The Internet has created a revolution in the way we send and receive information, buy and sell products and services and openly discuss timely topics. For those engaging in political races, the open structure of the Internet poses a particularly precarious challenge as blogs and other web-based postings are frequently used to smear reputations. Even if false and posted by individuals with obvious motives, they can take on a “life of their own,” existing in search engines for years to come.

There’s now a way to fight back—legally and effectively. Politiciandefender.com is a reputation management service designed specifically for those seeking public office. This unique program flushes search engines of damaging web-based postings, allowing politicians to take control of their online reputation and protect their chances of being elected.

“Our online reputation management program can eliminate or suppress false and harmful accusations using legal and completely reliable methods,” says Chris Rosica, Politiciandefender.com spokesperson. “In this day of online smear campaigns, reputation management is vital to a successful campaign. No politician should be without this in his or her arsenal.”

Unlike programs designed to scour the web for spurious postings, Politiciandender.com goes one step further using bloggers to promote the truth, countering false claims and offering a measure of protection that is unique in campaigning. By countering malicious content that may receive a high page ranking, Politiciandefender.com assists organic search, pushing a candidate’s true message to the forefront. The company provides a complete turnkey program for maintaining an online communications base. Each program, which includes a monthly maintenance fee, is priced and tailored to an individual’s needs.

Politiciandefender.com company spokesperson, Chris Rosica, is CEO of Rosica Strategic Public Relations, a national public relations firm specializing in reputation management, crisis communications and Internet public relations. He is also the author of The Authentic Brand (Noble Press—2007). For more information, visit www.politiciandefender.com.

Public Relations Contact: Rosica Strategic Public Relations

As a tribute to nurses and an acknowledgement of the nation’s growing nursing shortage, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) has announced the first award in its new Aide-to-R.N. Scholarship Program. The announcement was made by National Association for Home Care & Hospice President Val J. Halamandaris on the first day of National Nurses Week, which honors nurses for the critical and selfless role they play in ministering to the sick and suffering.

The Aide-to-R.N. scholarships are awarded to nursing school students who work as home health aides. Jenelle Kross, a home health aide from Frankenmuth, Michigan, is the first recipient of the scholarship. A 2001 high school graduate, Kross works for Lutheran Home Care agency and is studying to be a registered nurse at Delta College in University Center, Michigan. She was awarded $500 from National Association for Home Care & Hospice and a matching $500 scholarship from the state affiliate, the Michigan Home Health Association,

“We are pleased to be able to award these scholarships to those who devote themselves to one of the most important careers in healthcare,” says Halamandaris. “The announcement of our scholarship program during National Nurses Week is our way of building awareness for the growing need for healthcare professionals.” National Nurses Week takes place every year from May 6—12th, ending appropriately on the day of Florence Nightingale’s birthday. “The purpose of nursing is to put the patient in the best condition for nature to act upon him,” once stated Nightingale. “We honor Nightingale’s work and thousands of other women and men that provide skilled nursing care for the frail, the elderly, the dying and the disabled,” says Halamandaris.

The National Association for Homecare and Hospice is the world’s largest trade association advocating for homecare and hospice care. The association, founded in 1982 and headquartered in Washington, DC, encourages development and delivery of the highest quality medical, social and supportive services to the nation’s frail, disabled and aged. Home health and hospice services range from high-tech skilled nursing and therapy to personal care management available by visit or around the clock. For more information, visit www.nahc.org.

Public Relations Contact: Rosica Strategic Public Relations

Inline skating is exhilarating, energizing and empowering—the modern sport for a healthy lifestyle. Skaters also burn more calories than running with half the shock to their joints. Now, Rollerblade, manufacturers of the cult classic brand, has introduced two new styles perfect for fitness or aspiring fitness lovers alike: The Crossfire 8.0™ for men and the Activa 8.0™ for women.

Designed with smoother, more powerful skating in mind, the Crossfire 8.0 and the Activa 8.0 combine three 100mm wheels and one 90mm wheel under the ball of your foot lowering the center of gravity for a grounded, more secure skating experience and a more powerful leg extension during strides. Both models feature a lightweight Alu-Tech aluminum frame with a breathable, memory foam liner and the Total Fit SystemTM (TFS) speed closure system, which eliminates lacing and ensures a snug fit with one pull.

The Crossfire 8.0™ for men is a premium power skate designed to efficiently transfer energy. The instep is three to four mm lower than a normal skate with a thinner heel base and a higher cuff to accommodate a man’s calf muscles, which are shorter than a woman’s.

The Activa 8.0™ is a premium power skate customized to fit the contours of a woman’s foot. With a low center of gravity, the Activa 8.0 has an instep three to four mm higher than a normal skate to comfortably fit a foot with a higher arch and a lower cuff to accommodate a woman’s calf muscles, which are longer than a man’s.

Both the Crossfire 8.0 and Activa 8.0 carry a suggested retail price of $249 and are available at available at local and online specialty skate retailers nationwide.

About Rollerblade:

Rollerblade USA is based in Hamilton, NJ with worldwide headquarters in Trevignano (TV), Italy. Rollerblade is the founder and leader of the in-line skate industry, with over 250 patented product innovations. Serving as the premier manufacturer of inline skates, related accessories and protective gear, Rollerblade has received several awards for its innovative technologies, including the first women’s specific design, an extendible skate for children, and the proprietary ABT® braking technology for controlled, effortless stopping.

For more information about Rollerblade, please visit www.rollerblade.com.

Public Relations Contact: Rosica Strategic Public Relations

Every bride needs an emergency plan for that dreaded nightmare -- a stain on her gown the day of the wedding. From make-up to blood and weather stains, the fear of an imperfection can seem disastrous to an already nervous bride. Hallak Cleaners, one of the leading couture cleaners in the U.S., and dry cleaner of choice for the houses of Hermes, Gucci and Chanel to name a few, now offers a Bridal Emergency Kit.

A great gift idea for the entire bridal party or even as a shower gift, the Bridal Emergency Kit includes last-minute solutions for rips, tears, spots, and stains, as well as important extras for the hair, nails, and skin. The kit includes needles and threads, pearls and sequins, safety pins, buttons and snaps, an emery board, bobby pins, adhesive strips, facial tissue, a lint roller, hand lotion, hair spray, mouth wash, a janie stick, 2 pre-spot formulas and cotton swabs, small cloths, a scented sachet and mints. With all the detail and preparation that goes into the big day, every bride should have Hallak’s Bridal Emergency Kit on hand.

The kit is available for $25 by calling 888.343.2111 or visiting the company’s website at www.hallak.com.

Public Relations Contact: Rosica Strategic Public Relations

The new status accessory this season is the statement necklace. From the catwalk to the red carpet, the necklace is enjoying a revival. Leading this comeback are Hollywood’s starlets such as Nicole Kidman, Laura Linney, and Keri Russell who each made a fashion statement at this year’s Oscars with gorgeous looks for the neck. But women who don’t have blockbuster budgets or fashion entourages can still borrow ideas from tinseltown and add drama to their own wardrobe. Jewelry is the key.

Necklaces can easily take an outfit from day into night and can help women get more play from fundamental pieces in their wardrobe, providing a variety of looks. When choosing quality pieces to add to your jewelry collection, select styles that are offered by Master IJO Jewelers. Master IJO Jewelers are hand picked by the Independent Jewelers Organization and adhere to an ethical code of conduct offering the honesty, trust, and integrity no other jeweler can provide. Also consider the following tips from the experts at IJO when buying a necklace or any other piece of jewelry:

• Pay attention to scale: A woman’s stature can play a role in the necklace she chooses. A large necklace may “swim” on a woman with a petite frame. Other women may be able to support such a necklace, where a smaller piece may look out of proportion.

• Invest in quality: Select pieces that may cost a little more now but are sure to be worn for years to come. Remember, wearing a beautiful necklace along with a budget-friendly dress or suit can make it appear you spent a fortune on the entire ensemble.

• Experiment with shape and color: Stand in front of the mirror and try on a variety of necklaces to see what shape or color is most complementary. From pendants to chokers and lariats, don’t be afraid to try them all. Find out if the cooler shade of white gold works better with your skin tone, or if the warmer shades of pink or yellow gold are more satisfactory options.

• Know where to buy: Visit www.masterjeweler.com to view a wide selection of necklaces and other pieces and locate a retailer in your area that specializes in these pieces. Choose among “Charmed,” a medieval-inspired 18k two tone yellow and white gold pendant with .94ct. tw diamonds, “Shimmer,” a delicate 14k white gold necklace with .50ct tw diamonds, or “Olympia,” a Grecian 14k yellow gold graduated gold necklace with hammer finish, as just a few of the many options.

Public Relations Contact: Rosica Strategic Public Relations