Clarus Systems President and CEO, Brendan Reidy Interviewed About Competitive Advantage in Catalyst Strategies’ Sparks Digital Publication on Corporate Growth

Clarus Systems President and CEO, Brendan Reidy Interviewed About Competitive Advantage in Catalyst Strategies’ Sparks Digital Publication on Corporate Growth

Clarus Systems CEO, Brendan Reidy, shares professional insight on Competitve Advantage in today's enterprise

Redwood City, CA (PRWEB) January 12, 2010

Clarus Systems, Inc., (http://www. clarussystems. com) a leading provider of integrated Voice over IP (VoIP) management software and services for Cisco Unified Communications, today announced that Brendan Reidy, President and CEO (http://www. clarussystems. com/about/team. php#reidy) has been featured in the Winter 2009 edition of Sparks (http://www. catalyststrategies. com/sparks/Sparks-vol2-Q409.pdf): Ideas to Ignite Growth. Published by Catalyst Strategies (http://www. catalyststrategies. com), the publication features conversations with industry thought leaders about the challenges of defining and maintaining a competitive edge in today’s economy along with some best practices and personal insights.

Reidy is interviewed with Fortune 500 leaders: Judson B. Althoff, Senior Vice President, Oracle Worldwide Alliances & Channels and Jamie Moldafsky, EVP, Sales, Marketing, Strategy & Customer Management, Wells Fargo Home Equity Group. Each standalone interview is in a Q&A format that delves into the many practical issues corporations face in defining and maintaining a competitive advantage.

“Sparks is a new outlet we created to share valuable ideas and get companies to think more deeply about how to consistently achieve growth,” said Trish Hayward (http://www. catalyststrategies. com/about/team. htm), Founder and Managing Partner, Catalyst Strategies. “We chose Clarus Systems because Brendan is a great strategic thinker and his success with Clarus and other organizations throughout his career shows how that thinking makes a difference.”

Reidy, who has experience in the venture, software and telecom areas, believes that competitive advantage encompasses every aspect of a company. “At Clarus Systems we view our competitive advantage as our people, our market knowledge, and even our financing,” says Reidy. His advice on how to develop and maintain a competitive advantage, also includes hiring top 10 percenters, protecting the company’s IP, and staying focused on the future needs of the customer.

Having a strong competitive advantage is important, particularly as the economy has been battering and even shutting down many companies – or forcing them to divest away and to change their core offerings. Reidy shared that “A lot of companies have not been investing in growth over the past year. They say, ‘It’s okay because our competitors aren't investing either.’ But that's not necessarily true. Our mantra this past year has been ‘Protect the IP, and grow high value capabilities driven by customer needs.

“We continued to ask customers what else they're looking for, and stay abreast of the market to look for anyone coming out with a disruptive technology that could potentially eliminate us, or strengthen us. And, we were able to significantly grow our revenues and cash position to give us another huge advantage against other venture backed companies in this economy,” added Reidy.

“We are pleased that Catalyst Strategies has chosen to include our views in Sparks,” said Reidy. “There are many pivotal decisions we need to make every day which all lead to the end goal of advancing our company and people. Sparks drills down to the relevant issues and I, too, am learning from the other executives who have been interviewed. This is a good way for companies to get solid ideas validated and put into practice.”

The Sparks publication is available on Clarus Systems’ Web site: http://www. clarussystems. com/news/press_releases. php (http://www. clarussystems. com/news/press_releases. php)

About Catalyst Strategies
Since 1998, Catalyst Strategies’ mission has been to uncover market insights, devise practical strategies, and build high impact programs that deliver top line revenue for clients. Working with companies in the services and technology sectors – from early stage to Fortune 1000 – Catalyst Strategies specializes in growth strategy, product innovation and positioning, customer experience transformation, and sales and marketing acceleration.

Clients hire Catalyst Strategies initially for its expertise, best practices, and analytical rigor. They bring the firm back time and again for its ability to catalyze decisive action that delivers tangible market results. For additional information, please visit http://www. catalyststrategies. com (http://www. catalyststrategies. com)

About Sparks
Catalyst Strategies seeks to be a catalyst for business growth, a spark that ignites momentum and positive change. Sparks is our Q&A series designed to fire up ideas about growth. Each edition features interviews with respected business leaders who share their insights and expertise on a current hot topic related to business growth. To access previous editions of Sparks, please visit http://www. catalyststrategies. com/about/catalyst-strategies-sparks. htm (http://www. catalyststrategies. com/about/catalyst-strategies-sparks. htm)

About Clarus Systems
Clarus Systems, Inc. (http://www. clarussystems. com (http://www. clarussystems. com)) a global leader in enterprise VoIP management software and services, provides integrated testing, troubleshooting, and monitoring for Cisco Unified Communications systems. Clarus’ award-winning VoIP management suite, ClarusIPC Plus®, maximizes Cisco Unified Communications performance and availability through automated testing, performance monitoring, configuration management and business intelligence reporting. Clarus VoIP testing and monitoring ensures the highest voice quality and proactive management that empowers unified communications. The company attributes its success to its roster of customers which includes Global 100 enterprises in financial services, healthcare, energy, communications, as well as system integrators, resellers and managed service partners.

For additional information, please visit http://www. clarussystems. com (http://www. clarussystems. com).

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Assurant Health Helps People Keep Their Insurance

Assurant Health Helps People Keep Their Insurance

Individual medical policyholders can swap plans when economic situation changes.

Milwaukee, WI (Vocus) March 24, 2009

Milwaukee-based Assurant Health, a leading national provider of Individual Medical, Small Group and Specialty health insurance products, is allowing policyholders to change their health coverage if they face economic hardship.

“In these challenging economic times, it is more important than ever for individuals to maintain health care coverage,” said Scott Krienke, senior vice president, Product Lines, Assurant Health. “We are working with our customers and giving them options to continue health care coverage, including changing to a lower cost plan in our portfolio of affordable plans, if they experience economic difficulties.”

Individuals, for example, can opt-out of a low deductible plan and choose a higher deductible plan that has a lower monthly premium. Customers can, within six months, reinstate the low deductible plan without additional underwriting when their economic situation improves.

More and more people are losing health insurance as job losses mount and employers cut back on coverage. Many others are foregoing or cutting back on insurance in order to meet rising household expenses, especially those with adjustable rate mortgages. All are at risk of more serious economic troubles if they were to have a health crisis.

“It’s vital for individuals to maintain a level of heath coverage and we’re offering them flexibility to do just that,” said Krienke.

According to the U. S. Department of Labor, the number of U. S. workers drawing state unemployment benefits scaled another record high in March, underscoring the difficulties of getting new jobs in the recession-hit economy. Since December 2007, over 4 million jobs have been lost, with the unemployment rate at 8.1 percent, the highest level in 25 years.

Policyholders can learn more about their options by contacting their independent insurance agent or calling Assurant Health at 1-800-596-0045.

About Assurant Health
Assurant Health has been in business since 1892 and is the brand name for products underwritten and issued by Time Insurance Company, John Alden Life Insurance Company and Union Security Insurance Company. Together, these three underwriting companies provide health insurance coverage for more than one million people nationwide. Primary products include individual medical, small group, short-term and student health insurance products, consumer-choice products such as Health Savings Accounts and Health Reimbursement Arrangements, as well as non-insurance products. With almost 3,000 employees, Assurant Health is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and has operations offices in Minnesota, Idaho and Florida, as well as sales offices across the country. The Assurant Health Web site is www. assuranthealth. com

Assurant Health is part of Assurant, a premier provider of specialized insurance products and related services in North America and selected international markets. Its four key businesses -- Assurant Solutions; Assurant Specialty Property; Assurant Health; and Assurant Employee Benefits—have partnered with clients who are leaders in their industries and have built leadership positions in a number of specialty insurance market segments worldwide.

Assurant, a Fortune 500 company and a member of the S&P 500, is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIZ. Assurant has over $24 billion in assets and $8 billion in annual revenue. www. assurant. com

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Morbidly Obese Can Afford Weight Loss with Insights from New Book

Morbidly Obese Can Afford Weight Loss with Insights from New Book

Female entrepreneur turned author has announced the launch of a new book, offering the more than 10 millions morbidly overweight Americans a creative financial option to afford radical weight loss.

(PRWEB) July 18, 2005

Female entrepreneur turned author has announced the launch of a new book, offering the morbidly overweight a creative financial option to afford radical weight loss.

The new book was written and designed to provide the 10-15 million of Americans who are morbidly obese a one stop source of strategic financial information to overcome their “no health insurance challenge,” while achieving radical weight loss and improved physical, emotional and financial health.

Plan C: The Medical Reimbursement Plan for the Morbidly Obese, by Sandra Lynch, C. T.E. C. is set to publish and be available for public release on July 26th, 2005. Written by independent tax preparer turned author, Sandra K. Lynch, the book will retail for $37.95 and can be ordered by calling the number listed above. It is a fairly brief read, some 106 pages. However in the 8 ½ by 11-inch workbook-styled edition, Lynch provides the “secret” financial strategy, and combination of tactics that can enable those looking to loose a minimum of 100 lbs. to do so in the most fiscally advantageous way.

More than a re-telling of LynchÂ’s first-person experience, what is described in detail are the financial insights Lynch came away with as a result of her personal weight-loss odyssey. Plan C: The Medical Reimbursement Plan for the Morbidly Obese illustrates and explains how those so diagnosed and the people who care for them, including parents, spouses and other care givers can better meet the financial challenge of drastic weight-loss.

Readers are taken through a step-by-step process to learn how standard, generally accepted U. S. tax and audit principles and rationale can be employed to the morbidly obese taxpayerÂ’s benefit. Lynch not only introduces the concept, but also provides clear examples and illustrates many of the points within the larger concept, by offering frequent diagrams, and other visuals which replicate tax forms those adopting the approach will encounter.

Lynch thoroughly explains how she and others will be able to deduct “dollar-for-dollar” the costs associated with radical weight loss by cultivating a new lifestyle geared toward success, a lifestyle in which many day-to-day decisions are motivated by the approach espoused in the book.

“This book is written to inform you how to orchestrate and afford your own weight loss, body and lifestyle make-over,” Lynch writes, (p. 6). “‘Plan CÂ’ walks the layman through the process that enables its practitioners to legally deduct hundreds of dollars from their taxes for their weight loss expenses.” 

In the book, she offers a first person narrative of her own personal lifelong journey toward becoming obese, setting the stage for how “Plan C” was developed and has and continues to work for her. Her words and photos of her evolution draw readers in and will help others of the morbidly obese community to connect with her inspiring message and the passion Lynch has for the strategy and tactics extolled in the book.

“We’re fortunate to have Sandra Lynch explain, in plain English, how—through self-employment—people can reduce their weight (according to their weight reduction strategy) while maximizing their deductible medical expenses, thereby reducing their self-employment income, self-employment tax, and related income tax,” said Nelson Murcia, an Enrolled Agent of Tax and Audit Solutions of Santa Ana, CA.

Sandra K. Lynch is a four-year, post gastric bypass surgery “winner” herself. She is also a seasoned business development consultant who has recently completed her third tax season as a California Tax Education Council (CTEC) certified tax preparer. Plan C: The Self-Reimbursement Insurance Plan for the Morbidly Obese, is Lynch’s first venture as an author.

For more information, to order the book, or speak to the author, contact:Tools 2 Lose and Maintain at 714.726.7352,or visit the website at www. t2lm. com

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Pima Medical Institute in Seattle Gets "Moore" For Radiography Program

Pima Medical Institute in Seattle Gets "Moore" For Radiography Program

The Radiography program at Pima Medical Institute, 9709 3rd Ave. NE in Seattle has a lot to offer, but now it has “more”. The career college announced they have hired Carrol Moore, as the Clinical Director of the Seattle campus’ Radiography program.

Mesa, AZ (PRWEB) July 17, 2006

The Radiography program at Pima Medical Institute, 9709 3rd Ave. NE in Seattle has a lot to offer, but now it has “more”. The career college announced they have hired Carrol Moore, as the Clinical Director of the Seattle campus’ Radiography program.

Moore has worked in numerous areas of radiography including general radiology, orthopedic, mammography, and podiatry. She is a certified Radiologic Technologist and also has licenses from the American Association of Radiologic Technologists, in Mammography and CPR, as well as State and national licenses in Fluoroscopy.

Prior to joining PMI, Moore worked as a classroom instructor for Canada College Clinical. She is currently working on a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Sciences. She earned an Associate of Science degree as a Radiologic Technologist in 1985 and an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology in 1983.

“Pima Medical Institute has earned a great reputation for our Radiography program and we wanted a clinical director who could exceed our goals,” said George Borchers, campus director of the Seattle career college. “We are very pleased to have Carrol on our team and we know she will be an asset to an already excellent program.”

Graduates of the 89 credit-hour radiography program receive an Associate of Occupational Studies degree. The Seattle campus also has programs for Dental Assistant, Health Unit Coordinator, Medical Assistant, Medical Administrative Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, Respiratory Therapy and Veterinary Assistant.

PMI is one of the premier medical career colleges in the western United States. PMI has been serving students since 1972, with campuses in: Albuquerque, New Mexico; Mesa and Tucson, AZ; Denver and Colorado Springs, CO; Seattle and Renton, WA; Las Vegas, NV and Chula Vista, CA. Additional information is available at http://www. pmi. edu (http://www. pmi. edu) or by calling 1-888-442-5998.

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PACIENTES LATINOS SE GRADÚAN DE PROGRAMA CULTURALMENTE RELEVANTE FACULTÁNDOLOS A EFICAZMENTE MANEJAR SU DIABETES

PACIENTES LATINOS SE GRADÚAN DE PROGRAMA CULTURALMENTE RELEVANTE FACULTÁNDOLOS A EFICAZMENTE MANEJAR SU DIABETES

Resultados de este programa servirá de modelo para alcanzar a Latinos e incrementar prospectos para el tratamiento beneficioso centrado en los pacientes

LOS ANGELES, CA (PRWEB) May 19, 2003

16 de mayo de 2003--Hoy, participantes del programa Amigos En Salud unidos con sus familias celebraran un hecho memorable en el auto-manejo de su diabetes. El acontecimiento de graduación, se llevara a cabo en la Clínica Familiar QueensCare, da a los pacientes la oportunidad de compartir sus experiencias personales y sus triunfos colectivos durante los últimos varios meses. Jose Alcantar paciente declara, "yo ahora sé más acerca de cómo la diabetes afecta mi cuerpo y que cambiando mis hábitos creo que verdaderamente puedo vivir con la enfermedad controlándola en lugar de que la diabetes me controle. Tuve mucho miedo cuando primeramente fui diagnosticado. Me preocupaba que mi salud sólo se empeoraría, y que le iba ser masdificultosa la vida a mi familia. Me enteré de que puedo vivir con esta enfermedad pero yo necesito el apoyo de mi familia para seguir el programa de la dieta y el ejercicio a diario

Angela Camilleri, coordinadora del programa Amigos por parte de Pfizer Health Solutions, explica "los promotores de salud ayudan a los pacientes tengan una comprensión más profunda de su salud y el comportamiento dentro del contexto de sus vidas. La pura complejidad de la diabetes y las barreras al cuidado que los pacientes deben sobrepasar requiere una estrategia de enfoques múltiples. Este acercamiento de enfoques hacia el paciente les da una oportunidad real y de largo plazo para que manejen exitosamente su diabetes". Ella agregó, " Los resultados de nuestros graduados iniciales demuestran mejoras en los resultados clínicos del HbA1c. El A1c común entre pacientes alistados fue 9.4% al principio del programa, esta suma cayó dos puntos en el porcentaje a 7.05 % - dentro de un rango normal - después de trabajar con promotores de salud por un período de seis meses. Los resultados de todos los participantes del programa estarán disponibles este otoño cuando esperamos que la mayoría de los pacientes se gradúen"

En el Condado de Los Ángeles, el 16% de hispanos mayor de 40 años sufre de diabetes. Para empeorar este problema muchos de ellos no tienen acceso a servicios de salud: se reporta que el 45% de latinos en el Condado de Los Ángeles no tienen acceso a seguro de salud, 36% no tiene un proveedor regular para el cuidado de sus enfermedades, y se reporta que el 54% son obesos, el cual es factor principal de riesgo para la diabetes. Un reciente estudio por el Centro médico de UCLA para Investigación de la Salud, reportó que los hispanos tienen tasas "extremadamente altas" de diabetes a comparación de otras razas no-blancas. La situación se complica más ya que los latinos sobre la edad de 65, tienen la incidencia más alta de diabetes (24 %) en proporción a los otros grupos.

Por seis meses los graduados participaron en un programa de educación sobre la diabetesenfocado en percepciones culturales esenciales para el manejo exitoso de la diabetes. Los promotores quienes proveen apoyo y educación sobre la salud, trabajan con pacientes recién diagnosticados en Español y enfocan la atención en creencias culturales populares, estrategias de cambio de comportamiento, y el uso de materiales de salud apropiados para ellos. Tomado en conjunto, se espera que esta estrategia incremente el deseo y la habilidad para alcanzar las metas de los pacientes y cambiar su comportamiento y el potencial para mejorla calidad de vida a largo plazo.

Edna Bush, enfermera y coordinadora del program Amigos en las Clínica Familiar QueensCare nos dice, "los participantes no siempre entienden que el diagnóstico de una enfermedad que potencialmente amenaza la vida como la diabetes, se puede controlar exitosamente por muchos años. La estrategia Amigos en Salud combina la enseñanza sobre la diabetes, cambio del comportamiento de los pacientes, y el auto-manejo de su enfermedad dentro del contexto de la cultura Latina. Los resultados del programa hasta ahora han sido alentadores y resalta el valor de las interacciones positivas que los promotores de salud tienen en la conportamiento de su tratamiento". El programa fue implementado en las Clínica Familiar QueensCare en Eagle Rock, y Echo Park, y en el Este de Los Ángeles. El Programa Amigos en Salud fue desarrollado por Pfizer Health Solutions en conjunto con las Clínicas Familiares QueensCare y es parcialmente patrocinado por la Fundación Pfizer.

"Es tremendamente edificante ver que nuestros pacientes han assimilado el programa y han hecho cambios en el manejo de su salud y conjuntamente con Pfizer, pudimos contribuir en este esfuerzo", dijo Terry Bonecutter, Presidente Ejecutivo de QueensCare. Bonecutter cree que la educación culturalmente relevante y él empoderar a los pacientes es un componente importante en el cuidado de la salud que progresivamente se integrara en el cuidado proveído en QueensCare.

Historial

Creado en 1995, Pfizer Health Solutions Inc (PHS) es la sucursal clínica de tecnología de información de Pfizer Inc. que combina aplicaciones de tecnología con el cuidado clínico. PHS desarrolla e implementa soluciones que ayudan a lograr mejoras en la calidad de entrega del cuidado de la salud y la eficiencia operativa de grupos médicos, planes de salud, hospitales, sistemas integrados de entrega y organizaciones comunitarias.

La fundación Pfizer es una fundación caritativa independiente establecida por Pfizer Inc en 1953. La misión de la fundación es promover acceso para el cuidado de la salud de calidad y la educación, nutir la innovación y respaldar el envolvimiento comunitario de los empleados Pfizer.

Las Clinicas Franciscanas, conocidas como QueensCare Family Clinics, cuentan con cinco clinicas en el centro de Los Angeles, ed un organizacion independiente, no-lucrativa, administrada por QueensCare. QueensCare es una organizacion de beneficiensa publica que provee servicios de salud a personas de bajos ingresos o que no cuentan con seguro medico. Conjuntamente QueensCare y QueensCare Health & Faith Partnership mantienen una iniciativa de educacion publica que brinda servicios a mas de 60 escuelas e iglesias. Por medio de estas dos organizaciones, se brindaron mas de 200,000 consultas medicas a residentes de Los Angeles tan solo el año pasado.

La Hemoglobina A1c

La hemoglobina A1c (A1c) es una prueba que mide el nivel de glucosa en la sangre de una persona durante los últimos 2 a 3 meses. Este es el indicador "estándar" para el manejo de la diabetes. El Presidente Bush enfatizo que "los estudios han demostrado que reducir un punto del porcentaje de A1c puede cortar hasta una tercera parte el riesgo de tener complicaciones debilitantes y costosas como retinopatia, nephropathy y neuropatía."

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CONTACTOS:

Programa, Dora O. Tovar (817) 467-5759

Celulár (817) 690-7671

Doncorp Showcasing Hottest Trends in Lighting and Personal Care Products to Retail Buyers at CES International

Doncorp Showcasing Hottest Trends in Lighting and Personal Care Products to Retail Buyers at CES International

International retail buyers attending CES are discovering a wide array of premium spa, personal care and portable lighting products by visiting Doncorp Industries Ltd at booth #23663.

Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) January 10, 2004

International retail buyers attending CES are discovering a wide array of premium spa, personal care and portable lighting products by visiting Doncorp Industries Ltd at booth #23663. Featuring its best-selling SPAbasics® lines of spa and personal care items, and the GloWiz® line of innovative portable lighting products, Doncorp. Ltd. offers retailers and distributors timeless products of the utmost quality and superb designs.

“For more than 30 years we’ve been developing high-quality products with unique selling points and we invite International buyers of all sizes to see the latest trends being featured at our booth,” said Wynsie Marie Chan, president, Doncorp USA. “Our products have gained a solid reputation over the years for innovation and reliability so our customers are assured diverse offerings from a partner they can trust.”

In addition to featuring the SPAbasics and Zippy lines of consumer electronics, Doncorp Ltd. is always showcasing its capabilities as a premier OEM. “From concept, to design to manufacturing, we are able to oversee each stage of production in our facilities,” continued Chan. “In addition, our expert team of engineers, graphics artists, industrial designers and R&D guide help Doncorp Ltd. exceed customer demands in an ever-changing market.”

Spa and Personal Care Items by SPAbasics

• Soothing Shell™ - this sound relaxation system is the perfect tool to ease stress and soothe spirits by bringing the calming sounds of nature indoors. Within this attractive sea shell lays a powerful sound machine designed to calm restless sleepers and fussy infants. Offering eight different nature sounds, Soothing ShellÂ’s stylish design complements any décor and comes in a choice of four colors: pearl white, metallic blue, metallic gray and gold.

• Soothe N Glo™ Sound Machine - this unique Black Phantom nite lite creates a soft, moonlight glow to any room; creating a calming visual effect. Similar to the Soothing Shell, the Soothe N Glo Sound Machine features eight nature sounds to provide an ideal sleeping environment. Both products also include a timer with four settings and volume adjustment.

• PuriAir™ Air Purifier – designed to produce cleaner, fresher air. Unhealthy airborne particles such as dust, cigarette smoke and pet fur are quickly repelled and neutralized through PuriAirÂ’s unique Ionizer and Ozone filtration system. Once the air is cleansed, PuriAir diffuses aromabeads to fill the air with a pleasant scent to rejuvenate the spirit and surrounding environment.

• Masseur Touch™ - this powerful personal massager has three vibrating balls to help ease the aches and pains of sore muscles, relieve the stress of a long day and stimulate circulation. Portable and lightweight, the Masseur Touch can be taken just about anywhere - itÂ’s like having a personal masseuse at your beck and call.

• Gaia Aroma Spa™ - bring the exotic, healing scents of aromatherapy into the home or office. Four natural scents engage the body and mind for total relaxation, stress relief and invigoration: jasmine, rose, seaweed and vanilla. Gaia Aroma Spa is available in five attractive colors: winter white, golden sand, smoky gray, deep ocean blue and forest green.

Innovative New Lighting Products by GloWiz

• The Hurricane™ - this magical “storm” of lightning creates an extreme visual effect that is way beyond imagination! Perfect for teens or the college dorm room, the Hurricane is a 12-inch neon tube filled with pulsating glass beads that sits a top a small black base. The speed and pattern can be synchronized with the deep bass of any stereo system to create a truly customized lightning effect.

• Nite Lites – these thoroughly modern nite lites put a new spin on an old classic. The contemporary designs come in a variety of shapes and colors, and are available in both LED and neon formats. Perfect for a childÂ’s room, these nite lites provide just the right amount of glow to make them feel secure at night and yet not too bright to hinder their sleep. Also ideal for bathrooms, stairways, hallways and just about any place with dark corners.

• The Levitator™ - this unique home lighting decoration creates a spectacular visual effect by actually suspending a disco ball in mid-air. A neon ring glows automatically once the ball is suspended in place to send off thousands of light spots that are reflected as it spins. Is it an illusion or pure magic? This novelty item is sure to please and surprise as everyone will wonder how the ball can suspend in place.

• Neon Wall Clocks – enhance any home or office décor with these classic neon clocks featuring a variety of colors and designs. Of special note is the unique Tic Tac Glo™ neon pendulum clock. The first of its kind to hit the market, this stylish timekeeper updates the classic grandfather clock with a fresh, modern approach – complete with a swinging pendulum.

• LED Book Lites – compact book lites in all of your favorite American sports: Football, Baseball & Golf and many more designs for reading anytime of the day. These clip on lights feature an innovative diffused LED to provide a well lit reading environment with even light distribution to reduce eye strain and fatigue.

About SPAbasics

SPAbasics is division of Doncorp Industries Ltd. Making life more enjoyable and comfortable by bringing the luxurious amenities of an expensive spa closer to home, SPAbasicsÂ’ collection of home spa and personal care products range from foot massagers to amoratherapy diffusers to soothing sound relaxation systems. For information on SPAbasics in the U. S. please visit the company website at www. spa-basics. com or call 1-888-353-1628.

About GloWiz

Lighting up the lives of customers worldwide for more than a decade, GloWiz is a member of the Doncorp Industries Ltd. family of companies. Offering the latest in neon products, clocks and novelty items, GloWiz products bring new life to classic designs and introduce fun and style back into the home. For additional information on GloWiz products for the U. S. please visit www. doncorpusa. com or call 1-888-385-1628, and for International orders please visit www. doncorp. com. hk or call (852) 2341 7371.

About Doncorp Industries Ltd

Founded in 1989, Doncorp Industries quickly evolved from a maker of neon novelties, signs and automotive accessories to become a global supplier of consumer electronics. From its best selling Soothing Shell sound relaxation system to the ingenious Neon Nite Lite, Doncorp Industries now offers an expansive line of products that includes neon signs and novelty items, automotive accessories, and spa and personal care accessories. Today, the privately held company enjoys worldwide success with each of its business groups – Doncorp USA, GloWiz®, SPAbasics® and Zippy™ Spas Ltd. For more information please visit the company website for the U. S. at www. doncorpusa. com or call 1-888-385-1628, and for International orders please visit www. doncorp. com. hk or call (852) 2341 7371.

SGIC Research Warns of GPS Distraction for South Australian Drivers

SGIC Research Warns of GPS Distraction for South Australian Drivers

SGIC is urging SA drivers to reposition their portable GPS units and keep their eyes on the road, after running road tests to investigate their impact on driver attention and safety.

(PRWEB) July 31, 2010

Car Insurance (http://www. sgic. com. au/car-insurance/index. shtml) provider SGIC is urging SA drivers to reposition their portable GPS units and keep their eyes on the road, after running road tests to investigate their impact on driver attention and safety.

The road test revealed that when drivers were challenged to use the portable GPS unit over a 35km route, they glanced at it around 90 times for an average of 1.2 seconds. This means, when travelling at 60 km/h, they were looking away from the road for up to 19 metres at a time – or more than four car lengths*.

The research also suggested that the safest position for a portable GPS unit is the right front lower corner of the windscreen. Of the positions tested, this location created the smallest blind spot for the driver**.

SGIC Car Insurance (http://www. sgic. com. au/car-insurance/index. shtml) spokesperson Robert McDonald said the research exposed the true dangers of looking at a GPS continually while driving.

“We want to make drivers aware of the risks of combining another task with driving. In-car distractions like eating, drinking or using a GPS encourage the driver to take their eyes off the road.

Losing focus for one second while at the wheel puts you at higher risk of having a collision.

“Drivers should learn to rely on the voice directions rather than looking at the map, it’s too distracting to be repeatedly looking at the screen while staying aware of the road and the other cars around you,” Mr McDonald said.

SGIC Car Insurance (http://www. sgic. com. au/car-insurance/index. shtml) research also found the least safe positions for a portable GPS unit is in the centre of the windscreen under the rear-vision mirror or directly in front of the driver, these locations block the field of view, creating large areas invisible for the driver.

“The position of your GPS is critical to being safe on SA roads, we regularly see drivers with a GPS blocking their view and creating an invisible area in front of the vehicle on the road.

“If drivers need to enter a location, look at the map extensively or consider the directions of the GPS, they should pull over and adjust it in a safe place,” Mr McDonald said.

SGIC offers some simple tips to drivers who use a GPS:
 choose the automatic lighting option – it will select the most suitable setting for the conditions  and prevent it being too bright at night;  enable a warning if you try to access the screen while driving;  ensure it is positioned in your line of sight but not blocking your field of view.

Six drivers (aged 27 to 59) drove an unfamiliar urban route of 35km on public roads, using the same GPS unit while driving at speeds under the posted speed limit. The drivers faces were filmed with eye movements recorded – a single eye movement is referred to as a ‘glance’.

** Four GPS unit positions were tested. Laser angles were recorded at each corner of the GPS unit to calculate the invisible area the GPS unit projected onto the road in front of the vehicle.

About the Author

SGIC is a leading insurance provider, offering Car Insurance quotes (http://www. sgic. com. au/car-insurance/index. shtml), Home Insurance, Motorcycle Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Boat Insurance, Health Insurance and Caravan Insurance in SA.

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