real-time scoring and additional information is also available on the Masters official Web site, masters.org.

The deal furthers the company's commitment to deliver compelling content across the three screens. AT&T offers customers a wide variety of content through a portfolio of advanced video, broadband and wireless services, bringing customers more of the entertainment they enjoy and strengthening programmers' and advertisers' connections with new and loyal audiences.

"By extending the excitement of the 2007 Masters Tournament across the three screens, AT&T is giving golf fans more ways to enjoy one of the greatest traditions in all of sports," said Dan York, head of content and programming, AT&T Entertainment Services. "As audiences look to get content on the range of digital devices, three-screen entertainment is the future. The Masters recognizes that successful programming translates to all three screens, which AT&T can deliver to consumers, programmers and advertisers."

For more information, check out the AT&T press release.

Verizon Named to Top 50 Companies for Diversity List

DiversityInc has named Verizon Communications to the number six position on the magazine's 2007 Top 50 Companies for Diversity list. Verizon has consistently been among the magazine's top ranked companies for diversity.

"Verizon Communications is much different from the average corporation; it is a true champion of diversity," said Luke Visconti, partner and cofounder of DiversityInc.

This is the first time Verizon Business was included in the application process, along with Verizon's wireline and wireless business groups. Verizon also ranked number three for the recruitment and retention of women and minorities and number eight in recruitment and retention of African-American employees.

The 50 companies, selected from among 317 submissions, were announced during a live video Webcast on March 21.

Verizon established its supplier diversity program more than 20 years ago to create mutually beneficial business relationships with a diverse body of suppliers, a process that strengthens communities and creates value for shareholders. Verizon's goal is to increase year-over-year spending with companies owned and managed by minorities, women, people with disabilities and Vietnam-era and service-disabled veterans. Verizon spent $2.6 billion last year with such businesses.

In March, the Women's Business Enterprise National Council again named Verizon one of the top American corporations for women's business enterprises. The winners were selected on the basis of their world-class supplier diversity programs, which offer equal access for women's business enterprises in competing for, and winning, corporate contracts for goods and services.

The council also named Verizon one of the top American corporations for women's business enterprises in 2006. Also this year, Verizon earned a Top 10 ranking on Black MBA magazine's list of Top 50 Companies for African-American MBAs to Work. In 2006, Verizon was recognized as a leader in workplace practices in numerous benchmarks including BusinessWeek, Working Mother magazine, LatinaStyle and Black Enterprise.

Verizon says that diversity is part of the company's culture and an integral part of its business strategy, which cuts across all business groups and functions—from human resources and supplier relations, to marketing and philanthropy.

Through its philanthropic arm, the Verizon Foundation, Verizon contributed more than $31 million in 2006 to charitable causes and organizations that serve minority communities across the country.

Verizon says depends on the unique talents, perspectives and experiences of all employees in an increasingly competitive marketplace to be a leader in the delivery of broadband and other communication innovations.

Minority employees account for nearly 34 percent of Verizon's work force and make up nearly 38 percent of Verizon's management team. The company's recruitment strategy depends on forming partnerships with colleges and universities as well as professional and community-based organizations. Employees can create their own road map for advancement through mentoring, training, education initiatives, and through development and leadership initiatives that target high-performing employees, with a special focus on identifying women and minorities for developmental opportunities.

For more information, check out the press release DiversityInc Magazine Ranks Verizon No. 6 on Publication's List of Top 50 Companies for Diversity.

Digital Leisure Releases First HD Game Title on Blue-Ray

Game developer Digital Leisure announced this week the release of Dragon's Lair, the first high definition-video game to be offered on Blu-ray disc.

An instant hit in its 1983 arcade debut, Dragon's Lair has now been digitally restored and enhanced with an all-new 5.1 surround sound mix. The video has been transferred directly from the original film and cleaned frame by frame by Digital Leisure and authoring studio Infinite HD. In addition, Dragon's Lair is the first release to be authored in the Blu-ray Java environment, or BD-J, an advanced format that allows users to enjoy a fully arcade-authentic experience.

"I've seen the newly restored footage and it just looks amazing" says Don Bluth, original creator of Dragon's Lair. "It looks even better than I can remember. The visuals, the 5.1 surround sound audio, all I can say is 'Wow!' Now a whole new generation can enjoy Dragon's Lair all over again."

All the special features on the disc are in full 1080p HD, including brand-new interviews with creators Don Bluth, Gary Goldman and Rick Dyer, and even a full-length visual commentary of the game.

Digital Leisure plans to follow up Dragon's Lair Blu-ray with the release of Space Ace and Dragon's Lair II: Time Warp in the Blu-ray format.

Dragon's Lair Blu-ray will be available April 9 at software and movie retailers as well as online.

For more information, check out the press release.

Judge Sides With Verizon Over Vonage

A federal judge dealt a serious blow to Vonage last week that sent the company's stock plunging. U.S. District Court Judge Claude Hilton said he would issue a permanent injunction against the VoIP company that will bar it from using patented technology owned by Verizon Communications.

Hilton said the injunction, which followed a jury decision that Vonage had infringed on three Verizon patents, is required because monetary damages do nothing to "prevent continued erosion of the client base of the plaintiff." However, he won't formally enter the injunction for another two weeks, while he considers Vonage's request for a stay of either 120 days or until its appeal is heard at another hearing that was originally scheduled for Friday, April 6.

Vonage has seen its share price fall 80 percent since its initial public offering last year as a result of legal challenges and heightened competition. Vonage tried to reassure customers concerned by the judge's ruling, just as the company did following the jury decision earlier this month.

"We are confident Vonage customers will not experience service interruptions or other changes as a result of this litigation," Vonage Chief Executive Mike Snyder said in a statement released last week following the judges comments.

According to a recent Dow Jones report, Vonage has been vague in describing how an injunction would affect its services, other than it plans to use a technology "workaround" to avoid infringement of the Verizon patents. They also say that It's relatively common in these cases to keep the solutions under wraps until they are required to be used. Vonage filed a legal brief on the issue under seal.

For more information, check out the Smart Money article Judge Sides With Verizon Over Vonage.

AT&T Awards $500,000 Contribution to After-School All-Stars Program

AT&T recently announced a $500,000 contribution to After-School All-Stars, which targets at-risk middle school children across the country. The contribution will specifically support after-school programs at the San Antonio, Texas and San Diego, Los Angeles and San Jose, California affiliates. The goal of the program is to offer children positive alternatives to drugs, gangs and violence by providing opportunities for them to focus on technology, education, sports and life skills.

Serving 60,000 youth annually through after-school and summer programs in 14 U.S. cities, After-School All-Stars improves the lives of children by providing a place where they can nurture their minds, bodies and spirits through programs that incorporate independent learning, academics and enrichment activities. The AT&T contribution will support the organization's efforts to increase the capacity of the national office in order to provide value-added services to the San Antonio, Texas, and three California affiliates. The contribution will also help to implement a best-practices-sharing program to continually increase program quality and capacity. Since 2004, AT&T has contributed $1,254,000 to the After-School All-Stars program.

In 1990, Arnold Schwarzenegger was appointed to the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and traveled to schools all over the U.S. to promote physical fitness. The following year, Schwarzenegger was invited to serve as executive commissioner of the Inner-City Games (ICG), a project of the Hollenbeck Youth Center in Los Angeles bringing sports programs and events to at-risk kids. Seeing the potential to serve kids nationwide, Schwarzenegger founded the Inner-City Games Foundation (ICGF) and took the program to cities around the nation. In 2003, the ICGF expanded to include not just sports but also after-school and summer programs focusing on academics, homework assistance, community service and life skills. In 2003, the ICGF changed its name to After-School All-Stars.

More than 15 million children in the United States have no place to go after school. Law enforcement has labeled the hours between 3 and 6 p.m. as the "danger zone"—when kids are more likely to engage in activities that involve drugs, alcohol and gang activity, as well as become susceptible to crime and violence. In many instances, the only time children participate in extracurricular activities like physical education, music, drama and community service activities is in after-school programs.

"AT&T is committed to providing educational opportunities for youth. Through this contribution, we hope to help strengthen the future for kids and position them for lifelong success," said Lora Watts, AT&T senior vice president of Customer Events Management and ASAS board member. "We are thankful for the leadership of Governor Schwarzenegger and Governor Perry for supporting programs that build opportunities for our children."

"Education will always be a priority for Texas, and we welcome new ideas and programs that will help all of our youth succeed in the academic arena. We thank the After-School All-Stars organization for bringing this crucial investment to San Antonio and to the many students who will benefit from its after-school programs, tutoring and educational resources," said Texas Gov. Rick Perry. "It takes a community to make a difference in the lives of at-risk students, especially in the teenage years when they are most deeply influenced by the people around them. This program brings those community elements together to do just that."

For more information about the After-School All-Stars program, visit www.afterschoolallstars.org..

Energy-Saving Tips for Refrigerators

Even if you follow all of the energy-saving tips we've posted over the last year, there are still more ways you can cut down on the amount of energy you use and save on your utility bills. Take your refrigerator, for instance. According to Chris Hall, president of RepairClinic.com®, refrigerators are the most attention-deprived household appliance.

"It's true that refrigerators just keep on ticking—often with minimal care—but many problems we see are a result of homeowners not taking simple steps to ensure their refrigerator is operating at peak efficiency," says Hall.

Here are some areas RepairClinic.com say need attention often, and some fixes you can easily implement:

1. Keep the door shut - The refrigerator and freezer door gaskets provide a tight seal to keep the cool in and warm air out. If the gaskets are torn or bent, or if the door isn't closing tightly, the refrigerator will have to work overtime to keep its contents cold.

To avoid this problem, inspect the gaskets all the way around and check for any tears or rips. If the gasket is torn, replace it. If there is a gap where the gasket meets the refrigerator/freezer, you might be able to correct this by loosening the screws that retain the gasket to the door. Then, gently twist the door so that the gasket makes contact, and tighten the screws.

2. Look for dusty coils - The condenser coils on self-defrosting refrigerators are fan-cooled and must be kept clean. Look for black, radiator-like coils underneath the refrigerator -- you may have to remove the toe-kick grill on the front to gain access to them. On older refrigerators, they may be on the back.

To keep them clean, use a special condenser cleaning brush (a long, narrow bristle brush), fitted to your vacuum cleaner to remove deposits from the coils once a year. If you have pets, clean them more often.

3. Don't crowd the appliance - If the refrigerator never seems to stop cooling, there may be inadequate clearance around the appliance, restricting airflow to the cooling coils.

If the condenser coils on your fridge are on the back, make sure there's at least one inch between them and the wall behind the unit. If they are underneath, make sure the bottom front of the refrigerator is clear so that cool air can reach them.

For additional maintenance and cleaning tips, as well as more information about RepairClinic.com, check out the press release RepairClinic.com Publishes Energy-Saving Tips for Refrigerators.

Business Customer Satisfaction With Electric Utilities Reaches All-Time High

Improving for a third consecutive year, business customer satisfaction with electric utility providers has reached historically high levels, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Electric Utility Business Customer Satisfaction Study^SM released today. The study's nationwide customer satisfaction index has increased considerably—from 667 points on a 1,000-point scale in 2006 to 690 in 2007.

Utilities are doing a great job in offering price and customer service options, both of which improve customer satisfaction," said Alan Destribats, vice president of the energy utility practice at J.D. Power and Associates. "In addition, utilities are now focused on talking directly to their business customers via proactive telephone contacts and on-site visits. Business customers have responded positively to this attention."

The study is based on interviews with representatives of more than 12,900 U.S. businesses that spend between $500 and $50,000 monthly on electricity. Overall customer satisfaction is measured through six factors: power quality and reliability, customer service, company image, billing and payment, price, and communications.

Businesses served by the largest 55 electric utilities in the United States rate their experiences better across all components in 2007, with price and communications attributes registering the largest increases.

For more information, check out the press release J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Satisfaction of Business Customers With Electric Utilities Reaches All-Time High.

Baseball is Back on XM Radio

Baseball has long been regarded as the sport best suited to radio. The pace of the game allows legendary announcers like Vin Scully and Bob Uecker to "paint the picture" in the listener's mind.

Americans have been tuning into baseball on the radio ever since Pittsburgh's KDKA became the first station to air the game 85 years ago. Historically, you could hear the home team on a local station, and with some effort, you could pick up a game from a different city through the crackle.

But now, thanks to XM Satellite Radio, Major League Baseball fans can listen to every game for every team on the radio. XM airs the full line-up of 2,400-plus MLB games every season from Opening Night to the final game of the World Series. XM customers hear the games live and nationwide on satellite radios for the car, home, office, and portable use.

No matter where they live, baseball fans can listen to Scully calling a Dodgers game from Los Angeles, then turn the XM dial to hear Uecker wax profound about Milwaukee, then flip to Joe Castiglione live at Fenway Park in Boston.

For Opening Night on April 1, the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals will host the New York Mets at Busch Stadium. Fans across the U.S. can hear the hometown broadcasts for each team and the ESPN Radio broadcast on three separate XM channels. The day before, XM will air the inaugural Civil Rights Game in Memphis, an exhibition game featuring the Cardinals and the Cleveland Indians.

To celebrate the season's start, XM will launch a special radio channel called Play Ball!. The channel will feature a rich mix of music and vintage audio that captures the spirit of Opening Day. XM is digging deep into its musical library for gems like Ruth Brown's R&B stomp "Baseball Boogie" and favorites like Terry Cashman's "Talkin' Baseball." Listeners will hear spoken-word treasures like Abbott & Costello's "Who's on First," James Earl Jones' dramatic reading of "Casey at the Bat," and archival recordings of classic baseball calls. The channel will play the baseball-themed episode of Bob Dylan's XM show "Theme Time Radio Hour," which was added to the archive of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006. XM's "Baseball Confidential," featuring candid conversations with legends of the game, will also be featured. The Play Ball! channel will air on XM from March 30 to April 2 on XM Channel 200.

In addition to the full schedule of games, XM has the nation's only 24- hour talk radio channel devoted to baseball. MLB Home Plate (XM Channel 175) covers every aspect of the sport 365 days a year with call-in shows, round- the-clock news updates, and exclusive interviews.

Cal Ripken, Jr., who will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in July, hosts the show "Ripken Baseball" on MLB Home Plate with his brother and fellow major league veteran Billy Ripken.

XM also offers Spanish play-by-play game coverage and baseball talk on the channel MLB En Espanol.

"Major League Baseball is the ultimate radio sport, and XM is the ultimate place to hear all the games on the radio," said Eric Logan, executive vice president, programming, XM Satellite Radio. "A lot of the appeal of baseball on XM stems from the fact that displaced fans can hear their favorite teams from a thousand miles away. You can hear John Sterling calling the game at Yankee Stadium, whether you live in Manhattan or Miami. For people who love the sport like we do, XM's got the games, the news, and the analysis you can't hear anyplace else."

For more information, check out the XM press release.

Netflix Reaches Service Milestone wtih Delivery of One Billionth DVD

Netflix said it recently delivered the one billionth DVD since the company's subscription service was launched in September 1999. The milestone was reached on Feb. 24, when the drama Babel arrived at the home of a subscriber in Helotes, Texas, from Netflix's distribution center in Houston.

Netflix said it viewed the one billionth delivery as symbolic of the company's rapid subscriber growth, high levels of customer satisfaction and a record of operational excellence. Netflix's service is widely recognized as among the best and most reliable in Internet commerce and has for four consecutive polls been named the number one Web site for customer satisfaction by the independent researchers ForeSee Results and FGI Research.

The company said it would give the recipient of the milestone DVD a free lifetime membership to Netflix and would also mark the occasion with an update to the theme line of its current TV advertising campaign, which will now read "Over one billion movies delivered so far. Zero late fees."

The one billion deliveries span a movie library that now numbers 70,000 titles. On September 23, 1999, the day Netflix inaugurated its subscription service from a small warehouse in San Jose, Calif., the title count was barely north of 2,000. Subscriber destinations that day included Tucson, Arizona (True Crime), Annapolis, Maryland (Analyze This) and Pottstown, Pennsylvania (Dr. Strangelove). Today, Netflix serves more than 6.3 million subscribers and ships approximately 1.5 million of its trademark red mailers per day from 42 distribution centers geographically dispersed across the United States.

"A billion of anything is a lot and it's certainly a nice round number," said Reed Hastings, co-founder and CEO of Netflix. "What it really says to us, however, is that we've been lucky to have such supportive customers over the last seven years and that we've provided them with a distinctive customer experience."

The road to a billion deliveries passed a number of markers. The company delivered its 100,000th DVD in October 1999, its one millionth the following month and its 100 millionth in May 2003. Over the years, the service's five most frequently rented movies have been, in order, Crash, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Walk the Line, Hotel Rwanda, and Million Dollar Baby.

For more information, check out the press release One Billion & Counting: Netflix Reaches Service Milestone With Delivery of One Billionth DVD Since Launch of Business.

NSTAR Proposes 26 Percent Price Cut for Natural Gas

NSTAR is looking to lower summer natural gas prices by 26 percent this May. The company has submitted a summer rate of 87 cents per therm, down from last summer's cost of $1.19. If approved by the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy, the price cut will save the average NSTAR Gas heating customer about $12 a month.

"Higher inventories of natural gas have helped hold the line on increasing prices and we're always pleased when we can pass on such significant savings to our customers," said Thomas J. May, NSTAR Chairman, President and CEO. "While energy supply prices remain higher than we'd all like to see, clearly a 26 percent drop is welcome news."

If the proposed cost is approved, the average NSTAR Gas heating customer using 38 therms of gas a month between May and October will pay approximately $56 a month, down from $68 last summer. The average NSTAR Gas non-heating customer using 12 therms of gas a month will pay about $24 a month, down from $28.

The Cost of Gas Adjustment reflects a six-month forecast for the price of natural gas, with no profit made by NSTAR on this charge. The proposed rate reflects normal differences between winter and summer prices and the continued volatility of fuel prices on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX).

NSTAR transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas to 1.4 million customers in Eastern and Central Massachusetts, including over one million electric customers in 81 communities and nearly 300,000 gas customers in 51 communities.

For more information, check out the NSTAR press release.