National Academy of Engineering Announces Winners of $1 Million Challenge to Provide Safe Drinking Water

National Academy of Engineering Announces Winners of $1 Million Challenge to Provide Safe Drinking Water

The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) announced today the winners of the 2007 Grainger Challenge Prize for Sustainability. The contest sought innovative solutions for removing arsenic from drinking water that is slowly poisoning tens of millions of people in developing countries.

Washington, D. C. (Vocus) February 2, 2007

The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) announced today the winners of the 2007 Grainger Challenge Prize for Sustainability. The contest sought innovative solutions for removing arsenic from drinking water that is slowly poisoning tens of millions of people in developing countries. Three prizes will be awarded from a field of more than 70 entries.

The prize winners are recognized for the development, in-field verification, and dissemination of effective techniques for reducing arsenic levels in water. The systems must be affordable, reliable, easy to maintain, socially acceptable, and environmentally friendly. All of the winning systems meet or exceed the local government guidelines for arsenic removal and require no electricity.

The prizes will be presented at a gala dinner in Washington, D. C., on Feb. 20, 2007.

Abul Hussam, an associate professor in the department of chemistry and biochemistry at George Mason University, Fairfax, Va., will receive the Grainger Challenge Gold Award of $1 million for his SONO filter, a household water treatment system.

Arup K. SenGupta, John E. Greenleaf, Lee M. Blaney, Owen E. Boyd, Arun K. Deb, and the nonprofit organization Water For People will share the Grainger Challenge Silver Award of $200,000 for their community water treatment system. SenGupta is P. C. Rossin Senior Professor and a professor of chemical engineering and of civil and environmental engineering at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa. Boyd is chief executive officer of SolmeteX Co. in Northborough, Mass. Deb is a retired vice president of Roy F. Weston Inc. (now Weston Solutions Inc.) in West Chester, Pa. Greenleaf is a Ph. D. candidate in civil and environmental engineering, and Blaney recently earned a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering; they performed laboratory research under SenGupta at Lehigh University.

The Children's Safe Drinking Water Program at Procter & Gamble Co. (P&G), Cincinnati, will receive the Grainger Challenge Bronze Award of $100,000 for the PUR™ Purifier of Water coagulation and flocculation water treatment system. Greg Allgood, director of the Children's Safe Drinking Water Program, will accept the prize for P&G.

The Gold Award-winning SONO filter is a point-of-use method for removing arsenic from drinking water. A top bucket is filled with locally available coarse river sand and a composite iron matrix (CIM). The sand filters coarse particles and imparts mechanical stability, while the CIM removes inorganic arsenic. The water then flows into a second bucket where it again filters through coarse river sand, then wood charcoal to remove organics, and finally through fine river sand and wet brick chips to remove fine particles and stabilize water flow. The SONO filter is now manufactured and used in Bangladesh.

The system developed by the Silver Award-winning team is applied at a community's well head. Each arsenic removal unit serves about 300 households. Water is hand-pumped into a fixed-bed column, where it passes through activated alumina or hybrid anion exchanger (HAIX) to remove the arsenic. After passing through a chamber of graded gravel to remove particulates, the water is ready to drink. This system has been used in 160 locations in West Bengal, India. The water treatment units, including the activated alumina sorbent, are being manufactured in India, and villagers are responsible for their upkeep and day-to-day operation. The active media are regenerated for re-use, and arsenic-laden sludge is contained in an environmentally safe manner with minimum leaching.

The PUR™ purifier of water technology that won the Bronze Award combines chemicals for disinfection, coagulation, and flocculation in a sachet that can treat small batches of water in the home. It is simple, portable, and treats water from any source. First, the sachet contents are stirred into a 10 liter bucket of water for five minutes. As the water rests for another five minutes, arsenic and other contaminants separate out. The water is then poured through a clean cloth to filter out the contaminants. After another 20 minutes to complete the disinfection process, the water is safe to drink. As part of P&G's focal philanthropy program, the Children's Safe Water Drinking Program has worked with partners to provide 57 million sachets in more than 30 countries over the past three years, enough to purify more than 570 million liters of safe drinking water. Each sachet is about the cost of an egg.

The National Academy of Engineering (www. nae. edu) is an independent, nonprofit institution. Its members consist of the nation's premier engineers, who are elected by their peers for seminal contributions to engineering. The academy provides leadership and guidance to government on the application of engineering resources to social, economic, and security problems. Established in 1964, NAE operates under the congressional charter granted to the National Academy of Sciences in 1863.

The Grainger Foundation, of Lake Forest, Ill., was established in 1949 by Mr. & Mrs. William Wallace Grainger. It has provided substantive support over the years to a broad range of organizations including educational institutions, museums, and healthcare and human services providers. Mr. Grainger, an electrical engineer, established W. W. Grainger Inc., a national leader in the distribution of maintenance, repair, and operating supplies and components.

A significant aspect of reviewing the finalists for the Grainger Challenge Prize was physical testing of the candidate systems. NAE and The Grainger Foundation wish to express deep appreciation to the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development for hosting the testing at its National Risk Management Research Laboratory in Cincinnati, as well as to the facility's contractor, Shaw Environmental & Infrastructure Inc., for conducting the tests under contract with the NAE.

For additional information about the Grainger Challenge Prize for Sustainability or background information on the global problem of arsenic contamination, visit www. graingerchallenge. org or contact Randy Atkins, NAE senior media relations officer, at 202-334-1508.

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Henry Oh From Pima Medical Institute in Albuquerque Named to Who's Who

Henry Oh From Pima Medical Institute in Albuquerque Named to Who's Who

Henry Oh, Program Director for the Respiratory Therapy program at Pima Medical Institute, 2201 San Pedro NE, Building 3, Suite 100 in Albuquerque has been named to the International Who’s Who of Professional Educators.

Albuquerque, NM (PRWEB) August 9, 2006

Henry Oh, Program Director for the Respiratory Therapy program at Pima Medical Institute, 2201 San Pedro NE, Building 3, Suite 100 in Albuquerque has been named to the International Who’s Who of Professional Educators.

Henry has a series of accomplishments including being a member of the Registry of Heritage Who’s Who in New York, Associate Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine, Fellow of the American Academy of Project Management, member of the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, and as well as the Lambda Beta Honor Society in Respiratory Care. He is also certified as a Medical Technologist, and as a Technical Consultant in clinical laboratory science.

In addition to his achievements as an educator and honor student, Oh is an accomplished, self-taught pianist. His unique style consists of performing three different versions of any song to make it sound like jazz, classical or modern. He was discovered in 1998 and was contracted to perform at the Chateau Whistler Resort in British Columbia, Canada. The resort is listed as one of the top 100 hotels in the world and Vancouver/Whistler will be the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics. 

“One of the signs of a great program is having knowledgeable and dedicated staff and instructors,” said Holly Woelber, campus director for the career college. “Henry’s vast knowledge, accomplishments, as well as his passion for education and healthcare are some of the things that make our Respiratory Therapy program one of the best in the state. He is a great asset and we are pleased to have him at our Albuquerque campus.” Henry is also certified as a medical laboratory technologist.

Graduates of the 88 credit-hour Respiratory Therapy program receive an Associate of Occupational Science degree. Respiratory Therapy is one of the fastest growing occupations according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS also states the Respiratory Therapy profession is expected to add some 37,837 new jobs between now and 2012, an increase of 35 percent. Entry-level employment opportunities are available in hospitals, medical centers, medical equipment companies, home health agencies, sub-acute, and extended care facilities.

PMI is one of the premier medical career colleges in the western United States. The privately owned, accredited school provides students with a well-rounded education embracing theoretical classroom studies, as well as on-site training at medical facilities that mirror the working environment they will pursue after graduation.

PMI has been serving students since 1972, with campuses in: Albuquerque, New Mexico; Mesa and Tucson, AZ; Denver and Colorado Springs, CO; Seattle and Renton, WA; Las Vegas, NV and Chula Vista, CA.

Additional information is available at http://www. pmi. edu (http://www. pmi. edu) or by calling 1-888-442-5998.

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Newly Revamped Agenda Offers Senior Citizens the Retirement Cruise of their Lives Without Having to Set Sail

Newly Revamped Agenda Offers Senior Citizens the Retirement Cruise of their Lives Without Having to Set Sail

The recently bolstered activity schedule at the Chateau Senior Living Community proves that life's Golden Years really do happen in retirement. With new activities like art, dance and tai chi classes, retirees can experience life aboard an exciting and luxurious cruise ship, and all while on land.

Pleasant Hill, CA (PRWEB) November 10, 2008

Designed to give seniors the ultimate luxury retirement experience, Chateau Senior Community (http://seniorlivingsolutions. com/) has added an array of new classes and activities to its active cruise ship-like events lineup. The unique retirement community prides itself in offering an opulent, entertaining atmosphere as found on-board a Royal Caribbean Cruise, but tailored specifically for retired seniors. "I never would have imagined that Senior Assisted Living could have been this much fun!" says four year resident, Jenny Murphy.

In the midst of their gourmet food menus, fun activities, spa services, shows and cocktail hours, the Chateau Senior Community (http://seniorlivingsolutions. com/) found a way to give their residents even more to celebrate. Original and new events, meant to inspire exuberance, have been introduced to an already diverse regiment. Senior tai chi classes, chair dancing, live theater (music and dance troops), art classes, cruises on the San Francisco Bay, senior dances, monthly gourmet fine dining brunches, a New Life Senior Forum, and much more are now available to community residents. Seniors can even take part in the new Conductorcise classes, where members get to exercise while simulating conducting a large symphony orchestra.

Assisted living for seniors doesn't have to be monotonous or dull; in addition to the new listing of activity options, each of the Chateau Senior Living Communities (http://seniorlivingsolutions. com/), the managers individually teach a special interest class every week in order to bond with residents on a deeper, more personal level. Seniors are welcome to join their friends and peers in scrapbooking class, news and politics forums, old stories group, The Sunshine Gang which visits residents in the hospital, the Good Cooks network, hymn sing, Bible study, computer skills, balance and fitness class.

Created more than 20 years ago by owner Tom MacDonald, the unique Pleasant Hill, California-based Chateau Senior Community (http://seniorlivingsolutions. com/) was born out of a desire to make the "sunset years" of our lives memorable and fun.

"I was looking at possible Assisted Living Communities for my mother," MacDonald says. "Developing a cruise boat-like experience on land was my goal, but what was more important was pairing the fun of cruise boat living with reliable senior care services that my mother and other aging adults would need."

The result became today's fun-filled and trustworthy Chateau Senior Community (http://seniorlivingsolutions. com/), a place that MacDonald is confident when he leaves for the night, his residents are well taken care of. "Not just three meals a day," he says, "but housekeeping, laundry, doctor, shuttles, and even medication management if needed."

With all the new and exciting courses and activities on-board at the Chateau Senior Community, it's no wonder some residents have chosen to stay for more than 19 years. "If there's a time to get pampered, it is when you've become a senior," MacDonald says. "When you're done working hard and raising a family and are finally ready to take care of yourself, we are here to serve you."

For more information on the Chateau Senior Community, please visit www. TheInsideReality. com or call 877-468-9773.

About the Chateau Senior Community:
Since Chateau Senior Community was founded in 1986, Tom MacDonald has become a true pioneer in the senior assisted living cruise boat concept. "The Fall Prevention Program," "Diabetes Management Program" and other community award winning programs promote wellness and prevention awareness about senior citizens. MacDonald says that he and his team are always striving for the next thing, the new approach to living longer and living healthier.

Media contact:
Francesca MacDonald
Phone: 877-468-9773

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Iceland Spring Adopts New Brand Positioning and Launches Concerted Marketing Campaign for 2009

Iceland Spring Adopts New Brand Positioning and Launches Concerted Marketing Campaign for 2009

Iceland Spring, the premium natural Icelandic spring water, is adopting a new positioning for its brand combined with its launch of an aggressive marketing campaign for 2009. With a steadily increasing following and growing national distribution, the Company felt it was time to rebrand and strategize a new marketing campaign to position Iceland Spring as the leading health water. From its identity and logo to a newly designed and interactive Website, Iceland Spring will be executing a comprehensive rebranding of the company.

Pompano, FL (PRWEB) November 25, 2008

Iceland Spring, the premium natural Icelandic spring water, is adopting a new positioning for its brand combined with its launch of an aggressive marketing campaign for 2009. With a steadily increasing following and growing national distribution, the Company felt it was time to rebrand and strategize a new marketing campaign to position Iceland Spring as the leading health water. 

From its identity and logo to a newly designed and interactive Website, Iceland Spring will be executing a comprehensive rebranding of the company. To help transition the Company into its next phase, Iceland Spring engaged Boca Raton-based marketing and advertising agency, PBMAI, for all branding efforts; among them Iceland Spring's new tagline: Live Longer; which echoes the statistics of Icelanders living longer than other nationalities due to their pristine drinking water.

"This is a very exciting time for Iceland Spring as we try to educate the consumer on better choices of water, which is reflected in our new positioning as the leading health water. We feel confident that our concerted marketing efforts will increase our sales and customer base, as we grow our distribution of Iceland Spring across the U. S.," said David Lomnitz, president of Iceland Spring.

Iceland Spring is a premium, alkaline water with a natural pH level of 8.88 and, due to the remoteness of Iceland and lack of industrialization; it has one of the lowest levels of undesirable chemicals ever recorded. One of the first and major lines of defenses against sickness is a balanced pH. Foods and water with a high pH can help neutralize the body's acidity, which may, in turn, help protect against a variety of health problems.

Iceland Spring and PBMAI will use their combined expertise to successfully launch Iceland Spring on its path to a reinvigorated brand personality and a comprehensive marketing campaign in 2009.

About Iceland Spring
Imported from the pristine mountains of Iceland, Iceland Spring water is the result of arctic rain and snow that fell centuries ago. Filtered through lava rock before resurfacing in intermittent springs, Iceland Spring water boasts a naturally high pH level of 8.88. A high pH is a major line of defense against sickness and has numerous health benefits. The comparative remoteness of Iceland, its lack of intensive agriculture and heavy industry, and its system of tides and winds that protect it from weather borne pollutants result in a fresh and pure water that cannot be found anywhere else. For more information, visit: www. icelandspring. com.

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The World's First Multi-Sport Drinking Plus Mist-Spray Bottle & Reverse Profile Cage For the New Millennium

The World's First Multi-Sport Drinking Plus Mist-Spray Bottle & Reverse Profile Cage For the New Millennium

An Illinois company has introduced a new Multi-Sport Hydration Bottle that allows users to maintain complete forward sight without head tilting when cycling, skating, walking, running or driving a motor vehicle.

IL (PRWEB) January 3, 2005

Tazi International, Inc. has announced the introduction of the first upside down sport bottle bicycle cage specifically for use with the Tazi Ultimate Mult-Sport Hydration bottle.

Tazi, an Illinois company, introduced a new Multi-Sport Hydration Bottle that allows users to maintain complete forward sight without head tilting when cycling, skating, walking, running or driving a motor vehicle. In addition, the Tazi Ultimate Sport Bottle has recently been featured in Windy City Sports, Adventure Sports, 90 Minute Soccer, and USA Roller Sports Magazines.

Tazi International, Inc. a woman-owned small business headquartered in Elgin, reports that its new sport bottle is the only bottle capable of misting (with just a squeeze) and can be filled to capacity at low jet fountains at health clubs or on bike paths. Tazi reports the unique angled-neck design facilitates these features, while producing the "ultimate ergonomic and aerodynamic experience" for multi-sport and casual users who have safety in mind when hydrating.

The Tazi Ultimate Sport Bottle uses a no-leak one-way valve requiring no pulling before drinking. Tazi says the new sport bottle is being sold in specialty cycling and sporting goods stores and on selected premium Internet cycling web sites such as Nashbar. com.

The Tazi Ultimate Sport Bottle offers additional functionality, including:
Patented design Dishwasher safe, Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) high grade plastic Fits in all bicycle cages 21 oz. capacity FDA approved at 70 grams (industry standard-55 grams) Nine colors from which to choose Hanging clip and cage accessory available in 2004

Manufactured and distributed in the USA, "This bottle has received extremely positive feedback from professional cyclists, triathletes, fitness and health club users, and the general media, " President Mike Vinarsky says. "The initial response to the bottle has prompted us to create additional accessories, products that allow the Tazi bottle to function as an entire system. The result is even more value for our customers. The Cage is here. This is a reverse profile cage that holds the bottle upside down allowing the cyclist to move it from the storage to the drinking position in one easy motion without breaking stride or looking down. Cyclists appreciate the safety concern that the Tazi sport bottle mitigates."

"Once they familiarize themselves with an optimal drinking position that works best for them, the sports enthusiast and anyone who carries a water bottle are immediately impressed by the functionality and ease of use of the Tazi Ultimate Sport Bottle", Vinarsky says.

For more information, contact Tazi International, Inc., 728 Red Barn Lane, Elgin, IL 60123 or visit them at www. tazi. com; Phone (224) 402-2181

Contact Info:
Tazi International, Inc.
Mike Vinarsky
Elgin, IL 60123
USA
Phone: 224-402-2181
Fax: 847-697-1407
Mikev @ tazi. com
Www. tazi. com

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Lotto Millionaire Returns to Limerick

Lotto Millionaire Returns to Limerick

LimerickÂ’s newest millionairess held her second press conference at the Track Bar last week.

Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) September 4, 2005

Organised by local press agent, Tim OÂ’Brien and solicitor, David Sweeney, the press conference was called only to announce Dolores McNamaraÂ’s return to her single-storey St PatrickÂ’s Road home.

She refused to answer any of the questions posed by the gaggle of media, including if she intended giving anything back to the area. She responded to each one only resolutely sealed lips.

In a prepared statement, Mr Sweeney said that how she intended to spend her 115 million Euromillions win, was "not a priority at present” and that Dolores was concentrating on getting her and her family’s life back to normal following their Spanish celebratory holiday.

The press conference was a brief, quiet affair. Representatives from both local and national newspapers were there, hungry for some good photos and a rare quote from the Limerick housewife who has so unexpectedly joined IrelandÂ’s rich list.

There were cheers from the packed bar as Dolores emerged from a private room at the rear of the building,. She glanced around her coyly from beneath her fringe and quickly sank into her seat, apparently thankful for the protective bulk of her solicitor and the barÂ’s landlord at either side of her.

Behind her sat a group of approximately 20 of her friends, enjoying complimentary drinks.

Dolores herself looked the picture of health.

Sitting to her left, her solicitor said, to cheers from her friends, that Dolores and her family were "very proud of their city and especially the St Patrick’s Road area”.

"This area is a neighbourhood where neighbours always help and support each other and it is Dolores’ strong desire to continue to reside among her friends and neighbours in this area. If at some future date, she has to leave this area, it will not be because she wants to but because she would be left with no alternative.”

Asking the media to give Dolores, her family and her neighbours "space to get on with their lives and to do the routine things that we all enjoy”

In the meantime, her solicitor denied rumours that Dolores was buying Michael Owen’s villa in Spain or indeed a pub in Turkey. "She doesn’t know yet what she’s going to do, but she does want to stay in Limerick.”

About 150 friends and neighbours stayed for the evening, sharing in DoloresÂ’ good fortune through a complimentary bar, which a source at the bar confirmed, was paid for out of DoloresÂ’ now very, very healthy bank account. http://www. limerick. com (http://www. limerick. com)

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Relaxation is the Key to Success at The Art of Rest Retreats for Busy Women

Relaxation is the Key to Success at The Art of Rest Retreats for Busy Women

The Art of Rest is a unique company that provides weekend retreats for busy women who need to unwind, decompress and reconnect with the deeper rhythms of life.

Lakewood, CA (PRWEB) August 2, 2004

Imagine a weekend with nothing to do, except to relax, or take an early morning walk, or an afternoon nap, or a refreshing swim. Picture a place where you can explore your creative side and delight in delicious mealsÂ… that you donÂ’t have to prepare.

The Art of Rest™ is a unique company that provides weekend retreats for busy women who need to unwind, decompress and reconnect with the deeper rhythms of life.

Each Art of Rest retreat is hosted at a gorgeous destination that is carefully selected to satisfy all the senses by weaving beautiful surroundings with creative activities, captivating music, and delicious food. Past retreats have found guests taking in the sunrise at a retreat center located in the high desert, or indulging in spa treatments, and steaming saunas at an exclusive beach resort. The retreats are much more than a weekend vacation or a day at the spa. They are transformative experiences designed to uplift the mind, spirit, and body. ItÂ’s what happens on the inside that really sets the Art of Rest experience apart.

The next scheduled event will be held on October 1-3 and is entitled “The Art of Rest-What Turns You On!” This rejuvenating retreat is all about reconnecting with your passion and living the life that you’ve always wanted to live. It will be held at the beautiful Temecula Creek Inn. Author of There is No Them, Dawn Holman, will speak on igniting your passion, and Gail Samuelson, Life Coach and Owner of Spa for the Spirit will lead the group through passion arousing exercises, sure to bring clarity and vision to those looking for a ways to create a more satisfying life by connecting with their passion.

Company founder, Jordan Mercedes says that the idea to give women a well-deserved break from the stress of everyday life was prompted by her own experience. “I was working sixty-hours a week planning and marketing promotional events for the book publishing and music industries. At the same time, I was writing a column for a music magazine and volunteering for a non-profit organization. I loved my work, but I was exhausted most of the time. I didn’t know how to schedule time to relax. As a result, I was literally working myself to death – and I didn’t know how to stop.”

Ms. Mercedes realized that she was not alone. Many of her friends and colleagues were also working long hours and not taking enough time to replenish “the well.” That’s when she made the decision to use her experience as an event planner to create restful weekend retreats that would show other women how to relax and take some much-needed time for themselves.

Activities at past retreats have included yoga, aerobics, digital photography, art and an evening concert. Throughout the weekend, guests have the opportunity to attend useful “rest-stop” gatherings where featured speakers encourage them to adopt a more restful lifestyle. By taking the time to stop and smell the flowers, guest will discover that life can be more meaningful, enjoyable, and even more productive.

At The Art of Rest, each woman is on her own journey to rest and rejuvenation. Some women participate in all the activities; others simply find a private spot to stretch out by the pool. The important thing is to make the weekend entirely yours. This is your chance to relax, have fun, and tune out the world.

The schedule includes a custom designed five star, gourmet menu of five meals, an art class, a session on healthy skin care by Pure and Simple Inc., aerobics a digital camera lesson, and wine tasting. The registration fee, which includes lodging (double occupancy) all meals, complete use of the facility, workshops, speakers, wine tasting and special music is $455.00. Space is limited to 30 guests.

The Art of Rest has just launched its new website, www. theartofrest. com. Here, guests will find information on upcoming retreats, recommendations on restful places and things, book and music reviews, and interviews and articles. The Art of Rest website is dedicated to building a community of support for busy women. The company, with roots in Southern California will be expanding nationally hosting the first out of state retreat near Atlanta, Georgia in the spring.

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Contact: 

Jordan Mercedes   

The Art of Rest

P. O. Box 3144

Lakewood, CA 90711 

(562) 920-0017

(562) 881-4024 

Info@theartofrest. com