The Consumer Electronics Show is coming up in January, and we’ll be there again!  And… we’ll be offering a service that will get your CES-attending clients a ton more PR for months to come.  We’re going to be producing Features and Vignettes for our clients and PR firms again — starting at CES in Vegas.

Two years ago, at the request of ClearChannel Radio, we started producing one to two minute Features for them to air.  And air they have!

They’ve each aired more than one hundred times — including during the Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck shows.  Talking about great coverage!

The stations they’ve been airing on love the spots, and the companies we talk about have had tons of PR, so there’s been a lot of interest in having us start doing them again.

For the first time ever, we’re going to be recording our Features/Vignettes production from the floor of the show.  We’ll finish the production over the following weeks and will be sending the finished Features off to our affiliate stations the week after.

We’ll be charging for production, and we’ll distribute them to our ClearChannel affiliates in Boston (who have been sending them to other ClearChannel stations around the country). You can send them off to any other stations you think might be interested in some good content — netting your client some more PR

Drop us a line if you’d like to know more, and we’ll be sending out more info over the next couple of weeks to have CES-related Features produced.  It will be on a first-come, first-served basis as we can only produce and air about a dozen a month.

If you have any questions about our Features production, please contact producer+features at my website at CraigPeterson.com

Wow.  What a lifechanger — something I’ve never said before, at least when it comes to a computer accessory.  Kids are another matter entirely   Definitely a lifechanger.

This external battery fits quite nicely into my briefcase and powers my MacBook Pro 15″ for more than 13 hours!  That means I can go a whole day of using my Laptop without ever having to plug it in.  I never have to worry about going to a meeting, working at Panera or watching the kids play sports.  I always have all the power I need.

I even have it powering my iPod, my cell phone (which I use for Internet access) and my Laptop at the same time.

As I said, a lifechanger.

From their website: “HyperMac is the ONLY external battery and car charger solution that works with ALL MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro (supports dual voltage) [models]. Available in 4 different sizes (60~222Wh), the HyperMac battery also powers the iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS and all other USB devices.”

HyperMac even sells a very well-designed car adapter, which lets you run your Laptop off any standard 12V power source.  That means that you don’t have to use the external battery in your car, RV, boat, on some airplanes and even via Solar Cells!  I had bought the DC adapter that Apple sells, and this HyperMac adapter is the one Apple should be selling.

- Safer than power inverters as you aren’t running the voltage up to 110VAC, which can present a real health hazard
- Almost twice as efficient as inverters, it’s 92% efficient, saving you $$ in the long-run.
- Cleaner power signal important for high fidelity performance means fewer problems with your Laptop, iPhone/iPod or other accessories
- Half the size of any inverter and power adapter combinations

This small and highly-functional adapter is a true winner.

Following the EPA 511 Guideline test protocol, Blade underwent independent testing by the nation’s premier emissions testing lab, the Automotive Testing and Development Services, Inc. (ATDS).  ATDS is approved by the EPA and licensed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) 

EPA guidelines for a fleet of five vehicles state that the fuel economy increase must average three percent to be considered a real effect. The fleet of five Bladed vehicles tested – including 4 cylinder, 6 cylinder, 8 cylinder, foreign, domestic and Hybrid vehicles – averaged a four percent increase.  This achievement is historic as it has never before been demonstrated by any aftermarket device.

TABLE 1: For each car tested, CO₂ reduction and fuel economy increases often exceeded expectations:

Vehicle Type CO₂ Emissions Reduction (up to … ) Fuel Economy Increase (up to…)

2004 Honda Civic 6% 6%

2008 Hyundai Sonata 12% 12%

2007 Ford E-250 6% 5%

2008 Pontiac G6 6% 4%

2007 Toyota Prius 6% 3%

William J. O’Brien CEO, Founder

In addition to leading Sabertec, Mr. O’Brien is a co-founder and general partner of Saber Capital. In this capacity, Mr. O’Brien oversees the selection and management of the investment firm’s portfolio companies. Mr. O’Brien served as Chairman and CEO of Octave Software, a provider of next-generation content management solutions. In addition to launching Octave’s product line, Mr. O’Brien developed its key partnerships, recruited its managers, and played an instrumental role in securing its major customers. He also led the company in a $4 million preferred round financing from Sigma Partners. Mr. O’Brien was also actively involved in the direction of Saber Capital’s Austin-based professional services firm, Neogent, Inc., which it funded in 2000 and sold to Sun Microsystems (NASDAQ: SUN) in 2006. Mr. O’Brien also holds board seats at San Jose based, Jetalon Solutions, a maker of precision, liquid chemical sensor and control systems. Since the initiation of Mr. O’Brien’s involvement, the company has increased shareholder value nearly 17x. Before co-founding Saber Capital, Mr. O’Brien spent over 12-years in the high technology industry, most recently serving as Vice President of Sales for the Americas at Vignette Corporation (NASD: VIGN). Benefiting from Mr. O’Brien’s direction, Vignette became the fastest growing enterprise software company in industry history, with annual revenues growing from $3 million to over $500 million in a three-year period.

About Sabertec

Sabertec, based in Austin, Texas, is on the vanguard of solving environmental challenges through technology, education and the inspiration of behavioral change. Sabertec products reduce fossil fuel burning engine emissions that are known contributors to global warming, as well as health consequences including cancer, strokes and respiratory diseases. Launched in 2008, Blade, www.bladeyourride.com is the company’s first consumer product available in the United States. Blade was developed utilizing Sabertec’s patent-pending impact filtration method, which is the core technology in their IDPF product. IDPF has been reducing toxic diesel particulate matter emissions on commercial bus fleets in Sao Paulo, Brazil since 2005.  www.Sabertec.org

Sabertec’s product, Blade easily attaches to the tailpipe of a car to reduce CO2 emissions and toxic particulate matter – a type of pollution that includes dust, soot, and tiny bits of solid materials suspended in the air.

President Obama has spoken about the need to increase the production of sustainable energy here in the US and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.  Although his ideals may be laudable he does not understand the infrastructure to make it happen.  Congresses legislative push to make this happen has caused numerous problems around the world included massive food shortages and riots over food.  Although it is technologically possible to retrofit automobiles to accommodate sustainable fuels such as biodiesel there are significant stumbling blocks to making it work seamlessly.  Our entire infrastructure is based on petroleum distribution.  The cars were designed to run on petroleum and the government created laws and rules that all but eliminated diesel for passenger cars in favor of gasoline.  Going from petroleum diesel to bio-diesel is not a huge jump however going from gasoline to bio-diesel creates a technological and supply rift that must be overcome before it will be viable.  Bio-diesel needs to be made from sustainable crops such as algae and stink-weed that do not affect the world food supply.

There are many who are lamenting about the economy and the end of American manufacturing — but John Fox of Innovation Fuels has taken the bear by the scruff of the neck and now produces up 950,000 barrels of biodiesel a year.  They export over 80 percent of that to Europe because our automotive diesel industry dwindled due to a lack of understanding by congress who imposed legislation that favored gasoline over diesel.

Among alternative fuels, biodiesel is growing rapidly.  Made from vegetable oils and animal fats the biodiesel is being blended with petroleum diesel fuel by Innovation Fuels into the finished product which is being sold to power diesel engines and to heat homes.  The advantage of biodiesel over full petroleum diesel is that it produces 60 percent less greenhouse gases than diesel.  Biodiesel provides a substantial reduction in exhaust emissions, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, unburned hydrocarbons and black smoke.  It is safe to say then that using biodiesel helps to protect the environment and that is good for all our health.  John Fox puts his money where his mouth is and drives a car that runs on biodiesel.  He says there is no noticeable difference when driving this vehicle because biodiesel releases the same amount of power as petroleum diesel. It also provides the same lubricating function as petroleum diesel with low sulfur. Additional benefits of using biodiesel is that it is a renewable resource that can be produced here in the United States reducing our demand on imported oil and it is safer to transport than gasoline.  This cheaper alternative can be used in any diesel engine or home heating oil burner.  There are major technological hurdles required to change our infrastructure from petroleum based vehicles to electric vehicles including the development of a clean power grid.  The research and development will depend on huge outlays of private funds and protection of the private intellectual property.  The technological development of high mileage vehicles will make the US economically competitive for decades on the international marketplace.  The US is on the threshold of a vital and transformative change and getting biodiesel and other sustainably powered vehicles into production and then on the road is the future of the American Auto Industry.

About John:

John Fox is President and Chief Executive Officer of Innovation Fuels. He has been building businesses and product offerings for the past 15 years, seven years of which have been in US energy industry. Mr. Fox started a renewable energy project development company, Homeland Energy Resources Development, Inc. in 2001, and subsequently its biodiesel division in 2005, which was merged into Innovation Fuels. He led Homeland Energy to an average 50 percent year-over-year revenue growth and managed a team that developed more than $5 million alternative fuel projects. Prior to founding Homeland Energy, Mr. Fox led the business development of a biogas technology company, the financing of an independent oil and gas company, and the product development of a Lucent Technologies company. Since 1991, Mr. Fox has served as General Partner at Renard Properties, a Mid-Atlantic real-estate development and management company. He holds a BA from Syracuse University and an MBA from Columbia Business School and is currently a member of the National Biodiesel Board, American Council on Renewable Energy, Environmental Business Association of New York State, and U.S. Green Building Council. 

About Innovation Fuels:

As a leading biodiesel manufacturer, Innovation Fuels cares about making the world a better place to live today and tomorrow. But taking care of our customers is our number one business priority. Our goal is to help you choose biodiesel as a viable, sustainable, high-performance fuel. Let us put our extensive experience in the fuel industry to work for you.

Biodiesel is the fastest growing alternative fuel. It’s clean and non-toxic so it’s good for you. It’s high-quality and easy to integrate into your operation so it’s good for your business. And it’s biodegradable and renewable so it’s good for the world. Biodiesel contains no petroleum but it can be blended at any level with petroleum diesel and works in any diesel engine.

Innovation Fuels…Good for You, Good for Your Business, Good for the World.

Additionally, their Servace Alloy product is used by some of the most prestigious country clubs in the nation.  They are specialty small electric vehicles that brush and roll clay tennis courts and cause no noise pollution and cost only about seventy-five cents a night to charge.  They also build mini ambulances for use in production plants and large theme parks.  Due to their size they can be used in crowded areas where a full size unit cannot operate.

In 2009 they will introduce a new mini hybrid fire truck specifically designed for the forest industry.  They are the leader in the airline industry where they design an manufacture push back tractors, belt loaders, and high lifts on both their electric and hybrid chassis.

About John:

John graduated from Forest Hill High School in West Palm Beach, Florida and went right into running his own company. John’s company manufactures (and mainstreams) diesel-hybrid and electric vehicles. Their cars, trucks, etc. are pulling US Airways passenger jets on the tarmac at some of America’s busiest airports and are on the short list to save the U.S. military billions in fuel costs by supplying them with vehicles.

About Giliberti:

Giliberti is a research, development & manufacturing company for vehicles in the airline, golf, tennis, and emergency medical services (EMS) industries.

The quality of our vehicles is the highest priority for Giliberti. We work closely with our customers to insure our products are not only the finest built, but are also serve a variety of needs and purposes.

Giliberti’’s mission will always be to develop, design and manufacture efficient, affordable, and reliable electrically powered utility vehicles to meet our customers needs. We have never lost sight of this goal and keep it at the forefront of every project we undertake. Giliberti continues to be on the cutting edge by finding new opportunities to design and develop products to meet niche market needs.

The hardware in the vehicle opens the door for revolutionary new technologies services to be introduced such as voice-based email, vehicle control from an iPhone, real-time diagnostics and remote emissions inspections provide real benefits for the consumer.

Similar to cell phone application stores, HUGHES Telematics will provide drivers with the ability to add applications, content, functionality and services to their vehicles. These services may include traffic management tools, customized weather notices, social networking applications and other location based services instead of simply relying on product planners to predict what will be current in three years, five years, ten years.

In the near future drivers will have access to “virtual accessories” Hughes Telematics will provide drivers with the opportunity to purchase connected accessories such as navigation, satellite radio and Bluetooth at any time after purchasing the car. These accessories come built in to every car, and the drivers can choose how and when to activate such as for a one time use, one month, or lifetime.  This technology will do for the vehicle what USB did for the computer. Hughes Telematics is the first in the industry to achieve Next Generation Telematics Architecture, which is both flexible and open, allowing the ability to add services, content providers and applications long after the purchase of the vehicle.  This means that they are able to future-proof tomorrow’s cars with a combination of connectivity to the vehicle and their Next Generation Telematics Architecture gives them the ability to continually update the vehicle’s capabilities protect obsolescence as future services are introduced.

One of the core values of Hughes Telematics is simplicity.  The technology leverages natural voice recognition allowing drivers to speak naturally in their own words to activate services.  This eliminates the need to memorize key words and is as simple as having a conversation.

HUGHES Telematics is a tier-one supplier to Chrysler and Mercedes and will be launching “connected car” service with both companies in calendar year 2009.  While the initial service will be focused on safety and security, the company has developed an industry-first auto communications platform that includes:

About Eric:

Erik Goldman is President of HUGHES Telematics, a telematics service company that is majority owned by Apollo Management, one of the world’s largest private equity firms. He has served in this position since the company’s inception in 2006.

Prior to joining HUGHES Telematics, Goldman spent nearly 25 years in varied engineering, operations and business development roles in the telecom and telematics industries. Most recently, Goldman served as Vice President of SkyTerra Communications, where his responsibilities included acquisition, development and corporate oversight of the organization’s portfolio companies in the wireless and satellite services industry.

Prior to SkyTerra, Goldman served in leadership roles developing military communications networks with Raytheon and Mitre Corporation, commercial mobile wireless businesses with dbX Corporation, a holding company established to invest in, develop and operate new businesses in the telecom, paging and satellite communications industry and most recently was with Leo One Worldwide where as Vice President of Technology & Strategic Development he led the development of a global Telematics solution for the automotive industry.

Goldman earned his MBA from the University of Michigan, a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois. He has written numerous white papers, and has published in the International Journal of Satellite Communications. In addition, he has held a number of government security clearances including Top Secret and holds a U.S. Patent, with several others pending.

About Hughes Telematics:

They are delivering the next generation of vehicle information-based technologies and services – today. Their patented systems allow complete connectivity to any make or model vehicle, but that is just the beginning. What really differentiates them from other companies is their broad portfolio of services. Each designed to significantly improve vehicle and customer relationship management potential while greatly reducing costs. Whether in the business of automotive manufacturing, dealer operations, fleet management or affiliated services such as insurance or car rental, we can help map out the fastest road to greater efficiency and revenue. They will also demonstrate solutions never thought practical.

In today’s economic climate, this ability to bring innovative technology to the masses is more important now than ever before. So at the recent Consumer Electronics Show, Ford announced the revolutionary Ford SYNC with Traffic, Directions and Information.

Beginning this Spring, drivers of Ford cars and trucks will be able to get personalized, real-time information by using simple voice commands.  Ford is able to bring these innovations to market quickly by partnering with INRIX and other best-in-class technology companies.

INRIX was selected to power the personalized traffic, directions, and alerts that are delivered to drivers via voice and SMS alerts on their phones. INRIX’s traffic, directions and alerting technologies transforms the in-car navigation experience into one as personal as the contact list on your phone. SYNC users can get answers to questions such as “Traffic Ahead,” “Fastest Route Home,” and “Traffic Around Me,” leveraging the integrated GPS feature in new vehicles shipping with Ford SYNC. That is the kind of personalized service consumers – and the marketplace – require right now in order to stay afloat and to thrive.

The technology in the new SYNC does not require a $2,000 navigation system with an in-car screen. All it requires is a cell phone with Bluetooth, which is why Ford expects to ship over 1 million vehicles with SYNC by this Fall. INRIX provides accurate real-time, historical and predictive traffic information in North America and Europe to over 65 customers including Ford, MapQuest, TomTom and the I-95 Corridor Coalition. INRIX delivers traffic reliably, quickly and better than anyone else.

About Scott

Scott Sedlik is responsible for the marketing of INRIX products and services. He has 20 years of experience in strategic marketing, product management, brand development and go-to-market strategies. He has a successful track record of building leadership positions with public and startup companies in emerging markets from early-stage to international presence. Sedlik’s domain expertise includes mobile and embedded devices, telematics, wireless, enterprise software, Internet services, and e-commerce.

Sedlik was most recently Vice President of Marketing at BSQUARE, the leading solutions provider for the smartphone and embedded device markets, where he was responsible for product management, marketing strategy, strategic planning and partnerships. He served as Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing at Sageport, an Internet services company acquired by BSQUARE in 2001. Sedlik also held Vice President of Marketing roles at InfoMove, USWeb/CKS, and at iCat Corporation, an e-commerce pioneer, where he led a large team during the rapid growth of the company and its acquisition by Intel.

Early in his career, Sedlik directed marketing and business development at Corbis Corporation and led OEM sales and product management at Reference Software International (acquired by WordPerfect). Sedlik holds a MBA from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management and a B.S. from San Francisco State University.

About INRIX

INRIX is the leading provider of real-time, historical and predictive traffic information offering the broadest coverage, exceptional accuracy, innovative technologies and a unique approach to ensuring the success of our customers’ navigation and traffic-enabled solutions.

Building on a unparalleled technology portfolio and the industry’s broadest network of partnerships, INRIX’s traffic data saves businesses and consumers time and money by predicting the future – not only showing what traffic is like right now, but what it will be like an hour, a week or even a year from now. Device manufacturers, public sector agencies, Web sites and mobile solution providers are using INRIX’s technologies and services today to deliver richer, more useful traffic services that help their customers drive smarter.

About Rick Casper:

Richard J. Kasper is the President and Chief Operating Officer, Global Electric Motorcars, LLC (GEM), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chrysler, LLC.  He was GEMs Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer until being named President and COO on December 1, 2002.

Prior to joining GEM in 1999, Richard spent 11 years with the Jack Kent Cooke organization, which included responsibilities as the Chief Financial Officer for the Los Angeles Daily News. 

Mr. Kasper received his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting at Minnesota State University ñ Moorhead (MSUM) in Moorhead, Minnesota. He was named the MSUM Business and Industry Alumni of the Year in 2002.  He is also a member of the MSUM School of Business Advisory Board. 

Richard was the Chairperson for the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA) Conference in December of 2006, the EVS-23 International Conference in December 2007 and was the Chairman of the World Electric Vehicle Association (WEVA) in 2006 and 2007.  Richard is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Fargo Moorhead.  He has also been involved in a number of community and charitable organizations including President of the West Valley Boys and Girls Club, Chairman of the Warner Center Association, Vice-President of the San Fernando Economic Alliance, and a volunteer for a number of philanthropic events.

He and his family live in Fargo, North Dakota, the headquarters for Global Electric Motorcars, LLC.

About Global Electric Motor Cars:

Global Electric Motorcars, a Chrysler company, has been in operation for ten years. Located in Fargo, North Dakota, Global Electric Motorcars manufactured its first vehicle in April 1998, a 48-volt GEM car that accommodated two passengers and had a top speed of 20 mph. Less than two months later, a significant breakthrough occurred in the market as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) designated a new class of motor vehicle, the low-speed vehicle, also known as the Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV). The low-speed vehicle class allowed GEM cars to be driven on public roads if they met certain safety criteria such as having safety belts, headlamps, windshield wipers, and safety glass. GEM cars always come equipped with these safety features making them a benchmark in the industry.

GEM battery-electric vehicles not only represent a relatively new vehicle in an emerging market segment, but also a new and growing brand within the Chrysler family. Just like Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep®, or many of the other well-established brands in the company’s portfolio, GEM stands for innovation and leadership.

Global Electric Motorcars aims to establish its brand presence both as the maker of the top-selling NEV in the market and the purveyor of one of the smartest solutions to traffic congestion and air quality problems yet to be introduced. The solution: zero-emissions personal transportation that is well integrated with traditional alternative transportation choices such as mass transit and carpooling.

GEM models are sophisticated yet simple. They represent a new kind of personal transportation, that expands the capacity to have fun. They represent a versatile and efficient way to get the job done, as well as a clean way to do everyday work. GEM cars harness and put to work the power of silence. 

Today, Global Electric Motorcars remains committed to maintaining its leadership position in the NEV market with product improvements, innovations, and offerings. Currently, GEM cars are available in six unique models and are seen in cities, master planned communities, universities and colleges, industrial complexes, security companies, airports, and resorts throughout the world. Looking to the future, Global Electric Motorcars is strategically positioned within the Chrysler family to aid in the company’s continuing efforts and commitment to developing, producing, and selling the world’s most environmentally-friendly vehicles.

Walter L. Shaw was an inventor and had an astonishing 39 patents to his credit.  His innovations have been widely used by everyone in day to day life. Some of his breakthrough inventions included the hands free speaker phone, the black box (a toll free calling device), call forwarding, the White House “Red Phone” alert system, a tone generator which later because the touch pad for touch tone dialing, conference calling, and extend-a-watts.  His inventions would take us into the 21st century, but they were all invented between 1964-1971 and his last invention of popularity was voice print recognition and was invented in 1984.  His last invention was the First burglar alarm that dialed the police.

He has been quoted as “technological genius” and but none of the accomplishments and recognitions came to his rescue at the time of death.

Walter L. Shaw was born in Vineland, New Jersey in 1917.   He started his career with Bell Laboratories in 1935.   The first invention was in 1948, the automatic loud speaking telephone–hands free, commonly referred to as the speakerphone. At Bell Labs, he invented Feedback Neutralization system and got his first patent.  In 1953, he invented two way communications Unit.

In 1954, he is commissioned by Eisenhower, The President of the United States, to design the “Red Phone” system, a direct link between the White House and the Kremlin.   Under Eisenhower’s directin, Shaw was put in the supervisory position of the Globular Communication Control Center Installation for the complte control of their telephone, telex, single-sideband radio requirements of Elmendorf Airforce Branch, Anchorage, Alaska.  Mr. Shaw was in direct control of 40 airmen for this assignment.  The “Red Phone” was developed during this time.

In 1961, Shaw and a companion, Ralph Satterfield, were arrested and charged in the free call system case by both Gerstein’s office and by New York authorities.

Shaw was again charged with two counts of attaching the devices to telephones. The charge is a misdemeanour, punishable by a maximum $500 fine and one year in prison.

The State Attorney’s office today reported the arrest in Miami of Walter L. Shaw the inventor of a device used by a bookmaking ring in New York to make long distance phone calls without paying.

In 1968, he invented automatic re-routing system for telephone subsriber station.  Now known as ‘call forwding’feature in most phones. In 1969, he invented Conference Call Equipment.  In 1971, he filed for Remote Dialling Apparatus with Encoder / Decoder Control means.

In 1995, Walter L. Shaw is re-united with his son, Walter T. Shaw after 25 years.  The elder Shaw was suffering from prostate cancer and living out the last years of his life in Reno, Nevada.   In July 1996, Walter L. Shaw loses his battle against prostate cancer.

With all his inventions and 39 patents for things we use everyday, Walter L. Shaw left this worlds unrecognized and broke.

He is posthumously given a degree from Coral Ridge Baptist University . . . although he never got to see it.   Walter L. Shaw is finally recognized for his genius and his contributions to society. He has been described as “a man out of step with the times in which he lived,” as he was far ahead of the rest of the scientific community in the world of electronics, conceptualizing 25 years ago voice and data transmission technologies regarded as common place today.

Shaw Sr., desperate for money, turned to the mafia and designed the “black box” that allowed Mob bookmakers to make toll-free, untraceable calls.   However, it was this device that landed Shaw Sr. in front of a Senate subcommittee and Robert F. Kennedy, for which he was later convicted.  Found guilty on eight counts of illegal phone usage.

Watching in anger as his father was convicted, Walter T. Shaw, son of Walter Senior, then 12, was comforted by an unlikely figure: New York mob boss Carlo Gambino.  He whispered to Walter Jr., “The only difference between us and these politicians, judges and senators, is they have a license to steal and we don’t need one.”

A LICENSE TO STEAL by Walter T. Shaw is born out of this and it’s son’s revenge and his true dedication to his father.

A License To Steal, Shaw Jr. maintains that it should have been his father who became famous. Although Shaw Sr. died penniless, he invented and patented several telephonic breakthroughs including the speakerphone, conference calling, call-forwarding and even the “Red Phone” used by the Eisenhower White House to contact the Kremlin.  However, as a systems engineer for Bell, the most powerful monopoly of that time, he was stopped from marketing his inventions.

Walter’s revenge on the rich and famous soon began.  Here are some insights:

• The FBI blamed Walter’s  crew for a staggering 3,000 jobs worth more than $70 million since the early 1970s.
• In 1968, was a recognized solider for a National Mafia boss.
• In 1969 joined the “Dinner Time Burglar” jewel thief ring (they robbed when people were home and eating dinner) and in 1974 broke off, forming his own crew
• Among their alleged victims were Liberace, the DuPonts and Firestone families
• Never caught in the act, but was ratted out and convicted on 4 different counts sentenced to 49 years of imprisonment
• Because of death threats was moved to death row in the cell next to serial killer Ted Bundy.
• Walter spent in excess of 11 years in prison.
• Lost touch with his dad. Walter Jr. eventually reconciled with his father 18 months before the elder Shaw died of cancer in 1996.

A father’s genius; a son’s revenge, but payback has its price.

May 1, 2008  Ft. Lauderdale, FL Walter T. Shaw is considered the world’s most notorious (former) jewel thief.  His long-awaited memoir, A License To Steal, (Omega Publishing, April ’08, $24.95, hardcover) chronicles the saga of his father, probably one of the most important inventors of our time, who was ripped off by corporate America and the mafia, and how this drove Walter himself to become one of the country’s most famous jewel thieves, having taken an estimated $70 million from the rich and famous from Long Island to Florida. In the forward by Frank Vincent (Phil Leotardo in The Sopranos) writes, “Full of love, fear, violence, hate and the quest for redemption, this book is an unbelievable journey through life.”

A License to Steal will soon be made into a motion picture and Walter is in talks with the major Hollywood studios.  Walter, a media darling, has appeared on Oprah, Rachael Ray, Montel Williams, and Inside Edition to talk about burglary prevention.

A LICENSE TO STEAL
By Walter T. Shaw
Omega Publishing
April, 2008
$24.95, Hardcover
ISBN: 978-0-9786059-0-2

Walter T. Shaw
Author
http://www.alicense2steal.com/