Entertainment & Media News: April 2007

Sunday, April 29, 2007

Martial Arts School In Brookfield, Connecticut Proves You Can Teach Empathy To Children

Some may say you can’t truly teach empathy to kids. But Zandri’s Martial Arts in Brookfield, Connecticut is out to prove them wrong.

Brookfield, CT (PRWEB) December 31, 2009

Zandri’s Martial Arts (http://www. zkick. com) will be teaching kids about Empathy this January. Empathy is the word of the month for the Brookfield Martial Arts school’s character education curriculum.

The instructors at Zandri’s Martial Arts were inspired by a NY Times blog article they read charging that children cannot truly be taught empathy.

“In the article, a mother of an autistic child was bothered that children only empathize when they are forced to,” said Mike Brooks, co-owner of Zandri’s Martial Arts. “I feel her pain and want to help correct this issue in society.”

Brooks and his team took this as a call to action to not just teach the word of the month but to work to insure their students really understand and internalize it.

Their character education program is a professionally designed and internationally recognized program called Powerful Words. The program was created by child psychologist, author and T. V. personality, Dr. Robyn Silverman.

One of the tools that Zandri’s Martial Arts uses to drive the word of the month home is their Powerful Student of The Month program. Students create an in depth project where they put the word into action. Their projects are then judged by the instructors and one winner is selected each month.

The student who demonstrates the deepest understanding and really implements what they’ve learned in an impactful way is chosen as the student of the month. They are awarded a special plaque, recognition as the student of the month as well as other prizes from the school.

Each week the instructors use lesson plans provided by Dr. Robyn to teach the word of the month. The students dig deeper into the meaning of the word throughout the month. Participation in the student of the month program is voluntary.

“We are excited to see how our students will affect their communities with their projects.” said Brooks. “It is amazing how much can be done when so many people participate in things like this. It can have a huge impact.”

Zandri’s Martial Arts is located in Brookfield. But they also serve members of the surrounding communities such as Danbury, New Milford, Newtown, Bethel and New Fairfield.

Zandri’s Martial Arts offers classes for ages 3 to adult. For more information they can be contacted at (203) 775-7150 or through their website at www. zkick. com

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Disconnect Between Job Seekers and Employers Fuels Frustration

Survey of hiring managers and active job seekers compares and contrasts expectations in today’s hiring environment

Chicago, IL (Vocus) August 11, 2010

TalentDrive, the creator of the leading online resume aggregation search engine (http://talentdrive. com/), TalentFilter, today released the results from its “Job Market Perceptions” survey. The findings uncover a widening gap between current employers’ expectations and job seekers’ actual skill sets.

For millions of unemployed Americans, looking for a job is their main objective. TalentDrive conducted a survey to get a better understanding of current job seekers’ perceptions of their own skill sets compared to expectations held by hiring managers. Are candidates’ skills and employer requirements aligned? Results uncover key “skill gaps” between the two groups.

The survey started by asking 79,000 job seekers (86 percent considered to be actively seeking employment) to assess their personal skill set and attitude toward the current job market. An overwhelmingly negative response found that 71 percent were pessimistic about their career search, feeling they possessed the required skill set but were not getting hired. 37 percent were extremely frustrated, with no hope for improvement in sight and 34 percent unhappy with the environment, but starting to see signs of improvement.

We turned this question on employers, asking if they had noticed a change in the quality of candidates since the recession’s start. Surprisingly 42 percent of employers indicated that the recession had not only increased the quantity of candidates, but in fact they are finding more qualified candidates than in years past. How then are so many job seekers feeling discouraged? Why if employers are feeling content, actually better than in years past with the candidates they interview, are there so many job seekers out of work?

We considered that possibly these job seekers are simply not getting interviews. Surprisingly, 73 percent of those surveyed have had 5 or more interviews per month since beginning their job search. 75 percent of these job seekers have not received a single job offer. The survey went on to investigate why these candidates were not being offered positions.

Specialized vs. Broad Skill Set
When the hiring managers were asked if their open positions required a “specialized professional” or “broad skill set”, 71 percent reported that more than half of their open positions were “specialized”. Did these job seekers not have the qualifications required? Indeed, 61 percent of respondents consider themselves to be a “professional with a broad skill set”, opposed to specialized in their field.

Within the past two years, many companies have been forced to make heavy cut-backs caused by the recession, rendering many “broad skill-set” professionals unemployed. “Specialized” employees with unique skill sets are harder and more expensive to replace, increasing their value to employers.

This gap points to a disconnect between what employers are looking for and who is applying for open positions. The majority (53 percent) of employers report that less than half of their offers have been turned down, but that 69 percent are management level positions, requiring specialized skills. The picture painted by these results is optimistic for employers, showing increased hiring and quality talent pools, coupled with extremely dissatisfied and discouraged job seekers that have gone on multiple interviews with few results. “Generalists” will need to be nimble, turning unemployment to their advantage through certification, continued education and enhanced skill sets.

Where are Employers Looking?
The second section of the survey drilled down to see how employers were finding candidates. Were candidates putting themselves in the right places for employers to find them and vice versa? Finally, the two groups were in agreement.

Online sources led the pack for both job seekers and employers. 74 percent of job seekers said the most beneficial job search method was posting a resume on job boards followed by 27 percent utilizing social media, surpassing more traditional methods including classified ads, professional recruiters and networking events. 27 percent of employers agree, with the highest response for most effective search method being social networks, followed by resume sourcing technologies.
In summary, the survey found these key take-aways:
71% of employers say that more than half of their open positions are “specialized” 61% of job seekers surveyed consider themselves to have a “broad skill-set” rather than “specialized in their field” 73% of job seekers have had more than 5 interviews per month since starting their job search, with over 75% receiving zero offers Most effective hiring tool—Social Media sites according to both job seekers and employers 20,000 Hiring Managers from F1000 Companies and 79,000 Job Seekers received the survey. This survey was conducted online between June 15th, 2010 and July 15th, 2010.

“It is apparent that the hiring environment has shifted over the past few years; this report is a testament to the extent of that change. The jobs are out there but this disconnect between what employers are seeking and the skill sets of job seekers is fuel for the fire. The road ahead is still bumpy, but understanding both sides of the story will help job seekers and employers move forward and achieve desired results in the hiring process,” said Sean Bisceglia, CEO TalentDrive.

About TalentDrive:
TalentDrive is the creator of the leading online resume aggregation search engine, TalentFilter. One of the easiest to use sourcing tools on the market, TalentFilter is available exclusively through TalentDrive’s 30 API partners. These partners and access to over 300,000 global users makes us the most widely adopted resume search and candidate marketing API. TalentFilter sweeps and unifies thousands of paid and free resume databases into one location, using sophisticated matching and filtering to rank results. Integrated with more job boards than any other sourcing tool, TalentDrive has been nationally recognized in The Economist, BusinessWeek, CNN Money, CBS Radio, U. S. News and World Report, ERE, and one of ASA’s Top Tools of the Year for 2010. One search, one location, one technology. Thousands of sources. For more information, visit www. talentdrive. com.

Media Contact:
Alissa Gothard, TalentDrive, 312.676.4204, alissa(at)talentdrive(dot)com

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Proxacine, the Next Generation Anti-aging Health Supplement, Now Available at Health and Beauty Net

Proxacine contains the most widely scientifically researched anti-aging, pain reducing and immune enhancing ingredients found anywhere in the world. The synergy of these nutrients in combination with each other is far greater than the benefits of any one of them.

Ivins, UT (PRWEB) January 29, 2006

Proxacine has excellent anti-aging benefits. Proxacine, can make such an incredible change in your overall health, energy level and mental ability. Proxacine's powerful proven nutrients are effective in addressing many aging, pain, energy and immune system issues within the human body.

First there was Proxenol, a morinda citrifolia extract with the added enzyme protease and other supportative elements. Now, the next generation in morinda citrifolia supplementation has been created by one of the most prolific health researchers and educators in the world today.

Dr. James Chappell is a chiropractic physician, traditional naturopath, clinical nutritionist and medical herbalist with over 35 years experience in herbology, nutrition and natural healing. Dr. Chappell has formulated an all new nutraceutical product, Proxacine, with all of the health benefits of Proxenol's morinda citrifolia and protease, but contains more powerful supportative elements.

Proxacine doesn't contain animal protease and homeopathic dilutions of minerals, herbs and animal charcoal in a animal gelatin capsule as supportative elements. Instead Dr. Chappell has incorporated the most widely scientifically researched anti-aging, pain reducing and immune enhancing ingredients found anywhere in the world.

Proxacine Supportative Elements consist of Morinda Citrifolia, Protease, DHEA, N-Acetyl-L-Carnitine, R-Lipoic Acid, Humic Acid and Fulvic Acid. According to Dr. Chappell, the synergy of these nutrients in combination with each other in his time-tested proprietary ratio, is far greater than the benefits of any one of them by themselves.

Morinda Citrifolia has been used in folk remedies by Polynesians for over 2000 years, and is reported to have a broad range of therapeutic effects, including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antitumor, antihelmin, analgesic, hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, and immune enhancing effects.

Protease refers to a group of enzymes called proteolytic enzymes. Proteolytic enzymes are very important in digestion as they breakdown protein to liberate the amino acids needed by the body.

DHEA production peaks in early adulthood and declines in production with age in both men and women. Many diseases which correlate with age also correlate with low levels of DHEA production.

N-Acetyl-L-Carnitine is involved in preventing age-related effects on the brain, protecting neurons from oxidative damage and has helped those with pain due to peripheral neuropathies.

R-Lipoic Acid exhibits unique and superior antioxidant activity. R-Lipoic Acid may also increase cellular and mitochondrial antioxidant activity and significantly reduce what is believed to be an underlying cause of aging, inflammation.

Chelation of ions is probably the most important role of Humic Acid with respect to living systems. Humic Acid will bind to both positive and negatively charged ions making it the most powerful free-radical scavenger and natural anti-oxidant known.

Fulvic Acid is the most powerful, natural electrolyte known. It restores electrical balance to damaged cells, neutralizes toxins and can eliminate food poisoning within minutes.

Other Ingredients - Only silica dioxide is used as a flowing agent and vegetable cellulose for the capsule. Proxacine contains no preservatives, additives or harmful incepients.

The quality and combination of these ingredients make Proxacine an exceptional value for money. The total for purchasing separate health products containing just these individual ingredients would cost many times the price of a single bottle of Proxacine.

Since 1971, Dr James Chappell has been a health researcher and educator specializing in chronic, severe and so-called "terminal" illnesses. He does not treat "disease," but rather teaches people how to heal themselves using classical, aboriginal, advanced quantum energy and natural healing protocols from around the world.

He is the president of Chappell Consulting Services, founder and formulator of QCI Products, vice president of Heart to Heart Media/Publishing and former producer/co-host of The Shoong and Chappell Show aired on KTMS radio Santa Barbara, California.

Whether consulting, participating in seminars, radio or television interviews, infomercials, writing articles, newsletters or books, Dr. Chappell is a teacher's teacher and a whole-food nutrition purist, stating, "The key to health is not treatment, be it natural or orthodox. The key to health is education and taking effective action."

Health and Beauty Net is wholly dedicated to providing the best possible information, giving people the power to enjoy an excellent quality of life. Most people neglect to make wise lifestyle choices in their early years and pay a severe price in later years. You can't fight old age, but you can control how and in what condition you arrive at your impending destination. It's our goal to give you the tools to enhance your life quality through information and superior, wholesome, pure and natural products.

For more information about Proxacine, visit www. healthandbeautynet. com/proxacine. html (http://www. healthandbeautynet. com/proxacine. html).

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All Romance eBooks Launches Weekly Radio Program -- What's Hot in Romance

All Romance eBooks, an on-line bookstore that specializes in the sale of romance eBooks, announced today that it is now sponsoring a weekly radio program called What's Hot in Romance.

Palm Harbor, FL (PRWEB) July 9, 2008

All Romance eBooks, an on-line bookstore that specializes in the sale of romance eBooks, announced today that it is now sponsoring a weekly radio program called What's Hot in Romance.

Listeners who tune in live or via podcast will hear in-depth interviews and be treated to new release excerpts read by some of today's hottest romance authors. The hour-long show, which is to be hosted by Lillian Cauldwell, will air on PIVTR every Monday from 9:30-10:30 p. m. EST.

July's line up of authors include Cat Johnson (Model Soldier and Crossing the Line, 7/7/2008), Pepper Espinoza (Maybe I'm Amazed and (Just Like) Starting Over, 7/7/2008), Alessia Brio (Coming Together with Pride, 7/14/2008), Judith Rochelle (On the Run, 7/14/2008), Christiane France (Strangers in the Night, 7/21/2008), G. A. Hauser (Mile High, 7/21/2008), Jaime Craig (Time in a Bottle, Nowhere Man, and Querida, 7/28/2008), and Lucy Monroe (Ready, Willing, and Able, Forbidden: The Billionaire's Virgin Princess, and The Sheikh's Secretary Mistress, 7/28/2008).

All Romance eBooks, LLC (http://www. allromanceebooks. com (http://www. allromanceebooks. com)) distributes the romance eBooks of over one hundred and seventy publishers and their imprints. The All Romance eBooks site offers sorting by a variety of romance sub-genres, titles, authors, or publishers. Secondary sorts are available by best-selling, length, highest-rated, and most recently added. Readers have the ability to rate books that they purchase with regards to their "heat level" and overall enjoyment and are rewarded with a free novel for every ten titles purchased. All Romance eBooks was founded in 2006, is privately held in partnership, and is headquartered in Palm Harbor, Florida.

Passionate Internet Voices Talk Radio, Inc. (http://www. internetvoicesradio. com (http://www. internetvoicesradio. com)) is built upon three major principles: (1) to provide marketing and promotional opportunities to published mid-list and unknown authors; (2) to provide a "conduit" for the average person who would not otherwise be heard in this noisy celebrity, political, and sports-driven world; and (3) to provide educational content and quality information to the listener so they can use these "benefits" immediately in their spiritual, personal and business life. PIVTR is a virtual Internet talk radio station. It is owned and operated by Lillian Cauldwell and been in business for two and one-half years.

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Massachusetts Department Of Education Explores HeyMath! E-Learning Program As A Resource For Teacher Professional Development And Lesson Planning

Now being piloted by Massachusetts, HeyMath! is the #1 E-Learning program for Math in Singapore - where over half the highest performing schools use the program as an integral part of their middle & high school curriculum. Singapore has been ranked #1 for math proficiency globally in a recent study conducted by the American Institutes of Research, and consistently outperforms in TIMSS surveys.

Cerritos, CA (PRWEB) December 5, 2007

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts (with the highest NAEP math scores in the US) recently funded a pilot study for a group of teachers in western Massachusetts to explore HeyMath! as a potential resource for MA teachers to strengthen their own mathematical content knowledge as well as to enhance classroom lessons and instruction. This pilot study group will review HeyMath! and discuss the tool's benefits and usefulness. Known for the rigorous MCAS high school exit examinations, Massachusetts continues to lead the way in adopting strong learning standards and innovative programs that help their teachers prepare students for life in the 21st century.

How HeyMath! works:
The HeyMath! E-learning program has been designed to benefit both students and teachers alike. Teachers go on-line to access a high quality curriculum that is mapped to state standards, and used by some of the world's highest performing school systems. The program incorporates state of the art flash animation that creates innovative, interactive lessons, peppered with animation, graphics, real life problems and quizzes that are designed to help dispel the fear of math, improve student motivation, and lead to better results.

About HeyMath!
Founded by Harsh Rajan and Nirmala Sankaran in partnership with the University of Cambridge in 2000, HeyMath! is a specialist education technology company that has been featured as an example of globalization in education by Thomas L. Friedman in his bestselling book "The World Is Flat". More recently, HeyMath! was named by Microsoft as "one of the most innovative software firms in India".

HeyMath! serves the majority of students in Singapore, representing the world's highest achieving math students (TIMSS). Ongoing development of HeyMath! content and technology is done by a team of Indian, British and Chinese math education and technology specialists.

Contact: For more information about HeyMath! visit their website at www. heymath. com or email: harsh. rajan@ heymath. com | Fax: 866-425-0153

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Friday, April 27, 2007

Spicy Joins Macbeth, Wrong, Hurley and Billabong at ASR Charity Benefit Raising $10,000 for Heifer International

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) February 1, 2008

On Friday night some of the biggest athletes and brands in the surf and skate industry united to raise money for poor African farmers. Spicy was proud to work along side of some of the industry's coolest brands including Macbeth, Wrong, Hurley and Billabong. Athletes such as Danny Way, Timmy Curran, Pat Duffy, Cory Duffle and many others donated their time by signing autographs. Chris Cote of Transworld Surf and David Kennedy of Angels and Airwaves hosted the live auction and Erin Hawk and Kari Delonge coordinated efforts on the silent auction to raise enough money to purchase 20 cows for poor African families. Escalera opened for Timmy Curran playing for a sold out crowd. Spicy supported the event with volunteers and donated items, and Spicy tops and dresses were spotted on many of the coolest local girls including Kari Way, Erin Hawk, Jennifer Miller, Molly Halterman and international model Sandy Humphrey as well as many other local girls who attended the event. Eliana Stefani, Spicy's designer was also spotted at the event sharing the cool vibe of giving back to those in need.

Photo Credit: Mario Covic

About Spicy: Spicy was conceived on the beach at Padang Padang in Bali and founded in 2002 by Eliana Stefani. Spicy clothes are bohemian-chic beach couture, graceful and naturally feminine. Eliana hopes to inspire a woman to embrace her true essence. . . to be her natural self. The brand represents hope and is the manifestation of Eliana's sense of style, love for life and positive energy. Spicy works toward sustainability and has an eco conscious and socially aware mission. While Spicy has a beautiful range of chic clothes, Spicy is most proud of its organic collection that is naturally dyed with teas, mango and indigo plants. Eliana continues to design the line in her studio in Bali where she is influenced by the natural beauty of her surroundings and Balinese culture. While her studio is in town, she lives at the famous Uluwatu surf break with her surfer boyfriend turned business partner Tim Russo. She spends her Saturdays relaxing and sipping coconut water at Padang Padang where the locals have been heard calling the break "Eli's right". Spicy products can be found internationally at surf shops, skate shops and fashion boutiques. For more information please visit www. SpicyClothing. com or contact Nedra Fabito.

About Macbeth Footwear:
Macbeth Footwear was founded in 2002 by Tom Delonge of Angels Airwaves, formerly of Blink-182, to create casual, fashion-forward products that reflect the attitude and lifestyle of the music culture and community of Southern California. Macbeth is the first footwear company to use music as its anchor, which is reflected in their recently launched Studio Projects; a series of collaborations between Macbeth and their family of Artists. Macbeth also has an extensive line of vegan shoes to support those that live a more conscious lifestyle. Macbeth products are distributed internationally and their range of products can be found in a range of retailers from fashion boutiques to major mall chains. For more information on Macbeth please visit www. macbethfootwear. com or contact Kari Delonge.

About Heifer International:
Heifer International is a nonprofit charitable organization based in Little Rock, Arkansas, dedicated to relieving global hunger and poverty. It provides gifts of livestock and plants, as well as education in sustainable agriculture, to financially disadvantaged families around the world. For more information visit www. heifer. org

About Timmy Curran:
Timmy Curran is a regular in the Surfing industry known Internationally for his unique style and big air trademarked maneuvers. In 2002 he was the 3rd most exposed Surfer according to Transworld Surf. Timmy has been apart of the surf community and continues to give back to it as well. Each year, Timmy hosts his annual, Grombie Cromie, a surf event to benefit the future of surfing. When Timmy's not surfing, he enjoys photography, shaping surfboards, as well as producing records and performing in a band of his own with some friends. For more info, be sure to check out Timmy Curran's website www. timmycurran. net

About Escalera:
Escalera is a four piece acoustic/indie/soul oriented band that consists of Danny Way on guitar, Ananda Moorman on vocals/guitar, Trevor Christ on bass and Bob Burnquist on percussion. For more information visit www. escaleramusic. com.

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Christmas 2009 Top Ten Favourite Toys

With its unique mix of own-brand toys, games and high street exclusives, John Lewis' Christmas top ten sees a focus on longevity and tradition, as parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles are set to snap up durable, educational, family-friendly gifts that will give pleasure for years to come.

London, UK (PRWEB) November 11, 2009

"We're delighted to be offering the broadest mix on the high street this Christmas. Our top ten ranges from nostalgic wooden toys and boutique-style surprises to the must-haves of the year, including the John Lewis kitchen range, hand-made fairtrade toys (http://www. johnlewis. com/Toys/Area. aspx) by Rice and the award-winning Maxi Micro scooter," says toy buyer Elaine Whiteman. A charming range of retro stocking fillers, knowledgeable staff and gift wrapping service complete the picture, ensuring the most enjoyable toy shopping experience on the high street this Christmas - for you, not just the kids.

Top Ten Favourite Toys
John Lewis Kitchen - £109.95 A deluxe wooden kitchen range with adjustable temperature dials, hob plates, sink and dishwasher.

Strawberry Cottage - £49.95 A beautiful painted two storey wooden dolls house with attic, complete with opening windows and shutters.

John Lewis Jack in a Box - £14 A traditional children's favourite - wind the handle and wait for the pop!

Steiff Christmas bear - £20 A delightful Christmas bear hand-made in Germany by heritage brand Steiff.

John Lewis train set - £25 A 50-piece wooden train set to help develop hand-eye coordination and shape recognition.
Maxi Micro scooter (http://www. johnlewis. com/230728717/Product. aspx) - £89.95 An award-winning version of the best-selling Mini scooter, now for kids aged 6-12.

Rice hobby horse - £22.75 An old favourite for boys and girls with imagination by Danish fairtradebrand Rice.

John Lewis telescope - £40 A 175x50mm telescope with quick switch between astroand terrestrial viewing.

John Lewis sewing machine - £29 Create and sew original designs with this pre-threaded sewing machine for ages 5 and up.

Paper Doll game - £12.95 A beautifully illustrated spinner game for the child that loves picking out his or her outfits!

John Lewis (http://www. johnlewis. com), 'Britain's favourite retailer 2008'* typically stocks more than 350,000 separate lines. The website stocks more than 40,000 lines focused on the best of home and giftware, electrical items including online exclusives and fashion brands. Johnlewis. com is consistently ranked one of the top online shopping destinations in the UK.

Enquiries:
For further information, please contact:
Jo Israelsohn or Rachel Mackinnon
Portrait Communications
Telephone: 020 8969 3561

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Earth Explorer 4.5, Street-Level Interactive 3D Digital Map, is Released

MOTHERPLANET Inc., the professional solution provider of high-resolution interactive 3D digital world maps, today has released its street-level resolution software product, Earth Explorer 4.5.

Shanghai, CHINA (PRWEB) June 29, 2006

MOTHERPLANET Inc., the professional solution provider of high-resolution interactive 3D digital world maps, today has released its street-level resolution software product, Earth Explorer 4.5.

The Earth Explorer 4.5 supports many operating systems, Windows 2000/ME/XP/NT and Mac OS X. For Mac OS users, Earth Explorer 4.5 is brilliant choice, for it is one of the few leading high-resolution GIS software designed for Mac OS in the market.

In Earth Explorer 4.5, users can:

1. Explore 267 countries and regions, 40000+ cities, 15000+ islands, 1700+ noteworthy historical earthquakes

2. Zoom in as close as to road/street-level. View 1m/pixel resolution digital satellite imagery for inner states of America; and 20m/pixel resolution satellite imagery for outside of America.

3. View political boundaries, coastlines, and rivers.

4. Add and display user-definable Place Marks, Paths and personal remarks over places on the digital map.

5. Resume where he/she has exited the program last time.

6. Measure and calculate distance and bearing between any two points.

7. Print and Print Preview a selected area, adjust resolution and size of printing.

8. Operate under full screen mode

Earth Explorer 4.5 is commercially available at $59.95. For more information, please visit Motherplanet's website: www. motherplanet. com or contact via email.

Notice: Each Earth Explorer is a one-off package with follow-up free upgrades. NO annual fee, additional fee or other hidden fee will be charged after the purchase.

For the past 3 and half years, Motherplanet, Inc. has been serving thousands of researchers, teachers and students. In a response to support and avocations of many schools and universities, Motherplanet continues its favorable pricing policy for educational purpose. For more information, you may contact via email.

About Earth Explorer

Earth Explorer is an educational program brings a plethora of geographic information right to your desktop. Both students and world-curious folks will find this application a fun, interactive way to learn. This application has been rated a five-star by CNet's Download. com.

About Motherplanet, Inc.

Motherplanet, Inc., founded in October 2002, focus on providing high-resolution interactive 3D digital world map solutions.

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Thursday, April 26, 2007

Proposed Legislation Could Cost Students Thousands

A petition by Congressman John Boehner (R-Ohio), seeks to eliminate consolidated fixed interest rates entirely. With the federal cap on student loans as high as 8.25%, Rep. Boehner's proposal could equate to higher monthly payments and thousands of dollars in unnecessarily paid interest for student borrowers.

St. Petersburg, FL (PRWEB) July 7, 2004

A petition by Congressman John Boehner (R-Ohio), seeks to eliminate consolidated fixed interest rates entirely. With the federal cap on student loans as high as 8.25%, Rep. Boucher's proposal could equate to higher monthly payments and thousands of dollars in unnecessarily paid interest for student borrowers.

At a time when student loan interest rates have reached historic lows, eliminating fixed interest rates is clearly a disservice to the student borrower. The proposed legislation would cost a borrower with a $20,000 loan balance an estimated $7,800 in additional interest charges over the allotted repayment period. The Higher Education Act was created to strengthen educational resources and provide financial assistance for post secondary education. The legislation that was designed to keep the student the priority is the same legislation that this reform effort is contradicting.

Presidential candidate John Kerry formally stated, "This proposal would leave thousands of struggling students with thousands of dollars in higher interest payments on their student loans. This will do a great service to lenders, but cause great harm to students."

American Collegiate Financial Services (ACFS), a student loan consolidation company in St. Petersburg, Florida pledges to do what is in the best interest of the borrower. Casey Jennings, a spokesperson for ACFS said, "Occasionally, consolidation is not in a borrower's best interest. Depending upon certain circumstances some student loans may be forgiven. If there are other factors to consider, we go to great lengths to identify these situations and inform the borrower of their options."

For more information on federal student loans visit: www. federalloanhelp. com. ACFS provides consolidation information at: www. OneStudentLoan. com. To speak with an ACFS Loan Specialist call 1(800)304-1471.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Janel Landis

American Collegiate Financial Services

(800) 304-1473 x 1007

(727) 644-5664

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Secretary of State Approves and Places on Record a New Chicagoland Firm that Offers Construction Community a Cost Saving Solution for Energy Code Compliance

Gurnee, IL Â– October 10, 2003 -- Jesse White, Secretary of State, Illinois, signed off on Eben, LLCÂ’s approval and placed on record the Articles of Organization which created the Limited Liability Company on September 8, 2003. This approval gives way for Eben to move forward with plans to introduce the Insulated Concrete Masonry Wall Unit (ICMU) to the Chicagoland and southwestern Wisconsin areas. The ICMU serves as the primary component of a wall system that exceeds energy code compliance, projects a 15 to 20% savings to project costs, and provides the buildingÂ’s occupants monthly savings on utility bills.

(PRWEB) October 25, 2003

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 10, 2003

Contact:

Timothy M. Reigle

Jeremy Wills

Eben, LLC

2023 Adams Court

Gurnee, Illinois 60031

Ph 847-409-2133

Fx 847-599-8372

Tim@ebenblock. com

Www. ebenblock. com

Secretary of State Approves and Places on Record a New Chicagoland Firm that Offers Construction Community a Cost Saving Solution for Energy Code Compliance

Gurnee, IL (PRWEB) October 10, 2003 -- Jesse White, Secretary of State, Illinois, signed off on Eben, LLCÂ’s approval and placed on record the Articles of Organization which created the Limited Liability Company on September 8, 2003. This approval gives way for Eben to move forward with plans to introduce the Insulated Concrete Masonry Wall Unit (ICMU) to the Chicagoland and southwestern Wisconsin areas. The ICMU serves as the primary component of a wall system that exceeds energy code compliance, projects a 15 to 20% savings to project costs, and provides the buildingÂ’s occupants monthly savings on utility bills.

Eben, LLC is a marketing firm exclusively promoting the ICMU. Eben is owned by Jeremy C. Wills, President of Sales and Marketing, and Timothy M. Reigle, President of Operations.

In spite of the success the product is experiencing on the east coast, Eben realizes marketing the 15-year-old ICMU in the Midwest will be quite a task. Â“The role of Eben is to educate all the players in the construction industry as to the value the ICMU provides each of them,Â” said Mr. Reigle. Â“Everyone from the architect to the mason has to be informed of the product. When the Architect designs a building utilizing the ICMU for the buildingÂ’s shell, and the blueprint shows up on the job site, the Mason needs to understand the product they are using.Â” Eben is working closely with construction industry leaders to provide product knowledge to specifiers, developers, general contractors, masons, and building owners.

The ICMU is designed with a patented, serpentine shaped, expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation insert. The insert is pressed between the outer and inner concrete modules during production, making the block web-less--resulting in extremely high R-values, incredible fire ratings, sound-transmission losses that exceed all other conventional methods, and most importantly, utilizing what is known as Insulated Thermal Mass.

Why has Insulated Thermal Mass remained a foreign word to most homeowners and building occupants? Could it be that the construction industry has failed to understand or utilize this concept? Mr. Wills explained, Â“a big part of the ability for conditioned air to last longer remains a matter of where the insulation is placed on a wall. The ICMU has a pre-manufactured insulation barrier built right into the middle of the concrete unit. When the blocks are laid side-by-side by the mason, the building becomes a virtual styrofoam cup with concrete on either side.Â” This revolutionary design allows all of the internal, conditioned air to be absorbed by the interior portion of the concrete block. Likewise, the insulation acts as a strong moisture and temperature barrier caused by the dynamic outside weather conditions. Mr. Wills went on to say, Â“Imagine thatÂ…a huge battery-like wall system that stores the conditioned air and re-releases it back into the building, allowing heaters and air-conditioners to work less, resulting in fewer dollars spent by building occupants.Â” In some cases the ICMU wall systems have proven as much as 50-hour lag times, or the amount of time a wall stores energy, unlike other conventional wall systems that show lag-times in the single digits.

According to Steve Hunt, President, Masonry Division, Northfield Block Company, Â“The ICMU is, by far, the most energy efficient block we have ever produced.Â” Mr. Hunt went on to say, Â“we feel it creates a significant benefit to the commercial and residential construction industry.Â”

Because of the fact there is no major difference in the way the ICMU is handled vs. the standard CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit) the learning curve is minimal.Â” Mr. Reigle stated, Â“We have never met or heard of a mason that has had a problem working with the ICMU. In fact, those we have introduced it to are amazed and look forward to working with it.Â”

One of the ways Eben sees to the continued educational process is to work with local industry leaders and organizations. One such organization is the International Masonry Institute (IMI). Scott Conwell, AIA, CDT, the Illinois Director IMI has committed to train masons in the Chicagoland area.

The ICMU is the brainchild of Francis (Frank) Kennedy, of Buffalo, New York. Frank is also known for his invention of Caller ID that is now widely used by telephone customers worldwide.

Before you lay the first block or brick on your next building project it may behoove you to look into using Eben, LLCÂ’s ICMU as the product of choice for your buildingÂ’s wall system.

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For information: www. ebenblock. com or

Contact: info@ebenblock. com

Phone: 847-409-2133

Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Two Graduations in One - High School Students Get Ahead of the Learning Curve by Earning Free College Credit

High School students are taking advantage of Sequoia Choice's on-line and dual credit programs that break down the walls between traditional schools, home schooling, and distance learning programs. Students are individualizing their education by choosing the learning environment, curriculum, learning pace and attend college for free while still in High School

Mesa, Arizona (PRWEB) September 25, 2006

Elora Hickey, a High School Junior, dually enrolled at Sequoia Choice and the Arizona Conservatory for Arts and Academics, is on track to graduate a year early with two years of community college credits completed. She is not alone. Many High School students are taking advantage of Sequoia Choice's online and dual credit programs that break down the walls between traditional schools, home schooling, and distance learning programs. Students are individualizing their education by choosing the learning environment, curriculum, learning pace and attend college for free while still in High School.

For example, last year Pamela Savoia graduated from Sequoia Choice and Sequoia Village School with her AA Degree from Northern Pioneer Community College and this year started at Saint Rio University in Florida as a junior. Pamela's younger brother, Michael Savoia, currently a 9th grader at Sequoia Choice is also on the education fast track. After taking his assessment test at the beginning of the school year, Michael qualified to take on campus college courses and is enrolled at Northern Pioneer Community College.

"The dual credit program is wonderful because my kids are always challenged, have the freedom to study at their own pace and the early college experience is a big motivator," said Pamela and Michael's Mother, Mindy Savoia, "It also really helps that Sequoia pays for books and college tuition as long as a C average is maintained."

According to Sequoia Choice Principal, Ron Neil, juniors and seniors who have proved they are ready for college course can start at anytime. The program also includes credit recovery, which enables High School students to earn credit that could not be received at their home campus. In addition, students have numerous attendance choices that cater to their learning needs, such as:

Integration of traditional classroom with distance learning services full or part time. Using satellite computer labs located throughout the state that are supervised by qualified educators that provide individual and small group tutoring, labs and classes. Combining all learning environments and including online and/or on campus dual credit college classes.

"We have discovered that not all students learn the same way and their learning environment plays a critical role in their success. By empowering students and giving them academic choices motivates them to excel," explained Ron Neil, Principal of Sequoia Choice, "At Sequoia Choice, if we don't have a course a student needs, we find it and buy it. The subjects our students study are unlimited."

To learn more, contact Sequoia Choice at (480) 461-3200 ext: 2280.

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Advantages of Privacy and Quick Response Make DIGIKIDS&#174; Child ID Safety Service the Choice of Bossier City Couple

Advantages of Privacy and Quick Response Make DIGIKIDS® Child ID Safety Service the Choice of Bossier City Couple

In response to the more than 2,000 missing children reported in the United States each day, DIGIKIDS® offers a child safety CD that allows parents to quickly provide law enforcement officials, the media, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), and other agencies with two high-resolution digital photos along with medical and identifying information to aid in recovery efforts.

Bossier City, Louisiana (PRWEB) June 22, 2008

John and Peggy Westfall have been selected to launch the exclusive DIGIKIDS® child ID franchise for the Bossier City/Shreveport Area, and surrounding NW Louisiana parishes, announced Michael J. Childs, DIGIKIDS® president.

DIGIKIDS® offers a child safety CD that allows parents to quickly provide law enforcement officials, the media, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), and other agencies with two high-resolution digital photos along with medical and identifying information to aid in recovery efforts.

"For many reasons, DIGIKIDS® is the best child identification safety service available today, hands down," John Westfall said. "For one, it affords parents and children complete privacy, because no database of information is ever created, and everything provided by the service is assembled and delivered onsite."

"With privacy protection a key concern for everyone these days, how can we expect to earn the trust of parents if we send the personal information they entrust to us to an offsite facility, as other children ID programs routinely do?" he continued. "In addition, the DIGIKIDS® business card-sized CD makes it easy, enabling parents to provide child identification information to authorities and others quickly and accurately."

Offered through schools, preschools, churches, summer camps and other public events, DIGIKIDS® delivers its secure child ID kits on site in two minutes or less. With its patent-pending technology to create each Child Safety CD, DIGIKIDS® offers parents anywhere a secure and efficient tool that can help speed the return of lost or missing children.

"We believe in this product very strongly, and pray parents never have to use it." Peggy Westfall continued, "But the possibility of a child being lost is a reality, and we understand that it's critical to keep up-to-date information and photos of children, if the need arises.

John Westfall has earned a bachelor of business administration in marketing with an emphasis in management. He has been employed in the air conditioning/heating industry for the past 25 years, working during the past eight years in sales and marketing. He volunteers his time with several local charities.

A preschool, kindergarten and first grade teacher for the past 23 years, Peggy Westfall has a master's degree in elementary education.

"Working with young children and their parents is very rewarding" she explained, "and I know keeping children safe and secure is vital to their education and happiness."

John and Peggy were married in January, 2007 and reside in Bossier City with Peggy's two sons, Thomas (12) and Jacob (9).

"We've always wanted to own our own business, and in doing the research to find the right opportunity for John and me, I compared the offerings of many franchises, especially those related to children. We knew we wanted to invest our time and energy into a business that would provide a valuable service to our community. For us, DIGIKIDS® is that business and that unique opportunity," Peggy Westfall added.

Years in development and offered through schools, preschools, churches, summer camps and other public events, DIGIKIDS® delivers its secure child ID kits on site in two minutes or less. With its patent-pending technology to create each Child Safety CD, DIGIKIDS® offers parents anywhere a secure and efficient tool that can help speed the return of lost or missing children.

"Good parents and good citizens, like John and Peggy Westfall, are exceptional representatives for DIGIKIDS® services," said Childs. "We are proud to welcome the Westfalls to the growing family of dedicated DIGIKIDS® franchisees across the country."

For more information about DIGIKIDS® or about franchisee opportunities in single or multiple territories, visit http://www. digikids-id. com (http://www. digikids-id. com) or call 1-888-DIGIKIDS.

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Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Vyper Sportswear to Introduce &#194;“Chameleon Wear&#194;”

Vyper Sportswear to Introduce Â“Chameleon WearÂ”

Vyper Sportswear, one of the top screen-print and embroidery companies in the northwest, is coming out with a new line of color-changing screen prints that change color in the sun. It is a very new product.

(PRWEB) May 19, 2003

Vyper Sportswear to Introduce Â“Chameleon WearÂ”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Paul Counts

Student Representative

Vyper Sportswear

(509) 849-2684

Vypersportswear@yahoo. com

Spokane, WA (PRWEB) May 19, 2003 Â– Vyper Sportswear has announced that the company is now carrying a line of color-changing inks, and will introduce garments with the technology in conjunction with Hoopfest, the worldÂ’s largest outdoor 3-on-3 basketball tournament.

Dubbed Â“Chameleon WearÂ”, the garments printed with the inks have already garnered rave reviews in test marketing in Pullman and Spokane Washington. The concept is popular to young and old alike, and offers unique marketing and sales possibilities to schools, corporations, clubs and organizations, as well as many others.

Vyper will offer teams who are purchasing their Hoopfest uniforms the opportunity to use the inks in the creation of their designs. The inks are Â“magicalÂ” in that colors appear outdoors and then disappear indoors. Some colors change from one color to another. They are a light sensitive color-change colorant which changes color through exposure to sunlight or UV light.

As part of the promotion, Vyper Sportswear will be conducting a drawing for $250 cash at 5:00 P. M. on June 27th. There will be no purchase necessary to enter the drawing; people will merely request a bid on their uniforms for Hoopfest. In addition, Vyper will be providing a bonus of a custom embroidered sports bag valued at $50 to each member of any team who wins their bracket who purchased their uniforms from Vyper Sportswear.

Besides the introduction of the color-changing garments via the uniforms, Vyper Sportswear will be selling a special line of T-Shirts and Sweatshirts featuring the color changing technology and some of the hottest basketball inspirational sayings out there. These Â“theme shirtsÂ” are expected to be available all throughout the downtown area during the event.

Vyper Sportswear is a full service screen-printer and embroidery shop that specializes in the creation of custom imprinted clothing. The company is among the area leaders in supplying these garments to the corporate, educational, and athletic community.

New Teen Danger: The Paranormal

Dwayne Claud, director for Western New York Paranormal of Rochester examines the dangers of popular paranormal related television shows. He looks at what the shows do not provide for the viewers which are important including physical and spiritual dangers of ghost hunting.

Leicester, NY (PRWEB) August 30, 2005

It wasnÂ’t so long ago that parents worried about their children getting hurt in sports, driving home on prom night and that first heartbreak. Times have changed the concerns that parents have for their children Â– now itÂ’s pregnancy, drinking and driving or drug overdose. What about the new concern that should be on the horizon Â– the influence the paranormal can have on our children?

National media has brought attention to the paranormal field with television programs such as Creepy Canada, and the SciFi ChannelÂ’s Ghost Hunters. Programs like these focus more on the glamorization of paranormal investigation and haunted sites rather then the responsibilities and dangers involved with both. Across the United States and Canada these non-addressed issues are creating an escalating problem that involving our youth.

This past season Creepy Canada aired an episode on the Blue Ghost Tunnel. The Blue Ghost Tunnel is a seven hundred-foot tunnel running beneath the Welland Canal in St. Catherine's, Ontario. This area was once the scene of a fatal train wreck. Today it is abandoned, but Creepy Canada took a paranormal research team into the tunnel, filming their expedition. The result of the broadcast was an increase in the education of those interested in the paranormal Â– but also an increase in the amount of thrill seekers to that site. According to a representative from the seaway, the tunnel became a destination for teenagers seeking a Â“fright,Â” but the result was more of a desecration with increased vandalism and illegal activities. As a result, a gate has been placed on the tunnel and visitors are greeted by authorities if they attempt to enter.

Â“Things donÂ’t just jump out and say Â‘booÂ”, expressed Dwayne Claud of Western New York Paranormal of Rochester. He continues to say that Â“(heÂ’s) all for paranormal education, but these television shows leave so much important information out Â– they glamorize everything in only the way Hollywood can do.Â” The time the paranormal investigator spends in the dark can be just that-time. They spend hours upon hours recording, photographing and video taping what may appear to be nothing. Â“ItÂ’s usually only when we go back and review our materials that we find the interesting things Â– rarely does anything supernatural happen on site like many of these shows depict,Â” he states.

Â“The belief in ghosts is as old as mankind itself Â– and so are the dangers,Â” expresses Claud. Teenagers and other viewers to programs such the SciFi ChannelÂ’s Ghost Hunters arenÂ’t presented with the dangers of conducting a paranormal investigation and the possible legal issues. Â“If people are investigating an old abandoned building and donÂ’t have permission for being there, thatÂ’s trespassing and you could be prosecuted,Â” states Claud. In addition to the legal liability, amateur investigators risk physical injuries and even death from unsafe environmental conditions not seen walking around in the dark. Â“The risk of physical injury is only increased when someone is looking to be Â‘scared.Â’ Your adrenaline is racing,Â” states Claud. Â“Things can happen when you least expect them.Â”

Â“Although there is a growing opportunity for those interested in ghost hunting to have their own paranormal experience, many Â‘suspectedÂ’ haunted sites across the country are now conducting ghost tours. The public is encouraged to participate in a ghost hunt for a fee,Â” said Claud. Ghost hunts such as these have become popular at OhioÂ’s Mansfield Reformatory, West VirginiaÂ’s Moundsville State Reformatory, and smaller locations like New YorkÂ’s Rolling Hills Country Mall. Locations like these address the physical dangers of ghost hunting yet still ignore another more elusive one: the spiritual danger and influence that is just as real.

At a young age, children are raised to believe that ghosts arenÂ’t real, and that paranormal phenomenon canÂ’t really occur. This little bit of doubt placed in the minds of teenagers can be a dangerous opening into the spiritual realm. Â“The main ingredient that these shows miss is that of faith and reverence,Â” states Claud. He continues, Â“Like it or not, thereÂ’s more than just science going on here. There is a tremendous amount of spirituality and theology. And if people donÂ’t have an understanding of these they can get themselves into a lot of trouble.Â”

Â“Ghosts canÂ’t hurt you. But thereÂ’s more out there than just the dearly departed,Â” believes Claud. The bible tells of malevolent spirits waiting to take advantage to a welcoming person-looking for someone with an open spiritual door. A young teenager wanting Â“a scareÂ” is an open invitation to one of these entities. If you couple that curiosity a teenager may have with a Ouija board and magick, the situation becomes more dangerous. Â“Popular television shows donÂ’t emphasize the inherent spiritual dangers that are just as real as tripping in the dark. If youÂ’re not prepared and protected, your life will literally become hell. After all, The Exorcist was based on a true story,Â” said Claud.

Claud recalls an investigation he took part in a number of years ago at a Â“commercialized public hunt.Â” One of the participants in the investigation was a sixteen year old girl. She had an avid interest in the paranormal and presented with what she would claim would be Â“sensitivity to itÂ”. It was only two hours into the investigation when she began to feel as though she were a spectator in her own body. She began to walk in circles, hear voices telling her to do unspeakable things and attempting controlling her actions. This young lady had come under a partial possession by an entity in a matter of hours. Â“This can happen to anyone at any time. Especially to a teenager who is open to everything around themÂ–not knowing good from evil,Â” states Claud. It wasnÂ’t until another investigator intervened into the situation with prayer that the scary situation came under control. However, it still took almost six months to bring the whole situation to a positive conclusion. Â“And it all happened because a teenager with an open mind and spirit was at the wrong place,Â” said Claud.

Â“Until programs like SciFiÂ’s Ghost Hunters and others address all the dangers involved in paranormal investigation, they shouldnÂ’t be on the air,Â” Claud strongly believes. ItÂ’s very much akin to showing a teen a shiny pistol and not telling him the dangers involved in using it. Â“Most of the dangerous cases we hear about through www. WNYPARANORMAL. com have their roots traced back to a point of contact such as an open teenager, Ouija board or sÃ©ance and/or Magick. Western New York Paranormal encourages people to explore the unknown, but not as a thrill and only when youÂ’re old enough to understand and accept the consequences.

For more information, contact Dwayne Claud with Western New York Paranormal at 585-382-3644 or visit www. WNYPARANORMAL. com.

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Monday, April 23, 2007

The Nippon Foundation Calls for Alliance to End Poverty in Africa

Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, has pointed to lack of infrastructure as one of the key problems facing Africa’s farmers, preventing the kind of “green revolution” that took place in Asia. Speaking to African leaders in the plenary session on private public partnership (29 May) at the Fourth Tokyo Conference on African Development (TICAD IV), he said that “even if farmers increase their harvest, there are no markets where they can sell their produce. Or where markets exist, the farmers lack access to them.”

YOKOHAMA, Japan (PRWEB) May 28, 2008

As a result, he said, "they cannot convert the increased harvest into income, so their quality of life does not improve."

"The time has come to act. Together we can form an alliance to end poverty in Africa." He stressed that The Nippon Foundation "stands ready to play its part."

Mr. Sasakawa, who is WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination, said he had seen "how effective such an alliance can be in the field of leprosy. In just over two decades, the disease has gone from being a public health problem in 122 countries to just two countries today."

He concluded by highlighting the urgent problem of the soaring price of fertilizer "which has serious consequences for Africa's farmers." He called for this issue to be taken up by the G8 Summit in Japan later this year.

Over the past 22 years, The Nippon Foundation has funded the Sasakawa-Global 2000 (SG2000) programme which has worked with small-scale farmers in 14 African countries to increase and diversify their food crops and improve rural livelihoods. The programme was launched in 1986, in co-operation with former US President Jimmy Carter and Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Norman Borlaug, father of the "green revolution" in India and Pakistan.

To strengthen the capacity of agricultural extension services, The Nippon Foundation has funded education programmes for mid-career extensionists at 13 universities and colleges in nine African countries. To date nearly 2,300 extensionists have graduated, or are currently benefiting from the programme.

The Nippon Foundation has invested over US $180 million in these programmes.

Keyword Tags:

africa, african leaders, Infrastructure, partnership, philanthropy, poverty, poverty in africa, Sasakawa, sg 2000, ticad

Imagine Learning Ranked Eighth Fastest-Growing Private Company in Education Industry

Inc. 5000 ranked educational software company Imagine Learning eighth on their list of fastest-growing private companies in the education industry. Imagine Learning was also ranked No. 533 overall on the exclusive Inc. 5000.

Provo, UT (Vocus) September 3, 2010

Inc. magazine has ranked Imagine Learning the nation's eighth fastest-growing private company in the education industry with an overall ranking of 533 on its fourth annual Inc. 5000. This exclusive list represents a comprehensive look at the most important segment of the US economy—America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs.

“The 2010 Inc. 5000 showcases a particularly hardy group of entrepreneurs,” said Inc. president Bob LaPointe. Despite difficult economic circumstances, Imagine Learning has seen significant growth over the past three years.

Since its founding in 2004, Imagine Learning has partnered with educators in the majority of US states to bring its language and literacy software program, Imagine Learning English, to English learners (http://imaginelearning. com/EnglishLearners. aspx), struggling readers (http://imaginelearning. com/StrugglingReaders. aspx), students with disabilities (http://imaginelearning. com/StudentsWithDisabilities. aspx), and early childhood education students (http://imaginelearning. com/EarlyChildhoodEducation. aspx).

Dianne de Mik, instructional designer for Imagine Learning, attributes the widespread use of Imagine Learning English to both the company’s experienced employees and its responsiveness to customers’ needs.

“The curriculum is created by a team of highly creative individuals who are experienced in instructional design,” said de Mik. “We value feedback from the field and act on it. The result is a product that is always evolving to meet the needs of the customer.”

In addition to being selected for both Best of Provo and Best of State awards, Imagine Learning has also been honored by the Utah Valley Entrepreneurial Forum (UVEF) as the second fastest-growing young company in Utah.

To learn more about Imagine Learning and "Imagine Learning English," http://www. imaginelearning. com (http://www. imaginelearning. com).

About Imagine Learning, Inc.

Imagine Learning, Inc., is the award-winning language and literacy solution, providing educational software to students in schools across the United States and around the world. Students receive one-on-one instruction through hundreds of engaging activities specifically designed to meet their individual needs and provide real results.

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An Ounce of Prevention Making shopping during cold and flu season less risky

Every flu season brings with it a host of complications, especially in the very young and those with compromised immune systems. The recent shortages in flu vaccines across the country and emergence of Bird Flu and SARS has made flu season particularly scary for some parents. Shopping Cart Covers are a wonderful, cost effective way to help protect your little ones from bringing home the flu and other nasty germs.

Lehigh Acres, FL (PRWEB) November 13, 2005

Lehigh Acres, Florida

November 11, 2005

Contact: Julia Ward

Address: 872 Kidvale Street, Lehigh, FL 33936

Phone: 239.369.3013 9-5 M-F

Alternate Phone Number: 239.405.4815 voice mail

URL: www. kidsfirstidkits. com

Lehigh Acres, Florida – protecting your little ones from the flu this season

(PRWEB) November 13, 2005 -- Every flu season brings with it a host of complications, especially in the very young and those with compromised immune systems. The recent shortages in flu vaccines across the country and emergence of Bird Flu and SARS has made flu season particularly scary for some parents. Shopping Cart Covers are a wonderful, cost effective way to help protect your little ones from bringing home the flu and other nasty germs.

“You can’t avoid going grocery shopping even in the midst of a flu epidemic; the shopping cart covers provide an extra dimension of security. They can’t stop your child from getting the flu, but it can decrease the likelihood,” says Ward, an authorized Sales Rep for My Precious Kid, specializing in Children’s Safety Products. These Shopping Cart Covers are cute, easy to use, and functional. Along with hand sanitation gels and plain old fashioned soap and water, these Shopping Cart Covers not only give your baby a more comfortable shopping experience, but allow you to keep the germs where they belong!

My Precious Kid has been providing safety education and products for nearly five years. Since it’s inception in 2001, Kay Green, Founder, has established an education program for parents and caregivers as well as for independent sales representative. “We have Fingerprint Parties, as well as teach Safety Classes, and love to support local groups with our Fundraisers. Keeping our kids healthy and SAFE is our number one priority”, says Ward.

You can sign up to win a FREE “Shopping Cart Cover” at www. kidsfirtsidkits. com

For more information visit: www. kidsfirstidkits. com

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Sunday, April 22, 2007

Psoriasis Cure Now Video Contest Finalists Announced

Psoriasis Cure Now has announced finalists in the Psoriasis Cure Now Video Contest. A diverse group of very creative people has created a collection of videos that convey the seriousness of psoriasis with compassion and humor.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) October 19, 2007

Psoriasis Cure Now has announced finalists in the Psoriasis Cure Now Video Contest. The non-profit group will use the videos to inform Congress and the public about the seriousness of psoriasis and the struggles psoriasis patients face. Videos can be viewed at http://www. psoriasis-cure-now. org/contest/videos. php (http://www. psoriasis-cure-now. org/contest/videos. php).

The finalists include a civilian contractor currently working north of Baghdad to bring new electricity to Iraq, an aspiring filmmaker, a grandfather, a chiropractor and a boot camp drill instructor. All of the finalists either suffer from psoriasis or have family and friends with psoriasis, and saw this as an opportunity to increase awareness of this painful condition.

"Psoriasis is the Rodney Dangerfield disease; it gets no respect," says Michael Paranzino, president of Psoriasis Cure Now. "But it's a very serious disease that takes a physical and emotional toll on those afflicted, and their families. We've unleashed the creative spirit of the YouTube nation to help us make this point, and these finalists have done an incredible job producing compelling stories to deliver this message."

Each Finalist wins $250, and the Grand Prize winner will receive $7,500. A comment period on the Psoriasis Cure Now website seeks public comments on which video should win the Grand Prize.

Psoriasis is an incurable, recurring disease of the immune system, causing dry, painful skin lesions that itch, crack and bleed. Psoriasis is a daily impediment that dramatically and negatively impacts the quality of life of as many as 7.5 million Americans. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that "Patients with psoriasis reported reduction in physical functioning and mental functioning comparable to that seen in cancer, arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and depression."

Psoriasis Cure Now is a nonprofit research and education organization dedicated to increasing funding for research, improving the public's understanding of and reducing the stigma associated with psoriasis.

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Saturday, April 21, 2007

Economy Produces Exceptional Buying Opportunities on GPS Systems

NexTag helps shoppers chart a course to the best price on GPS systems.

San Mateo, CA (PRWEB) March 30, 2009

Economic indicators continue to predict a grim outlook for the overall economy in the coming year, but many manufacturers and retailers are responding to the environment with lower prices to entice consumers. The GPS market is one segment where prices have fallen dramatically in recent months likely due to a combination of consumer reticence, plunging automotive sales, and new state laws such as the one recently passed in California, which limits the placement of such units in automobiles. NexTag has monitored price ranges on several GPS models, including the incredibly popular Garmin Nuvi 850 with voice recognition, and announced that prices have reached record lows within its comparison shopping service.

Since December of 2008 the lowest price available at NexTag on the Garmin Nuvi 850 (http://www. nextag. com/goto. jsp? p=40555&crid=11542&url=%2FGarmin-Nuvi-850-GPS-586002071%2Fprices-html+) model has dropped by 23% (from approximately $450 per unit during most of December to a low price of $345 from NexTag sellers currently). Its cousin the Nuvi 260 (http://www. nextag. com/goto. jsp? p=40555&crid=11542&url=%2FGarmin-Nuvi-260-GPS%2Fshop-html) fell from approximately $140 to a current low hovering around $120.

While automotive sales remain sluggish and consumers focus on necessities rather than luxuries, it's likely that the electronics market will continue to present shoppers with exceptional values this year. The question on most retailers' minds is whether the new stimulus bill will calm consumer fears and put sufficient money in their pockets to encourage them to once again spend rather than save. Current price drops, however, are tempting some to consider purchasing electronics they might once have thought well beyond their means.

Savvy bargain hunters are making the most of low prices and using NexTag's innovative price comparison tools to find serious bargains:
Price Drops (http://www. nextag. com/goto. jsp? p=40555&crid=11542&url=%2Fbuyer%2FPriceDrop. jsp) - A clear, concise 30 day overview of a product's value that shows shoppers the best current prices, price drop amounts and percentages. Price Alerts - For those who don't have the time to monitor price fluctuations themselves, NexTag offers the Price Alert tool. Users choose a product of interest, then type in their target price and the product condition. When a retail offer matches or falls below the target the user is immediately notified via email. Best Value - An easy way for shoppers to find the lowest price for an item in new condition from a highly rated, trusted NexTag seller. Free Shipping Alerts - Those retailers who forego shipping costs altogether are flagged so shoppers can save time and money on the best possible deals.

About NexTag:
NexTag is the leading comparison shopping site for products, education, financial services, travel, automobiles and more. At the core of NexTag are proprietary technologies and algorithms that enable shoppers to quickly compare prices and find great deals on millions of products and services. More than 17 million people per month use NexTag to research, compare, and save on products and services online*.
NexTag has been named one of the "50 Best Websites 2008" by TIME magazine. The company operates comparison shopping sites in the US (NexTag. com (http://www. nextag. com/goto. jsp? p=40555&crid=11542&h=1)), the UK (NexTag. co. uk), France (NexTag. fr), and Germany (NexTag. de). NexTag is headquartered in San Mateo, California with offices in London and Gurgaon, India.

Source: Nielsen//NetRatings Press Contact:
Pr (at) nextag. com

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Online Allergy-Free Food Store Helps Raise $45,000 for the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network

Allergiesandme. com joined FAAN’s fundraising efforts in the Tampa "Walk Towards a Cure" in November of this year. The event raised $45,000 and brought together over 430 walkers. The results were outstanding considering this was the first walk event to be held in Tampa, Florida.

Apollo Beach, FL (PRWEB) December 10, 2009

Allergiesandme. com’s company founder, Jamie Stern, co-chaired the Tampa FAAN “Walk Towards a Cure” in 2009. To see more of this event, follow the link to Tampa FAAN Walk (http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=qf5I1TJE5ko). The day of the walk, the Allergiesandme. com Team provided volunteer support for the event activities.

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) was established in 1991. Their mission is to raise public awareness, to provide advocacy and education and to advance research on behalf of all those affected by food allergies and anaphylaxis. The owners of Allergiesandme. com (http://www. allergiesandme. com) share their vision and have donated not only money, but volunteer hours for their fundraising efforts.

Allergiesandme. com participates in other fundraising efforts on behalf of FAAN. The company launched their online store in August of this year, but was already involved with FAAN’s outreach programs, even before opening for business. Allergiesandme. com donated a “Day on the Water” for FAAN’s 2008 Auction, which was a top bidding item.

With the launch of FAAN’s new website, Allergiesandme. com has joined them again in offering their membership exclusive discounts, available on the FAAN site. The team at Allergiesandme. com encourages all current members to check out the new website. The company has pledged to donate a percentage of their profits to organizations that help people with their battles against food allergies and food intolerances.

Currently, Allergiesandme. com is assisting FAAN in their 2009 Holiday Auction-Bidding for a Cure. The company has donated gift certificates to help families with food restrictions stock up on safe food for the holidays. This auction ends December 11th.

Allergiesandme. com (http://www. allergiesandme. com) looks forward to another successful year in 2010 and hopes to continue their support of FAAN in their efforts to build public awareness of food allergies.

There is no cure for food allergies, only avoidance. Per reports by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, in the U. S. alone, there were over 30,000 episodes of food-induced anaphylaxis and associated 100-200 deaths occur annually. Per FAAN, approximately 12 million people in the U. S. have food allergies. That’s one in 25, or 4% of the population. Food allergies are more prevalent among young children – one in 17 under the age of 3 has food allergies. Additionally, Celiac Disease, an extreme intolerance to gluten, affects at least 1 in 133 Americans, although only 1 in 4,700 is ever diagnosed.

About Allergiesandme. com:
Allergiesandme. com is focused on providing a compelling offering of allergen-free food and being a resource to rely on in the daily struggles with a Food Allergy or Food Intolerance.

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Blue Star VP Completes Principal Cinematography for Spanish Language Documentary

Houston based Blue Star Video Productions completed principal cinematography Friday March 31st, 2006 for the Bravo Group's Miller Lite Beer Spanish language documentary. Conceptualized as a "window" into the real life of Hispanics and Latinos, care was taken by Blue Star VP to not interfere or direct any of the subjects of the shoot and to capture real world "day in the life of" various Spanish speaking immigrant income and education levels. The project was shot in 16:9 widescreen and is scheduled to be broadcast in Mexico as well as other Central and South American countries.

Houston, TX (PRWEB) April 13, 2006

Houston based Blue Star Video Productions completed principle cinematography Friday March 31st, 2006 for the Bravo Group's Miller Lite Beer Spanish language documentary. Conceptualized as a "window" into the real life of Hispanics and Latinos, care was taken by Blue Star VP to not interfere or direct any of the subjects of the shoot and to capture real world "day in the life of" various Spanish speaking immigrant income and education levels. The project was shot in 16:9 widescreen and is scheduled to be broadcast in Mexico as well as other Central and South American countries.

Blue Star VP's challenge was to forgo the expected production amenities of a lighting and sound crew in favor of camera mounted devices to achieve the look of "your friends home camera" that the Bravo Group wanted. Blue Star VP shot more than 15 hours of footage during the three-day production in and around the city of Houston, Texas and included such locations as private homes and apartments, nightclubs, convenience stores, downtown Houston and local neighborhood exteriors. Scene selection included a neighborhood BBQ featuring Miller Lite beer in the driveway of a homeowner, boys night out to play pool at a local nightclub featuring ice cold buckets of Miller Lite beer, and a private party with catered food, DJ, and Miller Lite beer. All participants spoke Spanish exclusively and some even described personal accounts of their culture and experiences to the cameras including why they prefer Miller Lite to other beers.

Blue Star VP used FedEx to overnight the dailies to the New York office of the Bravo Group after the completion of each shooting day. The president of Blue Star VP, Tom Sessions, brought in veteran marketing professional and television producer Nathan Cliett from the EdgeMedia Group to assist and consult on the complexities of shooting a realty based documentary.

Blue Star Video Productions was formed in 2001 to produce independent films and documentaries using digital format exclusively. The company widened its production capabilities in 2004 when it agreed to provide full production services for family-friendly realty based television productions Texas Beat and Inspire The Desire. Offering full script and editing services has allowed Blue Star VP to increase its workload of corporate projects, television commercials and private event productions five fold. Clients have included: CVS Pharmacy, Cingular Wireless, TexStar Homes, Donald Trump's The Apprentice, Bravo Group, EdgeMedia Group, Relay Group, Axis Agency and the Pilko Corporation among others. Get to know Blue Star VP by visiting their web site at www. bluestarvideo. com.

Contact:Tom Sessions

President

Blue Star Video Productions

Phone: 281-330-9310

www. bluestarvideo. com

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Friday, April 20, 2007

The Human Capital Institute and Pepperdine University's Graziadio School of Business and Management Offer "Linking Leadership to the Bottom Line" Networking Event

The Human Capital Institute (HCI), a global professional association and educator in talent management strategies, and Pepperdine University's Graziadio School of Business and Management, one of the world's top business schools, announced today that Dr. E. Ted Prince, CEO and Founder of the Perth Leadership Institute, will speak at the next B-School Network and Learn event for the Southern California business community.

Washington, D. C. and Los Angeles (PRWEB) June 7, 2007

The Human Capital Institute (http://www. humancapitalinstitute. org/hci/home. guid) (HCI), a global professional association and educator in talent management strategies, and Pepperdine University's Graziadio School of Business and Management, one of the world's top business schools, announced today that Dr. E. Ted Prince, CEO and Founder of the Perth Leadership Institute, will speak at the next B-School Network and Learn event (http://www. humancapitalinstitute. org/hci/events_bschools. guid) for the Southern California business community.

The event will take place on the West Los Angeles Graduate campus, 6100 Center Drive, on Wednesday, June 12, 2007, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM PT.

Dr. Prince will present, "Linking Leadership to the Bottom Line," (http://www. humancapitalinstitute. org/hci/events_bschool. guid?_trainingID=1100) which will explore concepts set forth in his book, "The Three Financial Styles of Very Successful Executives," published by McGraw-Hill in August 2005, as well as concepts explored in his article, "The Fiscal Behavior of CEOs," which was recently published in the prestigious journal of MIT's Sloan School of Management.

"This is a great opportunity for HR executives to invite their C-suite business partners -- CEOs, CFOs, COOs, VP's of Finance -- to learn about the impact of different leadership styles on key financial metrics, and how those impacts can make or break the bottom line," said Allan Schweyer, HCI's President & Executive Director. "Having the right leaders is critical for financial success in today's knowledge economy."

At this session, Dr. Prince will explore how the innate financial competencies of managers impact the performance and valuation outcomes of organizations. He will also show how executives and human resource managers can identify and leverage the financial personalities of potential hires.

Dr. Prince is an expert in the area of leadership performance and improvement. His book addresses the Financial SignatureÂ™ of leaders and its impact on company outcome and valuation. After extensive research on the personality and leadership styles of hundreds of high-profile C-level executives, Dr. Prince has developed a predictive model that can actually forecast the impact that a leader will have on the corporate bottom line. Amazingly, many who would be considered model managers are destined to constrain attempts to achieve organizational objectives year after year due to leadership styles that could easily be fixed through proper coaching.

Dr. E. Ted Prince is an expert in the area of leadership performance and improvement. As CEO and Founder of the Perth Leadership Institute, he is the architect of the Perth Leadership Outcome Model, the basis for the Perth Leadership System, which is used by corporations and executive education organizations. He consults to CEOs, boards, and senior executives on leadership improvement.

Prince has an extensive background at the CEO level in both public and private companies. He was Chairman and CEO of Clearstory Systems, Inc. (formerly INSCI Corp.), a Boston-based public (NASDAQ) company that developed enterprise content management software, a role in which he served for almost six years. Among several other CEO roles, he also served as President and CEO of Computer Power Group in New York (later acquired by Spherion).

In addition to his work with the Perth Leadership Institute, Dr. Prince holds the position of Visiting Lecturer at the University of Florida where he teaches Entrepreneurship in the Warrington College of Business, Graduate Division.

E. Ted Prince holds a BA First Class Honors degree in languages and political science from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, and an MA and Ph. D. in political science from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia.

There is no charge for the Southern California event, and it is open to the public. Interested professionals should call 866-538-1909 to register. For a list of Human Capital Leadership events at prestigious universities throughout the U. S. and Canada, please visit: www. humancapitalinstitute. org (http://www. humancapitalinstitute. org/hci/home. guid)

ABOUT THE GRAZIADIO SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
The Graziadio School of Business and Management at Pepperdine University is one the nation's largest AACSB-accredited business schools on the West Coast. Founded in 1969, the business school is named for the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of Imperial Bancorp, George L. Graziadio. Financial Times ranks its Full-time MBA program among the top 55 programs of its kind and cites the business school as second in the world in Organizational Behavior. The Graziadio School's Executive MBA program is also ranked among the top 25 programs globally by BusinessWeek Magazine, while Forbes magazine recently placed its Fully Employed MBA program among the top 20 in the nation for return on investment. The Graziadio School also offers a bachelor's completion degree program, a Master of Science in Organization Development program, and non-degree executive education programs. With an alumni network of more than 29,000 graduates, the
Mission of the Graziadio School is to develop values-centered leaders for contemporary business practice. For more information please visit: www. bschool. pepperdine. edu

ABOUT THE HUMAN CAPITAL INSTITUTE
The Human Capital Institute is a global think tank, educator, and professional association defining the agenda and setting the pace for the new business science of human capital management. With over 80,000 members in over 40 countries, HCI offers a new association framework that cuts across the silos of recruitment, HR/OD, finance, sales and marketing, operations, manufacturing and IT. We provide key executives, line managers and human capital professionals with the newest education, most effective tools and best practices in talent strategy, acquisition, alignment, engagement, deployment, measurement, and retention. The future belongs to leaders with innovative ideas and strategic knowledge. We invite you to learn, share and grow your career with HCI's comprehensive resources, and join our high-achieving, forward-looking membership community. For more information, please visit: www. humancapitalinstitute. org

PRESS CONTACTS
The Graziadio School of Business and Management
Pepperdine University
Douglass Gore III
310-568-5580

Human Capital Institute
Andrea Miller
866-538-1909

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

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Wednesday, April 18, 2007

The Long Beach International Congress of Esthetics, 2005: Dates Have Changed to September 10, 11, and 12th

In a move to better serve its exhibitors and attendees, The Long Beach International Congress of Esthetics, 2005, dates have changed. The new dates are September 10th, 11th and 12th, 2005, which means the educational conference and trade show will be two weeks sooner.

(PRWEB) November 24, 2004

Â“The only thing thatÂ’s changed is our dates. Our business partners and attendees can expect the same exceptional program,Â” said Les Nouvelles Esthetiques CEO Rodolphe Legrand, co-sponsor of the International Congress of Esthetics events.

The Long Beach International Congress of Esthetics will feature more than 300 booths and its renowned, state-recognized continuing education program. More than 45 manufacturer workshops will also be available.

The International Congress of Esthetics is the only industry educational conference and trade show to have an all-inclusive registration fee. Registration includes entrance to the exhibition hall, all General Session lectures and demonstrations, continuing education classes where applicable, and all manufacturersÂ’ workshops and exhibitorsÂ’ classes. Plus, hotel arrangements can be made when registering for the conference. Special, discounted rates are available for hotel accommodations, airfare and car rentals.

Les Nouvelles EsthÃ©tiques and Dermascope magazines co-sponsor four International Congress of Esthetics educational conferences/trade shows annually in Dallas, TX, Philadelphia, PA, Long Beach, CA, and Miami, FL. Dates for 2005 International Congress of Esthetics conferences are Dallas, TX, February 20-21, 2005; Philadelphia, PA, April 3-4, 2005; Long Beach, CA, September 10-12, 2005; and Miami, FL, October 22-24, 2005.

For more information, call 1-(800) 471-0229 or visit www. LNEONLINE. com.

# # #

Average age of onset for POF (premature ovarian failure) is 27 years

Average age of onset for POF (premature ovarian failure) is 27 years.

All women are at risk but few know about POF.

(PRWEB) September 15, 2003

Menopause is the loss of ovarian activity that on the average occurs to women about age 51. Premature Ovarian Failure (POF) is a loss of ovarian function in women under 40. The average age of onset for POF is 27 years.

It is estimated that 1% of women will have premature ovarian failure naturally, but it can also occur after chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and after reproductive surgeries such as hysterectomy and tubal ligation.

Premature menopause, early menopause, and POF are synonymous but the end of menstrual cycles and permanent loss of ovarian activity signifies menopause and POF may not be permanent. Some women with POF may intermittently produce estrogen and ovulate. This is why the term POF is preferred to premature or early menopause. Menopause means complete cessation of periods. In some cases, POF may be reversible.

The symptoms encountered by women with premature ovarian failure are the same experienced by women in menopause. Cycle changes, hot flashes, insomnia, mood swings, depression, heart palpitations, short-term memory loss, fatigue, vaginal dryness, and loss of libido are common. The symptoms can be confusing and frustrating to young women as they often find that their symptoms interfere greatly with their daily lives but they do not associate their symptoms to being related to loss of ovarian function.

The condition of premature ovarian failure is sometimes mistaken by the medical community as being chronic fatigue (CFS), fibromyalgia, heart conditions, common depression, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and common allergies. It is important for women to be diagnosed in a timely manner as POF (being possibly a permanent loss of ovarian function) puts young women at higher risk of earlier and more severe cases of bone loss (osteoporosis) and heart disease.

A diagnosis of premature ovarian failure requires a hormone test to check for elevated FSH levels. www. Menopause-Test. com offers a FSH menopause test available on-line by mail order that women may find helpful. Still, an elevated FSH test alone cannot be considered absolute evidence of POF. Additional tests a physician may order includes thyroid function studies, thyroid antibodies, and serologic evaluation to rule-out hypoparathyroidism. Once diagnosed, the POF condition, symptoms, and risks can be managed in consultation with a health care physician.

As women do not expect that their fertility will end prematurely, upon being diagnosed feelings of shock, anger, depression, and loss are common. A national Premature Ovarian Failure Support Group offers local support meetings and holds a yearly conference. This years conference will be held October 10-12 in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. This yearÂ’s conference is titled Â“The Faces of POFÂ” and will include educational guest speakers and other events. More information is available at www. POFsupport. org, or call Jennifer Raaths at (847) 769-1730.

For more information about POF see:

Http://www. POFsupport. org (http://www. POFsupport. org)

For more information about FSH testing see:

Http://www. Menopause-Test. com (http://www. Menopause-Test. com)

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Annual EXTOL Users Conference Focused on Linking IT Strategies and Business Objectives

The 10th-Annual meeting of EXTOL users will take place at Boardwalk Resort in Orlando, Fla., Nov. 11-14.

Pottsville, PA (PRWEB) April 6, 2007

EXTOL today announced that the 10th-annual EXTOL Users Conference will be held Nov. 11-14, 2007 at Disney's BoardWalk Resort in Orlando, Fla.

The theme driving the content of this year's meeting is "Linking IT Strategies and Business Objectives." EXTOL (http://www. extol. com (http://www. extol. com)) is a leading provider of B2B integration software applications for both internal and external collaboration.

The theme, "Linking IT Strategies and Business Objectives," is in-line with the recognized trend requiring IT teams and managers, at every level, to establish credibility for themselves. They are expected to be conversant in the issues and objectives of their company's business goals, and be able to relate their actions and decisions to achieving those goals.

Gartner explores this trend in their Nov. 9, 2006 report, "Predicts 2007: CIOs and IT Leaders Enter the Decision-Making Discomfort Zone" (Diane Morello, et al). The introduction to the report reads, "Welcome to the 'discomfort zone.' In an era of hyper-connected businesses, few enterprises will meet their strategic objectives without integrating business and IT strategic decision making. The 'us vs. them' mentality will go away, presenting new opportunities and challenges."

The demand for rapidly delivering projects to enable business growth is new to many IT people, which is why EXTOL will be focusing on it at the 2007 Users Conference. In addition to reinforcing this new requirement for personal and company success, conference sessions will also focus on understanding "the big picture," setting priorities, and utilizing technological agility to meet business objectives.

Exceptionally high attendance is expected at the conference, given the clear success of last year's meeting, coupled with the convenient and popular location of the 2007 event. Commenting on the EXTOL Users Conference program, Wayne Marshall of EDI Specialists, an EXTOL business partner, said, "It was one of the best user group meetings I have ever attended. It was very informative, well structured and organized. Just the right schedule and duration."

The educational program at the conference will include: courses on the optimal use of EXTOL business integration software products; specific courses on issues surrounding EDI, business integration, and supply chain compliance and performance; and workshops aimed at helping attendees uncover the business objectives of their organizations, and align present and future projects with those objectives.

More details on the conference can be found on the EXTOL website (http://www. extol. com (http://www. extol. com)), where customers may submit online registration forms.

About EXTOL International, Inc.
EXTOL International, Inc. is a leading provider of B2B integration application software for resource constrained companies who want to integrate demand driven supply chains. EXTOL solutions are ready-to-use applications that target multiple B2B and internal challenges with a common integration platform that empowers existing IT teams to respond rapidly to new business opportunities and demands. EXTOL solutions are also available preconfigured to address specific electronic commerce applications including EDI, AS2, XML, data synchronization (1SYNC) and the integration and management capabilities required to take full advantage of supply chain functionality. For more information, please visit (http://www. extol. com (http://www. extol. com)).

This press release was sent on behalf of Extol International, Inc. by Yooter InterActive Marketing, LLC (http://www. yooter. com (http://www. yooter. com))

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Monday, April 16, 2007

Notable Findings from NLN Survey of Schools of Nursing: Program Expansion Stalls; Insufficient Faculty Major Constraint to Expansion of Postlicensure Programs

The NLN's annual survey of all nursing programs in the United States gathers key statistics including admissions, enrollments, graduations, student demographics, and numbers of faculty. The 2009 annual survey was administered from May to September 2009 to obtain 2007-2008 data. Recent additions include unused educational capacity, constraints on expanding admissions, faculty vacancies and recruitment, and the impact of faculty shortages on educational capacity.

New York, NY (PRWEB) February 9, 2010

Since the 1950s, the NLN has conducted an annual survey of all nursing programs in the United States, gathering key statistics including admissions, enrollments, graduations, student demographics, and numbers of faculty. The 2009 annual survey was administered from May to September 2009 to obtain 2007-2008 data.

In announcing the results, NLN CEO Dr. Beverly Malone pointed out some of the new topics addressed by the 2009 survey. "These data are critical to tackling challenges related to the nursing education workforce and nursing education capacity. Recent additions include unused educational capacity, constraints on expanding admissions, faculty vacancies and recruitment, and the impact of faculty shortages on educational capacity."

Findings include:
Key statistics reflect slowing growth. Expansion in the number of prelicensure RN programs ground to a near halt between 2007 and 2008, with the nation adding only 15 additional programs, a less than 1 percent increase. In addition, in a surprising turnaround, annual admissions to prelicensure nursing programs fell and enrollments were flat for the first time in at least six years. Graduations did increase significantly in 2008, a lagging effect of an upsurge in admissions between 2003 and 2005. Demand for admissions continues to outstrip supply. Nearly one quarter (23.4 percent) of US nursing programs of all types reported receiving more qualified applications than could be accepted in 2008. Among prelicensure programs, there was considerably more unmet demand for admissions; more than 119,000 qualified applications - or 39 percent of all qualified applications - were turned away from prelicensure programs in 2008. The majority of prelicensure programs are "highly selective." Almost two thirds of ADN and diploma programs (62 and 60 percent, respectively) were "highly selective" - a designation earned by those programs that accept fewer than half of all applicants. Fewer baccalaureate programs (39 percent) fell into that category. Shortages of faculty and clinical placements constrain growth. Among schools that did not accept all qualified applicants, postlicensure programs were much more likely to cite a shortage of faculty as the main obstacle to expansion. Prelicensure programs reported that lack of clinical placement settings were the biggest impediment to admitting more students. Postlicensure programs are much more likely to report that adding faculty would expand admissions capacity. Almost three quarters of RN-BSN programs, over two thirds of master's programs, and over half of doctoral programs projected that filling all faculty vacancies would positively impact admissions. By contrast, only 41 percent of prelicensure RN and only 29 percent of LPN/LVN programs anticipated that full staffing would allow for expansion. Some seats still go unfilled. Just under one in 10 US nursing programs (9.8 percent) reported unfilled vacancies for new student admissions. Of those schools with unfilled spots, 44 percent attributed the vacancy rate to a lack of qualified students; 19 percent stated that "lack of affordability" or "high cost of education" was the main obstacle to student recruitment.

Observed NLN president Dr. Cathleen Shultz, "Nursing Data Review will be invaluable to decision-makers, organizations, and individuals interested in data reflecting the state of nursing education. It will serve a critical role in models designed to project the magnitude of the future registered nurse workforce. The League appreciates the survey responses provided by literally thousands of nursing school deans, directors, chairpersons, program administrators, and their hardworking staff members, without whom this valuable data source could not have been created."

Please note: NLN research data is available to all on the NLN website. NLN DataView™ , at www. nln. org/research/slides/index_home. htm (http://www. nln. org/research/slides/index_home. htm), features slides and tables from key NLN data reports as PDFs, MS PowerPoint™ slides, MS Excel™ charts, and JPG images.

Editors and reporters: For interview opportunities, please contact NLN chief communications officer, Karen R. Klestzick, at 212-812-0376.

Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the National League for Nursing is the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. The NLN offers faculty development, networking opportunities, testing services, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its 30,000 individual and 1,200 institutional members who represent all types of nursing education programs.

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