Thursday, May 31, 2007

Stefanie L. Frank Joins Goldstein Lewin & Co. as an Audit Supervisor

Stefanie L. Frank Joins Goldstein Lewin & Co. as an Audit Supervisor.

Goldstein Lewin & Co., Certified Public Accountants and Consultants, is pleased to announce that Stefanie L. Frank, CPA, has joined the firm as an Audit Supervisor. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has increased the need for experienced auditors such as Ms. Frank

(PRWEB) May 12, 2004

Goldstein Lewin & Co., Certified Public Accountants and Consultants, has just announced that Stefanie L. Frank, CPA, has joined the firm as an Audit Supervisor. In this position, Ms. Frank will provide Sarbanes-Oxley services and internal and external audit services for both public and private entities, including those that must comply with increasingly stringent SEC requirements.

Prior to her association with Goldstein Lewin, Ms. Frank was employed by a national accounting firm where she provided services exclusively for automotive dealerships. These services included general external audit reporting, internal audit procedures, internal controls testing, and consulting services. She also worked in the audit department of a Big Four accounting firm for 4 years where she worked in various industries including but not limited to consumer products, manufacturing, and apparel.

According to Ms. Frank, “While public companies must comply with the provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley, many private entities are considering adopting or have already adopted more rigorous financial reporting and internal control procedures. As a result of my previous audit and consulting experience for a broad spectrum of automotive dealerships, I can use my depth of experience and expertise to help them develop and implement financial reporting mechanisms that will allow them to operate more efficiently.”

Donald J. Goldstein, CPA, Co-Managing Partner of Goldstein Lewin & Co., adds, “The increased scrutiny of public, profit, and non-profit organizations created by recent corporate scandals has created a greater need for experienced audit personnel. Stefanie has the qualifications and expertise to provide our clients with high quality audit and consulting services.”

Ms. Frank graduated from Hofstra University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting.

With a professional team of more than 55 employees, Goldstein LewinÂ’s comprehensive range of accounting and business consulting services includes corporate governance issues, cost segregation studies that enable owners of eligible commercial properties to increase cash flow; a financial, healthcare and lifestyle eldercare management program that preserves assets, enhances quality of life and monitors health and safety; accounting and auditing; tax services; technology consulting; wealth preservation and estate planning; business valuation; financial planning, employee benefits programs and litigation consulting.

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Crystal Equity Research Initiates Coverage of Hi-Tech Pharmacal Company, Inc

Crystal Equity Research Initiates Coverage of Hi-Tech Pharmacal Company, Inc.

Crystal Equity Research, LLC initiated coverage of HI-TECH PHARMACAL COMPANY, INC. (HITK: Nasdaq) with a Buy rating based on Hi-Tech Pharmacal’s building market position and healthy cash flow generation. The Company appears to have found the right level of specialization and focus to capture market share in the highly competitive generic drug space. The full report on Hi-Tech Pharmacal is available at www. crystalequityresearch. com.

New York, NY (PRWEB) March 25, 2006

Crystal Equity Research, LLC initiated coverage of HI-TECH PHARMACAL COMPANY, INC. (HITK: Nasdaq) with a Buy rating based on Hi-Tech Pharmacal’s building market position and healthy cash flow generation. The Company appears to have found the right level of specialization and focus to capture market share in the highly competitive generic drug space. The full report on Hi-Tech Pharmacal is available at www. crystalequityresearch. com. The 21-page report includes a detailed earnings model and analysis of financial results, a discussion of accounting topics, and comments on management, governance, products, markets and competition.

HI-TECH PHARMACAL is a specialty manufacturer and marketer of generic and branded pharmaceutical products. The Company focuses on hard-to-produce liquid products as well as suspension and semi-solid therapies. The Company recently expanded its narcotic and sterile production facilities located in Amityville, New York. Consistent sequential growth in revenue and profits are the testament to Hi-Tech success as a niche player in the highly-competitive generic pharmaceuticals market place. Trailing 12-month sales were $77.5 million at the end of January 2006 compared to $29.6 million in fiscal year 2001 ending April 2001. Over 70% of is generic products, which represent 85% of total revenue, are first or second in market place. Hi-Tech’s formula is based on efforts to be early to market and a focus on products for which few competitors are expected due to high barriers to entry such as manufacturing capability. Investment in new products either through in-licensing or internal development is facilitated by the Company’s strong financial position with no debt and substantial cash balances.

CRYSTAL EQUITY RESEARCH, LLC is an impartial research resource, providing coverage of small capitalization companies in selected industries. The firm provides research reports by subscription to institutional investors, offers research consulting services to financial professionals and offers an issuer sponsored research program for qualifying companies. Additional information is available at the firm’s web site at www. crystalequityresearch. com. Crystal Equity Research is a Registered Investment Advisor with the State of New York.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME? Purchasers of this report can gain insight into the factors that could drive Hi-Tech revenue in the coming years, how Hi-Tech is positioned against its nearest competitors, and how its stock is valued in comparison to its peer group of generic drug manufacturers. List of tables, charts and exhibits:

 Table I: Hi-Tech’s Top-Selling Generic Products

 Table II: International Generic Drug Markets and Penetration

 Table III: Frequent Filers – Firms with Most Generic Drug Approvals in 2004 and 2005

Table IV: Frequent Filers - Firms with Most Liquid and Topical Approvals – 2004 to 2005

Table V: Selected Mergers and Acquisitions in World Generic Drug Industry

Table VI: Hi-Tech Insider and Significant Ownership

Table VII: Stock-based Compensation Accounting

Table VIII: Corporate Governance

Table IX: Summary Historical and Projected Sales and EPS

Table X: Flonase Unit and Dollar Sales

Table XI: Hi-Tech’s Potential in the Flonase? Fluticasone Propionate Market

Table XII: Historic and Projected Sales and Earnings

Table XIII: Peer Group Comparison - Generic Drug Developers

Chart I: Hi-Tech Sales Mix by Category in Fiscal Year 2005

Chart II: Generic Substitution Rates

Chart III: Generic Drug ANDA Submissions and Approvals

Chart IV: Hi-Tech Historic and Net Income

Chart V: Hi-Tech Quarter Sales Trends

Exhibit I: Corporate History and Stock Price Movement

Disclaimer: This publication is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy any securities mentioned herein. The information contained herein is based on data obtained from recognized sources that are believed to be reliable. Crystal Equity Research, LLC has not independently verified the facts, assumptions and estimates contained in the report. Accordingly, no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to, and no reliance should be placed on, the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information and opinions contained in the report. The information contained in the report is not and does not purport to be a complete analysis of every material fact respecting any company, industry, or security.

Most of the companies followed by Crystal Equity Research, LLC are emerging growth companies whose securities typically involve a higher degree of risk and more volatility than the securities of more established companies. For these and other reasons, the investments discussed or recommended in this report may be unsuitable for investors depending upon their specific investment objectives and financial position. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments.

Past performance does not guarantee future results. This report contains forward looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ significantly from the results described in the forward-looking statements.

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Sunday, May 27, 2007

Xmo Strata Boss Dishes the Dirt

Xmo Strata Boss Dishes the Dirt

The boss of a British company has written an explosive book accusing the sign industry of dirty tricks and giving customers 100 'awkward questions' to ask of sign companies.

MARDEN, England (PRWEB) February 1, 2008

 Steve Martin, managing director of five year old sign installation and maintenance firm Xmo Strata, says the industry which pays his bills is 'riddled with malpractice' and its adherence to critical health and safety procedures is 'lamentable'.

'Safety, Quality, Tricks and Lies: dirty tricks in the British sign industry - and 100 things your sign company doesn't want you to ask' pulls no punches and is available on Amazon and from good book shops. Many of the scams he describes probably apply on a global basis.

The author says well over $600m is spent on signage in the UK alone - mainly by retailers and the fuel forecourt industry - but the sign industry is fragmented and is led by people with low business skills. Sign firms over-claim on their capabilities and credentials, managers rarely have formal business training, and the training of employees is negligible, he says.

The book outlines several specific frauds which are allegedly commonplace and includes contributions from a corporate investigator who has worked in the industry. It gives basic how-to-buy-signs-without-being-ripped off guidance (covering sign company credentials, financials and subcontracting, the contract, project management, health and safety, and dirty tricks) as well as checklists, useful website addresses, and details of relevant organisations.

The book costs USD 29.00 and is sold on most reputable book selling websites, including amazon. co. uk (http://www. amazon. co. uk/Safety-Quality-Tricks-Steve-Martin/dp/1845491 (http://www. amazon. co. uk/Safety-Quality-Tricks-Steve-Martin/dp/1845491) 726/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1201863229&sr=1-1)

(Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.)

You can check out the author's own company at www. xmostrata. com.

Monday, May 21, 2007

Botanic Choice Announces “Win a Year’s Supply of Vitamins” Sweepstakes

Botanic Choice Announces “Win a Year’s Supply of Vitamins” Sweepstakes

To celebrate its 101-year anniversary, Botanic Choice is offering a sweepstakes to win a full year’s supply of vitamins, worth $500.

Hobart, IN (Vocus/PRWEB) January 12, 2011

To celebrate its 101-year anniversary, Botanic Choice is offering a sweepstakes to win a full year’s supply of vitamins. Entries will be accepted online at http://sweepstakes. botanicchoice. com through March 31, 2011.

A new winner will be drawn each week for a total of 13 winners during the sweepstakes period. Winners will be contacted via phone or email. Visitors can enter every week to increase their chances. There is no purchase necessary. A complete list of rules can be found on the contest website.

According to Tim Cleland, President of Botanic Choice, last year’s sweepstakes, celebrating the company's 100-year anniversary, was enormously popular with both customers and potential customers. But he says it’s more than just spreading the word about Botanic Choice, it’s about helping people achieve their goals for good health in 2011. He states, “A lot of people make ‘getting healthier’ a New Year’s resolution, and the contest is a great way to help them stick to it all year long.”

Weekly winners can select up to $50 of regularly-priced Botanic Choice merchandise and receive all of one product or any combination of products including natural vitamins, formulas for specific health concerns (vision, weight management, thyroid), spa beauty products or teas. The Grand Prize winner will be able to select up to $500 of regularly-priced merchandise from Botanic Choice.

About Botanic Choice
Indiana Botanic Gardens, Inc. is a leading provider of more than 500 high-quality nutritional supplements, including its best-selling Apple Cider Vinegar Plus with Green Tea for weight loss support. Their line of natural vitamins, aromatherapy, homeopathy, and herbal remedies are sold through their catalogs, web site, and retail store at 3401 West 37th Ave, Hobart, Indiana (1-800-644-8327). Customers can call anytime for a free catalog or stop by the store weekdays 9AM-5PM or Saturday 9AM-4PM.

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Saturday, May 19, 2007

Epocrates iPhone Adoption Tops 75,000 U. S. Physicians

Epocrates iPhone Adoption Tops 75,000 U. S. Physicians

High demand continues among healthcare professionals for valuable patient safety tools

San Mateo, CA (PRWEB) April 6, 2009

In the nine months since the launch of Epocrates® software (http://www. epocrates. com/?CID=PRiPhone) for the iPhone platform, more than 10 percent of physicians in the United States are already actively using it to improve patient care.

"In less than a year, over 75,000 physicians have adopted Epocrates on their iPhone™ or iPod touch™. These physicians tell us every day how enthusiastic they are about the new content, graphics and features that we developed specifically for this new generation of smartphones," said Jeff Tangney, president and chief operating officer of Epocrates.

The Epocrates® Rx drug and formulary guide (http://www. epocrates. com/products/rx/?CID=PRiPhone) continues to rank as the #1 free medical application downloaded in the Apple App store. Physicians and other healthcare professionals primarily use the application to access critical drug information such as dosing, adverse reactions and interactions to ensure safe prescribing and treatment.

Building on its early success, the company launched the Epocrates® Essentials premium suite (http://www. epocrates. com/products/iphone. html) for the iPhone in January. This enhanced version includes an infectious disease guide with empiric and specific treatment recommendations, hundreds of laboratory tests, convenient medical calculators and tables, and information on alternative therapies such as Echinacea and St. John's Wort. It also features peer-reviewed disease content and evidence-based differential diagnosis developed in conjunction with the BMJ Group, publisher of the British Medical Journal.

"At one point the question was, 'will patients be comfortable with their doctor looking at a mobile device'? Now that iPhone has gone mainstream, patients are almost expecting their doctor to have access to the latest information technology to obtain clinical information at the point of care," said Mark Bard, president of healthcare market research company Manhattan Research (http://www. manhattanresearch. com).

Beyond high physician usage, the company has also seen an even greater number of other healthcare professionals adopting the iPhone device to access Epocrates' free or premium software. Patients may experience their physician assistant, dentist, nurse or pharmacist using it to check for drug interactions, health plan coverage or other decision support needs.

The company is continuing to develop for the iPhone platform with more graphic-rich content and additional feature enhancements. A clinical demo of Epocrates' newest version for the iPhone can be viewed on YouTube: www. youtube. com/user/epocratespr (http://www. youtube. com/user/epocratespr).

ABOUT EPOCRATES, INC.

Epocrates is a leading provider of clinical information and decision support tools to healthcare professionals. Epocrates currently has more than 600,000 active subscribers worldwide, including more than one in three U. S. physicians and more than one in three U. S. medical students. The company's subscription-based services enable healthcare professionals to make more informed medical decisions, reduce medical errors and practice more efficiently. For more information about Epocrates, please visit www. epocrates. com/company (http://www. epocrates. com/company).

All trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

CONTACT
Erica Sniad Morgenstern
Epocrates, Inc.
650-227-6907
Pr (at) epocrates (dot) com

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Friday, May 18, 2007

Right to Play Partners with Team Columbia & Auction Cause on Cycling Experience of a Lifetime

Right to Play Partners with Team Columbia & Auction Cause on Cycling Experience of a Lifetime

EBay charity auction to include the chance to get up close and personal with some of the top cyclists in the world in France this July

New York, USA (Vocus) June 25, 2009

International humanitarian organization Right To Play (http://www. ebay. com/righttoplay) announced the latest details of its continuing partnership with top-ranked cycling team, Team Columbia, with the addition of a once in a lifetime cycling race experience for the ultimate Tour fan.

Through Auction Cause, the agency managing the listing, up to 4 people will have the opportunity to see Europe's biggest cycling event as part of a VIP Columbia Highroad Experience Package that includes:
Viewing at Historic Mountain Stage of Ventoux French Style Picnic near the Summit Paris Viewing at the Hotel Crillion Balcony-Covered VIP Section Special Guest Meetings, including one with a Seven-Time Tour Finisher Sponsor-Hosted Dinners and Lunches

The package also includes three nights accommodations, most meals, the TGV ticket from Avignon to Paris, hospitality and viewing, and all transportation in between.

The auction is running from on eBay from June 19th - 26th and can be found by visiting http://www. ebay. com/righttoplay (http://www. ebay. com/righttoplay).

"We are thrilled to work with Right to Play and Columbia Highroad to offer fans the chance to live a dream and have a racing experience in France they will not soon forget", Eric Gazin, President of Auction Cause said. "This is the biggest cycling event in the world, and to truly live in the moment with the team is something fans of other sports really do not have the chance to take part in", he added.
The Right To Play/Team Columbia partnership centres on a series of high-profile awareness and fundraising events throughout 2009, with the goal of raising over $300,000 to benefit more than 20,000 children across the world.

"Along with the entire team I'm very excited to be able to support Right To Play through the auction of these hospitality packages. The winners will get a unique Tour experience and give the gift of play to children in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world", commented Columbia Highroad cyclist George Hincapie.

Team Columbia, owned and operated by High Road Sports Inc and sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, is the youngest top-level professional cycling team in the world. It is ranked number one in the world, after winning more races in 2008 than any other professional team. Team Columbia's cyclists include 25 current or former national champions and seven current or former world champions, led by veterans like 13-time Tour de France participant George Hincapie.

The partnership with Right To Play kicked off with a workshop at the team's training camp, held in Mallorca in January 2009. The team will help to raise funds and awareness for Right To Play throughout 2009 at the Tour of California, the Tour de France and various other charity rides. Right To Play President and CEO Johann Olav Koss attended the team's media event to help celebrate the continuation and growth of the partnership.

"Right To Play had a fantastic year working with Team Columbia in 2008," said Mr. Koss, who founded Right To Play in 2000. "The team performed exceptionally well and brought tremendous exposure to our cause. We're very pleased to be expanding the partnership in 2009 to help more children around the world become healthier and happier through sport and play."

Currently supported by an international team of top athletes from more than 40 countries, Right To Play has welcomed Team Columbia to its roster of Athlete Ambassadors who act as role models to inspire children, raise awareness and promote opportunities for funding Right To Play projects.

Right To Play and Team Columbia share many important values and principles. In particular, Right To Play's emphasis on participation and inclusion aligns with Team Columbia's stance on fair and equal competition for both men and women. Team Columbia is also eager to expand its social responsibility platform by supporting the children who benefit from Right To Play programming, by tapping into major American and European markets.

About Right To Play
Right To Play is an international humanitarian organization that uses sport and play programs to improve health, develop life skills, and foster peace for children and communities in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the world. Working in both the humanitarian and development context, Right To Play builds local capacity by training community leaders as Coaches to deliver its programs in more than 20 countries affected by war, poverty, and disease in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America. Founded in 2000, Right To Play is headquartered in Toronto, Canada and has national offices in Canada, Norway, The Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The national offices raise funds, build awareness for Right To Play programs and advocate for sport for development.

About Auction Cause
Auction Cause is the leader in cause marketing campaigns, branding, and fundraising utilizing the eBay platform, generating more than 1 billion media impressions and counting. By integrating our clients' campaigns with social media outreach using Twitter, Facebook, blogs, viral videos, and more, Auction Cause is able to tap an even wider audience. The results are brand loyalty, nonprofit enthusiasm, and celebrity buzz - all while raising serious money for causes. For more information, please visit http://www. auctioncause. com (http://www. auctioncause. com).

For more information please contact:
Laura Currie
Director, International Communications
Right To Play International
Tel: 1-416-498-1922 ext. 204

Gwen Paja
Media Communications
Auction Cause 
Tel: 1-323-655-0554 

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Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Norwood Systems Raises £9.5 Million (€14.8 Million) In Third Round Funding

Norwood Systems Raises £9.5 Million (€14.8 Million) In Third Round Funding

Norwood Systems Limited, the leader in Bluetooth™ enabled voice and data communications, announces that it has raised an additional £9.5 million (€14.8 million) in venture capital funding led by Deutsche Bank Capital Venture Partners and Cazenove Private Equity.

(PRWEB) July 24, 2002

Richmond-upon-Thames, UK – 22nd July 2002 – Norwood Systems Limited, the leader in Bluetooth™ enabled voice and data communications, announces that it has raised an additional £9.5 million (€14.8 million) in venture capital funding led by Deutsche Bank Capital Venture Partners and Cazenove Private Equity. Other investors who have backed Norwood Systems in this round include Newport Technology Fund and existing investors Argo Global Capital and Innovacom, along with a number of private investors.

This latest round of funding occurs within weeks of Norwood Systems announcing the commercial availability of EnterpriseMobility™, its wireless solution for affordable in-building communication.

The capital raised will be used to focus on Norwood SystemsÂ’ sales and marketing activities and to support and grow its customer base. The funds will also help the company expand into further geographic markets and develop the product further.

Norwood SystemsÂ’ EnterpriseMobility platform enables employees to communicate more effectively within their work environment. It is the first voice and data communications solution that enables total office connectivity for the wireless generation. EnterpriseMobility users are able to make and receive calls and view applications on their PDA or mobile phone from anywhere in the office by connecting over Bluetooth to the fixed line network. This enhanced mobility can dramatically improve employee contactability while lowering communication costs for the organisation.

“It is an excellent endorsement for the company to be able to raise funds in an environment that analysts generally agree has reflected a difficult economic climate,” said Paul Østergaard, co-founder, CEO and Chairman of Norwood Systems. “We are looking forward to the next stage of our development, the success of which will be accelerated by this tranche of funding.

“This year has seen Norwood Systems deliver a successful Beta trial programme, culminating in our recent announcement of the general availability of EnterpriseMobility. With this additional investment in the company, we are confident that we will achieve our ambition of driving further market and product development, thereby providing an increasing number of customers with the flexibility and connectivity that EnterpriseMobility delivers.”

Roy Merritt, Managing Partner of DB Capital Venture Partners, said, “Norwood Systems is at the forefront of developing wireless office voice and data solutions. We believe that the adoption of Bluetooth devices in the office environment holds great potential for productivity enhancements and cost savings.”

Tod Bensen, Chief Executive of Cazenove Private Equity, said, “Norwood’s products enable both cost savings and efficiency for corporate users in one of their core services. To get the benefits of mobility and the economies of a fixed line in one device which can be used in or out of the office is ground breaking.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

About Norwood Systems

Norwood Systems was founded in January 2000 to become the market leader in system connectivity software for short-range wireless based office networks for voice and data. Its award winning networking platform, EnterpriseMobility™, which became commercially available in June 2002, delivers a wireless communications platform to connect Bluetooth™ enabled mobile devices seamlessly with existing voice and data communication networks.

Norwood SystemsÂ’ customer base includes leading companies in the Telecommunications, Professional Services, Financial industries and the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Sector, including Plantronics and Damovo. Norwood Systems has its headquarters in Richmond - Upon-Thames in the UK and a research and development facility in Perth, Western Australia. Further information on the company and products can be found at www. norwoodsystems. com

Norwood Systems photography

High Resolution images from Norwood Systems can be downloaded free of charge by the media from the Newscast Website: www. newscast-online. com

EnterpriseMobility and InstantCoverage are registered trademarks of Norwood Systems. All other trademarks or registered trademarks belong to their respective companies.

About DB Capital Venture Partners

DB Capital Venture Partners is the venture capital unit of DB Capital Partners. DB Capital Venture Partners invests in emerging growth companies that are focused on providing information technology solutions and services to address the needs of large potential markets. DB Capital Partners is the private equity arm of Deutsche Bank AG. With a global team of over 100 professionals operating out of offices in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia, DB Capital Partners is a leading manager of private equity assets. Drawing upon the substantial resources of Deutsche Bank, DB Capital Partners invests in all manner of financial transactions including growth financings, recapitalizations, leveraged buyouts, mezzanine financings, venture investing and primary and secondary funds. For more information, please visit www. dbcapitalpartners. com.

About Newport Technology Fund

Newport Technology Fund is a A$100 million private equity investment fund with a focus on Technology, media and Telecoms. The fund is run by experienced executives with strong backgrounds, backed by a global network of technology investors with extensive international connections and deep insider knowledge. It comprises a powerful group of world leading industry investors who bring international connections, distribution and partnering channels, OEM opportunities and management leverage to help Australian companies achieve international success. Fund investors include China Development Industrial Bank, Shamrock Capital, Compaq Computer, UBS Capital, C. H. Warman Group, HPI Holdings SA, Newport Capital Group, and the Australian Federal Government.

About Cazenove Private Equity

Cazenove Private Equity (CPE) is a division of Cazenove Group plc, a leading independent investment bank. CPE was established in April 2000 with the objective of producing superior returns for its investors. Its first fund, the Cazenove New Europe Access Fund (CNEAF), raised £234 million from a combination of leading European institutional investors and Cazenove itself. CNEAF invests in unquoted companies in the UK and continental Europe in the technology, media, telecommunications and Internet sectors. The focus is on second and third round pre-IPO financings and the fund seeks to be a partner of choice for both leading European technology companies and their early stage investors.

Cazenove is regulated in the UK by the Financial Services Authority and is a member of the London Stock Exchange. For more information please visit www. cazenove. com

About Argo Global Capital

Argo Global Capital is a leading venture capital firm focused on investing in companies that are enabling the convergence of wireless communications and the Internet. It is dedicated to helping entrepreneurial ventures achieve enduring success. Its unique relationship with telecommunications operators (“Operator Partners”) on four continents provides it with relationships and knowledge that add real value and dramatically increase the odds of its portfolio companies achieving their goals. For more information please visit www. argoglobal. com

About Innovacom

Innovacom was established in 1988 as France Telecom's venture capital subsidiary. Innovacom provides seed money and early round equity financing to innovative companies in the fields of components, hardware, software and services dedicated to telecommunications. Innovacom invests internationally, through offices in Paris, San Francisco and Stockholm. through offices in Paris, San Francisco and Stockholm. For more e visit www. innovacom. com

About Bluetooth

The Bluetooth™ wireless technology is set to revolutionize the personal connectivity market by providing freedom from wired connections. It is a specification for a small-form factor, low-cost radio solution providing links between mobile computers, mobile phones and other portable handheld devices, and connectivity to the internet. The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), comprised of leaders in the telecommunications, computing, and network industries, is driving development of the technology and bringing it to market.

The Bluetooth SIG includes promoter companies 3Com, Ericsson, IBM, Lucent, Microsoft, Motorola, Nokia and Toshiba and more than 2000 Adopter/Associate member companies.

For further information:

For Norwood Systems

Karen Worrall

Tel: +44 20 8334 8065

E-mail: karen. worrall@norwoodsystems. com

For Financial Dynamics

Edward Taylor

Tel: +44 20 7269 7295

E-mail: edward. taylor@fd. com

THIS RELEASE HAS BEEN DISTRIBUTED BY WEBITPR (www. webitpr. com)

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Monday, May 14, 2007

The Diet Solution Program Promotes the Best Fat Burning Foods as Natural Alternative to Failed Weight Loss Products

The Diet Solution Program Promotes the Best Fat Burning Foods as Natural Alternative to Failed Weight Loss Products

Certified nutritionist Isabel De Los Rios’ Diet Solution Program focuses on the best fat burning foods as a natural alternative to the failed quick-fix weight loss products. De Los Rios earned a pre-med degree in Exercise Physiology from Rutgers University. Her scientifically based Diet Solution Program promotes healthy, metabolism-boosting foods for permanent weight loss. More than 50,000 people have lost weight for good with the Diet Solution Program.

Florham Park, NJ (PRWEB) January 10, 2011

New Year’s merrymakers eager to lose those extra holiday-induced pounds may be interested in Isabel De Los Rios’ Diet Solution Program, which focuses on permanent weight loss with the aid of the best fat burning foods. The natural, scientifically based weight loss program was created by nutritionist and exercise specialist Isabel De Los Rios and is available at http://www. thedietsolutionprogram. com/.

Dieters in search of a reliable weight loss product hit another road block today when Kissammee-based PRock Marketing, makers of Fruta Planta and Reduced Weight Fruta Planta, issued a recall of both products due to their connection to several heart attacks and at least one death. The recall came after FDA testing revealed the products contain sibutramine, a drug pulled from store shelves in December for its dubious safety record.

The failure of weight loss products like Fruta Planta to produce a safe, effective and lasting weight loss solution has discouraged many former dieters. Included among these is certified nutritionist Isabel De Los Rios, who was once thirty pounds overweight. Counting calories, limiting carbohydrates, and eating only low-fat “healthy” foods didn’t seem to help De Los Rios achieve her health and weight loss goals.

Eager to overcome a family history of type II diabetes, De Los Rios began to learn all she could about food and its impact on the body. The information she learned enabled De Los Rios to lose those pesky 30 pounds for good and develop the scientifically based Diet Solution Program that has help more than 50,000 people lose weight permanently.

De Los Rios explains, “It’s not the number of calories that matters, it’s the quality of food you’re eating and the metabolic enhancing effects on your body that matters. If you eliminate the bad stuff – the garbage foods, the processed foods and focused on eating the good stuff you can drop the calculator and stop all this counting madness.”

Isabel De Los Rios is a nutritionist, exercise specialist and author of the scientifically-based Diet Solution Program. This natural approach to weight loss focuses on helping dieters regain control of their health and their weight by boosting metabolism with the best fat burning foods http://www. thedietsolutionprogram. com/.

The recently updated version of the Diet Solution Program includes 19 pages of frequently asked questions as well as detailed meal plans, including vegetarian fare, designed to boost metabolism naturally.

Visit http://www. thedietsolutionprogram. com/ to learn more about the best fat burning foods for increased metabolism and permanent weight loss.

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Sunday, May 13, 2007

Family Melting Pot Cookbook Heating up Online

Family Melting Pot Cookbook Heating up Online

Author Dave Osbourne announces the global distribution of his family recipe treasure, "Family Melting Pot Cookbook," in conjunction with Lulu Press (Lulu. com), the world’s fastest-growing provider of print-on-demand books.

Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) January 30, 2006

Author Dave Osbourne announces the global distribution of his family recipe treasure, "Family Melting Pot Cookbook," in conjunction with Lulu Press (Lulu. com), the world’s fastest-growing provider of print-on-demand books.

The Triangle author says breaking ranks with traditional publishing houses to distribute his savory recipes was a winner for the people. "When it is hot out of the oven, you want to dig in as soon as possible" explains Osbourne.

Instead, the Raleigh author has bypassed conventional printers altogether, and opted instead for electronic publication and distribution.

"I simply wanted to do it my way," says Osbourne, "and readers deserve the best and easiest dishes out there." Distributing "Family Melting Pot Cookbook" via the world-wide-web makes it exciting and increases the ability to make my recipes available to a global audience."

Osbourne further explains that the cookbook is versatile. Looking for party food recipes? Osbourne addresses that. Looking for health conscious recipes? Osbourne addresses that too. "There's something for everyone at different times of day and seasons of the year," says Osbourne.

"Family Melting Pot Cookbook" (ISBN 1-4116-1945-5) is now available for purchase worldwide, by logging onto the Lulu. com website and searching on the keywords Dave Osbourne. The book is available in both paperback and ebook formats.

Readers can also obtain the book at major online stores such as Amazon, Borders and Barnes & Noble.

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Saturday, May 12, 2007

Belly Armor: New Radiation Shielding Apparel For Pregnant Women

Belly Armor: New Radiation Shielding Apparel For Pregnant Women

Clothing and blankets that shield radiation address rising concerns over health risks for pregnant women

New York, NY (PRWEB) May 12, 2010

Belly Armor by RadiaShield (http://bellyarmor. com) recently launched a new line of maternity clothing and accessories to shield pregnant women against radiation from cell phones and laptops. Utilizing a new patent-pending consumer technology, Belly Armor products neutralize incoming radiation in a way similar to noise-canceling headphones neutralizing sound waves.

“The heightened risk during pregnancy from radiation is becoming increasingly apparent and most mothers are just not willing to take that risk. Belly Armor is providing highly effective solutions so that pregnant women can protect their child during this critical phase of development,” said Aileen Chen, Belly Armor CEO.

Dr. Brenda Smith, VP of Development explains, “Belly Armor has updated an old industrial radiation shielding technology for use with consumer goods. Belly Armor utilizes a silver-based textile with attributes similar to other consumer textiles – soft, breathable, lightweight, and machine washable.”

For over 25 years, there have been reports about the potential health risks during pregnancy from microwaves and powerlines. However, exposure to electromagnetic radiation has grown exponentially in the past 10 years with the advent of cell phones, mp3 players, laptops, and other electronic devices. It is only recently that the long-term effects have begun to be studied and the findings have sparked a resurgence of media and political attention. Some experts have even drawn parallels to the tobacco industry during the 1950s, when research was first becoming available on the long-term health impacts of cigarettes.

Potential pregnancy health risks that have been cited include birth defects, miscarriage, autism, and cancer. In September 2009, the US Senate held hearings on the long-term health impacts from cell phone radiation, where Dr. Olga Naidenko, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, concluded, “The FCC set cell phone radiation standards 17 years ago when few people used cell phones. These standards fail to provide an adequate margin of safety for cell phone radiation exposure and do not account for risks to children.”

Several states have since taken this a step further by introducing legislation on cell phone radiation. Including Maine State Representative, Andrea Boland, who introduced a bill in March requiring warning labels on cell phone packaging, similar to those on cigarettes, stating, “This device emits electromagnetic radiation, exposure to which may cause brain cancer.”

About Belly Armor by RadiaShield
Belly Armor by RadiaShield is the definitive resource for information and tools to protect your child against the risks of everyday radiation. Made with RadiaShield® fabric and the highest quality textiles, Belly Armor products provide stylish comfort, convenient safety, and reliable protection. Belly Armor products are available online at http://www. bellyarmor. com (http://www. bellyarmor. com) and through select boutique retailers across the country.

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Friday, May 11, 2007

Distinguishing Fact from Story in Nanotechnology Safety

Distinguishing Fact from Story in Nanotechnology Safety

This week is the most important week in the Nanotechnology in three years. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has held its first full public meeting on nanotechnology safety and environmental risk, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has placed a Notice of Rule making re. Nanotech product commercial release requirements in the Congressional Record. These two agencies have the potential to shut down the evolving nanotechnology industry before it begins to grow … an unacceptable prospect.

Jersey City, NJ (PRWEB) October 16, 2006

This week is the most important week in the Nanotechnology in three years. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has held its first full public meeting on nanotechnology safety and environmental risk, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has placed a Notice of Rule making re. Nanotech product commercial release requirements in the Congressional Record. These two agencies have the potential to shut down the evolving nanotechnology industry before it begins to grow … an unacceptable prospect.

Let us hope that the FDA and the EPA leadership understand the positive potential of nanotechnology, will be able to separate fact from story, will not be swayed by the emotional scare mongers and rumor spreaders, and will chose a safe, responsible path of growth-oriented, permissive regulation for nanotechnology in the world. The US nanotech industry needs such a justly designed, but loosely regulated, environment to reach the potential the nano-pundits proclaim. Society stands only to lose from any other approach to nanosafety and to nanotech environmental regulation.

I am not an apologist the nanotech industry. I want this world safe for my kids and their children as much anyone. However, as an MIT trained professional, I have always let analysis of the facts, and of the scientific data, determine my views. Since the potential for safety and environmental damage may, worst case, exist in selected nanotechnology applications, I have immersed myself in the literature and in the multi-issue studies. I have had extensive discussions with those who are rightly concerned that nanotech follow the precept, “first do no harm!”

At the conferences this fall, safety and environmental concerns have been primary discussion topics and I have participated in those sessions. I have even reviewed nanotech futures with some of those well meaning but emotional, mutant projecting, publicity seeking, non-profits (like the Woodrow Wilson group, NRDC, ETC Group, Friend of the Earth, etc.) to extract their arguments and data. I have followed a carefully designed informational gathering path to learn all positions and to accumulate all data to date to be fair in my positioning.

The primary FACT about nanotechnology safety today is that safety is not an immediate issue. Everything else is STORY … and regulatory actions are not built around story! At a recent MIT conference on nanotech safety and environmental effects, the scientists on the various panels unanimously concluded that no … I repeat … no short term or long-term harmful effects have been found. That was also the conclusion of the speakers at this week’s FDA nanotechnology open session. Moreover, the German BFR (government risk assessment agency), the Australian Department of Health and Aging, and other international governmental and NGO groups have argued similarly. There is no immediate emergency.

There is no evidence for over regulation. No massive deaths, human disfigurations or extensive harm to the environment are imminent. Despite asking perceptive questions and raising excellent issues for further investigation, the nanotechnology alarmists and panickers are fundamentally wrong to ask for the shut down of the industry. No data anywhere supports their argument.

There also is a strong case for continuing the current regulatory approach to safety and environmental impact, with little immediate need for change or a toughening of the regulations. Time exists to perform the science and testing necessary to support or change that approach. It is true that additional investigatory resources are required to do the science and testing. The nanotech industry has recommended that the US Government allocate an additional $100 million to further studies and I join those in support. In sum, the experts have argued for a time based, carefully considered, minimally restrictive regulatory environment until it is proven that an alternative is required. It is a very good well-reasoned approach … mainly because of what the nanotechnology industry itself is doing. Let me explain.

The nanotech industry, for those unaware, is an amazingly responsible self-regulating industry. Nanotech companies are lead by socially conscious scientists, managers and investors. Nanotechnology employs many of the most environmentally and safety oriented professionals in the business and scientific world. They all have wives, children and grandchildren. That alone makes them fundamentally committed, almost to a fault, to creating and manufacturing safe and environmentally sound nanoproducts.

Industry scientists jump on and solve any issue relating to any possible safety risks in weeks. (E. g. CNT insolubility two years ago) In addition, nanotechnology supports an industry association, the Nanobusiness Alliance, led by Sean Murdock, with a platform of responsible safety and efficacy promotion that has testified before congress on safety and environmental issues. In sum, nanotechnology worldwide involves many of the most concerned citizens on this planet. Self-regulation of safety and of effects on the environment is inherent in their nature and extant throughout the entire nanotechnological world. That should comfort those who may have been worried.

What most also do not understand is that within the nanotechnology industry there is no, repeat, no economic or other incentive to act marginally or irresponsibly. Acting conservatively and responsibly with nanoproducts development is in everyone’s self interest. There is no stock market bubble for nanotech companies so there is little “get rich quick” financial incentive for promoters and shysters to do “nanotech” companies or IPO’s similar to the dot com era sham fiascos. That fact alone removes a major portion of the risk from the industry.

Furthermore, the majority of the current commercial effort in nanotech is emerging from very large companies such as Dupont, Motorola, Samsung, Toshiba, General Motors, GE, PP&G, L’Oreal, Lancôme, P&G, etc. These are major companies with deep pockets. At Board direction, they follow risk avoidance corporate strategies. Putting untested, unsafe or environmentally risky nanotech products is just not in the cards.

Large companies test and retest new nanoproducts for long periods prior to launch. They force proposed finished nanoproducts through rigorous product safety and regulatory internal review committees that have veto power over marketing products, and retain obligations to continue testing approved new nanoproducts for long term safety after product launch. In sum, large companies using nanotech today have built in protections for the consumer and for society.

The remaining nanotech product development and new products come from the small startups or medium sized manufacturers and marketers. These have different built in incentives for caution and responsibility. Such incentives emerge out of their smaller sizes. These companies have no economic staying power. A single bad or dangerous product will bankrupt the company or drive its stock into the doldrums. Entrepreneurs and investors live with such risks daily and prudently act to minimize risk. These smaller company offerings are also subject to FDA and EPA existing regulation and testing requirements. Since the scientists and experts can’t find any current risk in any of today’s products, the regulatory controls so far must be working. I find that comforting.

Later, when we arrive at true nanotechnology, new nanotech molecular creations and nano molecular self-assembly additional regulations may be required. I’ll address those in a subsequent article. Right now, we have enough open current non-molecular manufacturing items to close.

In conclusion, today the nanotechnology industry is under self-regulating control with sufficient Government regulations to keep it moving forward safely and friendly to the environment. Will these be sufficient for the far future? We have sufficient time properly to research, understand and create controls for future nanotech products. What we need now are not new regulations but additional resources to continue studies (amid the visibility these open hearings provide) to remove the mythology and fear from nanotechnology’s public image. Let’s let the regulatory bodies continue along their current paths while the other questions are systematically, factually and calmly answered.

Alan B. Shalleck

President

NanoClarity LLC

Www. nanoclarity. com

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Thursday, May 10, 2007

Green Energy : Premium Natural SkinCare

Green Energy : Premium Natural SkinCare

Green Energy, was founded in 1993 by the generous Italy climate and soil. Green Energy ‘s objective was been to preserve traditional and history that represent the Italy and people. A Natural Tradition for Over 10 Years Green Energy means love –sun and beauty from the nature. Green Energy are natural, made with herbals and natural vitamins. No synthetic chemicals of any kind are ever used in the formulation of our products

(PRWEB) August 18, 2004

We are a woman-owned, woman-run company...

Green Energy love making products for women, and men! products are handmade in small batches. Handmade means we take time and care with every product and do not put quantity over quality the way most mass manufacturers do.

Gentleness...

Green Energy formulas are excellent for sensitive skin, and are effective at keeping fine lines at bay, as well as keeping breakouts, dryness, and excessive oilyness in balance.

Socially Conscious... Environmentally Safe

Our natural products are safer for the environment because they don't introduce synthetic chemicals into the air, land or water. Products are packaged in recyclable (HDPE) plastic bottles, or boxed in recycled cardboard, and all our printed material is done on recycled paper.

We weave the ecological and animal protection issues throughout the daily life of the company. We support sustainable farming practices by sourcing organically-grown ingredients. We use our resources to promote respect and protection for wildlife, domestic animals, and the environment. Green Energy created ‘’Green Energy Africa ‘’ on develop and support people as well.

Green Energy Range :botanical range with hight quality ingredients, and has tremendous long-term benefits for the skins health and vitality.. These naturally fragranced skin and body care products are an absolute pleasure to use.

Green Energy is:

Comprehensive natural line specifically designed and each formulated to treat any type of skin problems.

Totally different ◘ Cost effective ◘ more affortable and therefore appealing to a different and-or younger market ◘ Natural: Created from organics herbs, flowers essential oils, natural vitamins and anti-oxidants ◘ hight quality active ingredients ◘ Uniquely presented ◘ Will have appeal to all market ◘ Patent Worldwide

Green Energy give you:

The wholesale price comparisation highlights one very big positive element that is the true value,

Comparisation Extremely Cost competitive

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Annual Trail Run Helps Local Adults with Mental Illness. CompeerÂ’s Sixth Annual Fundraising Event Set for Oct. 26th. Evansburg State Park Draws Runners Nationwide. _________________________________________________________________

Annual Trail Run Helps Local Adults with Mental Illness. CompeerÂ’s Sixth Annual Fundraising Event Set for Oct. 26th. Evansburg State Park Draws Runners Nationwide. _________________________________________________________________

The Sixth Annual Evansburg Challenge Run will be held at Evansburg State Park on Sunday, October 26, 2003. This increasingly popular event draws more than 350 runners from across the country. Runners have the choice of participating in a 10-mile Trail Run or 5k Road Race.

(PRWEB) September 25, 2003

The Sixth Annual Evansburg Challenge Run will be held at Evansburg State Park on Sunday, October 26, 2003. This increasingly popular event draws more than 350 runners from across the country. Runners have the choice of participating in a 10-mile Trail Run or 5k Road Race.

The proceeds from this annual fundraising event will help adults being treated for mental illness in Montgomery and Delaware Counties. Funds are used to train volunteers and provide services that help those managing mental illnesses such as clinical depression or schizophrenia.

Trail Runners will enjoy the four water crossings, ditches, puddles, and a steep muddy climb over ten miles of horse trails along and through the Skippack Creek. The Run provides a welcome challenge and delight to both beginners and veteran runners.

Road Racers can set a personal best on one of the fastest courses in Montgomery County. The race stays on lightly traveled flat and fast roads in and near the park.

Most runners come from Pennsylvania and the local tri-state area, but runners from mid-west and western states have traveled here for the competition as well. Performance Awards go to winners in various categories and results are posted on the Internet shortly after the race.

On-site registration opens at 9 a. m. at the Park Pavilion. The event begins at 10. Evansburg State Park is located between Ridge and Skippack Pike in Collegeville.

The Compeer Program is an adjunct to therapy for people who have been referred by mental health agencies. Compeer matches caring volunteers in one-to-one friendships to provide a vital transitional step to recovery for those faced with the stigma of a mental illness.

Sponsors of the 2003 Evansburg Challenge include Sovereign Bank, AETNA, Eastern Mountain Sport, Automation Mailing, The Morley Group and MAX (Montgomery County Association for Excellence in Service). The Evansburg Challenge has been recognized as a “Best Fundraising Event” by the International Compeer Programs (IACP) which has affiliates in 115 cities, 33 states, Australia, Canada and the Netherlands.

For more information on the event or Compeer, call Jessica Hickman Schneider, Program Director at 610-631-1009 or visit our website at www. compeer-subphilly. org. To register for the Evansburg Challenge on-line, visit www. active. com.

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Tuesday, May 8, 2007

32nd Annual Lake Union Boats Afloat Show Drops Anchor Wednesday 9/15

32nd Annual Lake Union Boats Afloat Show Drops Anchor Wednesday 9/15

More than 160 yachts on display at West Coast’s largest floating show Tour the 64' Ocean Watch from “Around the Americas” Expedition Free sailboat lessons for kids and 45 minute rides for all ages

Seattle (PRWEB) September 13, 2010

Seattle’s 32nd annual Lake Union Boats Afloat Show (www. BoatsAfloatShow. com) is set to get underway at 10 a. m. on Wednesday, September 15. The annual show – with 160+ new and used boats or vessels from 20 to 112 feet – is recognized as West Coast’s largest floating show. The Lake Union Boats Afloat Show runs through Sunday, September 19 and is open from 10 a. m. to 6 p. m. daily.

Tour the 64' Ocean Watch from “Around the Americas” Expedition
Around the Americas’ 64-foot sailing vessel Ocean Watch will be on display after completing its 28,000 nautical mile, year-long expedition around North and South America. Ocean Watch returned to Seattle June 17, 2010 from its mission of inspiring, educating, and engaging citizens of the Americas to protect our fragile oceans and changing ocean environment. During the expedition the crew explored marine health issues including polar ice melt, coral reef health and ocean acidification. Around the Americas (www. aroundtheamericas. org ) was organized by Pacific Science Center and Sailors for the Sea.  

Learn from hands-on science exhibits at the Pacific Science Center booth.

Show-goers can learn more about the marine science and ocean health issues explored by the scientists and crew of Ocean Watch during their voyage Around the Americas. They will be able to participate in hands-on activities, including: constructing a marine food web; learning about water sampling techniques; driving the submersible ROV (remotely operated vehicle); conducting cloud observations for NASA; learning about ocean acidification; and talking to the crew to learn about their travels and discoveries around North and South America.

Sail Away, sail away, sail away
The show is a great opportunity to shop for and tour the boats of one’s dreams but it also offers show-goers the chance to go out on the water and experience first-hand the joys of sailing or introduce their kids to sailing.

Free kids sailing lessons: Provided by Sail Sand Point (www. sailsandpoint. org)
The lessons will be on 14 foot Hobie Cat Waves. The Hobie Wave is a single-handed catamaran that can hold up to 4 people and is a great cruising boat for all ages and ability levels. The lessons will begin with a 30 minute dockside briefing, getting the kids comfortable with the water and learning the basics of sailing. They will then have the thrill of taking the boats out on the water by themselves (accompanied by an instructor who will be alongside in a powerboat). Lessons will be available Saturday and Sunday at 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5 pm. To sign up for free lessons in advance, email showinfo@boatsafloatshow. com. (Pending availability sign-ups will also be available at the show.) Lifejackets will be provided, and kids should be prepared to get a little wet!

Sail Sand Point is a Seattle community small boat program dedicated to youth and access for all. They accomplish their mission by nurturing self confidence, leadership, and an appreciation of the marine environment.

Free sailboat rides for all ages: The other opportunity to get out on the water is being provided Sailing Renaissance, a volunteer group of local boating industry executives who have banded together to promote the sport they love through the national Discover Sailing program. The sailboat rides – on 30’-40’ sailboats – come with no strings attached and no sales pitches or gimmicks.

“It’s not always about selling boats, it’s about getting people out on the water to feel the wind in their hair, try a turn at the helm or on a winch, experience the boat slicing through the water, and see how easy sailing can be,” said Michael Collins, publisher of 48 Degrees North magazine and founding member of Sailing Renaissance. Take the helm, help hoist a sail or simply sit back and relax and enjoy the views of Lake Union from the water.

Rides are approximately 45 minutes and run continuously every day of the show. Check in at the Discover Sailing booth in front of Chandler's Crabhouse restaurant. Lifejackets provided.

More boats, more styles, more fun
From cabin cruisers to sailboats to hundred-foot mega-yachts and everything in between, Boats Afloat has it all! More than 50 distinct brands of yachts and 50 brokers and dealers from Washington, Oregon, California, Florida and British Columbia, Canada will display their yachts. Yachts represented will include Ocean Alexander, Selene, Westport, Bayliner, Kadey Krogen, Sunseeker, American Tug, Regal, Hallberg-Rassy, Jeanneau, J-Boat, Hunter, Catalina and many more. Some 50 shore side exhibitors with professional services from marine finance and insurance to electronics, marinas, shipping, yacht linens and yacht maintenance will also exhibit at the show.

All you need to know

What: Boats Afloat Show on South Lake Union
When: Wednesday September 15th – Sunday 19th, 2010
Hours: 10am – 6pm daily
Where: South Lake Union in Seattle
Tickets: $12 for adults / $5 for kids under 18 (kids under 12 are free). $18 for a multi-day pass.
Purchase an e-Ticket at www. BoatsAfloatShow. com and receive a $25 gift card good at Daniel’s Broiler or Chandler’s Crabhouse.
Getting
There: Limited parking lots near the show. For convenience park downtown and take the Seattle Street Car directly the show on South Lake Union.

Photos available at: http://www. boatsafloatshow. com/gallery. htm (http://www. boatsafloatshow. com/gallery. htm)

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GLSEN Lauds Introduction of Safe Schools Improvement Act in U. S. Senate

GLSEN Lauds Introduction of Safe Schools Improvement Act in U. S. Senate

Bill Would Require Enumerated Anti-Bullying Policies in America’s Public Schools

New York, NY (Vocus) August 5, 2010

GLSEN (http://www. glsen. org), the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (http://www. glsen. org), praises today’s introduction of the Safe Schools Improvement Act, a federal anti-bullying bill that includes protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression, in the Senate by Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) and 10 cosponsors.

The Safe Schools Improvement Act, which is endorsed by the nearly 70 members of the GLSEN-led National Safe Schools Partnership, will require comprehensive anti-bullying policies in our nation’s public schools. The bill was introduced in the House last year by Rep. Linda Sánchez and has 119 bipartisan cosponsors.

“GLSEN would like to thank Senator Casey for introducing this potentially lifesaving bill in the Senate,” GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard said. “Our nation has failed to address the pervasive problem of bullying and harassment in schools for far too long. Countless youth are denied access to an education every day because they do not feel safe in school. Passing the Safe Schools Improvement Act would go a long way toward laying the necessary foundation of support lacking in many American schools.”

Nearly two-thirds of middle and high school students (65%) said they had been bullied in school in the past year, according to From Teasing to Torment: School Climate in America (http://bit. ly/GLSENFTTT), a 2005 report from GLSEN and Harris Interactive that surveyed more than 3,000 students.

LGBT students face even higher levels of victimization. Nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT students (86.4%) said they had been harassed in the past year, according to GLSEN's 2007 National School Climate Survey of more than 6,000 LGBT students. Additionally, 60.8% said they felt unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation.

Both studies, however, found that students at schools with a comprehensive anti-bullying policy similar to the one required by the Safe Schools Improvement Act, which includes enumerated characteristics of students most often targeted, reported harassment at a significantly reduced rate.

“Bullying and harassment affect millions of students every year. While we do have federal laws to provide support to promote school safety, there is nothing currently in place to comprehensively and expressly address issues of bullying or harassment,” said Senator Casey. “I am pleased to introduce the Safe Schools Improvement Act to help ensure that every child receives a quality education that builds self-confidence. This bill is a crucial step towards ensuring that no child is so afraid to go to school that he or she stays home for fear of bullying.”

“Bullying is a national public health crisis that demands a national solution,” said mother Sirdeaner Walker, whose 11-year-old son Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover took his life in Springfield, Mass., last year after enduring constant bullying at school. “As a mother who knows the painful consequences of inaction, I urge Congress to pass the Safe Schools Improvement Act and give schools the tools they need to make their hallways and classrooms safer for all students.”

Members of the National Safe Schools Partnership, which in 2007 published federal policy recommendations in Bridging the Gap in Federal Law: Promoting Safe Schools and Improved Student Achievement by Preventing Bullying and Harassment in Our Schools (http://www. glsen. org/binary-data/GLSEN_ATTACHMENTS/file/000/000/916-1.pdf), include GLSEN, the American Association of School Administrators, the National Association of Secondary School Principals, and the National Association of School Psychologists, among the nearly 70 national education, health, religious, civil rights, youth development and other organizations.

About GLSEN:
GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established in 1990, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community. For information on GLSEN's research, educational resources, public policy advocacy, student organizing programs and educator training initiatives, visit www. glsen. org.

About the National Safe Schools Partnership

The National Safe Schools Partnership, led by GLSEN, is an informal coalition of leading national education, health, civil rights, law enforcement, youth development and other organizations committed to ensuring that America's schools are safe for all children. To that end, members of the Partnership have joined together in support of federal policy recommendations based on long-standing research and experience.

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Monday, May 7, 2007

First-Ever Study of U. S. Consumer Internet Usage and Cost Finds Google Uses 21 Times More Bandwidth than it Pays For

First-Ever Study of U. S. Consumer Internet Usage and Cost Finds Google Uses 21 Times More Bandwidth than it Pays For

Google uses 16.5% of all U. S. consumer internet traffic in 2008, the study estimates, and that share is predicted to grow to 25% in 2009, and 37% in 2010. Study finds 'Google is by far the largest user of Internet bandwidth, Google's share of bandwidth usage is rising rapidly, and that Google's bandwidth use is orders of magnitude greater than its payment for its cost.'

McLean, Va (PRWEB) December 4, 2008

Today Precursor LLC (http://www. precursor. com/) released a first-ever research study of U. S. consumer Internet bandwidth usage and costs (http://www. netcompetition. org/study_of_google_internet_usage_costs2.pdf) with the objective of estimating how much bandwidth Google uses and pays for. The data confirm the study's core hypotheses, that: Google is by far the largest user of Internet bandwidth, Google's share of bandwidth usage is rising rapidly, and that Google's bandwidth use is orders of magnitude greater than its payment for its cost.

The study estimated Google used 16.5% of all U. S. consumer Internet traffic in 2008, and that share is estimated to grow to 25% in 2009 and 37% in 2010. What drives this conspicuous bandwidth consumption is Google's search bots regularly copy every page on the Internet, some as frequently as every few seconds, and Google's YouTube streams almost half of all video streamed on the Internet.

The study estimated Google's payment to fund just the U. S. consumer broadband Internet segment to be approximately $344 million in 2008 or 0.8% of U. S. consumer's flat-rate monthly Internet access costs of $44.0 billion. Thus Google's 16.5% share of all 2008 U. S. consumer bandwidth usage, is ~21 times greater than Google's 0.8% share of U. S. consumer bandwidth costs - or an implicit ~$6.9 billion subsidy of Google by U. S. consumers.

This research study of Google's usage vs. cost (http://www. netcompetition. org/study_of_google_internet_usage_costs2.pdf) is relevant to the current broadband policy debate, because Google is the driving force behind InternetForEveryone. org which is pushing "to adopt a national plan to bring open, high-speed Internet connections into every home, at a price all of us can afford." Internet connections could be more affordable for everyone, if Google paid its fair share of the Internet's cost. 
 "It is ironic that Google, the largest user of Internet capacity, pays the least relatively to fund the Internet's cost; it is even more ironic that the company poised to profit more than any other from more broadband deployment, expects the American taxpayer to pick up its skyrocketing bandwidth tab," said Scott Cleland, President Precursor LLC, and author of the study.

"The core conclusion of the study is that any sustainable national broadband policy must ensure that the heaviest Internet users pay their fair share of Internet infrastructure costs. It is neither economically rational nor equitable for the biggest users of, and beneficiaries from, shared resources to not share fairly in the recovery of costs," Mr. Cleland added.

Since Google often compares the Internet to the public highway system, the study also examined how the U. S. highway system apportions costs among business users and consumers. Any analysis of public highway funding will show that businesses/trucks, which put the most cost burden on the highways, pay substantially more than consumers/cars - the exact opposite of Google's recommended broadband model, where consumers shoulder most all of Google's costs for using and profiting off the Internet -- more than any other entity.
 The study highlights the inconsistency in Google's position supporting government ownership/regulation of the Internet like the U. S. highway system but not adopt the economic model and fairness of the highway system -- where the heaviest users that cause the most costs -- shoulder their fair share of the costs.

The study's methodology is straight-forward, transparent, well documented and replicable so Google or others can provide improvements or alternative estimates -- and so other countries can estimate if Google uses more of their country's Internet capacity than it pays for.
 The study's author, Precursor President Scott Cleland, said: "While I expect the study to generate a healthy debate over the methodology, assumptions and estimates, any rigorous analysis of the data will lead to the same incontrovertible conclusion of this study -- that Google's U. S. consumer Internet bandwidth usage share vastly exceeds its payment share of the cost."  The study was conducted over the last several months by Scott Cleland, President of Precursor LLC, a leading techcom research and consulting firm.  Cleland was formerly an Institutional Investor Magazine top independent telecom analyst in 2004 and 2005.  Cleland also has a high-profile track record in spotting big anomalies in Internet traffic. In late 2000, Cleland was the first analyst to expose that Internet traffic was in reality growing 90% slower than what the market assumed, heralding the bust of the telecom bubble that wiped out over $1 trillion in market capitalization in 15 data-dependent companies.  Precursor now provides research for companies and Cleland is Chairman of NetCompetition. org a pro-competition Internet forum funded by broadband companies.

Read the full study here. (http://www. netcompetition. org/study_of_google_internet_usage_costs2.pdf)

Precursor (http://www. precursor. com/) is an industry research and consulting firm, specializing in the converging techcom sector. Precursor offers rare forward-looking expertise and national credibility at the nexus of: capital markets, public policy and techcom industry change.

NetCompetition. org (http://www. netcompetition. org/) is a pro-competition Internet forum funded by broadband companies.

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Herbal Belt System Introduced for Natural, Long-Term Relief and Recovery from Internal Organ Disorders, Muscle and Joint Pain

Herbal Belt System Introduced for Natural, Long-Term Relief and Recovery from Internal Organ Disorders, Muscle and Joint Pain

Non-Internal, Non-Allergenic System Offers Alternative To Internal Medications, Pills, Teas Without Digestive Discomfort or Skin Reactions; Chinese Herbalist, Martial Artist, and Strength Trainer Offers Private 40-Year-Old Herbal Remedy To General Public For First Time - A Chinese herbal remedy that employs specially-formulated waist belts worn at night or during the day has been introduced for relief of internal organ disorders, muscle and joint pain by Golden Energy Institute, Rosemead, California. Master LuÂ’s Energy Belt System(tm) works by stimulating vital organs that control blood sugar, blood pressure, digestion, and circulation. The belt also strengthens joints and reduces swelling to reduce back pain, arthritis, and tendinitis.

ROSEMEAD, CA (PRWEB) June 17, 2004

Master Lu’s Energy Belt System™, a combination of night and day herbal remedies worn for long-lasting relief and recovery from internal organ disorders, muscle and joint pain, has been introduced by The Golden Energy Institute, it was announced today.

The System uses two herbal belts (White and Black) worn at different times that work together to stimulate and repair organs and joints. The belts were created by Master James Lu, a Doctor of Chinese Medicine and a renowned health, martial arts, and strength trainer for professional athletes and performers in the U. S., China, and Taiwan.

The White Energy Belt for overnight use is designed for symptoms commonly associated with the stomach, kidneys, pancreas, and spleen – including diabetes, poor blood circulation, erectile dysfunction, insomnia, and constipation.

The Black Energy Belt, originally developed for Master Lu’s professional athlete clients and martial arts students, can be worn up to two hours during the day and offers prevention and recovery from symptoms related to joints as well as general circulation – including back pain, arthritis, muscle tightness, sciatic nerve disorders, and tendinitis.

Because they are used externally, Master LuÂ’s Energy Belts avoid digestive or skin reactions associated with pills, shots, teas and ointments. In fact, the herbs serve to aid digestive functions and improve skin tone, according to the company.

Formulated over a 40-year period, each herbal mixture includes more than 70 different Chinese herbs and minerals woven inside replaceable fabric inserts. The ingredients found in the herbal formulas alone would cost over $600 if purchased individually in stores. The inserts are placed inside the supplied belts which users wear snug against the waist.

“The body’s natural heat activates the herbs and produces herbal vapors,” says Master Lu. “The body naturally absorbs only the elements from the herbs which it needs to replenish and balance itself.”

Since the herbs are neither ingested nor touch skin directly, the Belts cannot create digestive problems associated with internal prescription medication, pills, or teas, or skin-rash problems associated with creams or salves.

Master Lu’s Energy Belt System is based on balancing the five elements found in nature — earth, fire, metal, wood, and water — within the individual. “Chinese medicine believes all sickness and disease we see today are the result of imbalance in the body,” Master Lu said. “The herbal mixtures found in the Energy Belts are designed to restore vital elements that may be lacking in one’s environment or because of their lifestyle.”

“The first Energy Belt formula was originally designed to promote strength, flexibility, and suppleness of joints for private individuals I was working with,” Lu said. “When people kept saying how it was helping with other symptoms like diabetes, constipation, arthritis, and impotency, we decided to make the belts more widely available as a way to help people’s lives.”

Already there are hundreds of users across the United States and in Taiwan – including medical practitioners, athletes, and seniors – who have found relief of their ailments after years of suffering and treating symptoms with conventional medications.

A diabetic for 25 years, Ted Inouye of Torrance, reported that “within the first 3 weeks of using the [White] Energy Belt the average reduction of blood sugar count was 25% along with a corresponding reduction in the amount of insulin I had to use. I’m positive the Energy Belt works.”

1976 Olympic Gold Medalist and former New York Jets running back Johnny “Lam” Jones, said that the Black Energy Belt is “....great for building and maintaining strength without losing flexibility.”

One Southern California physician (who asked to be anonymous) said, “I just used [White Energy Belt] for one night and it has already eased my blood pressure. It’s more effective than any Chinese or Western medicine I’ve ever tried. As a doctor of 20 years, I am in awe.”

The White Belt comes with two inserts and houses two pockets – one located over the abdomen, the other over the lower back. The Black Belt includes one insert and one pocket located on the lower back.

The herbal packs retain their strength for six weeks and should be replaced for ongoing usage. Master LuÂ’s Energy Belt System, which includes both White and Black belts, herbal liner inserts, and usage instructions, is available for a suggested retail price of $249. Replacement herbal packs, either for the White Belt or the Black Belt, are $79.

Master LuÂ’s Energy Belt System is available directly from The Golden Energy InstituteÂ’s website, www. masterlu. com, and through selected health clinics and wellness outlets in Southern California and the tri-state New York area. Individuals should call The Golden Energy Institute toll-free for availability in their area at (866) 500-6051.

As the founder of the Rosemead-based Golden Energy Institute, 68-year-old Master Lu began his martial arts training in 1944, opened his first martial arts studio in Northridge, California in 1970, and expanded with three other studios in Taiwan by 1979. He officially created his Golden Energy Method in the following year. Master Lu holds a Doctor of Chinese Medicine from the World Chinese Medical and Herbs United Association.

The Golden Energy Institute offers workshops on wellness and health issues, products that include The Energy Belts and Golden Energy Breathing Method video, and private counseling and training. The Institute is located at 8762 Mission Drive in Rosemead, CA. For more information, contact Maximillian Lu, Operations Manager, at (626) 286-0228 or (310) 993-4049 or visit the website at www. masterlu. com.

Media Contacts:

PR Agency:

Frank Widder

888-221-6673

Widder Exposure

Company:

Max Lu

626-286-0228 or 310-993-4049

Golden Energy Institute

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Sunday, May 6, 2007

School Can Be Hazardous to Your Health -- Watch Those Backpacks and Computers

School Can Be Hazardous to Your Health -- Watch Those Backpacks and Computers

Dr. Matthew Hamilton of Maximum Potential Chiropractic explains why kids wearing backpacks to school coupled with poorly designed computer workstations in most of today's school facilities are leading to young children suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations.

Medina, OH (PRWEB) November 9, 2007

Dr. Matthew Hamilton of Maximum Potential Chiropractic explains why kids wearing backpacks to school coupled with poorly designed computer workstations in most of today's school facilities are leading to young children suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations.

School Can Be Hazardous to Your Health - Watch Those Backpacks and Computers

"Mention the word 'chiropractic' or 'chiropractor' to someone and the visual usually elicited is one of the adult suffering back pain from a variety of life events and lifestyle stressors," says Dr. Matthew Hamilton of Maximum Potential Chiropractic.

The association is no surprise when 80 percent of Americans will suffer back pain some time during their life and 50 percent of us will suffer from back pain this year, according to statistics from the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).

"A new picture is emerging however," adds Dr. Hamilton. "The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that 7,300 injuries were treated in U. S. emergency rooms in 2006 because of backpacks."

"As much as we might wish, our children are not immune to back pain," states Dr. Matt, as he is known to the Maximum Potential family. "And," he adds, "Approximately 40 million American children carry backpacks."

According to the ACA's Council on Occupational Health, a recent study conducted in Italy found that the average child carries a backpack that would be the equivalent of a 39-pound burden for a 176-pound man or a 29-pound load for a 132-pound woman. It is recommended that children carry no more than 5 to 10 percent of their body weight in a backpack -- 5-10 pounds for a 100-pound child. Of those children carrying heavy backpacks to school, 60 percent had experienced back pain as a result. Other studies have shown that slinging a backpack over one shoulder can exacerbate the curvature of the spine in scoliosis patients.

Add poorly designed computer workstations to the mix, and we see young children suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations.

Dr. Matt has several recommendations for parents:
Make sure your child's backpack weighs no more than 5 to 10 percent of his or her body weight. Check the positioning of the backpack. It should hang no more than four inches below the waistline. Make sure that pointy of bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child's back. A backpack with individualized compartments helps in positioning the contents more effectively. Urge your child to wear both shoulder straps, and wide, padded straps are very important. Make certain that the home computer workstation can be modified for each child's use. Position the monitor so the top of the screen is at or below the child's eye level. Ensure the chair at the workstation fits the child correctly. There should be two inches between the front edge of the seat and the back of the knees. The chair should have arm supports so that elbows are resting within a 70-135-degree angle to the computer keyboard. Wrists should be held in a neutral position while typing -- not angled up or down. Limit your child's time at the computer and make sure he or she takes periodic stretch breaks during computer time.

"If your child continues to complain of pain and strain from a heavy backpack or from sitting at a computer, see a doctor of chiropractic," urges Dr. Hamilton. "A doctor of chiropractic can help alleviate your child's pain and help prevent further injury."

For the months of November and December 2007, Maximum Potential Chiropractic is offering new patients a health history and consultation, an orthopedic and neurologic exam, x-rays (if needed) and a report of findings for only $20. For an appointment call Maximum Potential Chiropractic at 330-723-1441. The office is located at 215 W, Liberty St. in Medina. See them on the web at www. mpchiro. com.

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National Survey Findings: Buttery Spreads Are the Toast of the Town

National Survey Findings: Buttery Spreads Are the Toast of the Town

"Buttery spreads," the new term for today's margarine products, are preferred by consumers interested in their heart health, according to a just-released national survey.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) October 12, 2009

Based on just-released findings from a national consumer survey, the National Association of Margarine Manufacturers has proclaimed that "there's a new spread in town."

In the national survey just completed by Kelton Research, 45 percent of consumers said the tablespread they use most often at mealtime is a buttery spread or soft margarine spread, compared to 24 percent who rated stick butter as their favorite.

The association explains: "Actually, margarine spreads are not new but keep getting better over time and are extremely popular among health-conscious grocery shoppers nationwide. Consumers use them on toast, muffins, pancakes, stove-top cooking, frying, baking and as a topping on vegetables. Today's margarine is a buttery spread, which is not your mother's margarine."

As the margarine product category has evolved and consumer preferences have expanded beyond traditional stick margarine, the term "margarine" has become outdated, according to industry experts. "Margarine" has gone the way of the "information superhighway" (now known as the Internet), "prune" (now "dried plum"), and "stewardess" (now "flight attendant"). And just as "fat-free milk" is a better descriptor than "skim milk," "buttery spreads" better defines today's margarine products.

"The term 'buttery spreads' depicts the new generation of margarine products. Buttery spreads are preferred by consumers interested in their heart health," explains Richard Cristol, president of the National Association of Margarine Manufacturers (NAMM). NAMM is the industry's long-standing trade association, which was formed in 1936.

Buttery spreads are typically made with a blend of nutritious, natural plant oils like soybean, canola, and olive. Today's buttery spreads are much lower in total fat and saturated fat than the margarines of yesterday, have no cholesterol and are rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats compared with animal fats, such as butter and lard.

The national survey also found that in terms of the most heart-healthy choice, consumers indicated strong awareness of the recommendations of health experts -- more than half (54%) recognize that buttery spreads and soft margarine spreads are the most heart-healthy choice, compared to 18 percent who thought stick butter is the more healthy option.

The risk of heart disease can be significantly reduced by adapting a heart-healthy lifestyle that includes maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet which is low in total cholesterol and saturated fat. The U. S. Dietary Guidelines, American Heart Association and other major health organizations recommend that consumers choose soft margarine spreads instead of butter for heart health.

Choosing buttery spreads in place of butter can have a major impact. In fact, 10 scientific studies have directly evaluated the health benefits of soft margarine spreads versus butter, and all have confirmed that buttery spreads are the healthier choice. One groundbreaking study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed that making the simple switch from butter to soft margarine spreads lowered levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol by nine percent in children and eleven percent in adults.

This is not surprising, as the nutrition label on a typical buttery spread shows that it has no cholesterol, 0 grams of trans fat, and less than 2 grams of saturated fat per serving. In contrast, butter has 7 grams saturated fat and 30 milligrams of cholesterol per serving. NAMM notes that using a buttery spread instead of butter over a week's time can cut an entire day's worth of saturated fat.

Popular brands include Promise, Country Crock, Imperial, Brummel & Brown, Smart Balance, Parkay, Fleischmann's, Blue Bonnet, Olivio, Saffola, Gold-n-Soft, and I Can't Believe It's Not Butter.

For more information, including heart-healthy recipes, visit www. butteryspreads. org.

Note to Editors: The nationally representative survey of 1,000 adults was conducted by Kelton Research September 14-21, 2009 using an online methodology. Quotas were set to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the total U. S population ages 18 and older. The margin of error is +/- 3.1%. The survey was commissioned by the National Association of Margarine Manufacturers.

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Saturday, May 5, 2007

NONPROFIT E-LEARNING COLLABORATION RELEASES EVALUATION REPORT

NONPROFIT E-LEARNING COLLABORATION RELEASES EVALUATION REPORT

CompassPoint Nonprofit Services and SmarterOrg announced the completion of the initial evaluation study of their nonprofit online learning initiative. The study reports that learners value the accessibility and convenience of the partners’ online course, “Budgeting For Programs and Proposals”. A large majority of users rated the online experience as “very good” or “excellent” and would like to take additional nonprofit-related courses online.

(PRWEB) May 23, 2002

San Francisco, CA –CompassPoint Nonprofit Services and SmarterOrg announced the completion of the initial evaluation study of their nonprofit online learning initiative. The study reports that learners value the accessibility and convenience of the partners’ online course, “Budgeting For Programs and Proposals”. A large majority of users rated the online experience as “very good” or “excellent” and would like to take additional nonprofit-related courses online.

“Given the rapid pace of change in the online world, we’ve produced an initial evaluation report to provide the sector with immediate feedback on this innovative online learning initiative,” said Nelson Layag, Director of Technology at CompassPoint. “This report is the first product of an ongoing effort to evaluate both this course and the overall application of online learning in the nonprofit sector.”

Budgeting for Programs and Proposals is a collaboration between CompassPoint Nonprofit Services, a nonprofit management support organization and SmarterOrg, an online learning application service provider. The course is designed to provide nonprofit-focused financial management training to nonprofit organizations and grantmakers across the country.

Evaluation Study Highlights

A vast majority of users (85%) rated the course as good or better; 71% of users rated the course as very good or excellent.

Users highly value the flexibility and convenience that online learning provides.

Many users felt that online learning provides a complementary, if not better, experience to classroom learning.

The majority of users would be willing to use online learning again, and this willingness increases with online familiarity.

Users who did not complete the course cited lack of time or competing priorities as the reason.

Independent consultants Elliot Grant and Heather McLeod Grant conducted the study. The online learning initiative is supported by both The James Irvine Foundation and The Atlantic Philanthropies.

The complete study can be downloaded at www. smarterorg. com or www. compasspoint. org/elearning (http://www. compasspoint. org/elearning).

ABOUT THE COURSE SPONSORS

CompassPoint Nonprofit Services (www. compasspoint. org) is the country's leading nonprofit professional development organization, offering a single point of entry to assistance with the full range of organizational effectiveness issues, including but not limited to technology and financial concerns. CompassPoint provides classroom-based workshops in the San Francisco Bay Area to over 7,000 nonprofit staff persons each year, with an annual attendance of over 1,000 for classes with its highly regarded nonprofit financial management curriculum.

SmarterOrg (www. smarterorg. com) is the first company to work exclusively with nonprofit, philanthropic, and public organizations to develop high-impact, cost-effective online learning programs. SmarterOrg offers an engaging, collaborative learning community and easy-to-use tools to manage and evaluate online learning initiatives. In addition, SmarterOrg provides research and consultation services to help organizations develop online learning programs and evaluate learning technology.

FACT SHEET: “BUDGETING FOR PROGRAMS AND PROPOSALS”

ESSENTIAL BUDGETING SKILLS FOR ALL NONPROFIT STAFF

Accurate program budgeting is an essential component of nonprofit fiscal health.

Maintaining fiscal soundness for an organization with multiple programs and multiple funding sources means that each program and grant proposal must accurately reflect the true costs of each project. Furthermore, the complexities of program budgeting demand accurate cost information and coordination across program, fundraising, and finance staff, including both line staff and managers. In the end, sound budgeting requires input from almost every nonprofit staff member. “Budgeting for Programs and Proposals” can help staff at every level to create accurate program budgets and effectively communicate program needs in grant proposals.

EXPERTISE IN NONPROFIT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

“Budgeting for Programs and Proposals” is based on CompassPoint Nonprofit Service’s highly regarded nonprofit professional development programs. Over 1,000 nonprofit staff persons benefit each year from more than 100 classroom and conference workshops focused specifically on nonprofit financial management. “Budgeting for Programs and Proposals” is one of the most popular courses in this comprehensive curriculum.

FLEXIBLE, POWERFUL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

The course learning environment takes advantage of the Web's interactive possibilities, allowing users to utilize multiple learning styles, including simulations, visual representations, hands-on exercises, and case studies. Personalized tutor support is integrated throughout the course - actual subject matter experts are available to provide feedback, all via the Web. SmarterOrg's nonprofit e-learning courses are built on a powerful, XML - and Java-based platform, which allows for rich interactivity and engaging content via any standard Web-browser and dial-up connections as slow as 28.8k.

PRICING

The course fee of $125 includes access to both the online course and expert tutor support for six months. Students can take the course all at once, or review lessons as needed over the entire six months period. In addition, users have access to a number of resources such as sample budgets and cost worksheets.

For more information, please visit www. compasspoint. org/elearning (http://www. compasspoint. org/elearning) or www. smarterorg. com.

Walling Data Protects North Carolina Mental Health Association's 400 Statewide Users with AVG Internet Security

Walling Data Protects North Carolina Mental Health Association's 400 Statewide Users with AVG Internet Security

Network Administrator turns to AVG's Leading US Distributor for Workstation Security

Claremont, N. C. (PRWEB) June 26, 2008

Lou Porco has been Network Administrator at the Mental Health Association of North Carolina for several years, managing the technology needs of the organization's central Raleigh, N. C. office as well as the approximately 150 satellite offices across the state.

Given the confidential nature of much of the data stored on the organization's networks, security and privacy are key concerns for Porco. "When I first came on board, the organization was running Norton AntiVirus products. When that became too cumbersome, we switched to Panda software, but neither solution delivered the kind of powerful yet easy-to-manage solution we needed," he said. "For both products, the updating process was cumbersome and the toll on workstation performance was just too much. So we decided to look for an alternative."

With over 400 workstations to protect, Porco wanted a stable anti-virus solution that would offer powerful protection, yet was easy to use for both end users and administrators. After doing some research, he decided that AVG AntiVirus looked as if it would meet all of his requirements -- he was particularly impressed by the positive comments he found about its ease of use as well as its affordability.

"As far as anti-virus software goes, it doesn't matter if it's easy for me to use, it matters if it is easy on my users," Porco said. "It's my job to learn new software, but my users don't need to get involved with what's being used to protect the data on their workstations. AVG was perfect because I knew that my users would barely know it was there."

Once the product decision was made, it was time to scout out a supplier. A quick tour around a few websites led Porco to Walling Data Systems. He was even happier when he found that Walling offered discounts to non-profit organizations for AVG licenses.

"Pricing was a big issue for us," Porco said. "The nonprofit discounts offered by Walling Data were great, and made it much easier for us to justify the purchase and seal the deal quickly."

Walling Data Systems (http://www. avg-antivirus. net (http://www. avg-antivirus. net)) is the country's longest-standing distributor of AVG Technologies' solutions and the company's highest-volume distributor in North America. Walling specializes in the education and nonprofit sectors, and is the only distributor to offer all customers free, unlimited, U. S.-based support as part of their purchase price.

Complete Satisfaction
Porco is completely satisfied with AVG, and loves how easy it is on both IT administration and the users.

"AVG catches everything and it doesn't get in my users' way," Porco said. "Only 40 of my users are in house, the rest are scattered all over the state, so I needed security software that basically runs itself. AVG has proved it can do just that."

Porco likes AVG so much in fact, that he also uses it on his home computer and says he would recommend it to anyone.

"We just renewed our licenses a few weeks ago and upgraded to AVG 8.0 at the same time. The whole process with Walling Data was fast and painless," Porco said. "Just like AVG!"

For more information about AVG for not-for-profit institutions, please visit http://www. avg-antivirus. net (http://www. avg-antivirus. net) or call toll-free 866-833-5727

About Walling Data Systems
Founded in 1994, in North Carolina, Walling Data Systems is a Value-Added Technology Distributor offering innovative high-value solutions to everyday computer security problems for corporate, education, and home technology users. Walling Data was named an Authorized AVG Distributor in 2004 and is the only source for unlimited toll-free phone, "We-Do-It-For-You" remote control support, and more for their AVG customers in the United States and Canada, one reason why thousands of customers have made Walling their supplier of choice for AVG products. More information at http://www. avg-antivirus. net (http://www. avg-antivirus. net)

About AVG
Founded in 1991 in the Czech Republic, AVG is a leading international developer of Internet threat protection solutions for consumers and SMBs. AVG is one of the fastest growing companies in the industry with more than 70 million active users around the world and offices in Europe and North America. The company employs some of the world's leading experts in Internet security, specifically in the areas of threat research, analysis and detection. AVG's award-winning products are distributed globally through resellers and over the Internet as well as via third parties through Software Developer's Kits (SDK). More information at www. avg. com.

Media Contacts:
Ashlie Lanning 919-557-7890 alanning@wallingdatasystems. com
Luke Walling 828-459-5422 x225 luke@wallingdatasystems. com

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