Tuesday, January 31, 2006

U. S. Marines Come Home to a Massage, Thanks to NMTI

U. S. Marines Come Home to a Massage, Thanks to NMTI

The students of the National Massage Therapy Institute are known for their community interaction...

Falls Church, VA (PRWEB) November 19, 2006

The students of the National Massage Therapy Institute are known for their community interaction and recently went above and beyond their usual call of duty. On October 29, seventeen NMTI students and 2 instructors set up a booth for chair and table massages at the annual Marine Corps Marathon in Arlington, Virgina. Post-race stretching is a must for any marathoner, and after the event, runners received massages administered by the talented students of NMTI.

"NMTI students and staff were honored to be asked to participate in this year's Marine Corps Marathon," said Deborah Brent, Campus Director. "This is a testimony to the quality of work our students are performing that is being recognized in the community by various charitable organizations."

Over 200 complimentary massages were performed on race participants. During the Marine Marathon week which leads up to the marathon, senior-level students also performed massages on Marines returning from Iraq on the National Massage Therapy Institute campus.

For more information on NMTI and their programs, please call 888-333-0422.

About NMTI:

The National Massage Therapy Institute is one of the country's leading massage therapy education providers. A caring staff instructs students in leading massage modalities as well as anatomy, physiology and business management. NMTI is accredited by the Commission on Massage Therapy Accreditation (COMTA) and has five campuses: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Falls Church, Virginia, Turnersville, New Jersey, Egg Harbor, New Jersey and Wilmington, Delaware.

Www. StudyMassage. com

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Sunday, January 29, 2006

Advanced Certificate Scholarship For Westchester Teachers

Advanced Certificate Scholarship For Westchester Teachers

Beginning in May 2006 the Westchester Graduate Campus of Long Island University located in Purchase, N. Y. will offer its newest scholarship. The Westchester Teachers’ Advanced Certification Scholarship, will be available to full-time, certified classroom teachers from Westchester County public school districts who hold a master’s degree and wish to acquire a new area of certification. Westchester teachers, recommended for this scholarship by their building principal or district superintendent, are eligible for a 25 percent tuition reduction for every credit earned toward an advanced certificate at the Westchester Graduate Campus.

Purchase, NY (PRWEB) April 7, 2006

The Westchester Graduate Campus of Long Island University puts its money where its heart is -- and its heart is dedicated to improving the quality of education in Westchester. Beginning in May 2006 this University’s newest scholarship, the Westchester Teachers’ Advanced Certification Scholarship, is available to full-time, certified classroom teachers from Westchester County public school districts who hold a master’s degree and wish to acquire a new area of certification.

The Westchester Graduate Campus, located in Purchase, N. Y., has a long and impressive history of responding to the needs of local school districts through workshops, grant opportunities and cutting-edge graduate programs. With this scholarship incentive, the University seeks to broaden a pathway for teachers to become skilled in new areas such as literacy, special education, or TESOL and, by training significant numbers of teachers from high-need districts in the region, they hope to have a major impact on education for students in Westchester County.

Westchester teachers, recommended for this scholarship by their building principal or district superintendent, are eligible for a 25 percent tuition reduction for every credit earned toward an advanced certificate at the Westchester Graduate Campus. Teachers must enroll in a certificate program between now and August 2007 and complete it before August 2009.

The University offers many other scholarships to Westchester County residents. Last year alone, the Westchester Graduate Campus awarded approximately one-half million dollars in scholarship money. Their Purchase Community Scholarship provides a twenty-five percent reduction in tuition for graduates of colleges located in Purchase N. Y. who meet the University’s admissions criteria. In addition to offering merit-based academic scholarships worth up to $4,480 each, a 25 percent tuition reduction scholarship is offered to Westchester County and the City of Yonkers employees.

The Westchester Graduate Campus offers graduate degree programs in teacher education, school counseling, school psychology and business administration. Most classes are offered in the late afternoons, in the evenings and on weekends to meet the scheduling needs of working adults. More information about the various scholarships offered can be found on the University Web site, www. liu. edu/westchester (http://www. liu. edu/westchester) or by phoning 1-800-GRAD-LIU.

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Saturday, January 28, 2006

Marriage Experts Urge FamilyCorps Volunteers to Action to Help America's Children and Families

Marriage Experts Urge FamilyCorps Volunteers to Action to Help America's Children and Families

A Marshall Plan is needed for America's children and families, says a pioneer of the marriage movement. Dr. Lori Gordon, creator of PAIRS, is calling on delegates at the 2004 Smart Marriages and Happy Families conference to launch a FamilyCorps coalition to bring relationship skills training to every American.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) July 9, 2004

"We need a Marshall plan for America's families," Dr. Lori Gordon of Weston, FL said today at a national gathering of marriage educators who are meeting this week with state and federal officials at the 8th annual Smart Marriages and Happy Families conference in Dallas.

Gordon said the breakdown of traditional family structure combined with increasing financial hardships has hit America's children with the force of a deadly epidemic.

"This epidemic is robbing our children of the developmental assets and resources most important for their future health and well-being," Gordon said. "They are innocent victims of social, economic and political factors that they have no power to influence."

"The children themselves and our society in general," she added, "will pay an enormous price for our failure to stop this epidemic."

Gordon is founder of the national PAIRS program (www. pairs. com) and author of Passage to Intimacy, Love Knots, and If You Really Loved Me. She has been training marriage educators and creating relationships skills workshops since 1984.

At the Dallas conference, sponsored annually by the Coalition for Marriage, Family, and Couples Education, CMFCE, Gordon is asking many of the 2000 conference delegates to volunteer 50 hours of their time annually to help strengthen America's families and neighborhoods.

"WeÂ’re asking other programs to join PAIRS in launching a national FamilyCorps initiative," Gordon said. "FamilyCorps will match trained volunteers with local projects that help restore the spirit of community to America's families and neighborhoods," she said.

Gordon said two decades of study by leading researchers has demonstrated "intimacy is a skill that can be learned."

"Twenty years of research has demonstrated unequivocally that communication, conflict resolution, and emotional understanding skills are key to sustaining successful, long-term relationships and building happy families," Gordon said. "These lessons need to be incorporated into textbooks, welfare and work training, civic and religious marriage preparation programs and elsewhere so they are available to everyone at the earliest possible age."

Gordon's PAIRS program was recently grant funded to provide marriage training to low income couples at two locations in Florida. She said early results are promising, but that much more needs to be done.

She said an initial goal for FamilyCorps is to recruit 500 volunteers over the next 36 months. "Every volunteer hour can make a difference," she said. "FamilyCorps members will be on the frontlines of a very real war for the future of America," she added.

To stem the tide of family breakdown, Gordon said, America needs the active participation of the major marriage education programs, civic and religious leaders, and state and federal government. Her husband, Rabbi Morris Gordon, a decorated military chaplain and co-founder of PAIRS, agreed. Rabbi Gordon said he believes FamilyCorps can make a difference for America similar to the impact the Marshall Plan had in Europe following after World War II.

"Winning this battle will take a national commitment that goes far beyond beautiful words and inspiring images," Rabbi Gordon said. "Saving America's children and families will take bringing together the very best America has to offer to protect the very future of our nation and world," he added.

Gordon, who during his 89 years has personally witnessed much change at home and abroad, said he has no doubt America has the resources to overcome the challenges ahead. The retired rabbi shared the story of sitting just yards away from Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, when he delivered his famous "I have a dream" speech in Washington, DC.

"My own dream," said Rabbi Gordon, "is that FamilyCorps activists will reach families in neighborhoods everywhere in America and help us restore the spirit of community to families so every child can grow up with the foundation and resources to experience the very best life has to offer."

Erich Jackson, spokesman for 411-KIDS (www.411kids. org), a Florida-based volunteer group that works on the streets in Fort Lauderdale with homeless, runaway and thrownaway youth, said he expects some of the program's volunteers to sign on with FamilyCorps.

"Our work with street kids has shown us over and again that the most common denominator for runaway and thrownaway children is family breakdown," said Jackson. "IÂ’d be surprised if even one percent of the two to three million youth who become homeless in America had models at home that offered an example of what it takes to create a lasting marriage or happy family."

"In so many of those cases," Jackson added, "their own parents didn't know because they also didn't grow up with successful examples. Where were they supposed to learn?"

"So many American youngsters and teens look to celebrities like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson, Hilary Duff, Jennifer Lopez, Pam Anderson, and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen as examples to follow," Jackson said. "America needs more celebrities like Bill Cosby who are willing to stand up for our nation's young people and the role of family, community and society. Movie stars, recording artists and athletes have a significant impact on our youth. It would be wonderful to see some of them volunteer with FamilyCorps to use their talents and resources to make a difference in our neighborhoods."

Jackson said he hopes there will come a day when celebrities like Madonna and Britney Spears are willing to pick up the phone and volunteer with FamilyCorps. "When celebrities realize what a difference they can make in helping children and families, I think many of them will want to get involved," Jackson said. "I believe in miracles," he added.

The Gordons said FamilyCorps will begin matching volunteers with community projects later this year. For more information, visit www. FamilyCorps. org or call (877) 411-5437.

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Thursday, January 26, 2006

African American Women & Entrepreneurship Research Study: Are African American Women Entrepreneurs Over-Invested In the Service Sector

African American Women & Entrepreneurship Research Study: Are African American Women Entrepreneurs Over-Invested In the Service Sector

A recent online survey was conducted as part of a doctoral dissertation research study of African American Women & Entrepreneurship and their thoughts and opinions to if there is an over-investment of African-American women business owners in the Service sector when compared to other business sectors.

Arlington, TX (PRWEB) December 23, 2005

Arlington, TX - (PRWEB)- December 23, 2005 – Dr. Tamara Johnson, PhD, the founder and owner of Proverbs Consulting recently completed a research project as part of academic requirements for a doctorate in Business Administration from Kennedy Western University. Dr. Johnson's dissertation topic was African-American Women & Entrepreneurship: Are African American Women Over-Invested In the Service Sector.

The research included an online survey that was conducted between April and August 2005, that targeted 2,494 African-American women small business owners from across the United States. The research study was designed to obtain feedback, attitudes and opinions towards small-business ownership and their thoughts of the future for African-American Women small-business ownership.

Some of the key findings of the research indicate that 44% of the African American women business owners who participated in the online survey have advanced educational levels (MBA, MPA, PhD). 72% of the participants indicated that the greatest influence in their decision to start their business was that they, “wanted more control over their own destiny.” More than two-thirds (67.4%) of the survey participants had five employees or less.

As business diversification and expansion are key issues for African American women entrepreneurs, the survey inquired to what industries did they expect to see the most significant business increases, respondents indicated Business Services (80%), Computer & Data Processing Services (54.6%), Real Estate (51.4%) and Engineering & Management Services (42.7%) as the top four areas the respondents expected business opportunity increases.

The findings of this research indicate that the survey participants in this research clearly point out that they do not feel there is an over-investment of African American women business owners in the Service sector even though the most current literature reflects that there is a significant percentage of African American women business owners with in the Service sector industry when compared to other industries. The research findings also reflect that survey participants are clear in their suggestions and opinions to why the current research data reflects an over-investment in the Service sector has occurred as related to the overall workplace and business challenges that many minority entrepreneurs face as they attempt to access capital, financing, resources, and the societal, governmental and political obstacles that they incur as they pursue entrepreneurialism.

The final conclusions of this research indicated that the 256 survey respondents who participated in this study, do not feel there is an over-investment of African American business women in the Service sector. Thus, proving that additional research and reporting must be conducted in the area of African American women entrepreneurship—who they are, what businesses are they in, and how do they intend to further expand their business efforts are a few of the key areas of opportunity for additional research and study. Results of the online survey are available at http://www. surveymonkey. com/Report. asp? U=97225392585 (http://www. surveymonkey. com/Report. asp? U=97225392585).

The Abstract and Data Analysis of the study, African American Women & Entrepreneurship: Are African American Women Over-Invested In the Service Sector, is available for download as an Adobe PDF file from Proverbs Consulting for $100. For further information, contact – Dr. Tamara Johnson, Proverbs Consulting at info@proverbsconsulting. com or at the website, http://proverbsconsulting. com (http://proverbsconsulting. com) or by calling 817-466-1456.

About Proverbs Consulting

Arlington, TX based Proverbs Consulting offers a diversity of professional business consulting strategies and services to small-business owners, faith-based and non-profit organizations. Dr. Tamara Johnson, PhD, is the founder and owner of Proverbs Consulting has a BS in Health Care Administration and a Masters of Public Administration both from Wichita State University.

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Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Data Recovery Service Offers Class 100 Clean Room Facilities to Businesses in the Southeast

Data Recovery Service Offers Class 100 Clean Room Facilities to Businesses in the Southeast

Top rated, California based data recovery company seeks to expand it's award winning service to the Southeastern states. DataShure, Inc., headquartered in Gainesville, Florida will provide local access to state of the art data recovery facilities.

(PRWEB) February 5, 2005

DataShure Inc., a privately owned partner of Data Recovery Warehouse that provides disaster and hard drive failure recovery services, announced the opening of offices in Gainesville, Florida. Data Recovery Warehouse, a leading West Coast provider of premium data recovery services, chose DataShure to help expand its operations and reach into the Southeastern United States business districts.

The partnership provides access to new enterprise and small business customers, allowing the company to deliver increased services from the Orlando, Jacksonville and Gainesville business districts to metro Miami, including the counties of Alachua, Orange, Hillsborough, Duval and Dade.

"We are excited about doing business with DataShure and look forward to helping them grow in the Southeast," said Dan Easterly business development manager for Data Recovery Warehouse. "This agreement validates that DataShure's service offerings and the way we do business offers local companies the quickest possible turn-around and flexibility so they can continue to provide competitive service offerings to their customers as well as maintain operations."

DataShure, Inc., currently provides a robust offering of free recovery evaluations, cost effective system analysis, class 100 clean room laboratories, and guaranteed data recovery services to customers including Fortune 500 companies, educational institutions, government agencies, financial and healthcare organizations, as well as other remote data backup and data warehousing service providers. As part of the agreement with Data Recovery Warehouse, DataShure will also provide their service in extended warrantee programs for shipped systems from major PC resellers in the region.

"The arrangement with DataShure allows DRW to bring state of the art data recovery to the door of new clients and strengthens our ability to serve our customers in metro areas within the southeast," said Andrew Fischer, regional vice president for Data Recovery Warehouse.

About Data Recovery Warehouse

Founded in 1987, DRW is a leading provider of business critical data recovery services that offers enterprise companies and individuals superior Data solutions via its reliable, secure and independently-owned metropolitan class 100 clean room facility. Data Recovery Warehouse operates throughout 50 markets in the Western half of the United States. For more information about DRW, please visit. www. datarecoverywarehouse. com/index. php (http://www. datarecoverywarehouse. com/index. php).

About DataShure, Inc.

Founded in 2004, DataShure is a leading provider of business critical data recovery services that offers small to mid-size companies and individuals superior data recovery solutions through it's strategic partnership with Data Recovery Warehouse. DataShure operates throughout 10 markets in the Eastern half of the United States. For more information about DataShure, Inc., please visit. www. datashure. com.

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Friday, January 20, 2006

Shana Banana's "Banana Beach Party, USA!" at Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center on Thursday, February 24, 2005

Shana Banana's "Banana Beach Party, USA!" at Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center on Thursday, February 24, 2005.

It may be the middle of winter, but Shana Banana is throwing a "Beach Party, USA!" as part of the Carson Center's "2004-2005 Class Acts" educational series.

(PRWEB) February 6, 2005

National children’s entertainer, singer & songwriter Shana Banana will perform at the Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center for the Performing Arts, 100 Kentucky Ave., Paducah, KY. Shana Banana’s performance is a part of the “2004-2005 Class Acts” performance series. Ticket prices are as follows: Pre-scheduled school group tickets are $4 each. General public may purchase tickets at the door on the day of show for $5 each. Tickets for all performances can be obtained by calling the Carson Center Box Office 270-443-9932, or on line at www. fourriverscenter. org. Everyone is encouraged to dress in their favorite beach or tropical attire.

What do you get when you cross a Master's degree in Oceanography with a career in children's music? Why, award winning children's entertainer Shana Banana of course! Shana has merged her two specialties to create Banana Beach Party, USA! ItÂ’s a show about our ocean and the science of our environment that children and families will love. Shana's shows contain all original and interactive music with a festive beach party feel! Her original repertoire includes: "Stingray Shuffle," "Banana Beach Party, USA," "Mervyn the Manatee," "Super Sea Star," "The Flying Fish Song," "That's How the Water Flows" and more!

Shana Banana has two first-round Grammy nominations for her CDÂ’s Music & Fun for Kids and Song In My Pocket and was nominated as "ChildrenÂ’s and Family Entertainer of the Year" in 2001-2002 by the National Association of Campus Activities. Shana has also been the honored recipient of numerous national awards including; Parents' Choice, NAPPA, Kids' First, and Just Plain Folks awards.

So make plans to bring the family out to the Carson Center on Thursday, February 24th for a “Banana Beach Party, USA!” with Shana Banana. Don’t forget your sunblock!

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Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Butler University’s “Save Lives at Five” Team Wins Pearson Presents the (RED)™ Challenge Contest

Butler University’s “Save Lives at Five” Team Wins Pearson Presents the (RED)™ Challenge Contest

Students Propose (PRODUCT)RED™ Notebooks for Campus Bookstores To Help Eliminate Aids in Africa

New York, NY (Vocus) July 9, 2010

A clever proposal to help eliminate AIDS in Africa with a new (PRODUCT)RED item targeted to college students has won a group of students at Indianapolis’s Butler University a trip to New York City to present their idea to the (RED) team.

Sponsored by Pearson, the authors of Marketing: Real People, Real Choices – Michael R. Solomon, Greg W. Marshall, Elnora W. Stuart – and (RED), “Pearson Presents the (RED) Challenge” asked Principles of Marketing students across the U. S. to create their own marketing plan for a product that would fit into the (RED) product line and that would help raise awareness of and drive contributions to (RED)’s mission to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Entries were submitted through Facebook, and voted upon by the public.

The Butler team’s winning product, suggested in their short contest video, is notebooks, binders, planners and folders to be sold at campus bookstores. The Grand Prize winning “Save Lives at Five” team will be flown to New York on July 9th to present its submission to (RED) as a future opportunity that can be explored for (RED). The video can be seen here: http://www. youtube. com/user/chuckyduck83.

The winning team members are Charlie Schmelzer; Erin Matthew; Kayla Wininger; Mac Huffman; and Robert Hobson. Their professor is Kathryn King.

“Principles of Marketing students across the country responded with great enthusiasm to this important competition, through which they had the opportunity to gain real marketing experience outside the classroom, turning their knowledge and skills into an actual product,” said Anne Fahlgren, Senior Marketing Manager, Pearson. “We congratulate the Butler team for their Grand Prize win, and thank all the students who participated.”

About Pearson
Pearson (NYSE:PSO), the global leader in education, teacher training, education technology and school solutions, provides innovative print and digital education materials for preK through college, student information systems and learning management systems, teacher professional development, career certification programs, and testing and assessment products that set the standard for the industry.

About (RED) ™and (PRODUCT) RED™
(RED)’s primary objective is to engage the private sector in raising awareness and funds for the Global Fund, to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Companies whose products take on the (PRODUCT) RED mark contribute a significant percentage of the sales or portion of the profits from that product to the Global Fund to help finance HIV/AIDS programs in Africa, including interventions targeting women and children. Current partners are: American Express (U. K. only), Apple, Bugaboo, Converse, Gap, Emporio Armani, FLOWE(RED) (U. K. only), Hallmark (U. S. only), Dell, Nike, Penguin Classics and Starbucks. Since its launch in the Spring of 2006, $150 million has been generated by (RED) partners and events for the Global Fund. (RED) money is at work in Ghana, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, and Zambia and supports programs that have reached more than 5 million people. For more information, visit http://www. joinred. com.

About The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
The Global Fund is a unique global public/private partnership dedicated to attracting and disbursing additional resources to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. This partnership between governments, civil society, the private sector and affected communities represents a new approach to international health financing. The Global Fund works in close collaboration with other bilateral and multilateral organizations to supplement existing efforts dealing with the three diseases.

Since its creation in 2002, the Global Fund has become the dominant financier of programs to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, with approved funding of US$ 19.3 billion in 144 countries. To date, programs supported by the Global Fund have averted more than 5.7 million deaths through providing AIDS treatment for 2.8 million people, TB treatment for 7 million people, and by the distribution of 122 million insecticide-treated bed nets for the prevention of malaria worldwide. The Global Fund provides nearly a quarter of all international financing for AIDS globally, as well as three-fifths for TB and malaria. (RED) is the Global Fund’s largest private sector contributor. For more information visit http://www. theglobalfund. org.

About Butler University
Challenging and enabling students to meet their personal and professional goals has guided Butler University since 1855. Today, Butler is a nationally recognized comprehensive university that blends the liberal arts with first-rate pre-professional programs. It seeks to prepare each graduate not simply to make a living but to make a life of purpose, in which personal flourishing is intertwined with the welfare of others. Butler is known for its vibrant campus, superior academics and dedicated faculty. The University enrolls more than 4,400 undergraduate and graduate students in six academic colleges: Business, Communication, Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Pharmacy and Health Sciences, and Fine Arts. Located just six miles from downtown Indianapolis, Butler’s urban setting affords students internship opportunities that provide excellent graduate school and career preparation.

Contact:
Susan Aspey
Pearson
Susan(dot)aspey(at)pearson(dot)com
800.745.8489

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Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Armchair Millionaire Community Bulletin - Dropping Out of the Rat Race

Armchair Millionaire Community Bulletin - Dropping Out of the Rat Race

The thought of simply chucking it all and escaping the treadmill of work and a materialistic lifestyle can be highly seductive. But look carefully before you go there -- you may find that you're giving up a lot more than the job stress, and changing your life in ways you never could have imagined.

New York City, New York (PRWEB) August 31, 2004

The many heartfelt comments we had about dropping out of the rat race from members of the Armchair Millionaire community are telling of just how many struggle with balancing work and life. Here are two comments from folks who have succeeded in dropping out:

"Four years ago my wife and I, 38 and 48 respectively, took our proceeds from a business that we sold and left the office for good, hopefully. We aren't mega rich but so far it appears that buying what we need and doing what we want can be sustained with minimal income. Kids in school have kept down the travel but that restriction ends soon as our youngest heads off to school." --Joseph S.

"We left the rat race at 52 and 51 years old. During our working time we lived well below our means. We did not live a life of deprivation, just that we didn't buy the stuff we didn't need. Being retired is great, although the days do seem to go by more quickly." --Alan and Kay

As Americans, we're generally taught and encouraged to get on a defined track. It starts with school when we're youngsters, moves on to a job and career as we become adults, and continues on most of our lives until we retire, usually sometime in our 60s. You're proposing jumping that track completely.

That's a big move, and for some people could be very rewarding. But before you take that first big step, consider all the angles. My checklist will get you started on the big issues.

The Armchair Millionaire's Checklist for Dropping Out of the Rat Race

Be realistic about how big the change will be. We're not talking about simply retiring at age 55. Dropping out of the rat race means a serious lifestyle shift. To be able to afford to give up that high-powered job, you'll probably need to substantially downsize all aspects of your life--house, car and entertainment budget included. For many people, it even means moving abroad to a country where living is cheaper. It may be just fine with you for your life to look completely different, but be sure of that ahead of time.

Envision your new life. Many people just want to escape their jobs, and fail to envision how they will fill their days once that job is gone. Make sure you're clear about what you really want to do. What does your ideal day look like? Will you have plenty to do to give your life some meaningful structure? You may find out that you don't need a new life at all, but just a healthy dose of balance in your current one.

Consider what you'll lose. Stressful as it is, your job probably gives you a lot that you may take for granted. It may keep you intellectually challenged, or surround you with a community of people, or provide you with your primary identity. If nothing else, it may give you health and pension benefits. How will you fill these gaps?

Don't rule out work. You want to dump your high-stress job, but don't rule out taking a lower-stress full - or part-time job. It will still allow you to leave your work at the office and call your time mostly your own. And it can make a world of difference in helping making ends meet.

Plan like crazy. If you think planning for a regular retirement is a chore, wait until you try planning for this. If you end up living in poverty, that high-stress job is going to start looking very good again. Get help from a financial planner to determine if you really can afford it. At a minimum, you'll need to consider your living expenses, investment returns, a safe rate of withdrawal rate, the impact of inflation and your life expectancy.

THE BOTTOM LINE: The thought of simply chucking it all and escaping the treadmill of work and a materialistic lifestyle can be highly seductive. And for some, it’s not entirely out of reach. But plan carefully before you leap. By removing yourself from the rat race and accepting a “subsistence” lifestyle, you may find that you’ve exchanged one kind of stress for another.

THE ARMCHAIR MILLIONAIRE WEEKLY SURVEY: What's the best education money can buy? Log on to www. armchairmillionaire. com and let us know.

Lewis Schiff is a contributor to CNNfnMoney. com, the Web sites for CNN and Money Magazine. His newest report, "How to Know When You Are Rich," is now available at www. armchairmillionaire. com.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Lewis Schiff

Armchair Millionaire

877-833-2823

Http://www. armchairmillionaire. com (http://www. armchairmillionaire. com)

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Monday, January 16, 2006

Full Sail University to Co-Present Game Design Classes During the Orlando Science Center's Summer Camp Program

Full Sail University to Co-Present Game Design Classes During the Orlando Science Center's Summer Camp Program

From August 11-15, Full Sail University (http://www. fullsail. edu) will co-present game design classes from 9AM-4:15PM for students in grades seven through nine at the Orlando Science Center (OSC) as part of their School Break Camps Program.

Winter Park, FL (PRWEB) August 1, 2008

From August 11-15, 2008, Full Sail University (http://www. fullsail. edu (http://www. fullsail. edu)) will co-present game design classes from 9 AM-4:15 PM for students in grades seven through nine at the Orlando Science Center (OSC) as part of their School Break Camps Program.

Children interested in game design are encouraged to enroll in the program which allows them to explore the world of computer games in a fun, entertaining environment. Full Sail University instructors will educate each student on how to create their own game with characters and graphics of their choice. Students will be broken down into teams to build their unique game which will be presented as their final project on the Full Sail University campus on August 15 in the Entertainment Business Auditorium.

"I teach fun!" said Steve VanZandt, Course Director for the Game Development Program at Full Sail. "Watching the imagination of each child translated into a game that can be played and presented is a rewarding and memorable experience. Being a participant in the game design class gives the children a chance to get a taste of what it is really like to be a mastermind behind the games they love to play."

Parents who would like to obtain more information on the game design class can contact OSC at 407-514-2112 or they can register their child online by visiting http://www. osc. org (http://www. osc. org). Discounts are available to OSC members.

Since 1979, Full Sail University, located outside of Orlando, FL, has been an innovative educational leader for those pursuing careers in the entertainment industry. With over 27,500 alumni, graduate credits include work on Oscar, Emmy and GRAMMY-winning projects, best-selling video games, and the #1 grossing U. S. concert tours. Full Sail's 185-acre campus proudly welcomes over 6,000 students from 50 states and 50 countries.

Full Sail currently offers a total of fifteen degree programs including: Associate of Science Degrees offered in Graphic Design, Recording Arts and Show Production & Touring; Bachelor of Science Degrees offered in Computer Animation, Digital Arts & Design, Entertainment Business (online and on-campus), Film, Game Art, Game Development, Internet Marketing (online), Music Business and Web Design & Development; and Master of Science Degrees in Education Media Design & Technology (online), Game Design (online) and Entertainment Business (online and on-campus).

Students on-campus experience a real world education with a professional class structure of 8-12 hours per day and a 24-hour around the clock schedule which earned Full Sail the Most Innovative Program Award by the Florida Association of Postsecondary Schools and Colleges (FAPSC) and most recently was named "School/College of the Year" by FAPSC as well. The university has also been named: The Harvard of Game Schools by Tips & Tricks Magazine; one of the top three New Media Schools by Shift Magazine (alongside the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and New York University); one of the Top Five Game Degree Programs in the world by Electronic Gaming Monthly; one of the Best Music Programs in the country by Rolling Stone Magazine; one of the Best Music Business Departments in the Schools That Rock: The Rolling Stone College Guide; and one of the Best Film Programs in the country by UNleashed Magazine.

For more information about Full Sail, please visit http://www. fullsail. edu (http://www. fullsail. edu).

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Careers in Ethnic Studies Gain Prominence as School Integration Challenged

Careers in Ethnic Studies Gain Prominence as School Integration Challenged

With recent Supreme Court challenges to school integration and campaigns to end affirmative action heating up in several states, employers and governmental agencies are requiring more Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action (EO/AA) specialists to address cultural diversity concerns. A recent article on CareerSchoolDirectory. com offers information and advice on EO/AA careers for graduates of liberal arts and ethnic study programs. CareerSchoolDirectory. com also offers current news and information on career development, education, and training for a variety of careers.

Salt Lake City, UT (PRWEB) January 16, 2007

With affirmative action and school integration policies being challenged in the Supreme Court and throughout the country, careers in ethnic studies and liberal arts are more pertinent than ever. Despite the University of Michigan's compliance with a voter-approved ban on affirmative action, the school has stated that it will use other criteria to achieve diversity, suggesting a need for Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action (EO/AA) specialists. Liberal arts students and professionals will find information on ethnic, cultural, and liberal art studies, along with hundreds of other careers, on CareerSchoolDirectory. com, an online resource for career education and training.

In the article "Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Specialists Champion Cultural Diversity," CareerSchoolDirectory. com columnist Karen Lawson details career paths that offer liberal arts and ethnic study graduates suggestions for exciting new ways to capitalize on their education (http://www. careerschooldirectory. com/news/2006/11/equal_opportunity_affirmative_action_specialists_champion_cultural_diversity. html (http://www. careerschooldirectory. com/news/2006/11/equal_opportunity_affirmative_action_specialists_champion_cultural_diversity. html)).

Lawson writes, "If you're interested in a career that will put your liberal arts background to good use, consider an EO/AA position. This type of work requires a broad understanding of humanities, human behavior and psychology, and multicultural or ethnic studies." CNNMoney. com columnist Anne Fisher believes liberal arts graduates have valuable and marketable skills. She writes, "A liberal arts degree, plus good communications and computer skills, signal to recruiters that you'll be adaptable to a wide range of jobs."

The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a higher than average growth rate for EE/AA specialists through 2014. The BLS also reports, "Legislation and court rulings setting standards in various areas--occupational safety and health, equal employment opportunity, wages, health care, pensions, and family leave, among others--will increase demand for human resources, training, and labor relations experts."

CareerSchoolDirectory. com (http://www. careerschooldirectory. com (http://www. careerschooldirectory. com)) lists many schools dedicated to career education and training. Students and professionals can easily find the schools, colleges, professional training programs, and career development resources necessary for their career and personal fulfillment.

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Familyland Television, 'The Network You Can Trust,' is Back on Western New York Television Screens

Familyland Television, 'The Network You Can Trust,' is Back on Western New York Television Screens

Family-values television returns to subscribers in Western New York. Dedicated to reinforcing, not undermining, families, Familyland can be found on channel 169 in Time Warner Cable's digital cable package and is truly the "Network You Can Trust".

Bloomingdale, OH (PRWEB) November 13, 2006

Families across Western New York will no longer complain there's nothing on TV. That's because Familyland Television Network (FL-TV -- www. familyland. tv) is proud to announce their return to Western New York. Their brand of uplifting, family-focused programming is available on Time Warner Cable's digital package channel 169.

FL-TV is a family-values network, part of an international Catholic ministry built on a special mission to uplift families. It offers a unique mix of "family-friendly" entertainment and spiritual programming that builds character, reinforces positive values and brings the family together. Programs on FL-TV are carefully reviewed and edited to exclude immodesty, foul language, excessive violence, and disrespect to lawful authority. FL-TV is an inspiring, educating and entertaining television experience.

"There is no doubt that the basic cell of any society is the family -- it's the last resort for comfort and rehabilitation, especially during these difficult days we are passing through," stated Jerry Coniker, president and founder of FL-TV and the 950-acre Catholic Familyland in Southeastern Ohio.

FL-TV offers something for everyone, with a line-up of age-specific educational and spiritual programs as well as a mixture of entertaining golden classics, such as "Ozzie and Harriet", "Bonanza", and "Davey and Goliath," to name a few. All programs portray family values and good morals. They entertain and inspire viewers to make the most of their family life.

FL-TV's exclusive program library includes over 15,000 spiritual talk shows featuring more than 500 expert teachers on the Catholic faith, such as Pope John Paul II, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, Cardinal Francis Arinze, Dr. Scott Hahn and more, on subjects covering Catholic doctrine and practices, papal documents, Scripture, catechesis, family issues and Christian morality. Each is discussed from a family perspective.

"FL-TV features family entertainment designed to support family values -- teaching families to reach out to other families -- and to ultimately build a better society. Only at FL-TV will you find entertainment without leaving God behind. It's a network you can trust," Coniker concluded.

FL-TV is a ministry of the Apostolate for Family Consecration. Founded in 1975 as an international multimedia ministry, the Apostolate for Family Consecration also operates in Asia, Latin America, Europe, and Africa.

For additional information on how to get FL-TV, call Time Warner Cable at 1-866-668-6044 and inquire about FL-TV, channel 169, on their digital system. If you are located in an area that is not serviced by Time Warner Cable, please call 1-800-773-2645 or visit www. familyland. tv for information on how to receive FL-TV Network, the Network You Can Trust.

Contact

Theresa Schmitz

Phone: (740) 765-5500, ext. 4007

FAX: (740)-765-5561

Www. familyland. tv

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Ed Craine Named Mortgage Broker Of The Year By California Association of Mortgage Brokers

Ed Craine Named Mortgage Broker Of The Year By California Association of Mortgage Brokers

C. E.O of San Francisco Based Mortgage Company Receives Chris Salazar Broker Of The Year Award At CAMB Annual Convention.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) August 20, 2008

Edward Craine, Chief Executive Officer of San Francisco based Smith Craine Finance was recently presented with the California Association of Mortgage Brokers' Chris Salazar Broker Of The Year award at the CAMB annual convention held in Sacramento August 6-8, 2008. CAMB which counts thousands of mortgage brokers as members presents this award annually to only one mortgage broker in its ranks.

"I'm honored to be recognized by such an incredible group of mortgage experts, whom I'm fortunate to call my peers. Members of CAMB absolutely represent the best of the best mortgage industry professionals. After the trying year we've all had in the mortgage industry, being recognized by these consummate professionals, for my efforts on behalf of CAMB is immeasurably rewarding," Craine remarks.

Craine has been active in CAMB for many years, having served on the San Francisco Peninsula Chapter Board from 2000-2005, and serving as President of the Chapter for the 2004-2005 year. During his tenure as President he grew the chapter membership by approximately 35%, and arranged the chapter's first trade show.

In 2006, Ed was elected to the State Board of CAMB and served on several committees, before being elected as a State Vice President, and accepting the position of PR Committee Chairperson in 2007. As the spokesperson for CAMB during the tumultuous 2007-2008 year, Craine was instrumental in creating and broadcasting a CAMB call to action message in an effort to strengthen the housing and lending markets, through education.

Ed has been a consumer advocate for years, often lobbying in Washington D. C for mortgage legislation designed to protect consumers. He has also been a vocal proponent for stricter licensing guidelines and regulations for all individuals working in the mortgage industry.

Craine currently serves as CAMB's State Vice President of Finance, while also serving as 1st Regional Vice President of the Certified Commercial Investment Member Institute (CCIM). He will be inducted as Vice President of the Southwest Region in September of this year. Craine has held the CCIM designation since 1992.

Craine holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from Cornell University. Throughout his nearly 30 years as a commercial and residential mortgage broker, Craine has published numerous articles in national industry trade journals, in addition to contributing to The New York Times' and The Wall Street Journals' Best Selling, "Masters of Networking," "Masters of Success," and "Masters of Sales."

In addition to his role as a Certified Instructor for CAMB, Craine has appeared and lectured before thousands of peers, consumers, and professionals from various industry groups, via Lorman Seminars, The Learning Annex, Crittenden Conferences and the Learning Exchange.
Craine also launched a series of Commercial Lending Conferences in 2007, which continue to grow in popularity. The next Commercial Lending Conference is scheduled in San Francisco on September 4, 2008. Craine continues to serve as an Executive Director for Business Networking International (BNI), the world's largest referral organization.

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North Carolina State University Demonstrates Feasibility of Producing Biodegradable Plastic Alternatives from Renewable Resources Using Microfluidizer® Processors

North Carolina State University Demonstrates Feasibility of Producing Biodegradable Plastic Alternatives from Renewable Resources Using Microfluidizer® Processors

Results of producing Microfibrillated Celluloses (MFCs) from wood pulps to be presented via complimentary a webinar on August 25, 2010

Newton, MA (Vocus) August 17, 2010

According to industry analysts, Americans dispose 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour, and the annual world consumption of plastic is approaching 100 million tons. Clearly, it is imperative to find a plastic alternative produced from renewable resources. North Carolina State University (NCSU) researchers have demonstrated a viable solution for producing Microfibrillated Celluloses (MFCs) from wood pulps. These MFCs, when produced on a Microfluidizer high shear fluid processor from Microfluidics, have been shown to be biodegradable, energy efficient and strength competitive with currently utilized petroleum-based plastics.

NCSU researcher Kelley Spence will present findings at a complimentary webinar on August 25, 2010 at http://www. microfluidicscorp. com/webinars (http://www. microfluidicscorp. com/webinars). In the webinar, Ms. Spence will detail her study and results toward critical objectives:
Determine the effectiveness of three alternative processing methods (Microfluidization, homogenization and micro-grinding) Develop a more energy-efficient process for biodegradable plastic alternatives (maintain/improve quality of existing materials and prove commercial viability for large-scale manufacturing)

A replay will remain active in the website’s archive following the live event and a written case study is also available online. On September 15, 2010, the Microfluidics Webinar Series will continue with an educational presentation on nanomaterials for applications within the chemical industry such as carbon nanotube dispersions, coatings, inks and more.

About North Carolina State University
With more than 31,000 students and nearly 8,000 faculty and staff, North Carolina State University is a comprehensive university known for its leadership in education and research, and globally recognized for its science, technology, engineering and mathematics leadership.

NC State students, faculty and staff are focused. As one of the leading land-grant institutions in the nation, NC State is committed to playing an active and vital role in improving the quality of life for the citizens of North Carolina, the nation and the world.

For more information, please visit http://www. ncsu. edu (http://www. ncsu. edu).

About Microfluidics
Microfluidics International Corporation (OTCBB: MFLU) is the exclusive producer of Microfluidizer® high shear fluid processors for uniform particle size reduction, robust cell disruption and bottom-up nanoparticle creation. Used primarily by pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, cosmetic, nutraceutical/food and energy companies to research, develop and improve products with efficient processes, more than 3,000 Microfluidizer processors are installed at customer sites in 50 countries around the world. The innovative Microfluidics Technology Center, located at the company’s headquarters outside Boston, Mass., is staffed by expert engineers with a wide range of nanotechnology and application experience for Proof of Concept and Process Development services.

By producing smaller particle sizes and a more narrow distribution than other technologies, with scaleup from lab to production guaranteed, Microfluidics enables companies to create tiny particles that achieve big results. To learn more, visit http://www. microfluidicscorp. com (http://www. microfluidicscorp. com).

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Satellite Healthcare, Providers of Kidney Dialysis and Kidney Disease Services, Honors Founder With Endowed Chair at Stanford University School of Medicine

Satellite Healthcare, Providers of Kidney Dialysis and Kidney Disease Services, Honors Founder With Endowed Chair at Stanford University School of Medicine

Satellite Healthcare, one of the nation’s first and largest providers of kidney dialysis services and kidney disease therapies, has honored its founder, Norman S. Coplon, MD, with an endowed chair at Stanford University School of Medicine.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. (PRWEB) October 6, 2008

The Norman S. Coplon/Satellite Healthcare Professorship in Medicine was established on June 12, 2008 with a gift from Satellite Healthcare, which Dr. Coplon founded in 1974 as a not-for-profit organization. His vision was to fulfill the growing need for kidney dialysis services due to kidney disease, as well as to fund research and provide education for patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD). The company aims to advance the standard of chronic kidney disease care while optimizing patient wellness and quality of life.

"Stanford is deeply grateful to Satellite Healthcare for its gift that established the chair that honors its founder, Norman S. Coplon," said Ralph Horwitz, MD, professor and chair of Stanford's Department of Medicine. "Dr. Coplon is a visionary leader in nephrology and dialysis care. The chair that bears his name will be held by Glenn Chertow, MD, professor of medicine and chief of the Division of Nephrology at Stanford. Dr. Chertow is the nation's leading clinical scientist in nephrology and has carried out pioneering research on kidney disease. He is also a gifted clinician and charismatic teacher."

"Dr. Coplon is highly respected by the dialysis community for his dedication to advancing the treatment of kidney disease," said Mark Burke, CEO of Satellite Healthcare. "Norm was one the early Stanford fellows and his relationship with the medical school covers decades. Endowing a permanent professorship in his name is the best way to recognize his 35 plus years of contributions to the field. We are excited to have Dr. Chertow be the first holder of the Norman S. Coplon/Satellite Healthcare Professorship in Medicine. He is a superb nephrologist and researcher whose contributions to the field will be seen for years to come."

Born and raised in Syracuse, New York, Dr. Coplon received his medical degree and completed his internship and first year of residency from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. He moved to California in 1966 to serve as chief resident at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in San Francisco and completed his fellowship in nephrology at Stanford University School of Medicine. Dr. Coplon learned kidney dialysis at San Francisco General Hospital and shortly after started one of the Bay Area's first kidney dialysis centers at Stanford, where he is a member of the adjunct clinical faculty.

He conceived of a network of kidney dialysis centers ringing major medical centers so that patients would not have to travel far from their homes to receive their frequent treatments. Thus the "satellite" concept was born.

Dr. Coplon has received numerous honors and awards, including the prestigious "Martin Wagner Memorial Award" from the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) in 1979, the highest honor the foundation can bestow on a lay volunteer. In 1992, he was honored as the NKF "Man of the Year."

The investiture ceremony for the Norman S. Coplon/Satellite Healthcare Professorship in Medicine will be held at Stanford at 6:00 pm on October 6, 2008, at the Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center, 326 Galvez Street, Stanford.

About Satellite Healthcare

Satellite Healthcare, Inc. is one of the nation's first and largest providers of kidney dialysis services and kidney disease care. With its affiliated services Satellite WellBound, Satellite Dialysis, and Satellite Research, Satellite Healthcare provides early patient wellness education, personalized clinical services and a complete range of dialysis therapy choices. This comprehensive offering allows Satellite Healthcare to advance the standard of chronic kidney disease care so patients can achieve a better life. For more information, www. satellitehealth. com.

Better care. Better life. Better choice.

Sunday, January 15, 2006

$24 Million Dollar Building Sold By Louis Erice, Vladimir Golik, and Alfred Beltran, of Keller Williams

$24 Million Dollar Building Sold By Louis Erice, Vladimir Golik, and Alfred Beltran, of Keller Williams

Louis Erice, Vladimir Golik, and Alfred Beltran, of Keller Williams in the Miami office sold the West Bird Apartment Building, 3571 SW 117 Ave, Miami, Florida, for $24 million dollar to West Bird RBGem LLC.

(PRWEB) July 8, 2005

Louis Erice, Vladimir Golik, and Alfred Beltran, of Keller Williams in the Miam-Kendall office sold the West Bird Apartment Building, 3571 SW 117 Ave, Miami, Florida, for $24 million dollar to West Bird RBGem LLC.

The unit sizes vary between 780 sqft to 980 sqft. The property is zoned multifamily and was built in 1981. There is not immediate knowledge of what will be done with the property.

"We just completed the $24 million commercial building sale and are expanding our commercial to support the increased commercial growth of Keller Williams in Miami,” says Louis Erice, owner/broker. “The commercial expansion will also focus on recruiting experienced commercial REALTORS that will focus on managing the commercial leads and sales existing in the brokerage.”

Louis Erice is Co-Owner of Keller Williams and since moving to Keller Williams has achieved over $150 million sales. Erice, top-producer, has averaged over 100+ transactions per year. Over the past 14 years, Louis has distinguished himself as one of the top selling brokers in the state of Florida and is ranked amongst the 100 highest performing agents per Realtor MagazineÂ’s 2002 edition. At his former company, he was the leading sales producer for 8 straight years. Erice has expertise in development, residential and commercial sales.

Vladimir Golik is the Registered Broker and co-owner of Keller Williams Miami. He is a South Florida native who started his Real Estate Career at the early age of 19. By 21, he was the youngest member in the million dollar club. At 22 he was promoted to District Sales Manager. He most recently ran the #1 office (out of 35 tri-county offices) and was the Regional Vice President of his former company. Vladimir has won numerous awards over his 21 year career in Real Estate and he currently serves as a director for the Florida Association of Realtors, and is the current treasurer of the Realtor Association of Miami-Dade County.

Alfredo Beltran has specialized in Miami Dade County commercial real estate since early 1994. He has extensive experience in multi-family, development of luxury residential real estate and office buildings. With over half a billion dollars in sales, his portfolio of sales within the last five months includes over $150 million dollars in sales. As co-founder of The Commercial Investment Group (CIG) of Keller Williams Realty Premier Properties in Kendall, he has driven several successful commercial developments in Dade, Broward, Tampa and Orlando Metropolitan Areas. As a principal of CIG, Mr. Beltran is responsible for overseeing the commercial real estate development process including site selection, acquisition, contract negotiations, as well as supervising the architectural and engineering process.

About Keller Williams Realty:

Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty International (KWRI) is an international real estate company with more than 445 offices located across the U. S. and Canada. Currently the fifth largest U. S. residential real estate firm in North America, Keller Williams began franchising its offices in 1990. The company has succeeded by treating its 42,000-plus associates as partners, and shares its knowledge, policy control, and company profits on a system-wide basis. Keller William agents are distinguished by their level of professional education, full-time commitment to real estate sales, and level of business success. For more information please visit Keller Williams Realty online at www. kw. com.

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Loose Diamonds Retailer Aliya Diamonds Launches Quality Diamond Website Store

Loose Diamonds Retailer Aliya Diamonds Launches Quality Diamond Website Store

Aliya Loose Diamonds Ltd. announced today the official launch of its online Web E-commerce loose diamonds and diamond jewelry retail store. AliyaDiamonds. com is now offering consumers and the wholesale loose diamond industry market from New York, Chicago and Los Angles to London, Tel Aviv and Paris a unique Internet shopping experience in a secure environment.

Tel Aviv (PRWEB) December 3, 2005

Aliya Loose Diamonds Ltd. announced today the official launch of its online Web E-commerce loose diamonds and diamond jewelry retail store. AliyaDiamonds. com is now offering consumers and the wholesale loose diamond industry market from New York, Chicago and Los Angles to London, Tel Aviv and Paris a unique Internet shopping experience in a secure environment.

Both wholesale and retail customers in North America, Europe, South America, Africa and Asia seeking beautiful, quality loose diamonds pieces are now clicks away from the loose diamonds, classic jewelry and young, fun pieces that make AliyaDiamonds. com the diverse e-commerce business retail outlet offering jewelry that has been omitted from the market place.

The universal appeal of a convenient, secure, unique diamond shopping experience has already registered with many long time Aliya Diamonds customers. Founded by industry veteran Joseph Bronner in the 1950's and now controlled by his son Moshe Bronner and partner Dr. Yoram Katz. The reason for creating Aliya Diamonds Ltd. was simple: offer customers the world's most unique quality diamonds, coupled with the highest quality fine diamond jewelry at an extraordinary value and make it all available online.

"With consumers becoming more sophisticated in the way they shop for loose diamonds and jewelry, one can't afford to shy away from the Internet these days. Aliya Diamonds recognizes this changing trend and has taken the opportunity to service those global consumers," says Bronner.

The initial launch of the Aliya Diamonds Collection and AliyaDiamonds. com features a wide selection of loose fancy colored and white diamonds, ranging in carat weight from 1.00 - 20.00ct and diamond jewelry which features 5.00 - 40.00ct diamond arranged necklaces and bracelets. Furthermore Aliya Loose Diamonds will continue to sell its immensely popular "Hearts of Diamonds" and "Bottle of Love" necklaces and pendants, which have been perfect gift ideas for special occasions. These are available in; 0.50ct, 0.75ct or 1.00ct weights.

Launching in Q1 2006, AliyaDiamonds. com will further enhance its shopping experience to Diamond jewelry and Timepieces. This will include smaller carat weight diamond necklaces, bracelets, earrings and casual and formal watches.

Before purchasing a diamond or sets of loose diamonds Aliyah Loose Diamonds suggests that the consumer first learn and appreciate both the history and the criteria to buy diamonds. Incorporated inside the home page of the Aliya Diamonds Website is a brief one minute diamond consumer education section, which covers the basic knowledge needed for understanding the 4 c's - cut, clarity, color and carat weight.

Diamond is one of the two best known forms (or allotropes) of carbon, whose hardness and high dispersion of light makes it useful for industrial applications and jewelry (the other equally well known allotrope is graphite).

Diamonds are specifically renowned as a mineral with superlative physical qualities - they make excellent abrasives because they can only be scratched by other diamonds, which also means they hold a polish extremely well and retain luster. About 130 million carats (26,000 kg) are mined annually, with a total value of nearly USD $9 billion.

The name "diamond" derives from the ancient Greek adamas ("impossible to tame"). They have been treasured as gems since their use as religious icons in India at least 2,500 years ago-and usage in drill bits and engraving tools also dates to early human history. Popularity of diamonds has risen since the 19th century because of improved cutting and polishing techniques, and they are commonly judged by the "four Cs": carat, clarity, color, and cut.

Nearly four times the mass of natural diamonds are produced as synthetic diamond each year, though these are typically classified with poor-quality specimens that are suitable only for industrial-grade use. Most natural diamonds originate from central and southern Africa, although significant sources of the mineral have been discovered in Canada, Russia, Brazil, and Australia. They are generally mined from volcanic pipes, which are deep in the Earth where the high pressure and temperature enables the formation of the crystals. The mining and distribution of natural diamonds are subjects of frequent controversy-such as with concerns over the sale of conflict diamonds by African paramilitary groups.

Diamond clarity is a quality of diamonds relating to the existence and visual appearance of internal defects of a diamond called inclusions, and surface defects called blemishes. Clarity is one of the four Cs of diamond grading, the others being carat, color, and cut. Inclusions may be crystals of a foreign material or another diamond crystal, or structural imperfections such as tiny cracks that can appear whitish or cloudy. The number, size, color, relative location, orientation, and visibility of inclusions can all affect the relative clarity of a diamond. A clarity grade is assigned based on the overall appearance of the stone under 10x magnification. Most inclusions present in gem-quality diamonds do not affect the diamonds' performance or structural integrity. However, large clouds can affect a diamond's ability to transmit and scatter light. Large cracks close to or breaking the surface may reduce a diamond's resistance to fracture.

Diamonds with higher clarity grades are more valued, with the exceedingly rare "flawless" graded diamond fetching the highest price. However, minor inclusions or blemishes are sometimes considered to have some value, as they can be used as unique identifying marks analogous to fingerprints. In addition, as synthetic diamond technology improves and distinguishing between natural and synthetic diamonds becomes more difficult, inclusions or blemishes can be used as proof of natural origin.

From myths about valleys of diamonds protected by snakes, to the production of millions of carats in rough diamonds each year, the history of diamonds is one of mystical power, beauty and commercial expertise. The first recorded history of the diamond dates back some 3,000 years to India, where it is likely that diamonds were first valued for their ability to refract light. In those days, the diamond was used in two ways-for decorative purposes, and as a talisman to ward off evil or provide protection in battle.

The diamond was also used for some time as medical aid. One anecdote, written during the Dark Ages by St. Hildegarde, relates how a diamond held in the hand while making a sign of the cross would heal wounds and cure illnesses.

Diamonds were also ingested in the hope of curing sickness. During the early Middle Ages, Pope Clement unsuccessfully used this treatment in a bid to aid his recovery. During the Middle Ages more attention was paid to the worth of diamonds, rather than the mystical powers surrounding them. Due to the heightened public awareness of the value of diamonds, mine owners perpetuated myths that diamonds were poisonous. This was to prevent the mineworkers swallowing the diamonds in an attempt to smuggle them out of the mines.

The popularity of diamonds surged during the Middle Ages, with the discovery of many large and famous stones in India, such as the Koh-I-Noor and the Blue Hope. Today India maintains the foremost diamond polishing industry in the world. As the Indian diamond supply dwindled, smaller finds occurred in Borneo and Brazil, but these were not sufficient to meet the ever-increasing demand for diamonds.

The mid-nineteenth century discovery of diamonds near the Orange River in South Africa sparked the world's biggest diamond rush, and helped to satiate the world's increasing appetite for diamonds. During the mid-nineteenth century, diamonds were also being discovered in eastern Australia. However, it was not until late 1970's, after seven years of earnest searching, that Australia's alleged potential as a diamond producer was validated.

On October 2nd 1979, geologists found the Argyle pipe near Lake Argyle: the richest diamond deposit in the world. Since then, Argyle has become the world's largest volume producer of diamonds, and alone is responsible for producing over a third of the world's diamonds every year. Today most loose diamonds move from their birth place in South Africa to Israel where they are cut and then move onto Brussels and New York - the two largest market places for loose diamonds.

With the advent of the Internet and online stores such as Aliyah, buying a loose diamond becomes a more convenient experience, being able to compare shapes, sizes, color and prices over the Internet. Aliya Loose Diamonds is based in Ramat Gan, Israel, a suburb of Tel Aviv, with offices in Los Angeles, New York and Southeast Asia..

Aliya loose diamonds is a member of the the Association of Diamond Industry Owners in Israel. "The Association of Diamond Industry Owners in Israel Limited" was the name of the organization founded by Oved Ben Ami, which was registered as an association in 1944. At the time, there were 33 factories in Palestine, and 21 were involved in founding the association. The central role of the association at that time was to organize the industry and to obtain rough. All rough diamonds imported to Palestine by the CSO reached the association.

In addition, the owners' association also negotiated with the four labor unions operating in Palestine at the time, to obtain a collective agreement regarding work in the diamond industry. Oved Ben Ami was responsible for relations with the British governors in Palestine, a very important role: without the aid of the British government, the diamond industry in Palestine simply could not exist. Ben Ami's thus played a crucial official role in the industry. Several times, he risked his life traveling to London, via Egypt and Lebanon, to promote its interests. In that period the British were supportive of the Palestine diamond industry.

The number of employees increased and the income was considerable. Because there was no income tax (it was instituted in 1944), all revenue was net income. During the war, the diamond industry became a tremendous economic lever. In 1946, the association participated in the first world diamond congress, held in Antwerp. Oved Ben Ami and Chaim Danieli represented the Israel diamond industry. In 1950, due to De Beers' decision to supply rough directly to its customers, and because of structural changes in the association, Oved Ben Ami resigned from the industry. The members reorganized in a new organization: The Union of Diamond Polishing Plants, which changed its name in 1959 to the Diamond Manufacturers Association.

In early December 1967, an agreement on a full merger was signed between the Israel Association of Diamond Industry Owners and the Israel Union of Diamond Polishing Plants. The reason cited was that "the organizational split in the diamond industry was detrimental to the essential interests of the diamond manufacturers." In 1993, the industry was further unified. KIDUM - The Association for the Advancement of Diamond Manufacturing - merged with the Israel Diamond Manufacturers Association.

Thus after 14 years, KIDUM, which was initially established to promote the interests of small manufacturers, ceased to operate. Today, the IsDMA is the sole representative of all manufacturers.

Israel is one of the world's leading diamond manufacturing and trading centers, selling to numerous markets over the world. Israel sold over $6.3 billion worth of polished diamonds in 2004 for the following main reasons. Half of all gem quality diamonds sold around the world is coming from Israel. Israel is the largest consumer of rough diamonds in the world. Israel produces high quality diamonds, based on expert craftsmanship combined with innovative technology. From lasers to robotics, Israel is at the forefront of technological advances in diamond manufacture. The Israel Diamond Exchange is the largest in the world, offering the greatest selection of diamonds under one roof.

Buying in Israel is safe and convenient - the Diamond Exchange complex is a virtual citadel, where diamonds are traded in complete security. Israeli diamantaires are reliable, flexible and gear themselves to clients' needs. Israel leads the world diamond industry in innovating new cuts.

AliyaDiamonds. com offers consumers and opportunity to purchase unique quality diamonds at prices lower than 'The Rappaport List Price' directly on its website. With competitive shipping and a "satisfaction guaranteed or your money back," return policy, it's clear why AliyaDiamonds. com is well on it's way to becoming the premiere Internet retailer for all diamond needs.

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"Green" Wayfinding Signage Helps College Earn LEED Platinum Status

"Green" Wayfinding Signage Helps College Earn LEED Platinum Status

First LEED Platinum higher education building in Minnesota contains sustainable signage. St. Paul based environmental design company Visual Communications Inc. facilitated the integration of sustainable wayfinding signage into Macalester College's "Institute of Global Citizenship."

Saint Paul, MN (PRWEB) September 15, 2010

As more architects, planners and corporate executives pay closer attention to "green" buildings when it's time for an expansion or a new facility, the official certification designation called "LEED" (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is becoming the standard to follow. Recently, Minnesota environmental design company Visual Communications Inc. http://www. visualcomm. com/ (http://www. visualcomm. com/) facilitated the integration of sustainable wayfinding signage http://www. visualcomm. com/wayfinding-Signage. html (http://www. visualcomm. com/wayfinding-Signage. html) into Minnesota's first platinum-certified higher education building, The Institute of Global Citizenship, at Macalester College in St. Paul.

LEED http://www. usgbc. org/ (http://www. usgbc. org/) was initiated in 1998 by the U. S. Green Building Council or USGBC, and has since become an international standard. Certification is obtained when a building demonstrates that it is "sustainable", in other words, it's designed in a way to save energy, emit less carbon dioxide, use recycled and recyclable materials, utilize water better, and generally provide for a healthier-than-normal environment for those working in and around the building.

The LEED initiative is now widely known amongst planners and architects, who focus a lot of attention on sustainable construction materials and elements such as carpeting, walls, floors and water systems. Now, environmentally friendly wayfinding signage is also getting more attention as a way to round out the LEED-qualifying package. Every building needs environmental graphic signage http://www. visualcomm. com/Environmental-Signage. html (http://www. visualcomm. com/Environmental-Signage. html), especially directional and identification signs.

Visual Communications helped Macalester College take advantage of new advancements in sustainable wayfinding signage materials when Macalester was planning the new building to house their Institute of Global Citizenship http://www. macalester. edu/igc/ (http://www. macalester. edu/igc/).

The signage that helped Macalester earn LEED points is a new product with a 100% sustainable life cycle. Called ECOSTONE, the material is manufactured from pre and post consumer waste paper. All of its by-products, including waste created in the manufacturing process, can be recycled back into the manufacturing process. The signs were fabricated by Archetype Signmakers in Eagan, MN.

Macalester's goal was to achieve the highest level of LEED certification - platinum - and they were able to do exactly that, earning points not just for the more obvious building and systems components, but for the wayfinding signs as well. The building, Markim Hall, is a $7.5 million, 17,000 square-foot facility and was the first higher education building to earn LEED platinum certification in the state of Minnesota. It opened in the fall of 2009.

According to Suzanne Savanick Hansen, sustainability manager at Macalester, "The signs used at Markim Hall were made out of a locally-made product which is 85% post-consumer waste. They were included in the category of 'local and recycled materials' to earn points toward our LEED certification." The product is very durable and can accept a wide variety of graphics. It was used not just for the wayfinding signage, but for interior window sills and counter tops.

"Green" signage components can extend beyond solid substrates for wayfinding signage. For example, lighting components can help a company earn points toward LEED or GBI (Green Building Institute) certification. Recently, Visual Communications helped a retail store in Apple Valley, Minnesota, earn the first GBI "Green Globe" designation in Minnesota, thanks to low-voltage LED lighting in signs for the interior and exterior of the store. New advances in LED lighting also include flexible light strips, enabling sign designers and manufacturers to build attractive yet more-eco-friendly lighted signs.

Since its inception in 1991, St. Paul-based Visual Communications has designed hundreds of environmental graphics and wayfinding systems in sectors such as education, entertainment, financial, government, health care, libraries, office campuses and retail.

Visual Communications has been a member of the USGBC since 2008, and is a member of SEGD, the Society for Environmental Graphic Design since 1989.

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Saturday, January 14, 2006

Kidney Cancer Association Supports 5 "Pillars of Safety" for FDA Reform

Kidney Cancer Association Supports 5 "Pillars of Safety" for FDA Reform

CEO Bill Bro endorses remarks of Patient Advocate Foundation CEO Nancy Davenport-Ennis before U. S. Senate Committee

(PRWEB) April 8, 2005

The Kidney Cancer Association (KCA) endorsed the recent remarks of Ms. Nancy Davenport-Ennis, CEO of the National Patient Advocate Foundation, Washington, D. C., before the U. S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. KCA president Bill Bro agreed with Ms. Ennis’ characterization that there 5 key “Pillars of Safety” critical to reforms at the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

1. Safety and Efficacy must continue to be the foundational elements of the FDA regulatory process. Safety cannot exist in a vacuum apart from efficacy.

2. Mechanisms to enhance existing structures and processes for post market safety monitoring and adverse event reporting must be explored.

3. Efforts to bring even greater efficiency and scientific expertise to the FDAÂ’s review and monitoring processes must continue; such efforts must be done in a manner that empowers the agency to keep pace with the rapid advancements now occurring in areas such as genomics, proteomics, and nanotechnology.

4. FDA must continue to work with industry, patient groups, physicians, hospitals, academia, and other government agencies to enhance the critical path.

5. The FDA must be sufficiently resourced in order to insure more effective pursuit of its existing mandates. Additional resources are even more essential if FDA is to successfully implement a comprehensive suite of reforms.

Bro said his organization strongly supports such increased federal funding as is necessary to assure that FDA is staffed to meet demands placed on the agency by Congress.

“We are concerned that funding for the agency is currently insufficient to meet the ever-increasing burdens placed upon it.” He added, “If this agency is to remain recognized as the so-called ‘Gold Standard’ globally for the approval of life-saving treatments, our society can ill-afford to deny it adequate funding.”

The complete text of Ms. Davenport-EnnisÂ’ remarks is available online: http://help. senate. gov/testimony/t201_tes. html (http://help. senate. gov/testimony/t201_tes. html).

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Bigchalk Library Expands witih Exciting New Content from The Wall Street Journal, CBS News, National Geographic and Others

Bigchalk Library Expands witih Exciting New Content from The Wall Street Journal, CBS News, National Geographic and Others

Bigchalk, the leading K-12 online education network, continues to expand the breadth and depth of its library database content. This helps students and teachers with their research by giving them access to the highest quality and most current content for K-12 grades.

(PRWEB) June 19, 2002

Contact:

Nan Halperin

Bigchalk

800-860-9228, ext. 2038

Nan_halperin@bigchalk. com

Bigchalk Library Expands with Exciting New Content from The Wall Street Journal,

CBS News, National Geographic and Others

BERWYN, Pa., June 17, 2002 — Continuing to expand the breadth and depth of its library database content, bigchalk, the leading K-12 online education network, today announced the inclusion of a warehouse of exciting new content in bigchalk Library™. The new materials, which cover science, history, current events and social issues both nationally and globally, are drawn from some of the biggest names in publishing, including The Wall Street Journal, CBS News, National Geographic Magazine and the BBC.

To be ready for the 2002-03 school year, the award-winning and ever-growing bigchalk Library database will provide students and educators with access to more than 185 full-text newspapers, 900 magazines, 190 reference publications, 5,000 full-color maps, 16,000 current and archival audio and video clips, 70 radio and TV programs, and 575,000 full-color photos and pictures.

“Our library products feature the highest quality and most current content for K-12 and give students amazing access to information,” says Jack Lynch, chief executive officer “Whatever the topic — from sound waves to civil rights to Shakespeare to the Middle East — bigchalk Library delivers relevant background in engaging formats to help motivate students and encourage inquiry.”

New content to be added to bigchalk Library this fall includes the following:

§ Newspaper articles from The Wall Street Journal (from 1984 to present), The Wall Street Journal Classroom Edition (from 1998 to present), and BarronÂ’s (from 1992 to present).

§ More than 450 video clips from SVE & Churchill MediaÂ’s “Science is Elementary,” “Modern Library and Research Skills,” and “Economics in our Age” CD series. Topics include science subjects, such as weather and climate, and digestion and respiration; library, Internet and electronic research skills; and business discussions, such as supply and demand, and production.

§ Highlights of CBS News archival video from the 1930s to present, including profiles and feature stories that cover such topics as music, politics, pop culture and sports.

§ Full text of select National Geographic Magazine articles from 1999 to present.

§ Student and consumer-oriented health content from A. D.A. M.® to supplement health, health careers, personal wellness, and anatomy and physiology curriculum. Text and graphics are drawn from the award-winning A. D.A. M. The Inside Story™ and LifeÂ’s Greatest Mysteries.

§ Hundreds of new maps from maps. com that include U. S. and international locations along with thematic, historic and interactive maps.

§ Newswires from the BBC that cover economic and political news across Africa, the Americas, Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and the former Soviet Union.

Users can search for information by typing a question, phrase or keyword using natural language or Boolean searches. In addition, a topic tab can be used to search for material by topic — correlated to the topics from bigchalk’s award-winning HomeworkCentral resource. Results can be sorted by relevance, date, reading level, publication or source and can be reviewed on screen, printed or emailed. In addition, bigchalk Library offers a range of content types including newspaper text, video clips, animations and maps to help engage students and enable them to learn about concepts and events through visual demonstrations and video footage as well as reading.

About bigchalk, The Education Network™

Bigchalk, the digital learning source for education, harnesses the power of online content to create engaging learning environments that promote student achievement. The company offers up-to-date online reference databases, standards-based digital curriculum and easy-to-use tools for preparing lessons. Librarians, students and teachers in more than 43,000 schools across the country receive the resources they need from bigchalk.

Bigchalk’s online reference databases, such as bigchalk Library, facilitate student inquiry and learning. The company’s easy-to-use tools for preparing lessons, such as bigchalk Integrated Classroom™, help teachers motivate and inspire their students. Its online curriculum resources, delivered through products such as ClassMate™, provide educators with standards-based content for classroom instruction. And its award-winning Web site — recipient of both the Software & Information Industry Association’s (SIIA) coveted Codie Award in the category of Best Educational Web Site for Kids and Gold Award 2001 by Curriculum Administrator magazine — offers a host of educational resources including study activities for students, informational resources for parents, and online lesson plans for teachers.

For more information on bigchalkÂ’s library and classroom resources, educators can call 800.860.9228 and speak with a bigchalk representative or visit the companyÂ’s Web site at www. bigchalk. com.

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Bigchalk Integrated Classroom, bigchalk Library and bigchalk ClassMate are trademarks of bigchalk. com, inc.

Friday, January 13, 2006

Diane Kelsey Parker Launches Online Gallery and Website

Diane Kelsey Parker Launches Online Gallery and Website

Central Texas artist displays her latest works online at www. dianekparker. com

(PRWEB) December 17, 2004

Art Historian and Master Painter Diane Kelsey Parker launches her new Website and Online Gallery. The website features her credentials, experience, exhibits, and awards earned. Diane has had exhibits in New York, California, Texas, and Europe. She received a BS in Art Education and a Masters in Painting.

Diane also studied painting and drawing at Instituto de Allende; San Miguel, Mexico. After traveling the world and curating numerous art shows and contest Diane has settled down in Central Texas. She says "Art can be personal or intellectual expressions manifested visually or verbally but for me, art must contain the element of passion. If the heart isn't shared in the work, why do it?

Additionally, art should have a message and be of substance. There is beauty even in the pain of life. The strong colors I use in my pieces represent various aspects: red is life's passion, yellow is hope and blue reflects the calmness needed to rest the soul. Maybe one day I'll put pastel hues on my pallet but for now strong, pure colors express the zing and sting of life!"

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Shortsighted IRS Regulations Will Severely Injure Consumers - Law Changes Will Force More Consumers Into Bankruptcy

Shortsighted IRS Regulations Will Severely Injure Consumers - Law Changes Will Force More Consumers Into Bankruptcy

Newly proposed IRS regulations could harm consumers, force credit counseling agencies out of business and increase the number of people filing bankruptcy.

ROCKVILLE, MD (PRWEB) February 5, 2005

Newly proposed regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service on January 27, 2005 could severely hinder the ability of consumers to get assistance when facing financial problems. The proposed changes to laws governing credit counseling organizations severely restrict their activities and ability to raise funds while providing valuable services to people facing financial peril. The anticipated changes in compliance with existing tax codes offering non-profit status to credit counseling organizations could effectively shut down a system that is the current last resource to assist consumers with financial problems, other than bankruptcy attorneys.

The proposed changes would limit the amount of time agencies can spend on debt management plans, their current main source of income, to less than 10 percent of their total activities, without allowing any meaningful way for agencies to support themselves to provide other needed services.

“While the government regulators are trying to do the right thing by curbing deceptive practices in the credit counseling industry, they are being extremely shortsighted on what is actually best for the consumer,” said Steve Rhode, president of Myvesta, a nonprofit consumer education organization. “While the current system of credit counseling is not perfect nor 100% independent from creditor control, it is the only option available when consumers need help. These new regulations will more than likely force the end of credit counseling and leave people abandoned in difficult and traumatic times in their lives.”

According to Rhode, there is a need for positive reform and the creation of truly independent organizations that are separate from creditor control and funding that the public can turn to in times of need for professional advice and assistance.

“Without any independent organizations, consumers will be at the absolute mercy of their creditors,” Rhode said. “The only meaningful option for people in financial distress will be bankruptcy, and the numbers of people filing will surely rise.”

“The IRS is looking into legislation that will take away an important service without creating any other new and better solutions,” Rhode added. “We need to create a dialog between all the groups involved in this crisis to do what is best for the individuals and families who are ultimately affected by these decisions. It’s time the parties on all sides of this issue stop trying to further their individual agendas and put the welfare of the people that need help first.”

Myvesta is dedicated to helping people create healthy financial lives. The organization provides a wide range of materials to inspire and inform people so that they can break down their barriers to financial and personal success. For more information visit Myvesta. org online.

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How a Truck Stop Story about Big Food Influenced Creative Shipping Practices at TeachersOutletStore. com

How a Truck Stop Story about Big Food Influenced Creative Shipping Practices at TeachersOutletStore. com

Free Posters, rubber ducks, and best discounted teacher supplies at new online outlet store. Orders are sweetened with candy and lagniappes, giving teachers 110% service. Michigan company learns a lesson about customer satisfaction from a truck stop restaurant.

Orion, MI (PRWEB) February 10, 2005

At TeachersOutletStore. com, the deals are sweet, and so are the packages that are shipped to their customers. Judy Almeranti, Proprietor for the online teachersÂ’ and parentsÂ’ discount store, tops off her orders with handfuls of candy and a gift. Unexpected pleasures for her customers, who already get great educational supplies at outlet store prices.

Judy Almeranti, proprietor of the new online outlet store – TeachersOutletStore. com, was taught a lesson in retail early on. Skip McWilliams, President of Teacher’s Discovery® and Almeranti’s boss, tells the story of Tony’s Truck Stop, just a hop off the I-75 freeway, who routinely dishes up giant food like the hunter’s special—a gallon of chili. Customers love it, and when they bring their doggie bag (who can consume 4 cups of mashed potatoes?) to the cashier, she scoops a handful of candy into the bag. Everything about this truck stop is over the top. There is a lesson here. Give your customers 110% and they’ll be loyal to you.

Almeranti liked this idea so much that she tosses candy in every order that leaves the warehouse. She also includes little gifts like books, posters or pens — lagniappes. “I feel really good when I give more than what the customer expects. It’s no secret that teachers spend a lot of their own cash on school supplies, so an online discount store is ideal for them, and candy makes them smile.” The site features video and book deals, giveaways, and great discounts on fun, educational school supplies, including posters, videos, games, stickers, maps, and even French advertising circulars. Where else can you pick up a case of Wal Mart store advertising circulars (150), printed in French, for fifteen bucks? They’ll even throw in ideas for using these flyers. Materials featured on the outlet store site are transferred from Teacher’s Discovery warehouses and marked ‘overstock’. This is when Almeranti determines the discount price and deals for her outlet store.

February is Black History Month, so TeachersOutletStore. com is giving away free Martin Luther King, Jr. posters to anybody who simply adds it to their shopping cart. Almeranti says, “I have nearly 1,500 MLK posters to give away. The poster is thought-provoking and inspirational.” And if this isn’t enough, just find the rubber duck somewhere on the site, and add it to your shopping cart. Your box will arrive with a cute little rubber duck tucked inside tissue. Nice touch.

For more information, go to the website: www. teachersoutletstore. com or contact Judy Almeranti at: (248) 393-3967

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Want To Lose Weight and Keep It Off? Hire A Wellness Coach

Want To Lose Weight and Keep It Off? Hire A Wellness Coach

West Plains, MO, 1-1-2010 Cathy Schuttler, a healthcare professional for over 25 years and Licensed Wellcoach, is among the graduates of the Wellcoaches® Coach Training and Licensing Program, the first program of it's kind developed to train and license health and fitness professionals to become wellness coaches. Cathy announces the launch of a new website integrating twitter and a blog which will premier the first week of January, allowing clients more ways to keep in touch. Cathy explains that wellness coaching succeeds in helping people lose weight where other programs fail because they don't address the reason for the poor eating habits in the first place; behavior. Wellness coaches develop a comprehensive, custom-designed program rather than a one-size-fits-all solution to weight loss, by someone experienced working with health challenges as well as healthy individuals. This behavior-based approach has proven successful not only for weight loss, but other lifestyle areas including smoking cessation and stress reduction. All from the convenience of a telephone so no one is limited by geography or transportation!

West Plains, Missouri (PRWEB) January 1, 2010

Most people have a good idea of what they need to do to be well, but unfortunately knowledge alone is not enough, as proven by the track record of yo-yo diets and eventual weight gain. The key ingredient for successful lifestyle change is first to address destructive thoughts, attitudes and habits, then develop a personal blueprint for well-being based on each individual's motivation and goals. Most people who attempt (for instance) weight loss or smoking cessation say “I have tried this many times before and each time I fail” or “each time I just gain the weight back”. This sets the expectation of repeat failure, even if preceeded by a short-term success. In fact some are convinced that the only weight-loss related success they have ever truly maintained, is gaining the weight back.

Wellness coaches exploit the emerging coaching trends and apply behvioral science-based coaching methodologies to help people change their health and wellness habits. Recently, research studies of weight loss and smoking cessation programs have validated the convenient and effective approach of telephone coaching sessions to successfully help people adopt healthier behaviors. The fact is that when it comes to helping people make behavior changes like smoking cessation, physical activity, weight, stress and health risks management, coaching methods work!

Typically clients work with a wellness coach for 3 months during which time they develop a personalized wellness vision, 3 month and weekly goals, and develop strategies to overcome life's hurdles. Weekly coaching appointments provide the accountability, education, guidance and support that people need to help them stay on track. This unique custom-designed approach is the difference between the one-size-fits-all solutions, and lasting lifestyle change.

Prior to becoming a Licensed Wellcoach (http://wellcoach. com/), Cathy worked in cardiac rehabilitation for Ozarks Medical Center as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. She went on to earn her Master of Education degree, and is currently a part-time instructor at Missouri State University West Plains. Cathy now holds dual coaching certifications as a certified Wellness Coach and certified Health Coach. As an experienced healthcare professional and Licensed Wellcoach, Cathy is uniquely qualified to provide health coaching and/or wellness coaching services by telephone, using the Wellcoaches patent-pending web-coaching platform (http://www. wellcoaches. com/Cathy. Schuttler/).

Cathy Schuttler (http://www. linkedin. com/in/cathyschuttler) offers clients live coaching sessions by phone, supported by the web and a private client website that contains all of the tools clients need to meet their goals. “My focus is on weight loss and smoking cessation”.

For more information or to sign up for a complimentary 30-minute coaching session and a free downloadable food log visit: http://www. wellnesscoachconnection. com (http://www. wellnesscoachconnection. com)

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Thursday, January 12, 2006

Free White Paper Explores Open Source Learning Management Systems

Free White Paper Explores Open Source Learning Management Systems

Five free learning management systems that have evolved in university settings are examined for commercial use

FALLS CHURCH, VA (PRWEB) May 8, 2003 -

Shock is a common reaction when learning executives shop for a learning management system. Total cost often includes six-figure licensing fees plus consulting and service fees. When the LMS is up and running, organizations can plan on shelling out the same amount for licensing and service year after year. As a consulting company that helps corporate universities in the LMS selection process, CUE has observed the sticker-shock first hand.

This sticker-shock motivated CUE to take a closer look at a few free learning management systems. These systems are primarily used at universities. Their applicability for private industry was not clear, however. The results are presented in a new white paper called Learning Management Systems for the Rest of Us: An Assessment of Open Source Learning Management Systems.

How can some learning management systems be free? The reason is that they are developed in open source software. Open source software is distributed under a public license, meaning they can be used and modified by anyone. Just as you can download a copy of the Linux operating system for free, there are learning management systems developed in open source software.

“We were skeptical when we started looking at this phenomenom,” says Erik Granered, Manager of Marketing and Productions at CUE, who researched and wrote the report. “Linux itself was never in question because we knew major banks trust Linux to host their customers’ financial transactions. However, these LMSs were not specifically developed for corporate learning and there is still some lingering debate about whether open-source middleware and database platforms are ready for enterprise use.”

The white paper examines five LMSs from Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, and the US. They have several things in common: They evolved in the university environment, and they all use the same middleware and database for functionality. They differ greatly in features and pedagogical approach. Some are more suitable for a corporate setting than others, but even their usefulness will depend on what a company is hoping to get out of an LMS.

To find out more, please visit http://www. cuenterprise. com (http://www. cuenterprise. com) and sign up to receive your free copy.

About CUE

Corporate University Enterprise, Inc. (CUE) is an educational consulting firm designed to bring a strategic approach to workforce education in both private and public organizations. Partnership, value, and innovation are the strategic drivers in CUEÂ’s consulting model. The company was incorporated in 1998 and has since served clients throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.