After four months of competing in preliminary rounds, 12 teams of high school students have outplayed and outperformed hundreds of their peers, advancing to the National Finals Competition of the largest and fastest growing high school cyber defense competition – CyberPatriot IV!

CyberPatriot, an education initiative established by the Air Force Association, is a one-of-a-kind cyber defense competition designed to inspire students to consider science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields in their studies. In addition, it teaches today’s youth how to become the next generation of cyber defenders while providing them hands-on learning about cyber security.

In this two-track competition, teams have registered from public, private, parochial and home schools in the Open Division, and Junior ROTC units of all Services and Civil Air Patrol squadrons filled the All Service Division. In all, more than 1,000 teams registered to participate this year, representing all 50 states, U.S. Department of Defense Dependent Schools in Europe and the Pacific, and Canada.

During their third and final round of competition, held last January 13, all service teams set out once again to defend virtualized networks of computers, continuing to build knowledge on improving computer networks and strengthening security features.

Teams were scored according to how quickly and effectively they established and maintained secure networks.

The All Service Division began with more than 600 teams registered. After two spirited rounds of competition, 40 teams advanced to Round 3. Now, the group has been narrowed to 12, and each team will receive all-expenses-paid trips to the CyberPatriot National Finals Competition held in the Washington, DC area from March 22 -24.

Round 3 of the Open Division competition will be held January 27-28. It will select the 12 teams from that division who will advance to the National Finals Competition as well.

CyberPatriot is a member of the U.S. Cyber Challenge (USCC), a national coalition of public-private sector entities collaborating to enhance the workforce with the next generation of cyber security professionals through skill development activities, mentoring, and resources, and the facilitation of scholarship, internship and employment opportunities.

Popularity: 3% [?]

Classic Motorcar, an American car auction company, announced two auctions planned for Spring in the upper mid-west for 2012.

The company, owned by Bob Lichty, has more than 40 years of professional experience in the classic car industry. It focuses on customer service, honesty and quick seller payment.

The sales are presented in a comfortable ”American style” format. The two events include one of the companies proven auctions in Akron, Ohio, plus a new sale that brings classic car auctions back to Novi, Michigan.

Consignments are now being accepted for both with early response very brisk as enthusiasts vie for prime time slots in the auction line up.

The company pledges to deliver time slots that are promised, start on time, and focus on cars, trucks and quality memorabilia. CMA is known for paying consignors quickly with checks in the mail by 5 working days after every sale.

The Ohio Spring Classic Car Auction at the John S. Knight Convention Center, in Akron is scheduled for March 31. Over 165 cars are expected at the beautiful convention facility in downtown Akron.

The “American style” sale features cars from every price range with an emphasis on affordable domestic collector cars. The sale kicks off with 1-hour of quality memorabilia and petrolania at 11AM, immediately followed with vehicles starting at 12 Noon.

Early consignments range from a 1939 Buick Century touring sedan in excellent condition to several Corvettes and muscle cars. In years past the diversity of this sale, along with cars that have not been over exposed at other sales has been a tradition that brings in buyers from all over the United States.

The NOVI Spring Classic Car Auction from April 21 -22, brings back a tradition of offering classic cars at the Suburban Collection Showplace Convention Center in Novi, Michigan.

This “American style” sale expects over 250 collector cars, plus a good selection of quality automobiles. Many cars and items to be offered over the two day represent quality antique, classic, muscle and special interest cars of all eras beginning at 11AM each day.

Cars will start promptly at Noon. Early consignments include a 1940 Buick Century convertible coupe, a 1957 Lincoln Premier 2dr hardtop, and a pristine 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 fastback muscle car.

For those unable to attend in person, the auction will stream live on the Internet at www.proxibid.com. On line bidding as well as telephone bidding will be available at both events.

For full event details, consignment opportunities and bidder registration, please visitwww.classicmotorcarauctions.com, call toll free 866-653-8900, or email info@classicmotorcarauctions.com

Popularity: 3% [?]

By Stevie J. Stevenson Jr.

AKRON, Ohio – According to court records Richard Beasley, the suspect in the craigslist murder and a Texas parolee was in an Ohio jail but was released after Texas officials said they only wanted him if he were convicted on a drug charge. Beasley asked to be released on bond, and on July 12, Akron Municipal Judge John Murphy granted his request.

Richard Beasley according to authorities is now linked to a recent plot to run fake Craigslist wanted ads in an attempt to lure robbery victims.

Texas Officials say they never authorized Beasley’s release and filed two additional warrants for his arrest after the Texas Parole Authority learned he’d been freed.

The legal problems facing the 52-year-old Richard Beasley who is a self-styled chaplain and youth mentor, are mounting: His attorney said a prostitution case involving Beasley and a 17-year-old boy would be upgraded with a racketeering charge Friday.

A 15-count count indictment returned Wednesday charges Beasley with promoting prostitution.

“To call me a con man when I sacrificed for others is wrong,” wrote Beasley, “To turn their back on me is not following Christ’s example…”

Beasley, in a four-page handwritten letter to the Akron Beacon Journal, said he has been miscast as a con man when he had helped feed, house and counsel scores of needy families, drunks, drug addicts, the mentally ill and crime suspects for years.

Aimlessly sending your resume to unknown emails from craigslist gives a potential predator all the tools he/she needs to locate an unsuspected victim.

Use caution when making email appointments to meet some place unfamiliar to you.

If after you email your resume and you get another email requesting you to fill out and email back a background check form that asks you for private information such as social security number, DOB and addresses. Identity theft is real.

Stevie J. Stevenson Jr. is a freelance writer and business owner. Contact him at NewsBlaze.

Published with permission, from NewsBlaze.com Current News – Ohio

Popularity: 9% [?]

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, exclusive tire supplier of NASCAR’s three major national series and NHRA Racing’s Top Fuel and Funny Car series, pays tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces by changing the appearance of racing tires on the weekend of September 16.

This marks the second straight year that Goodyear has altered the sidewalls of its race tires to honor U.S. troops.

The design, featuring a patriotic color scheme, “Support Our Troops” replaces the traditional “Goodyear Eagle” or “Goodyear Wrangler” sidewalls used in weekly races.

This coincides with the launch of the “Goodyear Support Our Troops” initiative. It is an eleven-week awareness and fund-raising effort designed to generate support and honor the sacrifices of members of the  armed forces and their families .

“The sacrifices that soldiers and their families make for us every day deserve recognition. We hope that through the symbolic gesture of changing our tires, we can help make a difference in the lives of the troops and their families,” said Garth Ely, Goodyear director of brand marketing. ”

“We are very proud to have an iconic American company like Goodyear supporting us in our efforts to positively impact the lives of our country’s service men and women and their families,” said Martin C. Boire, executive director of Support Our TroopsZ.

“We are happy that NASCAR and NHRA fans – some of the most patriotic and dedicated fans in the world – will have even more great ways to show their support through this year’s program, and we encourage them to follow the lead of Goodyear, NASCAR and NHRA,” he stated.

The 2011 Goodyear Support Our Troops Program includes the donation of tires to help military families. A special Goodyear tire rebate will be offered during the program,. There will also be a marketing campaign to raise awareness and trigger consumer involvement.

Consumers and race fans can  get involved in a variety of ways . Opportunities range from spreading the word that military families can take advantage of incremental savings on tires to making donations to the Support Our Troops organization.

Goodyear will allow fans to show support by bidding on the authentic, race-used Goodyear Support Our Troops NASCAR and NHRA tires.

The  second phase of the program features unique new ways for consumers to join Goodyear in supporting the troops. They can experience the Goodyear Bootcamp Challenge, a first of its kind competition between NASCAR and NHRA drivers to see who is the fastest off the track. The Challenge will pit drivers from both sports, such as Joey Logano and Tony Schumacher, in a series of physical events that use Goodyear Racing Eagles.

“Consumers can also help support our troops by sharing the details with their friends, family and any military members they know and urging them to visit www.goodyear.com/supportourtroops.”
- Goodyear marketing manager

All funds will be donated to Support Our Troops, a nonprofit nationwide organization, which bolsters the morale and well-being of America’s troops and their families.

The funds will benefit the organization’s highly effective programs, which deliver more than $10 million per year in care packs and requested items to the front lines, positive support at home and kids’ camp assistance.

Goodyear has over 100 years of commitment in  building innovative and reliable equipment to support and protect troops. Goodyear’s commitment extends beyond products and charitable donations,  hosting events at U.S. military bases throughout the year, enabling servicemen and women and their families to interact with drivers and take rides on the Goodyear Blimp.

NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for one of North America’s premier sports.  NASCAR fans are among the most brand loyal in all of sports. More Fortune 100 companies participate in NASCAR than any other sport. It consists of three national series ( Sprint Cup, Nationwide, and Camping World Truck), four regional, one local grassroots and two international series.

NHRA

NHRA is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2011. As the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States, NHRA presents 22 national events featuring the  Full Throttle Drag Racing and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag.

Support Our Troops

SupportOurTroops.Org provides simple ways for citizens and civic-minded businesses to show their appreciation for those who sacrifice to protect the  country, homes, families, and American way of life.

Support Our TroopsZ is a registered trademark licensed through SupportOurTroops.org. The official website is a nationwide platform for individuals, organizations, businesses and non-profit organizations to bolster America’s troops and their families in a multitude of ways.

Goodyear

Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs approximately 69,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 57 facilities in 23 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

Popularity: 17% [?]

Big Red Rooster, the Ohio marketing communications and branding company is adding three companies to its lineup, Integrate Inc., Moorehead Design and The Imaginati.

The addition of the three successful companies boosts the marketing communications, branding and advertising industry expertise for Big Red Rooster, allowing them to gain more clients and better serve existing clients.

The agencies’ portfolios include advertising, branding and marketing campaigns for a wide range of clientele, including Aveda, Estee Lauder, JPMorgan Chase, Gold Toe Moretz, Gildan, Limited Brands, GBQ, OhioHealth and Piada Italian Street Food.

Integrate, Inc. Principals John Galvin and Stephen Quinn started their agency in 1989, delivering business value by differentiating brands, providing marketing communications and delivering customer experiences in all mediums for national and international clientele.

Integrate is an award-winning, nationally recognized firm, and teaming with Big Red Rooster, they will be able to continue providing exceptional business value to their clients, and also offer a wider range of services.

Principal Mark Moorehead began Moorehead Design more than two decades ago, specializing in marketing communications services that create clear, measurable and lasting experiences. He will leverage his strategic creative expertise to benefit Big Red Rooster’s expanded client list.

Heather Thornswood established The Imaginati in 2007 as a means to offer her fashion, beauty and lifestyle clients strategic agility and superior creative execution. She brings more than 20 years of global expertise in advertising, marketing, creative direction, photography and broadcast to the Big Red Rooster team.

In the new setup, Galvin, Quinn, Moorehead and Thornswood serve as senior vice presidents.

Big Red Rooster will keep the 1404 Goodale Blvd., Suite 100 office in Grandview Heights for Integrate, Moorehead Design and The Imaginati, as its second Columbus Office.

Visit www.bigredrooster.com for additional information.

Popularity: 8% [?]

Akron residents can now look forward to the assortment of Smart phones, Hotspots and Laptop Modems that boast of the sophisticated features of the 4G LTE network.

On top of the list is the Revolution (TM) from LG which is the first Android smart phone that provides Netflix subscribers access to instant movies and television shows through a pre-loaded application. Customers can capture and share HD images or videos on a 4.3-inch capacitive touch screen.

Other features include a rear-facing 5.0-megapixel camera with autofocus and LED flash, 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera for video chat, 720p HD video recording and playback, built-in HDMI output and Smart Share capability for sharing multimedia content. The HDMI capable displays and Mobile Hotspot capability allow customers to share 4G LTE with up to 8 Wi-Fi enabled devices or a 3G connection with up to 5 devices. This product is sold at $249.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer agreement.

The DROID Charge by Samsung features a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED (TM) plus display, a rear-facing 8-megapixel camera with LED flash and front-facing 1.3-megapixel camera for stills and video chatting, Android 2.2 platform, 1 GHz application processor, HTML 5 Web browser and Mobile Hotspot capability. All these provide customers 4G LTE connections with up to 10 Wi-Fi enabled devices or the 3G connection with up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices. It is available in the market for $299.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer agreement.

The Thunder Bolt (TM) by HTC smart phone is powered by Android(TM) 2.2 and has an 8-megapixel rear facing camera and HD (720p) video recording, 1.3-megapixel front facing camera with video chatting capabilities, the new generation of 1GHz Snapdragon processor and Mobile Hotspot capabilities that let customers share the 4G LTE connection with up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices. It is available for $249.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer agreement.

The 4G LTE-enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 offers full support for Google (TM) Mobile Services. This includes Gmail (TM), YouTube (TM), 10.1-inch enhanced display with 1280×800 resolution HD screen, 1 GHz dual core application processor, a 2-megapixel front-facing camera and 3-megapixel rear-facing camera and Adobe Flash player.

These features can deliver an enhanced internet browsing experience and access to content-rich websites. Consumers will find a multitude of uses for the Galaxy Tab that range from video chat to business tools, including those that allow for the opening and editing of documents, spreadsheets and presentations. It is available at $529.99 for the 16 GB model and $629.99 for the 32 GB model after discounts with a new 2-year customer agreement.

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Mi Fi 4510L and the Samsung 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot SCH-LC11 let customers share the 4G LTE internet connection with up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices at the same time. Each one is available for $99.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer agreement.

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE USB Modem 551L comes with a fold-out USB connector, four-color LED Service Status Indicator and an internal antenna. It is available for $99.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer agreement.

The LG VL600 4G LTE modem is fitted with a fixed USB connector, an LED Service Status Indicator and an internal antenna. The price is $99.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer agreement.

Pantech’s UML290 USB modem comes equipped with a fold-away, 180 degree rotating USB connector, an LED Service Status Indicator and an internal antenna. It costs $49.99 after discounts with a new 2-year customer agreement.

Verizon Wireless operates the fastest and most advanced 4G network and the biggest 3G network in the entire country. It serves around 104 million total wireless connections, including 88 million retail customers

Popularity: 4% [?]

Product improvement and new product development are a critical part of all manufacturers’ growth opportunities. These elements are the way to stay ahead of global competition. But, the time required in the real world to model and test any product design change is significant. Assuming companies have the resources to devote the time and effort to R&D, it still takes months to prototype, test, refine and test again.

The polymer industry is a perfect example. Built around the interaction of complex molecular structures, understanding how they bond and then change over time is critical to the reliability of products. Because of the real world complexities of temperature, pressure and wear and tear, the only practical option for many polymer manufacturers is the time-consuming and costly approach of building and observing. Anything that can reduce time or expense can mean the difference between commercial success and failure in the polymer industry.

Ohio is committed to capitalizing on its strength in advanced materials to create and attract 21st century businesses and jobs. From its early roots in Akron’s tire production and the region’s support for the auto industry to supply today’s growth industries, Ohio has always been the heart of America’s polymer industry.

Costs associated with accessing markets and shipping products and supplies can be a considerable business expense for polymer and advanced materials companies. In addition, the challenge of coordinating with polymer manufacturers, suppliers and other resources across many states can be a logistical nightmare for companies.

Collaborative industry relationships are critical to developing and assuring the commercialization of technology-based, high value-added polymer products, says Dennis Barber, executive director of the Ohio Polymer Strategy Council, focused on providing strategy and resources for Ohio’s polymer industry.

Ohio’s world-class transportation infrastructure, proximity to major markets and large-scale polymer and advanced materials industries offer key cost-reducing advantages for polymer companies and makes the state the preferred location for advanced material businesses. Generating $50 billion in annual economic activity and $1.3 billion in exports from plastics, rubber, resins, polymers, composites and other advanced materials, Ohio leads the nation in polymers and advanced materials production.

Ohio’s world-leading polymer industry is one of the state’s most expansive and important economic sectors. With more than 1,150 companies and a workforce greater than 80,000, the state has the largest concentration of polymer product producers, machines, materials and workers in North America. At least one industry establishment exists in 76 of Ohio’s 88 counties.

Ohio also is home to the world’s largest concentration of advanced materials and polymer research and development expertise. Eight Ohio universities have polymer research programs, offering a well-educated workforce and opportunities for research collaborations to create new products, applications and opportunities for growth. This workforce supply minimizes time associated with training, significantly increases productivity and reduces operating costs. In addition, millions of dollars of strategic investments by Ohio Third Frontier and more than 60 collaborating private industry partners are paving the way for commercialization of new technologies.

In addition to plastics, rubber and resins, Ohio’s key polymer sectors include advanced composites, advanced energy, bioproducts, flexible devices, nanotechnology and polymer processing.

“Building on its rich rubber and automotive manufacturing heritage, Ohio has become a global leader in polymers and advanced materials,” Barber continued. “Ohio’s leadership is supported by the top polymer science programs in the U.S., the world’s highest concentration of polymer research and development and the country’s most extensive industry supply chain.”

Bahman Taheri, chief executive officer of AlphaMicron in Kent, Ohio, believes his location in Ohio has attributed to the company’s success. “Ohio’s strong industrial base in plastics and printing and leading research in liquid crystals, polymers and polymer engineering make the state a natural home for the polymer industry,” shared Taheri. “In Ohio, I have everything I need to succeed professional and personally.”

Ohio’s polymer success is not solely dependent on the strength of its business advantages. Today’s industry leaders have made Ohio a top choice to pursue their personal goals as well.

“In Ohio, work-life balance is more than a buzzword; it’s the way we do business,” said Ed Burghard, executive director of the Ohio Business Development Coalition, the nonprofit organization that markets the state for capital investment. “Low-cost, low-stress communities and short commutes create the State of Perfect Balance, where you can achieve both professional and personal success without sacrificing one for the other.”

Popularity: 15% [?]

Last year’s oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico spotlighted the need to develop economically and environmentally responsible forms of energy in the face of growing global demand. This year, American high school students will work to solve the “supply and demand” problem as the Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS) launches its annual TEAMS competition.

With the 2011 theme, “Smarter Energy, Cleaner Planet,” TEAMS will show students firsthand how engineers in various disciplines, including environmental engineers, civil engineers, and mechanical engineers tackle the energy crisis and the global need for diversification, efficiency, security and ecological sustainability.

Some 10,000 ninth- to 12th-grade TEAMS participants will gather for one-day events over a four-week period from February 14 through March 15 at 130 competition sites in 43 states and the District of Columbia, including 64 colleges and universities (listing at www.JETS.org). The students will then make real-world connections between math and science to engineering by solving actual engineering scenarios.

In solving specific energy-related issues, TEAMS students will be challenged to:
- consider how we become less dependent on a few resources and diversify our energy supply to include not just crude oil and natural gas, but nuclear, wind, solar, biomass, hydroelectric and geothermal.

- identify technologies that make our homes, vehicles, buildings and industries more energy efficient.

- safeguard a country’s energy infrastructure from both an importing and exporting resources standpoint.

- brainstorm ideas to keep the environment clean and safe from emissions and pollution.

“By focusing on the struggle to meet the world’s growing energy needs, TEAMS not only introduces today’s students to one of the most pressing issues of our time, but also introduces them to engineers’ key role in addressing and solving society’s problems,” said Linda Snow-Solum, JETS president. “It’s all part of JETS 60 year mission to inspire the next generation of engineers.”

In March, JETS will announce “Best in State” awards for student teams at both the 11/12 and 9/10 grade levels in the participating 43 states and the District of Columbia.

The two highest ranking level teams in the country will take top honors as the “Best Overall” and will be announced in April 2011. They will receive a $2,500 cash prize, team trophy, student medals and certificates.

Like the other signature JETS programs, the purpose of TEAMS is to encourage more American students to pursue engineering by showing them just how engineering impacts everyday life and how engineers help solve social and community problems – from building roads and bridges, to developing water purification systems for developing countries, to inventing alternative sources of energy to fuel our cars and keep our homes warm and cool.

JETS is a national non-profit education organization dedicated to promoting engineering and helping students discover their potential for the profession.

A solid framework of high school educators, corporations, professional organizations and universities incorporate JETS pre-college engineering programs in local communities throughout the United States. Employing a unique and innovative approach—Explore, Assess, Experience—thousands of diverse students are enticed to pursue engineering majors and careers each year. JETS programs touch more than 40,000 students and 10,000 educators from 6,000 high schools across the country. JETS participants are a diverse group – more than 50 percent are from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in engineering and technology fields, including one-third who are female.

For more information, please visit, www.JETS.org

Popularity: 13% [?]

A local 26 year old woman whose bartender mother was stabbed to death last Thanksgiving  weekend was found dead in her home Saturday, and the autopsy reveals no signs of foul play.

Erica McSween, of Mentor, was still mourning the death of her mother, 49 year old Annie McSween, who was found dead with stab wounds near the bar where she worked as a bartender last November. That case is as of yet unsolved, and authorities have offered a $30,000 reward for information that leads to a conviction in her killing.

A cause of death for Erica has not been released, and the results of her toxicology reports could take a few weeks, according to a statement from the Lake County Coroner to the News-Herald of Willoughby.

Popularity: 17% [?]

Akron Children’s Hospital has received $1.2 million to create an endowed chair for its pediatric palliative care services. As the founder and medical director of the Akron Children’s Hospital’s Haslinger Family Pediatric Palliative Care Center, Sarah Friebert, M.D. will be the first chair holder, and the chair will be named in her honor.

Made possible by donations from the Haslinger Family Foundation and other leadership gifts, the Sarah Elizabeth Friebert, M.D., Leadership Chair in Pediatric Palliative Care is believed to be the first endowed chair of its kind in the United States.

The endowed chair will distribute assets in perpetuity and provide vital funds for the support of palliative care’s clinical, educational and research activities. Named endowed chairs, while more common in academic settings, recognize the transformational work of the initial chair holder, and play an increasingly crucial role in the recruitment of pediatric specialists.

Founded by Dr. Friebert in 2002, the physicians, clinicians and volunteers at the Haslinger Family Pediatric Palliative Care Center work with children and their families to enhance quality of life and minimize suffering for patients with chronic or complex illnesses. Palliative care patients receive comprehensive, interdisciplinary support to address the physical, emotional and spiritual issues that may contribute to suffering or interfere with healing. The Haslinger Family Pediatric Palliative Care Center is one of the largest pediatric palliative care programs in the U.S. and is nationally recognized as a model for other such centers.

“Dr. Friebert has made an unparalleled commitment to the patients and families at Akron Children’s. Her advocacy is inspiring, and she’s my hero,” said William Considine, president and CEO of Akron Children’s Hospital. “Her innovative leadership here and nationally has grown this important area of pediatric care, so that families are cared for when they are most in need.”

“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the Haslinger Family Foundation and our other donors for making this possible,” Considine added. “Their gifts provide a solid foundation for the enrichment of our pediatric palliative care services.”

Popularity: 15% [?]