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High performance computing applications developer Acceleware® Ltd. has announced that Heather Stubbs has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of Acceleware. In addition, Adam Rock, of the law firm Shea Nerland Calnan LLP, has been appointed as Corporate Secretary.

Prior to joining Acceleware, Heather Stubbs was the Manager of Financial Reporting for Peak Energy Services Ltd., a publicly held energy services company. As a leader of the finance group, her major responsibilities included managing the internal and external financial reporting function of the organization. Heather has most recently completed an extensive International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) conversion project with Peak. Prior to working with Peak, Heather was a Senior Associate with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP within the Assurance and Business Advisory Services practice in Calgary. Heather is a Chartered Accountant, with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Calgary. “We are excited to have Heather join our team,” said Geoff Clark, President and CEO of Acceleware. “Her considerable and relevant experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow and develop Acceleware.” Read the rest of this entry »

Intertainment Media Inc. has announced that its real time experiential translation platform Ortsbo is debuting its newest patent pending technology today at Social Media Camp in Victoria. The application technology, known as “Ortsbo to Ortsbo” or “O2O”allows multiple users to engage translation services on the same tablet computing device. Using the app, users will have up to 2 “head to head” keyboards and displays allowing for 2 languages to be communicated in a free flowing style of conversation without the need for guides or other translation devices. Smaller devices will have the ability to display additional language keyboards based on motion, or “tilt” of the device.

The O2O app was developed internally at Ortsbo with the support of the Commobility mobile development team. The app, once approved for distribution will be available for purchase through various online marketplaces.

The app will initially be available for the Apple iPad and will be forthcoming for other tablet and touch devices in the near future. O2O is a perfect complement for travelers who find themselves in a location where they don’t speak the local language and wish to interact in a recreational or commercial setting.

Initially O2O will support 53 languages through Ortsbo’s real time chat platform and with the upcoming release of Ortsbo 2.0 scheduled for calendar Q4 2011, the system will be upgraded to allow interaction in over 80 languages around the world. With Ortsbo 2.0, O2O users will be able to add additional terms, phrases and terminology to the Ortsbo translation wiki in almost any language.

“Ortsbo O2O will allow people around the world to use their iPad and eventually any tablet or touch device to carry on multiple language conversations, immediately and in person, allowing all parties to communicate freely through a single device,” said David Lucatch, President of Ortsbo / CEO Intertainment Media.

Ortsbo recently launched, ahead of planned schedule, the alpha release of its Ortsbo for HTML on the Microsoft Windows Azure platform, providing a cloud application for real time experiential translation chat. The original version of Ortsbo using Microsoft Silverlight, enabling 12 of the world’s most popular chat networks, will remain in operation for the near future. When initially launched in July 2010, Ortsbo’s social media translation platform infrastructure was designed to handle the expected first 2 to 3 years of operations or 12 Million monthly users. Ortsbo exceeded all growth projections in its first 9 months and has continued to operate to maintain the increase in user growth and with Microsoft’s Window Azure platform integration has developed a virtually unlimited operational environment to service user needs globally.

Other Ortsbo Events and Promotions:

June 22, 2011 – Steve Nash Foundation Showdown In Chinatown – Ortsbo presents, two-time NBA MVP Steve Nash’s Showdown in Chinatown charity soccer match event in New York City. The event will consist of a competitive soccer game featuring NBA and professional soccer athletes and Ortsbo will provide a global, real-time chat environment during the event to enable – for the first time – Steve Nash and the Showdown athletes to interact seamlessly over social media platforms with fans in over 50 languages.

Through August 2011 Ortsbo 040 – With the launch of Ortsbo’s email plug in for Microsoft Outlook, or “O4O”, Ortsbo is launching a unique promotion: Ortsbo Cruise Into Translation. Users who register and install O4O through August 2011 will have the opportunity to win 1 of 5 trips on the KISS Kruise in October as well as other VIP prizes. Additional contest ballots will be available for people who refer friends that register and install O4O.

One year ago today, WIND Mobile launched in Vancouver and since then 166 million minutes of unlimited talk time have been used by Vancouverites on WIND’s state-of-the-art HD voice network. As the first new entrant to launch in Vancouver, it loosened the stronghold of the Canadian wireless oligopoly and challenged the status quo, offering Vancouver consumers real choice and value.

“A year ago, the wireless landscape in Vancouver was remarkably different with very limited options,” said Anthony Lacavera, Chairman of WIND Mobile. “With the entry of WIND, for the first time Vancouverites enjoyed real wireless competition and based on WIND’s growth, people were eager for change. This freedom to choose no-contract, affordable wireless is having a positive impact on both people’s pocketbooks and on the wireless market.”

Since launching in Vancouver, WIND Mobile has seen an impressive expansion in the GVA to cover 11 cities including Surrey, Langley, Richmond, Coquitlam, Maple Ridge and Whistler. Actual area coverage has increased from 510 to 920 square kilometers and service has extended to more than 2 million Vancouverites.

“This marks a year of change for Vancouver’s wireless market and the increased choice is clearly resonating with consumers,” said Ken Campbell, CEO of WIND Mobile. “In just one year, we have doubled the number of cities we cover AND doubled the number of sites in our network. As we head into our second year, we will continue to push for growth and progress and look forward to bringing more change and competition to Vancouver consumers.”

WIND Mobile’s growth in Vancouver is not surprising considering that it proved to be the fastest growing mobile carrier in Canada based on its Q1 results. WIND added more new subscribers in that quarter than any other wireless carrier.

To celebrate its one year anniversary in Vancouver, WIND is offering incredible $1 deals for the rest of the month. To kick off the festivities, over 100 lightly loved BlackBerry smartphones are being sold today in select Vancouver stores for just $1. For the rest of the month of June, Vancouverites can buy a Nokia C5 and get a second for $1 OR buy a Huawei U3200 and get a second for $1. With WINDtab that could be two phones for as low as $1. New $1 weekend deals on products and services will be announced each week.

As part of their ongoing commitment to support the Vancouver community, WIND Mobile is donating the money earned from June’s $1 Deals in Vancouver to support Covenant House Vancouver.

marblemedia is the only recipient of more than one award at this year’s Youth Media Alliance (YMA) Awards. The awards for marble’s TasteBudsTV.com were presented last night at the 2011 Awards of Excellence Gala held at CBC’s Glenn Gould Studio, where long-running Canadian classic teen show Degrassi was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to Linda Schuyler & Stephen Stohn .

TasteBudsTV.com was awarded the Special Jury Award for Interactive Web Content and the Award of Excellence for Best Convergent Interactive Content. The Special Jury Award goes to a project that promotes healthy living by outlining the importance of education, staying physically active and incorporating strong core values. The Award of Excellence for Best Convergent Interactive Content is awarded to the project that best exemplifies exceptional work on a website or convergent cross-platform content tied into a children’s television program.

“We’re very excited to have been honoured with these two great awards for TasteBudsTV.com,” says Mark Bishop, Executive Producer/Partner, marblemedia. “The Youth Media Alliance continues to promote the growth of groundbreaking cross-platform content for kids and teens, which is very much what we here at marble strive for as well.”

TasteBudsTV.com is a vibrant and engaging website that brings the feel and flavour of the popular Taste Buds TV series to computers across the globe, promoting healthy eating by encouraging knowledge about food, nutrition, and diverse cultures. This interactive online environment is host to a number of recipes, videos and games, which incorporate educational components such as literacy, numeracy, science, health education, and caring for the environment.

English Awards of Excellence:

The Grand Prize for Best Program – All Categories went to Stella and Sam – Produced by Radical Sheep Productions Inc. and broadcast by Playhouse Disney Canada.

Animation Category – Ages 3-5

dirtgirlworld – Produced by DHX Media Ltd. and mememe productions Inc. (Australia) – Broadcast by CBC

Animation Category – Ages 6-8

Mixed Nutz – Produced by Big Bad Boo Studios Inc. – Broadcast by Shaw TV

Animation Category – Ages 9-14

League of Super Evil – Produced by Nerd Corps Entertainment – Broadcast by YTV & VRAK.TV

All Genres Category – Ages 3-5

The Ocean Room – Produced by Sinking Ship Entertainment – Broadcast by TVO

All Genres Category – Ages 6-8

Artzooka! – Produced by CCI Entertainment Ltd. – Broadcast by CBC 

All Genres Category – Ages 9-12

Vacation with Derek – Produced by Shaftesbury Films Inc. – Broadcast by Family Channel

Interstitial Category – All Ages

Gisèle’s Big Backyard – Produced & Broadcast by TVO

Special Jury Award – Television

What’s Your News? – Produced by Lenz Entertainment Inc. – Broadcast by CBC

Best Original Interactive Content

Ruby Skye P.I.: The Spam Scam – Produced by (Jill Golick Enterprises Ltd) Story 2.DH

Best Convergent Interactive Content

TasteBudsTV.com – Produced by marblemedia

Special Jury Award – Digital and Interactive Content

TasteBudsTV.com – Produced by marblemedia

Special Anniversary Outstanding Achievement Award

Degrassi – Produced by Linda Schuyler & Stephen Stohn

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has launched an online consultation asking Canadians to comment on the way large cable and telephone companies charge independent Internet service providers (ISPs) for the use of their networks. This consultation is part of a proceeding that will include a public hearing beginning on July 11, 2011, in Gatineau, Quebec. The online consultation will conclude at midnight (EST) on June 24, 2011.

Canadians can access the Internet through wireless service providers, satellite companies, independent ISPs or large cable and telephone companies. Given this competition, the CRTC does not set rates or regulate the terms and conditions under which Internet services are offered to Canadians.

To ensure that the market for retail Internet services remains competitive, large cable and telephone companies must offer their wholesale customers, the independent ISPs, access to their networks under terms and conditions approved by the CRTC. Different pricing plans for wholesale Internet services have been proposed and so the CRTC is seeking the views of Canadians on the following questions:

• How do you think large cable and telephone companies should charge independent ISPs for the use of their networks?
• What kind of wholesale pricing plans encourage innovative products and services that benefit consumers?
• What kind of wholesale pricing plans encourage network investment by large companies and independent ISPs?
• What kind of wholesale pricing plans would be most beneficial for consumers?

Reference documents:

• Internet Services At A Glance (PDF)
• Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2011-77
• Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2011-77-1
• Telecom Notice of Consultation CRTC 2011-77-2

Winners of the “It’s Chemistry, Eh!?“ YouTube contest, aimed at highlighting the exciting contributions of chemistry to society, were announced today in celebration of the International Year of Chemistry (IYC 2011). The contest was established as one of the many Canadian IYC activities that can be seen on the IYC 2011 website.

Targeted toward Canadian middle and high school students, numerous submissions from across the country were received, which were diverse in nature and rich in content.

First prize and $2,500 toward further education was awarded to Pascal Turmel and Jonathan Kwok from Vancouver for their video entitled “Combustion’s Not Always Destruction.” Elisha Walker, also from Vancouver, wins second prize for highlighting the chemistry that can be found around us in our daily lives. “Chemical Girl,” submitted by a class from Monterey Middle School in Victoria sang and danced their way to 3rd prize for creativity.

[youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUTjjIMK2Yk]

“We were delighted and inspired by the enthusiasm displayed in the submissions we received.  These videos absolutely shout how much fun chemistry can be,” says Greg Wilkinson, chair of the IYC communications committee and founder of the YouTube contest.

“It’s Chemistry, Eh!?” is sponsored by Esso-Imperial Oil Chemical and led by the Chemical Institute of Canada, with sponsors including Gold-Level sponsors Amgen, Chemistry Industry Association of Canada, Lanxess, Maxxam Analytics, NOVA Chemicals and Silver-Level Sponsors Croplife Canada, BASF, DOW Chemical Canada Inc., Newalta, Woodbridge Foam and Xerox Research Centre of Canada.

The National Gallery of Canada (NGC) announced this morning the names of the three winners of the first ever of its national art competition for teens, So You Want To Be An Artist? On May 25, the jury me t to select the works that stood out most among those of 12 finalists chosen by online vote on Facebook earlier this spring. The jury was made up of well-known Montreal graffiti artist Roadsworth (Peter Gibson), Radio-Canada cultural reporter Jhade Montpetit and contemporary curator and the NGC’s Elizabeth Simonfay Curatorial Resident of Indigenous Art, Candice Hopkins.

And the winners are:

1^st place: Xiangshen Jason Guo, Ottawa.  Title of work: My First Red.
2^nd place: Nicholas Callies, Ottawa. Title of work: Canadian War Museum.
3^rd place: Keir MacDonald, Ottawa. Title of work: Enclosed.

The winners’ and finalists’ works are on view until July 2 on the NGC’s Artissimo Gallery wall. They can also be seen online at makeart.gallery.ca.

All jury members were impressed by the finalists’ and winners’ talent. Speaking of Xiangshen Jason Guo’s piece, juror Candace Hopkins said, “Strong technical skill and content are equally strongly conveyed.” Montreal graffiti artist Peter Gibson liked the atmosphere that Nicholas Callies managed to create in his work. “It’s a black and white photograph but because you captured so many different shades, there’s something ‘colourful’ about it.” After reading Keir MacDonald’s explanation of his piece, Jhade Montpetit said that she appreciated it even more, and that it had stood out from the beginning for its originality and colour.

The first prize winner will have the chance to visit behind the scenes at the NGC and meet some of the professionals who work there. Xiangshen Jason Guo will also be entitled to expert advice on his portfolio and will receive a $500 online gift certificate for art supplies. As he’s an Ottawa resident, he’ll also receive a $1,000 online gift certificate for art supplies instead of the travel portion of the prize. The winner of the second prize, Nicolas Callies, will receive a $1000 online gift certificate and Keir MacDonald, who was awarded the third prize, will receive a $500 gift certificate, for art supplies.

Sage announced today that its Sage Simply Accounting business, in cooperation with LinkedIn, Staples and leading Canadian entrepreneurship advisor Evan Carmichael, has awarded more than $10,000 worth of products and services to Toronto small business Giftcards for Causes as part of its ‘Make Your Case for $10K‘ contest.

Selected from an array of entries via the contest site on LinkedIn, the cause gift card company, along with co-finalists James Kennedy Film Company, Inc., and Fabudeal, was invited to pitch its business plan to a panel of judges on May 11, 2011, at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto. That panel included entrepreneurship advisor Evan Carmichael, along with judges from Sage Simply Accounting, LinkedIn, and Staples.

Giftcards for Causes aims to be a leading provider of gift card based fundraising and incentive solutions to non-profit and charitable organizations. In Canada, billions of dollars’ worth of gift cards are purchased or go unredeemed every year. Through Giftcards for Causes’ unique solutions, non-profit and charitable groups are able to leverage this exploding market to drive new sources of fundraising revenue.

“This win was unexpected because my co-finalists had strong business plans,” said Sean Snyder, president of Giftcards for Causes. “We all worked very hard to get our businesses to where they are today and it’s an honour to be the winner of the contest. These renowned products and services will provide the tools we need to take Giftcards for Causes to the next level and continue helping Canadian non-profit and charitable organizations raise maximum funds, while providing innovative ways for consumers to easily support their favourite causes through gift cards.”

Giftcards for Causes will receive more than $10,000 worth of products and services, including:

• Sage Simply Accounting Premium 2011 plus Business Care Gold
• Sage Simply Accounting HR Manager¹
• Access to Sage Simply Accounting Essentials online training²
• Services of a Certified Consultant from the Sage Accountants Network
• Business gift card from Staples®
• Technology consulting and advisory services from Staples® easytech 4business — Technology Solutions
• One-year Premium Subscription to LinkedIn to enhance their business network
• Business consulting services from renowned entrepreneur Evan Carmichael

Toronto-based James Kennedy Film Company Inc. and Fabudeal were also finalists of the contest and presented their business plans in front of the judges.

“I found this contest to be an excellent catalyst to not only evaluate my business but to actually think about what I have and what I can offer to a wider market,” said James Kennedy, president of James Kennedy Film Company Inc. “That’s why regardless of the outcome I’m happy to have been a part of it.”

The contest presentations were followed by a thought leadership panel for Toronto small businesses presented by Sage Simply Accounting. Panellists revealed their insider success secrets and discussed other topical issues, industry trends and best practices for small business growth.

“Attending the panel was extremely insightful,” said Jerry Rotondaro, Co-founder and Chief Deal Maker of Fabudeal and finalist of the Make Your Case for $10K contest. “The panellists were highly knowledgeable and gave us valuable advice to grow our small business. Both the contest and panel were a great networking and learning opportunity.”

“Sage has a long history of helping small to midsized businesses in Canada reach their maximum potential — whether it is through initiatives such as the ‘Make Your Case for $10K Contest’ or by providing world-class products and services to its customers,” said Connie Certusi, senior vice president and general manager of Sage Simply Accounting. “Choosing the finalists, let alone a winner, was a difficult task because of the exceptional quality of the business plans that entered the contest. We hope that this boost will be a catalyst to increased success for Giftcards for Causes.”

Florida company tXtBlocker announced today the launch of its distracted driving solution in Ontario and all of Canada’s provinces. The launch coincides with tXtBlocker’s sponsorship of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) annual R.I.D.E. Drive Safe! Campaign. The initiative was launched during Police Week and supports efforts throughout the upcoming year by the Ontario Provincial Police and municipal police services across Ontario to eliminate texting, calling, and other forms of distracted driving on their roadways.

tXtBlocker is the leading technology platform in preventing distracted driving incidents in the United States. The service, which costs as little as $6.99 (Canadian) a month, allows owners to control when, where and how their phones are used. With a simple download, parents, employers and organizations can keep their loved ones and others safe on the road, while limiting distractions at school or the worksite. tXtBlocker was featured in the April 2011 edition of Consumer Reports, which described the technology as the best product available for preventing distracted driving. The service enjoys high customer satisfaction and is currently available through AT&T’s mobile app website and Best Buy stores.

“I’m very encouraged that the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police has taken a leading role in both educating the public and enforcing distracted driving laws. They intend to stop the growing epidemic of motorists using their mobile phone,” said Stan Van Meter, CEO of tXtBlocker. “We are pleased to announce the launch of tXtBlocker in Ontario and the rest of Canada. tXtBlocker is the leading technology solution to distracted driving incidents in the United States and is proud to have been selected as a partner in OACP’s unique outreach campaign in Canada.” Read the rest of this entry »

Cineplex Entertainment has announced it will host a special Community Day in Edmonton at Cineplex Odeon North Edmonton Cinemas and in Grande Prairie at Cineplex Odeon Grande Prairie Cinemas on Saturday, June 11, 2011 beginning at 8:30 a.m. The morning event will feature free movies and discounted popcorn and soft drinks with proceeds of these concession items donated to the Canadian Red Cross in support of the residents of Slave Lake, AB.

“At Cineplex, we are extremely proud of the relationships we have within the communities we operate and we wanted to show the residents of Slave Lake we care and want to help,” said Pat Marshall, Vice President Communications and Investor Relations, Cineplex Entertainment. “Community Day is a fun outing that supports a very worthwhile cause.”

On the morning of Saturday, June 11^th, Cineplex invites Edmonton residents to enjoy a selection of FREE movies and specially discounted items at the concession stand. Regular-sized popcorn and regular-sized fountain drinks will be available at a reduced price of $2 each with 100% of the proceeds of these concession items donated to the Canadian Red Cross Alberta Fire Response efforts.

“The Canadian Red Cross is very grateful to Cineplex Entertainment for this support,” says Steve Armstrong, Director of the Canadian Red Cross in Alberta. “Many families were impacted by the fires in Slave Lake and Red Cross is committed to assisting with their recovery. Donations from events like this enable us to help people rebuild their lives.”

The FREE movie schedule for Community Day on Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Cineplex Odeon North Edmonton and Cineplex Odeon Grande Prairie Cinemas includes:

9:00 a.m. – Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
9:10 a.m. – Yogi Bear
9:20 a.m. – Gnomeo and Juliet (3D)
9:30 a.m. – Hop
9:40 a.m. – Megamind

All movies are free of charge to guests and are based on seat availability on a first- come first- serve basis. Cineplex Odeon North Edmonton Cinemas is located at 14231 137th Avenue NW in Edmonton and Cineplex Odeon Grande Prairie Cinemas is located at 10330-109th St. in Grande Prairie.

In other cinema-related news, D-BOX Technologies Inc. has signed its second agreement with CineLux Theatres to equip its Scotts Valley, California theatre with 28 D-BOX MFX Seats.

“Given our motion technology’s successful performance and increasing popularity among moviegoers, commitments from existing theatre partners like CineLux continue steadily,” said President and CEO of D-BOX Technologies, Claude Mc Master.

“CineLux is delighted to continue its relationship with D-BOX and announce a second location,” said President of CineLux Theatres, Paul Gunsky. “We’ve experienced great success at our Morgan Hill location and expect similar results at our CineLux Scotts Valley Stadium 10, which has been expanded and now features every modern amenity, including D-BOX technology.”