extrarealty: January 2010

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Gender and Sexuality are Not Frozen in Binary Oppositions

The blurring of gender lines and exploration of sexual identity issues seem to have attracted more than their share of public attention in recent times. Saint-Clair, in her latest novel, Morgan in the mirror, tackles the important issue of transgenderism. It is an important issue for the health and survival not only of our own community but also of humankind, because transgenderism is part of the global issue of discrimination against ‘the other’, and our survival is based on our ability to become compassionate, accepting human beings capable of caring for each other and, in turn, our planet.

(PRWEB) September 13, 2004

Author C. C Saint-Clair explores the tetchy notions of transgender and gender identity to the nth degree in Morgan in the Mirror. She puts meat on the bones and a face to the name and gives us a central character so multi-layered, so deep and so real that Saint-Clair succeeds in challenging her audience to rethink, re-evaluate and discover a new level of compassion for those caught in a gender conflict, and those who love them.

Saint-Clair’s previous half a dozen novels revolve around lesbian themes. And in exploring transgenderism in this offering, she has retained her brutal, poetic style and integrates compassion for the characters with honest observation.

Morgan is a 23-year-old female to male transgender engineering student at The University of Queensland. His struggle to explore his gender, discover himself and become the person he truly believes he is, is painstakingly described and his relationships profoundly explored. Saint-Clair explores the notion that sexuality is not a fixed state and people are not either/or. Instead, she asserts, genders have “always existed as mere stations along a rich and gloriously multicoloured continuum”. And Morgan in the Mirror makes a compelling argument for this notion.

Saint-Clair does not preach or justify and at times, along the way, her storytelling is uncomfortably brutal. The dialogue between the characters of this novel is often confronting. This book is not largely for readers who choose to live, eat, breathe and read in the mainstream, but for those who dare to explore.

Morgan in the Mirror is certainly erotic, but rather than staying merely with the homosexual activities that so fascinate the heterosexual community, Saint-Clair explores the agony and ecstasy of a character tormented and conflicted by social expectations. The gut-wrenching grief of a family’s love lost plagues Morgan, as does being the constant subject of social revulsion and curiosity.

Beyond a pure exploration of the sexuality theme, Saint-Clair also pens a strong storyline, one that stands alone as interesting, well told and well constructed.

While the topics tackled in Morgan in the Mirror mean its readership will be largely restricted to those in the gender twilight zone, that would be a pity because Saint-Clair’s treatment of Morgan is so compassionate and complete that this is a book that should be read by parents and friends of anyone questioning their gender identity. Reading this book will certainly bring a deeper understanding of their loved one’s circumstances.

Www. ccsaint-clair. com

Morgan in the Mirror

Www. amazon. com

Www. bookmakersink. com

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Friday, January 29, 2010

Belize’s Chaa Creek Declares February “Month of Love”

While many countries honour St Valentine’s Day, the patron of lovers will get an entire month in Belize when The Lodge at Chaa Creek celebrates February as St Valentines Month.

(Vocus/PRWEB) January 11, 2011

While many countries honour St Valentine’s Day, the patron of lovers will get an entire month in Belize when The Lodge at Chaa Creek celebrates February as St Valentines Month.

“A day just seems too short when we’re talking about love,” Chaa Creek Events Coordinator Denise Duran said, “We decided to make the entire month of February special to give more people a chance to experience true romance in the Heartland of the Maya.”

She said that Belize’s beautiful rainforests, warm clear Caribbean waters, white sand beaches, imposing Maya temples and a riot of tropical colours provide the perfect backdrop for lovers of all ages to celebrate their love.

“We’ve put Cupid and Ix Chel, the Maya love goddess together to create a unique, romantic experience that could only happen in Belize,” she said.

Ms. Duran suggests that rather than just buying flowers, lovers immerse themselves in Chaa Creek’s stunning tropical gardens and vibrant rainforest for a romantic interlude of a lifetime. Intimate tours to ancient Maya temples and cities will provide unforgettable romantic adventures, as will exploring, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing or just relaxing in jungle serenity. ”Picture a candlelit dinner on your private veranda or lounging in your own Jacuzzi with the big starry night sky above and the trees lit up with fireflies... now that’s magic,” Ms Duran said.

She anticipates that champagne breakfasts with fresh tropical fruits followed by a couple’s massage in the hilltop will also be popular.
Chaa Creek will be offering a variety of specials and surprises for lovers throughout February, including the indulgence of the Chocolatissimo package which offers themed spa treatments such as a rich Cocoa Massage and delicious Chocolate Fondue Wrap. Luxurious accommodations, candlelight dinners, hearty breakfasts, and Maya cocoa-inspired cocktails and desserts are all part of the package, and a variety of onsite activities including Maya temple visits, nature walks, biking through cacao groves and romantic sunset canoe trips are included.

The Maya Rainforest Wellness Retreat is also being offered to couples who wish to combine health with romance, with a special emphasis on the Moon Goddess Ix Chel and nurturing experiences designed to enhance those feelings of love. The Maya have always had a holistic approach to physical and mental health, and this minimum four to seven night package combines tranquil, serene accommodations with organic food, jungle spa treatments, Maya massage and nature experiences designed to bond lives and souls together in a rich, romantic adventure.

“Valentine’s Month in Belize is one of those experiences of a lifetime that we hope will lead to a lifetime of love. The atmosphere around here will be amazing,” Ms Duran said.

For more information about the Lodge at Chaa Creek, contact the property at 877-709-8708, reservations(at)chaacreek(dot)com or visit the web site at http://www. chaacreek. com.

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Thursday, January 28, 2010

NuSil Technology Adds Low-Outgassing Thermal Interface Material to Electronics Lineup

EPM-2495, NuSil Technology’s latest thermal interface material, cures in place with a low bond line thickness and low outgassing characteristics.

Carpinteria, Calif. (Vocus) December 2, 2009

NuSil Technology (http://www. nusil. com (http://www. nusil. com))], a cutting-edge manufacturer of silicone-based materials for aerospace, electronics, photonics, and healthcare, announces the addition of EPM-2495 (http://www. nusil. com/library/products/EPM-2495P. pdf) to its electronics lineup. EPM-2495 is a low outgassing, thermal interface silicone material designed to allow a bond line thicknesses of?50 micron to reduce thermal resistance.

NuSil’s EPM-2495 is a white, dispensable elastomer that cures in place. It is designed to adhere to integrated circuit substrates, base plates, heat sinks, or areas where grooves or other configurations require a no - to limited-flow material. EPM-2495 provides heat transfer between electrical/electronic components and their heat sinks while remaining electrically insulating. EPM-2495 uses a platinum cure system that releases no byproducts and boasts low contamination, low ionic content, and low volatility.

“Offering low outgassing characteristics under extreme operating conditions, EPM-2495 helps avoid contamination in sensitive devices,” said Brian Nash, vice president of sales and marketing.“ It is able to achieve low thermal resistance because of its specialized particle size, despite a relatively low bulk thermal conductivity value of 0.64 W/mK.”

For more information on electronic packaging materials, please visit http://www. nusil. com/electronics (http://www. nusil. com/electronics) or contact NuSil Technology directly at 805-684-8780.

About NuSil Technology
NuSil is a cutting-edge manufacturer of silicone compounds for healthcare, aerospace, electronics, photonics and other applications that require precise, predictable, materials performance. ISO 9001 certified since 1994, NuSil operates state-of-the-art laboratories and processing facilities in North America and provides on-site, in-person application engineering support worldwide. More information about NuSil Technology can be found at www. nusil. com

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Zenoss Announces Free Network Monitoring Training at Premier SoCAL Open Source Conference

Zenoss Community Day will provide free network monitoring training during the Southern California Linux Conference (SCALE 8x) on Friday, February 19th at the Westin LAX. Attendees will learn how to manage their complete physical and virtual infrastructure using the open source Zenoss Core software.

Austin, TX (PRWEB) February 16, 2010

Zenoss Inc., corporate sponsor of the award winning open source network monitoring (http://community. zenoss. org/index. jspa) project Zenoss Core, will host Zenoss Community Day on February 19th. The day long event is being held during the 2010 Southern California Linux Expo (SCALE 8x) (http://www. socallinuxexpo. org/scale8x/), where Zenoss will be conducting live demos of Zenoss software in Booth #22.

Zenoss Community Day will take place from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm at the Westin Los Angeles Airport. The event is free to attend and features instructor-led training on best practices for using Zenoss Core, to monitor both physical and virtual IT infrastructure. In addition to the training, there will be ample time for community discussion and networking.

Previously Community Day events have been held in Baltimore, MD, Columbus, OH and where hundreds of IT professionals have been trained on the use of Zenoss Core. Video archives of past network management training sessions (http://bit. ly/ctDT41) have been archived for those users who weren’t or aren’t able to attend.

After the training there will be an optional demonstration and discussion with noted cloud and systems management expert and co-host of the Systems Management Podcast, John M. Willis, on how to automate configuration of servers using the open source Chef project (http://wiki. opscode. com/display/chef/Home).

Space for Zenoss Community Day Los Angeles is limited so please sign-up at - http://zenoss. eventbrite. com/ (http://zenoss. eventbrite. com/)

About Zenoss Core

Zenoss Core is an award winning open source network monitoring and systems management project that delivers the functionality to effectively manage the configuration, health and performance of networks, servers and applications through a single, integrated software package. The Zenoss Community is comprised of over 75,000 active members who are instrumental in evolving the solution as well as providing timely support and help for all questions. One of the most active projects on SourceForge, Zenoss Core has been downloaded over one million times and is being used by companies in over 180 countries. For more information on Zenoss Core, visit community. zenoss. org.

About Zenoss Inc.
Zenoss is a leading commercial open source provider of Unlegacy IT enterprise systems management products. Leveraging a commercial open source model, Zenoss products monitor over one million network and server devices daily and have been used in over 25,000 organizations in 180 countries around the world. Commercial customers include leading companies such as Rackspace, VMware, WebMD, LinkedIn, Carlson, Motorola and Deutsche Bank. To learn more about Zenoss' award-winning IT operations management software, visit zenoss. com.

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Tuesday, January 26, 2010

40th Anniversary of Kock Pouch Honored at Quality Life Association Symposium

Don J. Schiller, MD, FACS, a recognized expert in surgery for the Barnett modification of the Kock pouch intestinal reservoir, spoke today at the QLA Symposium. Dr. Schiller acknowledged the 40th anniversary of the continent ileostomy, originally devised by Dr. Nils Kock in Sweden.

Mesa, AZ (PRWEB) September 23, 2009

Don J. Schiller, MD, FACS, a recognized expert in surgery for the Barnett modification of the Kock pouch intestinal reservoir, spoke today at the QLA Symposium (definition of Kock pouch: http://ileostomy-surgery. com/Kock_Pouch (http://ileostomy-surgery. com/Kock_Pouch)). Dr. Schiller acknowledged the 40th anniversary of the continent ileostomy, originally devised by Dr. Nils Kock in Sweden. This surgery, met with excitement throughout the world, unfortunately had a complication rate of 50%. Dedicated surgeons have modified the Kock pouch to alleviate the primary complication of a slipped valve. One surgeon, Dr. William O. Barnett, spent many years revising the Kock pouch and arrived at an important modification. This surgery, now recognized as the BCIR or Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir, uses the basis of the Kock pouch with the following revisions:
A single suture line instead of a folded triangulated suture line An iso-peristaltic valve segment An intestinal collar that comes off the pouch and wraps around the outer portion of the valve segment

These changes have reduced the incidence of the slipped valve, the primary drawback of the Kock pouch (see http://www. kockpouch. com (http://www. kockpouch. com)).

The BCIR is for people with ulcerative colitis or familial polyposis who need to undergo total colectomy or removal of their large intestine - the colon and rectum - to cure their disease or condition. It is an important alternative to the conventional Brooke ileostomy with the bag, and also is performed for people who have had a poor outcome from the ileoanal "J" Pouch or who cannot undergo the J pouch procedure. Anyone in overall good health with a malfunctioning ileostomy, including people with a stoma hernia or stoma prolapse or retraction, are candidates to be considered for the BCIR surgery. A malfunctioning ileostomy includes people with physical difficulties managing with their ileostomy appliance as well as people with emotional or psychological difficulties with their stoma. A "bag-free" life is possible for ileostomy patients!

For more information on the Kock pouch (also called Koch pouch), visit:
Http://www. ileostomy-surgery. com/Koch_Pouch_Frequently_Asked_Questions. html (http://www. ileostomy-surgery. com/Koch_Pouch_Frequently_Asked_Questions. html)

About the Ileostomy Surgery Center:

The Ileostomy Surgery Center is the leading surgical center west of the Mississippi for the BCIR revision of the Kock pouch. Headed by Don J. Schiller, MD, FACS, the Center has been at the forefront of developments in ileostomy surgery.

Further ileostomy surgery information is available at: http://www. ileostomy-surgery. com/Ostomy_Appliance_Free_Alternatives_for_Ostomy_Appliance_Users. html (http://www. ileostomy-surgery. com/Ostomy_Appliance_Free_Alternatives_for_Ostomy_Appliance_Users. html)

About the Ileostomy Surgery Center:
The Ileostomy Surgery Center is the leading surgical center west of the Mississippi for the BCIR procedure (Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir). Headed by Don J. Schiller, MD, FACS, the center has been at the forefront of developments in ileostomy Surgery.

Contact:
The Ileostomy Surgery Center
9808 Venice Blvd, Suite 603
Culver City, CA 90232
Phone: (310) 204-4565
Fax: (310) 204-4566
Http://www. ileostomy-surgery. com (http://www. ileostomy-surgery. com)

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Founder of Prostate Cancer Education Council Honored as a Champion in Health Care

The founder of the Prostate Cancer Education Council (PCEC), Dr. E. David Crawford, professor of surgery and radiation oncology and head of urologic oncology at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, has been formally recognized for his impact on health care in the Denver community. Singled out from other nominations, this September Dr. Crawford was awarded as a “Champion in Health Care” in the provider category by the Denver Business Journal, an American City Business Journals publication.

Greenwood Village, CO (PRWEB) October 13, 2006

The founder of the Prostate Cancer Education Council (PCEC), Dr. E. David Crawford, professor of surgery and radiation oncology and head of urologic oncology at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, has been formally recognized for his impact on health care in the Denver community. Most notably, Crawford is credited for his efforts that have contributed to swaying prostate cancer statistics from diagnosis at an advanced disease to an early stage disease when it is curable.

Singled out from other nominations, this September Dr. Crawford was awarded as a “Champion in Health Care” in the provider category by the Denver Business Journal, an American City Business Journals publication. Treating men for prostate cancer since the late 1970’s, he is a leader in the field of research and treatment. Through his work, he saw the need to teach men that an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure.

Fed up with the lack of information on prevention, Dr. Crawford took matters into his own hands and formed the Greenwood Village, Colo.-based PCEC in 1988, a 501-3c non-profit organization whose main effort is the coordination of free or low-cost prostate cancer screenings across the nation during the third week of Sept., Prostate Cancer Awareness Week (PCAW). With early detection, the survival rate is nearly 100 percent - one of the highest of any cancer.

The first PCAW screened about 10,000 men nationwide. Since then, millions more men have been screened and Crawford has noted a positive trend in diagnosis. Twenty years ago, more than 70 percent of prostate cancer cases presented were advanced and incurable. Today, Crawford sees less than 10 percent of cases presented at an advanced stage.

When Dr. Crawford is not with a patient or in surgery, his time is devoted entirely to the early detection, treatment and cure of prostate cancer. He leads the PCEC, comprised of respected medical doctors, researchers and professionals dedicated to the research and educational efforts designed to reduce and hopefully one day eliminate the threat of prostate cancer. Always searching for new ways to raise awareness for early detection of the disease, Dr. Crawford launched the annual Colorado Al Wilson Prostate Cancer Golf Tournament in 2004. In 2002 he founded the national 5k Prostate Awareness and Cancer Education (PACE) Race series now held in 13 markets across the U. S. The PCEC also has an established program with National Football League (NFL) teams where awareness is raised at games dedicated to the cause in 11 cities, for which Dr. Crawford chairs the sponsorship committee yearly.

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Monday, January 25, 2010

Consumer Recognising They Can Make a Difference Using Recycled Paper

Recycled paper sales are increasing as more consumers and businesses recognise that their product choices can make a difference in the environment. As more offices and homes move to purchasing recycled office stationery products, the positive impact on the environment is staggering.

London, UK (PRWEB) November 28, 2006

While environmental issues are a hot topic, many individuals and businesses don't feel like they can really make a difference. However, studies show that when consumers switch to recycled paper they are making a huge impact on the environment.

When businesses and consumers use recycled office stationery, they are helping to cut waste. Some estimate that paper accounts for 40 percent of all municipal waste. Not only does it help cut waste, but recycled paper also saves energy. Creating recycled paper products means a 60 to 70 percent energy savings over virgin pulp.

In addition, recycled paper uses 55 percent less water and obviously helps preserve our forests. It helps reduce water pollution by 35 percent, reduces air pollution by 74 percent and eliminates many toxic pollutants.

With so many benefits to using recycled paper, companies should seek out an office stationery supplier with a complete offering of recycled products.

One such company heeding that call is OfficeShopping. co. uk. "Last year, our company implemented a green effort and we started really considering the environmental impact our purchases were having. We now buy all our recycled paper from Office Shopping. They have a great selection of products that are environmentally friendly and still work effectively in workplace," comments Janice Belluk, office manager of a London law firm.

"The government has set out standards so that consumers can realise what type of products they are purchasing. A product partly or fully made with recycled materials will display the green logo and percentage of recycled content," explains Amy Rodda from OfficeShopping. co. uk.

"In addition, if office stationery products meet other standards, the green logo and classification name may be displayed. For instance, a product displaying the Nordic Swan means the product is a good environmental choice. To get the logo, the product must pass an evaluation of the environmental impacts during its lifecycle. For office stationery, it would mean that the inks are alcohol based or water based and are not hazardous to health or environment," Rodda concludes.

Consumers like Belluk appreciate how easy it is to identify the environmentally friendly products in the Office Shopping office stationery catalogue. As more businesses recognise the environmental impact of their choices, they will turn to businesses like Office Shopping where the online ordering is convenient and it is easy to select environmentally friendly products.

About OfficeShopping. co. uk

Officeshopping. co. uk is an internet-based office supply and stationery store based in the United Kingdom. Shoppers are able to purchase items from a very large inventory of products for home offices, home use, students, and small businesses in the comfort of their own home.

Officeshopping. co. uk was created to provide an efficient and affordable way for consumers to purchase everything they need for their home office. Fast and reliable delivery makes Officeshopping. co. uk a must for your office needs.

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Saturday, January 23, 2010

Potential for Bailout Money Fraud Prompts Expansion of Forensic Accounting Firm

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) January 14, 2009

A prominent forensic accounting firm has opened a new office in Los Angeles and added one of the nation's leading forensic investigators to its team of experts in anticipation of an expected increase in fraud, waste and abuse as billions in Federal bailout money are about to be injected into the economy. Forensic/Strategic Solutions, PC announced that Don Mullinax will lead its expanded government practice team from the firm's new Los Angeles office. Mullinax is a 29-year veteran of conducting complex forensic investigations involving allegations of fraud, waste and abuse and providing anti-fraud consulting services in the public and private sectors.

Ralph Q. Summerford, president of Forensic/Strategic Solutions states, "As the perception and likelihood of fraud continues to grow in the public and private sectors we want to remain at the forefront of the country's most prominent forensic accounting firms. Due to our past work experience with Mullinax in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) matters, his extensive knowledge and nearly three decades of experience in the field, Don Mullinax is the ideal choice to lead our firm's government practice group."

According to Mullinax, "Our current economic crisis unfortunately creates an environment that fuels bad decisions in both the public and private sectors. In addition to investigating and resolving fraud and improper activity, our team will also consult with organizations to analyze their systems to reduce the opportunities for fraud to occur and to put safeguards in place to prevent fraud before it happens."

Mullinax also sees the growing government "economic stimulus" and "bailout" programs as a breeding ground for fraud, waste and abuse. "In California alone, more than $11 billion dollars in school bond measures were passed in the November election," he said. "Billions more are expected from president-elect Obama's public works programs to create new jobs. In many cases, there is very little accountability in place for the management of those funds.

Forensic/Strategic Solutions is in a unique position to help government organizations, non-profits, businesses, and associations create safeguards to prevent potential fraud before it occurs and to find and stop fraud, waste and abuse when it does occur."

About Don Mullinax

Before joining Forensic/Strategic Solutions, Mullinax was a principal with the Forensic & Dispute Services practice group of a national accounting firm. Prior to that, Mullinax was Inspector General for the LAUSD, where he served as chief audit executive and chief investigator for the nation's second largest public school system. He also served as Chief Investigator on the U. S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Director of Contract Investigations at the District of Columbia Office of Inspector General, Investigator on the U. S. Senate Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, and served 15 years in a variety of audit positions with the U. S. Army before working on Capitol Hill.

Mullinax is a leader and an active member in many professional associations including the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (Former Chairman, Board of Regents), Association of Government Accountants (Board of Advisors & Former President, Los Angeles Civic Center Chapter), Association of Inspectors General, Institute of Internal Auditors (Board of Governors & Former President, Los Angeles Chapter) and National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association to name a few.

He is a graduate of the Inspectors General Institute and holds a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Georgia College and State University and a master's degree in Business Management from Central Michigan University.

He has received several professional designations including Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), to name a few.

Furthermore, Mullinax has obtained the U. S. government's top level of security clearance as Top Secret Security Clearance (1989-1999) and Secret Security Clearance (2007-present).

About Forensic/Strategic Solutions, PC

Forensic/Strategic Solutions, PC, with offices in Los Angeles, CA, Birmingham, AL and Dallas, TX employs financial forensic experts who are trained to look beyond the numbers, calling on many years of experience in investigations, accounting and auditing to see the realities of a company's financial situation. They provide an accounting analysis that becomes the basis for discussion, debate and ultimately dispute resolution, whether in a court of law or other forum.

The experts at Forensic/Strategic Solutions are trained to analyze, interpret, summarize and present complex financial and business related issues in a manner that is both understandable and properly supported. The firm's team is familiar with legal concepts and procedures and understands the implications of multiple issues, including that of substance over form. The experts at Forensic/Strategic Solutions are equipped with the latest in computer equipment, data mining software and forensic computer analysis tools. Additionally, they are qualified to undertake complex assignments, serving as expert witnesses and investigative accountants in areas including fraud, economic damages, financial reporting, business valuation, and financial distress.

For more information on Forensic/Strategic Solutions, PC, visit www. forensicstrategic. com. To speak with any of these financial forensic experts, please contact Ruwena Healy at 205.655.0783.

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Nature Swiss To Sell SIGG Sports Bottles On Its Internet Site

Nature Swiss to offer SIGG Sports Bottles in their Internet site.

MIAMI, FL (PRWEB) September 19, 2005

Nature Swiss to offer SIGG Sports Bottles in their Internet site.

Nature Swiss is now offering in its Internet site the worldÂ’s best sports bottle; SIGG from Switzerland. These bottles are extruded from a single piece of aluminum; this guarantees maximum quality and stability, there are no seams and are extremely light. The internal coating is guaranteed to be taste-neutral and resistant to fruit acids and isotonic drinks. If the SIGG bottle should get dented, the internal coating adapts to the new shape without splitting and the bottle can still be used.

In other words, the best sports bottle in the world. Nature Swiss will expand its line to children and other lifestyle products in the near future. Please visit our Gear section for more details.

Nature Swiss products are available at selected retailers and at our online store: www. natureswiss. com

About Nature Swiss

Nature Swiss, advanced health supplements for an optimal performance.

Nature Swiss represents the latest in nutritional science. Our formulas are created only with the finest and purest natural ingredients at the highest levels proven to be effective. Nature Swiss applies the most advanced production technology to make sure that its original purity and potency can be maintained at its best when taken. Our goal is to ensure your body absorbs and benefit from the biological potency of the best quality ingredients, so you can get the energy and strength required for an optimal fitness.

Nature Swiss is a doctor recommended and pharmaceutical-grade line of products, considered to be the finest available in the market, for your most important need: your performance, wellness and health.

About SIGG

SIGG was founded in 1908 and has always been involved in the manufacture of aluminum products. At the outset, the SIGG bottle represented one product in the companyÂ’s extensive range. TodayÂ’s exclusive focus is the development and manufacture of all intelligent drinking and catering systems relating to the SIGG bottle. SIGG bottles are real Swiss originals, developed and manufactured in Switzerland.

SOURCE Nature Swiss Laboratories, LLC

Web Site: http://www. natureswiss. com (http://www. natureswiss. com)

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Hummingbird Coaching's New White Paper on Health Coaching: Build it or Buy it?

In-house development may not be the best option for companies looking to benefit from the lucrative coaching market

Cincinnati (PRWEB) May 28, 2009

Health and lifestyle coaching is exploding in the employee wellness market. Companies interested in exploiting this market opportunity face a key question - build it or buy it?

With the goal of controlling skyrocketing health insurance costs, a third of organizations already offer health coaching (http://www. hummingbirdcoaching. com/default. aspx? tabid=7215) and another nine percent plan to offer it in the future. This is attracting more specialty and ancillary service companies, including disease management firms, employee assistance programs (EAPs), third-party administrators (TPAs) and health plans.

The concern is how well-prepared these various companies are to create and deliver high-quality health coaching services in a cost-effective manner. In a new white paper available for download at http://www. hummingbirdcoaching. com/default. aspx? tabid=7316 (http://www. hummingbirdcoaching. com/default. aspx? tabid=7316), "Considerations for Providers of Health Coaching Programs: To Build or Buy?" Hummingbird Coaching Services explores key considerations in developing or choosing a coaching program.

"Companies often believe their expertise in ancillary areas of the health market extends to delivering an effective coaching program," said Sean Slovenski, president of Hummingbird and a co-author of the paper. "Yet developing the software and retaining internal control are only a small part of the equation."

Designing the coaching for various target populations--ranging from the healthy to high-risk to chronic employees--is also an important consideration, according to Slovenski. In addition, he advises looking at the theoretical practice model and whether that contributes to lasting behavior change (http://www. hummingbirdcoaching. com/default. aspx? tabid=7203); the program's required staffing needs; anticipated communication channels between coaches and clients; and legal issues such as compliance to ADA and HIPAA regulations.

Those interested in the issues surrounding design and purchase issues of a coaching program can download the complementary white paper, "Considerations for Providers of Health Coaching Programs: To Build or Buy?" at http://www. hummingbirdcoaching. com/default. aspx? tabid=7316 (http://www. hummingbirdcoaching. com/default. aspx? tabid=7316).

About Hummingbird Coaching Services
Cincinnati-based Hummingbird Coaching Services is a pioneer in online health coaching, providing health coaching services since 1997. Using its proprietary coaching model and online delivery platform, Hummingbird provides coaching services to businesses and celebrities such as Google, Motorola, United Behavioral Health, Leeza Gibbons, and the Muhammad Ali Center. Through its innovative technology platform and coaching programs, Hummingbird provides health, parenting and life coaching to drive real behavior change in individuals. More information is at www. hummingbirdcoaching. com.

Contact:

Gail DeLano
Fisher Vista/HRmarketer
Gdelano(at)fishervista. com
831-685-9700

Sean Slovenski
Hummingbird Coaching Services
Sean. Slovenski(at)hummingbirdcoaching. com
877-240-4588

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

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Archetypal Allies Help Women Explore a Village Within Themselves

Ellen Weaver, teacher, body-centered psychotherapist, pastoral counselor, and ritual co-creator, helps women explore inward, a village in their selves. She begins by encouraging them to imagine women's community at its best, each woman helping the group in accurate ways.

Woodstock, NY (PRWEB) April 23, 2004

Clarifying this internal Village then gives women the chance to become a healthy gathering place--to develop the strong, creative parts, nurture vulnerable parts, and care for the children. Including archetypal allies and plant spirits, as needed, Ellen helps women integrate as they journey, sing, and move through the day.

Â“Village of OurselvesÂ” will be held at the Wise Woman Center on May 16, 2004, from 10am-5pm. The sliding scale fee of $50-$75 includes a delicious vegetarian lunch.

To reserve your place, contact the Wise Woman Center with your $25 deposit. Mail to PO Box 64, Woodstock, NY 12498, or register online at http://www. ash-tree-publishing. com (http://www. ash-tree-publishing. com).

Ellen Weaver, CSW, MTh, is a teacher, healer, body-centered psychotherapist, pastoral counselor, ritual cocreator, and mentor. She is the Director of MotherTree in Woodstock, and has taught at Omega, Woodstock Women's Health, the Benedictine Health Foundation, Woodstock Jewish Congregation and elsewhere.

Founded twenty years ago by internationally acclaimed author and herbalist Susun Weed, the Wise Woman Center exists with the purpose of offering a safe space for women to rediscover the Wise Woman Way. Nestled in deep magical woods and located between Woodstock and Saugerties, 5 miles from the NYS Thruway, the Wise Woman Center is easily accessible while still private. Studies include plant identification, herbal medicine, cancer prevention, women and chanting, goddess belly dancing, and feeding the creative spirit. Visit http://www. wise-woman-center. com (http://www. wise-woman-center. com) or send a letter to the address above to find out about the 2004 schedule of events, work exchange weekends, moon lodges, and much more!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Sickday Medical House Calls Launches Same-Day Medical Service For Those Requiring or Desiring In-Home Health Care

Launching in New York, Sickday Medical House Calls provides same-day medical service to those who require in-home health care. The service plans to expand by licensing a network of neighborhood-based physicians providing prompt care and a nostalgic return to the home-based care model.

NEW YORK, NY (PRWEB) December 8, 2006

Sickday Medical House Calls (http://www. sickdayhousecalls. com/) today launched a house call service providing same-day acute and episodic medical care for New Yorkers who are unable - or unwilling - to go without care, wait days for an office visit or hours for emergency room care. Starting today, Sickday covers all of Manhattan with extended hours care, seven days a week, delivered via a network of doctors and physician associates that diagnose and treat most common conditions in your home, office or hotel.

Sickday's launch is a significant expansion of a successful practice serving Manhattan since 2001. The company plans to expand nationwide by building a network of neighborhood-based practices that pair local physicians with highly qualified physician associates to deliver a new model of team-based, patient-centric care.

"When you're sick, you want personal attention delivered right away," said Naomi Friedman, founder of Sickday. "Sickday is an ideal option for anyone who is uninsured, away from home, too busy to wait for an appointment or leave the office, or too sick to leave home."

Recent changes involving worker benefits have left fewer employees with full benefits and rising health care costs are forcing some to forgo coverage. According to the U. S. Census Bureau, 16 percent of adults in the U. S. are uninsured and that figure increases to 30 percent of 18 to 24 year-olds and 25 percent of 25 to 34 year-olds.

Sickday physician associates treat a wide range of common conditions from abdominal pain and vomiting to bronchitis/pneumonia and suturing. The service includes diagnostic exams, prescriptions for medication, ordering and interpreting lab tests, referrals to specialists, affiliations with major hospitals and a phone follow-up after every visit. Sickday physician associates spend an average of 30 minutes with each patient, significantly more than many doctors can spend with patients in a traditional office setting. Sickday practitioners also follow-up with every patient via phone to ensure patients are feeling better. Fees for service are payable at the time of service and are reimbursable by many health insurance providers.

New Model for Patient Care

Sickday's nationwide physician licensing model offers existing practices a financially viable model for extending care to include same-day, in-home visits. The model appeals to physicians who are frustrated with insurance-dictated care and want to offer more personalized, or off-hour service as an extension of their patient options.

"Sickday offered me a way to continue my current practice and extend my services to better meet the needs of my patient base and a diverse group of uninsured patients," said Maurice Beer, a Sickday founding physician. "With all the paperwork and insurance requirements involved in care these days it's inspiring to be able to return to offering house calls as an integral part of a complete, team-based practice."

About Sickday Medical House Calls

Sickday Medical House Calls is a modern healthcare solution for patients in need of prompt medical attention but unable--or unwilling--to wait hours in an emergency room or days for an appointment with their primary care physician. Sickday patients receive same-day appointments in the comfort of their home, office, or hotel room. Our Physician Associates spend an average of 30 minutes with each patient, listening, observing, and truly understanding their health needs. This personal attention assures accurate diagnosis and treatment plans.

After ten years of working in hospitals and physicians' offices, Naomi Friedman founded Sickday in 2001 to re-establish house calls as an integral part of the nation's healthcare system. She has saved lives, rescued honeymoons, and enabled business executives to stay on schedule. She has seen thousands of New York's residents and visitors alike over the past six years, and is considered a pioneer in the house call field. For more information, please go to www. sickdayhousecalls. com.

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Thursday, January 21, 2010

Planet, Inc. Adds Fashion Forward MADELiNE Shoes to PlanetShoes. com

Planet, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of MADELiNE, to the growing list of beautiful, stylish and high quality fashion footwear for sale online at www. planetshoes. com.

Waltham, MA (PRWEB) April 9, 2010

Planet, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of MADELiNE, to the growing list of beautiful, stylish and high quality fashion footwear for sale online at www. planetshoes. com.

"We're looking to grow and evolve our fashion footwear business and MADELiNE offers a really beautiful and varied selection of casual shoes, dress shoes and sandals. They represent the trends of today – the great details – and they use really high quality materials. We know our customers will love this brand!" said Philippe Meynard, President of Planet, Inc.

PlanetShoes. com is currently offering 52 styles of MADELiNE shoes including fashion casual shoes, dress shoes and sandals online.

About MADELiNE
MADELiNE shoes are for all you ladies out there who are audacious, feisty, and spontaneous. There's a time in certain women's lives when they're feminine charms are so potent, they literally rule the world. Daring, impulsive and sexy, these little she-devils charge the night with their feminine energy... and they do it best in MADELiNE shoes.

MADELiNE is a fearless collection of couture footwear that boldly bridges the gap between high style and affordability. Intriguingly impulsive and unabashedly uninhibited, MADELiNE confidently delivers up-to-the-minute design at an attainable price.

About Planet, Inc.
Planet, Inc. is an innovative lifestyle shoe retailer dedicated to selling the most comfortable and stylish shoes possible at value prices. Our flagship site found on the web at PlanetShoes. com specializes in active, comfortable, healthy, earth friendly shoes and products with a flare of fashion. Our product lines are ever expanding to bring our customer new fun footwear to choose from. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or an eco-friendly fashionista, we strive to offer the selection you want.

We look at affordability and value in pricing our products. Customer service and unique products are our calling card. Contact us directly at 1-888-818-SHOE (7463).

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Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Maxx Supplements Launches New Site to Promote Exclusive Premium Supplements

Maxx Supplements, a direct supplier of exclusive premium supplements, today announced the launch of a new site that highlights the company's vast inventory of supplements.

Bradenton, FL (PRWEB) January 10, 2007

Maxx Supplements, a direct supplier of exclusive premium supplements, today announced the launch of a new site that highlights the company's vast inventory of supplements for anti-aging, weight loss, energy boosts, sexual performance, stress and memory aids and more.

"Our new site offers the most complete information available about our full range of premium supplements, allowing our customers to select the supplements that are best suited to their needs," said Ed Price of Maxx Supplements. "Maxx Supplements has a solid reputation of integrity and reliability, and our secure SSL encryption assures a safe online transaction for every customer."

Using labs that are fully licensed and FDA approved, Maxx Supplements researches and develops new formulas and respective products for preventative health supplements. The new website, located at www. maxxsupplements. com, enables the company to provide comprehensive product information to customers who can access the information at any time.

"MaxxSupplements products are categorized in easy-to-find categories that give the customer all pertinent information," Price said. "The site maximizes a person's ability to quickly find the right premium supplement, and our free shipping policy enables the consumer to save on each purchase."

Aside from the convenience of selling supplements online at www. maxxsupplements. com, Maxx Supplement distributes its premium supplements through a variety of health and wellness stores and fitness centers nationwide. The company's premium supplements are also available through an approved list of mass merchandisers and online marketers in the United States.

The new MaxxSupplement site was planned and designed by a team of Internet marketing professionals at PartnerCentric, Inc. The company assists companies in building optimized sites that ensure the best possible information-gathering and shopping experience for customers.

About Maxx Supplements, Inc.

Maxx Supplements, Inc., is a direct supplier of exclusive premium supplements that are available only through Maxx Supplements and a variety of approved health and nutritional retail stores nationwide. Maxx Supplements specialize in retail, wholesale and private labeling. The company's products have been featured in cover stories on The Today Show, 60 Minutes as well as on CBS and Fox. The corporate offices are located in Bradenton, Florida. Visit the company online at www. maxxsupplements. com.

About PartnerCentric, Inc.

Founded in 2000, PartnerCentric is a full-service Internet marketing agency that boasts an impressive list of clients from around the country. In addition to affiliate program management, PartnerCentric offers a wide array of high-powered marketing services, including search engine management, search engine optimization, web site development with full creative services, e-commerce conversion and analytics, e-mail marketing, media buying, "buzz" marketing and more. The company has its headquarters in Santa Barbara, California. Visit the company online at http://www. partnercentric. com (http://www. partnercentric. com).

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Wahoo's Fish Taco Restaurant To Host Benefit For Kennydoit. org

Location Norco, CA. Percentage of Proceeds and Prizes to help raise money for foundation

Santa Ana, Calif. (PRWEB) July 23, 2010

Wahoo’s Fish Taco on July 24, 2010 between 12PM and 3PM will host a benefit for Kennydoit. org with a live special acoustic performance from Tim Pagnotta of the band Sugarcult.

“Everyone who visits the benefit at Wahoo’s Norco to support Kenny Livingston, we will donate 20% of the proceeds to Kennydoit. org,” shared Wing Lam, co-founder of Wahoo’s. “Along with the great drink specials and the great raffle prizes we will do our best to support Kenny and his cause across America.”

Kenny Livingston is a family man and professional drummer by trade. You might know Kenny as the Grammy nominated drummer from the bands Good Man Down, Sugarcult and Lefty.

Kennydoit. org is a one of a kind, national, family-oriented event that will make its way across the United States for two months beginning on July 24, 2010. This “interactive” bike ride by Kenny Livingston, the face and name of Kenny Do It, is designed to be and promoted as a group ride. Each daily schedule, complete with map, departure and info and event detail is posted on www. kennydoit. org. The Mission is to inspire Americans, through example, to make a commitment to change in the way we approach our personal health, nutrition and lifestyle choices, a change that will help all of us, especially our children, get on the road to a healthier, happier life through the often overlooked benefits of living right.

To get a copy of the invitation to the benefit, visit www. wahoos. com.

About Wahoo’s Fish Taco:
Founded by brothers Wing Lam, Ed Lee and Mingo Lee, Wahoo’s Fish Taco, a community mainstay and worldwide pop culture phenomenon, has been serving up its eclectic Mexican-Brazilian-Asian menu since 1988. Celebrated for its fresh food, pro-athlete support and charity involvement, Wahoo’s is recognized across multiple states for its sticker-covered walls. During the past two decades, the restaurant chain has grown to include more than 50 locations throughout California, Colorado, Texas and Hawaii. To learn more about Wahoo’s Fish Taco, please visit www. Wahoos. com.

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Newly Improved VIAdmd Anti-Snoring Oral Device Now Treats Sleep Apnea &amp; TMJ with a 90% Success Rate

Newly Improved VIAdmd Anti-Snoring Oral Device Now Treats Sleep Apnea & TMJ with a 90% Success Rate

Dr. Farhad Hakimi announces that after 12 years of improvement, his redesigned anti-snoring VIAdmd device now treats Sleep Apnea & TMJ syndrome with a 90% success rate. All which is done with only one single mouth piece, unlike other anti-snoring oral devices which are built of two pieces.

New York, NY (PRWEB) November 30, 2010

Dr. Farhad Hakimi is proud to announce that his newly redesigned anti-snoring VIAdmd device now treats Sleep Apnea & TMJ syndrome with a 90% success rate. All of which is done with only one single mouth piece, unlike other anti-snoring oral devices which are built of two pieces.

Dr. Farhad Hakimi patented his VIAdmd anti snoring oral device in 1998. At that time the anti-snoring device had a 40% successful treatment rate. The doctor has since treated thousands of patients suffering from snoring. He has been redeveloping the anti-snoring device by coupling his expertise as a dentist with his growing knowledge of sleep disorders to improve the VIAdmd oral device to also treat Sleep Apnea and TMJ syndrome.

"Many patients that first come to me are not getting the quality of sleep required for their bodies to maintain healthy normal functioning. I've seen it time and time again. This lack of sleep is caused either by the patient's own snoring or their bed partner's snoring." said Dr. Hakimi. "Once patients are getting restful sleep, their bodies become healthier. Lower blood pressure and renewed energy are just a couple benefits that assist in patients overall health after using the VIAdmd oral device."

The VIAdmd oral device is an oral device specially tailored to each patient's own mouth, which creates a comfortable fit while aiding in stopping snoring without the use of surgery or awkward contraptions such as a CPAP machine.

In addition to his 30 years of dental practice, Dr. Hakimi has been involved in studying sleep disorders through-out his career.

Something to note about Dr. Hakimi's VIAdmd device is that he wanted to make something that would adjust people's mouth in such a way that they wouldn't need to use the VIAdmd device their whole lives, but that they could use for a period of time to readjust their mouth and over time stop using because they have retrained and adjusted the problem.

For more information on Dr. Hakimi and his anti-snoring VIAdmd oral device, visit http://www. VIAdmd. com

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Monday, January 18, 2010

U. S. Food &amp; Drug Administration Issues “No Questions” Letter Supporting Safety Of SweetLeaf Sweetener&#174

U. S. Food & Drug Administration Issues “No Questions” Letter Supporting Safety Of SweetLeaf Sweetener®

Stevia sweetener SweetLeafTM leads the market in purity and quality.

Gilbert, AZ (Vocus) September 2, 2009

Today, Wisdom Natural Brands™ received a “no questions” letter from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in regard to the findings of the FDA expert panel of scientists, which concluded that the whole leaf steviol glycosides with rebaudioside A and stevioside, used to formulate the company’s SweetLeaf Sweetener® extract, are granted Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status. SweetLeaf Sweetener® is Wisdom’s all-natural, zero-calorie, zero-carb and zero-glycemic index stevia sweetener.

“It is a tremendous victory for Wisdom Natural Brands™ and SweetLeaf Sweetener® to be validated by the FDA,” said Wisdom’s founder, Jim May. “Scientists spent more than a year conducting extensive research to assure the safety and quality of our sweetener extract and today’s letter from the FDA authenticates what science has already proven -– SweetLeaf Stevia™’s high-intensity sweetener extract is a safe and pure alternative to sugar for consumers and food and beverage companies across the globe. The difference between SweetLeaf™ and all the other stevia sweeteners on the market is that SweetLeaf™ does not chemically alter the molecular structure of the sweet compounds called glycosides. Instead, SweetLeaf Sweetener® is produced by isolating and extracting the four sweetest glycosides produced naturally within the stevia leaf. This results in a purer, sweeter-tasting stevia extract that does not require masking agents or other flavoring compounds.”

While all other stevia sweetener extracts are made with processes that require various chemicals, solvents and alcohols, including ethanol and/or methanol, which leave residues in their sweetener products, SweetLeaf Sweetener® is made entirely with high grade stevia leaves in a proprietary cool, purified water filtration process. No chemicals or alcohols ever touch the stevia leaves and no chemical residues are found in the extract or products made from it.

“It is the only truly 100% natural stevia sweetener available,” says May. “And the entire extraction process supports nature and sustainability principles. The leftover leaf material is used to nourish livestock and the post-extraction water is saved and then trucked to agricultural fields to enrich the soil and growing fruits and vegetables. The stevia leaves used in SweetLeaf Sweetener® are such a higher grade than those generally used by other companies that many fewer kilos of leaves are required in the process to make a kilo of extract, thereby further saving earth and water resources. Even our tabletop sweetener packet box is made from 100% recycled material as part of our commitment to all natural and eco-friendly principles.”

SweetLeaf™ received GRAS status in March, 2008, when GRAS Associates, an independent panel of scientists, awarded SweetLeaf™ stevia GRAS status pursuant to FDA regulations. FDA regulations allow companies to independently determine by qualified food science experts, through a self-affirmation process, that an ingredient is generally recognized as safe. To prove the point even further, Wisdom obtained a concurring opinion from the Life Science Research Office, which independently agreed with GRAS Associates’ original findings. Wisdom submitted their GRAS notification to the FDA in February, 2009, and is the only company in America known to ever contract with two separate and distinct panels of scientists to determine the GRAS status of a product independently of one another and of the company making the product.

Originally discovered in the rainforests of Paraguay about 2,000 years ago by the Guarani people, stevia was called Ka’a He’e, meaning sweet herb. A high-quality stevia leaf is about 30 times sweeter than sugar and contains many important nutrients. Stevia extract is 300-350 times sweeter than sugar in its final high intensity sweetener form. Jim May first brought stevia to the United States nearly 30 years ago and he has worked with the native farmers throughout South and Central America to improve stevia crop yields, quality of leaves, and methods of propagation, cultivation and harvest since that time. Farmers in nine different Latin American countries currently partner with SweetLeaf™ in growing stevia. Jim May is called the “Father of Stevia” and revered as a “living legend” to those associated with stevia. He was recently given a unanimous nomination to be the honorary President of the American Federation of Stevia, an organization of stevia growers, manufacturers, scientists and governmental agents across Latin America.

SweetLeaf Sweetener® table top stevia sweetener packets are made with only two ingredients: SweetLeaf Sweetener® stevia leaf extract, taken from the naturally occurring sweet compounds of the stevia leaf, and the world’s finest inulin, an all natural vegetable soluble fiber found naturally in fruits and vegetables, as a carrier for the high intensity sweetener, to make it more convenient for consumer use. Unlike the other stevia sweetener brands that use sugars and sugar alcohols with flavor enhancers for this purpose, the use of inulin in SweetLeaf™ also nourishes the body’s good intestinal flora, improving digestive health and immune function.

SweetLeaf™ offers several sweetener products in a variety of forms, including packets, tabs and shaker bottles. All are ideal for everyday use by weight watchers, athletes, diabetics and everyone else wanting to reduce the amount of added dietary sugar in their diet when sweetening any foods or drinks – for example, flavoring fruit drinks, iced tea, coffee or tea, oatmeal or other cereal, yogurt, ice cream or smoothies. SweetLeaf™ can be substituted for sugar in any recipe and tastes delicious, without the bitter aftertaste that many stevia sweeteners may have.

For more information on Wisdom Natural Brands™, please visit http://www. WisdomNaturalBrands. com or http://www. SweetLeaf. com

About SweetLeaf Sweetener®
SweetLeaf™ is the brand name for the first great-tasting, all-natural, zero-calorie, stevia-based sweetener offered in America. After some of the most stringent scientific research on its safety and its unique, ultra-pure formulation, SweetLeaf Sweetener® became the very first stevia-based product to achieve GRAS status. It is the only stevia-based product with zero calories, zero carbs and zero glycemic index on the market today.

About Wisdom Natural Brands
Gilbert, Ariz.-based Wisdom Natural Brands is the parent company of two highly-respected consumer brands, SweetLeaf™ stevia and Wisdom of the Ancients® herbal teas. The company, in cooperation with scientists in South America, spent more than a year developing a new and advanced processing methodology using only purified water from start to finish for the extraction of the sweet glycosides from stevia leaves in preparation for the launch of SweetLeaf Sweetener®. This all-natural sweetener alternative is the best-tasting in the industry and has zero calories, zero carbohydrates and zero glycemic index. For recipes, comparison charts with artificial sweeteners and more information, go to http://www. sweetleaf. com

Susanna Minegishi
McFadden/Gavender
O: (520) 882-6262 M: (520) 444-9223
Susanna (at) mcfaddengavender. com

Karen Gavender
McFadden/Gavender
O: (520) 882-6262 M: (520) 603-4200
Karen (at) mcfaddengavender. com

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One Peace Books Announces the Forthcoming Release of So I Need to Lose 15 Pounds

One Peace Books announces the forthcoming release of So I Need to Lose 15 Pounds. So I Need to Lose 15 Pounds will be available wherever fine books are sold on September 1, 2009.

New York, NY (PRWEB) March 13, 2009

One Peace Books announces the forthcoming release of So I Need to Lose 15 Pounds. So I Need to Lose 15 Pounds will be available wherever fine books are sold on September 1, 2009.

Who hasn't worried about his or her weight at one time or another? So I Need to Lose 15 pounds (One Peace Books, ISBN: 978-0-9785084-3-2, $12.95, Paper, 176 pages, 160 illustrations) tackles the all-too-serious subject of weight loss with a lighthearted twist.

So I Need to Lose 15 Pounds provides an inside look at twenty-seven dieting techniques - from Macrobiotics, to hypnosis, to the really "out there" diet strategies. Presented in the humorous style of Japanese Manga, So I Need to Lose 15 Pounds is a hilarious, helpful, and entertaining guide that follows one young author's weight struggles.

From the diets that work to the diets that don't, from negative side effects to positive outcomes and everything in between, So I Need to Lose 15 Pounds has it all.

Part how-to guide, part comic book with an all too true-to-life slant, So I Need to Lose 15 Pounds is a must-read for anyone who wants a good laugh, a good weight loss plan, or a good companion when fighting the battle of the bulge.

So I Need to Lose 15 Pounds is written and illustrated by Shiho Torii, a well-known author and illustrator of numerous health and beauty books. Torii's blog is ranked the number one most-visited illustration blog in Japan. Shiho Torii continues her quest to find the ultimate weight loss method and, to the delight of her legions of fans, has no shortage of material for new books. She lives is Kawasaki, Japan.

Based in New York, One Peace Books specializes in publishing visually-compelling motivational literature. Backed by two successful publishers in Japan, One Peace Books endeavors to publish literature for global readership, and is committed to its core belief that quality literature should not be limited by borders or race, but should reach people all over the world.

Originally published in Japan with over 45,000 copies sold, So I Need to Lose 15 Pounds will be available nationwide on September 1, 2009. Taiwan rights to So I Need to Lose 15 Pounds were sold to Titan Publishing, and a Taiwanese edition of the book was released in 2007. Sanctuary Books published a Japanese language sequel titled, Rebound O Suru Na (translation: "You'd Better Not Rebound"), which sold over 25,000 copies.

For more information, please contact Maryglenn McCombs by phone - (615) 297-9875.

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Dekart Releases Dekart Private Disk 2.09

Top-rated disk encryption software to provide proactive data protection.

Chisinau, Republic of Moldova (PRWEB) September 8, 2006

Dekart (www. dekart. com), a developer of trusted IT security software, releases version 2.09 of its top-rated disk encryption software, Dekart Private Disk. Private Disk easily protects confidential information on Windows PCs and USB storage devices by creating virtual encrypted disks. Private Disk has received the highest possible rating at Cnet (5), SC Magazine 5 star rating and “Recommended” award and Maximum PC Kick Ass award.

“This is an interesting, effective product that offers very good value for those looking for encryption in an easily managed manner.,” said Julian Ashbourn, SC Magazine reviewer. “Private Disk is logical, intuitive and easy to use by anyone”. Dekart Private Disk keeps corporate and individual data safe by providing comprehensive and proactive protection against internal and external threats, such as viruses, Trojans, adware, spyware, unauthorized access and third party intrusions.

Tailored to meet today's security requirements, Private Disk offers a fast and efficient way to protect sensitive data without long deployment procedures or personnel training. Dekart offers the only solution on the market today that combines the industry’s best-of-breed NIST-certified encryption, innovative Disk Firewall mechanism, 64-bit platform compatibility and USB disk portability into a low-cost and easy-to-deploy solution. Dekart Private Disk helps keep corporate and individual data safe by providing comprehensive and proactive protection against internal and external threats, such as viruses, Trojans, adware, spyware, unauthorized network access, and mass-mailer attacks, with malware and vulnerability-based detection.

Sensitive data are not only encrypted, but are protected with Dekart's innovative Disk Firewall mechanism – a unique technology that creates a white-list of “trusted” applications allowed to access the encrypted disk. If a specific application is not found in the white-list of programs, it will be unable to read or alter the confidential information stored on the virtual encrypted disk.

Dekart Private Disk provides an unrivalled combination of features that enables enterprises to easily address endpoint security challenges. Using Private Disk, organizations can reduce the risk of data lost or stolen and comply with industry and regulatory mandates, such as Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SARBOX/SOX), Gramm-Leach Bliley Act (GLBA) and other regulations like the Federal Privacy Act and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Private Disk’s mechanisms are efficient against both internal and external threats, minimizing the risks of intellectual property theft and accidental data leaks.

Due to its intuitive and simple interface, the program can be used by individuals with varying levels of computer-skills. Besides being perfect for corporate use, the program is a good choice for home user. Private Disk provides peace of mind to individuals who get a secure shelter for their financial information, private correspondence, personal photo albums and mp3 collections.

Key features:

Disk Firewall protects your data from illegal copying, viruses and spyware by maintaining a white-list of applications which are allowed to access the encrypted disk.

64-bit platform compatibility – Private Disk works with Windows x64, on AMD64 and IA-64 systems. At the same time, the program is able to run on older versions of Windows, including Windows 95.

Strong encryption algorithm – Private Disk uses NIST certified AES 256 bit encryption algorithm to protect private information

Portability allows you to open your protected files on other computers by running Private Disk directly from a removable drive, without having to install it locally. The program can be migrated to a USB disk or flash memory card with a single click, while the built-in safe hardware removal routine will help you disconnect the removable disk quickly and safely.

Encrypted backups – creates compressed encrypted backups of your protected data, making disaster recovery an easy process.

Autorun applications – simplifies your tasks and saves your time by automating the execution of specific applications located on the encrypted drive.

Autofinish allows you to perform a broad range of tasks automatically (ex: remove temporary files), by letting Private Disk run specific applications when the disk is dismounted.

Data wiping – securely erases encrypted data, making sure that recovery tools will fail to obtain fragments of the encrypted files.

Encryption key backup allows restoring your protected files in cases when the medium on which the encrypted disk is stored becomes corrupt.

Protects unattended computer – automatic disk disconnection – after a defined inactivity period – this will back you up in case the tea-break took longer than you initially planned.

Mounts multiple disks simultaneously and manage your files in a better way, keeping them ordered by categorizing and cataloguing them; saves time by cutting search times.

A broad range of media can be used to store the encrypted data. Among the supported storage units are external hard drives, flash memory cards, USB flash drives, iPods, etc.

About Dekart

Dekart develops trusted IT security solutions that address today’s endpoint security challenges. Founded in 1995, Dekart now serves several thousands of businesses and enterprises around the world. Dekart’s solutions help clients comply with electronic data regulations such as the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, HIPAA and Sarbanes-Oxley by eliminating data and identity theft and providing proper user authentication within the enterprise. These solutions include hard disk encryption and file encryption, and smart card and biometric authentication for multiple platforms. Dekart also delivers SIM and smart card management solutions, and manufactures the world's smallest USB plug-in smart card reader, compatible with all types of smart cards available on the market today. The company is headquartered in Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, with resellers and OEM partners worldwide.

For more information, please contact:

Irina Oltu

Telephone: (+373) 22 245580

Www. dekart. com

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Sunday, January 17, 2010

Ground-Breaking Professional Patient Advocate Institute Launches to Provide Consumers with Better Health Care

Dorland Health today announced the launch of The Professional Patient Advocate Institute (PPAI), a membership organization and community aligned around the common cause of providing advocacy for consumers as they strive to secure their health care needs and cover complex insurance and financial matters.

Rockville, MD (PRWEB) November 8, 2010

PPAI is a division of Dorland Health, a leading information provider among case managers, clinical nurses, social workers and care coordination professionals with brands such as Case in Point, Case Management Resource Guide and dorlandhealth. com. The Institute is housed online at http://www. patientadvocatetraining. com

Through education, training and idea sharing, PPAI is designed to help patient advocates navigate the healthcare system for their patients and patients’ families. The Institute serves both independent practitioners – such as clinical nurses who are starting their own advocacy practice – and healthcare and other professionals working within a hospital or employer organization. An intensive training program for advocates leads to a Certificate in Patient Advocacy, which will serve as the imprimatur for patients and their families seeking reputable advocates.

“The time is now to elevate the position of the patient advocate to ensure that consumers are getting the best possible care at a fair price,” said Diane Schwartz, senior vice president of PPAI and Dorland Health. “We can all relate to circumstances in which a knowledgeable advocate could have made the difference in one’s healthcare situation. PPAI is designed to be the central place of learning smart patient advocacy and taking that knowledge straight to the patient.”

PPAI offers news, analysis, resources, tools and training for members and nonmembers. The certificate program is being led by healthcare educators Catherine M. Mullahy, RN, BS, CRRN, CCM, president of Mullahy & Associates, and Jeanne Boling, MSN, CRRN, CDMS, CCM, vice president of Mullahy & Associates. A distinguished advisory board includes professionals from all sectors of healthcare, including insurance, legal and financial planning sectors. Find out more at http://www. patientadvocatetraining. com. Other members of the PPAI team include Associate Publisher Carol Brault and Anne Llewellyn, editor in chief of Dorland Health, who will oversee the expansive content offerings at PPAI.

ABOUT PPAI and DORLAND HEALTH
The Professional Patient Advocate Institute (http://www. patientadvocatetraining. com) is a for-profit organization with main offices in Rockville, MD and New York, NY. It is part of Dorland Health, which is a division of Access Intelligence, a business information company with market-leading brands such as Contexo Media (serving medical billing and coding professionals), PR News, Media Industry Newsletter, CableFAX, Defense Daily, The Satellite Show, Trade Fair Group and more. Visit Access Intelligence at http://www. accessintel. com and Dorland Health at http://www. dorlandhealth. com.

For an interview with Diane Schwartz or Catherine Mullahy, contact Hope Kabik at hkabik(at)accessintel(dot)com
For information about partnering with PPAI, contact Carol Brault at cbrault(at)accessintel(dot)com.

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Saturday, January 16, 2010

IT Computer Support of New York Welcomes Well-Seasoned Team of Professionals

New York, NY (PRWEB) February 14, 2007

Dan Scolnick, Sam Levy and John Sortino join forces to establish IT Computer Support of New York. IT Computer Support of New York is a computer network services and support company designed to exceed the needs of small and medium sized businesses in the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Chicago and San Francisco areas.

IT Computer Support of New York, "...is a result of research and planning, it was a long time in the making. Our expanded line of services is very exciting," says Dan Scolnick, President. "The name says what we do in a very clear way. With carefully engineered customer service, IT Computer Support of New York provides exceptional bi-lingual computer network support to small and medium businesses that use Microsoft and Apple networks."

IT Computer Support of New York is pleased to welcome Sam Levy as Vice President of Operations and John Sortino as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Sam Levy has many years of experience in the educational and healthcare IT industries. He has been a Cisco certification instructor at Queens College as well as a data center/network architect and team manager. Sam Levy brings strong broad based skills to the company. John Sortino is the founder of Vermont Teddy Bear Company. The Vermont Teddy Bear Company was awarded "Best Customer Service Company in New England." He was awarded "Best Company and CEO in America" by the National Foundation of Independent Business People and he was awarded "top 100 marketing people in America" by Advertising Age. Dan Scolnick, an Adjunct Associate Professor at New York University School of Information Technology, has been a consultant to Fortune 50 companies as well as maintaining a large practice of fast growing small and medium sized businesses for over 23 years.

IT Computer Support of New York serves the SMB market with network support, disaster recovery, consulting, data integration, data center design and architecture, email service, monitoring, strategic planning, security, thin client, assessment, HIPPA Compliance, Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance and desktop help.

"We are good listeners and easy to talk to," says Dan. "Call us and speak with knowledgeable, competent and intelligent people. A real person answers the phone. You get the support you need and we respect your time."

To contact IT Computer Support of New York, call toll free at 1-877-752-6283 or visit them on the web at www. itcomputersupportnewyork. com.

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Tuesday, January 12, 2010

International Baccalaureate Appoints Carol Bellamy as Board Chair

The International Baccalaureate (IB) announced today the appointment of Carol Bellamy as chair of the IB Board of Governors during the organization's Annual General Meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. The former executive director of UNICEF takes over from Monique Seefried, who has served in the position since 2003. After two five year terms as executive director of UNICEF, from 1995-2004, Carol was appointed president and CEO of non-profit organization World Learning, a developer of community-driven development programmes in more than 75 countries.

(PRWEB) April 29, 2009

Geneva, Switzerland, April 27, 2009 -- The International Baccalaureate (IB) announced today the appointment of Carol Bellamy as chair of the IB Board of Governors during the organization's Annual General Meeting taking place in Geneva, Switzerland.

The former executive director of UNICEF takes over from Monique Seefried, who has served in the position since 2003. After two five year terms as executive director of UNICEF, from 1995-2004, Carol was appointed president and CEO of non-profit organization World Learning, a developer of community-driven development programmes in more than 75 countries. Since 2007, she has been chair of the Board of Directors of the Fair Labor Association, which promotes workers' rights internationally.

"I am extremely pleased to be serving as chair of the IB Board of Governors," says Carol. "We have important work ahead of us at IB, at a time when students need more than ever to have access to high quality education to prepare them to understand and effectively respond to today's complex and challenging world."

Born and raised in New York, USA, Carol was elected the first female president of New York City Council in 1978. She went on to work in leading roles in financial services at Bear Stearns and Morgan Stanley, and at law firm Cravath, Swaine & Moore, before another 'first' in 1993 when she became the first director of the US Peace Corps to have also been a Peace Corps volunteer.

The Director General welcomes Carol Bellamy

Jeffrey Beard, Director General, reports on the appointment, "The rising importance of education reflects the new demands of a new world. Students today need to demonstrate cross-disciplinary knowledge, communication skills, teamwork, analytical reasoning and real world problem-solving skills--skills that are at the core of IB programmes. Carol's appointment to the IB Board of Governors will support and strengthen our strategy of ensuring that an IB education becomes the key to young students' success as responsible citizens in the 21st century."

Quality education has been shown to enhance economic opportunities and empowerment

Following her appointment as chair of the IB Board, Carol Bellamy addressed the annual Peterson Lecture, in memory of the IB's first director general Alec Peterson.

Bellamy called upon governments and citizens around the world to do more to help children through concrete action, and reminded the audience of the logic of the demographics: "More than 80% of the world's population is in developing economies, and roughly half of these people are under the age of 18. In our global economy, a majority of a large multinational corporation's workforce will be located miles and several continents away from headquarters. 59% of revenues of the 40 largest multinationals will be earned abroad and 2/3 of sales will come from other than their country of origin. Bottom line: no one can afford to ignore education, health and wellbeing of any of the world's young."

In reference to her new post, Bellamy highlighted the importance of the role of the IB in her lecture. "The IB offers something of a great power to the future of children around the world. It offers the chance for children to be problem solvers in their own communities, it offers children the tools and understanding they need in order to appreciate that as citizens of both their own country and the globe they can help to create a better world".

Bellamy joins a leading global player in international education

Bellamy joins the IB following a year that marks a record number of schools offering IB programmes, with a total of 3,150 programmes being taught in 134 countries worldwide. 2008 saw an additional 401 programmes being authorized--the same number as the total programmes available in 1992. This annual increase of 13.5% is typical of the steady growth in IB programmes since the organization was founded in 1968.

However, the organization hasn't been content to simply let the growth continue. Motivated by a mission to "encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right," the IB has engaged with like-minded organizations to open access to IB programmes.

Founded in 1968, the IB works with more than 2,500 schools in 134 countries to offer and develop its three challenging programmes to more than 700,000 students ranging in ages 3 to 19. The IB programmes provide an education that combines strong academic base, an emphasis on personal development and a global perspective. The IB encourages students to be active learners, well-rounded individuals and engaged world citizens.

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Foxborough State Hospital, Now a Mixed-Use Property That Includes Condo-Style Luxury Apartments, Will Host an Oktoberfest Event to Benefit Charity

Tickets Are on Sale Now for the Oct. 6th Food Tasting Event at Chestnut Green to Benefit the Tri-Town Food Pantries of Mansfield, Foxboro and Norton, Mass.

Foxborough MA (Vocus) October 1, 2009

Chestnut Green (http://www. chestnutgreen. com/), a mixed-use property at the former site of former Foxboro State Hospital (http://www. chestnutgreen. com/), will host a VinCo Properties (http://www. vincoproperties. com/), Inc.-sponsored Oktoberfest charity event (http://www. tri-townchamber. org/index. php? option=com_jcalpro&Itemid=109&extmode=view&extid=54) on the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 6, when the Shops at Chestnut Green will become a culinary paradise to benefit the Tri-Town Food Pantries of Mansfield, Foxboro, and Norton. Selections from the menus of 24 restaurants based in these and surrounding towns will be available to anyone who attends the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce-produced "Oktoberfest," with proceeds going to Norton-Cupboard of Kindness, Foxboro-Discretionary Fund, and Mansfield Our Daily Bread.

"Last year was a huge success and we are excited to be able to offer this event again this year with our sponsor The Shops at Chestnut Green," said Kara Griffin, executive director of the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce. "There is tremendous variety of quality restaurants here, in our own backyards, which we should all take advantage of. This event offers residents an opportunity to sample delicious offerings from these local establishments, while supporting families in need. Everyone is encouraged to attend Oktoberfest with their friends, family and colleagues."

The latest creation of VinCo Properties, Chestnut Green features shops, office space and the Chestnut Green Apartments (http://www. chestnutgreenapts. com/). The work of VinCo Properties' joint effort with Abrams Properties (http://www. abrams-properties. com/), LLC, these luxury condo-style units are fashioned from a full restoration of Foxboro State Hospital's Greek revival architecture (http://www. chestnutgreenapts. com/gallery/).

The Event opens at 5:00 p. m. and continues to 7:00 p. m. Tickets are $12.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door. Advance tickets are can be purchased at the following or by calling the Chamber at 508-339-5655 or by visiting the following locations:

Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce--15 West St., Mansfield
Glee Gifts--121 Main St., Chestnut Green, Foxboro
Mansfield Bank--80 North Main St., Mansfield
North Easton Savings Bank--172 Mansfield Ave., Norton

A full list of participating restaurants appears at the end of this announcement. Food offerings will include appetizers and hors d'oeuvres from a wide range of national cuisines. For instance, LOCO Tapas & Wine Bar in Easton will serve steamed mussels tossed in romesco sauce with toasted garlic and chorizo sausage. And Dream Dinners in Plainville will serve Chicken Paella, a savory dish combining tender white chicken and mildly seasoned sausage with lemon scented rice, sweet red peppers, artichoke hearts and tomatoes.

A new participant at Oktoberfest, EPOCH Senior Living of Norton will bring Lobster Bisque and Bourbon Chicken. Light music from the area's high school jazz groups will complement the large selection of food, as will the services of two on-site massage therapists from Back to Health Chiropractic of Mansfield.

"We are thrilled to be sponsoring this event given our track record of success from last year," said Vince O'Neill, CEO of VinCo Properties. "Everyone is looking forward to sampling the variety of foods in the family atmosphere. We are honored to have an opportunity to give back to a community which has given so much to us."

Chestnut Green, located between Boston and Providence with easy access to Routes 1, 95, 140 and 495, is just nine minutes from the MBTA commuter rail, with service to Providence and Boston suburbs. Apartments are being offered at $1,150 to $2,900 a month, with limited time pre-leasing specials, including one to two months free rent as well as reduced application fees and security deposits on select units. Applications for Chestnut Green Apartments (http://chestnutgreenapts. com/application/) are available online (chestnutgreenapts. com). For information on Foxborough apartment viewings (http://www. chestnutgreenapts. com/about/) and more, prospective tenants and other interested parties may call 1-877-298-APTS.

The following restaurants are scheduled to participate in this year's Oktoberfest at Chestnut Green:

Alberto's Pub & Pizza, Norton
Antonia's Deli, Foxboro
Bertuccis, Mansfield
CBS Scene, Foxboro
Casey O'Conor's, Mansfield
Corks Fine Wine & Liquor, Mansfield
Davios Northern Italian Steakhouse, Foxboro
Dream Dinners, Plainville
Edible Arrangements, Foxboro
EPOCH Senior Living, Norton
Fresh Catch, Mansfield
Friendly's Express, Mansfield
Jimmy's Pub & Restaurant, Mansfield
LOCO tapas & wine bar, Easton
Mai Pearl, Chestnut Green, Foxboro
Nature Springs Water Company, Needham
Piccadilly Pub & Restaurant, Foxboro
Pikes Peak Mining Company, Mansfield
Pizza Time, Chestnut Green, Foxboro
Qdoba Mexican Grill, Mansfield & Foxboro
Sunset Catering, Attleboro
Twenty8 Food & Spirits, Renaissance Hotel Foxboro
Tastings Wine Bar & Bistro, Foxboro
Waxy O'Connor's, Chestnut Green Foxboro

For more information on Oktoberfest at Chestnut Green, call the Tri-Town Chamber of Commerce at 508-339-5655

About Chestnut Green
Chestnut Green Apartments are a part of Chestnut Green, an adaptive re-use development of the former Foxborough State Hospital site into a mixed-use community consisting of retail, commercial, and residential housing units. A strong team of industry leaders stands behind the Chestnut Green development, located approximately one-half mile north of downtown Foxborough, Mass. This development team is led by master developer Vince O'Neill of VinCo Properties, Inc. VinCo Properties has developed "The Shops" and "The Offices" in partnership with Matthew Abrams of Abrams Properties, LLC developing 15 townhomes - "The Carriage House Flats" - and 55 apartments. On the perimeter of the property, single-family homes are being developed by Michael Intoccia of Intoccia Construction Company and Douglas King of Douglas A. King Builders, Inc. King is also developing 60 town homes. For more information, please visit www. chestnutgreen. com.

Members of the news media interested in learning more about Chestnut Green may contact the following individuals:

Lisa A. Nickerson
Nickerson PR
617-848-8193
Lisa AT nickersonpme DOT com

This SEO news release is a product of STETrevisions, a PRSEO consultancy

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Fort Lauderdale Advertising and PR Agency Hires Promotional Product Specialist

Premiere Advertising and Public Relations Agency located in Fort Lauderdale, South Florida announces new employee Tami S. Blatecky to join their Advertising Specialties department. Blatecky brings with her over eighteen years of corporate marketing, promotions and sales experience within the consulting, sports marketing, legal and retail industries.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida (PRWEB) October 19, 2006 -–

AdBit's (http://www. AdBits. com (http://www. AdBits. com)), a premiere Advertising and Public Relations Agency located in Fort Lauderdale, South Florida announces new employee Tami S. Blatecky to join their Advertising Specialties department. In this position, Blatecky will be responsible for managing all aspects of business-to-business relations, coordinating the creative workflow and sorting an internal database of more than 800,000 different promotional products, corporate gifts and giveaway items.

Blatecky brings with her over eighteen years of corporate marketing, promotions and sales experience within the consulting, sports marketing, legal and retail industries. She holds a B. S. Degree in Journalism/ Marketing from Southern Illinois University. She is a certified volunteer with the Make-A-Wish Foundation in the Fort Lauderdale/Miami area.

“I enjoy helping our clients grow their business with creative custom promotional products that appeal to their specific customers,” says Tami. “I have a lot of great ideas and I love helping people create sales solutions. AdBit's Advertising & PR has a great reputation in South Florida for creating the best brochures, web sites, print ads and promotional items available. I am excited to be a new member of the team.”

AdBit's Advertising & PR specializes in developing unique promotional product ideas that fit any marketing plan. Our advertising specialties department can imprint your company logo or slogan on anything, for example; Stress Relievers, Awards & Recognitions, Lanyards, Bags, Calendars & Planners, Clocks & Watches, Cups & Napkins, Coasters, Robes, Towels & Slippers, Gift Sets, Golf Products, Key Rings, Magnets, Notepads, Pens & Pencils and Hats & Shirts.

“We are very fortunate to have Tami on our team,” says Bit Grubbström, Founder of AdBit's. “Her experience as a buyer of corporate marketing services and promotional products gives her the ability to see the process from the client's perspective. She knows how to effectively help improve our clients' bottom line by integrating advertising specialty items in their promotions.”

About AdBit's

AdBit's, a Florida based full service agency, is a woman owned business creating outstanding results in advertising since 1994. AdBit's has a diverse client list including many local and international companies within tourism, real estate, yachting & marine, motorcycle, healthcare, education and many other industries.

Please call AdBit's for a free analysis of your advertising efforts. If you are in the tri county Florida area; Broward, Dade or Palm Beach, a company representative will be happy to meet at your location to discuss your advertising needs; or feel free to schedule an appointment to visit AdBit's located at 1003 SE 17th Street in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

More Info Contact:

Anthony M. Ragland

AdBit’s Advertising & PR

P 954.467.8420

F 954.467.0809

Website: http://www. AdBits. com (http://www. AdBits. com)

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Sunday, January 10, 2010

FDA Selects FileTrail RFID for National Solution

FileTrail, Inc. today announced that the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has selected FileTrail RFID to track and manage for the Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA).

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) November 30, 2007

FileTrail, Inc. today announced that the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has selected FileTrail RFID to track and manage for the Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA). FileTrail was selected in September as the result of an RFP for an RFID tracking solution to cover 15 district offices.

The FDA evaluated FileTrail and RFID technology after it was implemented in the San Francisco office in March of 2006. This solution leveraged Gen 2 RFID technology to automate tracking and management of audit files, case files, evidence and other items. Color-coded end tab labels will automate filing and retrieval, and prevent misfiles.

The FileTrail solution provides a completely browser-based interface. The browser tools are immediately familiar to staff, so training requirements are minimal.

"The RFID from FileTrail has been great. Staff are often apprehensive about a new technology, but the processes FileTrail has built are simple, efficient and very easy," according to Mohammad Samimi, Quality Assurance Manager in the San Francisco District Office.

The FileTrail solution is a good fit for the FDA. FileTrail is used by many of the organizations that ORA is responsible for auditing, including Actelion, Amgen, GE Healthcare, Genentech, Sosei and others.

About FDA
The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. The FDA is also responsible for advancing the public health by helping to speed innovations that make medicines and foods more effective, safer and more affordable; and helping the public get the accurate, science-based information they need to use medicines and foods to improve their health.

About FileTrail
FileTrail, Inc., is the leading provider of Gen 2 RFID tracking solutions for the office environment and browser-based records management software. Companies of all sizes turn to FileTrail to streamline processes with the latest technology and most configurable software. Headquartered in San Jose, California, FileTrail has been providing solutions for records management using bar coding and RFID since 2001.

FileTrail may be reached at 408 289-1300 or through their website at www. filetrail. com.

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Greene King Earns 2008 Summit Award at Consona Customer Conference

Consona™ Customer Management Helps UK Brewer Integrate Acquisitions, Maintain Revenue Streams and Achieve Savings after Remarkable Growth; Company Wins Transformation Award.

Las Vegas, NV/Indianapolis, IN (Vocus) October 30, 2008 -—

Consona Corporation (Consona), a worldwide leader in providing customer relationship management (CRM) (http://consona. com/Consona/default. aspx? pagename=CRM-Solutions) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) (http://consona. com/Consona/default. aspx? pagename=Cross-Industry-ERP) software and services for companies of all sizes, today announced at its premier customer conference, Consona Connect, that Greene King, a UK-based brewery and pub operating company and Consona Customer Management user, is the 2008 recipient of the software provider’s Transformation Award.

The Transformation Award, part of Consona’s annual Summit Awards, honors a customer that has been able to either reinvent its business or achieve a strong return on investment in a relatively short period of time. Recipients of the award submit both qualitative and quantitative data that illustrate how the solution has impacted the customer’s business model or overall business performance. Award recipients display significant business improvements and changes, such as unprecedented customer satisfaction levels, the introduction of new products and services, or increased sales.

Greene King has been brewing beer and operating pubs for over 200 years, growing steadily from 800 pubs in 1996 to more than 2,600 today. Greene King faced a number of issues following rapid expansion, including concerns about the potential breakdown of customer satisfaction. Customer contact was fragmented, falling between account managers and weekly customer sales contacts with no transparency of performance levels. The company decided that a dedicated team was required to manage relationships with pub managers and lessees, as well as independent free trade, national, and off-trade customers to effectively manage product quality, distribution and installation of dispense equipment, as well as other business issues. In addition, Greene King also recognized the importance of managing growing consumer expectations for product quality and customer service.

Greene King faced this challenge with the use of the Consona Customer Management Solution and achieved the following:
Rapidly expanded its business through acquisition and seamlessly integrated the acquired companies while maintaining income streams and avoiding the need for eight additional people at a savings of 250,000 pounds per year. Dealt successfully and efficiently with license reform and new regulatory requirements with an estimated savings of 100,000 pounds per year in cost avoidance. Reduced new licensee failure rate from 20 to 6 percent within the first two years of implementing the system. Managed the rent role, annual retail price increases, and rent concessions for pub closures, eliminating an estimated two percent loss totalling about 1 million pounds per year in savings.

“Quite simply, we could not have achieved what we have without Consona CRM,” said Clive Pettitt, director of market planning for Greene King. “Our use of the technology has allowed our vision to be realized.”

“We are thrilled to honor Greene King with a Summit Award for some absolutely tremendous achievements," said Jeff Tognoni, CEO of Consona. "Greene King sets a standard for the commitment it takes to gain maximum return on a business system investment. The growth and success this company has achieved with our support reminds all of us at Consona why we're in business."

About Consona Corporation
Consona Corporation (Consona, formerly known as M2M Holdings Inc.) is a worldwide leader in providing customer relationship management (CRM) (http://consona. com/Consona/default. aspx? pagename=CRM-Solutions) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) (http://consona. com/Consona/default. aspx? pagename=Cross-Industry-ERP) software and services for companies of all sizes. Consona is dedicated to becoming a valued business partner by helping each and every customer continuously improve business processes over time. Toward this mission (http://consona. com/Consona/default. aspx? pagename=Vision), Consona invests in the people, processes, technology and tools needed to provide its customers with a unique combination of customer care; product fit; a broad range of consulting, IT and business services; and industry expertise. Consona serves more than 4,500 customers worldwide and across a variety of industries, including manufacturing, distribution, financial services, health care, high tech, and local government. Battery Ventures and Thoma Bravo jointly own Consona. For further information, visit www. consona. com, e-mail info @ consona. com, or call (888) 8 CONSONA.

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