CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Grant Thornton LLP has been named best Forensic Accounting Provider in the 2017 Best of Corporate Counsel survey conducted by Corporate Counsel magazine. The annual survey ranks the top providers to the in-house corporate legal marketplace. This award recognizes Grant Thornton’s Forensic Advisory Services practice, which specializes in helping companies and their legal counsel investigate allegations of fraud, waste or abuse and whistleblower claims, as well as underst Reported by Business Wire 2 hours ago.

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Illinois' unpaid bill backlog, a barometer of the state's deep financial woes, hit a new record high of $14.3 billion, as the legislature nears the May 31 end of its session without a budget deal, the state comptroller's office said on Wednesday. Reported by Reuters 1 hour ago.

When the Carolina Hurricanes traded a third-round pick to Chicago for the rights to Scott Darling, the NHL's goaltender carousel started spinning.After Carolina signed Darling to a $16.6 million, four-year deal, the Dallas Stars... Reported by New Zealand Herald 1 hour ago.

People Magazine decided to dedicate their cover story this month to their beloved *"cool, even-keeled, no-drama Barack Obama."*  And even though it will come as surprise to precisely no one, the story apparently includes the *"bombshell" revelation that....wait for it...Obama can't stand Trump...shocking, we know.*

According to two anonymous sources friendly with the Obamas, People Magazine revealed that Obama frequently describes Trump as *"nothing but a bullshitter"...*



*“He’s nothing but a bullsh–ter,”* Obama told two friends early last November, describing an election night phone call with Trump, in which the businessman suddenly professed his “respect” and “admiration” for Obama—after years of hectoring.

 

Speaking to PEOPLE for its new cover story on Obama and his wife Michelle adjusting to life outside the White House, the two friends quoted Obama’s blunt assessment of President-elect Trump. And how has Obama’s opinion changed since Trump been in office? “Well,” said one of the sources, *“it hasn’t gotten any better.”*



...all of which is odd because they seemed so friendly and comfortable in this pic of their first Oval Office meeting.

 

Meanwhile, after hinting that he would lead the opposition movement against Trump, Obama's friends now say he plans to be "very respectful of the appropriate role of a former president."  *Which we assume can be loosely translated to mean that he's not interested in playing petty political games when he can focus on making millions of dollars selling 1-hour speeches to Wall Street for $400k a pop.*



A third source close to Obama tells PEOPLE: “He’s deeply concerned with what he’s seen. But he’s also optimistic and heartened that citizens aren’t just watching it happen but engaging with neighbors and elected representatives at town halls.”

 

*“He’s very respectful of the appropriate role of a former president and that ex-presidents should not be looking over the shoulder of their successors and commenting on every decision,” *says Obama’s long-time friend and political strategist David Axelrod, now director of the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics.

 

“President Obama’s predecessor didn’t do that. Obviously, this now is a unique set of circumstances, but my sense is that he’s going to try and respect that tradition while reserving the right to speak out in given moments when things rise to that level.”



Meanwhile, the always classy Michelle Obama apparently takes humor in telling her pals that she's *"going all black for the next couple of years"* to mourn the Trump presidency.  Reported by Zero Hedge 57 minutes ago.

Karen Mason is channeling her passion for equal rights into her music.  

The Broadway singer-actress, who is best known for her roles in “Mamma Mia!” and “Sunset Boulevard,” croons a tender ode to marriage equality on her new album, “It’s About Time.” “Feels like we have wait 20 lifetimes, wishing for this moment to be real,” Mason sings on the title track, as seen in the video above. “And now we’re stepping into the spotlight to celebrate the way we truly feel.” 

Mason told HuffPost she first performed “It’s About Time” at the wedding of two gay friends shortly after same-sex couples won the right to legally marry in New York state in 2011. Given the challenges that the LGBTQ community is currently facing, she felt it was appropriate to reprise the song on her album, which hit retailers March 7. 

“Equality is important to me, as it should be to everyone,” Mason said of the song, which was written by her husband, Paul Rolnick, and Shelly Markham. “Marriage is such an intimate relationship and has been guarded so preciously by some heterosexuals in our society as the last bastion of ‘normalcy,’ whatever that word means. I refuse to make those judgements, especially when it concerns love.” 

The album also features a number of standards most associated with Judy Garland, including “The Man That Got Away” and “Over The Rainbow.” Mason, who has performed much of the Garland songbook in concert, said she felt her new tune fit in perfectly with the “storytelling” feel of the classic repertoire. Ultimately, she hopes listeners will view “It’s About Time” simply as a poignant reminder that “it is really just all about love” rather than a political gesture.

“If someone listens to the words of this song, they will hear a beautiful song about the chance to finally say ‘I love you’ to the world,” she told HuffPost. “How can anyone deny and refuse wanting to love someone else? I’ve never understood that.” 

Karen Mason will perform songs from “It’s About Time” at New York’s Don’t Tell Mama every Sunday and Monday through May 29. She’ll also appear at Davenport’s Piano Bar and Cabaret in Chicago through May 20 and at The Rrazz Room in New Hope, Pennsylvania on June 10. 

For the latest in LGBTQ entertainment, check out the Queer Voices newsletter.  

-- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website. Reported by Huffington Post 1 hour ago.

Pushing the boundaries of footwork while accepting fresh influences...

If footwork had a heartbeat, it would be a troubling arrhythmia. Refusing to rest at 70 beats per minute, it would gallop at a panic-inducing frequency, surging a stampede on your chest, threatening to burst out at any moment. Just as techno and house nestle their identities within the grid-like structure of a reliable kick drum, falling on every beat (or so), footwork bends and twists, manipulating any sense of regularity in placing its percussive core on a lurching axis. Innovators of the genre like DJ Rashad and his Teklife crew work a sonic identity into the stuttering hi-hats and compressed snares that bounce over their off-beat kick drums, but it is *Jlin* who continues to push the boundaries of footwork today.

Jerilynn Patton, aka *Jlin*, grew up in Gary, Indiana, 25 miles outside of footwork’s epicentre, Chicago. It is perhaps for this reason that Jlin’s interpretation of her genre sounds so unique; she was able to take an outsider’s view on the music, being within reach of the Chicago clubs and artists playing there, yet choosing instead to educate herself through YouTube videos of footwork dancers and bootleg recordings. Her debut LP, ‘Dark Energy’, released in 2015 on Planet Mu, was acclaimed for its intensity and latent emotionality, imbuing a music centred on the immediacy of the communal dance floor with the potential for solipsism and a complexity that could only be unravelled on multiple listens. Continuing in the same vein, Jlin releases her second album, ‘Black Origami’, this month.

On ‘Black Origami’, gone is the raw intensity of its predecessor and instead emerges a more subdued, yet similarly pensive and insidious record of two halves. Much like the practise it takes its name from, the opener and title track of the record, ‘Black Origami’, deftly folds percussive elements, arranged around triplet clusters, into and on top of each other. The triplet is a rhythm frequently encountered in footwork, yet Jlin has a unique capacity to make her skipping strings and hi-hats defy a sense of rhythmic regularity, instead pushing the track forward in anticipation of a crescendo that never quite arrives. Where she used game sounds and Japanese influences on ‘Dark Energy’, here Jlin takes up the percussion of the Asian and African subcontinents to widen her palette. She replaces the normally synthetic claps and snaps of footwork with undulating tabla on ‘Enigma’, Hindi vocal samples on the rumbling ‘Kyanite’, and an ensemble of djembe and African-influenced drumming on the low-frequency ‘Nyakinyua Rise’.

Whilst this inclusion of varied instrumentation is a fresh addition to the genre, the opening half of the record can feel like an insistent layering of percussion, trading off of rhythmic tropes. It is therefore welcome that as ‘Black Origami’ progresses it gets darker and more demanding. Marked by the sinister bass and plaintive, chopped vocal samples of ‘Calcification’, following tracks like the choral ‘Nandi’ and buzz-heavy aggression of ‘1%’ bring to mind the sonic assault of ‘Dark Energy’ highlights ‘Guantanamo’ and ‘Infrared (Bagua)’.

Ultimately, ‘Black Origami’ is a record of experimentalism and inventiveness that reaches beyond novelty. It showcases an artist widening her scope of production, whilst maintaining an ear and a place for the dance floor birthplace of her genre. The penultimate, trap-influenced ‘Never Created, Never Destroyed’, feels like a sonic homage to DJ Rashad in its tuned-up vocals and rumbling bass. Here, we have come full circle as Jlin nods to a pioneer of the genre, reminding the listener that footwork carries its own rhythmic identity — its own heartbeat — one that her closing track states is "to be continued”.

*8/10*

Words: *Ammar Kalia*

- - -

- - -

**B*uy Clash Magazine* Reported by Clash 56 minutes ago.

The Vikings have signed former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Will Sutton Reported by FOX Sports 47 minutes ago.

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#SIGGRAPH--SIGGRAPH 2017 announces the acceptance of over 125 technical research papers for this year’s conference, 30 July-3 August at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Topics include fabrication and more. Reported by Business Wire 53 minutes ago.

CHICAGO — The American Writers Museum, which opened its doors to the public Tuesday here in the Windy City, doesn't look like much from the outside. 

It occupies the second floor of a nondescript office building in the middle of downtown, plain old 180 N. Michigan Ave., and your biggest problem getting here is that you might walk into the Citibank downstairs by mistake. 

But the first rule of literature applies here: Don't judge a book by its cover. 

Inside is a surprising little gem filled with 13 interactive exhibits that are the opposite of a stodgy old library. The curators of this, the first-ever museum devoted to American writing, have taken pains to appeal to people of all races, genders, and creeds, even if they're not big readers.  Read more...

More about Books, Reading, Museums, Writing, and Entertainment Reported by Mashable 14 minutes ago.

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Independent advertising agency collective The Escape Pod Group has named Celia Jones Brand Director. Reported by Business Wire 3 minutes ago.

Leading digital software and solutions providers join forces to supply retailers with agile experience driven commerce offerings

CHICAGO (PRWEB) May 18, 2017

Avionos, a digital solutions provider focused on delivering experiences for the connected consumer, has launched a partnership with commercetools, a leading cloud-based platform for next generation commerce. This strategic partnership will enable retailers, as well as consumer packaged goods (CPG) and brand manufacturers to enhance the digital customer experience beyond traditional omnichannel commerce concepts.

As always-on is becoming the status quo, brands and retailers are looking for new ways to cut through the noise and reach their customers. With the help of Avionos’ digital expertise, commercetools’ microservices-based commerce platform helps businesses to break down the boundaries of traditional online shopping environments and gives them the freedom to create rich customer experiences in real-time. Businesses that deliver direct-to-consumer (D2C) will have the tools they need to close the sale at any moment. By providing the capability to add online transactions, product catalogs, and cart and order management, consumers can make a purchase whenever and wherever they prefer to shop.

The commercetools platform helps retailers and brands significantly reduce both cost and risk by providing microservices building blocks that weave on-demand commerce functionality into numerous old and new omnichannel touchpoints alike. Rather than spending a lot of time and money building massive commerce programs upfront, this experience-driven commerce strategy allows brands to refine and optimize their strategy “on the go.” It will deliver solutions that provide customers the ability to respond to consumer demand faster than ever, while still having a tremendous amount of business tool capabilities for their day-to-day activities.

“At Avionos, we fundamentally believe that agility and responsiveness are critical skills that make retail experiences successful. By providing an offering that allows brands to co-create with consumers at speed and scale, we’re putting control into the hands of the consumer,” said Scott Webb, President of Avionos. “We were looking for a partner that would enable us to deliver that type of service to our clients and that possessed the shared vision of what commerce could be. With their proven track record, there’s no doubt that commercetools has the maturity and experience required.”  

Founded in Germany in 2006, commercetools’ innovative approach to digital commerce challenged the monolithic and inflexible strategies that were common among traditional platforms. With a vision to go beyond selling through traditional desktop-based webshops, the company added mobile commerce support early and consequently expanded its functionality to include new ways to make customer interactions shoppable. Two years ago, commercetools successfully launched in the United States. The company was recently included in The Forrester Wave™: B2C Commerce Suites, Q1 2017 for the first time as a contender, in which they referred to the commerce solution provider as “a good fit for firms looking to innovate on commerce.”

“Retailers are looking to break away from the traditional, rigid platforms and take the next step in their commerce evolution, but they’ve been limited by choices in partners and technology,” said Arthur Lawida, President of commercetools in the US. “We found that by combining our technology with Avionos’ capabilities, we were able to create a synergy that will put more control of the experience in the hands of the business and the marketers, enabling us to move our customers into the next generation. The experience-driven commerce model is the future of retail and we’re very excited to have Avionos as one of our first North American partners to take it to market.”

About Avionos
Avionos is the digital services and solutions firm that delivers connected customer engagement and extends the brand promise beyond traditional expectations. Avionos brings together marketing, sales, and customer care to drive unparalleled business outcomes via connected and cloud technologies working with clients such as the American Medical Association, Kellogg’s, Plantronics, and Sears.

Visit http://www.avionos.com for more information.

About commercetools
commercetools is a next generation software technology company that offers a true cloud commerce platform, providing the building blocks for the new digital commerce age.  Our leading-edge API approach helps retailers create brand value by empowering commerce teams to design unique and engaging digital commerce experiences everywhere – today and in the future.  Our agile, componentized architecture improves profitability by significantly reducing development time and resources required to migrate to modern commerce technology and meet new customer demands.

The innovative platform design enables commerce possibilities for the future by offering the option to either use the platform's entire set of features or deploy individual services, á la carte over time.  This state-of-the-art architecture is the perfect starting point for customized microservices, enabling retailers to significantly reduce time-to-market for innovative commerce functionalities.

With offices in Germany and the United States, B2C and B2B companies from across the globe including well-known brands in fashion, E-Food, and DIY retail trust commercetools to power their digital commerce business.

Visit http://www.commercetools.com for more information. Reported by PRWeb 3 hours ago.

*Helsinn Group and MEI Pharma Announce Upcoming Presentations of Gene Mutation and Clinical Response Data from Phase II Study of Pracinostat and Azacitidine in Acute Myeloid Leukemia*

* Data to be presented at ASCO and EHA in June; Abstracts now available online *

*Lugano, Switzerland and San Diego, USA, May 18, 2017* - Helsinn, a Swiss pharmaceutical group focused on building quality cancer care products, and MEI Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: MEIP), an oncology company focused on the clinical development of novel therapies for cancer, today announce that data on the correlation between gene mutation clearance and clinical response from a Phase II clinical study of Pracinostat and azacitidine in older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have been accepted for presentation at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago on Monday, June 5, 2017, and the European Hematology Association (EHA) Annual Congress in Madrid on Friday, June 23, 2017. Abstracts of the presentations are now available at abstracts.as6co.org and www.ehaweb.org .

* ASCO *
*Title:* Correlation between Mutation Clearance and Clinical Response in Elderly Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Treated with Azacitidine and Pracinostat
*Abstract Number:* 7034
*Session Title:* Hematologic Malignancies - Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Allotransplant
*Date and Time:* Monday, June 5, 2017, 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. CDT (9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. EDT)

* EHA *
*Title:* Treatment of Pracinostat and Azacitidine in Elderly Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): Correlation between Mutation Clearance and Clinical Response
*Abstract Code:* P207
*Session Title:* Acute Myeloid Leukemia - Clinical 2
*Date and Time:* Friday, June 23, 17:15 - 18:45 CEST (1:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. EDT)

*About Pracinostat*
Pracinostat is a potential best-in-class, oral histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor that is in late stage clinical development. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for Pracinostat in combination with azacitidine for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed AML who are over 75 years of age or unfit for intensive chemotherapy. In August 2016, Helsinn and MEI Pharma entered into an exclusive license, development and commercialization agreement for Pracinostat in AML and other potential indications. The deal provides the complementary resources from both organizations to rapidly advance Pracinostat into Phase III clinical development and expand into additional areas of clinical development, including high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Pracinostat is an investigational agent and is not approved for use in the U.S.

*About AML*
Acute myeloid leukemia (also known as acute myelogenous leukemia) is the most common acute leukemia affecting adults, and its incidence is expected to continue to increase as the population ages. The American Cancer Society estimates about 21,380 new cases of AML per year in the U.S., with an average age of about 67 years. Front line treatment consists primarily of induction chemotherapy, while the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology recommend hypomethylating agents azacitidine or decitabine as low intensity treatment options for AML patients over the age of 60 who are unsuitable for induction chemotherapy.

*About the Helsinn Group*

Helsinn is a privately owned pharmaceutical group with an extensive portfolio of marketed cancer care products and a robust drug development pipeline. Since 1976, Helsinn has been improving the everyday lives of patients, guided by core family values of respect, integrity and quality. The Group works across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices and nutritional supplements and has expertise in research, development, manufacture and the commercialization of therapeutic and supportive care products for cancer, pain and inflammation and gastroenterology. In 2016, Helsinn created the Helsinn Investment Fund to support early-stage investment opportunities in areas of unmet patient need. The company is headquartered in Lugano, Switzerland, with operating subsidiaries in Switzerland, Ireland and the U.S., a representative office in China as well as a product presence in approximately 190 countries globally.

For more information, please visit www.helsinn.com

*About MEI Pharma*
MEI Pharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: MEIP) is a San Diego-based oncology company focused on the clinical development of novel therapies for cancer. The Company's portfolio of drug candidates includes Pracinostat, an oral HDAC inhibitor that is partnered with Helsinn Healthcare, SA. Pracinostat has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in combination with azacitidine for the treatment of patients with newly diagnosed AML who are unfit for intensive chemotherapy. Pracinostat is also being developed in combination with azacitidine for the treatment of patients with high and very high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. MEI Pharma's clinical development pipeline also includes ME-401, a potent and highly selective oral PI3K delta inhibitor currently in a Phase Ib study in patients with relapsed/refractory CLL or follicular lymphoma. The Company is also developing ME-344, a novel mitochondrial inhibitor currently in an investigator-sponsored study in combination with bevacizumab for the treatment of HER2-negative breast cancer. For more information, please visit www.meipharma.com .

*MEI Pharma Forward-Looking Statements*
Under U.S. law, a new drug cannot be marketed until it has been investigated in clinical studies and approved by the FDA as being safe and effective for the intended use. Statements included in this press release that are not historical in nature are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should be aware that our actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, which are based on management's current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, our failure to successfully commercialize our product candidates; costs and delays in the development and/or FDA approval, or the failure to obtain such approval, of our product candidates; uncertainties or differences in interpretation in clinical trial results; our inability to maintain or enter into, and the risks resulting from our dependence upon, collaboration or contractual arrangements necessary for the development, manufacture, commercialization, marketing, sales and distribution of any products; competitive factors; our inability to protect our patents or proprietary rights and obtain necessary rights to third party patents and intellectual property to operate our business; our inability to operate our business without infringing the patents and proprietary rights of others; general economic conditions; the failure of any products to gain market acceptance; our inability to obtain any additional required financing; technological changes; government regulation; changes in industry practice; and one-time events. We do not intend to update any of these factors or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements.

* For more information please contact: *

*Helsinn Group*

Paola Bonvicini

Group Head of Communication

Lugano, Switzerland

Tel: +41 (0) 91 985 21 21

Info-hhc@helsinn.com

*MEI Pharma Contacts*
Investors :
Pete De Spain
Vice President, Investor Relations
(858) 792-3729
pdespain@meipharma.com

Media :
Jason Spark
Canale Communications
(619) 849-6005
jason@canalecomm.com
--------------------This announcement is distributed by NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions on behalf of NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: Helsinn Healthcare SA via GlobeNewswire

HUG#2105909 Reported by GlobeNewswire 3 hours ago.

On the heels of a mediocre 2016-17 campaign, the Chicago Bulls have a few questions that need to be addressed going into next season. Here is a look a few of them.The 2016-17 version of the Chicago Bulls can be described as a mixed bag at best. With a group of veteran and young players, the Bulls ... Reported by FOX Sports 2 hours ago.

With an eye on keeping their e-commerce site always on, Musicnotes.com selected OneNeck IT Solutions to design and deploy Microsoft-based technology and solutions on ReliaCloud.

Madison, Wis. (PRWEB) May 18, 2017

Today, OneNeck® IT Solutions announced the company was selected by Madison, Wis.-based Musicnotes.com. Under the contract, Musicnotes.com is leveraging OneNeck’s ReliaCloud® platform to host their e-commerce website.

“With ReliaCloud, we are able to focus on building technologies that enhance our customers’ interaction with both our e-commerce site and our applications,” said Jon Higgins, chief technology officer at Musicnotes.com. “This allows us to ensure positive, continuing interaction through all stages of the customer journey.”

Founded in 1998, Musicnotes.com is the world’s largest e-commerce sheet music retailer and publisher. The company provides more than 300,000 pieces of officially licensed digital sheet music and guitar tablature to more than 5 million customers around the globe.

When looking for a new IT partner, Musicnotes.com was seeking a vendor who had competency in designing and deploying Microsoft-based technology and solutions for their mission-critical applications. In addition, they wanted a provider who could ensure high-availability and cloud stability, along with scalability and technical competency. They found OneNeck met, or exceeded, all those requirements.

“From the very beginning, we knew our success was important to OneNeck, and that they were willing to go the extra mile to help us attain it,” said Higgins. “OneNeck is truly an extension of our organization.”

OneNeck IT Solutions offers a full suite of hybrid IT solutions including cloud and hosting solutions, managed services, ERP application management, professional services and IT hardware. In addition, OneNeck has top-tier data centers in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Oregon and Wisconsin.

“Providing Musicnotes.com with a reliable, state-of-the-art, always-on environment, contributes to their success,” said Jim de la Pena, VP of Sales at OneNeck. “I’m proud of our team for not only articulating to Musicnotes.com that we could do it, but then following up and delivering an outstanding solution that allows them to spend more time focusing on their core strategy, while we fully manage their IT solution.”

View the recently issued Case Study for more details about the partnership between Musicnotes.com and OneNeck. Visit oneneck.com for more information.

About OneNeck
OneNeck IT Solutions LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Telephone and Data Systems, employs nearly 550 people throughout the U.S. The company offers hybrid IT solutions including cloud and hosting solutions, managed services, ERP application management, professional services, IT hardware and top-tier data centers in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Oregon and Wisconsin. OneNeck's team of technology professionals manage secure, world-class, hybrid IT infrastructures and applications for businesses around the country. Visit oneneck.com.

TDS Telecommunications Corporation (TDS Telecom/TDS®), headquartered in Madison, Wis., operates OneNeck IT Solutions LLC and BendBroadband, which is part of TDS Broadband Service LLC. Combined, the company employs more than 3,400 people. Visit tdstelecom.com.

Telephone and Data Systems, Inc., a Fortune 500® company, provides wireless; cable and wireline broadband, TV and voice; and hosted and managed services to approximately six million customers nationwide through its businesses U.S. Cellular, TDS Telecom, OneNeck IT Solutions LLC, and TDS Broadband Service LLC. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Chicago, Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. employs 10,300 people. Visit tdsinc.com.

About Musicnotes.com
As the leader in downloadable sheet music, Musicnotes.com offers the best selection of 100 percent officially licensed and legal arrangements for nearly any instrument, genre and skill level. Founded in 1998, Musicnotes has transformed the way people purchase and play sheet music by fostering strong partnerships with music publishers, creating an ever-expanding catalogue of nearly 300,000 arrangements, and pioneering new technologies, like their top-rated sheet music apps for iOS and Android devices as well as Musicnotes Cloud. Musicnotes has sold more than 30 million downloads to over 5 million customers since inception. For more information, visit musicnotes.com. Reported by PRWeb 3 hours ago.

Prevent Blindness Declares June as Cataract Awareness Month to Educate Public on Most Common Eye Disease

CHICAGO (PRWEB) May 18, 2017

Cataract is responsible for 51 percent of world blindness, according to the World Health Organization. In the United States, the current number of those with cataract is estimated to be more than 25.7 million. Projections from Prevent Blindness research estimate that number will increase to 38.5 million by 2032, and to 45.6 million by the year 2050.

Prevent Blindness, the nation’s oldest eye health and safety non-profit organization, has declared June as Cataract Awareness Month to educate the public on risk factors, symptoms and treatment options. For those considering surgery and their caregivers, Prevent Blindness offers a free online guide at: http://www.preventblindness.org/cataract-surgery.

Cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens which blocks or changes the passage of light into the eye. Cataracts usually form in both eyes, but not at the same rate. They can develop slowly or quickly, or progress to a certain point, then not get any worse.

Besides aging, other factors may cause cataracts to form. Eye infections, some medicines (such as steroids), injuries or exposure to intense heat or radiation may cause cataracts. Too much exposure to non-visible sunlight (called UV or ultraviolet light) and various diseases, such as diabetes or metabolic disorders, may also contribute to cataracts forming.
Types of cataract include:·     Age-related – 95 percent of cataracts are age-related, usually after age 40.
·     Congenital – These are present at birth, usually caused by infection or inflammation during pregnancy; possibly inherited.
·     Traumatic – Lens damage from a hard blow, cut, puncture, intense heat or chemical burn may cause cataracts.
·     Secondary – Some medicines, eye disease, eye infection, or diseases such as diabetes cause these cataracts.
·     Radiation – Cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, there are approximately 2 million cataract surgeries performed in the United States every year. And, in approximately 90 percent of cases, people who have cataract surgery have improved vision afterward.

Most cataract surgery is covered by Medicare and health insurance. However, it is important the patient talks to his or her eyecare professional and insurance provider to determine what surgery-related expenses are covered and by how much. For example, some types of intraocular lenses (the artificial lens used to replace the natural lens) cost more than others.

“As the U.S. population continues to age, the number of those affected by cataract is also increasing significantly,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “Fortunately, cataract surgery has an extremely high success rate. Talking with your eyecare professional about what treatment is right for you is essential to protect the gift of sight today and for years to come.”

For free information on cataract, please call Prevent Blindness at (800) 331-2020 or visit the Prevent Blindness website at preventblindness.org/cataract.

About Prevent Blindness
Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, Prevent Blindness is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, or to make a contribution to the sight-saving fund, call 1-800-331-2020. Or, visit us on the Web at preventblindness.org or facebook.com/preventblindness.

### Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.

Productive Edge, one of only 12 Microsoft Xamarin Elite Partners in the world, is proud to announce that its Head of Enterprise Mobility, Michael Zaletel, has been named Xamarin MVP

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) May 18, 2017

Michael Zaletel of Productive Edge, a Chicago-based Xamarin Elite Partner, has been awarded the Xamarin Most Valuable Professional (MVP) designation by Microsoft. The Xamarin MVP designation represents the highest honor awarded to Xamarin developers. To qualify for this award, the developer must demonstrate significant contributions to the Xamarin development community, while also consistently delivering top quality production Xamarin apps.

Xamarin, acquired by Microsoft in 2016, allows developers to create the most sophisticated native mobile apps for iOS, Android, Windows and MacOS platforms from a single codebase, thereby cutting the time and cost of development by more than 50%.

“The business value Xamarin provides cannot be overstated,” says Michael. “Time and again, we have found Xamarin to be unmatched in its ability to deliver native experiences across all platforms, even for highly sophisticated applications. I truly believe that Xamarin is the future of enterprise development. I look forward to helping the Xamarin community grow, evangelizing the benefits of Xamarin.Forms for shared UI, and continuing to deliver exceptional apps for Productive Edge clients.”

As the head of Enterprise Mobility for Productive Edge, Michael has worked on some of the most sophisticated Xamarin apps to date. Having also served as the chief architect over hundreds of traditionally developed native iOS and Android apps, his enthusiasm for Xamarin is grounded in a deep understanding of the alternative approaches to mobile development. Michael actively advocates for Xamarin as an ideal solution for enterprises seeking to accelerate their mobile time to market and reduce mobile total cost of ownership (TCO).

Productive Edge is recognized by Microsoft as one of 12 Xamarin Elite Consulting Partners in the world. As a full-service digital technology agency, the firm provides end-to-end web and mobile development services, from business strategy to development and ongoing support. They have extensive experience in a variety of industry verticals, including Fortune 1000 clients in healthcare, retail and financial services. In addition to Xamarin, Productive Edge specializes in digital transformation using platforms like Sitecore, Liferay, and Magnolia, as well as Cloud Native Architecture, Cloud Migration, Big Data Analytics, Machine Learning and Virtual Reality.

For more information on Xamarin or Productive Edge, please call 312-560-9000 or email Services(at)ProductiveEdge.com. Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.

Hotels offer up to 50% off during one-day cyber flash sale

The Woodlands (Houston), Texas (PRWEB) May 18, 2017

More than two dozen hotel and resort properties from Gemstone Collection and Benchmark Resorts & Hotels roll out their finest summer travel values of the season on Tuesday, May 30th when they celebrate their annual Summer Cyber Tuesday program. With a collection of limited-time travel sale opportunities of up to 50% off, summer adventure-seekers can take advantage of this exclusive one-day cyber event that serves up a chance to explore destinations reaching from Massachusetts to Hawaii.

"This summer should be an outstanding travel season and we wanted to kick it off with a compelling selection of travel experiences for everyone," notes Ted Davis, Benchmark's Chief Sales & Marketing Officer. Participating properties include the following:

Arizona

The Nautical Beachfront Resort, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property in Lake Havasu City, offers up to 35% off stays during its Summer Cyber Tuesday sale. Guests booking three night getaways between July 1 and July 31, 2017 will receive 15% off; guests staying five nights will receive 25% off; and those checking in for seven nights or longer will secure 35% off. Nestled on an island along the shores of Lake Havasu, The Nautical is the only beachfront resort in Arizona and a landmark in the city’s history. Its 139 rooms and suites overlook the lake and complement notable amenities such as three restaurants and bars, a swimming pool, courtesy docks, an executive golf course, and onsite watersport rentals.

California

Escape to Spanish Garden Inn this summer and discover a jewel among Santa Barbara’s luxury hotels. Guests booking accommodations on Summer Cyber Tuesday for the month of June will earn a savings of $50 that may be applied to stays in one of Spanish Garden Inn’s 24 thoughtfully-appointed rooms and suites. This intimate retreat is set in the heart of the city’s historic Presidio District and is just blocks from the area’s finest shopping, dining, and entertainment.

The Mayfair Hotel in downtown LA offers 20% off stays two nights or longer for guests checking in through September 2017. The Mayfair’s ideal downtown location invites visitors to indulge in everything LA LA Land has to offer – from outdoor adventure and beach activities to cultural events at the famed Staples Center – proving that summer really is the best time of year to explore America’s vibrant entertainment capital.

Stay too cool for school this summer with 20% off stays in the newly renovated Graduate Berkeley, formerly Hotel Durant. Available for travel now through August 2017, this Summer Cyber Tuesday package invites guests to explore this world renowned, historic university town that has a worldly and eccentric character all its own.

At Chaminade Resort & Spa, Summer Cyber Tuesday gives guests SUNsational savings of 40% off accommodations in the quintessential beach town of Santa Cruz. Chaminade Resort & Spa offers an outdoor heated pool, day spa, two onsite restaurants, and hiking trails throughout the resort, plus convenient access to Santa Cruz’s hottest summer attractions.

Colorado

This Summer Cyber Tuesday, Garden of the Gods Collection in Colorado Springs offers 40% savings on travel between November 2017 and April 2018. Guests visiting this luxury resort that sits perched high atop a mesa will enjoy stunning views of snow-capped Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods National Landmark.

Also located in Colorado Springs, Cheyenne Mountain Resort offers up to 25% off their best available rate for reservations booked on Summer Cyber Tuesday for travel through August. A complimentary room upgrade, access to an expansive collection of resort amenities and activities, plus discount coupons at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo are also included. Those looking for a fall getaway can secure 30% off select dates in September, October, and November.

In Vail, Tivoli Lodge invites guests to enjoy 40% off two night stays between June 1 and October 14, 2017. This mountain escape is steeped in old-world charm and features 66 spacious rooms with mountain or Vail Village views, and most with in-room fireplaces. Visitors can enjoy causal and fine dining on property, as well as easy access to Vail and Lionshead villages via a complimentary town shuttle located just outside the lodge.

Florida

Gloria & Emilio Estefan’s Costa ‘d Este Beach Resort & Spa offers guests savings of 40% off its best available rate when booking on Summer Cyber Tuesday for stays through September 30th. This 94-room resort sits along 1,000 feet of Atlantic shoreline in quaint Vero Beach on central Florida’s Treasure Coast. Guests enjoy a beachfront infinity-edge swimming pool, beach activities, indoor and outdoor dining and drink options, an intimate spa, fitness center, and wellness classes that include Zumba, yoga, and Barre.

The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando, Orlando’s newest destination resort, offers 50% off their best available rate for reservations booked on Summer Cyber Tuesday. Opened in March 2017, The Grove Resort & Spa Orlando is a family-centric hotel located in a serene natural setting just three miles from Disney’s Western Way entrance. The Grove features large one, two and three bedroom residential-style suites, all with full kitchens and living/dining areas, washer/dryers, and screened balconies, plus amenities that include three swimming pools, multiple food and drink options, a full-service spa, and lakeside pier with watersports, paddle boats, and fishing.

Marenas Beach Resort, a Gemstone Collection property in Sunny Isles Beach just north of Miami, offers 50% off its spacious one-bedroom suites for guests checking in on select dates now through December 21, 2017. This beachfront resort is ideally located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami with access to top shopping at Aventura Mall and Bal Harbour Shops, water sports, and golf.

Located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Beachwalk Resort, a Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property in Hallandale Beach, is offering 30% off accommodations on Summer Cyber Tuesday with rates as low as $103 per night, valid for travel through December 21, 2017. At Beachwalk, guests are perfectly positioned to take advantage of all South Florida’s sports, shopping and recreational offerings.

Villas of Grand Cypress, a Four Star, Four Diamond Gemstone Collection property in Orlando offers up to 40% off stays between June and December, or 50% off the best available rate on pre-paid getaways during that same timeframe. The 1,500-acre property, located adjacent to Walt Disney World, presents expansive multi-bedroom villas that feature full kitchens, living and dining areas, and spacious club suites, as well as in-room spa treatments.

Hawaii

Turtle Bay Resort, a rare gem of a destination and truly iconic Hawaiian landmark, offers rates this Summer Cyber Tuesday from $249 per night for stays between August 21-December 21, 2017. A Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property and the only resort of its kind, Turtle Bay is located on the North Shore of Oahu in an idyllic setting that serves as the perfect base to get fully immersed in the authentic island experience. The resort is situated on a majestic outcropping with panoramic views of breathtaking shoreline from every room. And - with room to roam across more than 850 acres of property, this is the place to literally get away from it all.

Illinois

Amp up summer weekends with an escape to Eaglewood Resort & Spa, where the best of Chicagoland’s music scene will fill the nights with the cool vibes at the hotel’s Sounds of Summer concert series. Located near Chicago in Itasca, Eaglewood Resort & Spa offers guests booking on Summer Cyber Tuesday 25% off overnight packages, with rates starting at just $165 per night. Packages are inclusive of deluxe accommodations at this Chicago-area resort, plus two beverage vouchers, a “Divvy It Up” appetizer, preferred seating at the Sounds of Summer show, a $25 resort credit, and breakfast buffet for two. Plus, guests can enjoy everything this luxe-minded resort has to offer – from spa treatments to golf.

Massachusetts

Copley Square Hotel, located in Boston’s vibrant Back Bay neighborhood, celebrates the start of summer with 30% off stays now through Labor Day. Guests will enjoy accommodations in one of the hotel’s 143 guest rooms or suites, plus complimentary AM Power Hour with bottled water, granola bars, jogging maps, and crisp towels, along with Wi-Fi, freshly brewed tea and coffee service each morning, and an engaging Copley Cocktail Hour each evening.
New Jersey

This Summer Cyber Tuesday, The Heldrich Hotel offers 25% off its best available rate for stays between June 1st and August 31st. This New Brunswick hotel sits at the heart of the downtown area near the Rutgers University campus. Its prime location is just steps from three preforming arts centers and an array of exquisite restaurants, making it a gateway to the city’s vibrant theater and culinary scene and an ideal pick for leisurely weekend getaways.

New York

Doral Arrowwood celebrates summer with an exclusive Summer Cyber Tuesday offer of 30% off stays between now and Labor Day. Set on 114 wooded acres just 30 miles north of Manhattan, Doral Arrowwood is the New York metro-area’s top resort. Summer at Doral Arrowwood brings a myriad of outdoor activities and dining opportunities including sunrise yoga on the lawn, outdoor movies, dinners featuring locally-sourced ingredients, and al fresco dining or cocktails at Mulligans Outdoor Cafe overlooking the resort’s challenging nine-hole golf course.
Tennessee

The Chattanoogan in downtown Chattanooga offers significant savings for Summer Cyber Tuesday. Guests will receive 50% off room rates when making a non-refundable reservation or 40% off if booking a refundable reservation. This upscale property features 199 guest rooms and suites, three dining options, a full-service spa, and 25,000 square feet of IACC-certified meeting space.

Texas

San Antonio’s Hotel Contessa marks Summer Cyber Tuesday with rates starting at just $139 per night. The all-suite hotel, located directly on the city’s famed Riverwalk, is within walking distance to museums, theaters, historical sites such as The Alamo, and a short drive to area attractions. The hotel boasts spacious suites, a rooftop pool, fitness center, spa, restaurant and concierge.

Vermont

Topnotch Resort, a luxury mountainside retreat situated on 120 acres in Stowe, celebrates Summer Cyber Tuesday with an offer of 25% off stays from June through September. Guests can enjoy one of the resort’s 68 rooms and indulge in outstanding dining and spa experiences, or participate in summer activities such as horseback riding, tennis, fly fishing, mountain biking and discovering the history of the area.

Summer Cyber Tuesday savings are available at The Essex, Vermont's culinary resort and spa. This one-day sale offers up to 33% off stays at this Burlington retreat through July 31, 2017. Guests at The Essex can dine al fresco at either of resort’s two restaurants, Junction or The Tavern, explore the gardens and grounds, and interact with chefs as they pick produce for the upcoming meal.

Virginia

Discover Virginia’s Blue Ridge this summer with limited time savings on destination experience packages at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. Guests booking stays on Summer Cyber Tuesday can enjoy 20% off the hotel’s top packages July 2-9, 2017. Experiences include the Train Lovers package, the Black Dog Salvage TV Tour package, Roanoke Mountain Adventure package, and the Roanoke Food Tour package. Set in the Roanoke Valley and surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the historic Hotel Roanoke offers a scenic escape and easy access to downtown Roanoke, nightlife, museums, and the outdoors.

Save 20% on the best available rate at The Inn at Virginia Tech on Summer Cyber Tuesday. Nestled between the breathtaking Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains in the New River Valley, The Inn at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg is the only hotel on Virginia Tech’s campus. Valid with advance purchase for stays through August 31st, The Inn at Virginia Tech’s Summer Cyber Tuesday offer is the perfect opportunity to explore the area booming with outdoor fun and summer festivities.

West Virginia

Stonewall Resort offers 30% off stays through October 2017 for bookings made on Summer Cyber Tuesday. West Virginia’s only AAA Four Diamond lakeside resort, Stonewall is an Adirondack-style lodge that delivers rustic charm, exceptional service and lovely interior stylings. From the well-appointed lodge room, guests enjoy a view of Stonewall Jackson Lake or the beautiful rolling mountains of the surrounding state park property. While on property, visitors can experience the #3 Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course in the United States, relax in Mtn. Laurel Spa, spend a day kayaking, boating or fishing on the second largest lake in West Virginia, and dine in the resort’s three onsite restaurants.

Washington

Get up to 20% off at Willows Lodge in Woodinville Wine Country near Seattle, where the colors seem richer, the air is fresher, and everything just tastes better. Guests booking on Summer Cyber Tuesday will receive 10% off guest accommodations for one night stays, 15% off for two night stays, and 20% off for getaways three nights or longer. At Willows Lodge, guests can explore local wineries and tasting rooms - many within walking distance to the hotel, take a ride on the resort’s complimentary bikes, unwind in the outdoor relaxation pool or in the Fireside Lounge with a glass of Washington wine and delicious appetizers, or dine in the highly acclaimed Barking Frog restaurant that offers innovative seasonal menus prepared by Chef Bobby Moore.

Check into Seattle’s Hotel Deca on select dates through September 30th and enjoy 20% off the best available rate during the city’s most sun soaked season. Located in the heart of Seattle’s vibrant University District, Hotel Deca’s Sky Level floor guestrooms invite visitors to enjoy the splendor and exhilarating views of the Seattle and Puget Sound area from a most stylish and well-appointed guestroom.

Wyoming

Snow King Resort offers 20% off select dates through the rest of 2017 for bookings made on Summer Cyber Tuesday. Snow King's western-inspired hotel guest rooms and the luxurious Grand View Lodge condos, that range from studio to 4 bedrooms, are also included. Snow King Resort is the town of Jackson's only slope side resort, which makes for accessible skiing in the winter & unforgettable mountain activities for the whole family in the summer. Minutes away from historic Town Square, Snow King provides a convenient base camp for all Jackson Hole has to offer.

Curacao (Caribbean)

Head for the southern Caribbean this summer and explore the Four Diamond-rated Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort with 50% off best available rates on guest accommodations that offer views of the Caribbean Sea. A Benchmark Resorts & Hotels property on the island of Curacao, Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort is located on 27 ocean side acres and features amenities and activities such as guided hiking tours, diving, championship golf, an intimate spa with indoor/outdoor treatment rooms, multiple restaurant options, three swimming pools, and a white-sandy beach bordered by a crystal-clear swimming lagoon.

Booking Links for Summer Cyber Travel Savings include:
Gemstone Collection, http://www.GemstoneCollectionCyberTuesday.com
Benchmark Resorts & Hotels, http://www.BenchmarkCyberTuesday.com

About Gemstone Collection

The Gemstone Collection includes distinctive hand-picked properties in spectacular and popular U.S. destinations coast to coast. Each upscale resort and hotel destination provides highly-personalized service and luxury reflective of the charm and unique character of the destination, while in keeping with the collection’s shared mission and passion for excellence. A distinguished portfolio of BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, which has been a leading US-based hospitality management company for nearly 40 years, the Gemstone Collection is the preferred choice of guests who yearn for inspiring and transformative experiences, customization over conformity, stimulation over predictability, and adventure over routine. http://www.gemstonehotelcollection.com To become a fan on Facebook, visit http://www.facebook.com/GemstoneHotelCollection, or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/GemstoneHotels, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/gemstonehotels, and on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/benchmarkhotels/gemstone-hotels

About Benchmark Resorts & Hotels®

Benchmark Resorts & Hotels® features the finest in lodging, dining, recreational and meeting accommodations. Featuring unique and distinctive properties renown for exceptional service and for creating unforgettable memory-making experiences, it is the signature portfolio of BENCHMARK®, a global hospitality company, which has been a leading US-based hospitality management company for nearly 40 years. Many Benchmark Resort & Hotels' properties are certified by IACC, the association that represents the finest meeting venues and services globally, and many have also been recognized with the coveted Benchmark Conference Centers® certification of meeting excellence. http://www.benchmarkresortsandhotels.com. To become a fan on Facebook, visit http://www.facebook.com/BenchmarkResortsandHotels Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BenchmarkHotels, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/benchmarkresortsandhotels, and on Pinterest at http://www.pinterest.com/benchmarkhotels Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aries Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Aries), a specialty pharmaceutical company commercializing best-in-class gastroenterology products, shared positive results of the first Eleview™ clinical trial in humans at the annual Digestive Disease Week (DDW) conference in Chicago, Illinois earlier this month. Eleview is a novel, ready to use, methylene blue containing, submucosal injectable composition for use in the easy and safe endoscopic removal of polyps, adenomas, and early st Reported by Business Wire 2 hours ago.

SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--#DNAtesting--Based on increased industry demand for affordable and fast drug testing, Fastest Labs is debuting in new markets such as Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Indianapolis, Phoenix and Chicago this year. Reported by Business Wire 2 hours ago.

Chicago rapper Chief Keef and Lil Wayne might have something cooking. The duo have social media buzzing over a possible new collaboration.

The post Chief Keef Says All Hail Weezy, Teases New Music W/ Lil Wayne: “Did The Tunechi Vocals Come In Yet?” appeared first on SOHH.com. Reported by SOHH 56 minutes ago.