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South Norwalk, CT (PRWEB) January 25, 2012

Event entertainment booking service GigMasters.com today revealed its fifth annual ?Rising Star Award? winners for 2011. The award recognizes the nation?s top-earning entertainers in over 125 performer and vendor categories. Six new event-based award categories were added this year to recognize the performers who booked the most weddings, children?s parties and corporate events in 2011.

?The Rising Star Award is GigMasters? highest honor and our way of recognizing our finest party entertainers,? said GigMasters? VP of Marketing, Marissa Latshaw. ?It?s a real point of pride among our members and a testament to their hard work, talent, and professionalism.?

Here are just a few of the winners:

Top Cover Band: Nick Carver Band (Murfreesboro, TN)

Top DJ: Alden Entertainment (New York, NY)

Top Folk Band: Bluegrass Sound Band (Marietta, GA)

Top Hypnotist: Dr. William Mitchell (Springfield, IL)

Top Magician: Didi Maxx Magic & More!!! (Long Island, NY)

Top String Quartet: St. Charles String Quartet (Washington, DC)

Top Tribute Act: George Lyons (Boston, MA)

Top Variety Band: Raising Cain (Denver, CO)

Top Wedding Entertainer: Eva Murphy (St. Louis, MO)

Top World Band: Matt Stedman Band (Chicago, IL)

For a complete list of winners please visit: http://www.gigmasters.com/about/rising-star-awards.aspx

WHAT THE WINNERS ARE SAYING…

“GigMasters has completely changed the rules and the game for entertainers looking to make a career of their art form. Bravo GigMasters!” ? Matthew Cutillo, 2011 Top Acoustic Guitarist

?This award has brought a smile to my face which allows me to pass on a smile to ALL of my wonderful clients. What GigMasters does behind the scenes to make thousands of customers happy?now that?s juggling!? ? Lou Johnson, 2011 Top Juggler

?I consider it a real honor to be chosen as the GigMasters Rising Star Award Winner for 2011 Top Comedian. My relationship with GigMasters has been great from the very beginning ? financially rewarding and mutually satisfying on every level ? unlike my marriage!? ? Johnny Lampert, 2011 Top Comedian

GigMasters is the number one event entertainment booking service, guiding party planners and hosts to the right entertainment for every event. By combining the efficiency of the web with the personal touch of a private event planner, GigMasters has helped facilitate more than 148,000 bookings. With the Internet’s largest nationwide database of client-rated performers for live music and variety entertainment, GigMasters boasts 10,000 performers including live bands, DJs, wedding musicians, celebrity impersonators, balloon twisters, stand-up comedians, jazz trios, bagpipers, string quartets, soloists and more. The site, founded in 1997 by Kevin Kinyon and Michael Caldwell, attracts over 25,000 daily visits* throughout North America. GigMasters is a proud member of the Better Business Bureau, TRUSTe, and is also a DigiCert secured website. For more information, please visit http://www.gigmasters.com.

*Source: Google Analytics

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Bay Shore, NY (PRWEB) January 23, 2012

TelcoDepot.com, a provider of Phone Systems, VoIP Equipment, Business VoIP Service, Hosted PBX solutions, assorted phone accessories and phone system support services, has introduced an expanded range of message on hold systems for businesses.

TelcoDepot.com now provides a number of Message-on-hold systems for business phone systems including the Nel-Tech Message on hold system (provides 64 minutes of music and message), Nel-Tech Message on Hold System USB Flash Drive (provides 64 minutes of music and messages on a removable USB flash stick), Valcom Message on Hold system (accepts flash drives and connects to any system providing a music on hold input), and the Viking 2-line music on hold device (connects to any two analog lines and gives the phones attached to the same lines hold capability, just add a music source for hold).

TelcoDepot.com also provides discounts and support options on the message-on-hold systems it offers.

“With message-on-hold systems from TelcoDepot.com, you have a low-cost, high-quality phone system accessory which provides great value for money while helping you manage calls efficiently,” says Yaron Ram, a TelcoDepot.com principal.

To learn more about the TelcoDepot.com Message on Hold systems, including available models, accessories, support options, discounts and pricing, visit telcodepot.com/phone-system-equipment/message-on-hold. For additional inquiries, call TelcoDepot.com support lines on 1-800-390-1200 or send an email to info(at)telcodepot(dot)com.

About Telco Depot

Telco Depot is a leading supplier of quality business telephone systems, business VoIP service, VoIP phones, phone headset equipment, video surveillance systems, voice & data cabling solutions, conference phone solutions and Microsoft Response Point Systems. The company?s top priority is to help its clients make informed decisions based on their specific small business phone system needs by providing experience and expertise and guiding them in selecting the best phone systems for their businesses. Telco Depot ensures that their phone systems are fully scalable, affordable priced, and provide the highest value for their clients.

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Portland, OR (PRWEB) January 19, 2012

Over the past decade, independent artists have earned significant income from traditional licensing opportunities in TV and film, but with YouTube quickly becoming the most popular online music-discovery platform, there are countless opportunities to license music on a much smaller scale.

“Sure, you can make a bundle by getting placement in a feature film,? said CD Baby president Brian Felsen, ?but you also can make money by getting your song in 500 home movies of cats doing cartwheels. We are giving independent artists the opportunity to do both. The equivalent of 9 years of video is uploaded to YouTube everyday. That’s a lot of video, and most of it could benefit from including some great independent music.”

CD Baby Sync Licensing, which launches today, is powered by Portland-based Rumblefish, a leader in the music licensing industry. The program is free to all CD Baby members. Artists can choose to opt in (or opt out) at anytime.

“CD Baby has always been a leader in independent music, and we’re humbled to plug their amazing catalog into the worlds of social media and traditional sync licensing,” said Rumblefish Founder and CEO Paul Anthony. “The opportunities in sync licensing have never been bigger.?

In addition to being marketed for use in TV, movies and games, CD Baby artists? music will be included in a database of songs that YouTube allows video-makers to choose from in their YouTube accounts.

“So if you or I upload a video of our birthday party or camping trip,? said Felsen, ?YouTube will allow us to throw some music in the background with just a few clicks. You don’t even have to edit the video – it’s built into YouTube. When a CD Baby artist’s music is used, then that artist gets paid. If the video goes viral, the artist gets paid a lot.?

YouTube also will analyze and identify videos that contain CD Baby music prior to upload and pay royalties on those tracks as well. Artists will even get paid for the videos they upload themselves.

?We’re really excited about this new sync licensing partnership,? said Felsen, ?as it opens up new revenue streams for independent artists. Millions of people are watching music videos – and videos that feature music – on YouTube every day. Now artists will get paid for it.?

Artists can sign up for CD Baby Distribution and Sync Licensing here

(http://members.cdbaby.com)

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ANAHEIM, Calif. (PRWEB) January 19, 2012

Line 6, Inc. (NAMM room 212A/B) proudly introduces StageSource L3t. The new StageSource loudspeaker systems are built on a powerful new technology platform that enables a single enclosure to provide best-of-class performance in multiple live sound functions.

StageSource L3t is the most flexible loudspeaker available for musicians. Using six innovative Smart Speaker modes, the L3t optimizes its output for a variety of performance scenarios: front-of-house PA, floor monitor, personal PA, keyboard and acoustic guitar backline or with Line 6 POD? multi-effect processors as a high-performance electric guitar speaker system. Smart Speaker modes are set automatically via built-in orientation sensors that detect whether the speaker has been pole-mounted or tilted for use as a monitor.

A compact, full-range three-way speaker system, the StageSource L3t tri-amped design delivers 1,400 watts of balanced, clean and articulate audio through dual 10-inch woofers and a horn-loaded, one-inch, exit-compression driver that combine to deliver a powerful 132 dB maximum SPL. A precision-engineered 100×50 degree constant-directivity waveguide delivers consistent coverage throughout its entire frequency range and optimal dispersal throughout the audience area, wide enough for solo use yet controlled enough for arrayed pairs. The narrow vertical pattern ensures minimal energy is reflected off the ceilings and floors.

?Our new powered speakers were designed to meet the performance needs of all musicians and sound great in every scenario, from solo performances in a coffee shop through to full-on rock shows,? says Simon Jones, vice president of new market development at Line 6. ?StageSource L3t goes way beyond the capabilities of a standard powered loudspeaker, offering advanced DSP, smart design and true scalability with L6 LINK? digital networking.?

For the solo performer or duo the StageSource L3t is a simple, powerful and compact integrated live sound solution. Used as a standalone PA system, performers can benefit from a feature set designed to cover all their needs, including a built-in mixer with two mic/instrument inputs, full three-band EQ with sweepable mid, Smart Effects (modulation and reverb), Line 6 acoustic guitar modeling, which improves the output signal of an acoustic guitar outfitted with piezo pickups, and 12-band feedback suppression technology.

For larger bands, live sound events or houses of worship, StageSource L3t can be configured into full front-of-house and monitor systems. Connected via L6 LINK, the proprietary Line 6 networking protocol, StageSource L3t speakers automatically detect each other and adjust their settings accordingly. Used in a system with StageSource L3s subwoofers, crossovers and levels are automatically set for best performance.

When connected via L6 LINK, StageSource speakers and the StageScape M20d digital mixer are capable of unparalleled power and flexibility. Together they redefine the typical mixer-speaker paradigm to introduce a smarter live sound experience in which the live rig is a complete, intelligent eco-system rather than merely a linear combination of components.

StageSource L3t features heavy-duty plywood construction, durable fitments, a steel grille with a protective screen backing and four M10 suspension points and a pull-back for install scenarios.

?Line 6 recognized that it?s a challenge for the performing musician to choose the perfect high-performance loudspeaker system. Over the course of their career, a musician may play many styles of music, using multiple instruments and play many different sized venues,? Jones said. ?The scalability, integrated feature set and sound quality of StageSource loudspeaker systems meet that challenge, delivering a high-performance speaker for every musician?s entire career.?

Learn more at http://line6.com/l3t

About Line 6, Inc.

Line 6 products have been at the cutting edge of digital audio development for musicians and audio professionals since the company pioneered the digital modeling guitar amplifier in 1996. Before the Line 6 brand was formed in the mid-?90s, co-founders Marcus Ryle and Michel Doidic were principal developers for the Alesis? ADAT?, the digital multi-track recorder that revolutionized the recording industry. Today, Line 6 produces a wide variety of hardware and software products including POD? multi-effect processors, POD Farm? software plug-ins, Spider? guitar amps, a range of professional instrument and microphone digital wireless systems, digital live sound mixers, and speakers, as well as the Mobile In? premium digital guitar interface and Mobile Keys? keyboards for Apple iOS devices. For more information, visit line6.com.

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San Jose, CA (PRWEB) January 17, 2012

At any point during a typical day, David Sharpe can be called any number of things: Singer/songwriter. Doctor. Family Guy. The Jimmy Buffet for Kids. Then there is the label that represents everything Sharpe is and it comes from one of his most popular hits ?There?s Nothing Better than a PapaHug.? Now PapaHugs adds a new label that brings with it the highest musical street cred for this very dedicated and inspired musician: GRAMMY? Nominee! David Sharpe & the PapaHugs Band are nominated for Best Children?s Album for ?Are We There Yet?? for the upcoming 54th Annual GRAMMY? Awards on February 12, 2012, in Los Angeles. (Sharpe and his band will be performing at the San Jose Children?s Discovery Museum on Saturday, January 21, at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and admission to the museum will give you access to the concert.)

?Music and playing guitar were a part of my upbringing,? said Sharpe. ?I would sing songs to my children and my nephews when they were little and then when I was blessed with three amazing grandchildren I found myself so inspired to write and create my own children?s songs because of them. My nephew Jeremy (Hoenig) has been a professional musician all of his adult life and he plays drums in the band. The whole family is nominated as far as I?m concerned, and that means the world to me.?

Many of Sharpe?s songs are written collectively with his grandchildren. The title song ?Are We There Yet?? was inspired by a road trip they all took together. The three children got in on the recording process as well and can be heard singing back up on the track ?Bubble Wrap.? The GRAMMY Nominated album was co-produced by his nephew Jeremy Hoenig, who also plays drums in the band, and Tim Volpicella.

Although Sharpe had been a musician his entire life, it wasn?t until he had grandchildren ? and all of his friends were having grandchildren ? that he began thinking of making music professionally. When all of the families would get together, Sharpe would perform a few of the hundreds of songs he had written. Everyone encouraged him to get into the studio and make these songs official. Which is just what he did, and now he is a GRAMMY? Nominee, the highest accolade in music because it is voted on by other music makers.

?My music connects people of all ages, which is what I love,? said Sharpe. ?Being nominated by your peers is the greatest honor. Winning a GRAMMY? would be an absolute dream come true and one that my entire family would share.?

For more information about David Sharpe and the PapaHugs band, visit http://www.davidsharpemusic.com. Dr. Sharpe is a well-respected podiatrist in the San Jose area when he’s not making or performing music for kids of all ages.

The 54th GRAMMY? Awards Air on CBS, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012 at 8 pm./7c.

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(PRWEB UK) 14 January 2012

In June 2012, the new Peugeot 208 arrives in the UK and will be available in two distinct body styles; 3 & 5-door with an extensive range of petrol and diesel engines including an all new 3 cylinder petrol power unit and the latest generation of Stop & Start System (e-HDi) diesel engines.

With the new 208, Peugeot has not hesitated to rewrite the rulebook with the desire to reinvent the principles on which the success of icons like the 205, 206 and 207 were built and to ?re-generate? them.

Environmental re-generation with efficient engines

By achieving average CO2 emissions of 34g/km lower than the 207, the 208 takes the lead in its segment. Its latest generation engine technology and the use of the innovative e-HDi micro-hybrid Stop & Start System on virtually all versions use many designs and aspects from Puugeot hybrid cars, add to the vehicle’s improvements in terms of weight reduction and aerodynamics, making all 5 models fuel efficient cars.

With five models, four of which are equipped with the new generation Stop & Start System (e-HDi), the diesel range starts at 87g/km of CO2 (delivering fuel economy of 83.1 mpg) and doesn?t exceed 99g/km!

The 208 also introduces a new range of 3-cylinder petrol engines, 1.0- and 1.2-litre VTi, which are particularly efficient, with a range starting at 99g/km of CO2 (delivering 65.7mpg).

Weight, aerodynamics and of course the PSA Group?s technological expertise with innovation in terms of both HDi FAP diesel, VTi and THP petrol engines, are factors which place the 208 as a leader in the segment.

208 diesel range:

????1.4l HDi FAP 50kW (68bhp), 160Nm, 5-speed manual gearbox; CO2: 98g/km, 74.3mpg

????1.4l e-HDi FAP 50kW (68bhp), 160Nm,5-speed EGC, Stop & Start; CO2: 87g/km, 83.1mpg

????1.6l e-HDi FAP 68kW (92bhp), 230Nm, 5-speed manual , Stop & Start; CO2: 98g/km,74.3mpg

????1.6l e-HDi FAP 68kW (92bhp), 230Nm, 6-speed EGC , Stop & Start; CO2: 98g/km (1),74.3mpg

????1.6l e-HDi FAP 84kW (115bhp), 285 (2)Nm, 6-speed manual gearbox, Stop &Start; CO2: 99g/km,74.3mpg

208 petrol range:

????1.0l VTi 50kW (68bhp); 95Nm, 5-speed manual gearbox; 99g/km (1),65.7mpg

????1.2l VTi 60kW (82bhp); 118Nm, 5-speed manual gearbox; 104g/km (1) ,62.8mpg

????1.4l VTi 70kW (95bhp); 136Nm, 5-speed manual gearbox: 129g/km ,50.4mpg

????1.6l VTi 88kW (120bhp); 160Nm, 5-speed manual gearbox: 134g/km,48.7mpg

????1.6l THP 115kW (156bhp), 240/260 (2)Nm, 6-speed manual gearbox; CO2: 135 g/km(1),48.7mpg

(1) New 1.0 l and 1.2 l 3-cylinder engines, 1.4 l e-HDi and 1.6 l THP versions available summer 2012

(2) Value with overboost

An extended e-HDi range

Following the launch of the 508 and the new 308 in 2011, the 208 will benefit from e-HDi Stop and Start technology on 4 of its 5 diesel power trains. Rapid, efficient and silent, e-HDi combines reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions (up to -15% in town) with maximum driveability.

New generation of 3-Cylinder engines

This new generation of engine is a true breakthrough in terms of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, while offering a good level of performance for the entry-level versions.

Designed by the PSA Peugeot Citro?n Group and produced at the Tr?mery production facility in France, the 1.0 l and 1.2 l VTi versions will allow the 208 to offer petrol versions at 99g/km and 104g/km of CO2. These normally aspirated, indirect injection engines have maximum power outputs of 50 and 60kW (68 and 82bhp) at 6,000rpm and a maximum torque of 95 and 118Nm at 3,000 and 2,750rpm respectively.

Environmental Efficiency

The environmental performance of 208 continues. With 25% of ?green materials? (recycled or of natural origin) making up its mass of polymers, it enters a new era in terms of eco-design. As a world first, the rear bumper and the fan assembly are made entirely using these materials. This type of bumper alone will permit a saving in manufacturing of 1600 tonnes of energy a year.

Architectural re-generation

The 208 embodies the principles of agility and efficiency. The initial technical choices make it a vehicle that is light (110kg lighter on average compared to the 207 and as much as ?173kg!), with a range that starts at 975kg, aerodynamic (Cd of 0.29, CdA of 0.61), and compact (-7cm in length, -1cm in height). These benefits are accentuated by noticeably increased occupant space, with more room in the rear seats (+5cm at the knees) and a more generous boot space (+15 dm3 in volume), proof of optimised architectural performance.

Stylistic re-generation

The 208 gives form to and refines the new aesthetic codes of the Marque. The ?Floating? grille, its light signature, ?boomerang? rear lamps and each detail is designed in complete harmony with the balance of the car, structured by a ?spine?, the impression of which is even visible on the roof. Sculpted, athletic, pure and sophisticated, its style projects the Marque towards a renewed and attractive modernity. The two body styles have been given different treatments, with the style of the quarter panel of the three-door version reminiscent of one of its illustrious older siblings from days gone by.

Ergonomic re-generation

The interior continues the promise of innovation just like the exterior style. A true break from what has gone before, beyond the recognised technical constraints and cultural references, the instruments and controls are entirely intuitive and clear. They are positioned around a small steering wheel, combined with an elevated instrument panel giving information at a glance and a large touch screen. This ?ensemble? connects with its occupants and contributes to the practicality, the safety, the quality and purity of the interior design, as well as to the driving sensations.

The Touch Screen: intuitive connectivity

In keeping with its time, the 208 will offer most (more than 80%) of its customers, a 7″ colour touch screen with carefully designed graphics (resolution 800 x 480) and intuitive operation. It allows easy access to the various functions: radio, Bluetooth hands-free kit or music files via a USB connection or audio streaming.

The touch screen is within easy reach and at eye level, for maximum safety, comfort and harmony with the other instruments on the dashboard ensured.

Peugeot Connect Navigation

Navigation will be available for the touch screen system, as an optional extra (for less than ?500), placing it in a very competitive position versus other on board navigation systems.

Re-generation of the driving experience

The 208 renews the driving experience, a key factor in the DNA of every Peugeot:

Due to the small steering wheel which provides new ergonomics, the driver experiences a completely new driving agility,

Due to a new level of engineering between comfort and road holding, the result of the historical expertise of the Marque in terms of suspension and the benefits from the compactness and reduced weight of the vehicle.

The new Peugeot 208 will be launched in mainland Europe in the Spring and in the UK in June.

To obtain high resolution downloadable images of the new Peugeot 208 and promotional film, please log on to the Peugeot Press website: http://www.peugeotpress.co.uk (Newspress passwords apply) Or visit the website for more information regarding fuel efficient cars and hybrid vehicles.

Andrew Didlick \ +44 (0)24 7688 4309

Andrew(dot)didlick(at)peugeot(dot)com

Mobile +44 (0) 7836 362859

Steven Fahey \ +44 (0)24 7688 4216

steven(dot)fahey(at)peugeot(dot)com

Mobile +44 (0) 7748 704219????

Kevin Jones \ +44 (0)24 7688 4215

Kevin(dot)jones(at)peugeot(dot)com

Mobile +44 (0)7880 786596

Craig Morrow \ +44 (0)24 7688 4261

craig(dot)morrow(at)peugeot(dot)com

Mobile +44 (0)7747 764745 ????

Janet Brace \ +44 (0)24 7688 4257

janet(dot)brace(at)peugeot(dot)com

Mobile +44 (0)7798 607896

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Perry, FL (PRWEB) January 13, 2012

In his new novel ?McNeil? (published by iUniverse), author and veteran R.W. Powers offers to readers a tale of military adventure, sacrifice and duty set during the Korean War.

Corporal Charlie McNeil has high hopes of completing his military obligations so he could get back home and take care of his ailing mother and complete his college education. Like the other men he was not prepared for a war, all he and the others had to do was survive. Battles have been lost by the American military but never a war, and McNeil intended to make sure it didn?t happen on his watch.

An excerpt from ?McNeil?:

?McNeil slowly handed the mick to Gordon without really seeing who took it. He stood deep in thought for several minutes. I was sent on this assignment expecting no promotion and being back in the States and out of the Army in a year. Now look what?s happened. War has broken out. A war that?s being called a Police Action, but a war by any other name is still a war. I have been extended on active duty with no known date of release. I?ve been promoted from corporal in the trenches to a Battalion Commander, all this in less than a year. What else could possibly happen??

With the present military actions in Iraq and Afghanistan still fresh in the American consciousness, Powers? hope for readers is plain: ?I would hope that the reader will have a better understanding of what a military man goes through when he is called to duty,? he says.

About the Author

R.W. Powers is a retired military veteran who served three tours in Vietnam and earned both the Air Medal and the Bronze Star. A full-time writer, he also enjoys fishing and woodworking. Powers lives in Perry, Florida, with his wife, Miss Dolly. ?McNeil? is his debut book

iUniverse, an Author Solutions, Inc. self-publishing imprint, is the leading book marketing, editorial services, and supported self-publishing provider. iUniverse has a strategic alliance with Indigo Books & Music, Inc. in Canada, and titles accepted into the iUniverse Rising Star program are featured in a special collection on BarnesandNoble.com. iUniverse recognizes excellence in book publishing through the Star, Reader?s Choice, Rising Star and Editor?s Choice designations?self-publishing?s only such awards program. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, iUniverse also operates offices in Indianapolis. For more information or to publish a book, please visit iuniverse.com or call 1-800-AUTHORS. For the latest, follow @iuniversebooks on Twitter.

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New York, NY (PRWEB) January 11, 2012

Since Cosmic Opera?s mysterious teaser video and Twitter countdown were released last week, the internet has been buzzing about the ?extrasensory dance event series? that promises to change the landscape of dance music forever.

Today, the curtain has been dropped; the promise renewed.

The official launch reveals Cosmic Opera?s inaugural headliner (and partner in production) to be none other than Swedish House Mafia member and EDM icon, Axwell.

Flanked by as-yet-unnamed supporting acts spanning a variety of genres, Axwell and Cosmic Opera will transform New York City?s historic Hammerstein Ballroom on Friday, February 24. Advanced tickets go on sale Tuesday, January 17 at 10am EST. General tickets go on sale Wednesday, January 18 at 10am EST.

“When I was formulating the idea for Cosmic Opera, finding the right venue was one of the most important decisions I needed to make. Hammerstein’s legendary history of iconic performances and profound architecture gave me much of the inspiration for the vision of Cosmic Opera. When I first walked in to discuss the idea, I immediately knew it would be the perfect home for this event series.”

? Justin Cohen, Founder & Creator of Cosmic Opera

As reported by The New York Times earlier today, founder Justin Cohen has ambitions to change the way people experience electronic-dance concerts, turning them into theatrical events with dreamlike imagery. Mr. Cohen said that Cosmic Opera will also have a storyline, with costumed actors mingling in the crowd.

While the announcement of the globally renowned DJ Axwell will surely make the Cosmic Opera kick-off the first must-see event of 2012, the production will not stop there. The team behind this new brand of unique events does not drop the word ?extrasensory? lightly. If the latest Cosmic Opera teaser video is any indication, this show will be like nothing ever seen before.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be collaborating with Justin and his highly creative, forward-thinking team. Manhattan Center continues to set the venue bar in NYC, showcasing unique and diverse events, with the 3 upcoming Acts of Cosmic Opera in the Hammerstein Ballroom.”

Sarah-Jane Bennison, Director of Sales & Marketing for Hammerstein Ballroom

Bringing this revolutionary new event to the masses is Justin Cohen, former COO of the Summit Series, the top ranked conference event in the world. Justin has already made a name for himself through his exemplary creativity and drive, and was profiled in Fast Company and Forbes for executing what Forbes called a “floating SXSW” through his work with the Summit Series. With a background in event production of all sorts, Justin had the idea for Cosmic Opera when he saw a revolution in music, but no revolutionary event to showcase it. The 24 year-old has consequently gathered a team of the best and brightest minds of our age to bring this extraordinary vision to fruition. The team behind Cosmic Opera is comprised of diverse innovators from music, events, production, technology, theater, marketing, and videos. The video team has worked on films like Requiem for a Dream, and television such as The Sopranos and Sex in the City. The production team includes experts who oversee the World Science Festival, the top laser crafters who installed lasers on the pyramids of Egypt, and high-tech visual designers who possess the newest 3D mapping capabilities.

Cosmic Opera: This Is What We?ve Been Waiting For

Visit Cosmic Opera for more excitement!

#cosmicopera

For all media inquiries please contact:

trevor(at)bluewheelmedia(dot)com

Follow us on Twitter:

@cosmicopera @axwell @imjustincohen @thehammerstein @bluewheelmedia

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Portland, OR (PRWEB) January 10, 2012

Janrain today released findings from their second Social Identity study conducted by Blue Research, showing that consumer frustration at being asked to register on a website continues to grow and almost eight in ten people want social login to be offered as an alternative. Janrain commissioned Blue Research for the study, which was conducted among a nationwide cross section of more than 600 consumers. The research shows that marketers have a clear opportunity to increase conversion rates and online engagement by replacing traditional registration with social login. 86% of consumers are bothered by registering at a website and almost nine in ten will give false information or leave forms incomplete when creating a new account. Both of these results represent significant increases since the survey was first conducted in 2010.

The findings indicate that consumers increasingly believe social login, the ability to sign-in to a website using an existing online identity from providers like Facebook, Google and Twitter is a desirable alternative. More than three-quarters (77%) of respondents, up from two-thirds in 2010, think websites should offer social login, instead of requiring the creation of a new account through a traditional registration process. Consumer interest in social login also has a direct impact on brand affinity and purchase behavior, as fans of the service are more likely to both influence and be influenced by comments about a product or service from friends in their social graph.

Additional questions in the recent survey were designed to uncover consumer?s attitudes about personalization and the concept of sharing data in exchange for a better user experience.

?The findings of the survey show that social login continues to dramatically increase in favor among consumers as they realize the benefits of using an existing identity in order to bypass the traditional online registration process,? said Paul Abel, Ph.D., Managing Partner, Blue Research. ?Failing to offer social login is a missed opportunity for businesses to improve ROI of online properties, as fans of the service are more likely to register on the site, influence their friends through social networks and more likely to return to a site that offers them a personalized experience.?

Detailed findings include the following:

Resistance to Traditional Registration Processes

????Four in five (86%) people are bothered by the need to create new accounts when registering on a website and will change their behavior as a result; this represents an increase of more than 10% over the 2010 findings
o????54% may leave the site or not return

o????26% go to a different site, if possible

o????6% leave/avoid the site

o????14% say they will complete the registration

????88% admit to having given incorrect information or left forms incomplete when creating a new account at a website, up from 76% in 2010.
????9 in 10 people (90% versus 45% in 2010) admit they have left a website if they forgot their password or log-in info, instead of answering security questions or re-setting their password

Irrelevant Targeting by Brands

????100% of respondents reported receiving information or promotions from companies that are not relevant to them
o????Almost 3 in 4 (74%) have received conflicting messages across different marketing channels

o????Two-thirds (66%) have received an offer that clearly shows a company does not know who they are

o????Over half have received offers targeted to the wrong name, gender or age

Increased Brand Affinity in Fans of Social Login

????77% believe social login is a good solution that should be offered, an increase of over 10% from the year prior (66% in 2010). Among that population?
o????78% of social login fans have posted a comment or message to their social networks about a product or service they liked or thought others should know about or purchase

o????4 in 5 people (83%) say they are influenced to consider buying new products or services based on positive comments or messages from people in their social network

o????69% say positive reviews may increase their likelihood to purchase a product or service

o????82% seek out or avoid companies based on reviews from friends in their social graph

A copy of the full research is available on the Janrain website: http://www.janrain.com/consumer-research-social-login


Methodology

Custom designed online survey completed by 619 respondents. Respondents were carefully screened to ensure each is social media active and has purchased a product or service online and/or read articles or watched videos online from major media outlets in the past 30 days. Respondents were recruited via email from a nationally representative panel and given a one-time password protected access to the survey. The questionnaire was composed primarily of close-ended questions; median time to complete the survey was approximately 12 minutes. Quality controls were in place to remove ?speedsters? and ?flat-liners? from data analysis. As a result three data points were eliminated for a sample size of 616. The data collection period was October 3 through October 9, 2011. Blue Research (http://www.blue-research.com) designed the survey, managed the data collection process, conducted the analysis and created the research report.

About Janrain

Janrain helps organizations succeed on the social web with its user management platform, a solution to improve user acquisition and engagement. With Janrain, you learn more about your users when they login or sign up with an existing identity on a social network such as Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter. Then you can store that social profile data and use the information to launch more targeted campaigns or serve more relevant content. Additional components for sharing, invite friends, and gamification bring more users to your site and reward brand advocates. Janrain customers include leading brands such as Universal Music Group, MTV Networks, AMC Networks, Ning, Kodak, NPR, Sears and Citysearch. Founded in 2005, Janrain is based in Portland, Oregon. For more information, please call 1-888-563-3082 or visit http://www.janrain.com.

About Blue Research

Blue Research provides proprietary information businesses use to better understand their markets, develop compelling products and services as well as capture and maintain market share . Blue uses state-of-the-art market research techniques to create reports that drive action throughout the organization. Blue Research specializes in technology markets worldwide and is a preferred market research consultancy for some of the largest technology brands and upcoming innovators. For more information, to review testimonials or case studies, please visit blue-research.com. Paul Abel, Ph.D. can be contacted at paul.abel(at)blue-research(dot)com or 1-888-780-BLUE

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More Music Press Releases

Washington, DC (PRWEB) January 06, 2012

The St. Thomas of Canterbury Anglican Use Society of Washington, D.C. (STCS) will offer a special service of Evensong to celebrate the historic erection of the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of St. Peter and the appointment of The Reverend Jeffrey N. Steenson as its first ordinary on Saturday, January 21, 2012.

The Evensong will be at 4:00 p.m. St. Anselm?s Abbey Church (4501 South Dakota Ave NE) in Washington, D.C. A reception will follow. The public is invited.

Evensong is one of the most dignified and characteristically Anglican services. This one will be sung according to the Vatican-approved Book of Divine Worship which incorporates Anglican (Episcopal) elements and orthodox Catholic worship. The Book of Divine Worship is an adaptation of the Book of Common Prayer.

The music for the service will include works by Charles Villiers Stanford, including:

O Praise God in His Holiness (Psalm 150) for the Introit

Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in C, Op. 115

Te Deum in B flat, Op. 10

“We are thankful for the generosity of the Pope in erecting the ordinariate here in the United States, and we hope to welcome many Anglicans and Episcopalians into the Catholic Church both here in DC and throughout the country,” said James W. Farr, Jr., president of STCS.

Farr also stated that the members of STCS are especially grateful to St. Anselm’s Abbey, and to its abbot, the Right Reverend Dom James Wiseman, for continuing to host STCS. The monks are leading the Society’s Inquirer’s Classes.

The ordinariate was established January 1, 2012 in Rome by Pope Benedict XVI to allow former Episcopalians and Anglicans to come into full communion with the Catholic Church while retaining parts of their Anglican heritage.

?The establishment of the Personal Ordinariate is an historic moment in the history of the Church,? Father Steenson said. ?For perhaps the first time since the Reformation in the sixteenth century, a corporate structure has been given to assist those who in conscience seek to return to the fold of St. Peter and his successors.?

For more information about the service or STCS, e-mail James Farr at codeblueiii(at)yahoo(dot)com or visit the Society’s website at http://www.stthomascanterbury.org.

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