Kevin Costner Narrates Film "Ever Again" Coming Dec 8 From Simon Wiesenthal Center On Violent Anti-Semitism In Europe By Muslim Extremists And Neo-Nazis

Kevin Costner Narrates Film "Ever Again" Coming Dec 8 From Simon Wiesenthal Center On Violent Anti-Semitism In Europe By Muslim Extremists And Neo-Nazis

New film EVER AGAIN opens Friday, Dec. 8 in some 20 US cities such as NY, LA, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, Phoenix, DC, St Louis, Denver. Film looks into resurgence of violent anti-Semitism by Muslim extremists and neo-Nazis in the UK, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands and France. Academy Award winning actor Kevin Costner narrates.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) December 5, 2006

EVER AGAIN, the new feature documentary by Moriah Films, a division of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, examines the current dangerous resurgence of violent anti-Semitism throughout Europe--spurred by the exhortations of angry Muslim Imams and neo-Nazis who openly urge murder and destruction to their rapidly growing army of followers. Opening at more than 20 screens in major U. S. cities (Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Washington DC) on December 8th, EVER AGAIN is narrated by Kevin Costner (winner of two Oscars™ for Dances With Wolves), directed and co-written by Richard Trank (Oscar winner for The Long Way Home) and produced and co-scripted by Simon Wiesenthal Center Founder and Dean Rabbi Marvin Hier (winner of two Oscars for Genocide and The Long Way Home).

In France, Germany, Belgium, U. K. and The Netherlands, EVER AGAIN speaks not only with the victims of violent anti-Semitism but also with the perpetrators and the agitators behind suicide bombings, physical attacks, desecrations of synagogues and Jewish cemeteries and threats against both Jews and moderate Moslems who oppose violence. Religious, community, political and government leaders interviewed in the film suggest that anti-Semitism now comes from both the far right and the extreme left.

"People who watch EVER AGAIN will be very disturbed, as I was, to see how resurgent anti-Semitism has pretty much taken over Europe," said writer/director Trank. "Filming undercover, we learned that neo-Nazi rallies and concerts--attended by thousands of impressionable German, French, Dutch and Belgian young people--feature speeches and song lyrics spewing hatred and urging violence against Jews. And I was shocked to discover that The National Democratic Party, a successor to Hitler's Nazi Party, has attained sizable minorities in a lot of local governments."

EVER AGAIN shows how Islamic fanatics who were expelled from Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon, among other Middle Eastern countries, for their Moslem extremist activities, have gained political asylum in Britain, where they openly preach race hatred against Jews, Christians and Hindus. One of the Imams profiled in the film has been directly linked to the suicide bombers behind the terrorist attacks in London and Madrid that killed 243 innocent people and injured thousands.

"I was very disturbed to see the amount of fear the Jewish communities of Western Europe are living under--due both to physical violence from neo-Nazis and Islamic fanatics," Trank added. "They are literally afraid to appear in the streets of Antwerp, Paris, Amsterdam or London wearing yarmulkes or religious jewelry. Tragically, young Jews told us that the situation has become so bad that they no longer see a safe future for themselves and their families in their own countries."

The film also reveals how hatred of Jews has created a strange and dangerous nexus between Islamic extremists and neo-Nazis--who oppose each other on most issues.

Rabbi Marvin Hier, dean and founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, said, "The most frightening thing for me about EVER AGAIN is looking into the eyes of the perpetrators and hearing them talk about their hatred of America and the Jews and about their plans for murder, mayhem and ultimate world domination by their extreme brand of Islamic fundamentalism.

"I fear that we haven't seen anything yet. When these suicide bombers and terrorists catch up with technology--and the new, potent biological, chemical and nuclear weapons--9 /11 will seem like child's play."

Political and religious leaders interviewed in EVER AGAIN suggest that some of the ways to curb neo-Nazi and Islamic extremist anti-Semitism are education, removing the conditions of poverty and unemployment that breed youthful discontent and a willingness to take strong action against those who preach violence and destruction. Several interviewees stress the importance of fostering and supporting moderate Moslems.

"In Paris, we spoke with a young political activist who said it is difficult for Moslem moderates to be outspoken in France, because the extremists will attack them and their families," Trank reported. "But he refused to let that scare him away, because he wants sane Moslems to win the day, rather than the extremists."

Kevin Costner, who narrates EVER AGAIN, won best director and best picture Academy Awards™ (and was nominated as best actor) for 1990s Dances With Wolves--which also earned him a dozen other major honors in five countries. Costner earned best actor Golden Globes for JFK and Tin Cup and other major awards for The Upside of Anger and Open Range.

In addition to producing Moriah Films' The Long Way Home, which took the best feature documentary Academy Award in 1998, Richard Trank wrote and directed Moriah Films' In Search of Peace, Unlikely Heroes, Beautiful Music, EVER AGAIN and I Have Never Forgotten You: The Life and Legacy of Simon Wiesenthal, which will be released in 2007.

Moriah Films, the documentary film division of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, also produced the 1981 Oscar-winning best feature documentary Genocide (narrated by Elizabeth Taylor and Orson Wells); 1991's Echoes that Remain (a loving portrait of Easter European Jewry before the Holocaust, narrated by Martin Landau and Miriam Margolyes) and 1995's Liberation (narrated by Ben Kingsley, Patrick Stewart and Whoopi Goldberg).

In 1977, Rabbi Marvin Hier created the Simon Wiesenthal Center and its famed Museum of Tolerance. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the Center maintains offices in New York, Toronto, Palm Beach, Paris, Buenos Aires and Jerusalem. One of the world's leading Jewish human rights organizations, it has a constituency of more than 400,000 families and is highly active in the fields of social action, education and defending the rights and promoting the safety of Jewish people.

EVER AGAIN was directed by Richard Trank, produced by Rabbi Marvin Hier and written by Richard Trank and Rabbi Marvin Hier; Jeffrey Victor was the cinematographer. Multi-Emmy and Grammy winner Lee Holdridge composed and conducted the score. U. S distributor is Rocky Mountain Pictures; international distribution by Cinema Management Group. The film runs 73 minutes and is not currently MPAA-rated. For information on the movie, Moriah Films, Rabbi Hier or the Simon Wiesenthal Center: http://www. wiesenthal. com (http://www. wiesenthal. com).

Media Contacts:

Charlie Barrett, The Barrett Company Communications, 310-471-5764

Or Simon Wiesenthal Center, Public Relations Dept., 310-553 9036

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Learning Resources Offers Tips on Starting the School Year Off Right

Learning Resources Offers Tips on Starting the School Year Off Right

Switching gears from the relaxing pace of summer to the hectic back-to-school routine isn't always easy. Learning Resources, Inc., a manufacturer of hands-on educational products for the home and classroom, offers some practical tips for getting families back into the school mode.

Vernon Hills, IL (PRWEB) September 6, 2007

Switching gears from the relaxing pace of summer to the hectic back-to-school routine isn't always easy. Learning Resources, Inc., a manufacturer of hands-on educational products for the home and classroom, offers some practical tips for getting families back into the school mode.
 Determine what the homework rules will be and clearly communicate those rules to all students in the family. Take into account that children, depending on age and personality, are different in their approach to homework.  Create a homework space that is private and away from distractions. Make sure each student has their own space.  Reduce morning chaos by getting things (e. g. clothing, permission slips, etc.) organized the night before. Give children a sense of time by using a timer like the Time Tracker® Visual Timer and Clock. The colors on the clock let them know how much time they have left for each morning task, and sounds will let them know when the colors change.  Play games or activities that enable children to reinforce the academic skills they are learning in school. Make up games or play ready-made games, like Learning Resources' Alphaball™ Scrambled Word Game, to reinforce skills.  To better manage family time, have a centralized place for family calendars, schedules, homework due dates, etc. This is the go-to spot to find information on responsibilities and activities for your busy students.  Get to know your student's teachers and communicate with them regularly.

For more tips on helping your children have a successful school year, visit LearningResources. com/getinvolved (http://www. learningresources. com/category/id/102293.do? KickerID=100751&KICKER)

About Learning Resources
Learning Resources is a leading manufacturer of innovative, hands-on educational materials for classrooms and learning toys for the home. For more than 20 years, educators and parents have trusted the company as a source for quality, award-winning educational products in language, math, science and early childhood. Headquartered in Vernon Hills, Ill., Learning Resources markets and distributes its products to over 80 countries around the globe. For more information about Learning Resources, visit www. LearningResources. com

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Strategy Runner Launches a New Suite of Trading Tournaments

Strategy Runner Launches a New Suite of Trading Tournaments

Strategy Runner now offers hosted, customizable, trading competitions to its partner brokers and the active trading community.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) July 29, 2009

Strategy Runner Ltd, the pioneer and leader in advanced trading solutions for active, professional traders, announces the launch of its trading competition suite.

"Strategy Runner is pleased to launch our trading competitions. These competitions enable excellent traders to distinguish themselves on Strategy Runner's best-in-class technology and, most importantly, fun." said Yakov Becker, CEO of Strategy Runner. "With our new suite of customizable trading competitions, brokers can bring the excitement of trading to their clientele in an exciting, safe, yet potentially lucrative demo environment." He continues "traders experience live trading excitement on the premier trading platform for active traders. Traders use live data feeds, real contracts, with real money management constraints. Moreover, we inject more fun with real time posting of results on a tournament website, chat pages for traders to share and knock each other and, most exciting, valuable prizes!"

Strategy Runner is the first to bring this powerful and enjoyable trading opportunity to traders and brokers. This is another in a string Strategy Runner's compelling innovations for traders. In 2001, Strategy Runner launched its trading platform with its unique server-based architecture that has earned it world-wide accolades for its functionality, speed and intuitive design. Drawn by the low latency of this technology design, execution quality, professional traders have continued to 'trade up' to Strategy Runner.

Strategy Runner continues to widen the gap vs. other trading solutions, setting the standard with its features and functionality. The Strategy Runner trading platform provides professional, customizable charting package, an all-inclusive analytics package complete with 100s of technical indicators, leading money management features including trade-outs & scale outs. The trading competition is another forum for new traders to experience the power of Strategy Runner's trading platform. To start is simple: a simple download and login, and even the most novice of traders are competing in no time. http://www. strategyxchange. com/Tournaments/T1/index. htm (http://www. strategyxchange. com/Tournaments/T1/index. htm)

"Our server-based architecture enables us to deliver trading solutions that competitors can't. We are able to execute, monitor and report trades instantaneously with our server-based architecture. This infrastructure gives traders the advantage as we remove trade execution's 'last leg latency' and client side technical 'hiccup's'" Said Jake Levant, Strategy Runner's Vice President.

Now, our same infrastructure allows us to bring another innovation to active traders. "Strategy Runner's trading tournament suite brings the excitement of trading to the active trading community. It is an opportunity for traders to test-drive the advanced trading platform, have fun and potentially, win prizes".

Since its launch last week, Strategy Runner has fielded dozens of requests from partners to host trading competitions. Competitions are tailored to the specific partner needs including: competition timeline, language, contracts traded, individual vs. team competitions, strategy vs. discretionary trading and more. Strategy Runner provides the technological tournament infrastructure while partner educational or brokerage firms co-host the trading competitions.

About Strategy Runner, LTD Founded in 1999, Strategy Runner, LTD (www. strategyrunner. com) is the benchmark for automated trading solutions for active traders. Strategy Runner offers its platform complete with its professional charting package, advanced analytics tools, system development and trade simulation. Strategy Runner offers its multi-asset platform through hundreds of brokerage firms worldwide.

Strategy Runner continues to set the benchmark for trading innovation through its extensive development teams. Strategy Runner LTD is based in Chicago, IL with global presence spanning Toronto, Moscow, Tel Aviv, Singapore and Rome.

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Hi-Tech U. S. Military Tool Used for Native American Language Revitalization Efforts

Hi-Tech U. S. Military Tool Used for Native American Language Revitalization Efforts

Thornton Media, Inc. ( http://www. ndntv. com ) is the only language tool company in the world devoted to Native American Languages.

Banning, CA (PRWEB) January 23, 2006

Several generations of American Indians from the 1930s to the 1970s were sent to U. S. Government boarding schools where they were not allowed to speak their native languages. Native students of that era who spoke their language were severely punished.

"My mother was part of thatvboarding school era where Indian kids were made to be ashamed to be Indian," said Cherokee businessman, Don

Thornton. Now Thornton uses U. S. Government technology to revitalize the native languages that were decimated during that era.

The revolutionary Phraselator P2, developed by defense contractor Voxtec International in the aftermath of 9/11, is a handheld unit that allows the user to instantly translate spoken English words and phrases into any Native language. "Phraselator holds tens or thousands of phrases, words and songs in one machine. You can hold your entire language in the palm of your hand," said Thornton. Since early 2005, dozens of Native speakers have begun recording their languages onto the hi-tech machines. Many are among the last speakers of their languages.

"After I played with it I cried. This will help save our language," said Jane Dumas, a Kumeyaay elder from Southern California.

Thornton Media, Inc. is the only language tool company in the world devoted to Native Languages. Recently they announced their move into the international market with the addition of six Canadian Reserves to their tribal client list of 30 tribes. A consortium of Blackfeet Tribes in Alberta purchased 28 Phraselator units for language revitalization. "This is a very interesting tool with tremendous potential. It has the ability to focus on our language and how precise it is," said Keith Weasel Head, from the Kainai Board of Education in Alberta, Canada.

In the launching of the product, TMI has provided on-site training to native language teachers and speakers in widespread areas of North America at minimal costs, often barely making a profit due to travel costs. They have traveled mainly to reservations in California, Oklahoma, Montana, North Carolina, Alaska and Canada to record with often the last native speakers of their languages.

During their journeys, many heart warming stories were told. "I have been waiting for such a tool all my life. Phraselator is what I need," said Terry Brokie, a Gros Vente language teacher in Montana. "It is a great tool that can give us our whole world in our hand," said Ken Tuffy Helpeson, a Nakota language teacher in Montana.

"It's ironic," said Thornton, "that this tool, created by the US Government may help to save the languages that they attempted to wipe out for generations. With Phraselator tribes can now have full control over their languages without the help of outsiders. TMI don't own a database of the recordings of any tribe. The only one I own was recorded by my grandma, Lucinda Robbins, a master speaker of Cherokee."

Don Thornton (Cherokee), a filmmaker in Southern California founded TMI in 1996 to create positive images of American Indians. Thornton is a former Indian journalist who also worked in social services for many years. He created and ran the cutting-edge American Indian Clubhouse in Los Angeles (from 1996 - 99), an after-school program for Indian kids in LA, which the National Indian Review referred to as a "bright shining light in urban Indian Country." An interest in neuroscience and brain development led Thornton to adapt hi-tech language products to Native languages.

For more information, please contact

Don & Kara Thornton

USA +1 818.406.3555

Thornton Media Inc. - http://www. ndntv. com (http://www. ndntv. com)

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Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau to Award Hospitality Scholarships to Local Students

Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau to Award Hospitality Scholarships to Local Students

With all that's going up, including the cost of an education, the Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau announced today that, for the first time in the organization's 23-years of service to this coastal California community, it will award up to 3 college scholarships to students who are in pursuit of a post-secondary degree in hospitality and tourism management.

Carlsbad, California (PRWEB) June 3, 2008

With all that's going up, including the cost of an education, the Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau announced today that, for the first time in the organization's 23-years of service to this coastal California community, it will award up to 3 college scholarships to students who are in pursuit of a post-secondary degree in hospitality and tourism management.

"These scholarships are a long time coming," commented Kurt Burkhart, the bureau's Executive Director. "Our desire has always been to do this in partnership, and we feel fortunate to have found a partner with the San Diego County Board of Supervisors and, to the best of our knowledge, we'll be the first tourism bureau in San Diego County to directly award cash scholarships to students."

A year ago the Carlsbad CVB applied for, and was awarded, $2,000 by the County, and the bureau will match that amount by another $2,000. Of that, three scholarships will be presented to students who are selected in a competitive review by local tourism officials.
Finalists will receive their scholarships at an awards recognition luncheon in October.

Nancy Nayudu, board chairwoman for the Carlsbad CVB and owner of the Pelican Cove Inn, reflected on the importance of today's announcement. "This industry (hospitality and tourism)
Is incredibly important to many, many communities in our country as evidenced of jobs that were created in 2007 and into this year that were largely in the hospitality industry," she said. "We have this opportunity to give back to our community in a small way that will make a huge difference in the lives of so many, including the recipients of these scholarships." She also expressed gratitude to San Diego County 5th District Supervisor, Bill Horn, for helping to make this year's scholarships possible.

On June 9, the bureau will again speak before the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to seek funding to support additional scholarships that can be awarded next year. "We view this as a win-win for everyone," Burkhart said as to why this program has such widespread support. "There is no better way to achieve success through this program than by having a partnership where mutual benefit is achieved."

There are residency and other mandatory requirements that need to be met before an application will be considered, such as having a minimum GPA of 3.0, San Diego County residency and the submission of a 500-word essay. Applicants may be asked to meet with the review committee, with a final decision by August.

Application deadline to the Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau is July 15, 2008.

For more information, prospective applicants can call (800) CARLSBAD or write to the Carlsbad Convention and Visitors Bureau, Attn: Scholarship Application, 400 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008. Applications are also available for download online at www. visitcarlsbad. com.

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BabyCrazy and Brainy Baby Announce New Partnership - Launches with BabyCrazy's Summer Catalog Featuring Brainy Baby Educational Products - To Keep Learning All Summer Long While Traveling or At Home

BabyCrazy and Brainy Baby Announce New Partnership - Launches with BabyCrazy's Summer Catalog Featuring Brainy Baby Educational Products - To Keep Learning All Summer Long While Traveling or At Home

Parents looking for fun, educaitolnal products to take along on summer vacation can look to Brainy Baby and their new partnership with BabyCraze, a leading at-home party sales planning company.

Atlanta (PRWEB) April 8, 2008

Traveling with children this summer will be a lot easier thanks to the unique new partnership between BabyCrazy, a leading at-home party planning sales company, and Brainy Baby®, producer of award-winning media products for kids.

The new partnership will allow Brainy Baby® products to be distributed by BabyCrazy sales representatives through catalogs and in the homes of customers. Brainy Baby products will be introduced into the BabyCrazy Catalog for the first time this summer and will include DVDs, books, games and more--perfect for keeping early learners occupied during vacation travel.

As both a pioneer and leader in educational media for young children, Brainy Baby® has grown from a simple video series to a product line that now includes books, puzzles, toys, games and more. Due to the educational nature of the line, Brainy Baby® products are most effective when parents use them along with their child. The urge for parent-child interaction is what makes the BabyCrazy sales model so advantageous for Brainy Baby® products - BabyCrazy sales representatives will now be able to demonstrate the products to customers at the homes of hostesses during BabyCrazy parties.

Brainy Baby plans to include a larger variety of product in the upcoming BabyCrazy catalog due out this fall.

"By allowing our products to go direct to the consumer through the BabyCrazy sales representatives, we can distribute to an audience that can take full advantage of all the educational features of our products", says Dennis Fedoruk, President of Brainy Baby. "Demonstrating the products in the home provides a unique setting that cannot always be found in retail stores."

BabyCrazy offers unique products for families with children from birth to age 4.

The company was founded in 2002 and has seen significant growth in the past 5 years. From a sales staff of 2, it has grown to over 330 in 48 states around the country. BabyCrazy prides itself on its unique and flexible sales representative program coupled with outstanding customer service.

"We're so excited to offer Brainy Baby products to customers through our sales representatives. Our customers appreciate educational products that provide a great value for their busy families, and Brainy Baby certainly fills that need", says Lee Fritts, President of BabyCrazy.

Brainy Baby products will first be available through BabyCrazy sales representatives beginning May 1. A full line of Brainy Baby products will be distributed through BabyCrazy beginning September 1st when BabyCrazy introduces its 2008-2009 catalog.

For more information on Brainy Baby, contact Nicole Buffone at 678-762-1100 or nicole @ brainybaby. com. For more information on BabyCrazy, contact Jen Rivaldo at 866-420-8989 or jrivaldo @ babycrazy. com.

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Personal Security and Identity Theft Expert Says Regulators Are Right in Wanting Banks to Adopt Identity Theft Prevention Programs to Protect Customers

Personal Security and Identity Theft Expert Says Regulators Are Right in Wanting Banks to Adopt Identity Theft Prevention Programs to Protect Customers

The FDIC proposed new requirements last week for banks’ handling of identity theft. Robert Siciliano, personal security and identity theft expert, predicted that the measures would help to precipitate a rebound in consumers’ confidence regarding the security of their financial information.

Boston, Massachusetts (PRWEB) July 28, 2006

The FDIC, along with a number of other federal agencies, proposed new requirements last week for banks’ handling of identity theft. The rules, according to a joint press release from these agencies, aim to provide consumers with identity theft protection heretofore nonexistent. Robert Siciliano, personal security and identity theft expert, predicted that the measures, if implemented, would precipitate a rebound in consumers’ confidence regarding the security of their financial information.

“I don’t blame consumers for their fears,” said Siciliano, who presents workshops to Fortune 500 companies nationwide and is president of IDTheftSecurity. com. “Thanks to the thieves who have stolen data from huge companies like ChoicePoint Inc., Bank of America, and others, we have learned a lot. We’ve learned, slowly but surely—and painfully—over the past few years just how lax industry has been in securing our financial information.”

Author of “The Safety Minute: 01” and president of IDTheftSecurity. com, Siciliano provides consumer education solutions to Fortune 500 companies and their clients. Siciliano discussed identity theft on CNBC’s “On the Money” multiple times in January and, recently, on NBC’s “Today Show.”

The agencies announced that they will solicit comments through mid-September on their Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). As the release stated, the NPRM would require financial institutions to develop and implement identity theft prevention programs for account openings and existing accounts.

“It’s about time we heard about proposed government rules with real teeth to prevent identity theft,” said Siciliano. “Slow to react to the problem of identity theft, many industries have been anything but proactive, leaving consumers to fend for themselves.”

Among the measures to be implemented, red flags would call attention to suspicious account activity. Also, credit card and debit card issuers would need to use more scrutiny in processing new cards for customers who had recently filed change of address requests. According to reports, while some banks already have similar measures in place, much of this has probably been in anticipation of the FDIC’s current NPRM.

“These are simple measures, and we ought to be able to expect them from the banking industry,” Siciliano concluded. “And while we can applaud any institution that carries them on their own volition, we can never underestimate the power of government to encourage appropriate behavior in the marketplace.”

Identity theft affects us all, which is why Robert Siciliano, president of IDTheftSecurity. com, makes it his mission to provide consumer education solutions on identity theft to Fortune 500 companies and their clients. A leader of personal safety and security seminars nationwide, Siciliano has been featured on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, “The Suze Orman Show,” “ABC News with Sam Donaldson,” “The Montel Williams Show,” “Maury Povich,” “Sally Jesse Raphael,” and “The Howard Stern Show.”

The media may reach Siciliano at 1 (888) SICILIANO (742-4542). Visit his Web site, www. IDTheftSecurity. com, or his blog, www. IDTheftSecurity. blogspot. com. Siciliano’s full contact information follows:

Robert Siciliano

Personal Security Expert

PHONE: 888-SICILIANO (742-4542)

FAX: 877-2-FAX-NOW (232-9669)

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

The media are encouraged to get in touch with Siciliano directly. They may also contact:

Brent W. Skinner, President

STETrevisions

PHONE: 617-875-4859

FAX: 866-663-6557

Http://www. STETrevisions. biz (http://www. STETrevisions. biz)

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Partnering to Enhance Consumer Safety with Residential Fire Sprinklers

Partnering to Enhance Consumer Safety with Residential Fire Sprinklers

Over 2,500 people die in home fires in the U. S. every year. If fire sprinklers had been installed in these homes, many of these lives would have been saved. Three well-respected leaders in fire prevention and safety are teaming up to ensure contractors who install these live-safety systems in homes are well trained and accredited.

Whittier, CA (PRWEB) April 19, 2010

More than 3,000 people in the U. S. lose their lives each year to fires and 84% of those who die do so in their home. While smoke alarms provide an early warning signal of smoke or fire, sprinklers installed in ceilings respond to fires while they are still small, controlling the spread of deadly heat, flames and toxic smoke, as well as saving valuable property. The 2009 International Residential Code (IRC) provides a provision that requires newly constructed one - and two-family houses to include the installation of life-saving fire sprinkler systems, designed to dramatically reduce the number of injuries and deaths in the home caused by fires.

To address the huge upswing in demand for professionals who are accredited to install residential fire sprinkler systems driven by these new regulations, The Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE), the International Code Council (http://www. iccsafe. org) (ICC), and the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) have signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding that includes the creation of a new Commission for the Accreditation for Dwelling Fire Sprinkler Contractors. Using the CPSE accreditation model, many additional stakeholders will be brought together to form this newly formed commission to jointly develop programs for accreditation, leveraging their collective knowledge, provisions and expertise.

Although this initiative originated with three important and respected organizations, all construction professionals are encouraged to lend their support to help evolve and grow this life-saving initiative. The collective participation of the construction community will ensure that the industry is fully trained and qualified.

The timing of this agreement couldn’t be better: approved fire sprinkler systems will be required in all one - and two-family dwellings constructed after the 2009 IRC is adopted or on January 1, 2011, whichever is later.

While there are professionals who are well trained to install commercial fire sprinklers, the demand for qualified residential sprinkler contractors is growing at a tremendous rate. Given the dependence on the life-saving benefits of fire sprinklers in residential properties, it is imperative that there is a system to ensure quality installation.

The program will ensure that the entire industry has access to a superior level of training and have taken the ICC Residential Fire Sprinkler Design and Installation Exam, which is critical to enable construction projects to be completed on schedule and ensure quality installation. These highly qualified contractors will be accredited by a well respected, nationally recognized organization. This will provide home buyers, contractors and fire and life safety agencies with an added sense of security in knowing these fire sprinkler systems will be properly designed and installed.

For more information on this new accreditation program, IRC fire sprinkler code provisions, or about fire prevention and safety, contact ICC’s PMG Group at 1-888-ICC-SAFE, x4PMG or pmgresourcecenter(at)iccsafe(dot)org.

The Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE) is dedicated to helping local public safety agencies worldwide to streamline and improve services to their communities. Through its individual commissions, CPSE provides a host of programs, including accreditation and education programs for fire and emergency service agencies and professional designations. Visit publicsafetyexcellence. org.

The International Code Council (ICC) publishes building safety, energy efficiency and fire prevention codes that are used in the construction of residential and commercial buildings. Most U. S. cities, counties and states choose the I-Codes based on their outstanding quality. The ICC’s Plumbing, Mechanical and Fuel Gas (PMG) Group is devoted exclusively to providing PMG products and support. Contact the PMG Group at 1-888-ICC-SAFE, x4PMG or visit iccsafe. org.

Established in 1905, the National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA) is the voice of the fire sprinkler industry. NFSA leads the drive to get life-saving fire sprinklers into all buildings, provides support and resources for its members—fire sprinkler contractors, manufacturers and suppliers, and educates authorities having jurisdiction of fire control matters. Headquartered in Patterson, N. Y., NFSA has regional operations offices nationwide. Visit www. nfsa. org].

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New Agreement Puts "Rustle the Leaf" Environmental Comics in Sierra Club Print Publications

New Agreement Puts "Rustle the Leaf" Environmental Comics in Sierra Club Print Publications

The Sierra Club has signed a print agreement with the producers of "Rustle the Leaf" environmental comics. The agreement grants limited print rights to all Sierra Club chapter and group publications, including newsletters and magazines.

Ridgefield, CT (PRWEB) October 6, 2005

GO NATUR'L STUDIOS, LLC., producer of the acclaimed environmental comic strip "Rustle the Leaf," announced today the signing of an agreement with the Sierra Club (national), which grants all Sierra Club chapter and group publications limited print rights to the weekly comic series. The agreement caps a remarkable first year for the satirical, often poignant comic feature, which continues to build an enthusiastic following among environmentally concerned individuals and organizations in the US and abroad.

Since its online launch in November of 2004, Rustle the Leaf has created environmental education content for the State of Vermont, has been featured on Air America Radio's "Ecotalk with Betsy Rosenberg," in Better Nutrition Magazine, at Grist online, and has been named weekly comic feature at the web site for Orion, the publication called "America's finest environmental magazine" by the Boston Globe. The comic strip also links to over 40 Sierra Club Chapters and Groups, as well as 100 other like-minded web sites.

According to creator and co-writer Dave Ponce, Rustle the Leaf comics are being embraced by the leaders of the environmental movement because they offer something unique: brevity. "Environmentalists have to provide copious amounts of detail as context for their warnings and concerns," says Ponce. "For mainstream media outlets and for most consumers, anything beyond a 'sound bite' is too much information. Rustle comics deliver environmental themes and truths in 10 or 15 seconds--with the kind of poignancy and humor that gets people on all sides of the debate smiling and thinking," says Ponce.

Together with the strip's artist and co-writer--critically acclaimed, nationally syndicated cartoonist Dan Wright--Ponce creates a world in which human nature and behavior impact the lives of a truly inspired cast of characters. They are a sagacious leaf (Rustle), a trash-talking acorn sprout (Rooty), a know-it-all water drop (Paige) and a downtrodden dandelion seed (Dandy). The comic strip is published weekly, and a Classroom Comic is often produced as part of the Rustle the Leaf monthly lesson plan series, available as a free download at the comic's web site.

The Sierra Club, America's oldest, largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, has hundreds of state and regional chapter and group entities, many of which publish newsletters or magazines. With the signing of the new agreement, Sierra Club print publication editors will choose from the growing library of "Rustle" comics, which deal with such topics as global warming, petroleum distillates, SUVs, urban sprawl, factory farms, ocean pollution, genetically modified organisms, chlorine-bleached paper and more.

For more information, contact Dave Ponce via email at the Rustle the Leaf web site, or contact Jenny Coyle at Sierra Club, 85 Second Street, 2nd Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105.

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Childhood Obesity Institute Symposium at Children’s National Medical Center Zeroes in on the Importance of Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Curb Childhood Obesity

Childhood Obesity Institute Symposium at Children’s National Medical Center Zeroes in on the Importance of Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Curb Childhood Obesity

More than one hundred pediatricians, researchers, policy experts, and other stakeholders from around the Washington, DC, region, gathered on Thursday, May 20, 2010 at Children’s National Medical Center to discuss the importance of community-wide involvement in any program designed to combat childhood obesity.

Washington, DC (Vocus) May 28, 2010

More than one hundred pediatricians, researchers, policy experts, and other stakeholders from around the Washington, DC, region, gathered on Thursday, May 20, 2010 at Children’s National Medical Center to discuss the importance of community-wide involvement in any program designed to combat childhood obesity. Presenters at the Obesity Institute Symposium, organized through the Children’s National Obesity Institute, focused on the current and future clinical, advocacy, research, and education efforts underway, particularly those aimed at helping the children of the nation’s capital, who have higher rates of obesity than seen around the country.

“The saying ‘It takes a village’ is absolutely true when it comes to childhood obesity,” said Evan Nadler, MD, co-director of the Obesity Institute. “To make an impact, we need the entire community—from doctors and researchers to policymakers, industry, the private sector, community leaders, schools, teachers, and families—all working together, to help these kids now.”

The Symposium built on the recent local and national discussions around childhood obesity through presentations focused on barriers to success and the qualities of successful programs.

Presentations included:
Nazrat Mirza, MD, presented the successes and challenges of her full-scale clinical-based program at Children’s National. As with many other diet and exercise interventions, the rate of adherence is difficult for families to maintain over a long period of time after frequent doctor visits taper off. She underscored the importance of early int7rvention and linking clinical interventions to community supports that can help families sustain the effort required for healthy lifestyles. Joseph Wright, MD, MPH, on how academic medical centers, like Children’s National, can serve as a voice for the most vulnerable populations, including children. Anita Chandra, DrPH, a lead investigator on the Children’s commissioned RAND Pediatric Health Needs in Washington, DC, report, highlighted some of the access challenges for many residents of Washington, DC, including: few grocery stores, the large number of food carryouts that lack healthy options in urban neighborhoods, and the lack of places for children to exercise safely in inner-city areas. An assessment of current policy, and the next steps to move forward, from Christine Ferguson, JD, of George Washington University. Examples of how behavior modification models, when properly targeted can have a significant impact if applied early on in life. Marian Tanofsky-Kraff, PhD, of the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, presented an intervention that helps curb binge eating in childhood to prevent the establishment of this eating disorder before it becomes an ingrained habit.

In keeping with the mission of the Children’s National Obesity Institute, attendees were challenged by speakers to engage at all levels, starting with providing effective and accessible care to families, researching comprehensive solutions, educating the community about how to have an impact, and advocating for policies that will reinforce the importance of healthy lifestyles.

"This symposium captured the spirit of the national 'Let's Move' campaign by recognizing that good health is much more than simply health care. Successfully contending with childhood obesity requires that the best scientific evidence on weight control informs clinical practice but also that public policy and community programs reinforce these best practices," said Michele Mietus-Snyder, MD, also a co-director of the Obesity Institute. "Parents need the empowerment and energy that accompanies good health, which increases with every healthy change they make for their families. Medical professionals, together with the community, can help families get this message."

View the full list of speakers, topics, and selected presentations from the day’s discussion

Contact: Jennifer Leischer or Emily Dammeyer, 202-476-4500

Children’s National Medical Center, located in Washington, DC, is a leader in the development of innovative new treatments for childhood illness and injury. Children’s has been serving the nation’s children for more than 135 years. Children’s National is consistently ranked among the best pediatric hospitals by U. S.News & World Report and the Leapfrog Group. For more information, visit http://www. ChildrensNational. org. Children’s Research Institute, the academic arm of Children’s National Medical Center, encompasses the translational, clinical, and community research efforts of the institution. Learn more about Children’s Research Institute at http://www. ChildrensNational. org/Research.

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World Renowned MLM Trainer Tim Sales Releasing A Critical New Addition To A Training Product Lineup Very Soon

World Renowned MLM Trainer Tim Sales Releasing A Critical New Addition To A Training Product Lineup Very Soon

With production and market testing completed, Tim Sales will be announcing the arrival of his new flagship product, Professional Presenter™. With the anticipated release date within the next couple of weeks, the team at FirstClassMLMTools. com is excited to finally bring this new MLM training product to the market.

Provo, UT (PRWEB) February 14, 2010

After recognizing a critical need and completing production, world class Network Marketing Business Trainer Tim Sales is releasing a flagship product to his already popular lineup very soon. This product will be released in the first week of March to the public, along with some exclusive free downloads, as part of a special new product celebration through the end of February.

Tim Sales has titled this new release Professional Presenter. It is a complete video, audio, and workbook style home-study course focused on the topic of opportunity and product presentation to a prospect. Tim said this about the upcoming release:

"This long awaited release of Professional Presenter is a very exciting process thus far. The addition of this home study course should more comprehensively round out the product selection at FirstClassMLMTools. com."

A continually growing series of free audio downloads will also be available on an ongoing basis at the main website up to the release date of Professional Presenter early in March. The entire team at FirstClassMLMTools. com is excited for this new release, and looks forward to continually delivering on the promise of being The Professional Standard For MLM Business-Building Tools And Education.

Tim Sales loves Network Marketing, both as an industry and as a way of making an honest living through multiple streams of passive income. FirstClassMLMTools. com is yours. Use it to your advantage. Tim has developed tools such as Brilliant Compensation, Professional Inviter, and the upcoming Professional Presenter so you can successfully invite prospects to learn more about your business and to quickly build your downline. All are a product of Tim's own personal triumphs.

Tim Sales also continually shops the industry, carefully selecting affordable tools he believes can be of significant value to you. He is a hard man to please, so rest assured, what you find at FirstClassMLMTools. com is the best you’ll find anywhere.

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ZIPCodeWorld. com Releases United States and Canada Store Locator. NET Web Control

ZIPCodeWorld. com Releases United States and Canada Store Locator. NET Web Control

ZIPCodeWorld. com is proud to announce the release of United States and Canada Web Store Locator. NET Control to all Web developers and Web designers

Florida (PRWEB) March 15, 2006

ZIPCodeWorld. com is proud to announce the release of United States and Canada Web Store Locator. NET Control to all Web developers and Web designers. ZIPCodeWorld™ Store Locator. NET is a store locator control for all. NET developers. Your own United States or Canada store locator service can be up and running within minutes with just a few simple installation steps. The service is hosted in your own dedicated or shared Web server live 24 x 7.

Http://www. zipcodeworld. com/storelocatordotnet. htm (http://www. zipcodeworld. com/storelocatordotnet. htm)

ZIPCodeWorld™ Store Locator. NET provides a drag-and-drop control for ASP. NET projects. Use ZIPCodeWorld Store Locator. NET to add a geographic searcher for local business, organizational, branch locations, event locations and more to any web site - all with just a few mouse clicks! The ZIPCodeWorld Store Locator. NET provides a vital link between the virtual world of the web and the physical world of "brick and mortar" business locations.

ZIPCodeWorld Store Locator. NET Features

Secure Administrator Control Panel Limit Results by Radius and Records Display General Store Details and Custom Fields Sort Results by Distance, Names and City Support United States and Canada Postal Code Bulk Store/Dealer Batch Import Support MapQuest® / Yahoo® / Google® Location Maps & Directions Support Miles and Kilometers Measurement Support Preferred or Hidden Stores Support. NET Framework 1.1 and 2.0 Support Access, MS-SQL or mySQL database connection Drag and Drop ASP. NET Control Fully Customizable Interface

About Us

ZIPCodeWorld. com, the global leader in postal code service industry, provides a wide range of US, Canada and Mexico postal code and area code database and software to all customers. The company is the leading provider of postal code information to small businesses worldwide.

ZIPCodeWorld. com provides comprehensive ZIP Code products, solutions and services for more than 5,000 companies around the world ranging from some of the world's largest corporate enterprises in Fortune 500, government agencies and higher education institutions, to small businesses and individuals.

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GSK Completes Successful Meeting Series Using ARI's PowerMeetings Services

GSK Completes Successful Meeting Series Using ARI's PowerMeetings Services

Attendee involvement helps meetings required compliance meetings achieve goals.

Research Triangle Park, NC (PRWEB) January 24, 2008

American Research Institute, Inc. (ARI) wrapped up the production of a series of PowerMeetings™ for GlaxoSmithKline in 2007. The meetings were held nationwide with key sales and management executives. ARI provided consulting and design services as well as all logistics, venue support, content development, and audio/video production for these events.

In advance of the meetings the ARI PowerMeeting™ team put in a great deal of preparation and rehearsal with the GSK presenters to make each meeting flow smoothly. The goal was to ensure that everyone was actively involved throughout the events and that their participation translated into learning. Each member of the audience was given a wireless response unit so they could provide immediate feedback to questions and scenarios posed throughout the event. This format created a highly engaging, interactive, and competitive environment for the attendees and presenters.

Barry Echols, Director of GSK Pharma Compliance said, "Compliance training is typically dry and tedious but the PowerMeetings format has taken this essential training to the next level and has even been called fun! ARI really has something here and we are very pleased with the results." Mr. Echols added: "ARI produced 12 PowerMeetings™ across the United States for GSK. In the process they helped us train over 90% of our management team, with close to 100% favorable feedback."

As one attendee commented, "I never realized Compliance Training could be this much fun!"

About American Research Institute
American Research Institute, Inc. ("ARI") is a leading provider of education and training services, allowing customers to achieve their maximum effectiveness through high-quality, educationally sound, and mission-critical training. ARI offers a wide range of services, from designing custom training solutions to full outsourcing of training divisions. ARI has a team of corporate education and training professionals providing superior training to both government agencies and commercial accounts.

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MG and the Stock Doctor / CollegeInvestors. com Student Portfolio Challenge Gives Students a Chance to Win a $1,000 Scholarship

MG and the Stock Doctor / CollegeInvestors. com Student Portfolio Challenge Gives Students a Chance to Win a $1,000 Scholarship

The MG and the Stock Doctor / CollegeInvestors. com Student Portfolio Challenge gives college students the chance to win a $1,000 scholarship for taking part in a simulated stock market game.

(PRWEB) July 13, 2001

For Immediate Release:

We at StockDr. com, Inc. would like to offer college students an opportunity to win a $1,000 scholarship and they donÂ’t even have to write a long, boring essay. This is something that is fun, educational and will give the winners and their college, national exposure.

All they have to do is enter the MG and the Stock Doctor / CollegeInvestors. com Student Portfolio Challenge. They will manage a $10,000 fantasy stock portfolio and have the chance to win a $1,000 scholarship to use for books, school or college living.

The contest begins Monday, September 10, 2001 and runs until Friday, December 7, 2001. Students will simulate buying and selling stocks with the intention of having the biggest portfolio at the end of contest. The winner will be announced on Monday, December 10 and will be featured on the nationally syndicated financial radio show with MG and the Stock Doctor.

All students are eligible and can join the contest at anytime at absolutely no cost! The longer you are in the contest, the better their chance of building more equity. The student with the biggest portfolio at the end of the contest is the winner of a $1,000 scholarship. More prizes will be announced for the 2nd – 5th place winners.

For additional information on the scholarship and contest, contact Ryan Totka at 888-855-2855 or email him at stockjock@stockdr. com.

Black Writers Alliance Announces 2001 Black Writers Reunion & Conference

Black Writers Alliance Announces 2001 Black Writers Reunion & Conference

Annoucement for the Black Writers Alliance 2001 Black Writers Reunion & Conference to be held August 3-5, 2001 in Dallas, Texas. The Black Writers Reunion and Conference is an annual gathering of creative minds, bodies and spirits in celebration of written expression, and commitment to the nurturing of black writers in furtherance of black literature. This weekend event offers a 50-Author Expo, the Authors' Reception, the Poets' Reception, more than 25 workshops, panel discussions, the inspirational Sunday brunch, and networking with writers, agents, editors, and publishers from all over the country.

(PRWEB) June 17, 2001

Dallas, TX – Building upon the success of the immensely popular inaugural Black Writers Reunion & Conference held in Atlanta in August 2000, the Black Writers Alliance will hold the 2001 Black Writers Reunion & Conference in Dallas, Texas, August 3-5, 2001. The 2001 Black Writers Reunion & Conference (BWRC) will once again be a gathering of some of the brightest voices in Black literature.

"We are thrilled to carry on the successful legacy of the first Black Writers Reunion & Conference by bringing our national touring literary event to Dallas this year," said Tia Shabazz, founder and executive director of the Black Writers Alliance (BWA), the organization sponsoring the event. "The BWA is dedicated to encouraging quality in African American literature and furthering our mission through educational, skill development, inspirational, and networking opportunities, both online and offline."

This yearÂ’s event promises to be a stellar occasion uniting writers of the African diaspora from all over the globe. Highlights of the 2001 Black Writers Reunion & Conference include the 50-Author Expo, featuring book readings and signings from a wide selection of writers; AuthorsÂ’ and PoetsÂ’ Receptions, including poetry readings; an Inspirational Sunday Brunch moderated by Norma Jarrett, author of Sunday Brunch; the Second Annual Gold Pen Awards Banquet, honoring the yearÂ’s best in Black literature and featuring the keynote address from Robert Fleming, author of The African American Writers Handbook; and over 25 workshops on writing, publishing, and marketing led by renowned literary talents such as Donna Hill (If I Could), Sharon Ewell Foster (Passing By Samaria), and editor Carol Taylor (Brown Sugar).

Registration for the 2001 Black Writers Reunion & Conference is currently open at the BWRC web site. Black Writers Alliance has negotiated special discount rates for 2001 BWRC attendees with American Airlines, the official conference airline carrier, and the Renaissance Dallas North Hotel, located near the prestigious Dallas Galleria.

For registration, travel, and additional information, visit the BWRC website at http://www. blackwriters. org/conference (http://www. blackwriters. org/conference).

About Black Writers Alliance

Founded in 1998, the Black Writers Alliance (BWA) is a 501(c)(3) Internet-based literary arts association which educates, informs, empowers, and supports Black writers of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama while promoting the Internet as a tool for research and fellowship. The premier online resource for writers of the African diaspora, BWA encourages quality in Black literature; honors excellence in literary artistry; and distributes resources and information on publishing, skill development, contests, fellowships, freelance and career writing opportunities to nearly 3,000 members and subscribers around the world. For more information, visit the web site at www. blackwriters. org.

NO STRAIN = NO PAIN Helping Young Musicians Play Without Discomfort

NO STRAIN = NO PAIN Helping Young Musicians Play Without Discomfort

The way a music student plays an instrument will have repercussions throughout life. Strain and pain don't need to be part of any training program. "Musicians without pain play better, concentrate better, and have better moods."

(PRWEB) November 22, 2003

NO STRAIN = NO PAIN

Helping Young Musicians Play Without Discomfort

Lynn Brice Rosen

This article first appeared in Washington Parent, November 2003.

Playing a musical instrument is one of the joys of growing up. The pleasure of music, the excitement of challenges met, the friendships made in the band or orchestra are among the fondest memories of many. But one of the memories rarely talked about is the discomfort, or pain, of musical training and performing.

Back in the 1960’s, Green Bay Packer football coach, Vince Lombardi, popularized the phrase: “No Pain, No Gain”. That concept may be appropriate for professional football players, but it is not at all useful or accurate for performing arts students who need highly refined movement capabilities all the time. Pain itself is a sign that something has gone wrong. Like the warning lights on your dashboard, pain is a signal to “pull over” and check things out.

Holding a musical instrument can call for movements that become lifelong contortions for some. Violinists, for example, must fold one arm in a particular way in order to hold the violin, while the other arm is folded in a different way for bowing. Their head is tilted to one side, and their eyes must constantly switch focus from the music to the conductor. Musicians don’t regard themselves as ‘musical athletes’, yet playing an instrument involves the entire body just as much as swinging a golf club does. Is your young musician’s entire body conditioned accurately enough to accommodate her musical activities?

Even if your child will never be a soloist with the National Symphony, the way she plays her instrument will have repercussions throughout her life. Responses to strain or pain generally produce maladaptive patterns. Because music making involves movement, any pain-response that brings about holding or ‘freezing’ a body area will make trouble.

Strain and pain donÂ’t need to be part of any training program. The chronic injuries that sideline performers and dash dreams are often the result of a lack of clear information about what the body can and cannot do. Sylvia Alimena, Music Director of the Brass of Peace Scholarship Program for high school students, reports that by the time she was 16 she was in pain all the time. Her trumpet teacher knew about it and was concerned, but he didnÂ’t have a clue about how to help her. Not telling her parents how she felt, she just kept practicing and playing as she always had. Fortunately, when she entered college, she discovered the Alexander Technique and all of its life-changing benefits

The Alexander Technique, a gentle, hands-on system of movement reeducation, can be found in major conservatories and universities throughout the world. Lessons are also available locally through private instructors. The Alexander Technique, like the Feldenkrais Method, deals with how the whole body moves---whether carrying a heavy backpack, playing a musical instrument, or singing. The principles, cueing instructions, and experiences of the Technique provide a lifelong approach to self care.

In each lesson, the teacher provides a guided process of musculoskeletal reorganization. Through a delicate interplay of hands-on contact and verbal cueing students develop and refine awareness of their movements as well as of their reactions. As the quality of their reactions alters, the quality of their movements shifts. They avoid reverting to their habits and change begins taking place on many levels, whether they have come for pain relief or performance enhancement.

“By honoring the way the body functions in training, rehearsing, and performing situations,” says Andrea Higgins, “students can give themselves the possibility of achieving higher levels of technical proficiency and artistry.” A Washington, DC movement educator, Higgins describes movement as “the center of human expression as well as the center of the learning process.” Director of MasterClassesDance, Higgins trains her performing arts students “to work more intelligently and with greater ease.” As her students experience how the human body functions to support and mobilize itself, they are gradually able to apply this information to the kinds of dynamic movement that they perform in classrooms and on stage.

Like students of the Alexander Technique, Higgins’ students discover that hard work can be transformed when inner and outer balance mirror each other. Their changes in musculoskeletal balance, quality of movement, and even of thinking begin to affect outcomes. Rather than trying too hard or “choking” at a critical moment, her students are able to rely on the freedom and power that come from their own balanced wholeness.

For todayÂ’s young musicians, these experiences can make a significant difference on the concert stage as well as in the classroom. The music training from your own youth isnÂ’t enough for 21st - century students. Music Educators know all too well that musical demands are greater now than they were even 20 years ago. Music of all types is played faster and most students encounter a greater range of composers than previous generations did. All of this takes place at the same time that young people have more complicated academic demands, busier social schedules, more volunteer hours, and bigger geographic areas to be covered in carpools. There is simply more to be done, and itÂ’s all got to be done more quickly.

How can you know whether your child is training or playing in pain? Besides asking your child, check with her teacher or conductor. An experienced teacher will know when a student is playing with unnecessary emotional tension or inefficient muscular effort. While parents may hear complaints about sore backs and necks, teachers are more likely to have heard comments about painful jaws, restricted wrist movements, or “clicking” shoulder joints.

Take time to sit with your child while looking at a simple skeletal sketch. This will give you the opportunity to determine the accuracy of her Body Map. Does the child with the sore neck and shoulders really know where her upper arm bone (humerus) meets the shoulder blade (scapula)? If she thinks that humerus and scapula are one piece, or that the scapula is responsible for raising her arm, sheÂ’s going to be moving her arms in an incorrect and highly inefficient manner. Whether she holds a violin or clarinet, this mistaken use can eventually cause pain in her neck, shoulders, or even lower back. Accurate realignment itself can make a significant difference to many students.

Notice whether your child sits “up straight” during music lessons and concerts but slouches the rest of the time. While occasional slouching may not be destructive, when it becomes a habitual movement pattern, red-warning lights should be flashing to every adult in the area. Go back to that skeletal sketch and notice the small, round bones at the bottom of the pelvis. We humans are designed to sit on them. When we do, we can sit effortlessly in a balanced and poised manner whether we are reading, writing, or playing a musical instrument. When we don’t sit balanced on those bones, we are literally training ourselves to function without the significant muscular support that comes from the torso. The torso provides support for arms. Children who can will themselves to sit “up straight” on command, but lack the torso’s muscular support to sustain this uprightness over time, will increasingly experience soft-tissue strain, leading to eventual pain. When playing music, relying on will power rather than true musculoskeletal support is like running your car on ‘empty’. You won’t get far before having problems.

Discuss what kind of practice routine your child has. Find out what her tactics are for learning a new piece of music or working through a difficult passage. You don’t want her to spend time and energy “practicing her mistakes”. Scott Tennant, of the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet (LAGQ), advocates separating the work on difficult passages from the rest of playing time. When he’s got a tough piece to work on, he copies the entire piece of music, highlights the difficult passages, cuts out those difficult sections and tapes them together. He then restricts himself to no more than 20 minutes of work on these sections. When that part of his practice is finished he’s free to move to the “bonus”, playing freely and joyfully for the next 100 minutes. Your child may not yet be ready for two hour practice sessions, but Steve’s approach can be adapted for any level of student ability.

If your child has already had an injury that forced her to stop playing for a period of time, be sure to get clearance from her doctor or physical therapist before she returns to her instrument. Then have her consult with her teacher for help in building a rehab training schedule that will include gentle physical warm-ups and a gradual, progressive increase in practice time. Many fine books include information about “mental practice” and guided imagery for musicians of all categories. By including this component from the beginning of recovery time, musicianship can grow and frustration can diminish even during down times.

A referral from your primary care physician is necessary when music medicine is called for. In most cases, though, movement reeducation will be the appropriate choice, providing the biggest benefits to your child’s comfort in the near and long term. Lessons in the Alexander Technique or the Feldenkrais Method will provide the bridge between the intellect and the body---a bridge to creativity, to strain free ease, to the “play” in playing music. These are the very “tools” a musical athlete can rely on forever.

Brass of Peace’s Alimena happily reports that “Musicians without pain play better, concentrate better, and have better moods.” Aren’t these the results you’d rather have in your house?

Lynn Brice Rosen is a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique and a member of the American Society of the Alexander Technique. A graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy and the University of Utah, she has been professionally involved in movement education for over 30 years. In January 2004, she and Andrea Higgins will begin offering a specially designed series for young performing arts students who are already training in pain. She can be reached at group@art-in-movement. com.

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Kentico Announces Winners of the Site of the Year Awards

Kentico Announces Winners of the Site of the Year Awards

Kentico Software (http://www. kentico. com), the Web content management system vendor, has just announced the Kentico Site of the Year 2009 Awards winners. The Chicago Zoo Web site, implemented by Kenico Certified Partner Designkitchen, was chosen as the global winner of the contest.

Nashua, NH (PRWEB) January 16, 2010

Kentico Software (http://www. kentico. com (http://www. kentico. com)), the Web content management system vendor, has just announced the Kentico Site of the Year 2009 Awards winners. The Chicago Zoo Web site, implemented by Kenico Certified Partner Designkitchen, was chosen as the global winner of the contest. The contest seeks out the best Kentico CMS web site implementations. Its winners are selected in 12 different industries and 5 special categories.

The Global Winner
Chicago Zoological Society Web site (http://www. brookfieldzoo. org (http://www. brookfieldzoo. org)) implemented by Designkitchen received the most votes of all the competing projects and won 2 categories – Best Nonprofit Organization Site and Best Graphic Design

Winners of the Special Categories
Largest Site: The Royal Horticultural Society Web site (http://www. rhs. org. uk (http://www. rhs. org. uk)) was selected as the winner with more than 5.7 million page views per month. Best Migration from other CMS: Blackboard. com site (http://www. blackboard. com (http://www. blackboard. com)) was chosen as a winner for its successful migration from Microsoft CMS to Kentico CMS that was done by Atom Group, a Kentico Gold Partner. Best Integration: The EVN Portal (http://www. evn. at (http://www. evn. at)) won this category for its integration with SAP implemented by diamond:dogs Group, a Kentico Gold Certified Partner. Best Graphic Design: Chicago Zoological Society,(http://www. brookfieldzoo. org (http://www. brookfieldzoo. org)) Implemented by Designkitchen
Most complete use of Kentico CMS features: Park City Green, (http://www. parkcitygreen. org (http://www. parkcitygreen. org)) Implemented by Data Transfer Solutions, LLC

Winners in Particular Industries
Association Site: Chicago Zoological Society, http://www. brookfieldzoo. org (http://www. brookfieldzoo. org) Implemented by Designkitchen
Consumer Product Site: DTSwiss, http://www. dtswiss. com (http://www. dtswiss. com) Implemented by orange8 interactive ag
Education Site: Learning Outside the Classroom, http://www. lotc. org. uk (http://www. lotc. org. uk) Implemented by Oculus Design & Communications Limited
Financial Services Site: JLT Business Insurance Services, http://www. jltbis. co. uk (http://www. jltbis. co. uk) Implemented by Crafted Media
Healthcare Site: Birth. com. au, http://www. birth. com. au (http://www. birth. com. au) Implemented by Get Started
Manufacturing Site: Kinematics Manufacturing Inc., http://www. kinematicsmfg. com (http://www. kinematicsmfg. com) Implemented by Gatesix Inc.
Nonprofit Organization Site: Chicago Zoological Society, http://www. brookfieldzoo. org (http://www. brookfieldzoo. org) Implemented by Designkitchen
On-line Store: BabolatStore. cz, http://www. babolatstore. cz (http://www. babolatstore. cz) Implemented by Bluesoft
Other/At Large Site: Visit Europe, http://www. visiteurope. com (http://www. visiteurope. com) Implemented by Last Exit
Publishing Site: Delta Sky Magazine, http://deltaskymag. delta. com (http://deltaskymag. delta. com) Implemented by bswing and MSP Communications
State/Local Government Site: EU Matters, http://www. eumatters. ie (http://www. eumatters. ie) Implemented by X Communications
Intranet Site: Best Intranet Site, MyShaw Intranet Implemented by Shaw Industries
More information about the contest is available at http://www. kentico. com/Company/Site-of-the-Year-2009-Contest. aspx (http://www. kentico. com/Company/Site-of-the-Year-2009-Contest. aspx)

About Kentico CMS:
Kentico CMS is an affordable Web content management solution providing a complete set of features for building Web sites, community sites, intranets and on-line stores on the Microsoft ASP. NET platform. It supports WYSIWYG editing, workflows, multiple languages, full-text search, SEO, on-line forms, image galleries, forums, groups, blogs, polls, media libraries and is shipped with 200+ configurable Web parts. It’s currently used by more than 4,000 Web sites in 83 countries. The clients include Microsoft, McDonald's, Vodafone, O2, Orange, Brussels Airlines, Audi, Mazda, Ford, Subaru, Samsung, Gibson, Bayer, ESPN, Guinness, DKNY, Abbott Labs, Medibank, Ireland. ie and others. Kentico CMS is available at http://www. kentico. com (http://www. kentico. com).

About Kentico Software:
Kentico Software (www. kentico. com) helps clients create professional Web sites, online stores, community sites and intranets using Kentico CMS for ASP. NET. It's committed to deliver a full-featured, enterprise-class, stable and scalable Web Content Management solution on the Microsoft. NET platform. Founded in 2004, Kentico is headquartered in the Czech Republic and has a U. S. office in Nashua, NH. Since inception, Kentico has continued to rapidly expand the Kentico CMS user base worldwide. Kentico Software is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner. In 2009, Kentico was named a Deloitte Technology FAST 50 Rising Star, being ranked as one of the fastest growing companies in Central Europe.

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Dating DNA's "Match Radar" Alerts iPhone Users of Compatible Singles Nearby

Dating DNA's "Match Radar" Alerts iPhone Users of Compatible Singles Nearby

Dating DNA Launches Free Dating App for Apple's iPhone with "Match Radar" and "Compatibility Thresholds."

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) February 11, 2009

Dating DNA, LLC (www. datingdna. com), the Internet's leading free dating service for social networks, today announced their new Dating DNA Plus iPhone app with "Match Radar," available for immediate free download from Apple's iTunes App Store (www. datingdna. com/iphoneinfo (http://www. datingdna. com/iphoneinfo)).

Dating DNA introduced the first-ever dating application for the iPhone back in November of last year, and today announced Dating DNA Plus, a completely new application with dozens of enhancements, including their "Match Radar" technology. As an iPhone user moves about, Dating DNA's Match Radar monitors the user's location and notifies them of other singles in their immediate vicinity who meet a set of dating criteria.

Dating DNA users may set criteria in dozens of categories, including race, age, education, physical attributes, religion, financial stability, and many more. For example, a user could ask to be notified anytime someone is within a 1/2 mile of them, who is single, between the ages of 23 to 28, doesn't smoke, has a college degree, is at least 6' tall, has an athletic build, brown eyes, owns a home, has an upper-middle income, works in the medical field, and is Catholic.

Every Dating DNA user completes an extensive survey, covering over 300 points of compatibility. This information is then synthesized down and used by Dating DNA's Match Radar to instantly create Compatibility Scores with others nearby. Users also set a "Compatibility Threshold," which specifies the compatibility level required to be considered a "Match." To protect a user's privacy, they remain "invisible" to other's Match Radar unless that user meets their Compatibility Threshold. When users are notified of a Match, both users may choose to communicate via Dating DNA's built-in messaging system, further protecting their privacy by not requiring users to share names, phone numbers or email addresses.

"Just like everyone's genetic DNA is different, so to is everyone's 'dating DNA,'" said Kevin Carmony, CEO and Founder of Dating DNA. "Whether you're spontaneously looking for singles in the same coffee shop as you, or planning a trip across the globe, Dating DNA's Match Radar uses your unique 'dating DNA' to help you meet and communicate with hundreds of compatible singles worldwide or right next door."

You can view a video tour of the new Dating DNA iPhone app by visiting: www. datingdna. com/iphoneinfo (http://www. datingdna. com/iphoneinfo)

Not only is the Dating DNA iPhone application free, but so too is the service and website which drive it. No fees are charged to users, nor does the app or website have any embedded advertising.

Some of the new features in Dating DNA Plus include:
Match Radar - GPS enabled for finding nearby Matches when mobile Locate Matches within a fraction of a mile/km At-a-Glance Compatibility Scoring (Patent Pending) At-a-Glance Dating Potential Indicator (Patent Pending) One-tap Friends List management One-tap Email and Message Logs Quick and easy multi-touch photo viewing The Dating DNA iPhone app is available immediately for free download from Apple's iTunes App Store (www. datingdna. com/iphoneinfo (http://www. datingdna. com/iphoneinfo)). Users can get an idea how the Dating DNA system works by creating a "Limited" account directly from the iPhone application itself. To use all the features, however, users will need to complete their full profile by visiting www. datingdna. com.

About Dating DNA, LLC:
Dating DNA is the Internet's central nervous system for online dating, allowing users to integrate all their dating information across the web's social graph with one 9-digit ID number. Dating DNA provides free and open Web Services (www. datingdna. com/?a=developer (http://www. datingdna. com/?a=developer)) which bring 1-click compatibility scoring and other sophisticated dating features to Social Networking sites such as Facebook (www. datingdna. com/facebook (http://www. datingdna. com/facebook)), MySpace, YouTube, and Craigslist, as well as to Internet devices such as Apple's iPhone/iPod Touch (www. datingdna. com/iphoneinfo (http://www. datingdna. com/iphoneinfo)) and the Chumby web appliance (www. chumby. com). Online dating continues to move dramatically away from traditional dating sites such as Match. com and eHarmony. Every day, more and more people are using Social Networking sites as a means of meeting new people to date. Utilizing these sites is free, and provides a more natural way of meeting people than traditional dating sites of the past. Dating DNA is the first company to capitalize on this trend, by bringing the convenience of matching tools from traditional dating sites to these new Social Networking avenues and across Internet devices. Run by volunteers, the Dating DNA website and iPhone app are 100% free of cost and contain no advertising.

For more information, please contact:
Dating DNA, LLC
Pr (at) datingdna (dot) com
858-926-5910

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ADI Forges Partnership with Famed F&I Trainer Becky Chernek

ADI Forges Partnership with Famed F&I Trainer Becky Chernek

Today, the Automotive Dealership Institute announced the formation of an exclusive partnership with Rebecca D. Chernek, President of Chernek Consulting, Inc. (CCI). Based in Cumming, Georgia, CCI enjoys nationwide recognition for offering the latest in F&I training, in-dealership consultations, high-energy workshops, and sales development services.

Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) October 10, 2007

Today, the Automotive Dealership Institute announced the formation of an exclusive partnership with Rebecca D. Chernek, President of Chernek Consulting, Inc. (CCI). Based in Cumming, Georgia, CCI enjoys nationwide recognition for offering the latest in F&I training, in-dealership consultations, high-energy workshops, and sales development services. Ms. Chernek herself is a renowned F&I workshop provider, and has taught at dealerships across the country. She served as a guest lecturer at ADI this week, and received a standing ovation from a packed class.

"I was very impressed at the depth of instruction Becky provided in such a short period," says Keith Mason, current F&I student at the Automotive Dealership Institute. "She really prepared us to be superior in the menu-presentation aspect of F&I."

Ms. Chernek has joined ADI's faculty as an associate professor, and will offer special workshops at ADI throughout the year. She will also assist ADI graduates with job placement at her dealerships nationwide. ADI's dealership clients, too, will be able to go to Ms. Chernek as a resource, especially for new hire orientation, ongoing certification, and continued training of employees.

"We are very excited to team up with Becky because she shares a common vision with ADI and has the same commitment to excellence," says ADI Executive Director and CEO Alan Algan. "Chernek Consulting, Inc. provides the most comprehensive and results-driven in-store workshops in the country. We believe that, together, we will set a new standard in dealership training."

"This is a great partnership," agrees Becky Chernek, "ADI's new web-based F&I training product is incredible, it is exactly the type of cutting-edge training and adaptability that today's automotive industry demands. Competition is not within the dealership anymore. It is online and nationwide."

As part of their new partnership, the Automotive Dealership Institute will sponsor at least four dealership-only workshops per year. These three-day sessions will be taught by Ms. Chernek personally and held at ADI's Scottsdale, Arizona, facilities. The first workshop is scheduled for January 9th-11th, 2008. Seating is limited to 24 participants, and many of Ms. Chernek's existing clients have already expressed an interest in attending. This includes Wendy Bowen, General Manger of Hurd Auto Mall, New England's largest General Motors campus. Ms. Bowen, whose first CCI workshop left her "motivated to go back to my store and turn everything upside down," was excited to hear of the ADI-sponsored workshops. "Becky's dynamic, and ADI is the most trusted name in automotive training" Ms. Bowen reports, "I've enrolled multiple managers to Becky's courses over the last several years, and will definitely send them to ADI. Becky teamed up with ADI makes a great combination."

CCI will be making extensive use of the Automotive Dealership Institute's new web-based F&I training program, and will integrate it into its nationwide dealership consultations. This online product is offered in three "modules," each of which cover different aspects of Finance and Insurance Management. Modules may be purchased individually to accommodate busy professionals who are unable to take extended time off from work. Should a student desire a more interactive approach, they have the option of enrolling the hybrid diploma program, which offers an additional week of "live" instruction at ADI's Scottsdale campus and includes professional job placement.

The Automotive Dealership Institute is a Scottsdale, AZ-based automotive management training facility that specializes in educating the next generation of Finance and Insurance managers and service advisors. ADI is approved by the State of Arizona Board for Private Postsecondary Education. For more information, call (877) 998-7200 or visit www. autodealerinstitute. com.

Becky Chernek, president and founder of Chernek Consulting Incorporated, has enjoyed an exemplary sales career spanning almost two decades, and experienced every aspect of the car sales process. Over the last several years, Ms. Chernek has worked with hundreds of automotive dealerships, including JM&A and AutoNation. For more information, call 1-877-730-3663 or visit www. chernekconsulting. com.

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Fine Craft and Design Online

Fine Craft and Design Online

The work of a growing number of award-winning fine craftspeople and designers has been brought together online.

(PRWEB) November 22, 2005

If the words ‘Craft Fair’ conjure up an image of quaintly dressed teasel animals or wooden light pulls turned by Bob on his lathe in the shed at the bottom of the garden, it is time to allow a rekindling of your enthusiasm.

Finely Crafted is a new website which has been set up to help accomplished craft and design artists successfully reach the internet market. The site allows artists to reach a much wider audience with their products, with the ability to take online payments.

Bringing together a group of artists with varied talents in one place, the opportunity for exposure is increased by creating a stimulating comparison shopping environment.

Members of the public can access the website to purchase from an eclectic range of desirable objects including ceramics, glass, metal, textiles, wood and jewellery. The price range is as wide as the choice of objects, allowing anyone to find an unusual gift or decorative object within budget.

As well as displaying the work of a number of prize-winning craft artists, in the future we hope to engage with educational establishments and help new talents break into the market.

Current artists include Stephen Newby whose blown steel structures have been featured alongside the garden design work of Charlie Dimmock and Kim Wilde. Mixko is an exciting young design partnership who enjoy international success having been exhibited with both the British and German Design Councils, and won a Tokyo Designers Block prize amongst other accolades. A City & Guilds ‘Medal for Excellence’ has been awarded to Wayne George for his stunning contemporary furniture crafted from a wide range of timbers. The website features the work of many more acclaimed artists.

Http://www. finely-crafted. co. uk (http://www. finely-crafted. co. uk)
Fiona. astin@finely-crafted. co. uk

Fiona Astin and Malcolm Dickson

01202 256617 or 07775 834347

191 Albert Road, Poole, Dorset, BH12 2EZ

Electronic images available on request

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CSLF Introduces New Money Saving Incentive for Student Loan Borrowers

CSLF Introduces New Money Saving Incentive for Student Loan Borrowers

Stafford Loan Borrowers Receive Automatic 0.5% Interest Rate Reduction for Electronic Payments

Rocky Hill, CT (PRWEB) June 24, 2005

The Connecticut Student Loan Foundation (CSLF) announced today that it is adding a new money saving incentive to its First Rate Stafford Loan program. CSLF is now offering a one-half percent (0.5%) interest rate reduction to borrowers who make automatic payments through CSLF¡¦s ELECT (Education Loan Electronic Credit of Payment Transfer) program.

Effective for all Stafford Loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2005, this new incentive is in addition to CSLF¡¦s already existing benefits (through CSLF/Susie Mae - lender code 828614), which include:

„h A 2.0% interest rate reduction during the in-school and grace periods on all Unsubsidized Stafford Loans for borrowers who pay their interest during these periods (minimum interest rate is 2.99% or the current federal rate, whichever is lower); and

„h An automatic 0.5% interest rate reduction during repayment on all Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans (as long as payments are made within 30 days of the due date).

¡§As a non-profit organization, CSLF is always looking for new ways to educate and assist borrowers in reducing the costs associated with their student loans,¡¨ said Mark Valenti, President of CSLF. ¡§CSLF¡¦s First Rate Stafford Loan incentives not only provide significant savings but also encourage smart borrowing and good repayment habits,¡¨ said Mr. Valenti.

This new benefit simplifies repayment by eliminating the hassle and costs associated with mailing a monthly payment. Payments processed through ELECT are convenient and always on time. For more information regarding this new incentive or any of CSLF¡¦s First Rate Loan program benefits contact a Client Services Representative at 1(800) 237-9721, ext. 442 or visit www. cslf. com.

ABOUT CSLF ¡V The Connecticut Student Loan Foundation (CSLF) is a national, non-profit agency that administers, guarantees, finances, and services loans within the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) and other alternative loan programs. CSLF has over 40 years of experience providing assistance to students and parents seeking to finance a higher education. As a guarantor, CSLF assures that low-interest Federal Stafford Loans and Federal PLUS Loans remain available to eligible students and parents. CSLF also is a lender and provides financing directly to educational institutions on behalf of students and parents. Learn more about CSLF at www. cslf. com.

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Winter Heat Latin Dance Party Gala Benefit To Raise Funds to Ensure Positive Futures for Dancers

Winter Heat Latin Dance Party Gala Benefit To Raise Funds to Ensure Positive Futures for Dancers

Winter Heat, a special gala benefit evening at The Copa, will melt your winter chill with an evening of dancing to the sounds of the 21-piece Harbor Latin Big Band. This Latin Dance Party will raise funds for East Harlem's pre-professional performing arts school, Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts and the national arts service organization, Career Transition for Dancers.

New York, NY (PRWEB) February 3, 2006

Shake off winter's chill on March 2, 2006 at 7:00 p. m., with Winter Heat, a special gala benefit Latin Dance Party at the Copacabana, 56 West 34th Street (11th Avenue)in Manhattan. Enjoy an evening of hot excitement while dancing to the sounds of the 21-piece Harbor Latin Big Band. The evening includes a special performance by the Harbor Conservatory's Gestures Dance Ensemble in a work by choreographer Darrell Grand Moultrie and a Latin dance lesson by Nydia Ocasio. Winter Heat will raise funds to ensure positive futures for those artists both leaving as well as those preparing for dance careers.

The evening's Guests of Honor are actress Rosie Perez, dancer Mercedes Ellington, and dancer/choreographer Pedro Ruiz. Serving as honorary chairs are dancer/actress Chita Rivera, Director of New York City Ballet Peter Martins, and dancer Sarita Allen.

Tickets are $150 for the gala evening. Special prime tables ($2,500) are also available as well as Sponsorships. For information, please call 212/427-2244 ext. 577. or 212/764-0172.

Proceeds will support East Harlem's leading pre-professional performing arts school, Harbor Conservatory, now celebrating 36 years of enriching the lives of young people through the performing arts, and a division of Boys & Girls Harbor; and, Career Transition for Dancers, the national and local arts service organization with a 21 year history of helping professional dancers identify their unique talents in preparation for establishing new careers when dance is no-longer an option.

Relive the Palladium Era when the mambo and cha-cha-cha were a national dance obsession, set amongst the Copa's glamour and sophistication of a 40's supper club with Art Deco décor, a sweeping dance floor surrounded with flowing palm trees, food and drink to heat up a winter’s night. The Harbor Latin Big Band under the direction of Louis Bauzo is dedicated to the sounds of the golden age of Latin Music, and celebrates the Big band music popularized by Machito, Tito Puente and Tito Rodriguez. The Band has performed with such Latin greats as Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Johnny Pacheco, Alferdo "Chocolate" Armenteros, and many more.

Serving as Benefit Chairs are Janice Becker, Fe Saracino Fendi, Beth Dannhauser, Ginny Knot. The Benefit Committee members are: Helene Alexopoulus, Caroline Crosson, Olivia Flatto, Susan Krysiewicz, Lady Maughan, Ann Van Ness, Homera Shani, Patricia Shiah, Susan Sosin, Burgi Steiner, and Laura Zeckendorf.

Since 1970, the Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts, a division of Boys & Girls Harbor, a nonprofit multi-service youth agency, has been introducing young children to the world of dance, and nurturing and training talented teenagers for future professional dance careers. Studying with accomplished dance professionals, students build a solid technical foundation in classical ballet, modern, jazz and folkloric dance. Harbor staff provides one-on-one counseling, professional management and direction, advice about and preparations for auditions and competitions.

The Gestures Dance Ensemble, comprised of the Conservatory's most advanced students, has worked with choreographers such as Ronald K. Brown, Steven Rooks, and Jennifer Muller, performing at Central Park SummerStage, Lincoln Center Out of Doors, the Miller Theater and Aaron Davis Hall. With equally strong music and drama programs, the Harbor Conservatory is recognized internationally as the leading school for Latin Music. For more info please call 212/427-2244 ext. 573 or visit, www. harborconservatory. org

Career Transition For Dancers with offices in New York and Los Angeles, has helped over 2,900 professional dancers identify their unique talents in preparation for establishing new careers when dance is no longer an option. Since its founding in 1985, the organization has provided more than 35,000 hours of one-on-one career counseling - at no cost - and has awarded over $2 million in scholarships for education and retraining programs. CTFD also provides dancers with specialized services that include transition seminars and workshops; peer support groups; resource centers; a toll-free national hotline; a website; and the new National Networking Directory. CTFD is celebrating its 20th Anniversary year in 2005. The Caroline & Theodore Newhouse Center for Dancers is now located in new expanded offices to better serve its clients at 165 West 46th Street Suite 701 (at Broadway – the Actors’ Equity Building) NYC. CTFD’s phone number is (212) 764-0172 and the fax is (212) 764-0343. In Los Angeles please call (323) 549-6660.  www. careertransition. org

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New Online Courses Increase NovaNET Offerings Aimed at Reducing the School Dropout Rate

New Online Courses Increase NovaNET Offerings Aimed at Reducing the School Dropout Rate

Fresh Lessons Now Available in Geography, Literature, Math and Biology Labs for Students in Grades 6-12

Chandler, Ariz. (PRWEB) May 17, 2010

"The stakes are too high - for our children, for our economy, for our country. It's time for all of us to come together - parents and students, principals and teachers, business leaders and elected officials - to end America's dropout crisis," said President Barack Obama.

The education services and technology company Pearson is in sync with the President's priorities and has just announced its largest release of new content ever, totaling nearly 300 new lessons in five courses for NovaNET (http://www. pearsonschool. com/index. cfm? locator=PSZ4Z4&PMDbProgramId=32510&PMDbSiteId=2781&PMDbSolutionId=6724&PMDbSubSolutionId=6732&PMDbCategoryId=806%22), its online program geared toward students in grades 6-12. These new additions augment the current suite of offerings in critical subject areas, like language arts, social studies, science and mathematics. The newest courses include:
 Geography: NovaNET's two-semester course integrates interactive content, like "zoomable" maps and slide shows, to address key concepts in global physical and human geography. There are 104 lessons in this course including a map-reading lesson to help students with this critical skill. Each of the course's 77 core lessons includes an introduction, practice sections, a review, and a quiz to engage learners.  American Literature (English III) and British Literature (English IV): With 86 objective-based, multimedia lessons in each two-semester course, students can study American and British literature throughout all periods, genres and cultural representations. The new courses include audio excerpts, scrollable literary passages, illustrations, and activities to help students of all ability levels and English language learners better understand the material.  Integrated Math 3: NovaNET's Integrated Math 3 course offers 78 multimedia, interactive lessons that combine standards-aligned content from current Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II NovaNET courses.  Biology Investigating Lab Lessons: Students can now learn with 14 new video-based lab lessons integrated into the recently-released NovaNET Biology course. By meeting the needs of students, NovaNET qualifies for federal funding in the areas of Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT), 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Title I, and School Improvement Grants. Nearly 50 districts have purchased the online program with American Recovery and Reinvestment (ARRA) funding, and nine are pursing Investing in Innovation (I3) federal grants to expand their successful NovaNET implementations.

"The continued personalization of learning through technology is a capability that Pearson brings to middle and high school students with NovaNET's virtual courses. We're enabling non-traditional learning environments and rich, media-driven instruction to guide these students on a path to success," said Bob Roliardi, president of Pearson Digital. "We know that digital curriculum can be adapted to meet a student's needs, providing the most helpful, most individualized learning experience. And, we know that our teachers, through learning technologies, have better access to quality data than ever before."

NovaNET already provides thousands of hours of research and standards-based curriculum with which students in virtual school settings, dropout prevention and credit recovery programs, summer school and alternative schools learn. For more information, visit www. pearsonschool. com/novanet (http://www. pearsonschool. com/novanet).

To hear from real students, educators and administrators about how NovaNET has made a positive difference in high school education, watch Pearson's Defined by Desire video found here: http://www. pearsonschool. com/index. cfm? locator=PSZsAy (http://www. pearsonschool. com/index. cfm? locator=PSZsAy).

About Pearson
Pearson (NYSE:PSO), the global leader in education services, technology and school solutions, provides innovative print and digital education materials for preK through college, student information systems and learning management systems, teacher professional development, career certification programs, and testing and assessment products that set the standard for the industry. Pearson's other primary businesses include the Financial Times Group and the Penguin Group. For more information about Pearson, go to www. pearsoned. com.

About Pearson Digital
Pearson Digital is a leader in digital and online learning through its Waterford Early Learning programs that now have more than 1 million Pre-Kindergarten through second grade students logging on; its SuccessMaker program for Kindergarten through grade 8 with more than two million users globally; and the Novanet program providing comprehensive personalized online curriculum for middle school through adult learners to help meet the need for credit recovery, drop-out prevention and response to intervention needs serving more than 3 million students in the past 10 years. For more information, visit http://www. pearsonschool. com/digital (http://www. pearsonschool. com/digital)

Contact:
Stacy Skelly, 800-745-8489, stacy(dot)skelly(at)pearson(dot)com

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New Line of Artistic Pet Cremation Urns Launched to Help Families Celebrate Pets in Life and Beyond

New Line of Artistic Pet Cremation Urns Launched to Help Families Celebrate Pets in Life and Beyond

It’s the side of pet ownership that most don’t want to consider, but there’s a Denver-based company on a mission to make the loss of a pet a more celebratory event. Une Belle Vie seeks to simplify the pet bereavement process with the launch of an artistic selection of cremation urns for pets and a blog dedicated to educational resources for pet owners everywhere.

Englewood, CO (PRWEB) March 23, 2010

It’s the side of pet ownership that most don’t want to consider, but there’s a Denver-based company on a mission to make the loss of a pet a more celebratory event. Une Belle Vie seeks to simplify the pet bereavement process with the March 2010 launch of an artistic selection of cremation urns for pets (http://decorative-urns. com/pet-urns).

“Our pets fulfill our need for unconditional love,” remarks Melody Jamali, President of Une Belle Vie. “We understand and have experienced the special family bond that makes a pet a part of the family. When the time comes, we aspire to make this difficult time a little easier by providing our clients with distinctive, artistic pet urns that capture a level of character. Not only is it more personal – it gives families the peace of mind that comes with knowing their special family member has been given a proper memorial.”

For owners facing the trying time associated with losing a pet, the Une Belle Vie website offers a host of resources designed to help guide them through the process.
 Need help understanding options for pet cremation? Read the Une Belle Vie blog "Where Does Rover Go?" It's a compassionate guide for pet owners complete with questions to ask the family vet and typical pet cemetery costs.  Learn about the different types of pet urns. Read "Pet Ashes: Remembering Friends" on the Une Belle Vie blog for a guide to urns for pets including urns for burial, biodegradable urns and options for custom urns.  Looking for the perfect cremation urn for a family friend? Explore Une Belle Vie’s extensive collection of pet cremation urns – imagination is the only limit to celebrating a special friend’s life.

Pet owners can explore Une Belle Vie's online creative community of resources and handcrafted pet urns:

 Discover Le Chat Chic (http://decorative-urns. com/le-chat-chic. html), a whimsical cat cremation urn  Go Fetch (http://decorative-urns. com/go-fetch-medium. html) – an Une Belle Vie exclusive cast in bronze

About Une Belle Vie: Une Belle Vie Memorial Urns is a Denver, Colorado-based company focusing on providing a supportive and informed experience whether families are planning for the future or coping with the passing of a loved one. Their online community and store offers artisan-crafted, decorative cremation urns in a variety of materials designed to celebrate life, personality and offer fitting memorials for those we love. Visit their community of caring online via Facebook (http://www. facebook. com/UneBelleVie) and visit their educational cremation blog (http://decorative-urns. com/cremation-blog).

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