Baseball: Korea's Wonders slam KBO's "broken promise"

South Korea's Goyang Wonders have expressed anger at not being allowed to join the minor leagues next year, accusing the Korea Baseball Organisation (KBO) of breaking a promise to allow the team to join the professional ranks.
General manager Ha Song told local media on Wednesday that KBO officials had reneged on a pledge to let the Wonders join the lower-tier Futures League in 2013.
"As one of the preconditions for launching our ball club, the KBO had promised that we would be in the Futures League by 2013," Ha was quoted as saying by Yonhap news agency.
"But the KBO simply told us that we will play 48 games in 2013 again. The KBO has given us no reason for that."
The Wonders, the only independent club with no league affiliation in South Korea, played 48 unofficial games against minor league affiliates of top-flight clubs since being founded a year ago.
This year, five teams in the northern division played 92 games and six clubs in the south played 100 games in the Futures League.
The Wonders, based just north-west of Seoul made up of journeymen players, undrafted high school and college graduates, and former American minor leaguers, wanted 100 games in 2013.
"Our guys need to be playing an established schedule, with six straight games (and one day off)," added Ha. "That will help them stay in game shape and really showcase their talent.
"This year, there were times when we had as many as 10 days off between games, and it was difficult to operate a team that way."
The Wonders are managed by Kim Sung-keun, a triple KBO championship winner, and posted a 20-21 record with seven ties in 2012, while losing five players poached by KBO clubs.
Ha said the club were looking no further than playing minor league baseball.
"We have no intention of joining the top league," he said. "We want to continue to give dreams and hopes to young players who would otherwise give up baseball."
The club's complaints, however, fell on deaf ears with the KBO.
"They were the ones that demanded to play 100 games, and we decided we would review the possibility after one season," said KBO operations chief Jeong Geum-jo.
"After watching them play this year, we feel that they're not yet good enough to handle a 100-game schedule.

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Baseball-Red Sox claim closer Hanrahan in six-player trade

The Boston Red Sox landed closer Joel Hanrahan in a six-player trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday.
The Red Sox sent outfielders Mark Melancon and Stolmy Pimentel along with infielders Ivan De Jesus and Jerry Sands to the Pirates in exchange for Brock Holt and Hanrahan, who they immediately announced as the team's new closer.
The 31-year-old has complied 76 saves over the last two seasons, and was named an All Star in each year, and is the centerpiece of the deal.
"His stuff is right at the top of the scale," assistant general manager Brian O'Halloran told the team's website (boston.redsox.mlb.com).
"He's got a fastball in the upper 90s (mph), and when he's right, his slider is as good as anybody's in baseball."
Hanrahan's presence will push Boston reliever Andrew Bailey out of the closer spot and into a setup role.

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Red Sox claim closer Hanrahan in six-player trade

The Boston Red Sox landed closer Joel Hanrahan in a six-player trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday.
The Red Sox sent outfielders Mark Melancon and Stolmy Pimentel along with infielders Ivan De Jesus and Jerry Sands to the Pirates in exchange for Brock Holt and Hanrahan, who they immediately announced as the team's new closer.
The 31-year-old has complied 76 saves over the last two seasons, and was named an All Star in each year, and is the centerpiece of the deal.
"His stuff is right at the top of the scale," assistant general manager Brian O'Halloran told the team's website (boston.redsox.mlb.com).
"He's got a fastball in the upper 90s (mph), and when he's right, his slider is as good as anybody's in baseball."
Hanrahan's presence will push Boston reliever Andrew Bailey out of the closer spot and into a setup role.
The Red Sox are coming off a disaster season that saw them finish last in the American League East, make major trades and fire manager Bobby Valentine.

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Red Sox get All-Star closer Hanrahan from Pirates

 If Joel Hanrahan can do for the Boston Red Sox what he did against them, they should be very happy with their new closer.
In the first of his two All-Star seasons, the right-hander posted back-to-back saves for the Pittsburgh Pirates with perfect ninth innings against the Red Sox in June 2011. He struck out Adrian Gonzalez, who entered the series batting .359, to end the second game.
"When people look back on me as a Pirate, that's the one that stands out the most to them," Hanrahan said Wednesday after being obtained in a six-player trade.
People such as Red Sox assistant general manager Brian O'Halloran.
"It definitely made an impression on me," he said. "It was not fun to be in the batter's box against Joel Hanrahan."
Now American League hitters will see what it's like.
Boston completed the deal Wednesday, also receiving infielder Brock Holt. The Red Sox gave up right-handers Mark Melancon and Stolmy Pimentel, infielder Ivan DeJesus Jr. and first baseman-outfielder Jerry Sands.
The Red Sox also announced the signing of free agent shortstop Stephen Drew, who agreed to a one-year contract early last week. The reported $9.5 million deal was contingent on Drew passing a physical. The former Oakland Athletic and Arizona Diamondback broke his ankle in 2011.
"We feel that he's going to be fully healthy for us," O'Halloran said.
The acquisition of Drew and Hanrahan are the latest in a series of moves designed to improve on a 69-93 record and a last-place finish in the AL East. The Red Sox already have obtained right-handers Ryan Dempster and Koji Uehara, outfielders Shane Victorino and Johnny Gomes and catcher David Ross.
Over the past two seasons, Hanrahan had 76 saves, fourth most in the National League, and a 2.24 ERA. Last season, he was 5-2 with a 2.72 ERA and 36 saves.
The six-year veteran will take over the closer's role that Alfredo Aceves struggled in most of last season before giving way to Andrew Bailey, who had missed most of the season with a right thumb injury.
In his first season with Boston, Bailey was 1-1 with a 7.04 ERA and six saves in nine opportunities over 19 games.
Manager John Farrell has talked with Hanrahan and Bailey and told them that Hanrahan will be the closer, although "we see Andrew as playing a very important role," O'Halloran said.
The Red Sox's search for a closer began when Jonathan Papelbon signed as a free agent with the Philadelphia Phillies after the 2011 season.
Hanrahan figured he was part of that quest when he heard his name in trade rumors involving the Red Sox, Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers.
"I got excited" when he learned of the trade, Hanrahan said. "Obviously, the Red Sox have a great history and tradition and it's a huge sports city."
In six seasons, 2 1/2 with the Washington Nationals and 3 1/2 with the Pirates, he's 22-17 with a 3.74 ERA and 96 saves in 117 chances. His best season was 2011 when he went 1-4 with a 1.83 ERA, 40 saves in 44 opportunities and just 16 walks in 68 2-3 innings. His control slipped last season when he walked 36 in 59 2-3 innings.
Hanrahan said hamstring and ankle problems affected his pitching mechanics.
"I don't think the walks are going to be a concern," he said. "I feel good going to spring training."
Hanrahan said he's never been to Fenway Park, but O'Halloran doesn't think he'll have trouble adjusting to the American League.
"Joel Hanrahan has the stuff to pitch anywhere," he said.
Holt spent most of last season at Double-A Altoona, then hit .292 in 24 games with the Pirates, all in September.
Melancon was 0-2 with a 6.20 ERA in 41 relief appearances in his only season with Boston. Pimentel spent the season at Double-A Portland. Sands and DeJesus were obtained in a trade that sent Gonzalez, Josh Beckett and Carl Crawford to the Dodgers on Aug. 25.

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BedEd.org Launches Blog for Mattress Reviews, Education, Consumer Tips & More

New blog, BedEd.org announces launch; to promote consumer awareness via buying guides, shopping tips, product reviews, and information related to mattresses and sleep.

Tempe, AZ (PRWEB) December 19, 2012
BedEd.org launches mattress education blog designed to offer consumer resources including reviews, buying guides, shopping tips, and more.
Shopping for a new bed can seem like a daunting task with so many brands, models, and types in the marketplace. How can consumers figure out the best bed for their needs? BedEd.org seeks to help shoppers make the research process a little smoother with informational support regarding mattresses, brands and innovations.
Using an easy to navigate blog format, the website will provide first hand research as well as write ups and summaries of third party reviews and research. As an information aggregate, the blog will contain information on the spectrum of companies and offerings available, making research simpler and more efficient for shoppers.
Planned topics are to include mattress buying guides, pros and cons of specific mattress types and brands, product reviews, and sleep hygiene tips. They will also run series detailing the best mattress types based on specific needs in response to common concerns and reader questions. The blog also hopes to serve as a social tool via commentary on personal experience and recommendations.
The blog’s initial post takes an informational stance on mattress material composition and effects on health. Titled “What’s in Your Bed? Choosing the Best Mattress for Your Health” the post outlines how flame retardants, volatile organic compounds, and allergens impact sleepers. Using these criteria, it is explained why natural latex and memory foam offer superior alternatives for individuals concerned about mattress health.
Upcoming posts will include tips for combating allergies in the bedroom, detailed information on mattress types, and how to pick the best beds for back pain and fibromyalgia. BedEd.org offers newsletter options and a Twitter feed for interested readers to receive updates on recent posts and industry news.
BedEd.org is a mattress education blog dedicated to providing informational resources to shoppers. The blog features impartial assessments of mattress types, brands, and other sleep related products, developed via first party research, third party reviews, and expert research and opinion. In addition, readers receive useful sleep quality tips and news on the latest mattress developments

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Five Star Service Award for SIPP Providers Dentons Pensions

Dentons Pensions are the only Bespoke SIPP Providers to be Awarded 5 Stars at Financial Adviser Service Awards – the benchmark for service levels in the retail financial marketplace.

Godalming Surrey (PRWEB UK) 20 December 2012
Hosted by comedian Stephen K Amos, The Financial Adviser Service Awards were held on 22 November 2012 at The Natural History Museum. Dentons Pensions were the only bespoke SIPP Provider to win the 5 Star ‘excellent service’ Award, which is voted for by advisers.
The Financial Adviser Service Awards identify the importance of the highest possible quality services from all financial product providers to their IFA clients. They are well known to be the absolute benchmark for premium service levels across the retail finance marketplace.
“Dentons has always been focused on delivering exceptional service and flexibility – reacting to changes in the marketplace and making it easier for advisers to do business. It’s why we are delighted to have been awarded 5 stars at the Financial Adviser Service Awards 2012,” said David Fox, Director of Sales & Marketing.
These are not the first awards that Dentons has won. Having already received the Investor In Customers (IIC) ‘outstanding’ award, Dentons’ SIPP earlier this year was given a 5 star rating by Defaqto, a leading UK independent financial research company. The rating shows the level of benefits provided, allowing adviser’s clients to base decisions on features, not just on price. With this level of service and understanding, clients can be confident they will enjoy a comprehensive range of features, options and benefits.
These awards underline Dentons’ commitment to advisers and their clients whose ethos has always been one of delivering service and flexibility to clients without putting unnecessary barriers in the way. With the SIPP marketplace becoming increasingly crowded in recent years the continued delivery of a market leading service proposition has become crucial. As one of the few areas where a firm can really stand out from the competition, one can see that service remains a key focus for Dentons.
So the root of this success? The average pension consultant at Dentons has been there for over 20 years and each one is skilled at dealing with a range of investments from simple to complex transactions, including property purchase. Working with all appointed professionals to ensure everything runs smoothly and allowing clients to use their own contacts and to manage their own properties (if required) is part of the key to Dentons’ success. It currently manages in excess of 700 properties.
Dentons has made a huge investment in their SIPP and SSAS propositions, supported by an interactive website and secure adviser portal, giving advisers instant access to their client information 24 hours a day. The sales, technical and marketing functions have been strengthened and a new technical advisory service for advisers has been launched.
Overall, Dentons ethos has always been one of delivering service and flexibility to its clients without putting unnecessary barriers in the way. In such a competitive marketplace, introducers and clients want more than just competitively priced products. Dentons listens to client needs and this award endorses their ongoing commitment to deliver.

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HeroClix, a Fun App using Comic Book Characters, was Recently Featured on the AppWatch Segment of NewsWatch

NewsWatch, a nationwide television show, recently aired a news segment about “HeroClix”, a new app using comic book characters from popular franchises. The segment aired as part of “AppWatch”, a weekly review of the top apps in the marketplace.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) December 20, 2012
NewsWatch, a nationwide television show, recently aired a news segment about “HeroClix”, a new app using comic book characters from popular franchises. The segment aired as part of "AppWatch”, a weekly review of the top apps in the marketplace.
To get started, download the HeroClix TabApp application for free in the Apple App Store. Then unlock new comic stories and missions with each super hero figure. Unlock over 15 maps and follow along the unique storyline of each character while battling known villains. Users can challenge themselves to take out enemies at three separate difficulty levels and achieve the ultimate 3 star rating for each.
Figurines are available across multiple franchises, including Marvel Comics and DC Comics. Marvel figurines include comic book characters Wolverine, Captain America, and Iron Man. Each character has a different storyline that pops up when you place them on the screen. The marvel edition has over 30 villains and 18 different maps that users can play through.
The game has a live action, arcade style of play that is fun for anyone, ages 14+. Unlock special maps and comic scenarios with each figure. Users can take out a swarm of villains with the tap or swipe of a finger as you move on to more challenging levels. Haven’t picked up a figure yet? You can still play HeroClix TabApp by selecting the "Don’t Have A Figure" option from the main menu to play the demo.
HeroClix TabApp is currently available for iOS devices and is compatible with the iPad 2 and newer, as well as the iPad mini. If you don’t have an iPad, HeroClix plans to announce they will be creating an Android compatible version soon. To download the app and begin playing, go to HeroClixTabApp.com or visit your itunes store and search for HeroClix TabApp. The app is currently free on the iTunes Store and figurines can be purchased through the HeroClix website.
NewsWatch is a weekly 30-minute consumer oriented television show that airs on the ION Network Thursday mornings at 5:30am across the nation. NewsWatch regularly features top travel destinations, health tips, technology products, medical breakthroughs and entertainment news on the show. A recent addition to NewsWatch, AppWatch is a weekly segment that provides viewers app reviews and game reviews of the latest and hottest apps and games out on the market for iOS and Android devices. The show airs in 180 markets nationwide as well as all of the top 20 broadcast markets in the country, and is the preferred choice for Satellite Media Tour and Video News Release Distribution.

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Hands-Free Lighting Device Designed by ASF Lightware Solutions Now Offered by Rehabmart.com

It is an LED light that is worn around the neck and offers a wider and brighter light than a typical clip-on book light. The hands-free design is perfect for wheelchair or walker users, and helps to keep hands free for tasks like quilting, knitting, changing diapers and other various forms of work and hobbies.

Elberton, GA (PRWEB) December 20, 2012
Rehabmart.com, an online e-commerce company that sells rehabilitation and medical supplies, has joined into a distribution partnership with ASF Lightware Solutions to offer their hands-free Beam N Read® Lights to a wider consumer marketplace. Headquartered in Merrick, New York, ASF Lightware Solutions was founded by inventor Arthur Friedman who has been awarded 18 patents for his inventions and designs, including the Beam N Read® light. Friedman himself needed a better portable light solution and was disappointed with the available market choices, so he created his own. Both Friedman and his company's co-founder and CKO (Chief Knitting Officer), wife Cynthia Freeman, use the Beam N Read® light in their daily lives.
The Beam N Read® Hands Free Lights are specifically designed for personal light wherever the user might need it, that won't disturb others in the same vicinity. It is an LED light that is worn around the neck and offers a wider and brighter light than a typical clip-on book light. The hands-free design is perfect for wheelchair or walker users, and helps to keep hands free for tasks like quilting, knitting, changing diapers and other various forms of work and hobbies. It is very compatible with books, newspapers, magazines, eReaders and as a Kindle reading light. The range of uses for the Beam N Read® is practically limitless and include utilization for reading, needlework, fine detail artwork and hobbies, camping, travel, emergencies and to help senior citizens with age-related disabilities and adults and children with special needs. The extra long battery life provides useful emergency light during a power outage as well.
Accessories to customize the Beam N Read® vary by model and include night vision filters that help to prevent night blindness and reduce the risk of eyestrain. Recommended for anyone who works in the dark, the Beam N Read® Hands-Free Night Vision Light is perfect for campers and hunters, and for healthcare professionals or caregivers who need to administer to a patient in the dark. “We are proud to introduce these amazing Hands-Free Beam N Read® Lights from ASF Lightware Solutions to more consumers,” said Hulet Smith, OTR/L, MBA and CEO of Rehabmart. “This personal light offers unsurpassed quality, functionality and versatility, enhancing sight for all users. Use it for reading, writing, drawing, painting, all forms of needlework and sewing, crafts and hobbies, traveling and camping, night work, emergencies, and just for seeing a whole lot better whenever and wherever you need to! Testimonials abound for this helpful device and we are so pleased to be able to offer this simple, but profound life enhancement to our customers at Rehabmart.com.”
About Rehabmart.com:
As an Occupational Therapist, the founder of Rehabmart, Hulet Smith, has the breadth of knowledge and experience necessary to match the needs of his customers with the very latest innovative products in the field of medical supplies and rehabilitation equipment. As a parent of special needs children, he has a personal interest in finding the best products to improve the lives of those who are disabled and medically challenged. Rehabmart.com is committed to provide superior customer service, competitive pricing and exceptional product offerings.

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Appconomy Announces Launch of its Jinjin Marketplace in China; Completes Series A Round for $16 Million Total

Appconomy, Inc., developer of the Appconomy Commerce Cloud platform and mobile apps, announced today the launch of its JinjinTM mobile marketplace in China.

Shanghai, China (PRWEB) December 20, 2012
The Jinjin marketplace launched in two of China’s most strategic markets, Beijing and Shanghai, the nation’s capital and the country’s largest city, respectively. Appconomy also announced that it had raised an additional $6 million in venture financing to complete its Series A round, for a final total of more than $16 million, to continue the rapid introduction of the Jinjin marketplace app and its mobile solutions across China’s retail industry.
The Jinjin marketplace features dozens of popular Chinese and global retail brands, with hundreds of locations in Beijing and Shanghai. Merchants include popular food & beverage chains Golden Phoenix Bakeries, Burger King, Pepper Lunch, among many others, as well as a variety of high-end health, beauty, and other goods & services merchants. For consumers, the Jinjin marketplace offers a ground-breaking mobile loyalty and rewards program in China. It is available immediately from the Jinjin website (http://www.jinjinapp.com) and popular Chinese Android app stores, e.g., HiAPK, Wandoujia, and Gfan, and will be available within days in iTunes for iOS users.
“We strongly believe that the launch of the Jinjin marketplace represents a unique milestone in the reinvention of the retail and dining experience for Chinese consumers and merchants,” said Brian Magierski, President and CEO of Appconomy. “Following our announcement early last month of the Jinjin Retail Solution at the China Retail Industry Convention, which we’ve begun the process of piloting for large retailers, Appconomy now offers the only comprehensive, mobile solution, serving both big and small box retailers. Through our Jinjin marketplace, commerce platform, and mobile apps, we enable retailers, in both their physical and online stores, with capabilities like smart shopping list management, in-store geo-fencing technology for precise product location, customizable notifications, discounts, rewards, and loyalty programs.”
“With the launch of the Jinjin marketplace, we are excited to accelerate our market penetration with multiple Chinese national and global brands, in multiple markets,” said Steve Papermaster, Chairman of Appconomy’s Board of Directors. “As we prepare for a next major phase of growth and related financing activity, we are pleased with both the strong interest by current investors to complete our Series A by exercising their rights and the new investors that are participating in the Appconomy opportunity to create value by joining in the round.

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Attacks on Ivorian military kill 1 in Abidjan

 Authorities in Ivory Coast say at least one person is dead after two simultaneous attacks on Ivorian security forces.
Cherif Moussa, chief of communications for the army, said Friday that the attacks took place overnight in the commercial capital of Abidjan.
The United Nations said it "firmly condemns" the latest violence against members of the Ivorian armed forces.
In a statement, the U.N. special representative, Bert Koenders, said he "deplores these violent acts which were carried out at a time when the political situation was becoming more hopeful."
President Alassane Ouattara's government alleges that fighters who support former President Laurent Gbagbo are behind recent attacks on military positions in the West African nation.
Since early August, more than a dozen such attacks have been carried out throughout the country.

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