Thursday, November 29, 2012

Dr. Darius Bägli’s mentoring earns him recognition from his peers and an award from the AUA Foundation

By Alena Boczek

The American Urology Association (AUA) Foundation and the urology community have recognized Dr. Darius Bägli as the 2012 Distinguished Mentor. This honour has been bestowed upon Dr. Bägli for his track record of mentoring numerous research scholars to impeccable standards. He was selected by a panel of his peers who wanted to acknowledge the respect and admiration he has earned from the entire urologic research community.

“Dr. Bägli is an incredibly deserving recipient of the Distinguished Mentor Award,” says Dr. Janet Rossant, Chief of Research. “He consistently displays an authentic generosity and creates a supportive environment for every individual in which he interacts. The AUA Foundation  has selected a recipient who truly exemplifies the values this award represents.”

Dr. Bägli is a Senior Attending Paediatric Urologist and Associate Surgeon-In-Chief at The Hospital for Sick Children, and Senior Associate Scientist in the SickKid's Research Institute. He is also a Professor of Surgery at the University of Toronto. Dr. Bägli is currently investigating extracellular matrix biology as it pertains to wound healing and biomechanically-mediated injury in the lower urinary tract.

The Distinguished Mentor Award will be presented at the annual AUA Foundation Scholar Awards Breakfast on Monday May 21.

For more information on Dr. Bägli and his work, please see his Researchers in Profile interview.



Original content via SickKids.ca

Dr. John Brumell: A rising star in the field of Cell Biology

By Alena Boczek

SickKids researcher, Dr. John Brumell will receive the GE Healthcare New Investigator Award of the Canadian Society for Molecular BioSciences (CSMB) for his meritorious research in cellular biology. As part of this honour, Brumell will give a lecture at this year’s 55th Annual CSMB Conference, and have a manuscript published in the CSMB Bulletin. The GE Healthcare New investigator Award is given to scientists who have no more than ten years of independent research experience and have accomplished outstanding research.  

Noting his future promise and prolific authorship of high-quality publications, Dr. William Trimble, the Program Head of Cell Biology at SickKids, did not hesitate to nominate Brumell, “I think that it is without question that John Brumell is one of Canada’s rising young stars in the broader field of Cell Biology. His thirst for knowledge and creative approach to his research are what helps to drive his success.”

Brumell is a Senior Scientist in the Cell Biology Program at SickKids. His area of focus is bacteria in which examines how bacteria interact with cells to cause disease. Currently, Brumell’s research is focused on Salmonella typhimurium, a common cause of food poisoning in North America, and how autophagy, a cellular system, can target bacterial pathogens.

To learn more about Dr. John Brumell and his research read this profile story!



Original content via SickKids.ca

An investment in the future of paediatric research at SickKids


By Alena Boczek

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Canada’s Minister of Health, visited The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) to announce a $12 million investment in childhood cancer research. Over five years, the investment from The Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), will support four new research teams in partnership with the Garron Family Cancer Centreat SickKids, C17 council, the Canadian Cancer Society, theCancer Research Society, the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research and the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario.

Two of the research teams to receive this funding are led by SickKids principal investigators, Drs. Shinya Ito andPaul Nathan. Dr. Ito’s team will study how childhood leukemia treatment affects brain function, while Dr. Nathan’s team will research cardiotoxicity and evaluate the importance of genetic differences between individuals in determining who is at greatest risk of developing heart disease as a result of exposure to chemotherapeutic agents.

“As Canada’s leading paediatric academic health-care centre, SickKids sees firsthand the devastating impact cancer can have on children and their families,” says Mary Jo Haddad, SickKids President and CEO. “Through the funding from this important initiative, SickKids researchers can continue improving cancer treatments for Canada’s children and youth that will enhance the quality of life for paediatric cancer patients.”

For more information on this investment visit the CIHR website for the official news release and a detailed fact sheet.


Original content via SickKids.ca

Monday, February 28, 2011

Collins Gas Grill - [MOCK] Press Release


New Collins Gas Grill Makes Tailgating a Dream
TORONTO, August 20, 2010 – Collins Gas Grills is launching their unique Tailgating Dream Grill with the release of their annual tailgating survey. The grill will be available in all stores across Canada September 1, 2010 to kick-off this year’s Canadian football season.
The new Tailgating Dream Grill is lighter and more compact for easy transportation, and features enhanced security and safety elements for a secure tailgating experience.
“Tailgating is to participate in an informal Barbeque picnic,” according to Bill Davis, Founder of the Canadian Tailgater’s Association, he adds they are usually held “in the parking lot of a sports stadium prior to attending a sporting event.”
“We’re very excited to launch this new product,” says Roy Collins, President of Collins Gas Grills “The Tailgating Dream Grill has been a long time coming. The grill’s unique design was created for its safety and convenience.”
Collins Gas Grills recently conducted their annual survey of 1000 Canadians (600 men and 400 women) and found that tailgating is on the rise:
ü 74 per cent said grilling is always an element of their tailgates
ü 59 per cent prefer gas grills
ü 97 per cent of tailgaters under 35 grill at every event while 80 percent of those aged 35-55
ü tailgating party sizes increased 20 per cent between 2007 and 2008, up to 18 people
ü the average tailgating parties lasts three hours
ü top foods for grilling respectively: hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken, sausages

Collins Gas Grills is a proud Canadian company based in Barrie, Ont. Collins Gas Grills produces only the finest quality grills to meet the highest Canadian standards. Collins Gas Grills offers a variety of products that are manufactured and distributed in Canada. The annual tailgating survey is conducted at a variety of CFL and NFL games with high Canadian attendance.
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Media Contact:
Alena Boczek
Media Relations Officer
Collins Gas Grills
(555) 792 5555
AlenaBoczek@CGG.com

Dixie Chicks Comeback Tour - [MOCK] Media Alert

MEDIA INVITATION:

LONG TIME GONE:
THE DIXIE CHICKS’ UNISIGNED CONTESTANTS SNEAK-PREVIEW PERFORMANCE

TORONTO, June 5, 2010— After being off the scene for over two years the Dixie Chicks, Natalie Maines, Emily Robinson, and Martie McGuire will reunite for their There’s Your Trouble Tour which kicks-off in Toronto August 28. But first, The Chicks must select an act to open with Canada’s own Terri Clark.

WHO— The Dixie Chicks and The New Country 95.3 team up to give aspiring country musicians a chance to open for the Dixie Chicks during their There’s Your Trouble Tour.

WHAT— The final 10 contestants will perform at Massey Hall as The Chicks judge and choose their new opening act.

WHEN— June 10, 2010 at 11 a.m.

WHERE— Massey Hall
178 Victoria St.,
Toronto, Ont.

Media is invited to watch the performances as well as photograph and conduct interviews with the aspiring musicians. Canadian country musicians specifically have a difficult time drawing a following and getting recognized, The Chicks hope to ease the process a little.

For more information about The Dixie Chicks, the There’s Your Trouble Tour or the Unsigned contest please visit www.dixiechicks.com.

The Dixie Chicks are an American country music group comprised of Natalie Maines, lead vocals, guitar, songwriter; Emily Robinson, songwriter, vocals, and multi-instrumentalist; and
Martie McGuire, songwriter, vocals, and multi-instrumentalist. The Chicks are defined by their dynamic sound, personal lyrics, political involvement, passion for protecting the
environment and their work with Conservation International.

For more information please visit www.dixiechicks.com

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Media Contact:
Alena Boczek
GHPR
555-539-9979
aboczek@dchicks.com

Dixie Chicks Comeback Tour - [MOCK] Biography

BIOGRAPHY

The Dixie Chicks began in Texas with sisters Martie MaGuire, Oct. 12, 1969 and Emily Robinson, Aug. 16, 1972, then both Erwin. They were well known for their amazing talent and elaborate costumes that they often showcased at different country festivals throughout Texas. Though the group originally started with four members, two of the members were replaced with current lead singer Natalie Maines, Oct. 14, 1974. Natalie brought a new sound to the group and the Dixie Chicks began their career, becoming the phenomenon they are now.

The Chicks have been awarded 13 Grammys, including Best Country Album, nine Country Music Association awards (CMAs) and one Canadian Country Music Association awards (CCMAs).

After Natalie’s controversial statement about president George Bush and the ensuing Iraq war came the release of their Shut Up and Sing documentary. The documentary took the Chicks from country stars to political activists, which thrust them onto the mainstream scene. Since they have explored different genres and have done well on mainstream media

Before the comment, the Chicks were dominating the country music scene with their Home album, which had two number one singles, Landslide and Travelin’ Soldier.

The Chicks began their work with Conservation International after many years of Natalie’s personal interest in the organization’s work, but formally became involved during their 2006 Accidents and Accusations tour where they agreed to donate the cost of their tour’s environmental impact.

The Dixie Chicks are an American country music group comprised of Natalie Maines, lead vocals, guitar, songwriter; Emily Robinson, songwriter, vocals, and multi-instrumentalist; and
Martie MaGuire, songwriter, vocals, and multi-instrumentalist. The Chicks are defined by their dynamic sound, personal lyrics, political involvement, passion for protecting the
environment and their work with Conservation International.

For more information on the Dixie Chicks please visit www.dixiechicks.com or www.cmt.com/artists/az/dixie_chicks/artist.jhtml

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Media Contact:
Alena Boczek
GHPR
555-539-9979
aboczek@dchicks.com

Dixie Chicks Comeback Tour - [MOCK] Backgrounder

CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Conservation International (CI) is a prominent non-profit organization focused on preserving biodiversity and raising awareness about other issues such as fresh water, cultural services, climate, food, and health around the world.

BEGINNINGS

Conservation International started as the dream of a small group of people who wanted to preserve untouched natural areas. Their dream eventually grew and with some innovative thinking, that group changed the face of conservation. With others, co-founders Peter Segilman and Stephen Beebe envisioned a form of conservation that looked to the future, rather than holding on to the past. CI now works with indigenous peoples, governments, corporations, groups and individuals to bring a future where people live in harmony with nature

MISSION

Building upon a strong foundation of science, partnership and field demonstration, Conservation International empowers societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature for the well-being of humanity.

EFFORTS

CI is concerned with climate change, fresh water, food, health, cultural services and biodiversity. CI encourages different corporations to use sustainable production systems to create sustainable products and to use renewable energy. They work with different government partners to lobby the government for changes or the implementation of new laws or policies pertaining to sustainability. CI plays a key role in governments’ creation of environmental action plans.

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PARTNERS

CI has teamed up with a variety of groups to pursuer their environmental pursuits. Ci is partnered with Alcoa, Aveda, Kraft Food Inc., Wal-Mart, MacDonalds, Coco-Cola, Dell and Volkswagon. They are also involved with such governments as the United States of America, China, France, and Guyana.

CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL DIFFERENCE

CI is distinct from other environmental organizations in their unique Soujourn Program. This program offers individuals interested in conservation an opportunity to travel different areas of the world to experience their local conservation issues, biodiversity and culture. CI holds these programs in an effort to ensure human understanding with nature and how it directly affects our everyday lives. Soujourner can create personalized itinerary for places they would like to experience, and what they would like to do. This gives sojourners the opportunity to connect with nature, and return with a different prerogative and new understanding in hopes of encouraging them to create proactive change in their everyday lives.

Conservation International literally wants to save
the dirt under your finger nails

The Dixie Chicks are an American country music group comprised of Natalie Maines, lead vocals, guitar, songwriter; Emily Robinson, songwriter, vocals, and multi-instrumentalist; and
Martie MaGuire, songwriter, vocals, and multi-instrumentalist. The Chicks are defined by their dynamic sound, personal lyrics, political involvement, passion for protecting the
environment and their work with Conservation International
.

For more information please visit www.conservationinternational.org

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Media Contact:
Alena Boczek
GHPR
555-539-9979
aboczek@dchicks.com