Saturday, March 22, 2014

Academy of Scuba is Now Operation Blue Pride’s West Coast Training Facility for Disabled Veterans

See What New Partnerships Mean for Operation Blue Pride

Phoenix, AZ, March 21, 2014 - Academy of Scuba announced today it has been selected as the West Coast training site for Operation Blue Pride (OBP) scuba certification program for veterans. OBP is a nonprofit organization out of Chicago focusing on scuba dive training for veterans who are severely mentally and physically injured. Diving is part of their rehabilitation and helps them integrate back into society while providing them with a sense of adventure and accomplishment.


Once scuba certified, veterans will help with conservation projects through Operation Blue Pride. Currently OBP is working on a new partnership with Atlantic White Shark Conservancy. AWSC's vision is to increase knowledge of Atlantic white sharks and change public perception to conserve the species and ensure biologically diverse marine ecosystems.

Operation Blue Pride and Atlantic White Shark Conservancy will be raising funds to send OBP veterans on white shark research and tagging trips with four veterans joining each trip. Academy of Scuba is slated to start training veterans in May 2014, and is looking to train over 50 people in the next 12 months.

Specially trained staff at Academy of Scuba will work with the specific needs of the veterans. Staff at Academy of Scuba have been trained by the following agencies: Handicapped Scuba Association (HSA), NAUI Adaptive program, and the SDI Scubability program.

Academy of Scuba has multiple locations in Phoenix Arizona, that is easily accessible from the West Coast and their facilities allow dive training year round. Operation Blue Pride is using Scuba Emporium, out of Chicago, for the East Coast training facility.

“The two new locations give OBP the opportunity to go above and beyond its original amount of veterans to certify. Both locations bring years of experience with a true passion to help veterans and do whatever they can do to help our returning veterans without exploiting them. I am really looking forward to this year’s new partnership,” said Chris Maddeford, from Operation Blue Pride.

“What’s great about this program is that they get scuba certified which is a great first step, but it’s only the beginning because the good they can do with the conservation programs through Operation Blue Pride will benefit them and the oceans,” said John Flanders, CO at Academy of Scuba.

“OBP is eager to get our veterans enveloped in this exciting partnership to continue our mission of having returning combat veterans help save our oceans' marine life, while self healing,” said Madderford.

“I think it’s invigorating,” Flanders said. “When you have someone who has gone through a traumatic situation, and they get in the water, it’s great seeing the spark in their eyes. These veterans are amazing and they want to prove to themselves that they can overcome obstacles. The sense of pride they show sends shivers up your spine and can bring a grown man to cry.”

To watch an informative and motivational video of Operation Blue Pride click here. ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBFnMY1aCEs )

About The Academy of Scuba™
Academy of Scuba Inc., with multiple locations in Arizona, is a PADI Five Star IDC Training Facility, a DAN Training Center/Business Member, a DEMA Member, and a member of the Better Business Bureau. The Academy of Scuba is an industry innovator for developing, implementing, and reinforcing advanced level Scuba diver training programs. The Academy of Scuba focuses on training with an emphasis to create “great divers”. The sole purpose of the Academy of Scuba is to not just put people in the water, but to keep people in the water. The Academy of Scuba assists divers in increasing enjoyment, adventure, and safety through better education and more frequent dive experiences. Visit Academy of Scuba at http://www.academyofscuba.com/

Contact:
Scott Kelly
Black Dog Promotions
9920 S. Rural Rd., Ste 108
Tempe, AZ 85284
480-206-3435
scott@blackdogpromotions.com
http://www.blackdogpromotions.com

Doctored, Inc. Releases New Doctored App on the Apple App Store

An interactive app that keeps you vying for the highest desirability ranking, now available for iOS 4.3+

Bartlett, IL, March 22, 2014 - Available now, Doctored app allows players to compete with friends, and others from all over the world, for the highest desirability ranking based on the collective results of what is most desired in an ideal partner. Choose from hundreds of physical features, fashion and accessory options for your character and see how you rank. With billions of character combinations to set you apart and keep you enthused, Doctored is entertaining for all ages. The app is currently available for $0.99 on the Apple App Store and is for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch users with iOS 4.3 or later. The app is optimized for iPhone 5. With 16 languages available, the app is responsive to players from all over the world. A FREE version that will include advertisements is coming soon!


Playing Doctored is a cinch! Create an “Ideal Partner” and your selections will be combined with all other players to determine what is most desirable. Then, evolve your character and learn how desirable you are against all other players that match your character’s gender, based on the most desired physical traits, fashion and accessory choices. This game doesn’t judge, it simply lets you know what others want in an “Ideal Partner” and whether or not you’ve got it going on. You have the option to continuously improve your character to achieve the highest desirability ranking and modify your “Ideal Partner” as your tastes change. New products will be added every month. Build a friend pool and stay in touch with their character creations and rankings. Share your character and Ideal Partner on FaceBook™ as you compete for the 100% desirability ranking. Earn Doctored Dollars through trivia challenge or purchase Doctor ed Dollars directly to enhance your physical traits with virtual surgery, or the latest in fashion additions. The options are plenty and new products will be added monthly. Your desirability ranking is what it’s all about! https://itunes.apple.com/app/doctoredapp/id777499017?mt=8

Doctored, Inc. is kicking off with an in app promotion that will allow players (2) a chance to win an Apple iPad Mini Retina 16GB or a $25 iTunes gift card (6). See contest rules for details.

Please visit http://www.doctored-inc.com for more on Doctored. To schedule an interview, please contact: Christina Bouza, Director of Content, CJ Creative Solutions, at Telephone: (630)277-8207 or Email: doctored@cjcreativesolutions.com.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Navigate our instructional video to learn more on how to play: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mnk6a-3GyB4

Contact:
Gene Coots
Doctored, Inc.
1180 Beechtree Lane
Bartlett, IL 60103
630-277-8207
doctored@cjcreativesolutions.com
http://www.doctored-inc.com