WACO, TEXAS (PRWEB) November 23, 2011

How did a famous Victorian poets ghost come to inhabit a university library in Central Texas? Why do artifacts from Bonnie and Clydes death car still move at a museum named for the famous early Texas lawmakers? Why is a ghost still searching for his arm in the downtown Waco area? Was a gambler really entombed sitting at a poker table with aces hidden up his sleeve?

Author Bradley Turner collected the tales and photographer Mark Burdine shot high-quality black and white photos of the present-day locations to make this beautiful 11×11-inch coffee table hardcover book, Cotton Bales, Goatmen & Witches: Legends from the Heart of Texas that made its holiday debut Nov. 22 at book retailers everywhere. The most important aspect of the legends is not the events, places, or people described in the tales, but the stories themselves, said Turner, who also wrote and compiled stories for his first book, Lust, Violence, Religion: Life in Historic Waco.

Turner compiled the tales after hearing stories all his life. These are tales we dont want to get lost, said Turner. Already there are variations of the spooky tales that illuminate the darkest recesses of the Texas psyche from the distant past to the present day. Getting them together in one book preserves them for generations to come.

If youre thinking, Hey, thats in Texas! think again, said Mark Long, publisher of the book at TSTC Publishing. These stories could happen in your own state, your own city, your own neighborhood, your own backyard, your own house you get the gist!

The book retails for $ 34.95 and is available at major book retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. TSTC Publishing, established in 2004, is the publishing arm of the Texas State Technical College System, TSTC Publishing offers faculty throughout the country the opportunity to initiate and participate in a variety of book development projects. TSTC Publishing projects now include such ancillary products as instructor guides, student workbooks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, ebooks and companion websites. In addition to offering editorial help and guidance to faculty, assistance also is available in the areas of materials production, distribution and sales.

Visit TSTC Publishing on the Web at http://publishing.tstc.edu

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Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) August 01, 2011

Palladium and platinum have achieved significant highs recently amidst a South African coal strike crisis.

On July 29, palladium reached $ 825.90 per ounce, and platinum hit $ 1,783.40 per ounce.

Were seeing a big boost to the platinum group metals because of this South African coal strike, said Chadwick Hopkins, CEO of C.D Hopkins Metals Division, one of the countrys leading precious metal retailers.

South Africa is the worlds largest platinum producer, and one of the two largest palladium producers. Various news sources report that about 30,000 coal-mine workers in South Africa have gone on strike demanding better wages.

Some of the most important platinum and palladium producers are affected, so this threatens the supply of platinum group metals (PGMs) worldwide, said Hopkins. When your supply is in jeopardy, of course the demand will increase.

Another factor helping to boost palladium and platinum? Gold prices. According to Hopkins, gold usually leads the PGMs.

Platinum group metals are used extensively in the auto sector for the manufacturing of cars, said Hopkins. Japan has finally recovered from its spring earthquake and tsunami. Popular auto companies like Ford are doing well which also helps the PGMs.

C.D Hopkins gives investors the opportunity to purchase palladium and platinum for immediate personal delivery, or for storage at an independent bank or depository. The Los Angeles physical commodity dealer also specializes in gold and silver.

For more information about how to capitalize on the gaining PGMs, learn more about C.D Hopkins Metals Division.

About C.D Hopkins Metals Division

C.D Hopkins Metals Division is a leading precious metals dealer and financing institution located in Los Angeles, Calif., specializing in gold, silver, platinum and palladium. With a C.D Hopkins Metals Division account, you can purchase precious metals for immediate personal delivery or arrange for convenient storage at an independent bank or depository. C.D Hopkins offers options for financing and selling your precious metals and expert account representatives to fulfill your investing needs. To find out how to open an account, visit http://www.cdhopkinsmetals.com/.

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San Antonio, TX (PRWEB) June 24, 2011

As part of ongoing efforts to increase global manufacturing efficiencies, Mazda Motors is going to build the new Mazda 6 in Japan, but this doesn’t concern the professionals at North Park Mazda – the premiere Mazda dealer in San Antonio, Texas. They know that Mazda is still going to create and build great vehicles with “Zoom, Zoom” that people love.

“Currently, production of the Mazda6 (known as Atenza in Japan) exists in three locations: at our Hofu Plant in Japan, AutoAlliance International (AAI) in Michigan, USA, and at FAW Car Co., Ltd. in Changchun, Jilin province, China. Our intention is to transfer production of our next CD-car for North America from AAI and consolidate it at Hofu in order to improve production and investment efficiencies and optimize our business,” said Takashi Yamanouchi, representative director and Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Mazda Motor Corporation.

“The decision was made after carefully assessing all risks and opportunities, including global needs, changing demand in North America, and exchange rate exposure. Going forward, Mazda will strive to maintain and grow our business in America. “

This is good news for American workers and consumers.

“The decision to relocate to Hofu and consolidate the production of the next CD-car makes the most sense for our business,” stated Mr. Yamanouchi. “However, we are committed to working with Ford, our joint venture partner in AAI, to identify potential future opportunities for the plant. Mazda and Ford have enjoyed a close relationship for over 30 years. We have collaborated on projects where there are mutual benefits, and both companies remain committed to continuing this strategic partnership.”

The current North American Mazda6 will continue to be built at AAI until the end of its current cycle plan. Mazda is conducting various studies with Ford on the future of AAI and will announce details at the appropriate time.

Local San Antonio residents interested in new or used Mazda vehicles are encouraged to stop by North Park Mazda the leading Mazda dealership in San Antonio, Texas. Their experienced and friendly sales team is ready to answer any questions about the new Mazda6 or any of the other great vehicles in their 2011 line-up.

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Lindon, UT (PRWEB) August 05, 2011

Despite the popularity of health and diet education, many people find themselves unprepared to deal with the factors that ultimately undercut their efforts to eat healthy.

According to Utah-based company IdealShape (http://www.idealshape.com), its these invisible factorsmore than the specifics of a diet or exercise programthat determine whether an individual will achieve weight loss success.

Fad diets and points plans dont tell people how to deal with the challenges of incorporating a nutrition program into everyday life, said David Meine, IdealShape cofounder and vice president of product development.

Even if someone finds their ideal formula for weight loss, we typically see them revert back to unhealthy habits if they arent prepared to deal with sabotage, Meine said.

What is sabotage? It can take many forms in a weight loss program, from indulging cravings to being pressured to try a coworkers homemade dessert. Dieters may feel a need to cheat on their nutrition plan in order to enjoy themselves on vacation or at a restaurant. Alternately, others may unconsciously pressure a dieter to indulge in order to justify their own fattening food choices.

Whether coming from oneself or others, diet sabotage is often hard to recognize and awkward to deal with.

IdealShapes new weight loss hypnosis CD, called Dealing with Sabotage from Yourself and Others, employs techniques commonly used by psychologists to help individuals pinpoint and correct sabotage. These techniquesincluding visualization, meditation, repetition and reinforcement, and positive suggestionhave been shown to be effective at both conscious and subconscious levels.

The contents of the program help the listener develop a strong inner voice which they can draw on when faced with self-sabotage. It also provides specific responses which can be used to positively deflect sabotage from others.

There is usually a reason or intention behind weight loss sabotage, which makes this behavior possible to correct, Meine explained. Meine, a certified Hypnotherapy and Weight Loss Specialist, is creator of the audio program.

The concept for IdealShapes audio program began when David and wife Carla, CEO of IdealShape, observed the phenomenon between other couples when one or both individuals were on a diet. Often, these couples didnt realize they were not respecting each others nutrition goals, they found.

We realized that following a nutrition program without being able to recognize sabotage is a waste of time. Worse, it allows people to experience a false sense of progress toward their health goals, Carla said.

With their holistic approach to dieting, the Meines have been able to help many individuals create a clean slate for weight loss successand get their friends and family on board for their success, too.

Dealing with Sabotage from Yourself and Others includes two components: a car recording and daily visualization exercises. It is the third program in IdealShapes Brain Food audio series, which aims to help people create a foundation for lifelong health and fitness. The CD can be purchased at http://www.idealshapestore.com for $ 29.99 plus shipping, and can be used individually or with other CDs in the Brain Food series. Each CD comes with a free downloadable eBook.

About IdealShape

IdealShape (http://www.idealshape.com) is a Utah-based weight loss company that equips its clients with a holistic approach to body shaping. In addition to its hypnosis for weight loss audio CDs, downloadable eBook with nutrition and exercise guides, and book titled IdealShape for Life, the company offers meal replacement shakes that have been rated #1 by several review sites for 2011.

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Newbury Park, CA (PRWEB) June 26, 2011

Haynes Publishing, the worldwide leader in the supply of repair and maintenance information for DIY mechanics, announced today it is making significant steps into the electronic arena. The company has begun demonstrating an electronic version of the iconic Haynes Manual to its major retail accounts in the United States, a first for the traditional print publishing company.

Representing a paradigm shift for the publishing company, Haynes Online Manuals will have the ability to reach a larger customer base. This is good news for the aspiring DIYer on a budget who would rather maintain and repair his or her own vehicle versus paying for a mechanic.

We have been closely watching developments regarding potential electronic delivery of our information for quite a long time. In fact we demonstrated a CD based product in Las Vegas over a decade ago, said J Haynes, Chairman of the Haynes Publishing Group. Since the acquisition of Vivid Holding BV three years ago, we have been experimenting with various initiatives where their expertise with electronic technology can be applied to Haynes products. We now believe we have something that is so exciting that we are ready to make it available online. We believe that Haynes MOL (Manuals Online) can become as successful as the traditional Haynes Manual, which has sold over 150 million copies around the world.

The company plans to demonstrate and test the product in the U.S. market before refining it for introduction across the globe. The intention is that customers will be able to click through from websites operated by Haynes auto parts store retail accounts and order a subscription to the electronic product. The company believes they have been able to add much value to the electronic version of the famous DIY product.

Haynes intends to make this product available through its traditional auto parts store retail account base as well as through its own website.

With this new product we have been able to incorporate a great deal of material that it is not possible to provide in a printed product. The electronic product includes all of the information in the print version but also includes audio and video clips demonstrating various DIY procedures, said Eric Oakley, Haynes Group CEO. The Brake Pad video and the Rust Repair video, for example, really do an excellent job in getting across to our end-user customers how straightforward these tasks really are. The nature of the web has also encouraged us to incorporate color pictures and color wiring diagrams as well as hyperlinks, definitions and a keyword search function. This product enables us to provide a lot more help to our customers.

This move illustrates the benefits that are increasingly flowing from the acquisition of Vivid Holding BV three years ago. Vivid, who provide technical data to professional mechanics throughout Europe, have never produced a product in a printed form. As a result, they bring an extra dimension to the Haynes Group. The cooperation that we have seen between the Haynes Editorial Team and our Vivid Technicians has been excellent and together they have produced a very exciting product which can mark the beginning of a new era in the Haynes story, said Alex Kwarts MD of Vivid Holding.

Once the initial prototype demonstrations are complete, Haynes intends to convert the top 50 selling manuals to the electronic format and will make them available for sale by subscription in the U.S. by autumn 2011. They will then add further coverage as the conversion process continues. The traditional printed product line will continue to be marketed aggressively with an ongoing program of updates and new titles.

About Haynes Manuals

Haynes, world-leading publisher of automotive and motorcycle repair manuals, is renowned for teaching millions of owners how to carry out routine maintenance and repairs. For over 50 years, Haynes has been dismantling vehicles–and putting them back together again. Only in this unique ‘hands on’ way can its Haynes and Chilton brand repair manuals provide authoritative and step-by-step information on both basic and complex tasks. John H. Haynes, an avid car enthusiast, began the company in 1960 and, as Founding Director, is still a member of the Haynes Board of Directors today. Over 500 Haynes manuals are offered covering most makes of cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs on the road! Haynes manuals can be found at better auto parts chain stores in the US. For more information or to place an order, call 1-800-4-Haynes or visit our website at http://www.haynes.com.

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New York, NY (PRWEB) August 16, 2011

As the U.S. economy continues to struggle in its economic road to recovery, the recent S&P credit rating downgrade may lead to more economic woes for debt consumers and savings investors alike. CreditCardRates.co, a newly launched website that monitors credit card rates & news, has released a statement saying, “The downgrade to a lower “AA+” status (down from the better AAA standard), may mean continued low interest rates for investors hoping to earn interest income in savings accounts, while also potentially raising credit card rates for consumers in the future. But so far, rates do not appear to be increasing at this time.”

Rising mortgage rates and credit card rates are among the biggest worries for most Americans following the news. The housing market is still struggling to recover, and the average credit card debt balance for most Americans remains in the double digits. Individuals with variable credit card rates are the ones who are most at risk. Luckily, the Federal Reserve’s recent announcement that it plans to keep prime interest rates low for the next 2 years may help prevent rates from increasing (at least, for the short term).

If the prime rate increases within that time, however, due to increased borrowing costs–then you can expect that credit card rates and other loan rates will soon follow–which could slow the economic recovery even more. An increase in rates means higher interest charges on home loans or car loans, and longer debt payoff times (or higher loan payments) at a time when the economy is already lagging.

But increasing credit card and other loan rates aren’t the only concern–another frustration is that while the current low interest rates make it a great time to get a home loan or car loan, it also makes it a terrible time to invest in savings accounts or certificate of deposit accounts.

Banks usually base the interest rates of savings and certificate of deposit accounts very closely to those short term Treasury rates. According to CertificateofDeposit.co, the average CD rate for a 1 year term right now is hovering at just above 1%. Contrast that to just 3 years ago in 2008, where it was common to find CD rates in the 4-5% range for the same 1 year period. That can be a difference of thousands of dollars in interest income depending on the principal amount invested.

One thing is for certain: These low savings and CD rates–combined with increasing inflation and a chaotic stock market–make it a tough time to be an investor. And with the threat of yet another credit hisory rating downgrade within the next 2 years if the economic outlook doesnt improve by the S&P.

The good news, however, is that Fitch Ratings announced on August 16, 2011 that they are reaffirming the United State’s “AAA” credit rating. Hopefully this will restore some confidence in investors for the short term.

Source: CreditCardRates.co Official Statement

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Houston, Texas (PRWEB) September 06, 2011

Gospel Musics Leading Man, Earnest Pugh, has topped Billboard magazines Hot Gospel Songs chart with his smash radio single, I Need Your Glory. New York Times pop critic Jon Carmanica writes that, I Need Your Glory is less sensuous than the James Fortune & Fiya version of a few years ago, and deliberately so. Mr. Pugh sounds as if hes delivering a closing argument, and hes winning the case.

Pugh is also winning over fans, particularly the ladies. It was amazing, says a female fan that rode two hours from Richmond, VA to see Pugh at a recent Washington, D.C. area concert. I knew Earnest was popular but women were coming in packs of three and four to a car. It reminded me of my teenage years when my girlfriends and I used to pile into somebodys car to go see New Edition.

Earning my second #1 single on Billboard is surreal to me, Pugh says. I thank God for the overwhelming love and support from the MDs and PDs at radio stations across the country. This has all been possible because of the awesome machine behind me, Mr. Kerry Douglas and his Black Smoke Music Worldwide company. While Mr. Douglas is known for creating monster radio hits, I never imagined that the partnership with my EPM label would yield this kind of success.

Over the last two years, Douglas and Pughs association has led to four Top 40 gospel smashes, including 2009s #1 hit Rain On Us. Other chart hits include, The Great I Am and Perfect Peace. Pughs fourth and most recent CD, Earnestly Yours, debuted at #1 on Billboards Top Gospel Albums chart two months ago. I am truly humbled by this new milestone in our history, says Black Smoke CEO Kerry Douglas whose New Deal University marketing concepts have propelled artists such as James Fortune & FIYA to gospel rock star status with #1 radio hits like I Trust You and I Believe. Visit http://www.earnestpugh.com or http://www.mrkerrydouglas.com for more information on this exciting artist.

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(PRWEB) July 08, 2011

While Japan is far away, the sales professionals at Ingram Park Mazda know that the news of a new North American car being built there is actually a good thing. As the premiere Mazda dealership in San Antonio and surrounding areas, they have their eye on how popular Mazda vehicles have become over the last few years.

Mazda Motor Corporation recently announced they will build their next midsize car for the North American market at the Hofu Plant in Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan. The move is part of their ongoing efforts to increase global manufacturing efficiencies.

“Currently, production of the Mazda6 (known as Atenza in Japan) exists in three locations: at our Hofu Plant in Japan, AutoAlliance International (AAI) in Michigan, USA, and at FAW Car Co., Ltd. in Changchun, Jilin province, China. Our intention is to transfer production of our next CD-car for North America from AAI and consolidate it at Hofu in order to improve production and investment efficiencies and optimize our business,” said Takashi Yamanouchi, Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, President and CEO of Mazda Motor Corporation.

The mid-size car market has become more active with rising fuel prices and a consumer shift toward cars that operate more efficiently. These days, most consumers don’t mind where the car is built as long as they can enjoy the benefits at the gas pump.

“The decision was made after carefully assessing all risks and opportunities, including global needs, changing demand in North America, and exchange rate exposure. Going forward, Mazda will strive to maintain and grow our business in America. “The decision to relocate to Hofu and consolidate the production of the next CD-car makes the most sense for our business,” Yamanouchi continued.

“However, we are committed to working with Ford, our joint venture partner in AAI, to identify potential future opportunities for the plant. Mazda and Ford have enjoyed a close relationship for over 30 years. We have collaborated on projects where there are mutual benefits, and both companies remain committed to continuing this strategic partnership.”

The good news is that Mazda has many fuel efficient models available right now, with more great vehicles on the horizon. Local San Antonio residents who are interested in any of the new 2011 Mazda lineup are encouraged to stop by Ingram Park Mazda – the premiere new and used San Antonio Mazda dealer. Their sales team can answer questions about any of the Mazda models they have available.

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Novi, MI (PRWEB) July 13, 2011

The ITB Group, an international automotive consulting firm, has published a 2011 multiclient report that covers technical and business developments in Automotive Integrated Center Stacks. This is the result of extensive interviews with industry participants to identify the supply base for present and future center stack business, with an eye on the required key expertise. The supply base now encompasses traditional Tier Ones, molders, printers, haptic technology licensors, semiconductor companies, and, increasingly software developers. There are currently a number of potential entrants to the automotive center stack market.

OEMs such as Ford and General Motors have been steadily consolidating their infotainment and HVAC functions into a single stylized switch panel that is dissociated from the electronic intelligence, while others continue to prefer radio and HVAC brick modules that can be replicated throughout numerous vehicles. Mechanical content such as CD players are targeted for elimination from the car, while new interfaces such as haptic touch panels and dead-front displays are in development. It is a challenging time, as no one truly knows what the consumer wants.

Automotive OEMs have been responding to the social revolution of consumer mobile devices, acting to expand telematics and smartphone integration into their vehicles, however they are also keeping an eye on the design goals for continuous surfaces and brand identity. Is there a way that a touch display module can convey craftsmanship? Automotive requirements for electronic durability are steep. An iPhone will not operate at -40

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Memphis, TN (PRWEB) July 30, 2011

J.T. “Ba’Bro” Johnson is rekindling the Memphis flavored, classic R&B sound with his latest heart throbbing sophomoric release, “I’m Doing Me,” released on his own J.T. Productions. Positioned to revive the old school while stirring the airwaves, Johnson delivers a bold, seductive, down home sound that calls to Hip-Hop and R&B alike.

Infectious originals such as “Playas Life” a gripping, fast-paced jazz-tinged song that clears up the difference between a playa and a true Romeo and “Got It,” featuring rap intermixed with smooth vocals, reveal a collection of tunes that appeal for the dance floor and the bedroom. The hypnotic, “I Want it All,” is a duet that expresses the singer’s passion for a woman while the sexy “Love Is,” is a seductive tale about a woman he wants, but just can’t have!

Hailing from Memphis, J.T. is an R&B crooner with real roots. He has worked with and is influenced by the legendary Stax Records singer, songwriter Homer Banks, credited for hits such as “Who’s Making Love (To your Old Lady While You are Out Making Love)” and “(If Loving You is Wrong) I Don’t Want to be Right.”

A burgeoning artist who is breathing new life in vintage R&B music with his own soulful lyrics and catchy beats, Ba’Bro captivates listeners by infusing catchy hip hop lyrics into his classic style. Having collaborated with notables such as Queen Ann Hines, Ben Cauley (original member of the Otis Redding band, and the Bar-Kays), Phillis Duncan, Erica L. Orange, Clara M. King, Gerry Banks, Andre Banks, Lester Snell (Isaac Hayes’ Keyboardist), Robert Jackson (Isaac Hayes’ engineer), and many others, J.T. is ready to put the Memphis sound back on top of the charts.

A driven artist, J.T.’s passion for music began early on. “I was influenced by artists of the ’80s and decided to pursue my own musical career. I spent many nights at ARP Productions, a small studio owned by Cazeari in Memphis. I began to pay my dues and was determined to record an album, so I made many sacrifices,” states Johnson. A car salesman by day, Johnson’s average day is much busier than his fellow co-workers, with long nights spent in the studio recording. But with the rising interest in his latest project however, J.T.’s sacrifices are now paying off.

The dedicated singer and producer credits Stax Records and its many recording artists for his start in the industry. “I truly thank Stax Records and other major artists before me who put Memphis on the map. The legacy is already established, I am just trying to add to it,” adds Johnson.

With the success of his debut album, and now the addition of his latest CD, “I’m Doing Me,” J.T. “BA’BRO” JOHNSON will be enchanting music lovers for many years to come! For more information about J..T. “BA’BRO” JOHNSON party on over to http://www.myspace.com/babromusic and catch his video releases on YOUTUBE by typing in J.T. JOHNSON I’M DOING ME LIVE.

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