RTL Group, the leading European Entertainment Network and largest distribution company outside the US, concluded a deal with SkillPod Media to integrate a game offering into their Dutch website. With 45 TV channels, and 32 radio stations in 11 countries and worldwide production, this deal increases SkillPod’s reach into Europe and lays the foundation for a number of deployments of our robust casual games platform with the RTL Group across Europe and the surrounding territories, says Mark van Diggelen, CEO of SkillPod Media.

What does the deal encompass?

RTL has implemented a custom SkillPod XML (extensible mark-up language) API (application programming interface) which has been designed and setup according to the specific requirements of RTL Netherlands. This approach allows RTL to manipulate the data received via the XML feed into their proprietary content management system and thus display the content as per their websites design templates. With this structure future enhancements and new modules can quickly and seamlessly be integrated into the publishers website, without having to fully redesign the layout to accommodate the new features, adds van Diggelen.

The fantastic features included

The data query features include a list of online games, with all relevant information such as images, flash path, description, help etc; a list of all games per category; search for a specific game; a player profile listing, and all relevant information such as high scores, friends and messages; sending of messages; requesting of friends; top most played games; players recently played games; players favourite games; player transaction history, i.e. pods (the SkillPod Virtual Currency module) debited and credited; and a search for nicknames when searching for friends to add to your ever growing friends list. There are also options to set up a mobile games section.

Why the hype?

The brilliance of this API is that it allows companies such as RTL to exercise full control over how the games display, what games display, player interactions etc. The API allows for single log in functionality as well – meaning that players can use a registered OpenID on a publishers website with SkillPod being able to interface with that OpenID and thus allowing secure and seamless passing of player data, thus enriching the users experience as they register once and then have access to all content on offer by the publisher.

Bring a little fun home…

Any website wishing to increase the user traffic and website views, and which fits into the category of being able to offer a games section, such as what RTL has done, should seriously consider integrating a games section into their website – which will lighten life up a little!

5-10-10 – HOC, known by many as the provider of valuable information when it comes to buying home air conditioners, has released their latest buying guide for the latest air conditioning units.

“Home air conditioners are a major expense in any home and there are many factors you should consider before you make any purchase,” says Jerry Thomson, owner of HOC. “Our guide is here to show consumers that there are many makes and models in the heating and air marketplace. Finding the correct unit to fit your needs is not as easy as some might think.”

“When shopping for an air conditioning unit, there are few things to keep in mind; the most important being BTU rating, energy efficiency, and custom user features,” says Jeremy.

“While choosing the right number of BTU’s for your room may seem like a no-brainer, as virtually all manufacturers note the size of the room that a unit is expected to cool, there is a little bit more to it. Many factors may affect the cooling of a room, such as presence of heat-generating appliances, number of people, insulation type, ceiling height, and many others. It is always a good idea to get a unit that is designed for a slightly bigger space,” says Jeremy

“Our goal is to not only match you up with the proper AC unit, we also want to reduce your electric bill. Utility bills can make a big hole in a household’s budget. With energy prices on the rise it is crucial to buy Energy Star appliances to save on electricity costs. This is especially true with air conditioners since they consume more power than a refrigerator or a TV. To get the coolest room at a lowest price it is recommended to compare units with similar features from different manufacturers in terms of power consumption,” says Jeremy

Accessing the report is easy and you will not only learn about home air conditioners, you will also learn about Air Conditioning Window Units and portable AC units.

Body    WARREN, Michigan, April 7, 2010—Serving Southeast Michigan homeowners with a simple, beautiful alternative to full-thickness brick, the American Brick Company (http://www.ambrico.com) makes thin brick installation easy and convenient. The Ambrico EZ-Wall^® thin brick system enables just about anyone to install veneer brick siding just about anywhere—regardless of the type of cladding on the building or home.

EZ-Wall^® veneer brick offers unlimited applications. It is ideally suited to both interior and exterior applications in commercial, residential and industrial construction. Veneer brick also offers higher wind loading capacity, and has been tested and certified to 154 pounds per square foot.

In addition to being easy, the EZ-Wall^® system employs specially selected materials that ensure strength and durability in the each faux brick wall installed. The tensile strength of stucco-embossed hot-dipped galvanized architectural-grade steel combines with the compressive strength of masonry to form a steel-reinforced monolithic masonry wall. And the mechanical support system used for installing has been engineered and designed to ensure the strongest, most durable thin brick masonry mechanical support panel available for any configuration, including even curved radius corners.

Ambrico offers an easy, convenient and affordable solution for homes and construction projects of all types, with veneer brick making the beauty and warmth of classic brick walls accessible to homeowners and businesses throughout the country.

San Antonio, TX – New barbecue smoker review site helps consumers learn about the best smokers to produce high quality, full flavor BBQ for less than the price of going out to eat. The site is Smoker Expert http://www.smokerexpert.com/

In these days of fast food, instant cereal, and microwaves, some people are beginning to think it’s time to slow down a bit. When it comes to enjoying the finer foods in life, people are thinking more and more about smoking their own BBQ briskets, chicken, fish, ribs, and veggies. Smoking BBQ briskets is a 12-18 hour process that results in moist meat that is just full of smoke flavor.

With the advent of electric smokers, backyard cooks can get that same smoky flavor without having to experiment with wood and fire. Only a few ounces of wood are required to produce a wonderful smoky flavor in your meat. For customers wondering what type of electric smoker would fit their needs, Smoker Expert has all of the answers to the most commonly asked questions about smoking your own sausage, chicken, pork, or beef.

“Smoked foods are healthier and taste better than fast junk foods you buy and serve your family,” says Adam Tijerina, web developer.

Many people today are growing tired of flavorless, unhealthy instant food and returning to slow cooking as a viable way of feeding their families. One of the most popular and healthiest methods for slow cooking meat is to use an electric smoker and slow cook the meat all day.

Using an electric slow cooker imparts a delicious smoky flavor without spending hours trying to get the right mixture of wood, fire, and oxygen. For those who are interested in purchasing an electric smoker, the choices can be overwhelming. Options range from the Brinkman Electric Grill/Smoker available for $80, to the commercial grade Horizon Smokehouse, which will set users back about $29,000. Obviously, most home cooks will be somewhere in the middle of this spectrum, but figuring out which electric smoker is the right one can take some time.

Fortunately, BBQ Smoker Expert is dedicated to helping home cooks find the answer! The reviews outline which electric smokers are best for home cooks, and exactly what you should be looking for in an electric smoker. With the advice and reviews that are available at Smoker Expert you’ll be making BBQ brisket before you know it!

“You save money buying an electric smoker and cooking your own meats over going out to eat for BBQ. You can easily spend over $200 for just one trip to a decent BBQ joint or you can buy your own electric smoker and cook your own full flavored BBQ anytime.”
To learn more about the incredible benefits of owning a BBQ smoker, check out http://www.smokerexpert.com/ today!

For more and more people, going to the gym is not affordable in this economic climate. Many people are starting to look for cheaper ways to lose weight and get fit. A growing amount of people are starting to exercise at home.

John is 25 and he used to be the member of his local gym – not anymore, he just can’t afford it. “Nowadays, the gym has become something which I just cannot afford,” says John “maybe in the future, but not now”.

John hasn’t given up though; he bought a pair of adjustable dumbbells online and now, he exercises at home regularly. “Right now I am trying to lose weight. I don’t like to run and I want to build some muscle so adjustable dumbbells were a good solution for me”.

John isn’t alone. Thousands people are starting to exercise at home because they cannot afford the gym. Although the gym is something which many enjoy and deem worthwhile, a gym membership is often one of the first things which is cut out of the budget when times get tough. For most people, it is just not a necessity; it is a luxury which has to take a backseat to more important expenses.

Today, the average commercial gym membership will set you back around 35 dollars a month – not a small amount when you are struggling with other bills such as gas and mortgage repayments.

Many have chosen to exercise at home instead. But it is not always easy; exercising at home can be tougher than the gym. “At first, I had no idea how to use my dumbbells at home or what exercises I should be doing with them,” says John “Luckily, I have come across a wealth of information on websites and blogs, which are devoted to helping people lose weight at home with exercise”.

One such website is Myadjustabledumbbells.com, which was founded by Michael Cowan. Michael noticed the rise in people starting to exercise at home instead of going to the gym, and he decided to start a website about it. “Home exercise is becoming a huge industry and I decided to start a website which is dedicated to it,” says Michael “I especially like to review adjustable dumbbells , which I believe are the foundation of any good home exercise routine”.

Michael is now in university and he has access to the gym there. But he used to exercise at home so he knows how tough yet rewarding it can be. It was during this time that Michael realized how effective home fitness can be, as long as it is done right. For Michael, the gym still has the advantage but not as much as most people believe.

According to Michael, there are four things you need for a good home workout. Firstly, you need some basic equipment. Michael suggests a set of adjustable dumbbells or a kettle bell. Secondly, you need some basic knowledge of some exercises which you can do at home. You don’t have to hire a professional trainer for this. Just go online and search Google or Youtube and there will be plenty of free information which you can find. Thirdly, you will need some creativity because you may not always have the equipment to do the exercise that you want. Fourthly, and most importantly according to Michael, is motivation. “Without motivation, all the knowledge and equipment in the world can’t help you; with motivation, you can do anything”

For more information on getting fit and losing weight at home visit www.myadjustabledumbbells.com.

Miami’s Pinkert Law Firm helps employees get the overtime pay they’re legally entitled to.

MIAMI, Florida, April 21, 2010—The Miami-based unpaid overtime attorneys at Pinkert Law Firm (http://www.pinkert.us) are offering free consultations to retail employees who haven’t been paid time and a half for their overtime hours. According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers are legally required to pay time and a half for every overtime hour worked.

It’s not uncommon for retail workers to work overtime hours when they are able to pick up extra shifts or when the store where they work is understaffed. As long as they are properly compensated, this is completely legal.

The problem occurs when employers don’t follow overtime regulations, and employees end up working unpaid overtime hours. When that happens, employees may be able to file a claim against their employer to recover the wages they should legally have been paid for their overtime.

If retail employees have not been properly compensated for their overtime hours, Pinkert Law Firm can help them file a claim against their employer, even if they no longer work there.

In addition, according to Florida wage and hour laws, if the shop employee or retail worker files a claim about unpaid overtime, he or she is legally protected from being fired or retaliated against, and upon winning the case, the employer will be held responsible for all legal fees that have been incurred by the employee.

Retail employees can contact Pinkert Law Firm at (305) 670-9000 or [email protected] for a free consultation or to file a claim.

About Pinkert Law Firm, P.A.

Serving all of South Florida, including Miami-Dade County, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, Coral Gables, Kendall, Hialeah and Broward, the Pinkert Law Firm is equipped to handle the most complex litigation and the simplest transactional needs. Each and every person at the firm, from staff to partners, dedicates their full professional abilities to each and every one of our clients. For more information on Pinkert Law Firm and unpaid overtime, visit http://www.pinkert.us.

November 19, 2009 – Palm Beach, FL – US Branding Group, LLC announced today that they will be exhibiting their innovative ThreadLites™ – Illuminated Branded Tee Shirts & Caps Collegiate Series during the Campus Market Expo (CAMEX), at the Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, Florida March 13 – 15, 2010.

US Branding Group President Rich Butler, a 25 year veteran in the promotional products and retail industries can hardly contain his excitement and enthusiasm.  “CAMEX has a long history of being the collegiate retailing industry’s meeting place.  Now retail buyers can allow students, Alumni and fans to show their school spirit in a whole new light with our innovative illuminated Collegiate branded apparel.  We are excited to be bringing our electroluminescent (EL) technology to the collegiate consumer retail market and look forward to “wowing” trade show attendees.”

Unlike fiber optics, unlike LED’s, and unlike any previous “light up” product, Butler explains, ThreadLites™ utilizes a safe organic phosphor powder that is sandwiched between thin PVC panels.

The panels are printed with the collegiate mascot or logo in full digital color and neatly sewn to a garment.  When a safe, low voltage electrical current is introduced from a hidden lightweight AAA battery pack, the phosphor emits light energy rather than heat, thus creating an unbelievably colorful and bright illuminating effect.

TechnoThreadZ™ tee shirts add a miniature microphone that is embedded inside the battery pack.  The introduction of sound, music, even applause from a crowd, causes the printed panel to flash brightly, like a graphic equalizer effect.  “Anyone who wears a ThreadLites™ or TechnoThreadZ™ at night”, says Butler, “better be prepared to be the center of attraction wherever they go, the wow factor is just that powerful!”

US Branding Group expects to have their first wave of Officially Licensed Collegiate ThreadLites™ ready for sale by early 2010.  The initial line up Illuminated Branded shirts will include:  University of Hawaii, Arizona State University, Iowa State University, University of Nevada Las Vegas, United States Naval Academy, NC State, Wake Forest, Seton Hall, Columbia University and St. John’s University.

According to Butler, ThreadLites™ caps are also under development and will also be ready for distribution in the New Year.  He also expects that more schools will be licensed and added to the ThreadLites™ Collegiate Collection throughout the New Year.

About The USB Group:  U.S. Branding Group, LLC is a leading innovator, creator, marketer and manufacturer of technology driven promotional and custom branded retail products including Light up Shirt, El Shirt and College Shirt.  Members of  The USB Group have been engaged in both the promotional products and retail industries for decades and have teamed up to provide the latest breakthroughs and innovations for the next generation of promotional and retail branded products.

For more information about innovative ThreadLites™ – Illuminated Branded Apparel Collegiate Series, visit:  http://www.threadlites.com or contact:  [email protected]
US Branding Group, LLC / Sales & Marketing (Tel) 561-966-8070.

Vienna, Virginia, 30th April 2010 — Primal Strategies, LLC in Vienna, Virginia has announced the launch of low cost SEO packages for online businesses.

Primal Strategies, LLC is offering high-end SEO services to their clients at affordable prices. They have developed a unique SEO strategy that allows them to offer SEO services for all types of online business owners through a unique set of low cost and affordable SEO packages. The SEO Packages are designed for business owners to compete for organic traffic in major search engines.

Mr. Trevor Soares, the CEO of Primal Strategies, LLC says “This is a unique way for smaller companies to become competitive in natural search results. It’s affordable and makes sense that most companies invest in long term strategies to rank higher in search engines. Ignoring SEO as a constant marketing activity is one of the biggest issues that online businesses face in the long run.”

PageRanking is an Internet Marketing company that specializes in cutting edge SEM and SEO services. They have years of experience, flexibility, creativity and innovative ideas to help their clients create an online solution.

PageRanking specialize in offering cost effective SEO services. Their aim is to provide clients a one stop solution which meets their requirements. They offer a wide array of SEO services to run a successful web presence including website re-development, domain name purchasing, hosting packages, SEM and organic search engine optimization (SEO), website maintenance, management and technical support.

About PageRanking.com:
PageRanking is one of the fastest growing Search Engine Optimization & Web Development Companies. PageRanking offers a comprehensive range of Web services and solutions, including Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Search Engine Marketing (SEM), Pay Per Click Marketing (PPC), Off-page Optimization and Social Media Optimization (SMO) to improve website online visibility, branding and conversions, for small to enterprise level businesses.

Contact Information:
Trevor Soares
CEO
Primal Strategies, LLC.
606 Sideling Ct
Vienna, VA 22180
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1 (800) 906-1037

The Lodore Falls Hotel in Borrowdale valley is celebrating its latest achievement – gaining AA four start status.

The AA Inspector awarded the extra star to Stephen Johnson, General Manager at the end of this week’s visit, commenting on the quality of the customer service and use of local produce in the menu as just two of the reasons for their success.

The hotel was bought in 2004 by the Graves family who own the ‘Lake District Hotels’ group. They immediately set about a major £2 million refurbishment programme aiming to re-instate the hotel’s top quality status.  Every bedroom has been refurbished, the entire ground floor has been redeveloped and new facilities have been added – including a Beauty Salon and Café Culture – somewhere to enjoy lighter dining in a relaxed atmosphere.

Attention to detail has continued outdoors, with award winning gardens that include the stunning Lodore Falls and a new outdoor hot tub from which to enjoy the views.

Stephen Johnson said “this is recognition for the Lake District Hotels Ltd commitment to the Lodore Falls Hotel; both in terms of the refurbishment investment and the support we have received to build and maintain a very professional team of hotel staff. We are proud of our customer service achievements and the quality of the dining experience we provide.

Our Head Chef Mike Ward has been here for over 30 years and his culinary skills, focus on local ingredients and dedication to building a first class kitchen team are clear to see. The food he produces and the reputation he has built highlights our ethos and commitment to providing excellent service and I know he has enjoyed seeing all levels of quality improving since the years of corporate ownership.”

Kit Graves, Director of Lake District Hotels Ltd said “It has always been part of our plan to have a four star hotel in our portfolio and we are delighted that staff continuity, commitment to training and customer service has been recognized. We can now play host to most Lake District visitors – from those looking for an informal coaching inn to guests seeking a top class hotel with spa facilities.

It is our strong foundations and group revenue that supports the continued development in all our hotels. This success is great news for everyone, both in terms of benchmarking and to demonstrate the benefits and strengths of the group working as a team.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Lodore Falls Hotel should contact Stephen Johnson on 017687 77285 or visit http://www.lakedistricthotels.net/lodorefalls

The biggest marina on Windermere is calling for the 10mph speed limit on England’s longest lake to be lifted in the week of its fifth anniversary.

This week, marks five years since a 10mph restriction was brought in – banning water-skiing, jet-skiing and power boating on the 10.5 mile long lake. Windermere was the only lake left in the whole of the Lake District where power-boating and water-skiing could take place.

Jason Dearden, Managing Director, runs Windermere Marina Village on the edge of the lake near Bowness, which is home to over 400 boat owners and draws visitors from the North West, North East and Cumbria, as well as around 11,000 visitors a year staying at its lakeside cottages and apartments. It is the biggest and most sheltered Marina on Windermere, and the largest in the whole of the North.

He believes a relaxation of the 2005 ban or a commitment to rethink it by the Lake District National Park Authority this year, would be a welcome gesture to tourism around the Lake following the floods, as well as assisting in the area’s economic recovery.

He also thinks that representations should be made to review the 10mph byelaw if there’s a change of Government after the general election.

One of the major reasons the ban was brought in was to reduce “conflict” between different types of people using the lake and make the lake more tranquil.

Mr Dearden believes Windermere is large enough to have a scheme which allows room for all types of waterborne activities – sailors, power-boaters, canoers and water-skiers – sharing the water harmoniously.

Mr Dearden said: “We are five years on from the ban and many tourism businesses would like to see a rethink because it unfairly excludes a proportion of visitors from enjoying England’s longest lake. We wouldn’t dream of banning certain visitors from enjoying Scafell Pike, so why have a rule which stops certain visitors wanting to enjoy Windermere.”

“If there is conflict between different types of people using the Lake, all we need to do is start looking at what those conflicts are and finding out how they can be managed – so everyone can enjoy Windermere.”

“We have to get out of the mindset of treating the lake like a village duck-pond and believing this byelaw somehow makes it quiet. It is the bigges and most popular lake in the Lake District and the most developed. There are over 16 lakes and bodies of waters across the Lake District if people are seeking total tranquillity.”

“In the Norfolk Broads, where there are a lot of waterways and a lot of water users, the national park authority there has a system which regulates what every users can do and it works. All we need to do is adopt a similar policy for Lake Windermere and it will really assist tourism. If we are trying to convert a younger audience of visitors to discover the Lakes, we have to offer what they want.”

Water-skiers, power-boaters and jet-skiers were an important visitor to the Marina as they often had a high-disposable income and made repeat visits – staying and spending in the local area as they pursued their hobbies.

Windermere Marina Village, a family-owned tourism business, is close to completing a £3 million upgrade of the Marina and taking bookings again for the new tourism season. Following the floods of last year, the water level of the lake rose 10 feet – swamping the Marina’s 29 ground level Windermere cottages meaning holiday cancellations. The Marina employs around 55 people and its 11,000 annual guests use local restaurants, shops, cafes and visitor attractions, making it a significant contributor to the local economy of Bowness and Windermere.

For more information, please contact Tracii Monet at Windermere Marina Village on 015394 46551 or visit http://www.wmv.co.uk