Kbb.com study: Toyota brand consideration, vehicle interest dramatically drops following recall
Car Shoppers Defect from Toyota Immediately Following Recall, Yet Seem Confident Toyota will Eventually Rebound
According to the latest Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com Market Intelligence data, Toyota consideration and interest has dramatically dropped since the company recently announced its massive recall.
More than 20 percent of those who said they were considering a Toyota prior to the recall now say they no longer are considering the brand for their next vehicle purchase. In addition, Toyota’s overall brand consideration dropped to third-place and now trails its domestic rivals, first-place Ford and second-place Chevrolet.
When comparing Toyota consideration in Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence’s Brand Watch survey from the days prior to the recall to the days following the recall announcement, consideration dropped nearly half, from 29 percent to just 18 percent. In addition, the Brand Watch data showed a drop in Toyota’s perceived safety rating from 8.4 to 7.6.
Site traffic from Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com also detailed in the company’s Market Watch report shows a steep drop in Toyota interest, as the majority of the company’s vehicles involved in the recall saw a nearly 30 percent drop in page views when comparing the week before the recall announcement to the week after. Even Toyota models not specifically involved in the recall saw a decline in page views, demonstrating the negative impact the recall is having on current interest in all Toyota vehicles, not just the models named in the recall.
However, car shoppers seem confident that Toyota will eventually rebound from this recall crisis. More than 30 percent of those surveyed said that Toyota is currently experiencing a challenge, but will offer better products in the future. In addition, 28 percent said that Toyota has had fewer recalls than other manufacturers, and [the current recall] does not change the fact that they produce great products.
“The attitudes and behaviors gleaned from the latest Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence data show that, in the short-term, the impact of this recall nightmare on Toyota could be substantial on future sales as well as intangible factors such as market perception,” said James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “While it may take some time for Toyota to regain consumers’ trust and confidence in their products, the company should feel somewhat relieved that the car-shopping public does not appear to believe the effects of this crisis will be permanent. In the interim, however, these unfortunate times for Toyota present a golden conquesting opportunity for competitors, some of which already are capturing new car shopper consideration.”
This Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence study was fielded to more than 400 in-market car shoppers on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com from January 29 – February 1, 2010. Brand Watch data cited compared Toyota brand consideration from January 21-26, 2010 to January 27-31, 2010. Market Watch data cited compared Toyota model page views on kbb.com from the week of January 18, 2010 to the week of January 25, 2010.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Allstate offers safety and insurance protection tips prior to Super Bowl
Fact: According to Hallmark Cards, Inc., the Super Bowl represents the No. 1 at-home party event of the year – even bigger than New Year’s Eve.
Super Bowl XLIV is hours away, and what will many Americans be doing? Hosting or attending a Super Bowl party! No one wants to spoil the fun of the big game, so Allstate Insurance Company is recommending tips to prepare and protect party hosts and guests getting ready for the big game.
Many party hosts don’t think about the liability risks that accompany a party. In some states, a host could be held liable if a guest is injured on his or her property. A host also may be liable if a guest has too much to drink and something happens. Fortunately, there are ways for hosts to protect themselves:
– Worried about a raucous guest falling and injuring himself in your home? Check your homeowners policy to make sure you have personal liability protection that provides adequate coverage for your home and assets. Liability protection provides coverage when others are injured or have sustained damage to their property for which you are responsible. If an accident in your home does happen, make sure the injured persons are comfortable and call for medical assistance if needed.
– What if that guest breaks your pricey antique vase in his fall – will your insurance replace it? Protect your home valuables – like fine art, collectibles or sporting equipment – with a scheduled personal property endorsement to your homeowners policy. Scheduled personal property provides protection for loss or damage to personal property items not always covered under traditional homeowners policies.
– Protect yourself and your guests. Provide non-alcoholic beverages to guests, and don’t let guests that have had too much to drink or drowsy guests drive home.
The party’s over, and your team won! Now, all you have to do is drive home and revel in your team’s victory. Unfortunately, drivers who are drowsy or have had too much to drink may be sharing the road with you and could make your happy drive home a dangerous one. Here are some tips to help protect your family when you’re traveling home after the big game:
Don’t drink and drive. If you know you will be drinking alcohol, use a designated driver or public transportation. Many cities even offer safe-ride-home programs.
If you spot an impaired driver on the highway, maintain a safe following distance and don’t attempt to pass.
Immediately report a suspected drunk driver by calling area law enforcement. Give police as much information (i.e., license plate number, make, model and color of vehicle, direction vehicle is traveling, physical description of driver) as possible.
Allow enough travel time, especially when traveling long distances. Drowsiness can reduce reaction time almost as much as drinking.
Don’t get behind the wheel when you are sleepy, and stop driving if you become sleepy while on the road.
Source: Allstate Insurance Company
TripAdvisor unlocks the door to the World’s Quirkiest Vacation Rentals
DOME ECILE in St. George Island, Florida Takes Quirky Crown in Top Ten List TripAdvisor Survey Reveals More Travelers Likely to Stay at Vacation Rentals in 2010 and Southeast is Most Popular U.S. Region
TripAdvisor announced its list of the ten quirkiest vacation rentals around the world according to TripAdvisor editors. In addition, the site released the results of its 2010 vacation rentals survey of more than 1,000 U.S. respondents. Sixty-eight percent of travelers are either planning or considering a stay at a vacation rental in 2010, indicating an increase in interest from the 52 percent of past renters who said they stayed at a rental home in 2009. Eighty-eight percent of travelers said they would choose a vacation rental over a hotel if it was a better value.
Opening the Door to Vacation Rental Deals
Travelers have been taking to their keyboards over the month of January to begin planning their 2010 vacation rental stays. Search volume on TripAdvisor’s vacation rentals listings is up 123 percent month-over-month from December 2009 to January 2010, indicating an increased interest in rentals for the new year.
Bring on the Sunshine
Of the travelers planning to stay at a vacation rental this year, 53 percent said they are planning their trips for the summer months, followed by 34 percent for the winter, 29 percent for the spring, and 26 percent for the fall. More travelers are planning to stay at a vacation rental in the Southeast than any other region, according to the survey. The Northeast and Southwest were next in popularity, coming in second and third place, respectively.
Top 10 Quirkiest Vacation Rentals Around the World According to TripAdvisor Editors:
1. DOME ECILE, St. George Island, Florida
Weekly Rate Range: $765 – $950
A geometrical wonder, DOME ECILE not only is a sight in and of itself, but it also sports beautiful beach views. One TripAdvisor traveler says, “All of my kids were excited to be staying on the beach, in a house like no other.”
2. Calypso Castle, Skopelos, Greece
Weekly Rate Range: $1,445 – $3,636
Complete with a stone tower and gorgeous views, Calypso Castle is a great rental home for travelers looking for a royal retreat. One TripAdvisor traveler raves about the “beautiful view” and “island” of Skopelos.
3. Unique Hilltop Windmill Rental, Odemira, Portugal
Weekly Rate Range: $526 – $756
Only in Portugal can you rent your own windmill-inspired house on top of its own mini-mountain for under $800 per week. As one TripAdvisor traveler puts it, “The Mill on the hill is rustic, homely, cozy and down to earth – just the way it should be!”
4. 1926 C&O Caboose, Natural Bridge, Virginia
Weekly Rate: $900
Put on your conductor’s hat and all aboard this bright red vacation rental constructed out of a classic railcar. One TripAdvisor traveler gushes, “I highly recommend the Caboose for anyone, especially train buffs.”
5. Chalet Tropical Crazy Cottages, Las Galeras, Dominican Republic
Weekly Rate Range: $367 – $798
While this rental may look like a giant, thatched hut from the outside, it’s spacious and stocked with all the comforts of home on the inside. It’s also a short walk from the beach and the village of Las Galeras.
6. The White Elephant Floating Inn, Boston, Massachusetts
Weekly Rate Range: $1,675 – $2,200
For travelers looking to relive history and have their own Boston Tea Party, The White Elephant Floating Inn in Boston may be the perfect place to stay. One TripAdvisor traveler notes, “It was such a comfortable and unique way to spend two beautiful days together AND be on the water with a Boston skyline!”
7. ModernCottage, Vancouver, Canada
Weekly Rate Range: $1,323 – $1,654
Sprouting up from among the trees overlooking Pender Harbor, this modern architectural marvel has the look of a giant wooden box resting on a steep hill. It comes complete with chic décor and great views of the surrounding wilderness.
8. Elk Run, Crested Butte, Colorado
Weekly Rate Range: $2,550 – $6,662
Say hello to the “not-so-little” house on the prairie, offering enough space to sleep 12 and access to over 800 acres of land for hiking, biking, fishing and snowmobiling. One TripAdvisor traveler raves, “This rental was our very best over a period of 30 years of renting.”
9. Anna Maria Island Private Tropical Garden Home, Holmes Beach, Florida
Weekly Rate Range: $1,399 – $2,599
With a tropical garden and waterfall pool right in its backyard, travelers staying at this rental may not find many reasons to leave “home” during their vacation. As one TripAdvisor traveler puts it, “Our island oasis was every bit as advertised. It was tough just to leave the backyard paradise to run out for replenishments.”
10. 18′x86′ Houseboat for Weekend Rentals, Knoxville, Tennessee
Nightly Rate: $900
For travelers with strong sea legs, the 18′x86′ Houseboat offers not only a unique vacation rental experience but also plenty of amenities, including an upper deck hot tub, two entertainment bars and a gas grill with eight burners.
Additional Vacation Rentals Survey Findings
– Twenty-five percent of respondents said they usually book their rental home more than six months out, while 28 percent typically book three to six months in advance.
– Thirty-two percent of travelers said their favorite feature of rental homes is that they sleep more people, followed by 22 percent who cited access to common areas and 17 percent who said they enjoy the ability to have homemade meals with their travel companions.
– Twenty-nine percent of respondents said they either always or often stay at the same vacation rental year after year.
– Thirty percent of travelers think that on average, the vacation rental homes they stay at are nicer than their actual homes.
– Forty-nine percent of respondents said their main concern about staying at a vacation rental is that it will not be as advertised.
“From castles to railcars to thatched huts, there really is a rental home out there for everyone’s tastes and needs,” said Bryan Saltzburg, general manager of new initiatives at TripAdvisor. “Our list of the quirkiest vacation rentals on TripAdvisor showcases the broad range of properties available. Where you stay really can be one of the highlights of your trip.”
Source: TripAdvisor
Missile Defense makes significant financial gains under Obama
Riki Ellison, Chairman and Founder of the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance (MDAA), www.missiledefenseadvocacy.org has reviewed the FY2011 Missile Defense Budget released on February 1st by the Department of Defense which offers a substantial increase to the total budget for missile defense. This increase recovers close to half the amount that was cut by the President and Secretary Robert Gates a year ago.
Ellison is one of the top lay experts in the world on the topic of missile defense. His comments and observations include the following:
“Early this week, President Barack Obama’s administration and the Department of Defense announced a substantial increase to the 2011 Missile Defense Budget. The amount, $9.42 billion, equals a 6.13 percent increase from the 2010 budget. This increase, $577 million, recovers close to half the amount that was cut by the President and Secretary Robert Gates a year ago. “
“President Obama has heard the American People; last year a national poll showed nearly nine out of ten people supported missile defense in the United States. This trend was seen across party lines as Democrats, Republicans and Independents were nearly equal in their support. Nearly eight in ten Americans (78%) think research and development of new missile defense systems to protect against future ballistic missile threats is extremely or very important. The majority of the American Public opposed the $1.2 billion cut that President Obama made last year to Missile Defense.”
“To take the change in context, President Obama’s Missile Defense Budget request is 1.19 percent of the Department of Defense Budget. The funds are used for non-lethal and purely defensive weapons systems that do not harm or kill. There is no question as the threat continues to advance more support continues to be needed. “
“One outstanding concern of the President’s 2011 budget request is the lack of deployed sensors, communications and integration that would fully enable the Administration’s Missile Defense Plan to achieve one of its goals; to defend our regional interests, including our deployed troops and allies, in the time frame he set out. Another concern is the continued modernization of the GBIs and the bi-annual testing required for high confidence in the system.”
Ellison closed with: “We are in a world that presents a devastating threat to our public safety and national security as our President clearly stated ‘Now, even as we prosecute two wars, we’re also confronting perhaps the greatest danger to the American people — the threat of nuclear weapons’.”
Among the highlights of the 2011 Missile Defense Budget Request are:
– Increase of development funding of $359 million for the Ground Based Interceptors.
– Plans to construct 38 GBI silos and to buy 56 GBIs.
– A significant reversal from the 30 silos and 44 GBIs from last years request.
– Increase of 249 THAAD (142) and AEGIS SM3 (107) land and sea-based regional missile defense interceptors for a total of 867 by 2015.
– Upgrades of 3 additional Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Ships.
– Addition of three new Missile Defense programs:
– $256 million for the Land-Based SM3 program that will go to over a $1.0 Billion by 2015.
– $99 million to Directed Energy Programs.
– $67 million for a future space based satellite sensor constellation called Precision Tracking Space System (PTSS) that will go to $1.2 Billion by 2015.
– Increase to $1.47 billion (up $31 million) for the AEGIS program.
– Increase to $1.0 billion (up $52 million) for the Patriot Terminal Defense interceptors and systems.
– Increase to $1.11 billion (up $290 million) for missile defense testing and targets.
– Increase to $319 million (up $63 million) for co-development with Japan on the Sea Based SM3-BlockIIa interceptor.
Credit Card Act in effect this month: CESI Debt Solutions offers practical advice
Consumers will find additional protections, but only if they pay attention
Nine months after being signed into law, on February 22 the second wave of pro-consumer credit card laws go into effect. In many ways the new legislation will protect consumers. But, there are potential pitfalls that consumers need to understand.
“Consumers who don’t read their monthly statements could fall victim to changing terms and conditions,” said Neill Ellington of CESI Debt Solutions. “Many people may be surprised because they don’t know that changes are coming.”
According to a national CESI Debt Solutions survey, more than one-third of Americans (36 percent) did not know changes are coming. Even those who are aware of the changes might not know what to watch for.
Consumers should watch for:
Over-the-limit fees: Credit card companies may no longer impose fees that would put the account over the set limit without cardholder consent to the processing of over-the-limit transactions. What may catch consumers off guard is that the option to opt-in to receive this “benefit” may be contained within a monthly statement or mailing, and may automatically take effect unless the cardholder opts out.
Changing terms: Creditors no longer have the right to make significant changes to accounts without full disclosure in writing 45 days in advance of the change. If you read your credit card statements, you can prevent being blindsided by huge interest rates, increased requirements for minimum payments and fee increases.
Co-signer requirements: Consumers under the age of 21 will be required to provide a co-signer on all credit card applications to assure debt will be repaid. According to a nationwide CESI survey, 87 percent of respondents reported that they would be “unwilling to co-sign for someone under the age of 21 to get a credit card,” compared with 10 percent who said they would co-sign and 3 percent that responded not applicable.*
“Co-signing can be a gamble. Are you comfortable with the risk associated with being responsible for another person’s credit card use?” asked Ellington. “Another concern is that this may make young people who don’t have a co-signer seek unconventional sources of lending like payday lenders or pawn shop loans.”
*The CESI Debt Solutions survey was conducted by Public Policy Polling and surveyed 426 Americans during December 28-29, 2009.
Source: CESI Debt Solutions
CDA: Obama should end the Cuba Travel Ban and stop wasting U.S. funds on regime change effort
Sarah Stephens, executive director of the Center for Democracy in the Americas, issued the following statement about the Foreign Aid budget request for 2011 which proposes $20 million in wasteful spending on regime change programs for Cuba:
“Unless it’s okay for the United States government to waste money on foreign aid programs that don’t work, the Obama administration should remove the $20 million in spending it has proposed on ‘regime change’ on Cuba.
“Many activities funded by this program are illegal in Cuba, would certainly be illegal if Cuba conducted them in our country, and they have long histories of wasteful spending in the U.S. and hurting the intended beneficiaries in Cuba. Activities funded by this program recently landed a U.S. contractor in a Cuban prison. If you ever wanted to find a wasteful and counter-productive foreign aid program, this is it.
“The paradox is this: not one of these wasteful programs can hold a candle to the one policy change that would pour American information and ideas into Cuba, and bring both countries together – namely, ending the travel ban that stops all Americans from visiting the island and engaging the Cuban people, a ‘program’ which would cost the taxpayers nothing.”
The Center for Democracy in the Americas (CDA) is devoted to changing U.S. policy toward the countries of the Americas by basing our relations on mutual respect, fostering dialogue with those governments and movements with which U.S. policy is at odds, and recognizing positive trends in democracy and governance. For more information about CDA, visit our website.
CDA’s report, “9 Ways for US to Talk to Cuba and for Cuba to Talk to US,” published last year, recommended ending counter-productive ‘regime change’ programs and relying instead on policies of engagement to advance America’s interests and lead to normal relations between the U.S. and Cuba.
Source: The Center for Democracy in the Americas
D-Link wins big at 2010 Consumer Electronics Show
Boxee Box by D-Link, Pebble(TM), Home Automation Products Take Home 15 Awards
When the curtain closed on the recently concluded Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, D-Link, one of the world’s largest computer networking companies for home and business, returned home with 15 best product honors.
D-Link debuted a complete lineup of new products under this year’s theme, “Link Your Life”, all geared to making the digital home more entertaining, more secure and more energy efficient with the latest connectivity solutions.
The biggest winner was The Boxee Box by D-Link, a beautifully designed, full-featured media player that allows users to gather, organize and stream their favorite movies, TV shows, music and photos from their PC, home network, storage devices and the Internet to their HDTV using only a remote control with QWERTY keyboard. No PC is required. Users can also share their content with friends and relatives over social media sites, ie: Twitter, Facebook and others, directly from the TV. It took home the following awards:
- Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) Best of Innovations in the Home Theater category
- Yahoo/CES Last Gadget Standing Winner
- Laptop Magazine Best in Show
- Popular Science Magazine Product of the Future
- G4 TV Best in Show
- CNET-TV Best in Show Finalist, Home Theater category
- Business Solutions Magazine Top 10 Best Gadgets at CES
- Global Marketing Partners’ Top CES Innovative Technology
- Dave Graveline’s “Into Tomorrow” Dave’s Top 10 @ CES 2010.
- Digital Trends “The Top 10 Best Gadgets at CES 2010
- Global Marketing Partners CES Innovative Technology Top 10
The D-Link Pebble(tm), another media player that attracted media attention at CES for its full-featured functionality, attractive design, compact size and affordable price, earned the following accolades:
- CEA Innovations Honoree in the Home Theater category
- Laptop Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Finalist
Also winning the coveted CEA Innovations Honoree award was D-Link’s Home Monitoring Starter Kit that provides an affordable, easy-to-use and innovative way for homeowners and tenants to employ a higher level of security for their property and its occupants, and the D-Link Home Energy Starter Kit, the first product that lets consumers measure energy consumption of their various home electrical appliances.
Toyota announces comprehensive plan to fix accelerator pedals on recalled vehicles and ensure customer safety
Rigorously Tested Reinforced Pedals Will Eliminate the Excess Friction that Caused Sticking Toyota Will Make Concerted Effort to Repair Recalled Vehicles as Quickly and Conveniently as Possible
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc., announced it will begin fixing accelerator pedals in recalled Toyota Division vehicles this week. Toyota’s engineers have developed and rigorously tested a solution that involves reinforcing the pedal assembly in a manner that eliminates the excess friction that has caused the pedals to stick in rare instances. In addition, Toyota has developed an effective solution for vehicles in production.
Parts to reinforce the pedals are already being shipped for use by dealers, and dealer training is under way. Many Toyota dealers will work extended hours to complete the recall campaign as quickly and conveniently as possible, some even staying open 24 hours a day. The company has also taken the unprecedented action of stopping production of affected vehicles for the week of February 1.
“Nothing is more important to us than the safety and reliability of the vehicles our customers drive,” said Jim Lentz, president and Chief Operating Officer, TMS. “We deeply regret the concern that our recalls have caused for our customers and we are doing everything we can – as fast as we can – to make things right. Stopping production is never an easy decision, but we are 100% confident it was the right decision. We know what’s causing the sticking accelerator pedals, and we know what we have to do to fix it. We also know it is most important to fix this problem in the cars on the road.”
Lentz added: “We are focused on making this recall as simple and trouble-free as possible, and will work day and night with our dealers to fix recalled vehicles quickly. We want to demonstrate that our commitment to safety is as high as ever and that our commitment to our customers is unwavering.”
On January 21, Toyota announced its intention to recall approximately 2.3 million select Toyota Division vehicles equipped with a specific pedal assembly and suspended sales of the eight models involved in the recall on January 26.
Toyota vehicles affected by the recall include:
– Certain 2009-2010 RAV4
– Certain 2009-2010 Corolla
– 2009-2010 Matrix
– 2005-2010 Avalon
– Certain 2007-2010 Camry
– Certain 2010 Highlander
– 2007-2010 Tundra
– 2008-2010 Sequoia
No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and certain Camry models, including Camry hybrids, all of which remain for sale.
Further, Camry, RAV4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) that begin with “J” are not affected by the accelerator pedal recall.
In the event that a driver experiences an accelerator pedal that sticks in a partial open throttle position or returns slowly to idle position, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes. The brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist, requiring stronger brake pedal pressure. The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.
Detailed information and answers to questions about issues related to this recall are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
How Toyota Will Fix Recalled Vehicles
Toyota has pinpointed the issue that could, on rare occasions, cause accelerator pedals in recalled vehicles to stick in a partially open position. The issue involves a friction device in the pedal designed to provide the proper “feel” by adding resistance and making the pedal steady and stable. The device includes a shoe that rubs against an adjoining surface during normal pedal operation. Due to the materials used, wear and environmental conditions, these surfaces may, over time, begin to stick and release instead of operating smoothly. In some cases, friction could increase to a point that the pedal is slow to return to the idle position or, in rare cases, the pedal sticks, leaving the throttle partially open.
Toyota’s solution for current owners is both effective and simple. A precision-cut steel reinforcement bar will be installed into the assembly that will reduce the surface tension between the friction shoe and the adjoining surface. With this reinforcement in place, the excess friction that can cause the pedal to stick is eliminated. The company has confirmed the effectiveness of the newly reinforced pedals through rigorous testing on pedal assemblies that had previously shown a tendency to stick.
Separately from the recall for sticking accelerator pedals, Toyota is in the process of recalling vehicles to address rare instances in which floor mats have trapped the accelerator pedal in certain Toyota and Lexus models (announced November 25, 2009), and is already notifying customers about how it will fix this issue. In the case of vehicles covered by both recalls, it is Toyota’s intention to remedy both at the same time.
Source: Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
Next Generation Weather Environmental Satellite Marks Major Milestone
The development of a new series of weather and environmental monitoring satellites has marked a significant milestone with the delivery and the beginning of spacecraft integration efforts for a key science instrument.
The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) will be one of five instruments to fly on the National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System (NPOESS) Preparatory Project (NPP) spacecraft. VIIRS is regarded as a key component in NPP’s suite of instruments because it will provide highly detailed imagery of clouds, vegetation, snow cover, dust storms, sea surface temperature and other environmental phenomena.
NPP is a joint mission to extend the time series environmental data records initiated with NASA’s Earth Observing System, including measurements made by the Terra, Aqua, and Aura satellites, and to provide risk reduction for NPOESS instruments, algorithms, ground data processing, archive, and distribution prior to the launch of the first NPOESS spacecraft.
“The delivery of the VIIRS instrument marks a long awaited and huge step towards completing the integration of the NPP mission. VIIRS will be the fourth flight instrument integrated onto the NPP spacecraft, only the CrIS instrument remains,” said Ken Schwer, NPP Project Manager at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.
The Raytheon Corporation, El Segundo, Calif., built VIIRS under contract to the NPOESS prime contractor, Northrop Grumman. The ITT Corporation, Fort Wayne, IN, is building CrIS also under contract to the NPOESS prime contractor, Northrop Grumman. Ball Aerospace and Technologies Corp., Boulder, Colo., under contract to the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center built the NPP spacecraft and is performing the integration and checkout of the NPP spacecraft.
NPP is scheduled for launch in Fall 2011 aboard a Delta rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif.
The NPP Project is a joint effort of the NPOESS Integrated Program Office (IPO), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NASA. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center manages the NPP mission on behalf of the Earth Science Division of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters.
NPOESS represents the next-generation low-Earth orbiting weather and climate monitoring satellites that will provide operational and long-term weather and climate data for both military and civilian use for the next two decades.
The NPOESS will collect a massive amount of very precise earth surface, atmospheric and space environmental measurements from a variety of on-board sensors. This volume of data will allow scientists and forecasters to monitor and predict weather patterns with greater speed and accuracy.
For more information about NPOESS, visit: http://jointmission.gsfc.nasa.gov/
2010 Carnegie Science Awardees announced
Carnegie Science Center announced the winners of its 2010 Carnegie Science Awards, sponsored by Eaton Corporation.
Carnegie Science Center established the Carnegie Science Awards program in 1997 to recognize and promote outstanding science and technology achievements in western Pennsylvania. Celebrating its 14th year, the Carnegie Science Awards have honored the accomplishments of more than 250 individuals and organizations that have improved lives through their commitment and contributions in science and technology.
“This is Eaton’s thirteenth year as a sponsor and we are proud to be associated with a program that recognizes corporations and individuals devoted to science and technology,” said Jerry Whitaker, president of the Americas for Eaton Corporation’s Electrical Sector. “These regional assets have an impact that expands far beyond their local footprint into the global marketplace.”
The Carnegie Science Awards program helps fund Science Center exhibits and educational programs that reach thousands of young people to broaden their perspective about careers in the fields of science and technology,” said Ron Baillie, Henry Buhl, Jr. Co-Director of Carnegie Science Center. “And through our Science Connections mentoring program, many of the awards recipients engage young people in the real-world practice of the sciences.”
“Each year the Carnegie Science Awards shines the spotlight on extraordinary researchers, entrepreneurs, and educators working in science and technology fields,” said Ann Metzger, Henry Buhl, Jr. Co-Director of Carnegie Science Center. “Our region generates amazing talent and cutting-edge technology and advances in science-related industries. The Awards program recognizes the best and the brightest the region has to offer.”
Awardees will be honored during a formal celebration at Carnegie Music Hall on May 7, 2010. Keynote speaker for the ceremony is Chris Carmichael, founder and CEO of Carmichael Training Systems, Inc. (CTS) and personal coach to cancer survivor and seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong.
2010 Carnegie Science Award recipients include:
Chairman’s Award
Thomas E. Starzl, MD, PhD
Advanced Manufacturing Award
C. Edward Eckert, PhD
Apogee Technology, Inc.
Advanced Materials Award
Di Gao, PhD
University of Pittsburgh
Analysis & Reporting Award
Luis Fabregas
Andrew Conte
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Catalyst Award
Allegheny County Health Department
Corporate Innovation Award
McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine
Elementary Educator Award
Beth Cooper
Butler Area School District
Middle Level Educator Award
Arlynn Adamerovich
Ligonier Valley Middle School
High School Educator Award
Jeanne Campbell Suehr
Yough School District
School District Award
Franklin Regional School District
University / Post-Secondary Educator Award
Alison Slinskey Legg, PhD
University of Pittsburgh
*Special Achievement in Environmental Education Award*
Laura Branby
Wendy Kedzierski
Jim Palmer
Creek Connections, Allegheny College
University/Post-Secondary Student Award
Bryan Brown
University of Pittsburgh
Emerging Female Scientist Award
Charleen T. Chu, MD, PhD
University of Pittsburgh
Start-Up Entrepreneur Award
Razi Imam
Landslide Technologies, Inc.
Entrepreneur Award
Lalit Chordia, PhD
Thar Technologies, Inc.
Environmental Award
Devra Davis, PhD
Environmental Health Trust
Information Technology Award
Luis Von Ahn, PhD
Carnegie Mellon University
Life Sciences Award
Andrew Schwartz, PhD
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
2010 Carnegie Science Award Honorable Mentions include:
Analysis & Reporting Award
Jeff Fraser
Pittsburgh Quarterly
Catalyst Award
Terrence Collins, PhD
Institute for Green Chemistry
Corporate Innovation Award
Plextronics, Inc.
Elementary Educator Award
Daniel Arnold
George C. Marshall Elementary School
High School Educator Award
Evelyn Breitigan
Avella Area Junior/Senior High School
High School Educator Award
Jade Leung
Shaler Area High School
University / Post Secondary Educator Award
Thad Zaleskiewicz, PhD
University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg
Start-Up Entrepreneur Award
Patrick Daly
Cohera Medical, Inc.
Emerging Female Scientist Award
Kacey Marra, PhD
University of Pittsburgh
Emerging Female Scientist Award
Alison Barth, PhD
Carnegie Mellon University
Environmental Award
Gregory Lowry, PhD
Carnegie Mellon University
*New Award for 2010*
Source: Carnegie Science Center