STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ RE: National Latino AIDS Awareness Day

“Saturday, October 15, marks the ninth annual National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD). This nationwide effort is a call to action for Hispanics/Latinos to protect their lives and the lives of those they love by getting tested and learning about HIV/AIDS.

“This year’s theme, ‘Latinos Unite! Let’s stay Healthy! Get Tested for HIV,’ highlights the importance of reducing harm and improving health in our community. In that spirit, I urge all potentially at-risk Bronxites to do themselves and their loved ones a favor and get tested for HIV/AIDS. Testing is simple and readily available, and one’s health is far too important to leave to chance,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

 

Microsoft to Require Annual Sustainability Reporting by Vendors 

Program stems from conversations with New York City Comptroller John C. Liu’s office on behalf of the New York City Pension Funds.

Microsoft Corp. today announced that it will launch a new effort to enhance the information it shares about its vendors’ commitment to social and environmental policies, programs and performance in its annual Citizenship Report.

Starting in 2013, Microsoft will require a cross section of its suppliers to provide reports on their adherence to the requirements listed in the existing Microsoft Vendor Code of Conduct. The code of conduct sets standards for legal compliance, business ethics, labor and human rights standards, environmental protection, and respect for intellectual property. The new reporting mechanism complements and strengthens Microsoft’s existing auditing and assurance programs, which include third-party monitoring of its contract hardware manufacturers. The reporting requirement will also drive sustainability improvements in Microsoft’s supply chain. More information on Microsoft’s current Responsible Sourcing Initiatives is available at Microsoft’s 2011 Citizenship Report. Microsoft is taking this step in response to a shareholder proposal received from New York City Comptroller John C. Liu on behalf of the New York City Pension Funds. 

“We appreciate and value the discussions we’ve had with Comptroller Liu’s office and the opportunity to continue our collaborative work with shareholders on initiatives that further demonstrate our commitment to corporate citizenship,” said Brad Smith, general counsel and executive vice president of Legal and Corporate Affairs for Microsoft. “This new reporting requirement will help shareholders, customers and others understand how Microsoft and its suppliers are meeting their expectations for social responsibility.”

Microsoft will begin informing a dozen of its key vendors about the new reporting process in the coming months. Starting in 2013, Microsoft will include a summary of information from the vendor reports in its annual Citizenship Report. Vendors also will be encouraged to make their reports public. The program will continue to be evaluated in subsequent years to identify options to expand it and provide further visibility to shareholders.

“Microsoft has taken an important step to promote sustainability and transparency among its global suppliers,” Liu said. “If more firms showed such leadership it would hold more suppliers accountable for protecting human and workers’ rights, and reduce the legal and reputational risks that companies and their shareholders face. The New York City Pension Funds are taking this proposal to other companies and expect that they will follow the prudent path Microsoft has chosen.”

As part of the reporting process, Microsoft will also encourage all its suppliers to consider use of the reporting guidelines provided by the Global Reporting Initiative, the leading framework for corporate sustainability reporting based on input from a wide range of civil society organizations, labor, businesses, academics and other experts.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Tour De Bronx press conference

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz was joined today by Transportation Alternatives, Montefiore Medical Center, St. Barnabas Hospital, Bronx Lebanon Medical Center, Domino’s Pizza, the New York Botanical Garden and Woodlawn Cemetery to announce the 17^th Annual Tour De Bronx , New York’s State largest free cycling event.  This year’s Tour De Bronx will take place on Sunday, October 23.  To register, please visit www.tourdebronx.org

   BP Diaz Said that he will be riding in the Tour De Bronx, but due to an ankle injury he would only be riding the 25 mile loop, and not the larger 40 mile route. 

 

Click on the photo to enlarge it.

Town Hall Meetings with Assemblyman Dinowitz, Congressman Engel,  Councilman G. Oliver Koppell,      

State  Senators  Rivera,  Klein, and Espaillat 

 (This came in from the local elected officials, and is not a part of Comic Con)

 

Assemblyman Dinowitz, Congressman Engel, Council Member Koppell, State Senators Rivera, Klein, and Espaillat Announce Town Hall Meetings

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Congressman Eliot Engel, Council Member Oliver Koppell, State Senators Gustavo Rivera, Jeffrey Klein, and Adriano Espaillat will host several town hall meetings to answer constituents’ questions and hear their concerns.  See schedule below.

Sunday, October 23 • 1:30pm Vladeck Hall 74 Van Cortlandt Park South Meet and Greet Your Elected Officials Sponsored by the Amalgamated Housing Cooperative With Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Congressman Eliot Engel, Council Member Oliver Koppell, and State Senator Gustavo Rivera Monday, October 24 • 7:30pm St. Barnabas High School 425 East 240th Street Town Hall Meeting Sponsored by the Woodlawn Heights Taxpayers and Community Association With Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Council Member Oliver Koppell, and State Senator Jeffrey Klein Tuesday, October 25 • 7:30pm    Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale 475 W. 250 St. (on Henry Hudson Pkwy. E.) Special Forum on Environmental Issues With Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Council Member Oliver Koppell, and State Senator Adriano Espaillat   WednesdayNovember2        7:30pm Mosholu Montefiore Community Center           3450 Dekalb Avenue                         Town Hall Meeting Sponsored by the Mosholu Montefiore  Community Center With Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Council Member Oliver Koppell, and State Senator Gustavo Rivera

Archaia Entertainment Unveils New York Comic Con Event Schedule

  Eisner-award winning graphic novel publisher, Archaia Entertainment, unveils its biggest event slate at this year’s New York Comic Con with several eye-opening presentations set to highlight the company’s most anticipated initiatives.

Friday offers attendees the chance to become more than fans with the panel, How to Make a Great Indie Graphic Novel, which gives fans an inside look at what it takes to become a published author and artist. Join Archaia editor-in-chief Stephen Christy and Chief Creative Officer Mark Smylie as they host special guests for an informative panel on what goes into the production of a full-length graphic novel, including the steps from concept to writing, design to production, to self-publishing or submitting your graphic novel for publication. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it takes to make an amazing-looking book, this is the panel to attend! Guests include Michael Lapinksi (Feeding Ground), Jim McCann (Return of the Dapper Men) and David Petersen (Mouse Guard). The panel takes place in Room 1A23 from 2:30pm to 3:30pm.

Also on Friday, Archaia is hosting two exciting off-site signing events attended by Chad Michael Murray, Victor Quinaz and Brent Schoonover.

One Tree Hill’s Chad Michael Murray will be signing copies of his highly-anticipated graphic novel, Everlast at Barnes & Noble (150 East 86th St., New York) beginning at 7:00pm. Everlast follows Derek Everlast, a mysterious man whose destiny in life is to guide mankind on the eve of the apocalypse.

Victor Quinaz and Brent Schoonover, creators of the gritty and groundbreaking Mr. Murder is Dead, will be signing copies at P.S. Bookshop (76 Front St, Brooklyn) from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Hearkening back to the golden age of comics, Mr. Murder is Dead is a stylistic noir that follows a burnt out detective as he uncovers the truth behind the death of his arch-nemesis. The creators will be back on Saturday when they’re joined by Zachary Quinto (Star Trek), who produced the graphic novel under his company, Before the Door Productions. All three will be available for autographs from 8:00pm to 10:00pm at St. Mark’s Place (11 Saint Mark’s Place, New York).

On Sunday, Archaia is honored to share the legacy of one of the world’s greatest creative visionaries, Jim Henson, in The Early Works of Jim Henson. Jim Henson was a creative genius responsible for some of the most iconic properties today, including The Muppets, Fraggle Rock and The Dark Crystal. But what was he like leading up to that success? Join Archaia and The Jim Henson Company as they explore his early works and creative process, complete with archival, rarely seen footage, brought to you by Henson archivist, Karen Falk. Then, get an advance look at TALE OF SAND, the new original graphic novel coming in November, based on a never-before-seen screenplay written by Jim Henson and his longtime collaborator, Jerry Juhl. Falk, Archaia editor-in-chief Stephen Christy and Tale of Sand artist Ramón Pérez will discuss the behind-the-scenes production of the book and debut some new images! Moderated by Archaia CEO PJ Bickett, the panel will happen from 3:45pm to 4:45pm in room 1A15.

Throughout the weekend, Archaia will host dozens of writers and artists for autograph sessions at their booth, #1546. Check Archaia.com or the booth for a schedule. In addition, Relativity Media, the studio behind the upcoming Immortals film, will host a gallery on the show floor (booth #444) featuring art from the graphic novel prelude, Immortals: Gods and Heroes, including works by Rafael Kayanan, Jock and Scott Hampton.

About Archaia Entertainment

Archaia is a multi-award-winning graphic novel publisher with more than 50 renowned publishing brands, including such domestic and international hits as Mouse Guard, Return of the Dapper Men, Gunnerkrigg Court, Awakening, The Killer, Days Missing, Tumor, Syndrome, Artesia, Engineer, and an entire line of The Jim Henson Company graphic novels. Archaia has built an unparalleled reputation for producing meaningful content that perpetually transforms minds, building one of the industry’s most visually stunning and eclectic slates of graphic novels. Archaia was named Graphic Novel Publisher of the Year according to Ain’t it Cool News, Graphic Policy, and Comic Related, and was honored with nine 2011 Eisner Awards nominations. Archaia has also successfully emerged as a prolific storyteller in all facets of the entertainment industry, extending their popular brands into film, television, gaming, and branded digital media.

WorryWoos take the stage at New York Comic Con

 

 

We are so excited to announce, WorryWoo creator, Andi Green will be hosting a WorryWoo Workshop  on Kid's Day at the New York Comic Con! October 16th at 2:30pm on the Hasbro Stage  Join Andi Green as she talks about creating a WorryWoo Monster and reads her latest book Don't Feed The WorryBug. After the reading,  Green will conduct a "Color-a-Woo" workshop. This will be accompanied by a "LIVE" guest appearance of  Wince, The Monster of Worry,  and his best pal Squeek, The Monster of Innocence! Don't forget your camera; this is a photo-op you won't want to miss!  ------------------------------------------------  Coming to the New York Comic Con but won't be there on Sunday? Don't "worry", there will be plenty of other WorryWoo sightings at  The WorryWoo Monster Booth - #3017  Hope to see you there!

LET’S GO, VOLTRON FORCE! ™

FIRST-EVER APPEARANCE AT NEW YORK COMIC CON

 

PANEL PRESENTATION FROM THQ, DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT, VIZ MEDIA

AND WORLD EVENTS PRODUCTIONS

WITH VOLTRON PRODUCT GIVEAWAYS FROM MATTEL AND CLASSIC MEDIA OCTOBER 16

 

WHAT:      Voltron®, the franchise that began when the 1980s robot-themed television action series Voltron: Defender of the Universe® launched, will take part in New York Comic Con with a panel presentation, product giveaways, signing events and Voltron costume character appearances. The panel will feature all-new and classic Voltron content including toys and merchandise, a sneak peak of the Voltron video game presented by THQ, an early glance at Dynamite Entertainment Voltron comics, an exclusive preview of VIZ Kids’ Voltron Force™ graphic novels and a quick look at upcoming episodes of the television series Voltron Force on Nicktoons. Voltron-themed items including a Mattycollector.com “Club Lion Force” membership for Voltron collectibles from Mattel, t-shirts and DVDs will be given away as prizes throughout the panel presentation

 

WHO:       Jeremy Corray, Voltron Force Supervising Producer, will moderate the event that will include artists, writers, producers and designers from the entire Voltron universe:

·         From THQ, Peter Armstrong, Executive Producer;

·         From World Events Productions, Jeremy Corray and Bob Koplar, Vice President of WEP

·         From Dynamite Entertainment, Nick Barrucci, President, Dynamite Entertainment

·         From VIZ Media, Traci Todd, Senior Editor, Jacob Chabot, Cartoonist and Illustrator for VIZ Media graphic novels, and Brian “Smitty” Smith, Writer

·         From Mattel, Natalie So, Associate Marketing Manager

WHEN:     Panel – Sunday, October 16 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Room #1A24

Mattel Booth (#1222) – During the convention, the upcoming line of Voltron collectible toys will be displayed, and a limited number of “Blazing Sword Voltron” figures will be available for purchase.

VIZ Media Booth (#932) – Artists and writers of the Voltron Force graphic novels will be signing posters and greeting fans:

Saturday October 15th, 3-4PM

Brian Smith (Writer) & Dario Brizuela (Artist) for Voltron Force, Volume 3 

Sunday October 16th, 3-4PM

Brian Smith (Writer) & Jacob Chabot (Artist) for Voltron Force, Volume 1

 

Gazillion Entertainment Announces New Content and Characters for Super Hero Squad Online and Marvel Universe at New York Comic-Con!

  Gazillion Entertainment, a leading developer, publisher and operator of premium browser-based games, today revealed that the action-packed Super Hero Squad Online will be showcased during New York Comic-Con at the Marvel Entertainment booth #654. This free-to-play browser-based MMO allows the player to play as dozens of different Marvel Heroes, including the Super Hero Squad versions of the day-walking vampire Blade and the master of mysticism, Dr. Strange.

Super Hero Squad Online has a huge host of game worlds and missions to explore and conquer! Traverse the city streets or jump down into the sewers of Villainville, discover The World Tree and other landmarks in Asgard, fly through the sky of the Daily Bugle or scale the walls while exploring Baxter Plaza.  Players can actively engage in daily combat missions, fighting foes such as the floating freak MODOK in “MODOK Mo’ Problems” or beating up the big green goober Abomination in “Abomination Obliteration”.

With Super Hero Squad Online’s collectible card system, players build their own personalized decks with iconic Marvel Super Heroes and powers; pit them against friends in the game world, and gain experience and coins to use in game.  Additionally, players earn more epic cards by completing quests and mini-games or purchasing limited-edition cards online. Choose from hundreds of different cards, create the ultimate deck and defeat any and all challengers.

Fans can play the game entirely for free or subscribe to unlock additional Super Heroes, missions and rooms for the HQ. Spin the Prize Wheel for additional in-game Gold, Silver and items. This free online kids game is instantly accessible from most browsers without lengthy downloads, so it’s fast and easy for families to jump in and start having fun.

During New York Comic-Con, fans can stop by the Marvel Booth to get a free code for a playable Psylocke while supplies last. By picking up a postcard and Psylocke code, players can also enter a contest to win Dr. Strange! Throughout the month of October Super Hero Squad Online will be hosting a number of promotions, Halloween themed activities, brand new missions, heroes, contests and challenges for fans to enjoy!

“With the amount of content, features and updates we are unleashing during the month of October, we are shouting to the world, we are all done with Beta! We are LIVE!” stated Jay Minn, VP, Studio Director of Gazillion’s Seattle-based studio, The Amazing Society.

New York Comic-Con highlights include:

• Be your favorite Super Hero and get hands-on time with the first Marvel massive online browser based game for all ages.

• Marvel Games Panel at 1:15pm on Saturday, 10/15:  Gain new insight into Super Hero Squad Online, hear Gazillion’s President David Brevik discuss Marvel Universe and find out what new character he unveils from the game!

• Contest and Giveaways: Win t-shirts, exclusive in-game characters and more by stopping by the booth in your best Marvel super hero costume!

For more information about Super Hero Squad Online please visit www.heroup.com.

About Gazillion Entertainment

Gazillion Entertainment is a privately held developer and publisher of free-to-play online games for all ages. Gazillion’s games feature revered brands and original properties, superior production quality and unmatched gameplay. Headquartered in San Mateo, California, Gazillion has development studios in California and Washington. For more information on Gazillion and its studios please visit www.gazillion.com.

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years.  Marvel utilizes its character franchises in licensing, entertainment (via Marvel Studios and Marvel Animation) and publishing (via Marvel Comics).  Marvel's strategy is to leverage its franchises in a growing array of opportunities around the world, including feature films, consumer products, toys, video games, animated television, direct-to-DVD and online.  For more information visit www.marvel.com.  Super Hero(es) is a co-owned registered trademark.