Tag Archives: Oklahoma Business

New Young Adult Fantasy Drama Promotes Forgiveness and Acceptance

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. /ScoopCloud/ -- K.J. Blocker has created an alternative universe, like no other can, in his newly-released book, "Treasure of the Magical Mine Moppets" (ISBN: 978-0999150740). Published by Mindstir Media, the book's motive is to foster kindness and understanding.

"Enter a magical world where corn grows as high as the clouds and salt can be worth more than gold," Blocker says.

While this fantasy drama is written for young adult audiences, it's really a story that everyone can enjoy and take something away.

The story centers around three generations - Jimmy Powers, a nine-year-old boy, who has unsuccessfully devoted his life trying to be noticed by his father, Tom, and Tom's father, Pappy, who has suddenly appeared after being absent for most of Tom's life. How will they all learn to connect?

Well, the author has created a world where a mile beneath the earth live wondrous, iridescent little creatures, happily working and playing. However, the world above is not so magical. Here lurks the evil, Mr. Withers, a greedy banker, who wants to destroy all Tom has worked for. And, if they don't find a way to defeat him, Tom's family will lose everything. Together, they will learn that family and love are the only things that can destroy evil.

In the U.S. Review of Books, an organization that connects authors with professional book reviewers, one reviewer stated, "There's a very Disney-like feel to this opening chapter that immediately drops a hierarchy of relatable characters into an environment that is beyond ordinary."

Readers are sure to discover magic and adventure in moppet land. The book is available from major retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

For more information and to watch a promotional video, visit: http://www.kjblocker.com/.

About the Author:

K.J. Blocker is president of JAF Industries, an entertainment products company. He is an author, an inventor, an artist and an entrepreneur. This is his first book in what he plans to be a trilogy. His hope is to deliver a message that brings home the importance of love, acceptance and forgiveness. He lives in Oklahoma City with his wife and their four children.

*Photo for Media: Send2Press.com/300dpi/17-0731s2p-treasure-mine-300dpi.jpg

*Photo Caption: Book jacket, "Treasure of the Magical Mine Moppets," by K.J. Blocker.

Twitter: @KJBlocker

K.J. Blocker has created an alternative universe, like no other can, in his newly-released book, "Treasure of the Magical Mine Moppets" (ISBN: 978-0999150740). Published by Mindstir Media, the book's motive is to foster kindness and understanding.

Related link: http://www.kjblocker.com/

More Than Two Thirds of Americans Not Prepared for Disability

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. /ScoopCloud/ -- The average American Fidelity Assurance Company long-term disability is nearly three years. Even though one in five adults experiences a long-term disability, most Americans are ill-prepared to cover expenses if they are unable to work (note 1). The average American could not cover a $400 emergency without selling some of their possessions and 69 percent have less than $1,000 in savings (notes 2, 3).

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median weekly earnings of full-time workers in the U.S. in the fourth quarter of 2016 were $849 (note 4). Based on that weekly earning amount, workers would need $132,444 in savings to cover the lost income from the average long-term disability claim length of three years. On top of that, they would need funds to cover any medical expenses not covered by major medical insurance and their co-pay and/or deductible.

American Fidelity provides Disability Income Insurance to help protect Customers if they can't work due to a covered injury or sickness. It provides steady benefits to cover expenses, paying a percentage of the Customer's gross monthly earnings. American Fidelity provides disability insurance and many other supplemental benefits through employers in the education, municipal, auto and healthcare industries.

One teacher recently learned of the benefits of Disability Income Insurance as she prepared for surgery. "I was so surprised to find that my benefits would cover my extended recuperation even though it was summer time. Teachers don't take the summer 'off,' as they have mandatory trainings, planning sessions and continuing education classes. Unfortunately, my medical condition was going to make me ineligible for these salary earning opportunities. Having surgery is very stressful. The fact that I did not face financial worries at the same time is priceless." Deborah Sullivan, Seneca Valley High School, Germantown, Maryland.

Learn more about Disability Income Insurance at: https://americanfidelity.com/for-individuals/employee-benefits/disability-insurance/.

About American Fidelity:
American Fidelity Assurance Company is a supplemental benefits provider with a focus on offering a different opinion for Customers in education, municipality, auto retail and healthcare. It serves more than 1 million Customers across 49 states. More information can be found at https://americanfidelity.com/.

American Fidelity has earned an "A+" (Superior) from the A.M. Best Company since 1982. One of the nation's leading insurance company rating services, A.M. Best conducts a strict review process for financial stability every year.

American Fidelity has recognized as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work for in America" by global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work(R) and Fortune Magazine 11 times.

The Company was also selected for several other lists by Fortune in the past year, including, Best Workplaces in Finance and Insurance, Best Companies for Giving Back, Best Workplaces for Women, Best Workplaces for Diversity and the Human Capital 30: Companies that Put Employees Front and Center.

Contact:
Lindsey Sparks
Senior Public Relations Specialist
Lindsey.Sparks@americanfidelity.com
405-523-5901

Melody Wortmann
Assistant Vice President, Corporate Communications, Creative Services and Culture
Melody.Wortmann@americanfidelity.com
405-523-5979

NOTES -- Sources:
1. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, April 20, 2015 https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/features/key-findings-community-prevalence.html
2. Federal Reserve, May 2016 https://www.federalreserve.gov/2015-report-economic-well-being-us-households-201605.pdf, page 9
3. GOBankingRates.com Survey 2016 https://www.gobankingrates.com/personal-finance/data-americans-savings/
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Jan. 24, 2017 https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/wkyeng.pdf

ESB-5796-0517

The average American Fidelity Assurance Company long-term disability is nearly three years. Even though one in five adults experiences a long-term disability, most Americans are ill-prepared to cover expenses if they are unable to work (note 1). The average American could not cover a $400 emergency without selling some of their possessions and 69 percent have less than $1,000 in savings (notes 2, 3).

HostBridge Technology CEO Russ Teubner named an IBM Analytics Champion

STILLWATER, Okla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Russ Teubner, founder and CEO of HostBridge Technology(R), has been recognized as an IBM Analytics Champion for 2017.

The IBM Champion program recognizes individuals who make extraordinary contributions in the technology community by advocating IBM solutions, sharing knowledge and expertise, and helping nurture and grow communities.

Teubner has championed the IBM z Systems mainframe and its enterprise-class transaction server systems, applications, and databases. He is a frequent presenter at conferences and regularly contributes articles with leading industry publications.

"I am honored to receive this recognition from IBM," Teubner said, "and I am deeply appreciative when IBM customers turn to HostBridge for assistance leveraging z Systems to address today's biggest market drivers - cloud architectures, mobile data access, and end-to-end analytics."

For more than 30 years, Teubner has been discovering ways to integrate large-scale IBM systems with other existing and emerging technologies. He developed the first JavaScript-powered API/Web services solution for integrating CICS(R) applications and IBM(R) z Systems(R) data assets with cloud, mobile, Web, and other enterprise applications; the first Redis(R) solution for enabling customers to share DB2(R), VSAM(TM), and other system-of-record data with applications on any platform, as well as other products for modernizing and extending z Systems at the lowest possible cost.

About HostBridge Technology:

HostBridge Technology provides high-performance, high-precision integration and optimization software for IBM(R) z Systems(TM) and CICS(R). Using our patented products, customers integrate anything mainframe with anything distributed, optimize z Systems performance, reduce the cost of mainframe ownership, and improve information-driven business processes. Founded in 2000, HostBridge Technology has built a reputation for meeting the toughest challenges with the simplest, most flexible solutions and counts many of the largest companies in the world as loyal customers.

For information, visit http://www.HostBridge.com/.

HostBridge and the HostBridge logo are trademarks of HostBridge Technology. IBM, z Systems, z/OS, DB2, VSAM, CICS, and IMS are trademarks of IBM. Redis and the Redis logo are trademarks of Salvatore Sanfilippo. All other trademarks mentioned are property of their respective owners.

*PHOTO for media: Send2Press.com/mediaboom/17-0509s2p-Russ-Teubner-300dpi.jpg
*Photo Caption: Russ Teubner, CEO, HostBridge Technology.

Russ Teubner, founder and CEO of HostBridge Technology(R), has been recognized as an IBM Analytics Champion for 2017. Teubner has championed the IBM z Systems mainframe and its enterprise-class transaction server systems, applications, and databases. He is a frequent presenter at conferences and regularly contributes articles with leading industry publications.

Two Companies Are Answering the Demands of the Housing Market Shortage in Southern Oklahoma

DURANT, Okla. /ScoopCloud/ -- Green Oaks Development Corp. and Campbell Real Estate Group, two premier real estate development companies best known for their elegant custom-built residential projects and reputation for value and functionality, announced a recent partnership to develop a new master planned community, Pebble Brook Village, featuring 115 residential lots with minimum size of 1/2 acre per lot.

This partnership comes at an opportune time when quality and affordable housing has been scarce, making the demand for housing in and around the area very prevalent. Green Oaks Development Corporation and Campbell Real Estate Group, LCC have wasted no time in getting started on a unique village that will not only be open to everyone without age restriction, but will feature amenities such as a full-service club house, green belts, pocket parks and walking trails.

Pebble Brook Village will be developed in Calera, Oklahoma which is nestled approximately 2 miles east of Lake Texoma (one of the largest reservoirs in the U.S.) and popular for its variety of equestrian trails, stripper bass fishing, boating and other recreational activities found within Platter Flats campground. In addition to its close proximity to many tourist attractions, Pebble Brook Village is merely 5 miles from Choctaw Casino Resort which is well-known for its comfortable ambiance, exclusive gaming, fine dining, and luxury lodging.

The term "modern architecture" means many things to many people, but for those who choose to own a home within this new community, here's the full scope of what Green Oaks Development Corporation and Campbell Real Estate Group, LCC promise to deliver with Pebble Brook Village:

Affordability:

The group is offering high-end properties starting at $200,000 with a low property tax rate of only 1 percent, making this exclusive housing community a real bargain.

Lot Area:

All lots will have a minimum size of 1/2 acre and all houses to be built will be restricted to a minimum of 1,800 sq. ft.

Quality Craftsmanship-built Homes:

Pebble Brook Village homes are built to be move-in ready. The plans for each house are approved by an architectural committee prior to construction. Thus, compliance to building guidelines is ensured and strictly enforced. This master planned community of homes will also be custom-designed with modern architecture steeped in a traditional American style.

Prime Location:

Pebble Brook Village is strategically located near Durant, Oklahoma and just a few short miles away from Texoma Medical Center and Alliance Health, both of which have been lauded for their excellent standards in patient safety and quality.

The new housing community is also conveniently situated near downtown where art galleries, coffee shops, and bustling commercial centers abound.

Job growth:

Nearby job opportunities have also made this area a real value for homebuyers, and as more and more people move in, companies like Commercial Metals Company (CMC) have started to take notice and understand the importance of being near highly-skilled and experienced labor, making Pebble Brook Village a great destination for young professionals, families, and everyone in between.

More About Pebble Brook Village:

With only 110 lots available at $25,000 per lot, Pebble Brook Village is a residential project that can be considered a promising solution to the demands of the local housing market shortage while simultaneously delivering on high-end quality, exceptional service, and affordable pricing.

More information: http://duranthomesforsale.com/.

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/OfUmjXCJq8M.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Brian Allen
Campbell Real Estate Group
chifriedchicken@gmail.com
580-980-4226

Green Oaks Development Corp. and Campbell Real Estate Group, two premier real estate development companies best known for their elegant custom-built residential projects and reputation for value and functionality, announced a recent partnership to develop a new master planned community, Pebble Brook Village, featuring 115 residential lots with minimum size of 1/2 acre per lot.