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NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — The African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) Secretariat wishes to congratulate its Deputy Chair, Her Excellency President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia, as well as Ms. Leymah Gbowee and Ms. Tawakkul Karman, on the distinction of being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2011.

President Sirleaf’s life and work are a remarkable testament to the power of non-violent leadership, vision, and persistence to achieve extraordinary results for humankind. Over many decades, President Sirleaf toiled tirelessly to bring lasting peace and sustainable growth to the people of the Republic of Liberia and across the African continent.

Under the stewardship of President Kikwete and President Sirleaf, ALMA has grown to include 40 members and the African Union. Together, they have produced remarkable progress in the fight against malaria, contributing to a 38% drop in global malaria deaths since the year 2000 and 11 African countries which have registered a decline of 50% or more in malaria mortality.

Most recently, ALMA launched the ALMA Scorecard for Accountability and Action, an innovative tool to track progress across multiple malaria, child and maternal health indicators and facilitate a high-level, rapid response to bottlenecks and obstacles.

ALMA congratulates our Deputy Chair on winning the Nobel Peace Prize for 2011 and we look forward to President Sirleaf’s continued leadership and partnership on ending malaria-related deaths by 2015 and ensuring that women and children in the Republic of Liberia and across the African continent continue to develop and thrive.

The African Leaders Malaria Alliance is a coalition of 40 African Heads of State and Government and the African Union who are committed to working together to end malaria. Learn more at ALMA2015.org.

CONTACT: Mary Mei
+1 347.237.2273
Press@ALMA2015.org

SOURCE African Leaders Malaria Alliance

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — NASA announced it will provide support to Space Adventures, Ltd. of Vienna, Va., to conduct a global competition for students to design experiments that will be performed in space and broadcast around the world.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20081007/38461LOGO )

NASA entered into a non-reimbursable Space Act Agreement with Space Adventures for astronauts aboard the International Space Station 250 miles above Earth to conduct the winning experiments on the orbiting outpost. The experiments will be performed on the U.S. portion of the space station that has been designated as a national laboratory.

The National Laboratory Education Initiative seeks innovative ways to use the unique microgravity environment of the space station to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. The contest is designed to encourage students from 14 to 18 years old to develop STEM skills through practical experience. The goal is to develop creative and analytical abilities by working on teams to solve problems using the latest information technology and tools.

“The space station really is the greatest science classroom we have,” said Leland Melvin, associate administrator for education at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “This contest will capitalize on students’ excitement for space exploration while engaging them in real-life scientific research and experimentation.”

NASA representatives will join a panel of internationally renowned scientists, astronauts and teachers to judge the entries with input from the YouTube community. Public voting will begin on Jan. 3, 2012. Two global winners will be announced in January 2012. Both of those experiments will fly aboard the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s HTV-3 mission next summer. Six regional finalists will be selected in March 2012. Regional finalists will receive get a flight on a ZERO-G aircraft.

Contest entrants may submit up to three experiments in either life sciences or physics. They must submit a two-minute video application by Dec. 7 via YouTube.com. The public will be able to follow the competition and watch the experiments via video streaming on YouTube’s website.

The station is a unique partnership between the space agencies of the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan and Russia. The station brings together the knowledge, technologies and resources of several nations working toward the common goal of putting humans in space permanently. For information about the space station, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

After 1 p.m. EDT Monday, Oct. 10, you can find more information about how to enter the competition or to submit a video application at:

http://www.youtube.com/SpaceLab

SOURCE NASA

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All Playthings Now Eligible for Layaway in Most Toys”R”Us Locations Nationwide, Company Continues to Offer Layaway on ‘Big Gifts’ and More in Remaining Toys”R”Us and All Babies”R”Us® Stores

New Digital Catalog Showcases Special Bill Me Later® Deferred Payment Plans for Online Purchases and Offers Savings on Swing Sets, Ride-Ons, Dollhouses, Train Tables and More

WAYNE, N.J., Oct. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Toys”R”Us® will offer its customers even more convenient, flexible payment options this holiday season, whether they prefer to shop in-store or online to purchase this year’s must-have toys. Layaway, available in Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us® stores nationwide, and special limited-time Bill Me Later® offers, available online at Toysrus.com and Babiesrus.com, offer customers the ability to make a series of smaller payments over time as an alternative to incurring fees associated with credit card purchases.

Toys”R”Us introduced layaway in its stores in 2009 for “big gift” items such as bikes, swing sets, dollhouses, play kitchens and more, and since that time has added new categories, like video game hardware and tablet computers, to the assortment of products eligible for this pay-over-time option. Beginning Saturday, October 15, Toys”R”Us will offer layaway on all playthings* in 450 of its approximately 600 Toys”R”Us stores nationwide**. Now, whether parents and gift-givers are looking to delight kids with a specific Barbie® or LEGO® set, or a Power Wheels vehicle or dollhouse, they can take advantage of layaway to put special gifts under the tree this Christmas.

“We know that consumers will continue to look for ways to stretch their dollars this holiday season, but they still want to make sure they have that special Christmas gift for the children in their lives,” said Neil Friedman, President, Toys”R”Us, U.S.  ”Since we first introduced layaway in our stores two years ago, thousands of customers have taken advantage of the program for both its flexible payment terms and its ability to help them hide those ‘big gifts’ until Christmas morning. By expanding layaway to all toys in most of our Toys”R”Us locations, parents can reserve any of the year’s hottest toys early in the season when selection is at its best, make a series of small payments over the next few months and have peace of mind knowing that they’re ready for the holidays.”

The in-store layaway option gives customers 90 days to pay for their item(s).  A 20% down payment is required and there is a $5 service fee for layaway. Payments may be made at the store where the order was placed at any time in the form of cash, check, credit card, debit card or gift card, but 50% of the total price of the order must be paid within 45 days and total price of the order must be paid within 90 days. In order to guarantee that items are made available by Christmas, all layaway orders for toys must be paid in full by December 4. In the event an order is cancelled, there is a $10 charge, however, there are some state-specific exceptions regarding this fee. 

Bill Me Later Gives Online Shoppers Flexible Payment Plans and Savings Opportunities

Customers who prefer to shop online can take advantage of a limited-time Bill Me Later offer to make flexible payments over time as an alternative to the in-store layaway program. Through Saturday, October 22, eligible customers can enjoy no payments plus no interest if paid in full in six months for purchases over $100 or no payments plus no interest if paid in full in 12 months for purchases over $500. In addition, new Bill Me Later customers can save $20 on purchases of $100 or more.***

Toys”R”Us Introduces Online Catalog Dedicated to Layaway and Bill Me Later Payment Options

This year, Toys”R”Us has introduced its first online catalog highlighting many of the “big gifts” that can be put on layaway in all stores nationwide, or purchased online using the convenient Bill Me Later payment option.

Showcasing more than 30 items from swing sets to dollhouses, the online catalog includes $900 worth of savings on the big gifts that are sure to bring big smiles on Christmas morning, including ride-on vehicles, play kitchens, train tables and more. The special savings included as part of this online catalog are available at Toys”R”Us® stores and online at Toysrus.com now through Saturday, October 22, and represent only a sample of the savings on products available for layaway in all Toys”R”Us stores nationwide.  

Whether customers prefer to shop in one of the more than 870 “R”Us® stores nationwide or from the convenience of home on Toysrus.com or Babiesrus.com, layaway and Bill Me Later offer flexible payment options for customers looking to stretch their dollars this holiday season.  

*Some exclusions apply.  See store for details.

**Toys”R”Us Express and Outlet stores do not participate in the company’s layaway program.

***Bill Me Later is subject to credit approval as determined by the lender, WebBank, Salt Lake City, Utah and is available to US customers who are of legal age in their state of residence. You must pay with Bill Me Later® to get the offer. $20 credit valid on order of $100 or more for first time Bill Me Later® customers only and will appear on your Bill Me Later statement in 1-2 billing cycles. Limit one per customer. Click here to view important disclosures about payment amounts and terms. Offer expires at 11:59PM EDT on October 22, 2011.

About Toys”R”Us, Inc.

Toys”R”Us, Inc. is the world’s leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 875 Toys”R”Us and Babies”R”Us stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, and in more than 520 international stores and over 200 licensed stores in 34 countries and jurisdictions. In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com and FAO.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys”R”Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates annually worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need.

SOURCE Toys”R”Us

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Combining best practices and resources of two toy leaders, TOMY sharpens its competitive edge; debuts early 2012 introductions timed to coincide with Fall Toy Preview.

OAK BROOK, Ill., Oct. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ – TOMY International, a leading global designer, producer and marketer of a broad range of toys and collectible products for children of all ages, previews its 2012 toy strategy in conjunction with the opening of Fall Toy Preview in Dallas, TX. Combining the strengths of two worldwide toy leaders—RC2/Learning Curve Brands and TOMY Company, Ltd.—into one powerful global toy business, TOMY greets 2012 as one of the largest toy and infant products companies, poised to drive further growth from existing owned and licensed brands as well as all-new global brands and product lines.

“The strength of the unified TOMY positions us for exponential growth over the next several years from existing as well as new categories,” states Peter Henseler, President of TOMY International. “Spring 2012 introductions expand upon several top-selling existing brands. As we continue tapping into best practices from both formerly separate organizations, our later 2012 introductions in both existing and all-new brands will reveal our emphasis on a blending of design, technology and innovation as the cornerstone of our future success.”  

TOMY’s spring 2012 introductions bring enhanced innovation to the award-winning Chuggington Wooden Railway and Chuggington Die-Cast Railway, expand upon the hit Dinosaur Train brand for even more interactive play, and incorporate contemporary twists in the evergreen Lamaze and John Deere brands to appeal to today’s parents and kids alike.  

Later in the year, look for TOMY introductions across best-selling brands including the Thomas Wooden Railway and The First Years with an interactive infant toy line, as well as ground-breaking introductions in boys action and girls product categories.

Chuggington™ by TOMY

Based on Ludorum’s popular animated series, Chuggington, TOMY will expand out two Chuggington product lines, Chuggington Die-Cast Railway and Chuggington Wooden Railway in 2012 as well as add a collection of feature toys to bring Chuggington’s “traintastic” adventures home for even more fans. Directly inspired by the show’s unique look, TOMY’s Chuggington Die-Cast Railway includes an expanded focus on a range of collectible die-cast engines, special Value Packs featuring an engine, play piece, track and Badge, and all-new action-packed playsets that will retail for under $20. The Chuggington Wooden Railway adds more characters to its collectible stable of engines as well as feature-packed starter train sets at key price points, all in classic, high-quality wood construction and all compatible with other major wooden railway toys. In addition, TOMY introduces a line of character-based Chuggington toys to take the fun off the track and right into the homes of fans everywhere. From thematic flashlights shaped like engine characters, to a deluxe R/C Action Chugger that “blasts-off” and “flies” on a cloud, get ready for more Chuggington thrills than ever before!

Dinosaur Train™ by TOMY

On the heels of a successful sophomore year, TOMY will expand its extensive line of original Dinosaur Train toys. Based on The Jim Henson Company’s animated PBS series, TOMY’s Dinosaur Train line incorporates elements from the animated series and delivers a product line that is engaging and educational. Spring 2012 highlights include new additions to the popular InterAction Figure line with features such as moving mouths designed to enhance the role play and interactivity. TOMY also grows the Dinosaur Train collectible figure line with more kid-favorite characters to collect and enjoy.

Lamaze® by TOMY (www.lamazetoys.com)

TOMY’s Lamaze® brand is dedicated to creating products that help baby grow, discover and learn. Parents have known and trusted the Lamaze® brand for more than 50 years. Building on that trust, TOMY’s Lamaze line delivers products that focus on infant development, while at the same time provide opportunities for parents to bond and interact with baby. New for 2012, the award-winning Lamaze Infant Development System unveils new items with added developmental features, dynamic colors, engaging textures and whimsical characters. In addition to the innovative items in the flagship Lamaze Infant Development System, the evergreen Lamaze Play and Grow line and Lamaze Tunes family expand with fun, thoughtful items.

About TOMY International

TOMY International (www.tomy.com) is a leading global designer, producer and marketer of a broad range of innovative, high-quality toys sold to preschoolers, youths and adults under the TOMY®, Ertl®, Johnny Lightning® and Tomica® brands as well as products for mothers, infants and toddlers marketed under its The First Years®, Lamaze, JJ Cole® Collections and Boon® brands. TOMY International also markets its products under popular and classic licensed properties such as Thomas Friends, Special Agent Oso, Chuggington, Dinosaur Train, John Deere, Disney’s Winnie the Pooh, Princesses, Cars, Fairies and Toy Story, and other well-known properties. TOMY International’s mission is to inspire and fulfill the dreams of children and parents worldwide. TOMY International reaches its target consumers through multiple channels of distribution supporting more than 25,000 retail outlets throughout North and South America, Europe and Australia. TOMY International is a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan-based TOMY Company, Ltd. (Tokyo Stock Exchange Code No. 7867). © TOMY

SOURCE TOMY International

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DANBURY, Conn., Oct. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Former Arkansas Governor and former Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee will be a guest on the Fox News Channel’s “The O’Reilly Factor” with host Bill O’Reilly on Friday, October 7, 2011 at 8 p.m. E.T. to discuss his company, Learn Our History.

Gov. Huckabee, who hosts his own popular weekend show, “Huckabee,” on the Fox News Channel, co-founded Learn Our History to combat shortcomings in current methods of teaching American history. The company produces educational videos for children and teenagers about history, social studies and current events.  

Gov. Huckabee, who also served as chairman of the Education Commission of the States and as chairman of the bipartisan National Governors Association, said, “America’s youth aren’t excited about our past because they’re being taught history in a way that minimizes what has made America a beacon of hope around the world for over 200 years. Instead, history lessons today often focus on America’s faults.”

Citing compelling statistics that indicate U.S. youth don’t know basic American history facts, Gov. Huckabee said: “It’s impossible to overestimate the importance of giving our children a historically accurate and unbiased education that allows kids today to enjoy and understand our history, and build their pride in our great nation.”

To date, Learn Our History has released four films – about World War II, The Reagan Revolution, 9/11 and the War on Terror, and most recently, the American Revolution. This latest episode is part of a trilogy on the American Revolution.  The first installment, “The Birth of a Revolution”, covers topics including The Boston Tea Party, The First Continental Congress, the Boston Massacre and everything that led up to Lexington and Concord – the first battles of the war.

Gov. Huckabee said this episode also touches on how the revolutionaries took inspiration from their faith, and how freedom meant more than just not paying taxes – they were objecting to centralized control by a government far away.  “These principles are applicable today,” he said.

Developed in cooperation with a respected team of educators and leading historians, Learn Our History has sold thousands and thousands of videos, with many teachers buying the series for their classes because they understand how fun, animated stories make history come alive for young minds, said Learn Our History’s CEO, Brad Saft.

“Our goal is to restore American values through the education of our nation’s youth and to celebrate our nation’s history. We’re committed to an authentic telling of America’s history in a way that engages and excites young people so that they will become informed and responsible citizens and more successful students,” said Saft.

Future episodes will include the Discovery of America, the First Thanksgiving, Women in US History, Lewis and Clark, The Race to Space, and many others.

Learn Our History’s products are available exclusively through the Learn Our History website at LearnOurHistory.com or at 877-US HISTORY (877-874-4786).

SOURCE Learn Our History LLC

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