SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ –
In an effort to keep the Blacklight viral outbreak from becoming a reality, Radical Entertainment confirmed today that it will release the ultimate in bio-outbreak control – PROTOTYPE® 2′s Blackwatch Collector’s Edition. Planned to launch April 24, 2012 from Activision Publishing, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, Inc.

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, this highly limited quantity PROTOTYPE 2 Blackwatch Collector’s Edition will retail for $79.99 and contain:

PROTOTYPE 2 RADNET Edition Content

Free PROTOTYPE 2 DLC Pack #1 – Colossal Mayhem

Official PROTOTYPE 2 Soundtrack CD

Exclusive PROTOTYPE 2 Hardbound Art Book

Dark Horse Digital Comic “PROTOTYPE: The Labrinth”

20% Discount Voucher at PROTOTYPE Merchandise Store

Check out the PROTOTYPE 2 Blackwatch Collector’s Edition trailer at:

“When we initially began discussing the idea of creating a collector’s edition for PROTOTYPE 2, we knew right off the bat that it would have to be something special for our most hardcore fans – the ones who finished the original game multiple times; those who constantly debate whether Mercer or Heller is the more badass character; the ones who are eagerly waiting to jump in feet first and experience all that PROTOTYPE 2 has to offer,” said Ken Rosman, Studio Head, Radical Entertainment. “To indulge this audience, our Blackwatch Collector’s Edition not only contains our recently announced RADNET content, but also includes our first paid DLC pack – Colossal Mayhem – due out in May, plus a voucher code to download Dark Horse’s third and final PROTOTYPE 2 comic – The Labyrinth, as well as our amazing game soundtrack and art book, and 20% off at the PROTOTYPE merchandise store where you can pick from an assortment of PROTOTYPE 2 themed swag – all the accoutrement any hardcore P2 fan could want!”

The sequel to Radical Entertainment’s best-selling open-world action game of 2009, PROTOTYPE 2 takes the unsurpassed carnage of the original PROTOTYPE and continues the experience of becoming the ultimate shape-shifting weapon. As the game’s all-new infected protagonist, Sgt. James Heller, players will cut a bloody swathe through the wastelands of post-viral New York Zero with unparalleled locomotion, building up a vast genetic arsenal of deadly, biological weapons and abilities as they hunt, kill and consume their way toward the ultimate goal – to kill…Alex…Mercer!

To find out more about PROTOTYPE 2, follow us on Twitter at
www.twitter.com/radical_ent and check out
www.prototypegame.com for the latest trailers, screenshots, special promotions and more! And for the truly dedicated, go to
www.facebook.com/prototype and join the PROTOTYPE Army – a community of over 380,000 (and growing) fans that receive constant updates from the team at Radical, and early sneak peeks at new information and assets.

PROTOTYPE 2 is being developed for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC. The game is rated “M” (Mature – Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Sexual Themes, Strong Language – content that may be suitable for persons 17 and older) by the ESRB.

About Radical Entertainment

In September 2011, Radical Entertainment celebrated its 20th anniversary in the business of creating hit video games, including 2009′s multi-million-unit-selling PROTOTYPE, The Simpsons Hit & Run, The Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction, Scarface: The World Is Yours and more. We treat our properties with the reverence they deserve and gamers demand, and the commitment to our partners and fans continues to set us apart. Our Vancouver-based studio allows Radical Entertainment to bring the talent, tools and technology together to create entertainment that captures the world’s imagination. Owned by Activision Publishing, Inc, Radical is continually ranked as one of the best places to work in B.C, according to BC Business magazine and Watson Wyatt. In 2006-2008 MediaCorp Canada ranked Radical as a Top 100 Canadian Employer, Top 10 Canadian Employer for Young People, and Top 20 B.C. Employer. For more information, please visit
www.radical.ca .

About Activision Publishing, Inc.

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision Publishing, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.

Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, China and the region of Taiwan. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website,
www.activision.com .

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing’s expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Activision Publishing generally uses words such as “outlook,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “might,” “remains,” “to be,” “plans,” “believes,” “may,” “expects,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “estimate,” future,” “plan,” “positioned,” “potential,” “project,” “remain,” “scheduled,” “set to,” “subject to,” “upcoming” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include, but are not limited to, sales levels of Activision Publishing’s titles, shifts in consumer spending trends, the impact of the current macroeconomic environment, the seasonal and cyclical nature of the interactive game market, Activision Publishing’s ability to predict consumer preferences among competing hardware platforms, declines in software pricing, product returns and price protection, product delays, retail acceptance of Activision Publishing’s products, adoption rate and availability of new hardware (including peripherals) and related software, industry competition including from used games and other forms of entertainment, litigation risks and associated costs, rapid changes in technology, industry standards, business models including online and used games, and consumer preferences, including interest in specific genres such as music, first-person action and massively multiplayer online games, protection of proprietary rights, maintenance of relationships with key personnel, customers, licensees, licensors, vendors, and third-party developers, including the ability to attract, retain and develop key personnel and developers that can create high quality “hit” titles, counterparty risks relating to customers, licensees, licensors and manufacturers, domestic and international economic, financial and political conditions and policies, foreign exchange rates and tax rates, and the identification of suitable future acquisition opportunities and potential challenges associated with geographic expansion, and the other factors identified in the risk factors sections of Activision Blizzard’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations.

Activision and PROTOTYPE are registered trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

“PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

SOURCE Activision Publishing, Inc.

Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

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Feb. 21, 2012 4:00p

A free after-school program at the Towanda Area Elementary School, which promotes physical activity and good nutrition and teaches kids about adopting a healthy lifestyle, is now several years old.

The program, which is held from 3:15 to 5 pm on the first Friday of the month, includes games such as dodgeball and basketball, and provides the kids with a healthy snack, said Towanda schools Superintendent Diane M. Place.

We try to do a craft during the session, too, and incorporate a lesson to promote a healthy lifestyle, said Nicole Siedhof, the program director at the Bradford County Branch YMCA, which runs the program.

The program, which is for kids in grades 3 to 6, is doing really well, said Jennifer Dibble, executive director of the local YMCA branch. We have anywhere from 20 to 70 kids (at each session). Its very well attended. Kids enjoy having time to be with their friends after school and just play. Its structured (but its) not overly structured. They get to choose the games they play.

Branson Kerrick, 9, attended the program for the first time on Jan. 6.

It was awesome! he said. We got to eat a snack and go outside to play.

Kerricks mother, Julie Kerrick of Towanda, said he was taught at the session about controlling the size of the snacks that he eats. And Branson Kerrick said he has been using that lesson.

Our entire family is heavy, Julie Kerrick explained, adding that she is therefore trying to have Branson live a healthy lifestyle.

Its helpful (when a program like this) tries to reinforce what Ive been trying to teach him, she said.

And she said she likes the fact that the after-school program encourages kids to be involved in activities.

The after-school program is called the First Friday program, but it has nothing to do with the First Friday events that are held in downtown Towanda, which feature store sales and activities aimed at bringing the public to the downtown.

Its the same name, but a different concept, Dibble said.

Various groups from the community have been brought in to help run the after-school program.

For example, staff from Ben Franklin Crafts have showed kids how to make crafts, and the Abuse Rape Crisis Center has also worked with the kids, Dibble said.

The Abuse Rape Crisis Center usually does some team-building activities with the kids, said Dibble, who added that the ARCC activities had to do with self-esteem and things like that.

One time, an educator from the Bradford County Conservation District did a program where he showed kids the different tracks that animals make, Dibble said.

Groups from the high school, such as student council representatives, SADD, and the National Honor Society, have helped run the games and other physical activities in the after-school program, and helped serve the elementary school students healthy snacks, Place said.

In the past, an anti-tobacco group at the high school had also worked with the kids, Dibble said.

Kids in that age group (grades 3 to 6) really admire older teenagers, Dibble said. They enjoy that (having the high school students work with them).

Sometimes kids in the program are taught how to create a healthy snack for themselves, Place said.

The after-school program is sponsored by the school districts Community Wellness Council, the school district and the local YMCA.

James Loewenstein can be reached at (570) 265-1633; or email: jloewenstein@thedailyreview.com.

That seems far-fetched with a $336.4 million ticket still at large in Rhode Island from the Saturday drawing. After all, that winner would only take home $210 million should he or she choose the lump sum payment. That payment would also be the largest one-time payment in Powerball history.

The largest winnings of any lottery are $380 million, split between two winners, from a 2007 Mega Millions lottery.

But gaming journal publisher Terry La Fleur thinks a $500 million jackpot isn#39;t that far off. This is in part because of ticket prices having recently increased from $1 to $2 and bumping the minimum grand prize payout to $40 million, while lowering the odds of winning. These enticements have already more than doubled the jackpot, which was $173.5 million at the beginning of February.

What about $1 billion?

#34;Can the jackpot in the new game hit $1 billion? In this game design, it is predicted to happen about once in 10 years,#34; La Fleur told USA Today.

The National Council on Problem Gambling states 2 million adults in the US meet pathological gambling criteria every year. Another 4 million to 6 million could be considered problem gamblers, meaning that gambling has a negative impact on their lives.

An extreme example would be Annie Donnelly from Farmingville, NY Stealing from her employer to pay for a gambling addiction led Donnelly to a prison sentence in 2006 for second-degree grand larceny. She took over $2.5 million to help support her $6,000 a day lottery and scratch-off ticket habit.

More common are small crimes like petty theft, committed by problem gamblers to meet their financial obligations, often by attempting to win money back through more gambling.

The real issue is that as gambling spreads, so do the number of people who are addicted. Bigger jackpots have led to record ticket sales — proof that gambling is spreading. By making lotteries like Powerball more tempting, states are also creating larger numbers of gambling addicts.

The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSPE) has released new guidelines about how much and what type of physical activity is needed for good health.

Obviously, getting more than the recommended daily amounts of physical activity provides even greater benefits. Moderate-intensity physical activities will cause one to sweat a little and to breathe harder. Vigorous-intensity physical activities will cause one to be out of breath. I would like to summarize the CSPE recommendations based on age groups:

o Children, 5-11 years old

Kids aged 5-11 years should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily including vigorous-intensity activities at least three days per week. As well, this should also include activities that strengthen muscle and bone at least three days per week. Moderate-intensity activities include bike riding and playground games. Vigorous-intensity physical activities include running and swimming.

o Teenagers

Teens aged 12-17 years should accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity per day. This should include vigorous-intensity activities at least three days per week and muscle and bone strengthening exercises at least three days per week. Moderate-intensity physical activities include skating and bike riding. Examples of vigorous-intensity activities are running and rollerblading.

o Adults (18-65)

Adults aged 18-65 years should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, in bouts of 10 minutes or more. They should also add muscle and bone strengthening activities at least two days per week. Moderate-intensity physical activities include brisk walking and bike riding. Vigorous-intensity physical activities include jogging and cross-country skiing.

o People older than 65 years

Adults older than 65 years of age should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week, in bouts of 10 minutes or more. It is also beneficial to add muscle and bone strengthening activities at least two days per week. In addition, persons with poor mobility should partake in physical activities that enhance balance and prevent falls. Moderate-intensity physical activities include brisk walking and bicycling. Vigorous-intensity physical activities include cross-country skiing and swimming.

Why Getting Enough Physical Activity is Important

There are many benefits of getting enough physical activity. For children less than 18 years of age the benefits include:

o Improved health and fitness

o Improved school performance

o Having fun playing with friends and feeling happier

o Maintaining a healthy body weight

o Improved self-confidence

For adults, aged 18-65, the many benefits include the prevention of premature death and chronic disease (heart disease, strokes and cancer) and improved fitness, strength, morale and self-esteem.

For people aged over 65, getting enough activity can help reduce the risk of chronic disease and premature death while also helping to: Maintain mobility and independence; improve fitness; improve or maintain body weight; support bone health; and maintain mental health

One final thought; a recent study showed that watching TV for more than five hours per day can reduce life expectancy by five years. Isnt this fact a great motivator?

Dr. Paul Roumeliotis is the Medical Officer of Health and Chief Executive Officer of the Eastern Ontario Health Unit.

Evan McMorris-Santoro
February 15, 2012, 5:47 AM

Mitt Romneys current situation is not unlike that of the GOP overall. The party has long sought to make the 2012 conversation all about the economy, identifying that as President Obamas weak spot. But with polls now showing Americans growing more confident in an economic recovery, the GOP and Mitt Romney has a problem.

So far the solution has been to pivot back to the culture war. It doesnt seem too much of a coincidence that the GOP picked a fight on birth control and religious freedom shortly after economic indicators picked up. Nor does it seem a coincidence that Romney who based practically his whole campaign on the economy is now touting his culturally conservative bona fides. And it really doesnt seem a coincidence that hes doing it now that hes facing down a brand new surging opponent: the proudly hardcore Catholic Rick Santorum.

Romney devoted much of his speech at CPAC to telling people he was the guy who kept Massachusetts from from becoming the Las Vegas of same sex marriage. Hes using that line on the stump now, too, as this clip from a Romney rally in Mesa, AZ Monday shows.

You can almost hear the Santorum campaign doing a spit-take.

Gov. Romney going toe to toe with Rick Santorum on social issues is like Ryan Seacrest going toe to toe with Mike Tyson, Santorum communications director Hogan Gidley told TPM in an email Tuesday.

Rick Santorum fought to end partial birth abortions – Mitt Romneys healthcare law allowed for $50 dollar abortions, Gidley continued, ticking off the long list of socially conservative achievements that make Santorum so popular with the evangelical right. Rick Santorum fought to protect marriage as one man and one woman – Mitt Romney singed marriage licenses for gay and lesbian couples. With a track record like that, its no wonder Mitt Romney is still having to try sell himself as a social conservative.

Yet the Romney campaign seems to really think they can make a play for the conservative electorate. On a conference call Tuesday, Romney surrogate and former Missouri Sen. Jim Talent (R) said Santorum has certainly been outspoken on social issues and we honor his record in that regard. But he also said Romney has the record to compete for the social conservative voter.

Remember he did this also in a very, very blue state with a hostile environment. And thats how you can tell when somebodys really devoted to something is when they stand up for it when its hard, Talent said of Romneys conservative record. He did that with the same-sex marriage issue, was very forthright. Thats actually when he first came to my attention because he came to Congress and testified on that issue.

Talent said that socially conservative voters have already shown their willingness to go for Romney in a head-to-head with the other candidates.

Hes won primaries where hes won from every segment of the electorate, Talent said of Romney. So I definitely think he can run strong.

Its not just Talent whos making this case. The Romney campaign has been touting the endorsement Romney received from James Bopp, the RNC member behind a plan to impose a socially- and fiscally-conservative purity test on Republican candidates.

In an open letter to conservatives posted on the Romney campaign website, Bopp makes the case for Romney as culture warrior.

As Governor, Romney fought for social conservative values, he writes, listing Romneys vetoes of authorized state funding of embryonic cloning among other things. And, of course, theres the gay marriage thing.

When the Massachusetts Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage, he left no stone unturned to set aside that ruling, Bopp wrote.

Gay marriage-supporting Republicans are dismayed with Romneys decision to turn himself from anti-discrimination advocate to candidate who fights for the social conservative vote by touting how hard he fought a court-mandated expansion of gay rights.

Governor Romney should play to his strengths, and being a social conservative simply isnt one of them, the Log Cabin Republicans wrote on the groups blog Tuesday, in a post that scorched Romney for his new tack. The general gist: why fight a losing battle for social conservatives that will weaken you in the fall?

Despite his clear opposition to same-sex marriage (a position Log Cabin Republicans strongly disagree with, for the record), the leaders of the fading social conservative movement consistently reject him in favor of candidates like Rick Santorum, the group wrote. Romney wont win these voters by out-flanking Santorum and Gingrich on social issues – but like gay and lesbian Americans, evangelicals are not single issue voters, either, and what matters in 2012 is the economy.

But with bad news about the economy relatively scarce these days, it looks like Romneys going to have to try and stop Santorums surge by fighting him on the social stuff. Its a fight Santorum is very, very eager to have.

Starting this month, the feed of breaking news and feature stories from Billboard and THR (both of Prometheus Global Media) can be purchased for online use under the content-distribution arrangement with the AP.

Were thrilled to be able to provide The Hollywood Reporter and Billboard material among our content offerings to customers, said Lou Ferrara, APs managing editor for entertainment. It makes for a one-of-a-kind, comprehensive package of entertainment stories every day.

The multi-platform Billboard, anchored by its iconic weekly publication and roster of exclusive charts, has long been considered one of the most authoritative voices in music. With 11.6 million unique monthly visitors, Billboard.com is one of the premier online music destinations worldwide, while its business-specific site Billboard.biz features all the latest breaking music business news.

Billboard is already synonymous with music all around the globe, but the reach of the brands content will now be increased exponentially thanks to the AP, said Billboard editorial director Bill Werde. AP is truly the top news agency in the world when it comes to distributing entertainment stories, and were pleased and excited to contribute to that effort.

Billboards co-partner in the AP content-distribution deal, The Hollywood Reporter, is a leading source for breaking news and in-depth reporting on the entertainment industry. Its website, which draws 10.4 million unique monthly visitors, now receives more web traffic than its three biggest competitors combined.

Being part of APs massive distribution network will open THR to huge new audiences from around the world, said The Hollywood Reporter editorial director Janice Min.

Said Michael Dutton, global director of AP entertainment products: In-depth coverage from two leading entertainment media brands offers APs distribution partners a whole new layer of vibrant and rich content for their readers.

The AP has covered the entertainment industry since the early days of Broadway, the London stage and Hollywood. Today, it covers entertainment worldwide in video, photos, text and audio for all platforms and devices and is one of the top outlets for breaking entertainment news.

During my own pregnancies, I kept active by running and playing volleyball (with an altered playing style).

Healthy exercise and regular physical activity can help promote an easier labor and birth. (See my article, Pregnant Women and Their Unborn Babies Benefit from Physical Activity.) Although many sports and physical activities can be participated in during pregnancy, some sports and activities should be avoided by pregnant women.

With the availability of these apps and games comes the decision as to which smartphone or tablet is best suited to fit your online gambling cravings.

Players would be best equipped with learning to check out hardware and tablet review sites for the latest advancement in technology. While this can sometimes prove to be a daunting task; as new versions of the latest smartphones and tablets are being improved upon, it will in the long run help you in making the right choice.

Another key decision to consider is the account policies of Apple and Google towards the use of gambling related apps. According to Googles policy in regards to gambling, Apps that facilitate real gambling are not permitted in Android Market. Apps with gambling themes or simulated gambling must be rated Medium maturity or High maturity.

However, if you already play online at a casino or poker room then your best bet is to start right there for the latest app downloads. Finding out what platform their mobile offerings will be available on will also guide you to whether you will be using apps for an iPad or iPhone or ones using Android applications. So once again, it is best to use your existing account with an online casino or poker room to see if they provide a download to their app.

Remember some mobile service providers have a policy of blocking certain types of content and services on their network. This has been done in order to prevent anyone under the age of 18 from accessing these services and may affect players from downloading their apps. Content blocking can be removed with a phone call to your mobile service provider.

Reported by Maggie B.

San Jose, California (PRWEB) February 15, 2012

Follow us on LinkedIn – Entertainment has and continues to be one of the fastest changing industries worldwide. With television marking the beginning of societys addiction to entertainment decades ago, the advent of the Internet as a more versatile form of media now has society obsessed with media driven entertainment. Continuously growing demand for high definition TVs, smartphones, music players, DVD multimedia players, satellite radio, video game consoles, among others augurs well for the future of the entertainment industry. As myriad vectors of entertainment technologies, such as, instant messaging, video sharing, steaming, social networking sites, roll down the proverbial hill gathering lucrative market opportunities all rolled one behind the other, strong growth is forecasted for the industry in the upcoming years. Presently, the digital wave is engulfing the industry and all the major enterprises in the entertainment industry are reviewing their business activities with a view to imbibe technology and be prepared for the digital future.

Despite the recession casting a dampener on entertainment, certain segments such as movies, video games and home entertainment industry continued to remain afloat in the tough economic climate. The fact that entertainment offers an escape route to ease out pressure during troubled times, to a large extent withheld the industry from slipping into the red. However, due to the frugal spending pattern adopted by most of the customers during the period, the industry witnessed a marked shift in the way customers allocated their entertainment budgets. For instance, the preference for low-cost entertainment such as movie, video games increased, while big ticket entertainment such as sporting events, concerts took a backseat. In the upcoming years, as the global economy recovers, the entertainment industry is expected to witness robust growth. Growth is expected to stem particularly from the emerging markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin-America.

One of the promising segments of the Entertainment Industry, video games, continued on its upward growth trajectory even during the tough recessionary period. Video games are today a part of the mainstream media and entertainment industry. A full-fledged industry in itself, video games is gathering critical mass both in terms of game varieties, and customer base. Rising penetration of broadband Internet has additionally encouraged the adoption of online gaming in markets, such as, South Korea, Japan, and the US. Extending traction to this trend is the launch of consoles with online capabilities and wireless phones capable of supporting games downloads.