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New Media News Every Morning

MyWiiStory.com invites Wii owners to share their stories

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Nintendo has set up MyWiiStory.com, a place where Wii owners and their friends or family have been gathering to post real-life anecdotes about the way Wii has changed their social dynamic or even their opinions about video games.

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“Everyone’s a gamer and every gamer has a Wii story to share. We want all Wii owners to go to MyWiiStory.com to further demonstrate the extent to which we have brought new players into the world of video games,” says George Harrison, Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications.

One story came from a certain Randy Bhaga:

I always liked to bowl, although I wasn’t very good at it, but I had to stop 4 years ago when I was diagnosed with bone cancer. A few months ago we purchased a Wii and I was able to bowl again. We have major family tournaments and I have hit ‘PRO’ status. Thanks to Wii I am able to enjoy one of my life’s pleasures again.

Originally posted on October 10, 2007 @ 8:50 am

eBay adds “Neighborhoods”

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As part of its “philosophical shift” to improve its sluggish performance, online auction giant eBay plans to launch its own social networking service called “Neighborhoods”.

In eBay’s words, “Neighborhoods are places for people like you who want to connect via their shared passions for products and topics. You can jump right in, or just come by and watch – it’s up to you.” It brings together all the important features of eBay such as guides, reviews, eBay blogs, photos, and comments between sellers and buyers.

This centralized approach will make it easier for buyers to find products related to their interests. Currently, there are about 600 neighborhoods in eBay including coffee lovers, Apple iPhones, jewelries, Star Wars, and foodies.

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Apparently, it is very easy to get lost in this site given its more than 560 million products in the inventory. Neighborhoods is a new customer-friendly service geared towards bringing back its folksy appeal and building a sense of community.

Originally posted on October 9, 2007 @ 11:39 pm

Sugar Inc. acquires Coutorture Media

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coutr.gifSugar Inc., an online media network dedicated to women, has acquired Coutorture Media, an online fashion community of over 230 of the most insightful, inspiring, and well-read style websites and blogs. This blog network will continue to operate independently.

This acquisition further demonstrates Sugar’s commitment to create the best and most relevant online communities for women.

“The addition of Coutorture to our company will provide us with the opportunity to further integrate fashion and technology, while providing readers with access to a network of high-end fashion blogs,” said Brian Sugar, founder and chief executive officer of Sugar Inc.

“Today’s announcement begins a new chapter for Coutorture and our member blogs, enabling us to better serve our many talented independent publishers, strengthen our hold on the marketplace, and work closely with Sugar Inc. properties,” said Julie Fredrickson, founder and Editor in Chief of Coutorture Media.

Originally posted on October 9, 2007 @ 9:12 am

Microsoft now a member of the America Supports You Team

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asu.gifMicrosoft Corp. has joined the America Supports You team as part of its ongoing commitment to recognizing the dedication of members of the U.S. armed forces and their families.

The company’s engagement with America Supports You is a natural extension of its existing work with America Supports You grassroots organizations such as the United Service Organizations (USO).

“As the demands of service continue to challenge and strain America’s armed forces, domestic efforts to support soldiers and their families grow increasingly important. Joining American Supports You is a key part of Microsoft’s commitment to our troops and provides our company with an effective way to plug into sustaining efforts that touch hundreds of thousands of families,” said Curt Kolcun, vice president of the Federal Division at Microsoft.

Through another venture with the USO, Microsoft is equipping USO service centers around the world with Xbox consoles and the Xbox LIVE online game service, enabling tens of thousands of U.S. military personnel to play video games with friends and family across a high-speed connection.

Originally posted on October 9, 2007 @ 11:17 am

Nursesavvy.com helps you choose the best doctor in town

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901amNursesavvy.com is an online medical information service established to provide the general public with nurse based recommendations as to which doctors they would choose for a variety of medical problems resulting in quality healthcare for everyone.

The logic of this site is anchored on the fact that nurses work closely with doctors and witness the results of surgeries, procedures and diagnostic pursuits by doctors. They also see successes, complications and failures of doctors as well as the grace and expertise of with which they respond to this. Moreover, the 2006 Gallop Poll has shown that nurse ranked first for the eighth year in a row as the most trusted profession.

The data gathered for the website will be obtained through an online survey and written questionnaires from thousands of nurses across Massachusetts and New England. Never before have nurses been polled on a scale this large in an effort to provide patients with a better doctor choice.

Information obtained will be made available online to consumers. Each recommendation will include the physician’s address, phone number, type of insurance accepted and office hours.

Originally posted on October 9, 2007 @ 10:25 am