SoCal Open Houses for PopSci winner TRUFOCALS, Breakthrough Eyewear Technology

LOS ANGELES / Brentwood, Nov. 19 invitation:   reviewPC2009-LA

ORANGE COUNTY / Costa Mesa, Nov. 21 invitation:   reviewPC2009-OC

GREENBUILD 09: American Clay Earth Plaster Announces Potential Energy Savings Generated by Clay Plaster Walls, Results of Yearlong Experiment

American Clay Greenbuild Booth Features New Lime-Based Samples, Demo Wall, and Commercial-Use Product Enjarre

Albuquerque, NM (November, 2009) – Award-winning, patented American Clay Enterprises returns to the Greenbuild International Expo, announcing the positive results-to-date of its year-long, ongoing energy savings experiment launched at Greenbuild 08.  A press conference will be held on Weds., Nov. 11 at 12:00pm in the Press Conference Room (#126B) ; lunch will be served. The all-natural, sustainable and healthy earth plasters for walls appear to provide, on average, more temperature stability than paint in a room, and thereby energy savings. For the November 10-13, 2009, event, American Clay will exhibit in booth #3754 at the Phoenix (AZ) Convention Center.  At this space, they will have a R&D section representing new lime materials and techniques, a section with artistic panels, and ongoing demo area with their products, in which anyone can participate.

The ongoing experiment, called “Dynamic Solar”, has been conducted at the American Clay facility in Albuquerque, NM, with the data in the data logger downloaded once a week.  Each unit was tested for temperature (F) and relative humidity (RH) using a Spectrum 2000 data logger with one monitoring ambient condition directly next to the test units. By comparing these, one can determine how much energy will be needed to keep a building comfortable, and then start shifting conditions to determine how to maximize energy savings. The experiment was created in response to American Clay clients who claimed energy savings after remodeling with their patented earth plasters.

 

The five identical test structures, 7’h x 8’w x 5’d, were built using modern framing construction with R13 fiberglass bat insulation, and one door each.  They break down in this way:

• One has cement stucco exterior with interior paint.
• One has vinyl siding exterior and interior paint.
• One has cement stucco exterior with American Clay interior plaster.
• One has vinyl siding exterior with American Clay interior plaster.

Results-to-date:

• During the hottest times of the day, the test unit with clay interior are colder, on average, than the test structures with paint interior

• During the coldest times of the day, the test unit with clay interior are warmer, on average, than the test units with paint interior

• Paint interior test units have a greater fluctuation during the hottest and coldest times of the day compared to the clay interior test structures

• Regardless of the season, the test structures with clay interior maintain a more stable interior temperature compared to the test structures with paint interior

• To insure that the test units’ position was not skewing results, the test units were rotated in August to shift exposure positions. This produced no change in results.

“As the tests progressed, I was surprised at the overall results,” says Croft Elsaesser, American Clay co-Founder and CEO.  “I expected a 2% variation.  Instead we seem to be leveling off at 6%.  This has the ability to really make a difference when considering the potential impact on a large scale.  Our next challenge is being able to quantify the actual savings this could mean to our customers.”

The internationally-recognized Greenbuild Expo (www.greenbuildexpo.org) presents the perfect opportunity to showcase how a consistently customer-service focused company–which produces a recognized, thoroughly sustainable product for building and design–continually listens to its clients, tests itself, and innovates.

At their booth, American Clay will be sharing new products in its “R&D” area, as well as showcasing artistic panels of the clay plaster prepared by Elsaesser. They will also have their signature demo area, with their three original formulations and the commercially-directed, single-coat ENJARRE, which just expanded its color palette to offer the same options as the Loma formulation.  ENJARRE has become a popular product for the company this year, and at less than $.50 per square foot to contractors, with color and binder inclusive, it gives builders a product that helps provide top indoor air quality and beauty–and can contribute toward up to seven LEED points (five in most areas)–at a very competitive price.

American Clay’s mission is to better the planet, through their commitment to healthy solutions for beautiful, calm, and healthy environments.  To that end, some in-house energy saving methods include:

• Their manufacturing uses low inherent energy to produce our products.
• They use no water in manufacturing.
• Plaster is shipped dry to save shipping energy and cost.

ABOUT AMERICAN CLAY ENTERPRISES, INC:

American Clay produces patented, award-winning, all-natural interior wall finishing products.  Their Earth Plasters and the commercial ENJARRE single coat plaster are a unique combination of clays, aggregates and natural pigments that offer builders and consumers a natural and elegant option. There is no off-gassing nor inherent waste on-site.  The plasters contain zero VOCs, are non-flammable, are mold resisting (without toxic fungicides), absorb odors, provide temperature and humidity buffering, repair/clean easily and come in recyclable packaging. American Clay, with an extremely low carbon footprint, is uniquely manufactured in and made of materials found in the U.S. American Clay Enterprises, Inc., is based in Albuquerque, NM, and its products are patent pending.  The product and various workshops are available through their New Mexico office or through one of the growing number of retailers and distributors across the U.S.  The website, www.americanclay.com, offers information on products, ordering, technical specifications, product application and additional resources and links.

U.S. PAT No. 7,485,186 B2

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Entt. Biz Leader Emilio Diez Barroso is New Chair for Global NonProf that Supplies Books, Libraries, Schools

NON-PROFIT ‘THE WORLD IS JUST A BOOK AWAY’ APPOINTS LEADING BUSINESSMAN EMILIO DIEZ BARROSO AS NEW CHAIR

TWIJABA WILL END INAUGURAL YEAR PROVIDING OVER 10,000 CHILDREN WITH BOOKS AND LIBRARIES

Los Angeles, CA, USA (November 2009) – Non-profit organization The World Is Just A Book Away (TWIJABA)—which supplies books, and builds libraries and schools for children in developing countries—is honored to announce Emilio Diez Barroso as its new Chairman.  Overseeing an impressive Board gathered over the organization’s successful inaugural year and a half by Founder James J. Owens, Diez Barroso’s impressive resume, business acumen and contacts make him a premiere choice to lead the next phase. Chairman and Founder of NALA Investments, LLC, Diez Barroso is recognized as one of the most powerful Latinos by Poder Magazine (2009) and The Hollywood Reporter (2007).

“It is an honor and pleasure to be involved with The World is Just a Book Away,” says Diez Barroso, who is also an avid reader. “I believe in the vision of its founder, James Owens, and what the organization stands for. This is an opportunity to leverage my resources and collaborate with a great group of people with the intention of bringing value through books to the lives of children.”

Diez Barroso’s company is a private investment holding company with operations across various industries including communications, transportation, energy, consumer products, real estate, IT infrastructure, media and entertainment. He has held senior level positions and sat on the board of most NALA owned businesses including most recently NALA Films, a production company that produces and finances feature films, television content, and new media.  Diez Barroso was raised in a highly successful business world:  his family created the two largest Spanish-language media companies in the world, Televisa (NYSE:TV) and Univision (NYSE:UVN),

He has been recognized with multiple awards in Latin America and currently sits on the board of directors of Summit Entertainment, a worldwide theatrical motion picture production and distribution studio; of MLA Partner Schools, a non-profit organization working to improve schools and empower neighborhoods in some of the most disenfranchised communities in Los Angeles; and Affinity Mobile, LLC, a telecommunications solutions provider, to name a few.

The continued mission of The World Is Just A Book Away (www.JustABookAway.com) is to bring hope—in the form of books, libraries, and schools—to thousands of children in developing countries. The program was launched in Sidoarjo, Indonesia, site of the mudflow disaster that displaced more than 60,000 people and destroyed many schools.  By the end of 2009, TWIJABA’s first year: 10,000-plus children will have access to books, 20,000-plus books will be provided, 22 school libraries will be built, and one Mobile library will serve an additional 28 schools.

Diez Barroso, who reads two to four books each month and calls The Alchemist “one of the most impactful books for me”, is looking forward to picking up on Owens’ momentum and accomplishments. “I want to have a positive impact in everything we do, from our internal meetings to our outreach to the communities we touch. I want to help grow the organization into a self-sustained entity with a qualified team executing on every front and secure stable funding sources that allow us to implement long term strategies.”

TWIJABA has attracted a strong and varied list of supporters across business, entertainment and academia. Advisory Board members include Jenny Ming, former President of Old Navy and one of Fortune magazine’s “50 Most Powerful Women in American Business”; Jim Ellis, Dean of the USC Marshall School of Business; and Tim Monich, highly-respected dialect coach of Hollywood.  Prominent non-Board supporters include Queen Noor Al-Hussein, Desmond Tutu, Jane Goodall, Lois and Buzz Aldrin, Shirin Ebadi (2003 Nobel Peace Prize), Yo-Yo Ma, Muhammad Yunus, and the late Natasha Richardson.

The non-profit also enjoys the enthusiastic support of students and young professionals, dispelling the idea that being on a Board is restricted to the over 40 age group.  TWIJABA’s Board has members in their 30s, and Owens created the “Ambassadors” program as a stepping stone for the younger participants.

With Diez Barroso taking on the day-to-day Chairmanship, Owens is able to focus on the overriding mission of TWIJABA and attend significant events where he is invited to participate, and spread the word about his organization. The first weekend in November, he will attend “Festival of Thinkers” in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which brings thinkers together from across the world to share ideas, foster thinking, and inspire college-age men and women in the region.  In March, he attended Education Without Borders 2009 Conference in Dubai, UAE, as a Distinguished Guest and Mentor. Owens, who is assistant professor of clinical management communication at the USC Marshall School of Business Center for Management Communication, is also focused on the completion of his book featuring submissions from more than 70 of the world’s most prominent people about their love of reading and books that inspired them.  He plans to donate all the profits from the future book sales to non-profits, including TWIJABA.

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American Clay / Press Conf @ Greenbuild re: Energy Savings Experiment

******* MEDIA ALERT *******

WHAT: American Clay Enterprises will host a press conference about their energy savings experiment, at the GREENBUILD International Conference & Expo. The reasons, the procedure, the science used and the results-to-date will be presented, with handouts, by American Clay CEO and co-Founder Croft Elsaesser. Last year at Greenbuild 2008, American Clay launched a yearlong experiment whereby they created multiple testing units to gather information about the energy savings, and therefore potential monetary savings, which customers of American Clay have reported in their remodeled homes.
They have also just launched a foray into China, and will discuss that as well.
The first U.S. based, U.S. made earth plaster finish, American Clay has the lowest carbon footprint per pound of any commercially produced wall finish.

WHY: Award-winning and newly patented American Clay–model of a ‘new economy’ green business in mission, product and business issues– produces the all natural, healthy, and beautiful, interior plaster finish for walls/ceilings. The plaster is non-flammable, gives additional masonry mass in rooms, resists mold growth (tested and proven), absorbs sound, and repairs/cleans easily. (www.americanclay.com)

WHEN: Weds., Nov. 11, 2009 — 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Conference runs Nov. 11-13.

WHERE: Press Conference Room
Greenbuild Int’l. Conference and Expo
Phoenix Convention Center
Phoenix, AZ

Please also visit American Clay’s booth #3754 during the show.

WHO: To schedule an interview with American Clay’s co-Founders–CEO Croft Elsaesser or Chief Vision Officer (CVO) Carol Baumgartel–please contact Julie Du Brow at 310-821-2463 ofc (in advance) or 310-922-1301 cell (at Greenbuild) or via email at julie@dubroworks.com.

ABOUT AMERICAN CLAY ENTERPRISES, INC:
American Clay produces patented, award-winning, all-natural interior wall finishing products. Their Earth Plasters and the commercial ENJARRE single coat plaster are a unique combination of clays, aggregates and natural pigments that offer builders and consumers a natural and elegant option. There is no off-gassing nor inherent waste on-site. The plasters contain zero VOCs, are non-flammable, are mold resisting (without toxic fungicides), absorb odors, provide temperature and humidity buffering, repair/clean easily and come in recyclable packaging. American Clay, with an extremely low carbon footprint, is uniquely manufactured in and made of materials found in the U.S. American Clay Enterprises, Inc., is based in Albuquerque, NM, and its products are patent pending. The product and various workshops are available through their New Mexico office or through one of the growing number of retailers and distributors across the U.S. The website, www.americanclay.com, offers information on products, ordering, technical specifications, product application and additional resources and links.
U.S. PAT No. 7,485,186 B2

Sat. 10/24, 11amPST / American Clay on LATalkRadio.com

American Clay’s VP of Mktg and co-Founder Carol Baumgartel will be on the newly dubbed “Good Green Witch” show (formerly Green N Easy Living) on LATalkRadio.com.

DATE: Sat., Oct. 24 TIME: 11:00am PST (live)

HOW: www.latalkradio.com, and click on the “Good Green Witch” show (there’s a spot to click on to hear live). Then can ask questions via Skype or calling in at (323) 203-0815.

WHY: Will be discussing how there’s No Turning Back as the umbrella topic. - political - small business - lifestyle - green in luxury building: Then again, with Rhonda and her partner Johnny — and Carol — you never know what turn the livley conversation will take!

About the show: Rhonda DeFelice, author of Good Green Witch, hosts this informative show featuring real ideas to create a “Greener” lifestyle. Join her every week as she shares simple ways to be “Green” while saving money.

www.americanclay.com

Barclay Butera Home Offers Quite Sophistication in Debut of ‘Gramercy Park Collection’ at Fall High Point Market

ON HEELS OF DESIGNING THE FIRST ROOM IN OVER 50 YEARS AT FAMED HEARST CASTLE, BUTERA ADDS ‘SAN SIMEON CHAIR’ TO COLLABORATION

LOS ANGELES, CA (October 2009) – This Fall, national lifestyle designer Barclay Butera tapped the “City” section of his Living in Style book for inspiration and created the “Gramercy Park Collection” for High Point Market introductions.  Named for the exclusive Manhattan park, where a key is required to enter and enjoy this haven within the city, the Collection celebrates the world traveler / city dweller who enjoys all aspects of the arts and high culture of a big city, and requires an elegant and subtle palette against which to showcase their personal collections.  The “Gramercy Park Collection” can be seen at High Point Market: The World’s Home for Home Furnishings (Oct. 17-22), Interhall #IH102. As an extension of this concept, Butera will showcase new pieces from his continued association with the Hearst Castle Collection^®, reflected in upholstery and pillows.

The color palette of the “Gramercy Park Collection” reflects a quiet sophistication through its tonal fabric selections that include taupe, bronze, chocolate, gold, cream, butterscotch; variegated stripes with texture and sheen; menswear-inspired textiles including bold houndstooth, large-scale paisley & windowpane plaid; supple leathers, plush velvets; touches of Butera’s characteristic textured animal prints, tone-on-tone woven patterns and classic solids.

For this Fall, Barclay Butera Home is proud to present all new at High Point Market:

Park Avenue Bench

Generously-scaled bench, an elegant, ‘collected piece’ of a well-traveled couple, possibly for base of bed.  Sophisticated tufting and dark turned leg are standard; nailhead is option (extra).   Shown in Kipling Bone leather (Gramercy Park Collection).  (60”w x 20”d x 22”h)

Essex Ottoman

Regency inspired ottoman with distinctive double “X” base with stretcher for additional strength. Tufted attached pillowtop with contrast welt added as signature Butera design detail.  Tufting and fully upholstered base are standard.  Most effective shown in pairs; perfect additional seating for conversational great room.  Shown in Savoy Tobacco Velvet fabric (Classic Collection) with Contrast Welt in Savoy Bay Rum (British Colonial). (24”w x 18”d x 20”h)

San Simeon Chair

Known for his collection of wing chairs, this is Butera’s newest addition to his collaboration with Hearst Castle Collection.  Modeled after originals purchased from Bullock’s Wilshire for Mr. Hearst’s North Wing suite, this modified wing chair features cutaway arms that echo the rolled detail on the wingback, as well as a current twist on a traditional pleated arm detail.   Transitional and ideal for lounging, chair features classic tapered leg with carved relief detail and attached pillow back.  Shown in a textured striped velvet, Edwin Cream (Gramercy Park Collection). (33”w x 36”d x 40”h)

Bradford Chair

Generously proportioned lounge piece, comes standard with tufting and turned legs with casters.  Similar to Newport Chair, but deeper and taller.  Shown in Butera’s characteristic animal print while still remaining neutral.  Fabric: Giraffe Natural (Gramercy Park Collection) (32”w x 36”d x 32”h)

In other news, Butera is touring luxury design centers nationwide, lecturing on “Decorating in the New Economy” to packed rooms filled with those in the design trade.  The tour is tied to the launch of his Kravet Collections line of textiles, as well as his selection of original designs for Tufts by Kravet Carpet.  Please check facebook.com/kravetinc. for a full schedule.

ABOUT BARCLAY BUTERA

Barclay Butera, Inc. is based in Newport Beach, CA, and entails the Barclay Butera collection showrooms in Newport Beach and Los Angeles, CA, and Park City, UT.  Barclay Butera Home, Inc. products (www.barclaybuterahome.com) are distributed through over 300 showrooms, his own collection showrooms, and To the Trade nationwide. The Kravet products are available through Kravet showrooms nationwide.  Butera designs and manufactures his bench made upholstery products in Los Angeles, CA.   Please visit www.barclaybutera.com/media for a full introduction.

Revolutionary New Eyeglass Technology, TRUFOCALS, Is Changing How We See

TRUFOCALS LAUNCHES PATENTED ADJUSTABLE VISION GLASSES THAT GIVE CONTROL TO THE USER

(Los Angeles, CA—August, 2009)  TruFocals are a revolutionary new eyeglass system that allows you to ‘self-correct’ or sharpen your vision to the highest quality necessary for any situation.  Completely eliminating the need for multiple pairs of glasses, bifocals, or no-line progressives, the patented TruFocals have none of the distortion or blurriness associated with traditional multi-focal glasses, and widen the field of vision.  With TruFocals, your entire lens focuses on what you choose, not just what your multifocals force you to. Simply move the ‘vision correction’ slider on the bridge of TruFocals glasses, and the entire system shifts focus closer or farther, like a microscope. With TruFocals you are not limited to a fixed distance focal length. You can self-adjust your own glasses to provide a clear solution immediately, whatever the distance.

As we age, our vision degenerates.  Single focus distance/reading, bifocals or no-line progressive lenses have been the only non-surgical means of vision correction…until now. TruFocals’ revolutionary lens system acts like dozens of single vision lenses, allowing you to see clearer in any situation, near or far. TruFocals also eliminate the nausea for wearers who suffer from motion sickness brought on by the distortion / blurriness of no-line progressives.

“I began thinking about developing a better vision solution, when I discovered that my own vision was compromised.   It was hard to adjust to wearing multifocals, and my vision quality was markedly less.  After looking at the mechanics of how the human eye naturally focuses, I began to think about how to mimic this, mechanically.  I think everyone who wears multifocal lenses will appreciate the flexibility and clarity of TruFocals,” states co-founder and inventor, Dr. Stephen Kurtin.

How it Works:

TruFocals emulate the human eye’s ability to adjust focus by utilizing a lightweight two-lens system. As simple as TruFocals are to use, their technology is very sophisticated.

Each “lens” is actually a set of two lenses, one flexible and one firm. The flexible lens (near the eye) has a transparent distensible membrane attached to a clear rigid surface.  The pocket between them holds a small quantity of crystal clear fluid.

As you move the slider on the bridge, it pushes the fluid and alters the shape of the flexible lens.  Changing the shape changes the correction. This mimics the way the lenses in your eyes used to perform when you were younger.

The sliding movement allows you to choose the exact correction that works best at any distance and under any lighting conditions.  Similar to traditional glasses, the front lens can be removed for cleaning, or interchanged with appropriately tinted prescription lenses to be used as sunglasses.

TruFocals are the ideal solution for people who wear multifocal eyeglasses, carry separate pairs of distance and reading glasses, or prefer the convenience of self-focusing their field of vision.  Because the glasses are ‘useradjustable’, they can compensate for low-light conditions and virtually any situation.

With TruFocals, the lenses and the frame are made together, as opposed to the traditional model of lensmakers and framemakers. They also have adjustable nose pads and arms that can accommodate nearly any face. This ensures a comfortable secure customized fit for virtually everyone.  The glasses are assembled in their Los Angeles, CA, facility.

For additional information, and to view an online demonstration, please visit www.trufocals.com.  Media inquiries, please contact Agnes Gomes-Koizumi or Julie Du Brow via email at agnes@agkmedia.com / julie@dubroworks.com or via phone at 323-937-5488 / 310-821-2463.

About TruFocals

The company was co-founded by Dr. Stephen Kurtin in 2006.  A successful inventor, with more than 30 patents to his name, Dr. Kurtin was not satisfied with the exisiting vision solutions.  Recognizing that multi-focals, reading glasses or carrying multiple pairs of single vision glasses did not provide a satisfactory solution, he set out to develop a better one.  TruFocals were developed to provide clear, adjustable vision in all situations.

TruFocals are available through eye care professionals or via www.trufocals.com. TruFocals are scratch-resistant and antireflective, contain anti-smudge coatings; and protect your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

This product is covered by one or more of the following US patents: 5,138,494; 5,668,620: 5,956,183; 6,040,947; 6,053,610; and 7,008,054.

American Clay’s Earth Plasters Used in “Lorax Lodge” Green Environmental Center at Girl Scout Camp in Texas

GIRL SCOUT SARAH JO LAMBERT MAKES TEACHING CHILDREN TO “GO GREEN” THE FOCUS OF HER GOLD AWARD PROJECT

Albuquerque, NM (September 2009) – American Clay Enterprises, Inc. is proud to be one of the sponsors for the Lorax Lodge, a “green” environmental center created by 16-year old Girl Scout turned environmental activist Sarah Jo Lambert. Her goal is to help save the environment by creating a space where children can be educated about green practices and inspired to make a difference. Sarah’s efforts will earn her a Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement for a member of the organization. Lorax Lodge—with interior walls covered in American Clay’s earth plaster–is located at Girl Scout’s Camp Rio Blanco in Crosbyton, Texas, and will be available for use by Girl Scouts, for school field trips and other visitors. The dedication will take place on October 11, 2009.

A team of fourteen design professionals committed to the cause and volunteered their time and expertise in green building to making Lambert’s dream a reality. The 800-square foot building will be constructed entirely of compressed earth blocks (CEB) and will be powered by solar energy. One section will be a place where visitors can watch and read about environmental issues while the other will serve as a place for students to do experiments focused on environmental topics. American Clay donated twelve bags of its patented, all natural, earth plasters in Loma with Bluefield as the chosen color for the center’s interior wall finish.

American Clay was the perfect choice for the project since their Earth Plasters are a unique combination of clays, aggregates and natural pigments which contain zero VOCs, are non-flammable, resist mold growth, absorb odors, provide temperature and humidity buffering, repair easily and come in recyclable packaging. It also has the lowest carbon footprint per pound of any commercially available wall finish.

“I am honored to have American Clay participate”, says Carol Baumgartel, VP of Marketing and Sales for American Clay. “Sarah Jo’s drive and commitment to the project was unstoppable, and I hope this encourages youths across the country to see what a difference they can make in the world they will inherit.”

Other green aspects of the center include windows made out of recycled glass, massive 18“ walls and an earthen floor made of compressed earth blocks by EarthCo Building Systems and the passive solar design, which uses heat and light from the sun as its power source instead of electricity.

As part of her project, Sarah has also written and developed a classroom curriculum with green teaching activities and has designed a new nature trail at the camp. For the final step of her project, she is including “The Green Challenge”, her personal plea to Girl Scouts around the world to incorporate green centers in their Girl Scout Councils.

“I believe in my project and know that I must personally take a stand to get things started”, says Lambert. “If we start teaching green concepts at earlier ages, all children will start living with the same green attitudes. I believe Lorax Lodge will be a positive educational experience for all who visit.”

ABOUT AMERICAN CLAY ENTERPRISES, LLC
American Clay produces patented, award-winning, all-natural interior wall finishing products.  Their Earth Plasters and the commercial ENJARRE single coat plaster are a unique combination of clays, aggregates and natural pigments that offer builders and consumers a natural and elegant option. There is no off-gassing nor inherent waste on-site.  The plasters contain zero VOCs, are non-flammable, are mold resisting (without toxic fungicides), absorb odors, provide temperature and humidity buffering, repair/clean easily and come in recyclable packaging. American Clay, with an extremely low carbon footprint, is uniquely manufactured in and made of materials found in the U.S. American Clay Enterprises, Inc., is based in Albuquerque, NM, and its products are patent pending.  The product and various workshops are available through their New Mexico office or through one of the growing number of retailers and distributors across the U.S.  The website, www.americanclay.com, offers information on products, ordering, technical specifications, product application and additional resources and links.
U.S. PAT No. 7,485,186 B2

ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF TEXAS OKLAHOMA PLAINS
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.6 million girl and adult members worldwide. The leading authority on girls’ healthy development, Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains, visit www.gs-top.org.

American Clay Announces Winners of Its First Annual “Room Makeover Contest” 2009

CATEGORIES INCLUDE ‘PROFESSIONALS’ AND ‘DO-IT-YOURSELF CONSUMERS’XX

PRO-living room before

PRO-living room after

DIY-kitchen after

DIY-child's room after

Albuquerque, NM (September 2009) – The winners of American Clay Enterprises, Inc.’s first annual Room Makeover Contest have been announced!  The team of Steve Gonzales and Dave Amundson from Missoula, MT, is the Grand Prize winner for the Professional category, and El Paso, TX’s PJ and Yukie Liu are the Grand Prize winners for the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) category. The contest ran from January 1, 2009 – August 1, 2009 and Professionals and Do-It-Yourselfers submitted projects in their respective categories to show off their remodeling and renovating skills using American Clay’s award-winning, patented, all-natural earth plasters to re-do a room.

“We were so impressed by each project submission,” salutes Carol Baumgartel, VP of Sales and Marketing for American Clay.   “All of the winners proved the transformative nature of American Clay, drastically changing the look and feel of their space by applying our earth plasters to the walls, with creativity, beauty and skill.  Even before taking any additional steps in the remodel or spending extra on additional elements like furniture, just adding American Clay gave the walls a depth and texture that made the room look completely different.”

For the contest Steve Gonzales and Dave Amundson resurfaced the ceiling, walls and fireplace–the entire living room—using American Clay’s Loma in the colors Snow Canyon, Jasper and Nantucket Gold. The judges were impressed by the beautiful craftsmanship, how color accents balanced with the more subtle main walls, and that their work made the statement that American Clay is a “craftsman” material. Steve and Dave’s Grand Prize consists of a private artist training class ($1500 value) taught by an American Clay professional staff member and $500 worth of product.

PJ and Yukie Liu remodeled their kitchen and two bedrooms using American Clay’s Loma and Porcelina in the colors Dakota Red, Santa Fe Tan, Snow Canyon and Chimayo. The judges appreciated that the whole family participated—even the kids!—a process that American Clay encourages. The clay plaster’s use in the modern-retro, interpretation of the interior remodel–90s bold colors to subtler ones with soft light–created a grounded, timeless feel that sealed the deal.  PJ and Yukie won $1500 worth of product as their Grand Prize.

In the Professional category the Runner Up is Alicia Armstrong of Palm Desert, CA, and Honorable Mention goes to Janet Elich of Frisco, CO.  In the DIY category, the Runner Up is Laura Guthrie of Fairfield, IA, and Honorable Mention goes to Abby Paffrath of Wilson, WY.

Three rounds of judging resulted in five finalists chosen for each category – Professional and DIY.  Submissions for each project were judged based on aesthetics, creativity and use of materials. Project submissions required four to six photos of a room in the applicant’s home redone by using American Clay (including one before and one after photo), as well as a project description which includes a depiction of the processes carried out during the project, a list of the products used to complete the project, and type of finish used.

ABOUT AMERICAN CLAY ENTERPRISES, LLC:

American Clay produces patented, award-winning, all-natural interior wall finishing products. Their Earth Plasters and the commercial “Enjarre” single coat plaster are a unique combination of clays, aggregates and natural pigments that offer builders and consumers a natural and elegant option. There is no off-gassing nor inherent waste on-site. The plasters contain zero VOCs, are non-flammable, are mold resisting (without toxic fungicides), absorb odors, provide temperature and humidity buffering, repair/clean easily and come in recyclable packaging. American Clay, with an extremely low carbon footprint, is uniquely manufactured in and made of materials found in the U.S. American Clay Enterprises, Inc., is based in Albuquerque, NM.  The product and various workshops are available through their New Mexico office or through one of the growing number of retailers and distributors across the U.S. The website, www.americanclay.com, offers information on products, ordering, technical specifications, product application and additional resources and links.

U.S. PAT No. 7,485,186 B2

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Travelex Continues Support of ‘NT Live’ Pilot Season; No. of U.S. Theaters Hosting Broadcast Doubles

TRAVELEX BRANDS SELF THROUGH INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT OF ‘NT LIVE’, SUCCESSFUL LIVE SATELLITE DELIVERY OF NATIONAL THEATRE

OCTOBER 1^st ‘NT LIVE’ PREMIERE OF SHAKESPEARE’S “ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL” EXPANDS REACH THROUGH DOUBLE THE U.S. MARKETS

WHAT: Travelex, a leader in international payments and foreign currency exchange, for global travel and business, is the international supporter of the National Theatre’s (UK) bold pilot season foray into satellite transmission of their live stage performances filmed in high definition, called “NT Live”.  Having successfully premiered in June, delivering the broadcast of Phèdre to 50,000 people worldwide with rave reviews, NT Live brings William Shakespeare’s “All’s Well That Ends Well” to audiences on October 1^st.  Due to the highly positive response to this unique experience from the public and media—“remarkable” and “stunning”—this next performance will be shown in at least double the number of U.S. markets.

Travelex’s consistent, key support of the arts—providing value and service—through emerging opportunities and technologies, strongly aligns with Travelex’s business mission to consistently pursue new methods in easing transactions for consumers or business-to-business.

The broadcast is of the highly acclaimed production of All’s Well That Ends Well directed by Marianne Elliott, written by William Shakespeare. While the first broadcast outing, Phedre, was a success, the process is still experimental, with every play having its unique challenges, such as a different theater setting (the National’s largest, the Olivier, with open stage and fan-shaped auditorium), new cast, and in this case, how will Shakespeare transmit.

Travelex serves over 30 million customers every year.  In the Americas, TRAVELEX is the largest non-bank foreign exchange specialist, with trading floors in New York City and Toronto, serving over 6,000 commercial customers.  The three divisions:

• Global Business Payments features GlobalPay’s Payee Manager, the first vendor management system that offers the combined advantage of an electronic payment enrollment system, vendor management tool and payment platform in one simple web-based application.

• Retail Services—available at retail outlets and shopping malls, in airports and online—address key ongoing challenges encountered by travelers worldwide.  Travelex’s Cash Passport™ gives a new twist on the pre-paid currency card.  Other programs are Currency Return Guarantee and Rate Watch.

• Outsourcing Group provides financial institutions and travel agencies with a myriad of product offerings, including the Cash Passport™, CashPax™-prepackaged banknotes, drafts and wires.

The upcoming “NT Live” season includes “Nation” based on a novel by Terry Pratchett and adapted by Mark Ravenhill (Jan. 30, 2010), and Alan Bennett’s new play “The Habit of Art” (April 22, 2010).

WHY or  REACTION TO NT LIVE:

“The National Theatre made history last night.” – Guardian

“Thank you so much!! We live on a small island in Maine and saw your production of Phèdre last night – HD live in Damariscotta, Maine. Feels like the world has just opened up to us!… We will reserve tickets for all your HD productions!”

“I am a senior on a fixed income in Toronto, Canada and no longer able to afford to attend the

local theaters I used to. HD broadcasts are a godsend for me, and others like me. I saw

Phèdre last night in one of the local Cineplex theatres…I look forward to

seeing more of your productions on HD. This one was superb!”

“The biggest limitation for the remote audience was not being able to convey one’s profound

appreciation to the cast and production team by applauding at the end.”

“Never in my life have I seen a stage show been shot so professionally.”

WHEN & For a complete list of U.S. dates, times & locations, please check:

WHERE:                       www.ntlive.com, click on “Venues & Booking”

Many broadcasts occur on Oct. 1^st on screens across the United States; however some markets will be time-delayed, based on availability.

TICKETS:

Ticket prices vary by venue.  The average ticket price is $20.  Contact local venues for ticket information.

ABOUT TRAVELEX:

Global Business Payments: Travelex is a global foreign exchange specialist providing the payment and receipt of domestic and international funds for businesses of all sizes. For more than 30 years, Travelex has provided clients with sophisticated market knowledge, leading edge technologies and practical and innovative solutions tailored to individual requirements. The Travelex worldwide network handles one million beneficiaries on behalf of 38,000 businesses in 35 countries. For more information, visit www.travelexbusiness.com/na.

Retail: Travelex is the world’s largest foreign exchange specialist with over 700 retail branches in more than 20 countries, at key airport, seaport, rail and tourist locations. Over 40% of travelers – 1.7 billion passengers a year – pass through airports where Travelex operates including the major gateways at Amsterdam, Beijing, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, New York, Rome, Sydney & Tokyo. Every hour, Travelex provides foreign currency to more than 2,000 customers.

Outsourcing: Travelex is the world’s foreign exchange, business payments specialist and leading provider of travel insurance, operating through subsidiaries and branches in these regions: the Americas, United Kingdom; Europe, Asia Pacific; and Middle East and Africa (EMEA). As one of the world’s leading providers of outsourced travel money to banks, travel agencies and other retailers it provides products including its prepaid currency card to over three million channel customers annually. Through its world-leading automation Travelex offers consumers a full range of delivery channel options including telephone and Web-based ordering. For more information about Travelex or Cash Passport visit www.cashpassport.com and/or www.travelex.com/outsourcing.

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