Snowmobiling Industry Experiences Growth in 2008
Industry Generates $27 Billion Worth of Economic Activity in North America Per Year
HASLETT, MI - Every year, 3 million people bundle up, get outdoors and participate in an industry that generates $27 billion worth of economic activity in North America -- snowmobiling. Snowmobiling is a favorite winter recreation activity in North America, and it continues to grow.
Snowmobiling is one of the easiest recreational lifestyle activities to learn, making it suitable for all ages. In fact, 95 percent of snowmobile enthusiasts consider snowmobiling a family lifestyle activity. Snowmobiling allows you to create unforgettable memories with family and friends while escaping the demands of everyday life.

In 2008, more snowmobilers went snowmobiling than any year before, and there are now more registered snowmobiles this year than in 2007. Registered snowmobiles in the United States increased 2.6 percent, despite the challenging economy. There are also over 708,000 registered snowmobiles in Canada -- a 1.5 percent increase over 2007.  read more »

Sprout Debuts Google Analytics Tracking for Adobe Flash Technology at Adobe Max: Detailed Engagement Data Now Available in Rich Applications and Widgets
SAN FRANCISCO, CA Today at Adobe MAX 2008, Sprout (www.sproutinc.com), the premier platform for developing and managing creative engagement marketing campaigns, announced it has integrated Google Analytics™ Tracking for Adobe® Flash® technology into its solution built with the open source Flex framework.

The integration of Google Analytics Tracking for Adobe Flash with the Sprout Platform will allow all Sprout Mixer customers that publish rich media content to have access to one of the most robust analytics solutions in the marketplace. They will now be able to track the length of time the consumer interacted with the content, what actions were taken within the application, and detailed anonymous user demographic data.

"Brands come to Sprout to develop media-rich campaigns that capture the consumer in a totally new way," said Carnet Williams, CEO of Sprout. "Our technology platform allows for the most engaging applications on the Web, allowing consumers to remix content provided by the brand. I am thrilled that we will be able to provide our partners with comprehensive reporting data that combines enhanced event tracking with existing page tracking, allowing partners to track activities and time within the Flash application, and whether those interactions result in the desired campaign goals," added Williams.  read more »

Consumers Seek Integrated, Tailored Marketing Messages; Indicates Future Opportunities for Advertising
ARMONK, NY--(Marketwire - November 17, 2008) - IBM's (NYSE: IBM) second global online survey of consumer digital media and entertainment habits revealed that consumers are adopting digital content services -- such as social networking and videos -- on mobile phones and personal computers at an accelerated pace, and it is impacting traditional consumption habits.
IBM also stopped people on the streets of Frankfurt, London, Mumbai, New York, Los Angeles, Sydney and Tokyo to ask about their media device and advertising preferences. See what they had to say -

The survey, which was conducted with 2,800 people in six countries -- Australia, Germany, India, Japan, the U.K. and the U.S. -- also shows that people are willing to get personal with advertisers by sharing information about themselves if it results in targeted incentives that match their lifestyle. This presents companies with significant advertising revenue opportunities among today's informed and empowered consumers.

"I Want My Ad-Supported Digital Content and Interactive Tools"

Last year's study showed the decline of TV as the primary media device. This year's study found large scale adoption and usage of digital content services accessed via the PC and mobile phone, with ad-supported models (versus consumer-paid) preferred almost three to one by respondents globally. Adoption for most categories of digital content services doubled from last year, with services such as social networking now at 60 percent penetration and Internet data plans for mobile devices at over 40 percent for respondents globally. While digital content services adoption is widespread, interactivity through features such as user ratings tools and video uploads is primarily concentrated among the more digital savvy consumers.

"With the rise of Web 2.0, millions of people can instantly create, publish and consume content. In order to survive, advertisers must understand how to reach their target audiences across multiple devices," said Dick Anderson, General Manager, IBM Media & Entertainment. "Knowing distinct consumer segment preferences and delivering consistent content and messaging are essential for long-term success."  read more »

Quest Energy Partners L.P. announced the appointment of J. Philip McCormick to the Board of Directors of its General Partner. McCormick joins the board as an independent director, chairman of the Audit Committee, and member of the Conflicts and Nominating committees. His appointment was effective November 14, 2008.  read more »

VAIO has designed a very special notebook with particular appeal to executives who appreciate the importance of sophistication and style. The VAIO TT combines a sculpted and refined look with carbon fibre construction which yields strength without the weight penalty. Inside the appealingly slim case the latest high-speed communications technology utilises 3G mobile phone networks to deliver broadband performance on the move. A true widescreen display provides both a generous workspace and the 16:9 aspect ratio that you need to see movies at their best. With battery life up to 9 hours and a carrying weight of approximately 1.3kg, this is indeed the perfect travelling companion.  read more »

Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh left for Washington to participate in the G-20 meeting. He said “At the invitation of President George W. Bush, I am leaving today to attend the Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy in Washington D.C., USA. Well it might be the last meeting with US President Bush as now Mr Barack Obama is the president elect of USA. So the Prime Minister India visit to US is unique, it is to be seen what he interacts with the newly elected president of USA.

This gathering of world leaders takes place against the backdrop of the financial crisis that has emanated in the United States and Europe. It has become clear over the last several weeks that the effects of the crisis are spreading. In varying degrees, all countries will be impacted.  read more »