Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Today's Parents Must be Media Mentors as Well as Media Monitors: Parents' Choice Foundation Announces the Small Screen Awards in Software, Videogames and Websites

Today's Parents Must be Media Mentors as Well as Media Monitors: Parents' Choice Foundation Announces the Small Screen Awards in Software, Videogames and Websites

Parents' Choice Foundation Announces the Small Screen Awards in Software, Videogames and Websites. Small screen products promote big ideas – and small ones. Software and video games can be fun and educational. Websites offer a lot of learning, abstract and concrete. With lessons both positive and negative, today's parents must be media mentors as well as media monitors.

Lutherville Timonium, MD (Vocus) September 11, 2008

Small screen products promote big ideas – and small ones. Software (http://www. parents-choice. org) and video games can be fun and educational. Websites offer a lot of learning, abstract and concrete. With lessons both positive and negative, today's parents (http://www. parents-choice. org) must be media mentors as well as media monitors.

In making today's announcement, Parents' Choice Foundation supports the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation that using media should be a family activity. “In many homes, the “monitor” has become the 21st century hearth. But a digital hearth needs as much attention as a traditional one,” said Claire Green, Parents' Choice Foundation president.

To that end, the Parents' Choice Awards Committees announced the latest “Small Screen” award winners. Parents' Choice Gold Award winners in the website category are: Peep and the Big Wide World (WGBH Interactive), Kerpoof (Kerpoof), Design Squad (WGBH Educational Foundation) and KidsHealth for Kids (Nemours Foundation Center for Children's Health Media). In software and videogames (http://www. parents-choice. org), the Parents' Choice Gold Award winners are: Boom Blox (Electronic Arts), Madden NFL (Electronic Arts), Lego Indiana Jones (Lucas Arts) and Nancy Drew: The Phantom of Venice (HerInteractive). And last, but not least, the Parents' Choice Gold Award winners in the DVD (http://www. parents-choice. org) category are: Pocoyo (NCirlce Entertainment), Scholastic Treasury of 100 Storybook Classics, Brainetics (Launch Pad LLC) and SmartMoves (FableVision).

For the complete list of the latest Parents' Choice Award winners, visit: http://www. parentschoice. org (http://www. parentschoice. org)

Parents' Choice Foundation advises: “Watch what your kids watch, play what they play, surf where they surf. Talk about what's on the screen, and how it applies to the world off the screen. If you don't know how to play the video games that interest your kids (http://www. parents-choice. org), ask them to teach you how. If they are old enough to use the computer, visit Internet sites together. Show them where they're allowed to go, not just where they're not.” For more Parents' Choice media management tips go to: http://parentschoice. org/article. cfm? art_id=255&the_page=consider_this (http://parentschoice. org/article. cfm? art_id=255&the_page=consider_this)

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Monday, November 29, 2010

San Francisco Writers Conference Announces a Writing Scholarship for Survivors of Domestic Violence

San Francisco Writers Conference Announces a Writing Scholarship for Survivors of Domestic Violence

The Ellen Taliaferro, MD, Scholarship: Dedicated to the Prevention and Intervention of Domestic Violence and Abuse. Survivors of domestic violence--and the advocates and professionals who support them--can apply for a full scholarship to the 2010 San Francisco Writers Conference (February 12th-14th, 2010) where they will have their nonfiction writing recognized and reviewed by literary agents and publishing houses.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) October 27, 2009

The 2010 San Francisco Writers Conference has been endowed a remarkable scholarship that will shine a light on the lingering health consequences for victims of domestic violence. The Ellen Taliaferro, MD, Scholarship Dedicated to the Prevention and Intervention of Domestic Violence and Abuse will be awarded to a writer who is writing as a survivor of domestic violence or an advocate or professional who is working with them. The scholarship will pay for a full registration to the 2010 San Francisco Writers Conference to be held February 12-14, 2010 at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel. The scholarship will include a private appointment with a nonfiction editor and agent. There will be a small stipend to partially cover travel and accommodations.

Writers who wish to apply for the scholarship must submit a 250-word explanation of why they want the scholarship, four (4) pages of their work in progress, and a single-page proposal outline for their project. The story can be written as a personal story, memoir, nonfiction book or novel. Contact information, including an email address, must be included with the entry. The deadline for submissions is December 15, 2009. There is no entry fee required. Entries for The Ellen Taliaferro Scholarship for Survivors of Domestic Violence should be directed electronically to Ellen Taliaferro, MD via email at DrTSpeaks (at) gmail (dot) com. For questions about the scholarship, contact Dr. Taliaferro at 650-393-3660.

The 2010 San Francisco Writers Conference will take place February 12-14, 2010 at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel. Donations from individuals and companies (including John Wiley & Sons) also make scholarships available each year for Bay Area high school students and students studying for their MFA degrees. The Kevin Smokler Scholarships are awarded to talented and deserving adult writers. The San Francisco Writers Conference is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. For more information about the 2010 San Francisco Writers Conference program, writing contests and scholarships go to San Francisco Writers Conference Website (http://www. SFWriters. org).

The scholarship was created by Dr. Ellen Taliaferro, Project Director of the Health After Trauma Project, author of WellWriting For Health After Trauma and Abuse and co-author of The Physician's Guide to Intimate Partner Violence and Respond to Intimate Partner Violence - 10 Action Steps You Can Take to Help Your Patients and Your Practice (See bio below).

"My goal in funding this scholarship is to highlight awareness to the issue of domestic violence assault, and in particular the issue of manual strangulation as a form of domestic violence physical abuse, through a domestic violence survivor or advocate or professional writing their story in the form of a nonfiction book or novel," said Dr. Taliaferro.

She adds, "I chose the San Francisco Writers Conference for this scholarship because it excels in offering opportunities for writers attending the conference to interact with the faculty--authors, editors, agents and publishers."

Individuals and companies can create scholarships in their own name or donate to existing San Francisco Writers Conference scholarship programs. Go to SFWriters. org (http://www. SFWriters. org) and click 'Sponsorships' for more information.

Short Version of the Release:
Scholarship Name: The Ellen Taliaferro, MD, Scholarship Dedicated to the Prevention and Intervention of Domestic Violence and Abuse
Details: Submit a 250-word explanation of why you want the scholarship, four (4) pages of your work in progress, and a single-page proposal outline for the project. Work must be nonfiction. There is no entry fee required. Electronic submission is required.
Prize: Full scholarship to the 2010 San Francisco Writers Conference, private meeting with a nonfiction agent and editor, and a small stipend.
Contact: Dr. Taliaferro at 650-393-3660 or DrTspeaks (at) gmail (dot) com
Deadline: December 15, 2009

BIO: Ellen H. Taliaferro, MD, FACEP, is the Project Director of the Health After Trauma Project of Creekside Communications. She is an author, speaker and expert witness in the area of the medical response to intimate partner violence. In 1998 she founded the Parkland Hospital Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Center in Dallas, Texas and served as its Medical Director until returning home to California in 2001. She was the co-founder and former Executive Director of Physicians for a Violence-free Society (PVS). Dr. Taliaferro is the author of WellWriting For Health After Trauma and Abuse and co-author of The Physician's Guide to Intimate Partner Violence: How to Ask the Right Questions and Recognize Abuse--Another Way to Save a Life and Respond to Intimate Partner Violence - 10 Action Steps You Can Take to Help Your Patients and Your Practice.

She is the editor of The Journal of Emergency Medicine Section on Violence: Recognition, Management and Prevention which published a series of articles on manual strangulation in October 2001. For that series of articles, she wrote the lead article, Walking and Talking Victims of Strangulation. Is There a New Epidemic? Health After Trauma website (http://www. healthaftertrauma. com)

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Saturday, November 27, 2010

QRS Diagnostic Introduces Instant Data Synchronization to Enhance its Patient Information Management Software

QRS Diagnostic Introduces Instant Data Synchronization to Enhance its Patient Information Management Software

New Feature Synchronizes Handheld and Desktop Databases

(PRWEB) January 5, 2003

MINNEAPOLIS – January 6, 2003 – With the release of MedicSync(TM), QRS Diagnostic now enables users of its Office Medic(TM) and Pocket Medic(TM) software to synchronize databases of patients’ physiological data collected with QRS computer card medical devices. The MedicSync feature is a wizard that synchronizes data between two different Office Medic databases or between a Pocket Medic and Office Medic database.

"This new feature offers more functionality to our customers," says Spencer Lien, chief executive officer, QRS. "For example, using our SpiroCard(R) PC Card device with Pocket Medic on a handheld, a home care nurse can test a patientÂ’s lung function in the patientÂ’s home, and then synchronize that new data with an existing patient database back in their office."

"MedicSync makes it even more convenient and efficient for us to use QRS PC Card devices for diagnostic testing," says Michael Terry Sr., M. D., Choctaw Family Medicine, Choctaw, Okla. "Now, we can take QRS PC Cards on our handhelds into any exam room or any other location where we want to perform EKGs, test pulmonary function, or monitor blood oxygenation. Upon completing the tests, we can synchronize patientsÂ’ physiological data with our central server database. ItÂ’s simple and fast to keep all our patient data updated."

Office Medic(TM) Workstation is a patient information management system that complements QRS PC Card medical devices to support real-time diagnostic testing. With QRS PC Card medical devices, Office Medic provides caregivers with the flexibility and mobility to perform diagnostic tests on any standard desktop or laptop workstation. Test data is acquired and accessible in seconds at the point of care. The software allows full on-screen viewing of real-time graphs and reports and easy access to automatically stored records. Office Medic(TM) International enables physicians worldwide to take advantage of QRS medical device technology. Office Medic International offers Office Medic Workstation with seven language choices: KingÂ’s English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese (Portugal), and Portuguese (Brazilian).

Office Medic(TM) Integrated Data Management System (IDMS) provides the full advantages of a network solution. It is a patient information management system that provides real-time diagnostic testing, centralized digital data storage, rapid report retrieval and data sharing, and remote connectivity. With Microsoft(R) SQL Server(TM) 2000, Office Medic IDMS turns clients on a network into full-function medical devices simply by sliding a QRS PC Card device into the PC Card drive of an existing network workstation. Physicians and nurses can perform tests on any standard client and then access and analyze the results from anywhere on the network.

"Office Medic IDMS, based on Microsoft SQL Server 2000, offers a scalable, reliable solution that seamlessly integrates with PCs and a variety of mobile devices," says Ahmad Hashem, M. D., Ph. D., global healthcare industry manager, Microsoft. "Office Medic IDMS allows providers to collect and access real-time information at the point of care, resulting in timely medical intervention and communication capabilities."

Pocket Medic(TM) software is compatible with portable Microsoft Windows(R) CE Handheld and Pocket PCs. With QRS PC Cards, Pocket Medic turns off-the-shelf, portable PCs into mobile medical devices.

About QRS Diagnostic

Founded in 1994, QRS Diagnostic, Plymouth, Minn., uses innovative software technology to design and develop FDA-approved medical devices that simplify and reduce the costs of diagnostic testing and patient monitoring. With our patented computer technology platform, QRS turns standard desktop, laptop, handheld and Pocket PCs into modular, upgradeable medical devices and streamlines the collection and communication of precise physiological data. We enable primary care physicians to cost-effectively practice high-tech medicine while delivering the accuracy that specialists and hospitals demand. The affordability, durability and mobility of QRS devices also advance diagnostic testing and patient monitoring for disease management, home healthcare and personal health management. For more information on QRS, please visit www. QRSdiagnostic. com.

end -

Note to Editors: QRS will demo its Office Medic solutions at booth #4851 at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) 2003 Annual Conference & Exhibition at the San Diego Convention Center, February 10-13, 2003. Editorial appointments are available. For assistance, contact David Aquilina via e-mail at davidaquilina@msn. com.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

LRA Worldwide CEO Rob Rush Invited to Address the Historic Hotels of America Annual Meeting

LRA Worldwide CEO Rob Rush Invited to Address the Historic Hotels of America Annual Meeting

Rob Rush, CEO of LRA Worldwide, Inc., has been invited to address the attendees at the Historic Hotels of American Annual Meeting, October 24-26 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan.

Horsham, PA (PRWEB) October 11, 2006

Rob Rush, CEO of LRA Worldwide, Inc., has been invited to address the attendees at the Historic Hotels of American Annual Meeting, October 24-26 at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Rush will address the gathering Wednesday, October 25th at 11:30 AM on Customer Experience Management or CEM.

Rush, one of the pioneers in the rapidly-growing field of CEM, will focus his presentation specifically on how certain companies attain a competitive advantage via the design and implementation of enhanced experiences that speak directly to customer needs and wants. The resulting formation of an emotional bond between the company and the customer yields a profitable, long-term relationship.

“Rob has been widely published in industry trades and general business publications over the years, and I have always been a big fan of his writing and point-of-view,” explained Thierry Roch, Executive Director of Historic Hotels of America. “When I read his recent article on emotional branding, it occurred to me that he would be a natural fit to speak at our annual meeting. All of our members are trying to gain as much insight as possible on how to create an emotional bridge to the guest, so Rob’s message will be of great interest.”

Rush has been a featured speaker at a number of corporate events and industry conferences in the past year. Rush has delivered the CEM message at annual meetings for Farm Credit Canada, InfoGenesis, the Delaware North Companies and Colorado Ski Country USA, among others; he has also presented at the North American Conference on Customer Management (Orlando, FL) and the Internal Branding Conference (New York, NY). Following his address to the Historic Hotels of America group in Michigan, Rush will travel to Rome to address the ESOMAR Leisure 2006 Conference on November 6th. 

“This is an exciting opportunity to talk about Customer Experience Management and emotionally engaging the customer with a group that really gets it,” Rush said. “As CEM grows in acceptance and importance in the marketplace, we are working with more companies in financial services, healthcare, B2B and other sectors where being ‘customer-centric’ has traditionally been an afterthought. Our roots – both as a company and for me personally - are in the hospitality industry, so this feels like a homecoming of sorts.”

The annual meeting is one of the Historic Hotels of America membership benefits. Conducted within the leisurely, relaxed confines of historic Mackinac Island, members will receive information on brand and membership initiatives, new members, a small trade show and vendor presentations, and insights from various experts in and around the customer experience and customer feedback disciplines.

About Historic Hotels of America:

National Trust Historic Hotels of America (HHA) is a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. HHA has identified more than 200 quality hotels that have faithfully maintained their historic architecture and ambience. To be selected for this program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old, listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or recognized locally as having historic significance. To learn more, visit the HHA Web site at www. historichotels. org.

About LRA Worldwide:

LRA Worldwide, Inc., is a leading consulting, organizational development and research company that specializes in Customer Experience Management (CEM). LRA helps companies and brands design and deliver the optimal customer experience across all key touch points using an integrated suite of services that measure and improve service quality, customer satisfaction, employee performance, loyalty, customer advocacy and profitability. LRA specializes in “operationalizing the brand” – turning brand promise and customer strategy into operational reality. LRA’s tactical CEM practice areas include Customer Experience Strategy Design, Standards Development & Content Management, Organizational Development & Training, Customer and Employee Research and Quality Assurance & Mystery Shopping; these are either deployed together in a strategic manner to continually monitor and improve the customer experience or deployed individually to address a specific client tactical need.

LRA’s clients include some of the world’s leading companies and brands in the hospitality industry and beyond, including Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Hard Rock, the PGA TOUR, Albertsons Supermarkets, the NBA and MGM MIRAGE. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www. LRAworldwide. com.

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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Free Yoga - South Florida Yoga School Offers a Free Yoga Class

Free Yoga - South Florida Yoga School Offers a Free Yoga Class

Free Yoga. Try a Free yoga class at Yoga South Florida. 954 455-1005 http://www. yoga-south-florida. com/

(PRWEB) November 22, 2004

The Academy of Yoga in hallandale beach Florida is offering a free yoga class so that new people can experiance the benefits of yoga.

Yoga strengthens the body, increases flexibility, improves ciculation and body tone. People who train in yoga also release stress and find more peace of mind.

New students may try a Free yoga class so they can see how they like the instruction at our yoga school. Space is limited so call now to reserve your spot

After the first class students can make the decision whether or not to continue to take yoga. The academy recommends people attend at least 2 Yoga classes per week so that they will more quickly reap the benefits of Yoga. The students body will start strengthening and their mind relaxing after a couple of sessions. Yoga will also helps unify the mind, body and spirit.

This is the best yoga class in town. Down-to-earth people, affordable, very nice Yoga room and Carlos is simply the very best instructor.

I love coming and I feel that in the past year Yoga has in many ways positively changed and improved my body, health and quality of my life"

--Lindsay Donzanti, Aventura, FL

"Carlos is a fantastic instructor and is very knowledgeable and patient. His class is geared to all levels and ages making it beneficial to all who try it. I look forward to attending the class every week - and try never to miss one even though I live a long way from the school. I have never felt better"

-- Jennifer Mellon, Ft Lauderdale, Fl

954 455-1005

Http://www. yoga-south-florida. com/ (http://www. yoga-south-florida. com/)

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Stephanie Y. Drake, President of Drake Incorporated, Retains the Devin James Group to Build Brand Awareness From Reputation in the Nation's Capital

Stephanie Y. Drake, President of Drake Incorporated, Retains the Devin James Group to Build Brand Awareness From Reputation in the Nation's Capital

Drake Incorporated, a multi-million dollar minority woman-owned general contracting, construction management and real estate services firm founded in 2003 by Stephanie Y. Drake has retained the Memphis-based brand agency, the Devin James Group as agency of record.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) February 11, 2010

Drake Incorporated, (http://www. drake-inc. com (http://www. drake-inc. com)) is a minority, woman-owned general contracting, construction management and real estate services firm. Founded in 2003 by Stephanie Y. Drake and having accomplished multi-million dollar projects in some of the most prominent organizations including the world's largest educational and research institute and museum complex, the Smithsonian Institution, Drake Incorporated is ready to reveal its successes to the world. To that end, Drake has retained the Devin James Group, a Memphis-based agency most recently acknowledged for the brand creation of AutoHood Media and the "Taxi Takeover," a taxi advertising campaign developed for 2010 NBA ALL-STAR advertisers in Dallas, TX.

Until now, most of the success of Drake Incorporated has been articulated by grass roots efforts, word of mouth and few other media outlets. But as Drake has grown exponentially over the last few years, so have the communications needs of the company and one of the key components now is to build the brand.

By expounding on the noteworthy accomplishments of the founder and recent contracts awarded to Drake Incorporated, the Devin James Group will implement a strong and comprehensive brand and public relations strategy that will reinforce the success of the company. "For Drake, this year is about being an instrument in promoting and advocating for small-business inclusion in the government and private sector by performing at the highest level and remaining focused on company infrastructure," Stephanie Y. Drake, President.

About Drake Incorporated and the Devin James Group:
Drake Incorporated, is a HUBZone, LSDBE/CBE, MDOT and MBE-certified African-American woman-owned general contracting, construction management and real estate services firm participating in its sixth year of the SBA 8(a) Program. In 2010 Drake Inc. was featured in Minority Business Enterprise Magazine.

Drake has performed on a number of multi-million dollar contracts and secured long term relationships with prominent organizations, such as the Smithsonian Institution, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U. S. General Services Administration (GSA), the Pentagon, Baltimore City Community College and the Washington Navy Yard.

The Devin James Group, (http://www. devinjamesgroup. com (http://www. devinjamesgroup. com)) is a strategic group that leverages a brand with unique media assets and relationships while developing diversified programs that incorporate PR, marketing and advertising.

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Dean Says Loss of Health Care for 1.6 Million Americans Another Example of the “Bush Tax” Helping Wealthy

Dean Says Loss of Health Care for 1.6 Million Americans Another Example of the “Bush Tax” Helping Wealthy

"This President continues to shift costs from the federal government to states and communities and, through massive borrowing, to our children and grandchildren. This really amounts to a 'Bush Tax' that all of us are paying in higher local taxes, service cuts and huge future deficits,” said Governor Dean. http://www. deanforamerica. com

Rochester, NH (PRWEB) January 11, 2004

Democratic presidential candidate Governor Howard Dean, M. D., said a new report shows up to 1.6 million low-income Americans have lost health coverage over the last two years. Dean cites this as "another example of the price we're paying for this President's uncaring economic policy."

According to the non-partisan Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP), the Bush administrationÂ’s policies are forcing states and localities to make major cuts in programs like Medicaid and the State ChildrenÂ’s Health Insurance Program. The non-partisan Center estimates that the cuts in these programs have affected between 1.2 and 1.6 million low-income people, including about a half million children.

"It is immoral for our government to fund tax breaks of $112,000 for millionaires, while cutting half a million children off their health insurance.

"We need a new social contract in America that guarantees basic, essential rights for all, including health coverage for every man, woman and child."

"This President continues to shift costs from the federal government to states and communities and, through massive borrowing, to our children and grandchildren. This really amounts to a 'Bush Tax' that all of us are paying in higher local taxes, service cuts and huge future deficits,” said Governor Dean.

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For more information contact:

Dean For America

Http://www. deanforamerica. com (http://www. deanforamerica. com)
Press Office 802-651-3257

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Intuita Launches New On-Line Learning Institute

Intuita Launches New On-Line Learning Institute

Intuita's new On-Line Learning Institute turns your desktop at work or at home into a classroom with top quality training programs for business, career development, technology and personal development. This adds to our classroom delivered Innovation Training Program for business.

(PRWEB) July 18, 2004

The old nursery rhyme, "No more pencils, no more books....." has become a reality. Also no more classrooms, course schedules, driving to class or waiting in line to enroll. The classroom is now contained in a browser on your computer, whether you are learning at work or learning on your home desktop.

Arupa Tesolin, Principal of Intuita Training, a Mississauga, Ontario based learning company, announced today that Intuita has established a complete on-line training facility. The Intuita On-Line Learning Institute now offers training programs for both companies and individuals who want to upgrade their skills to compete for jobs or to develop their career. Courses are economical, provide a high value business grade learning experience and complement Intuita's classroom-delivered Innovation Training Programs.

Companies now have access to a virtual training department with the same quality of learning as large companies at a fraction of the cost.

This extends an existing business partnership with Ray Miller, President of CanTrain Development Corporation, a Canadian company, and the provider of the learning system known as CanTrainOnline. Through Intuita, CanTrain offers a unique eLearning solution with an extensive inventory of generic top quality training systems and content that Companies can securely deploy to manage their web-based and blended learning and assessment requirements.

Of the 250 Course Modules now available, most are bundled into learning packages. Included is a Management Development System and an Employee Development System suitable for all aspiring employees and supervisors, a Business Basics program for business owners and managers, Health & Safety, Technology Training, HR, Legal, and Employee Relations, and modules in Service Quality, Performance, Productivity, Interpersonal Skills, Sales & Marketing, Project Management, Contracts, Teams, Communication, Quality Management, and more. The Technology training covers the same content taught in classroom certification programs.

Says Arupa, "Small and medium-sized businesses now have a training institute of the same calibre as those of large businesses without the high cost, time and administration. Individual business owners can now upgrade their skills on demand. Handy checklists and downloadable job aids help to apply the learning into real time results. Programs are also handy for decentralized or remote workforces and overseas companies who do business within a North American business culture."

"What is also great about the On-Line Institute is that it's not limited to business users. It offers many benefits to people who need access to training for better employment and career opportunities, including students, immigrants, people who live in remote areas, and amibitious self-learners who want to develop themselves beyond their current job. Executives, teachers and retirees can now quietly improve their technology skills at home."

For course details and prices visit the web-site www. intuita. com

Arupa Tesolin, Founder, Intuita

905.271.7272, www. intuita. com

SEMINAR LEADER, SPEAKER, CONSULTANT

INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT - Training & Management Magazine

Arupa is the founder of a Mississauga, Ont. based learning company that offers corporate workshops and executive coaching in innovation and management skills. She is the creator of "The Intuita 3-MINUTE SOLUTIONS" for INTUITIVE THINKING, INNOVATION, VISIONING, & STRESS and the recognized author of numerous international articles on intuitive intelligence and business innovation, a speaker and seminar leader.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Florida Salary and Benefits Survey: Merit Raises and Turnover Lower Than National Average

Florida Salary and Benefits Survey: Merit Raises and Turnover Lower Than National Average

Effective Resources, Inc. releases study data representing more than 1.5 million employees and 245 Florida employers

Clearwater, FL (PRWEB) October 2, 2008

Lower employee turnover (http://www. salarysurveyonline. com) and lower merit raises are the findings of an annual statewide salary, wage and benefits survey by Effective Resources, Inc.

The salary survey (http://www. salarysurveyonline. com) — held in coordination with the HR Florida State Council, a Society for Human Resource Management affiliated council —covers data from 245 Florida employer participants, representing more than 1.5 million employees.

The regional surveys cover Tampa Bay, South Florida, Gulf Coast, Central Florida, and Northeast Florida, while the overall survey covers the entire state. The wages reported reflect August 2008 rates, and include industry groups such as banking, finance and insurance, government/education, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing/distribution, not-for-profit, staffing/employer services and retail.

Among the highlights of the survey’s findings:
The average monthly employee turnover for Florida employers (http://www. salarysurveyonline. com) is 1.8%—considerably lower than the 2.5% reported last year and much less than the national average of 3.1%.

A marked decrease in merit increases. The reported 3.6% planned merit increase is lower than the national average of 3.8% and is down from 3.9% as reported in last year’s survey.

“To retain your best performers, don’t forget about non-cash incentives” suggests Barry Brown, president of Effective Resources Inc., the owners of SalarySurveyOnline. com. “There are other ways to recognize, reward and motivate employees. Rather than increasing base pay, consider using lump-sum merit increases. They do not increase base pay and the associated costs, but still recognizes the employee’s performance.”

Aggregate wage information is reported for 328 jobs with data break-outs by region/county, industry, company size, and more. The surveys also include an extensively detailed nine-section benefits report with details for medical premium increases, life insurance and disability plans, medical out-of-pocket costs, 401(k) matching, vacation and sick time, and other important issues facing today’s employers.

Visit http://www. salarysurveyonline. com (http://www. salarysurveyonline. com) to learn more about the surveys and their availability.

Click here to view a complimentary Executive Summary:
Http://www. SalarySurveyOnline. com/Default. asp? Location=ES/SSO_FLES_2008.pdf&RefCode=PressRelease2008 (http://www. SalarySurveyOnline. com/Default. asp? Location=ES/SSO_FLES_2008.pdf&RefCode=PressRelease2008)

About Effective Resources
Effective Resources, Inc. is a leading human resources consulting firm specializing in providing companies assistance with compensation issues, affirmative action plan preparation, salary surveys and employee opinions surveys, as well as other areas of human resources. Effective Resources, Inc. has been in business since 1992. Visit our website at: http://wwwEffectiveResources. com (http://wwwEffectiveResources. com)

Contact Information:
Barry Brown, SPHR CCP
Effective Resources, Inc., President
Voice: 800-288-6044
E-Mail: barry @ effectiveresources. com

This press release was distributed through eMediawire by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www. HRmarketer. com) on behalf of the company listed above.

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Friday, November 19, 2010

Hottest Midwest Companies Awards announced by Lead411

Hottest Midwest Companies Awards announced by Lead411

Lead411 recognizes the fastest growing technology companies in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) July 21, 2010

In order to recognize the hottest technology companies in the Southeast Region, Lead411 (http://www. lead411.com (http://www. lead411.com)) is proud to announce the release of the 'Hottest Companies in the Southeast' awards.

Background
On a daily basis, the Lead411 research team scours through at least 600 press releases and business articles including venture capital financings, company launches, office openings, new customer press releases, etc. This information has given insight to which are the fastest growing technology companies in U. S. Their "Hot List" awards have been created to recognize this fast growing companies. This particular list originally started with over 2400 companies and it has been narrowed down to the top 84.
"We are very proud of these awards. We have been tracking fast-moving companies for our customers for the past 10 years," said Tom Blue, CEO of Lead411, "and we felt it was important to recognize these growing brands publicly."

How the List Was Chosen
First, all companies must by in either the Software, Wireless, Internet, or Media industry, have less than $150M in yearly revenues, and be within Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Ohio, or Wisconsin. From there, each company must meet one or more of the following requirements;

100% increase in revenues over the past 3 years.
$1M+ in funding in the past 2 years.
2X traffic gains to their website in the past 12 months AND over 1M unique visitors a month.

List of Company Names:
4CS, Accertify, ACTIV Financial Systems, Inc., Alice. com, Angie's List, Anthem Media Group, Apparatus, Inc, ArrowStream Inc, Arsalon Technologies, LLC, Bell Aquaculture, BigMachines, BirdDog Solutions Inc, BuyOnlineNow. com, Centro, ChaCha Search, Inc, Classified Ventures, ClearSaleing, Inc, Compendium Software, LLC, Compliance11, Inc, Consona Corporation, CotterWeb Enterprises Inc, DataSync, Deemsys Inc, Discount Office Items, DyKnow company, eBureau, Electronic Commerce, Inc, ExactTarget, Expressume Inc, FastDue. com, Firm58, Geonetric, gloStream, Inc., GovDelivery, Groupon Inc, GrubHub, Handmark Inc, HarQen, HEALTHCAREfirst, Iasta, Ifbyphone Inc, ImageTrend, Inc, InsuranceAgents. com, Intelligent InSites Inc, Interactions Inc, InXpo, Inc., Liquid Web Inc, Men's Red Tag, Model Metrics, Inc, mPay Gateway Inc, My1Stop. com, Myriant Technologies LLC, Networked Insights Inc, Newser LLC, Newsy. com, Omnicity Corp, OpticsPlanet, Inc, Orbis Education, Palisade Systems, Inc., Passageways, Personalization Mall, Plex Systems Inc, Quality Logo Products, Inc, Quantum Retail Technology Inc, Reliance Software Systems Inc, Scale Computing, Sittercity, Sojern, Solid Signal Inc, StartSampling, T2 Systems Inc, TEAM Companies, The Higher Gear Group Inc, ThinkVine, TMW Systems, ubid. com, UnitedLex Corporation, vAuto, Vibes Media, Vontoo, LLC, WorkForce Software, XIOtech Corporation

List and Details:
The entire list including more details about the award and winners can be found at http://www. lead411.com/midwest-companies. html (http://www. lead411.com/midwest-companies. html).

About Lead411
Lead411 provides information, news, and research about U. S. companies and their executives. Founded in 2001, its goal has been to focus on quality corporate data that is valid and useful rather than producing as many company records as possible. In addition, Lead411 tracks company news in order to alert its customers about venture financing, new hires, hiring plans, etc. Customers include Gartner, Administaff and ADP.

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Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Americans for Cures Foundation Announces Conference for Stem Cell Advocates: Americans for Cures Foundation Announces State of Stem Cell Advocacy 2008, the Only Conference Geared This Year for Advocates of Grass-Roots Stem Cell Research

Americans for Cures Foundation Announces Conference for Stem Cell Advocates: Americans for Cures Foundation Announces State of Stem Cell Advocacy 2008, the Only Conference Geared This Year for Advocates of Grass-Roots Stem Cell Research.

Stem cell research advocates nationwide will gather at the State of Stem Cell Advocacy 2008 conference on April 12-13, 2008. The conference is being presented by Americans for Cures Foundation (ACF) (www. americansforcures. org) at San Francisco's UCSF Mission Bay Conference Center, ACF's Co-Executive Directors announced today.

PALO ALTO, Calif. (PRWEB) February 12, 2008

 Patient advocates and veterans who want to bolster public support and funding for stem cell research at the local and national level are invited to attend. The conference welcomes advocates of all diseases and conditions, both those who are newcomers as well as experienced advocates.

ACF Co-Executive Director Constance McKee said, "This conference is the only meeting offering training for Americans who want to advance cures based on stem cell research. Stem cell research is a common thread of hope for almost 70 diseases and conditions otherwise considered incurable.

"Stem cell research affects almost every family in America. There are 100 million Americans who have diseases and conditions that could be improved with regenerative cell therapies. Most Americans want to protect their rights to provide their families with the best healthcare possible," McKee said.

The keynote speaker will be Robert Klein, a co-author of California's groundbreaking Proposition 71. Voters approved the proposition in November 2004 and created the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) (www. cirm. ca. gov). Other confirmed and invited speakers are Don C. Reed, sponsor for California's Roman Reed Spinal Cord Injury Research Act (1999); Bernard Siegel, Executive Director of the Genetics Policy Institute; Dr. Renee Pera, Stanford University; Dr. Alan Trounson, President of CIRM; Amy Comstock Rick, President of Coalition for Advancement of Medical Research and President of Parkinson's Action Network.

ACF Co-Executive Director Amy Daly commented, "We are kicking off the conference with a session called 'Stem Cells 101' for newcomers. Then a panel of physicians will discuss the latest advances in developing therapies for diseases like spinal cord injury and cancer stem cells. We are planning sessions on 'How to Work With Congress,' 'Increasing NIH and VA Funding For Stem Cell Therapies,' and 'How To Invite the Media to Your Event.'"

McKee said Americans for Cures Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization that is the successor to the former Alliance for Stem Cell Research.

"Our founding charter was to support the implementation of Proposition 71 by providing educational programs. As stem cell science is poised to become medicine, we are reaching nationally, to Americans who are hungry for the facts, not the hype, about stem cell science. If we speak out together for cures, we can accelerate the pace at which hope becomes the reality of therapy."

For more information, please register for the event at www. americansforcures. org or send an email to inform@americansforcures. org. Advocates needing financial assistance may apply for a limited number of conference scholarships. For information about sponsorship opportunities for State of Stem Cell Advocacy 2008, send an email to inform@americansforcures. org.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Florida Businesses Awarded for Being 'Sea Turtle Friendly' Caribbean Conservation Corp., the world's oldest sea turtle research and protection group, partners with local Florida groups to select businesses worthy of the award

Florida Businesses Awarded for Being 'Sea Turtle Friendly' Caribbean Conservation Corp., the world's oldest sea turtle research and protection group, partners with local Florida groups to select businesses worthy of the award.

The Caribbean Conservation Corporation, through its Florida-based Sea Turtle Survival League program, worked with turtle groups around Florida to find beachfront hotels, condominiums, restaurants and other businesses that are taking proactive steps to protect endangered sea turtles. With nesting season now underway in Florida, awards are being presented to the most 'turtle friendly' establishments in important sea turtle nesting areas.

(PRWEB) June 29, 2002

The Caribbean Conservation Corporation, through its Florida-based Sea Turtle

Survival League (STSL) program, worked with turtle groups around Florida to

Find beachfront hotels, condominiums, restaurants and other businesses that

Are taking proactive steps to protect endangered sea turtles. With nesting

Season now underway in Florida, awards are being presented to the most 'turtle

Friendly' establishments in important sea turtle nesting areas.

"These awards provide a great opportunity to recognize coastal businesses for

Going the extra mile to protect Florida's sea turtles and their nesting beaches,"

Said Dan Evans, STSL Education Coordinator. "Hopefully, the awards will

Motivate other beachfront establishments to review and improve their own

Efforts to safeguard Florida's sea turtle and coastal habitats."

Over 90 percent of all the sea turtle nesting in the United States takes place

On Florida beaches. What we do in this state to protect sea turtles affects the

Global population. With so many people living, working and recreating along

Florida's coastline, groups like STSL are doing their best to raise awareness

About simple ways people can help protect these ancient visitors to our

Beaches.

This is the first year the Sea Turtle Friendly Awards are being presented.

Award categories include coastal hotels, rental condos, retail stores,

Restaurants and local government agencies. Nominations were evaluated

Based on criteria including efforts to reduce artificial beach lighting during

The sea turtle nesting season, protection and general health of the nesting

Beach, recycling practices, and involvement in sea turtle education programs.

The Sea Turtle Friendly Awards are part of STSL's Sea Turtle Habitat

Awareness Campaign. The campaign provided coastal businesses with free

Educational materials about Florida's sea turtles, their habitats and protection

Issues. Working with local groups, such as Turtle Time, Inc. in Lee County and

Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota County, the campaign is increasing

Awareness about coastal management issues that affect the survival of sea

Turtles. For example, artificial lights disorient nesting turtles and their

Hatchlings. Sea walls and other tactics used to protect homes and businesses

From erosion also pose long-term threats to sea turtle survival. The Awareness

Campaign this year focused on seven important turtle nesting counties: Collier,

Lee and Sarasota on the Gulf coast and Brevard, Indian River, Martin and

Volusia on the Atlantic coast. Other counties will be the focus of future

Programs.

Funding for the 2002 Sea Turtle Friendly Awards program was provided through

A grant from the Sea Turtle License Plate Grants program. The grants program,

Which is administered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation

Commission, receives its funding directly from sales of the Florida Sea Turtle

Specialty License Plate. The Sea Turtle Survival League, a program of the

Non-profit Caribbean Conservation Corporation, works throughout the U. S. to

Protect sea turtles through outreach, advocacy and education. For a list of the

Businesses receiving "Turtle Friendly" Awards, contact the Sea Turtle Survival

League at 1-800-678-7853 or visit www. cccturtle. org/florida/friendly. htm (http://www. cccturtle. org/florida/friendly. htm).

Friday, November 12, 2010

Hale Pet Door™ Expands AED Program

Hale Pet Door™ Expands AED Program

Hale Pet Door™ website boasts, "Our skilled staff continually strives to provide our customers (two-legged and four-legged) with exceptional products and excellent service," and that couldn't be more evident than in their recent decision to expand their Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) program.

Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) June 30, 2007

Heale Pet Door™ was founded in 1985 in Phoenix, Arizona by S. B (Bill) Hale, Jr. The company evolved from Hale Glass Contracting to Hale Security Pet Door to its current identity as Hale Pet Door. It was through his experience in the glass industry that Mr. Hale became intrigued with the idea of pet doors and focused on installing them directly into the glass pane of a sliding glass door. Their website boasts, "Our skilled staff continually strives to provide our customers (two-legged and four-legged) with exceptional products and excellent service," and that couldn't be more evident than in their recent decision to expand their Public Access Defibrillation (PAD) program.

Safety On Site Training established a PAD program and Medical Direction, as outlined in the Arizona law regarding Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), for Hale Pet Door in August 2006. The programs are designed to train various members of company that purchases an AED, on the proper use of such device. When it came time to renew the program at the end of a year, Hale Pet Door didn't hesitate. Not only did they choose to renew their program for another year, but they also chose to purchase an additional Zoll AED Plus for their newest facility.

The company chose Zoll because of the product's outstanding features and affordable price. The Zoll AED Plus is the only unit available with live feedback as to the quality and timing of CPR compressions. It has a rugged, durable design that is rated extremely well in standing up to dust, water and even Arizona heat. Finally, with audible instructions and a one-piece electrode, the unit is very simple to use even if the rescuer is a member of the lay public who hasn't undergone the training that is available.

Although they have never had to use their original AED, Hale Pet understands the importance of having the units available, due to the fact that without an AED only 5% of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) victims are saved. However when an AED is available and used, that number increases dramatically, with 65% to 75% of patients being saved as a result of early defibrillation.

Another reason the Zoll product is the right choice for schools, churches and businesses of all sizes is the low maintenance costs. The company has what's called the 5-5-5 plan, which means the unit comes with a 5-year warranty, the pads have a 5-year shelf life, as do the batteries in an idle unit. The batteries used are ordinary Duracell™ lithium batteries and are available at any camera retail shop. Duracell™ even launched an ad campaign featuring a dramatization of the Zoll AED saving the life of a young athlete who collapsed with SCA during a basketball game. Finally, if there is an incident and the device is used, Zoll will provide the owner with a new set of pads and batteries in exchange for allowing the company to download information from the machine post-use, in an effort to continually monitor and if necessary, improve upon their product.

Safety On Site Training is a local, woman-owned health and safety training and consulting company that offers courses held at your site. Its mission is to decrease premature death by implementing emergency response programs with trained individuals, who are confident and courageous enough to act during an emergency. Safety On Site Training specializes in establishing emergency response programs with Public Access Defibrillation (PAD). Its PAD services include: purchase and placement of the AED, obtaining medical direction, complete training packages, and support following an incident. Safety On Site Training also provides OSHA compliance training. For interview or more information, visit www. safetyonsitetraining. com or call 520-568-0285.

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Thursday, November 11, 2010

Local Wines & Beers Served at the El Dorado County Fair

Local Wines & Beers Served at the El Dorado County Fair

The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce presents the Wine & Beer Garden at the EDC Fair from June 16-19 at the Placerville Fairgrounds.

Placerville, CA (PRWEB) June 15, 2005

Picture this - warm weather, a light breeze and an inviting oasis of shade. You are with good friends, seated at a table with a great bottle of wine, crystal glassware, and live music.

Sounds like a pleasant daydream doesn't it?

The El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce can make this dream come true during the County Fair June 16 - 19. Come visit us at the Wine & Beer Garden near the rear of the Historical Museum and we'll serve you a nice cold Jack Russell, Red Hook or Hefeweizen Brew or a fantastic local wine by the glass or by the bottle.

Serving and making it possible for you to keep the glass are: Wells Fargo Bank, Pam Murray/ReMax Gold, Genesis Homes, Capitol Claims Services, Sweet Septic and the New Car Dealer Assn of El Dorado County. Along with your Chamber host, many local business people will be serving you with a smile. These "friends of the Chamber" are: KB Design and Development, Placer Title Company, J & C Automotive, EDC Assn of Realtors, Wells Fargo Bank, BloodSource, Liz Boyd/ERA Realty, Union Bank of California, Schools Financial Credit Union, and www. ElDoradoGuide. com.

For additional information about the El Dorado County Fair visit www. eldoradocountyfair. org. You can learn more about how the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce can help your business at www. eldoradocounty. org.

About the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce:

The mission of the Chamber is to advocate and promote a strong, healthy and diverse business community to preserve the quality of life in El Dorado County.

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Monday, November 8, 2010

The Paquin Group Hosts Nation’s First Annual Healthcare Retail Conference for Sellout Crowd

The Paquin Group Hosts Nation’s First Annual Healthcare Retail Conference for Sellout Crowd

The Paquin Group hosted the nation's first annual Healthcare Retail Conference in Orlando, FL on April 10th and 11th.

Celebration, FL (PRWEB) May 7, 2006

Over 100 hospital executives crowded a Ritz Carlton ballroom to hear industry experts present the latest on healthcare retail at the first annual national Healthcare Retail Conference held at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes Resort in Orlando, Florida on April 10th and 11th.

Speakers at the Conference included Al Stubblefield, CEO of Baptist Health Care, Jamie Orlikoff, President of Orlikoff and Associates, Harvey Hartman of The Hartman Group, and Tony Paquin of The Paquin Group, among many others.

“These speakers are the absolute thought leaders in America when it comes to understanding the healthcare industry and how it is affected by changing consumer movements,” Paquin said.

Healthcare retail is a business model rapidly being adopted by hospitals and healthcare systems that want to diversify from low margin, highly regulated, reimbursed revenue sources. Proponents of healthcare retail focus on the healthcare needs of consumers that go beyond traditional boundaries and includes retail products and services, for both healthy and unhealthy consumers. Hospitals that promote a more comprehensive, consumer focused approach also report higher utilizaiton of their core, acute care services.

Sessions during the two day conference featured ways to generate non-reimbursable revenues through healthcare retail stores, eCommerce, direct marketing, and medical spas.

“There is a change in consumer sentiment that is leading people to find new ways to enhance their health and overall wellness; and this consumer movement is creating opportunities for hospitals,” Paquin added.

According to Hartman, aging baby boomers and consumer self-diagnosis has generated a higher demand for healthcare products and services beacuse, “people are seeking a higher quality of life for a longer period of time.” The Hartman Group is one of the nation’s premier marketing firms specializing in consumer wellness movements.

A key part of a successful healthcare retail strategy is the collaboration of clincal and retail staff. “Retail staff has to make a specific effort to help clinicians understand that patients’ benefit from a more comprehensive and retail approach to patient care,” explained Gary Paquin, Vice President of The Paquin Group. “Consulting with clinical staff on the reasons for retail should emphasize patient preferences and improved outcomes,” he added. Orlikoff, a leading healthcare industry consultant, caught the audience’s attention with a dramatic exposé of the financial condition of the healthcare industry in the United States and the subsequent need for alternate sources of revenue.

Conference attendees also participated in highly focused sessions that featured presentations on eCommerce, direct marketing, merchandising, financial planning and other tactics of successful retail practiced at healthcare systems.

About The Paquin Group

The Paquin Group is an alliance of industry leading experts and resources created to assist hospitals in the implementation of healthcare retail strategies. The company’s core mission is to increase revenue opportunities and minimize risks for healthcare organizations. As Medicare reimbursement rates continue to be pressured downward and expenses rise, new sources for non-reimbursed revenues are becoming essential to the financial viability of hospitals. The Paquin Group helps hospitals identify and implement these new retail revenue strategies.

Contact Alexis Graham, Director of Communications

407-566-1010 ext. 105 or alexis. graham @ thepaquingroup. com

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Sunday, November 7, 2010

Local Therapist Provides Revolutionary New On-Line Mental Health Services

Local Therapist Provides Revolutionary New On-Line Mental Health Services

Dr. Michael Simpson a therapist with over tirty five years expierance. Is providing online counseling services, using REVOLUTIONARY tools to provide complete privacy with Audio/Visual, Secure Chat, and Secure Email counseling.

Huntersville, NC (PRWEB) September 13, 2005

Dr. Michael Simpson is offering expanded services with Letstalkcounseling. com, a revolutionary interactive counseling site that allows both therapist and client to meet in total confidentiality, using the Internet. Security is ensured with encryption that is above DOD standards to protect the contents of its e-mail.

Michael Simpson, Ph. D. is a clinical psychologist in the South Florida area. He has been working in the community for over 10 years. He works with a dedicated group of psychologists and other mental health professionals at Associates in Behavioral Counseling. Associates in Behavioral Counseling has been providing clinical services for over 35 years. You can trust that you will be communicating with a licensed professional. Please contact Dr. Simpson so that he can help you.

Lets Talk Counseling allows clients to receive counseling from the comfort of their own home, in a confidential environment, at a more affordable price than traditional counseling. “The ability to offer counseling more affordably by no means makes it less effective. When a therapist no longer has to pay for office space, a clinical staff, utilities, and etc. he/she can lower their prices. LetsTalkCounseling. com has given therapists the ability to do just that. This way more people can receive the counseling they need.”

LetsTalkCounseling. com offers 2048 bit encrypted e-mail counseling, secure chat-room counseling, and audio/video Cyber-counseling (where the therapist and client can view and hear one another). By offering so many different types of online counseling the Mental Health Professional is able to provide counseling via a means that is preferential to the client. It will also eliminate all distance barriers. Some clients/consumers will prefer to start out with e-mail counseling and work there way up to video/audio counseling. “The goal of letstalkcounseling. com is to meet people where they are at and provide a counseling arena for them that makes the client feel comfortable and is therapeutic.”

For myriad reasons many clients are either unwilling or unable to visit a therapistÂ’s office. Online services have now overcome these barriers and opened a world of help that until now was not available. To visit with this pioneering mental health professional visit. www. Letstalkcounseling. com/sites/msimpsonphd (http://www. Letstalkcounseling. com/sites/msimpsonphd )
Or www. LetsTalkCounseling. com

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Inventor Jared Joyce Brings Revolutionary BPA-Free Water Bottle to the Market

Inventor Jared Joyce Brings Revolutionary BPA-Free Water Bottle to the Market

Jared Joyce, an Independent Inventor located in Bozeman, MT, has just launched his first invention. With six years in the making, his BPA-free Titan Water Bottle offers never-before-seen features for people on the go.

Bozeman, MT (PRWEB) May 12, 2008

Jared Joyce, inventor and entrepreneur, recently launched the first of several inventions destined for the U. S. marketplace: the BPA-free Titan water bottle. The Titan is available for pre-order at its official site, http://www. titanwaterbottle. com/ (http://www. titanwaterbottle. com/).

The patent-pending BPA-free water bottle touts many features previously unseen in the water bottle industry including: One-hand-single-motion operation, built in carabiner clip, and no-leak 'chuggable' mouthpiece.

Jared Joyce, 27, is a 2004 graduate of Montana State University's School of Architecture. Intent on pursuing his dreams of inventing, Jared Joyce began raising investor funding and developing his inventions while still in Architecture school. Upon graduating he established Jared Joyce, Inc. and converted an area of his apartment into a research and development center with room for himself and two employees.

Realizing that he had far more inventions than cash, Jared picked the most marketable ideas and began developing them, keeping his number of full time employees low and relying on his network of independent contractors to help push the products through prototyping. Prototyping just one stage in what Jared calls "The Invention Time Line."

"Prototyping is problem solving in three dimensions. It enables us to fail faster so that we can succeed sooner! It is an imperative component of successful design," says Jared.

With over 5 marketable inventions developed and more in the pipeline, Jared and his staff have their hands full. After being accepted as a top 10 finalist out of 3,000 inventors on the fiercely competitive Season 3 Everyday Edisons Casting Call, Jared's inventions have begun raising eyebrows of investors and product development organizations.

The Titan Water Bottle was officially launched on May 3rd, 2008 and Jared Joyce, Inc. is now taking pre-orders on www. titanwaterbottle. com. Jared hopes to have 100,000 units pre-ordered by June: "Individuals will buy a product based on it being a good idea. Corporations will only buy a product based on proof of sales. With Wal-Mart having banned the sale of all BPA plastics as of April 19th it has leveled the playing field as the Titan brand goes head to head with Nalgene and Camelbak. This summer all big box retailers have to decide what new BPA-free water bottle to purchase and if we can get 100,000 pre-orders for the Titan before June, that should be enough to get their orders for the rest of the summer."

The Titan bottle is revolutionary compared to other bottles currently on the market. First, the Titan contains no BPA (bisphenol a), a chemical in popular plastics that has recently come under attack for negative health effects associated with leaching of the chemical into food and beverages from plastic containers.

Second, it sports an impressive one-hand, one-motion operation which means you can unclip it, press the carabiner to open the valve, 'chug' the contents, close the valve, and re-clip it all with one hand and all in one motion.

Lastly, the unique mouthpiece design allows users to 'chug' the contents of the bottle without spilling and its 63mm diameter allows customers to use the Titan with their favorite standard-sized water bottle or water filtration unit.

According to Jared, "The Titan will do for water bottles what the Dyson did for vacuums. It will disprove the theory held by today's big name water bottle manufacturers that consumers only see water bottles as a disposable good and will therefore only pay up to $15. If you're looking for a water bottle that will deliver the best functional and health benefits -- the Titan is for you!"

Jared is no stranger to challenges. The development process for the Titan took six years and required thousands of sketches, hundreds of digital models, and nearly 100 working prototypes to perfect. This is mostly due to the Titan's unique form-fitting mouthpiece, never-before-seen functionality, and innovative design elements.

The Titan Water Bottle is priced at $25.00 with free shipping on pre-orders at the official site: www. titanwaterbottle. com. The Titan will be available this summer through Amazon.

For additional information on Jared Joyce, Inc., please visit www. jaredjoyce. com.

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Saturday, November 6, 2010

Consumer Reports Health Insurance Survey Reveals 1 in 4 People Insured but Not Adequately Covered

Consumer Reports Health Insurance Survey Reveals 1 in 4 People Insured but Not Adequately Covered

CR study identifies emerging class of "underinsured" and offers seven ways consumers can make the most of their own health plans

Yonkers, NY (PRWEB) August 6, 2007

A new Consumer Reports study identifies the "underinsured"--accounting for 24% of the U. S. population--living with skeletal health insurance that barely covers their medical needs and leaves them unprepared to pay for major medical expenses.

Forty-nine percent of people overall, and 43 percent of people with insurance said they were "somewhat" to "completely" unprepared to cope with a costly medical emergency over the coming year. Some 16 percent of the people surveyed had no health plan at all, including many working respondents whose jobs didn't offer insurance or who couldn't afford the premiums of deductibles of the available plan.

When added to the population of "uninsured"--approximately 16% of the population--a total of 40% of Americans ages 18-64 have, at best, inadequate access to health care. The report, published in the September issue, also finds that most employers are struggling to keep up while the insurance behemoths prosper from the misery.

In the first of a series of reports on America's health care crisis (http://www. consumerreports. org/cro/health-fitness/health-care/health-insurance-9-07/overview/0709_health_ov. htm), Consumer Reports paints a profile of the "underinsured," explains what it means to be insured but not adequately covered, and tells of the costs and consequences for everyone, including people who are currently "well insured." The report is based on a survey conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center in May 2007, which sampled 2,905 Americans between ages 18 and 64. The survey found evidence of increasing frailty in the U. S. system of health insurance on almost all fronts.
The September issue of Consumer Reports also includes ratings of the best HMOs and PPOs, based on the experiences of 37,000 readers.

Defining "Underinsured": Insured But Not Covered

People falling into the "underinsured" category have two or more of the following complaints about their health plans: It does not adequately cover costs of prescription drugs; doctor visits; medical tests; surgery or other medical procedures; catastrophic medical conditions; or the deductible is too high.

CR notes that the new emerging class of "underinsured" could be you or your neighbor. In the CR survey, the median household income of respondents who were "underinsured" was $58,950, well above the U. S. median. Twenty-two percent live in households making more than $100,000. Still, many of the "underinsured" don't have the resources to keep up with the rising costs of deductibles and co-pays, so much so that 43% reported that they postponed going to the doctor because they couldn't afford it.

Twenty-eight percent told Consumer Reports they put off filling prescriptions. In addition to digging deep into their savings, raiding their retirement accounts and running up credit card balances, 27% of the "underinsured" said they were still in debt to doctors and hospitals. Three percent said medical bills had forced them to declare bankruptcy.

Costs And Consequences

When compared to individuals deemed "well insured," CR uncovered a huge disparity:

Employers Struggle To Keep Up While Insurers Prosper

Because of the way health insurance works, insurers haven't been paying much of a penalty for failing to contain costs. Insurers typically keep around 15 and 25 percent of the premiums they collect. As noted in the Consumer Reports investigation, the nation's six biggest private health insurers collectively earned nearly $11 billion in profits in 2006.

Employers are struggling to keep up: in the past five years, insurance premiums have risen three times as fast as inflation. While employers by and large have not asked employees to pay a bigger share of the overall premium, employees are still paying rising premiums.
In 2000, the average employee contribution for a family health plan was $135 per month and in 2006 it was $248. People who work for small companies bear the biggest brunt because those companies have fewer employees over which to spread medical risk. And lower paid workers also get hit hard because premiums and co-pays typically cost the same for everyone, regardless of income.

Rating the Health Plans

In advance of the annual open-enrollment period--when millions of people who obtain health care insurance through their employer or through Medicare have the opportunity to switch plans--Consumer Reports National Research Center studied the experiences of 37,000 CR subscribers enrolled in HMO and PPO health plans.

CR found that one out of every five respondents was sufficiently disappointed with their plans that they wanted to switch. The survey found that among readers who were not seriously ill, complaints about gaining access to care typically hovered in the single digits. But the complaints were nearly three times greater for those with a serious illness.

Only 67% of CR's readers were completely or very satisfied with their HMO or PPO. Twenty one percent complained about billing errors, while 25% said they had a problem with their primary care provider and 36% said they had problems when they contacted their insurance company. Fourteen percent of respondents in HMOs complained they had to wait a long time to get appointments, versus 8 percent in PPOs.

CR also found that people who weren't in the top rated HMOs had a much tougher time getting needed care, especially for the seriously ill. PPOs have their limitations as well. Members of PPOs not only have to pay for their coverage, they also report more difficulty receiving the reimbursements they're owed. Among those who contacted their health plan, 62% in the PPOs said it was due to a problem with their bill or claim, compared to only 30% of HMO members. The health plan (http://www. consumerreports. org/cro/health-fitness/health-care/health-plans-9-07/overview/0709_hmo_ov_1.htm) ratings are available online along with tips for choosing the right HMO or PPO.

Among the higher rated HMOs was Tufts Health Plan (MA, NH, RI), which has made noted progress in the past two years, since CR's last survey in 2004. Kaiser Permanente Northwest (OR, WA), Independent Health (Western NY), Kaiser Permanente Northern California and Capital District Physicians' Health Plan (NY, VT) were also among the top rated.

Of the PPOs, which tend to provide a greater range of doctor choices, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Connecticut, CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield (DC, MD, VA), Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, and Mutual of Omaha, which is leaving the PPO industry, were among the top rated.

Can Health Insurance Be Fixed?

Some promising approaches have already gained traction at the state level. Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont have already passed laws aimed at providing health insurance to everyone, with help for people who don't receive a health plan through their jobs and can't afford to buy on their own. Many other states are considering similar laws, and presidential candidates have put forth a variety of proposals to broaden coverage. Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports (http://www. ConsumerReports. org (http://www. ConsumerReports. org)) has advocated for universal health care for most of its 70-year history. CU is working in California on reform that promotes high-quality, affordable care for all.

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Wholes Grains, The Next Big Thing, Again

Wholes Grains, The Next Big Thing, Again

According to the latest research publication released by market research publisher, Packaged Facts, whole grain market is poised for growth in years to come.

New York (PRWEB) April 15, 2005

U. S. Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Agriculture issued new Dietary Guidelines for Americans which stress the importance of increasing intake of whole grain foods and dietary fiber and a reducing intake in refined grains, a leading culprit behind obesity, diabetes, and other health conditions. The entire U. S. food industry is poised for a dramatic, fundamental change in the way grain-based products are manufactured and marketed, according to the “The U. S. Market for Whole Grain and High Fiber Foods,” a new report from research publisher Packaged Facts.

Overall U. S. market for whole grain and high fiber foods remained relatively stable between 2000 and 2004, growing from $4.75 billion to $4.79 billion. However, this apparent stability is the result of several volatile categories canceling each other out and powerful trends such as the consumer obsession with low-carb and concurrent aversion to “good-carbs” or grain-based foods. The result has been a sequence of product introductions and discontinuations, limiting growth, and belying an impending dramatic growth phase in the market.

“U. S. retail sales of whole grain and high fiber foods will spike in 2005 and decline gradually in subsequent years,” said Don Montuori, Acquisitions Editor for Packaged Facts. “The early growth will stem from health innovations in foods consumers already eat, such as recent changes in cereals, as opposed to consumers’ choosing to eat different kinds of foods.”

“The U. S. Market for Whole Grain and High Fiber Foods” focuses primarily on packaged foods that contain a significant amount of fiber derived from whole grains. It also analyzes trends in the sale and marketing of high fiber beverages, and surveys other trends in naturally high fiber foods and high fiber or fiber-fortified packaged foods. Most of these products are positioned on health claims approved by the FDA or other medical associations and are targeted toward adults.

Priced at $3,000, “The U. S. Market for Whole Grain and High Fiber Foods” can be purchased directly from Packaged Facts by clicking http://www. packagedfacts. com/pub/1062042.html (http://www. packagedfacts. com/pub/1062042.html). It is also available at MarketResearch. com.

About Packaged Facts

Packaged Facts, a division of MarketResearch. com, publishes research reports on a wide range of consumer industries, including consumer goods and retailing, foods and beverages, and demographics. For more information visit www. PackagedFacts. com, or contact Irina Frukhtbeyn at 301-468-3650 x203, or ifrukhtbeyn@marketresearch. com.

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Friday, November 5, 2010

SensoTech Awarded Wireless Temperature Monitoring Contract By Amerinet

SensoTech Awarded Wireless Temperature Monitoring Contract By Amerinet

SensoTech Inc, a market leader in Environmental Monitoring solutions for the Healthcare Industry, announced that its RFID Wireless Temperature monitoring and other environmental monitoring solutions, are now available to more than 2,300 Amerinet healthcare customers.

Simi Valley, CA (PRWEB) June 25, 2009

SensoTech Inc, a market leader in Environmental Monitoring solutions for the Healthcare Industry, announced that its RFID Wireless Temperature monitoring and other environmental monitoring solutions, are now available to more than 2,300 Amerinet healthcare customers.

SensoTech Inc. is the only solution provider to offer wireless digital temperature sensors with integrated and advanced firmware which includes web server, and database. Non volatile programs are embedded in the chip and devices instead of external software, databases, or web servers. To the organizations it means zero software installation, no database or web server maintenance, no outside hosting, and no hidden costs.

Designed and manufactured in Sweden, the patented and breakthrough technology has been utilized by European medical, pharmaceutical, food, and other industries since 2004. Since its recent introduction to the US market, many of the "Best Hospitals" have chosen SensoTech as their Enterprise Monitoring Solution.

Mike Zarei Vice president of Business Development, commented, "We are very pleased to be working with AmeriNet to provide its members and affiliate our RFID wireless temperature and other environmental monitoring solutions. SensoTech offers a unique and cost effective solution to help hospitals, remote clinics, pharmacies, laboratories, blood banks, nutrition services and Vaccine centers to meet joint commission, AABB, CAPS and other regulatory health requirements."

Amerinet is one of the nation's largest and most respected group purchasing organizations and has set the standard for integrity and customer service for more than two decades promoting quality healthcare delivery and helping healthcare providers more cost effectively managed expenses.

About SensoTech:
SensoTech is a market leader in environmental monitoring solutions for the healthcare industry. SensoTech provides wireless environmental monitoring systems for applications where it may be mission critical to monitor and respond to instant environmental changes. The SensoTech zero-cost infrastructure model eliminates the need for computer hardware, network servers and software, and reduces costs in technology ownership. Sensotech is headquartered in Simi Valley, CA for more information, call 800-279-3101 or visit www. sensotechnologies. com

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Three Warning Signs That Curiosity is Becoming a Cult-Like Obsession

Three Warning Signs That Curiosity is Becoming a Cult-Like Obsession

An estimated five to seven million Americans are involved in cult-like groups, and 180,000 new people are pulled into cults every year. Yet most people think something like this could never happen to them or their families.

Aspen, CO (PRWEB) September 9, 2004

An estimated five to seven million Americans are involved in cult-like groups and 180,000 new people are pulled into cults every year. Yet most people think something like this could never happen to them or their families.

“Cult leaders are appealing, intelligent, committed and cunning, and they’re always a step ahead of the rest of their group,” explains Gail Wanman Holstein, author of "Waking the Ancients" (ThunderCloud Books, www. ThundercloudBooks. com). “Whether you’re talking about the Elizabeth Smart, kidnapping, Jonestown, the Branch Davidians, the Heaven’s Gate/Hale-Bopp suicide zealots or any other cult, the basis is the same: a charismatic leader convinces followers of his or her reality. But they must first be vulnerable.”

Surprisingly, a person can recruited into a cult group because of an interest, hobby, or even simple curiosity. So how does a healthy interest in something “normal” develop into a fascination and then a cult-like — even deadly — obsession? And how can you help your family avoid this dangerous trap?

Here are three signs an innocent interest could be becoming an obsession:

1) Followers distance themselves from others — saying people don’t understand them or share or appreciate their new passion.

2) The followers believe their previous life was a lie, that they weren’t their “real” selves until now. They even disparage aspects of their “former” life that used to be important to them.

3) Followers make radical changes and commitments without much planning.

To discover how one family fell victim to the allure of a cult-like group and how one woman helped them escape, visit www. ThundercloudBooks. com for a free preview of "Waking the Ancients."

CONTACT:

Gail Wanman Holstein

(970) 925-1588

Info@ThundercloudBooks. com

Www. ThundercloudBooks. com

Waking the Ancients: a Novel of the Mogollon Rim, Thundercloud Books, Gail Wanman Holstein,

Fiction, ISBN: 0-9740806-3-2; $14.00 Search the Bookstore for Waking the Ancients or visit www. ThundercloudBooks. com

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Verdan Announces Partnership with DKSH to Distribute Kalunite Potassium Alum Worldwide

Verdan Announces Partnership with DKSH to Distribute Kalunite Potassium Alum Worldwide

Verdan, a leading supplier of natural potassium alum and a premier contract manufacturer of crystal deodorant, announced that it has partnered with DKSH for worldwide distribution of the raw material, Kalunite potassium alum. Kalunite is micronized potassium alum powder, and is used in health and beauty product formulations to provide natural odor prevention. Just recently, Kalunite was validated and approved by Ecocert to be used as a raw material in the formulation of cosmetics certified according to the Natural and Organic Ecocert standards.

(PRWEB) January 20, 2011

Verdan, a leading supplier of natural potassium alum and a premier contract manufacturer of crystal deodorant, announced that it has partnered with DKSH for worldwide distribution of the raw material, Kalunite potassium alum. Kalunite is micronized potassium alum powder, and is used in health and beauty product formulations to provide natural odor prevention. Just recently, Kalunite was validated and approved by Ecocert to be used as a raw material in the formulation of cosmetics certified according to the Natural and Organic Ecocert standards.

“The new partnership for distribution will allow Verdan to expand its supply network of natural potassium alum to companies around the globe,” said Verdan founder Francis Verdan. “Furthermore, the first class service and support provided by DKSH proves critical in meeting global demand for an increasing natural product market.”

The recent validation of Kalunite potassium alum as a natural raw material allows customers to formulate natural cosmetics and personal care products with an approved active deodorant ingredient. Furthermore, Verdan’s natural potassium alum has been declared a 24 hour effective active deodorant ingredient by the Dermscan Group via clinical tests, making it an equally effective alternative to chemically derived ingredients.

Additionally, the micronized state of Kalunite allows for a variety of formulations, including use in aerosol and spray products. Verdan formulates MineralProtect, the patented natural deodorant spray, with Kalunite, and the result is a 100% natural, totally invisible, 24 hour effective deodorant.

“DKSH sees a bright future in the newly established strategic partnership, and aims to distribute Kalunite potassium alum in new territories and help grow Verdan’s business in new markets as the leading global provider of Market Expansion Services,” said the DKSH Personal Care and Cosmetic Team.

For more information on Kalunite potassium alum please visit: http://www. verdan. com/us/crystal-deodorant-products/alum-powder. html

For information regarding samples and ordering Kalunite potassium alum please contact: info. fr (at) dksh (dot) com

About Verdan
Verdan is the leading supplier of natural potassium alum for the cosmetic and personal care industry, and a premier contract manufacturer of crystal deodorant. For more than 30 years, Verdan has been providing clients worldwide with exceptional service and the highest quality all-natural crystal deodorant that provides 24 hour odor protection without the need of synthetic ingredients or chemical agents. For more information please visit us at http://www. verdan. com.

About DKSH
DKSH is the leading Market Expansion Services Group with a focus on Asia. As the term "Market Expansion Services" suggests, DKSH helps other companies and brands to grow their business in new or existing markets.

With 560 business locations in 35 countries – 20 of them in Europe and the Americas – and 22,000 specialized staff it is one of the top 20 Swiss companies ranked by sales and employees. In 2009, DKSH generated annual gross revenues of CHF 8,600 million.

DKSH’s Business Unit Performance Materials is a leading global provider of Market Expansion Services for performance materials. The Business Unit sources, develops, markets, and distributes a wide range of specialty chemicals and ingredients to business partners in the brush and apparel, food and beverage, personal care and cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and specialty chemical industries.

With 57 business locations in 24 countries and 1,200 specialized staff, Business Unit Performance Materials generated annual gross revenues of CHF 703 million in 2009.

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Thursday, November 4, 2010

Travel Leaders offer 'Insider's' Tips for International Journeys

Travel Leaders offer 'Insider's' Tips for International Journeys

Travel Leaders Encourage Consumers to Travel like a Pro

Minneapolis, MN (Vocus) July 15, 2009

Ever wonder what practices travel experts routinely follow themselves to ensure smooth travels internationally? Wonder no more. Today, Travel Leaders (http://www. travelleaders. com/travelleaders/index. htm) from throughout the United States are offering their "Insider's" tips to better prepare travelers in advance of their own journeys abroad. Today's news release is the first in a series of "Insider's" tips on a wide array of topics of expertise, including a variety of international travel issues.

"When we asked Travel Leaders across the country for their best 'insider' advice on international travel, the proverbial floodgates opened so much so that we had to winnow them down to individual components of a consumer's trip," explained Roger E. Block, CTC, President of Travel Leaders Franchise Group.

Block indicated that Travel Leaders first "Insider's" tips provided on prepping before international travel can be neatly encapsulated into three primary areas, including: Booking Your Travel, Musts for Packing, Preparing to Leave

Booking Your Travel
Valid Passports - When booking your travel, make sure your passport isn't close to expiring. While it may seem obvious that each traveler will need to have a valid passport in hand to travel abroad, there are nuances on which Travel Leaders urge extra caution because many countries require up to six months left on passports after completion of trips. Andrea Callahan (Travel Leaders, Paoli, PA) said this is particularly true for travelers requiring visas, "We remind travelers who need a visa that they must have at a minimum six months left on the validity of the passport after the planned return date." Travel Leaders can assist travelers who require expedited passport and visa services. Timing Your Flight Right - What time should you schedule your flights? The earlier in the day, the better, before air traffic delays grow exponentially. "If you have the opportunity, do not take the last flight of the day," warns Robbert J. van Bloemendaal, CTC (Travel Leaders, Rowlett, TX). "By taking an earlier flight, you may have an option for the later flight just in case there is a problem or you get bumped. This advice is also good for domestic flights." Protecting Your Investment - "Travel insurance isn't a need, it is a necessity," advises Mike Weingart (Travel Leaders, Houston, TX). Vicky Voll (Travel Leaders, Glendale, CA) agrees, adding, "Travel Insurance is highly recommended. Prior to departing the U. S., review your personal insurance policy. Many health insurance programs do not include coverage for medical expenses incurred in a foreign country. Consider purchasing travel insurance that includes trip cancellation, medical coverage, travel delay, baggage insurance and emergency evacuation coverage." Trip cancellation and all forms of travel insurance are available through Travel Leaders.

Musts for Packing
While the age old conundrum of what to pack should more often be met head-on with what not to pack, Travel Leaders experts provide advice on what should be included in anyone's packing regiment.
Luggage Limitations - "A lot of people don't realize when they travel throughout Europe, the weight limit on luggage is lower than here in the United States," cautions Lucy Lyons (Travel Leaders, Jacksonville, NC). "Sometimes the cost is extremely high, as they charge around €8.00 (euros) or £6.00 (British pounds) per kilo (or 2.2 pounds)." Cross-Packing - "If traveling with another person, you may want to put a couple of changes of clothes in each other's checked bag in case one of your checked bags is misplaced or lost by the airlines," recommends Sue Tindell, CTC (Travel Leaders, Rice Lake, WI). Curious Case of the Washcloth - "European hotels don't always provide washcloths, so for travelers who can't do without, they should bring their own," advises Lyons. Bee Vermeersch (Travel Leaders, Marietta, GA) adds, "Take a washcloth and a zip-top bag to carry it when damp - they are often not provided by hotels outside of North America." Extra Comfort - "Bring little Kleenex packs that easily fit in your fanny pack to use as toilet paper," advises Lori Dreisbach (Travel Leaders, Irvine, CA). Valuables - It's always advisable to keep anything of value like jewelry, as well as medicines, in your carry-on luggage. Tindell adds, "Be sure cameras and film are placed in your carry-on when flying."

Preparing to Leave
Before you leave, a few calls are in order to ensure you have complete and uninterrupted access to the ATM and credit cards you're carrying with you. There's also nothing worse than losing your wallet or purse with all your important papers, credit cards and ATM cards. Travel Leaders offer the preventative measures they take in advance of leaving.
Advance Notice - "Notify your bank and major credit card companies that you will be leaving the country so they do not put a stop on your ATM or credit cards because of 'unusual' activity," Tindell recommends. Vermeersch agrees, adding, "Verify with your bank that your ATM card will work when you travel abroad." Making Copies - "Make a copy of your passport and place that copy in your suitcase or scan your passport and e-mail the attachment to your own e-mail account," Tindell advises. "If you lose your passport, you can go to an Internet café, open your e-mail and print the copy of your passport. Also, scan both sides of your credit card and e-mail the attachment to your own e-mail account just like you did for your passport." Pam Edwartoski (Travel Leaders, Troy, MI) agrees, adding, "Everyone has access to e-mail in today's world, and it will allow you access to anywhere you go! I also carry a copy."

When your journey includes us, you travel better. To find the Travel Leaders location nearest you, go to www. travelleaders. com or call 1.888.206.TRIP (8747).

Travel Leaders is transforming travel with a new name that boldly embodies our commitment to our vacation and business travel clients via a progressive approach toward each unique travel experience. Having already assisted millions of travelers, our strong roots - through our beginnings as Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates (which itself began as Ask Mr. Foster, North America's first travel agency network established in 1888), TraveLeaders and Tzell Travel Group - have now joined together to form one of the industry's fastest-growing and robust networks of travel agents.

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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Consumer demand for quailty and convenience resulting in significant growth in UK Food market

Consumer demand for quailty and convenience resulting in significant growth in UK Food market.

Consumer expenditure on the foods and food products covered by this Market Review totalled £47.47bn in 2002, representing an increase of 2.2% on 2001. With so many mature markets, year-on-year growth is fairly moderate in most markets, but strong performances were achieved in 2002 by the markets for fish and fish products; bread, cakes, biscuits and cereals; and ready meals, with sugar and pizza also showing above-average growth.

(PRWEB) December 7, 2003

Research and Markets announces the addition of The UK Food Industry review to its offerings.

Consumer expenditure on the foods and food products covered by this Market Review totalled £47.47bn in 2002, representing an increase of 2.2% on 2001. With so many mature markets, year-on-year growth is fairly moderate in most markets, but strong performances were achieved in 2002 by the markets for fish and fish products; bread, cakes, biscuits and cereals; and ready meals, with sugar and pizza also showing above-average growth.

Contributing to growth in many sectors has been consumer switching to higher-priced products. This reflects demand for both quality and convenience, as well as growing interest in a broader range of foods, e. g from foreign cuisines. Consolidation in the food industry continued in 2002 and 2003, with further mergers and acquisitions. Key trends in the food market over the 5 years from 2003 to 2007 will include: greater participation in the convenience and ethnic foods sectors, and increased consumer interest in healthy eating (which is partly driven by the UK's ageing population profile). Year-on-year growth will remain modest in most markets, reflecting their maturity and already high levels of penetration. The markets forecast to achieve the highest growth are bread, cakes, biscuits and cereals, ready meals, pizzas and pasta.

This report reviews key trends and developments in the UK retail food market between 1998 and 2002, and provides forecasts for the period 2003 to 2007. This includes a PEST Analysis, outling the Political, Economic, Social and Technological factors which impact the industry. The competitive strucute of the market is looked at and the industry is analysed under the following market segments:

Meat and Meat Products, Fish and Fish Products, Fruit and Vegetables, Dairy Products, Eggs, Oils and Fats, Bread, Cakes, Biscuits and Cereals and Miscellaneous Foods.

Both fresh and processed products are included, but confectionery, ice cream, alcoholic drinks, and hot and cold beverages (including fruit juices, tea and coffee) are excluded.

For a complete index of this report click on http://www. researchandmarkets. com/reports/41588 (http://www. researchandmarkets. com/reports/41588)

About Research and Markets Ltd.

Research and Markets Ltd. are Europe's largest resource for market research. R&M distribute thousands of major research publications from the world's leading publishers, consultants and market analysts. R&M provide you with the latest forecasts on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest market trends.

For additional information on ResearchandMarkets. com, their range of reports or their value-added services, visit their web site at http://www. researchandmarkets. com (http://www. researchandmarkets. com) or mailto:press@researchandmarkets. com

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Backyard Ocean™ Celebrates Summer Solstice with Summer Savings (Coupon)

Backyard Ocean™ Celebrates Summer Solstice with Summer Savings (Coupon)

First day of summer fast approaching; Backyard Ocean ™ provides popular above ground pools for long summer days

Beaverton, OR (PRWEB) June 21, 2010

Backyard Ocean ™, a leading online retailer of above ground pools and products, is jump-starting summer fun as the days lengthen with their lines of swimming pools. Coinciding with the 2010 Summer Solstice, this coupon is a timely response to summer heat and longer days.

A recent United Kingdom research program declared that summer 2010 will see the hottest temperatures worldwide in 160 years due to the amount of carbon deposited into the atmosphere.

“To beat this heat, homeowners will retreat to the water,” says Sasha Jacobs, spokesperson for Backyard Ocean ™. “They need to update their existing above ground pools, or purchase for the first time.” With the days growing long and the temperature at record highs, above ground swimming pools (http://www. backyardocean. com/) will be the best way to cool off.

Rising temperatures mean lower costs at Backyard Ocean ™. In-ground pools sell for thousands of dollars, excluding cost of maintenance. Above ground pools are inexpensive, non-permanent alternatives to in-ground pools, making them a more prudent choice for contemporary homeowners. Backyard Ocean’s most popular pool product is the above ground ring pool (http://www. backyardocean. com/Ring-Pools-s/93.htm), which easily inflates so families can be swimming within hours, instead of days or weeks.

Backyard Ocean ™ also provides all the necessary equipment for maintaining an above ground pool. Intex pool filters (http://www. backyardocean. com/Intex-Pool-Filter-from-Backyard-Ocean-s/123.htm) are a high quality, well-known brand that supplies superior filtration. The best way to ensure cleanliness and sanitation in a pool, replaceable Intex pool filters Type B fit a variety of filter pumps, ensuring the health of the homeowner and their pool. Backyard Ocean customers have rated Intex pool filters Type B (http://www. backyardocean. com/Intex-Filter-Type-B-6-Pack-5×10-p/1102754.htm) with a 5-star rating, giving this product the highest approval of any pool filter offered by Backyard Ocean ™.

To enhance the summer fun experience, Backyard Ocean ™ also offers a wide range of pool toys, kiddie pools, and other types of above ground swimming pool. Also offered just in time for the Summer Solstice are a number of deals on pools and pool equipment. “Backyard Ocean ™ wants homeowners to experience great savings this summer, since the economy has been rough on taxpayers,” Ms. Jacobs emphasizes. This is why the company is offering free shipping on orders of $100 or more, alongside the aforementioned coupon, making summer deals an even hotter item this season.

The Summer Solstice means longer days and rising temperatures, temperatures that will be increasingly higher year after year because of air pollution and weather phenomena. Backyard Ocean ™ believes that homeowners need great savings along with great products, and so provide high quality goods that homeowners love.

For more information, please visit www. backyardocean. com

About Backyard Ocean™
BackyardOcean. com is an online retailer for above ground pools and pool supplies. With their wide selection of pools and pool accessories ranging from large ring pools to pool toys, BackyardOcean. com is dedicated to bringing the summer fun of the beach to the backyard.

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