Dear Agony, the 4th release from multi-platinum rockers BREAKING BENJAMIN (Ben Burnley, vocals/guitar; Aaron Fink, guitar; Mark James, bass; Chad Szeliga, drums), has been certified Gold by the RIAA, marking sales in excess of 500K.  Released September 29, 2009, the CD debuted #4 on Billboard's Top 200 chart on one of the busiest release days of the year and #1 iTunes Rock Album Chart.  Dear Agony also spun off a #1 song at Active Rock with "I Will Not Bow" where it stayed #1 for five weeks straight.  Their latest single "Give Me A Sign" was the #1 Most Added song upon release and is rapidly moving up the Active and Modern rock charts.  

Recently the band took time to shoot the video for "Give Me A Sign" with acclaimed director Nigel Dick and, while singer Ben Burnley hasn't divulged the concept, he added an element of suspense by stating that he hoped fans of the band would "recognize and be excited by the inclusion of certain key characters from the band's past".

Dear Agony marks the third straight Breaking Benjamin/David Bendeth collaboration.  The first two—2004's We Are Not Alone and 2006's Phobia—yielded spectacular results with each being certified Platinum.

We Are Not Alone spawned a pair of # 1 radio hits ("So Cold" and "Sooner Or Later") and sold 2.3 million units (albums and digital tracks). Phobia debuted at # 2 on Billboard's Top 200, hit # 1 on the Rock Album Chart and was one of the top 50 selling rock albums of 2006. It featured one # 1 and two Top 5 rock radio hits ("Breath," "Diary of Jane," and "Until The End") and sold 2.8 million units (albums and digital tracks).

Citing "the greatest fans in the world" and a heavy touring schedule for their continued success, BREAKING BENJAMIN will embark on a headline tour that kicks off March 13 in Poughkeepsie, NY and will feature Chevelle, Red and Thousand Foot Krutch as support.  Following that headline run, the band will hit the road with Nickelback April 6.

For all tour information and current news, check out www.breakingbenjamin.com

SOURCE Hollywood Records

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FINCAD, the industry standard for financial analytics, announces the launch of its next generation derivatives analytics solution for software developers, F3 SDK.

F3 SDK is a software development kit that provides developers with the ability to embed FINCAD's most flexible analytics solution into new and existing systems. Suitable for software developers working in banks, hedge funds or application providers that need to respond to rapidly changing market and regulatory requirements, F3 SDK is a highly flexible analytics solution that provides access to objects at a granular level, which allows customization of everything from date conventions to payoff schedules.

Built on a stateful, object-oriented architecture, F3 SDK can price virtually any deal including complex trades and structured products. A simple API makes integration with existing systems a relatively simple task, and its ability to map to existing trade representation languages means smoother integration and faster time-to-market.  An important advantage of this design is that products can be described and managed without programming.

SimCorp, a leading global provider of advanced front-to-back systems for investment management institutions, is the first company to employ the F3 SDK technology. Soren G.A. Pedersen, Vice President for Partner Development at SimCorp said, "FINCAD allows us to respond to customer demands for timely, accurate pricing for more complex derivatives in SimCorp Dimension. F3 SDK can scale with our business, so we can support our clients as their needs change and grow."

"We designed this solution with our customers' needs in mind," said Bob Park, President and CEO, FINCAD. "Risk Managers value the fine-grained risk; Network Architects appreciate the ease of integration; and Department Heads will gain efficiency because financial engineers can prototype deals using F3 SDK and hand them to developers who will be able to integrate the code without requiring Finance knowledge."

"The combination of calculated first order risk for every market data input, a stateful environment, and grid capability enable efficient scenario analysis and stress testing," said Dr. Mayiz Habbal, Senior Vice President, Head of Capital Markets, Celent.  "Derivatives players will need flexible solutions with these types of capabilities to anticipate and comply with changing regulations."

For more information about F3 SDK visit: www.fincad.com/f3-sdk

About FINCAD

Founded in 1990, FINCAD provides software and services supporting the valuation and risk management of cross-asset class derivatives and fixed income securities to banks, corporate treasuries, asset management firms, auditors, and governments. FINCAD is the industry standard for financial analytics used by more than 35,000 financial professionals in over 80 countries. Over 70 FINCAD Alliance Partners embed FINCAD analytics within their solutions. FINCAD provides sales and client services from Dublin, Ireland and Vancouver, Canada. For additional information, visit www.fincad.com.

SOURCE FINCAD

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Less is definitely more – especially when it comes to paper and plastic that are typically thrown away. Extending its commitment to environmental sustainability, AT&T* today announced a transition to smaller and more eco-friendly packaging for the wireless device accessories it sells. In addition, AT&T unveiled requirements for manufacturers of mobile phones to reduce the environmental impact of future handsets.

AT&T estimates that the packaging improvements for device chargers, cases, batteries and data cables will help to avoid more than 200 tons of wasted plastic and paper in 2010.   According to earth911.com, recycling one ton of plastic saves 7.4 cubic yards of landfill space, and recycling one ton of paper saves more than 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space.  So the environmental equivalents of the packaging changes equate to avoiding more than 1,100 cubic yards of landfill space – enough to house nearly 10 school buses – by the end of 2010.  

Packaging Enhancements For Accessories

AT&T is working with suppliers of mobile phone accessories to use less plastic and paper in our packaging. For example, the packaging for batteries and data cables will change from plastic "clam shell"-style packaging to small, recyclable paper boxes. The packaging for protective phone cases and car chargers will change to slimmer packaging.

This change will eliminate more than 60 percent of the paper and more than 30 percent of the plastic previously used for accessory products. In addition to containing less paper and plastic, the improved accessory packaging will be printed using non-petroleum-based inks.

"These improvements are sound business decisions, but more importantly, they significantly reduce the impact of this packaging on the environment," said Jeff Bradley, senior vice president, Devices, AT&T. "This is a small but meaningful next step that AT&T decided to take, and we are pleased to deliver new packaging alternatives that are recycled, can be recycled, and generate less waste."

New Manufacturing Requirements for Wireless Phones

In 2009, AT&T introduced significant environmental requirements and goals associated with the manufacturing of new wireless devices to be sold by AT&T. The requirements were developed in cooperation with mobile phone manufacturers. The requirements begin to take effect for new wireless phones this year with all goals and requirements being met by the end of 2011. These include:

• Suppliers will be required to reduce packaging, use non-petroleum based inks and use recycled materials for in-box documentation of new devices.
• Seventy-five percent of new devices will be at least 65 percent recyclable. By weight, most of the new phones AT&T sells will be made of materials that can be recycled when the phones are retired.
• A majority of new devices will comply with the GSMA Universal Charging Solution. This will allow consumers to use a single, more energy-efficient charger with most new devices.
• All new devices will be compliant with the European Unions' Restriction of Hazardous Substances mandate. This directive restricts the use of lead, mercury, and other hazardous materials used in electronic equipment.
• Suppliers will be required to assert that all devices delivered to AT&T have avoided virgin materials mined in conflict zones within the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

"We have been working closely with our device manufacturers to establish environmentally friendly manufacturing standards that can be implemented now," Bradley said.  "This is the beginning of an ongoing collaboration with our suppliers, and we'll explore together more ways to soften our impact on the environment."  

AT&T also supports the environment through recycling, alternative fuels, and a focus on energy.  All 2,000-plus AT&T company-owned retail stores accept wireless phones for recycling.  By the end of 2011, AT&T anticipates collecting roughly 14 million wireless devices for recycling. This translates to keeping more than 920 tons of primary materials and more than 13 tons of toxic waste out of landfills.  AT&T plans to invest up to $565 million to deploy more than 15,000 alternative-fuel vehicles thru 2018. AT&T also works to enhance energy performance, reduce energy consumption, and is tapping into alternative energy sources such as wind and solar power.

For more information about how you can recycle with AT&T please visit www.att.com/recycle. For more information about AT&T's sustainability efforts, please visit www.att.com/sustainability or www.att.com/csr.  

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. AT&T offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse(SM) and AT&T | DIRECTV(SM) brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T's Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and advertising sales. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE® magazine's list of the World's Most Admired Companies.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.  This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at www.facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.

© 2010 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 3G service not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

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Warm up to spring with Krispy Kreme's sweet, new take on banana-inspired favorites.

Now through April 18, Krispy Kreme is putting its own twist on two recipes that are known for delivering temptingly-tasteful results and are ripe with flavor — banana pudding and banana cake. Recognized as a traditional Southern favorite, Krispy Kreme infuses the old-fashioned goodness of banana pudding into its Banana Pudding doughnut — which has a Banana Kreme™ filling, and is then topped with vanilla icing and crunchy vanilla wafer crumbles. A perfect complement to complete the pair is the Banana Caramel Cake doughnut. This yummy cake treat is glazed and then generously drizzled with a scrumptious caramel icing.

"Krispy Kreme's banana-inspired delights could become your new indulgences whether or not you're a true banana lover," said Ron Rupocinski, corporate chef at Krispy Kreme. "If you've been missing grandma's luscious banana pudding or delectable banana cake, stop by your local Krispy Kreme store for the Banana Pudding and Banana Caramel doughnuts and celebrate the simple pleasures of classic comfort food. While there, pick up a dozen or two to share with family, friends and colleagues!"

Krispy Kreme's Bananas promotion is available now, and will remain in participating U.S. Krispy Kreme retail stores through April 18. Product offerings will vary by markets.

For updates on special promotions, exclusive offers and local events, join "Friends of Krispy Kreme" by visiting www.KrispyKreme.com, or interact with Krispy Kreme at www.facebook.com/KrispyKreme and www.twitter.com/krispy_kreme.

About Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme is an international retailer of premium-quality sweet treats, including its signature Original Glazed® doughnut. Headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C., the company has offered the highest-quality doughnuts and great-tasting coffee since it was founded in 1937. Krispy Kreme is proud of its Fundraising program, which for decades has helped non-profit organizations raise millions of dollars in needed funds. Today, Krispy Kreme can be found in approximately 560 locations around the world. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. (NYSE: KKD) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Visit us at www.KrispyKreme.com.

SOURCE Krispy Kreme

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With spring training in full swing in Arizona and Florida, baseball fans can hit one out of the park with applications found on Verizon Wireless phones, running on the nation's largest and most reliable wireless voice and 3G data network.

Get a Jump on the Season

Taking a last-minute road trip to spring training?  Available on Palm® Pre™ Plus and Palm Pixi™ Plus, the Palm App Catalog offers Verizon Wireless customers a way to stay entertained during the trek to the Grand Canyon or Sunshine states.

• Baseball Fans – This $3.99 app gives customers access to the latest news, videos, stats, standings and scores for all 30 professional baseball teams so they can catch up on their favorites on the way to spring training sites.
• License Plate Game – This multi-player classic road trip game ($1.49) entertains users as they travel the highways to Florida and Arizona by keeping track of the different license plates that they see while riding as a passenger in a vehicle.  Verizon Wireless reminds customers that they should never use data services or apps while they are driving.  Please visit http://aboutus.vzw.com/wirelessissues/driving.html for more information about Responsible Driving.
• GoodFood – Restaurants Near You – This free app has an interactive map so users can view restaurants nearby, which they can filter by cuisine or price to find the best place to eat during their trip.

Share the Spring Training Experience

Apps found in the Media Center/Get it Now®, available on 3G Multimedia Phones and Simple Feature Phones such as the LG enV®3, LG VX8360 and Samsung Trance™, give hardcore fans at spring training ways to keep family and friends up to speed on their activities.

• Photobucket Mobile Uploader – This $2.99 app automatically saves every action shot and fan photo directly to customers' Photobucket accounts so they can share their spring training experiences with fellow fans near and far.
• FOX Sports Ultimate – This downloadable sports experience, available for $4.99, features live play by play, breaking news, scores and stats.  Fantasy baseball updates also let users keep track of their teams and make trades while checking out the new and veteran talent during spring training.
• WeatherBug – Rain delays don't always have to ruin the day.  For a $2.99 subscription, users can always be informed and prepared with live local weather, severe weather alerts, detailed forecasts and international weather, giving baseball lovers plenty of time to make other plans if games are cancelled.

Find Entertainment After the Games

Whether celebrating a win or complaining about a loss, apps in Android Market™ on DROID by Motorola help customers find the best post-game entertainment and plan the rest of their time at spring training.

• Pro Baseball Live – When the final strike has been called and the stands have emptied, customers can relive the games with live play by play on the free Pro Baseball Live app.  They can also view the latest standings, easily keep track of their favorite teams, and connect to their Facebook® and Google accounts to chat with other fans.
• Bars & Clubs – This free app gives customers turn-by-turn directions to the nearest bars, which they can filter by category, including sports bars, and distance.  With so many superstar coaches and players exploring spring training cities, there may even be a chance to buy a drink for a favorite baseball legend.
• HotelsByMe – Hotels & Hotel Reservations – Fans who decide to stay an extra night to take in even more spring training action can use the free HotelsByMe app, which allows customers to find and book hotel properties with real-time search for availability and rates and a secure and fast booking process.
• Sixt Rent a Car – Need a last-minute rental car to get around Arizona or Florida?  The free Sixt Rent a Car application provides one-click access to local Sixt stations and reservation confirmation via SMS or e-mail.

To purchase any of the devices mentioned or for more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 91 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with  83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (Nasdaq and LSE: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless

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