> Members of the Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) have started two projects following the forum's third quarter meeting: one that will shrink tunable laser assemblies and another that will address OSS control plane management. Both are essential to further optical network development. Details.
> Cincinnati Bell (NYSE: CBB) is honoring the troops by sharing its VIP seating at next month's Cincy Bell/WEBN fireworks event with families who have lost a loved one in Iraq or Afghanistan. News release.
> 'Tis the season for investor conferences: Tellabs (Nasdaq: TLAB) will give a presentation at the Morgan Keegan 2010 Technology Conference Aug. 12 in New York, with a live webcast available on its web page. News release.
> Houston-based data center and bandwidth provider Alpheus has expanded its metro Ethernet network footprint to over 50,000 buildings in major Texas cities. News release.
> BigBand Networks (Nasdaq: BBND) is partnering with IP distributor CLAdirect to design and deploy service provider networks using video-networking platforms to the Latin American and Caribbean markets. News release.
And finally... Verizon FiOS wants kids to get up and away from the TV screen once in a while--and so to encourage this has teamed with Sportskool for a free video-on-demand program called "Coaches & Parents: It's More Than A Game." Thirteen episodes will feature advice and tips from pro athletes and experts. News release.