1stopstation: July 2004

Thursday, July 29, 2004

NuSil Technology Introduces Low Outgassing, Dielectric Gels Products for Electronic Packaging Applications

NuSil Technology ¾ a cutting-edge manufacturer of silicone-based materials for healthcare, aerospace, electronics and photonics ¾ announces the addition of three low outgassing, dielectric gels to its Electronic Packaging Materials line.

Carpinteria, California (PRWEB) February 20, 2007

NuSil Technology -- a cutting-edge manufacturer of silicone-based materials for healthcare, aerospace, electronics and photonics -- announces the addition of three low outgassing, dielectric gels to its Electronic Packaging Materials line.

NuSil's EPM-2480, EPM-2481 and EPM-2482 were designed for the encapsulation of chip packages in devices where outgassing-related contamination poses a problem. These products cure into a soft, compliant silicone, which helps reduce stress on electronic assemblies during temperature cycling, as well as protect against environmental factors and shock.

"The addition of the dielectric gels to the EPM product line offers engineers more options when it comes to protecting the chip" said Brian Nash, vice president of Marketing and Sales.

EPM-2480 and EPM-2481 are based on dimethyl silicone systems, while the EPM-2480 is a lower viscosity, firmer gel than the EPM-2481. Both are two-part systems and are supplied in 50-gram and 50-milliliter, side-by-side kits. The EPM-2482 is based on a diphenyl dimethyl silicone system for added temperature stability. The EPM-2482 is supplied in 50-gram and 50-milliliter, side-by-side kit. For more information on these specific products, please visit www. nusil. com/dielectrics (http://www. nusil. com/dielectrics) 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, cost-effective materials performance. ISO-9001-certified since 1994, NuSil operates state-of-the-art laboratories and processing facilities in North America and Europe 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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Sail into Summer and Fall with SoulOfAmerica. com&#194;’s Cruise Guide

Sail into Summer and Fall with SoulOfAmerica. comÂ’s Cruise Guide

SoulOfAmerica, the premier travel website for African-American travelers, offers a guide to Black-oriented cruises sailing Summer and Fall of 2005.

Torrance, CA (PRWEB) March 3, 2005

SoulOfAmerica. com has announced this yearÂ’s Summer and Fall Cruise Guide for African-American travelers. With ports of call ranging from the Southern Caribbean to the South of France, the cruises offer far-away destinations, luxurious onboard accommodations and entertainment suited especially to Black travelers. The guide can be accessed www. soulofamerica. com/cruises/index. html (http://www. soulofamerica. com/cruises/index. html )

Cruises catering to the African-American market feature the traditional standout amenities of voyage vacations: round-the-clock dining, celebrity performers, dance parties, sports activities, leadership training and academic workshops.

Black cruises, however, also incorporate soulful experiences such as Afro-Cuban dancing, Black comedy shows, Bid-Whist tournaments and book clubs hosted by Black authors. Check www. soulofamerica. com/cruises/index. html (http://www. soulofamerica. com/cruises/index. html) for more details on these and other cruises:

Festival at Sea - July 31- August 7, 2005

Choose Festival at Sea for slamming dance parties, major Bid-Whist and other card tournaments, a gospel choir, and the largest selection of Black-Karaoke songs on the planet, among other offerings.

Royal Caribbean Multicultural Group Cruise Conference - August 4-13, 2005

This seven-day adventure includes ports of call in Spain, France and Italy. Jointly sponsored by the National Professional Leadership Summit, this cruise will also feature many continuing education courses and networking opportunities for business professionals.

Celebration at Sea - August 12-22, 2005

Old-school live entertainment, basketball tournaments and business and health seminars are among the diverse activities offered by Celebration at Sea. Ports of Call include Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman and Grand Bahamas.

Blacks Over 40 at Sea - September 3-10, 2005

A pre-trip bon voyage party and gospel brunch kicks off this seven-night cruise that includes stops in Nassau, St. Thomas and St. Maarten. Aimed at a mature and hip crowd, the vacation also includes comedy shows, a book club, networking events, card tournaments and a pajama party.

All-Star Salsa Cruise - November 11-14, 2005

African-Cuban dancing, better known as Â“salsaÂ” is the theme for this cruise through the Bahamas. Passengers will not only experience live performances by internationally renowned salsa stars, but will also have the opportunity to learn the history and the moves of this art form.

First publishing to travelers in 1994, SoulOfAmerica. com provides extensive research information and photographs of such subjects as Family Travel, Cruises, Spas, Holiday Travel, Black History Month and International Destinations, including Paris and the Caribbean. Black travel experts are also available for interviews and for referrals to other Black travel resources.

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Baxa Corporation Celebrates 30 Years of Product Safety and Innovation for Hospital Pharmacies

Englewood, CO (PRWEB) March 24, 2005

In March 1975, two entrepreneurs with experience in pharmacy sales and product development started Baxa Corporation, a medical device company focused on products that ensured patient safety. Thirty years later, the companyÂ’s first product Â– a dispenser dedicated to safe delivery of oral medications Â– is still the market leader, alongside a full line of devices and systems designed to streamline fluid drug handling, admixture and packaging activities in hospital and alternate-site pharmacies. Baxa Corporation saw organic growth in the 1970Â’s and early 1980Â’s through the development of close relationships with key national opinion leaders and the companyÂ’s dedication to understanding the needs of hospital pharmacists, and designing products that specifically addressed those sterile compounding needs.

The companyÂ’s second decade was characterized by organic expansion through market innovation, as it launched a series of unique products, such as the RepeaterÂ™ Pump Â– the first designed for accurate pharmacy filling. This was followed by the introduction of the MicroMacroÂ™ Automated Compounders, the first to combine high speed for large-volume transfer, with accuracy for micro-ingredient delivery. By the end of its second decade, Baxa has added a dual rate syringe infuser and the Exacta-MixÂ™ Universal Pump to its line of products supporting pharmacy efficiency.

Â“ItÂ’s not thirty years of achievement that is so rewarding,Â” states Brian Baldwin, Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Â“It is the fun and excitement of the journey. My dream of building a truly great business is a continuous work in progress.Â” Brian and co-founder Ron Baxa both remain active in the business today, complementing the leadership of BrianÂ’s sons Greg and Jeff Baldwin.

Through its focus on state-of-the-art technology for automating sterile compounding and improving other pharmacy procedures, Baxa Corporation gained a reputation as a leader in application knowledge and product innovation. That reputation led the companyÂ’s strategic growth in the 1990Â’s and allowed them to partner with companies such as Abbott Laboratories (now Hospira), Samson Technologies, Fujisawa and others to enhance the value of their product offering.

Â“Baxa always demonstrated technical expertise,Â” notes Jeff Baldwin, President and COO, Â“but it was our focus on customers that has built the business to what it is today. Targeting an underserved market and finding ways to change their operations to improve efficiencies has helped build a base of true Baxa Â“fansÂ” in hospital pharmacies.Â”

Today, Baxa Corporation is nearing $100 million in annual sales, with 300 employees at its Englewood, Colorado headquarters. Reaching this 30-year anniversary milestone reflects the dedication of Baxa associates and the loyalty of the companyÂ’s customers worldwide. Â“Our mission,Â” says Greg Baldwin, Baxa Chairman and CEO, Â“has been to build lifelong customer relationships by providing the most innovative devices and systems for handling, packaging and administering liquid medications. Our success over the past 30 years is tangible proof that we are living that mission.Â”

About Baxa Corporation

Celebrating 30 years of business in 2005, Baxa Corporation is a Denver-based manufacturer of medical devices and systems for preparing, handling, packaging, and administering liquid medications. The company manufactures and markets a wide range of healthcare products for use in hospitals, critical care units and alternate-site pharmacies. Privately held, Baxa Corporation has subsidiaries and sales offices in Canada, the United Kingdom; Denmark and Germany; and distribution partners worldwide. Further information is available at http://www. baxa. com (http://www. baxa. com).

Contacts:

Marian Robinson, Vice President, Marketing

Baxa Corporation: 800.567.2292 ext. 2157 or 303.617.2157

Email: marian. robinson@baxa. com

Maggie Chamberlin Holben, APR

Absolutely Public Relations: 303.984.9801 or 303.669.3558

Email: maggie@absolutelypr. com

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Link to CEO Greg Baldwin's Expert Profile at:

Http://expert411.com/_wsn/page7.html (http://expert411.com/_wsn/page7.html)

Wednesday, July 28, 2004

New Report Profiles $60 Billion U. S. Advertising Agency & Services Industry

Research study examines growth and changes in the 38,000 U. S. advertising agency & services industry, and forecasts its future health and trends. As media and new media alternatives have their marketplace Â“tug-of-war,Â” this industry will be instrumental in determining winners and losers in media and the technologies used to deliver marketing messages to discerning consumers and businesspeople. The $60 billion ad agency and advertising services industry consists of over 38,000 individual businesses (each averaging about 10 employees), as well as 95,000 freelancers and sole practitioners. Companies in the advertising industry also spend more than $2 billion annually on capital investments. This important business sector is the focus of a new report by Strategies for Management, Inc., scheduled for publication in mid-April 2005. Strategies for Management, is now soliciting Â“early bird discountÂ” sponsors for this latest research project.

Harrisville, RI (PRWEB) February 22, 2005

The $60 billion ad agency and advertising services industry consists of over 38,000 individual businesses (each averaging about 10 employees), as well as 95,000 freelancers and sole practitioners. Companies in this industry sector also spend more than $2 billion annually on capital investments. This is according to a new research study entitled Â“U. S. Ad Agency & Services Business 1997-2009Â”, which is being published by Strategies for Management, Inc.

Examining the demographics and trends of advertising agencies and agency services firms, the report will cover advertising and public relations agencies, media-buying and display advertising firms, direct-mail advertising agencies, advertising material distributors, and other advertising service firms. The study will outline the number of businesses, employees, types of services being offered (and how their service mix is changing), as well as revenues and capital purchases.

Understanding the nature of this business sector is important, says Dr. Joseph Webb, president of SFM, which is based in Harrisville, R. I., because advertising agencies and advertising services firms drive practical implementation of Â“multimediaÂ” (print, Internet, and other media) campaigns, act as Â“digital hubsÂ” coordinating all elements required for successful implementation of multifaceted campaigns, and they select or specify media providers such as printers and other services firms.

Another important aspect of the ad agency business is its network of active freelancers and sole practitioners. The report will explore their role in the industry, how many there are, their receipts, capital expenditures, and other characteristics.

Ad agencies and advertising services firms are a significant market opportunity for vendors and suppliers because this business sector is a Â“heavyweightÂ” technology investor in desktop publishing systems, including: computer workstations; image acquisition; data storage; digital printing; workflow solutions; telecommunications; and other systems related to desktop and Internet publishing and communications.

Â“U. S. Ad Agency & Services Business 1997-2009Â” is slated for release by mid April, and SFM is now soliciting Â“early bird discountÂ” subscribers for the study.

Segments profiled include advertising agencies, public relations agencies, media buying services, media representatives, display advertising sales, direct mail advertising agencies, and advertising material distribution services.

Some of the topics on a historical and forecast basis include:

past, present and future numbers of agencies and their employees sizes of agency businesses by number of employees and annual revenues number of freelance ad agencies and sole practitioners how many advertising agencies are started and closed annually where firms get revenues (service mix), and how this is changing largest establishments' share of billings key ratio data, such as receipts per business, receipts per employee, payroll per business, and more capital expenditures by agency size other key demographics

The data and commentary in the report will assist vendors and dealers selling and working with ad agencies and advertising services firms in market sizing and segmentation, product development, opportunity assessment, channel/distribution and promotional strategies, as well as all aspects of planning and forecasting.

Analysis in the report will be based on historical data spanning 1997 to 2004, and forecasts from 2005 through 2009. It also reviews trends on an inflation-adjusted basis, which is critical to understanding the true nature and full scope of the advertising business, and where the opportunities reside in this important industry sector.

The project is currently underway and is planned for release on April 15, 2005.

This report is priced at $2,875. There is a special pre-publication price of $1,975, a savings of more than 30% ($900). The deadline for the Â“early-birdÂ” pricing is February 25, 2005. The report can be pre-ordered at http://store. yahoo. com/drjoe/agency. html (http://store. yahoo. com/drjoe/agency. html)

Report sponsors will have password access to data and links to secondary research on a private website during the field work, a unique benefit of SFM reports and research investigations. Upon publication sponsor companies will be e-mailed a PDF of the report, which will contain Â“live linkÂ” information resources such as associations, publications, government data, and other sources, providing direct access to the latest data and news about the ad agency business, followed by printed copy shortly thereafter.

Heading the project are Dr. Joseph Webb, President of Strategies for Management, and Mr. Vince Naselli of Naselli & Associates. Dr. Webb has studied the ad agency market for more than 25 years as a consultant, executive, and the founder of the TrendWatch surveys. His doctoral work was completed at the NYU Center for Graphic Arts Management and Technology. Mr. Naselli has over 20 years of professional experience in the graphic arts marketing industry and is the former Director of TrendWatch Graphic Arts, and was previously a product management executive with Agfa.

For more information, interested parties can e-mail Strategies for Management at agencystudy(at)sfminc. com, or can call Mr. Vince Naselli at 1-732-568-0316.

About Dr. Joe Webb

Industry commentator and forecaster Dr. Joe Webb is a 26+ year veteran of the graphic arts industry. He has served the industry as a consultant, executive, and the founder of the TrendWatch surveys. His academic background is a combination of business, computer technologies, and graphic arts. His doctoral work was completed at the NYU Center for Graphic Arts Management and Technology. Dr. Webb has worked with industry suppliers of all types, including offset and digital press manufacturers, computer software and hardware developers, national and multinational organizations, associations, and others. A frequent speaker at industry events, Dr. Webb's weekly column Â“Fridays with Dr. JoeÂ” appears at www. WhatTheyThink. com where it has become a must-read feature for the entire printing industry.

(Photos of Dr. Webb for editorial purposes can be downloaded at www. drjoewebb. com/press (http://www. drjoewebb. com/press ))

About Vince Naselli

Vince Naselli has 20+ years of professional experience in the graphic arts marketing industry. Mr. Naselli is the former Director of TrendWatch Graphic Arts. He is a frequent contributor to WhatTheyThink. com and other leading industry publications. He has served as a past committee chairman of the Imaging & Prepress and Market Research subcommittees for the NPES market research program, one of the leading research trade associations in the graphic communications industries. He has also served as president and on the board of directors of GAMIS, the research trade association of the Printing Industries of America. Mr. Naselli speaks at numerous industry events about the trends in technology, business conditions, and the future of the imaging business. In previous professional roles, he served as Dealer Relations and Regional Sales Manager for Screen USA and was the Senior U. S. Marketing Manager for Agfa of market research and competitive analysis and concurrently was the Senior U. S. Marketing Manager for Apogee responsible for PDF Workflow software and systems. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing and management from Kean University, New Jersey.

His website is http://www. naselliandassociates. com (http://www. naselliandassociates. com) and his direct e-mail is vince(at)naselliandassociates. com

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Leavitt Group Uses MyFax to Insure Greater Productivity: Insurance brokerage switches to Internet fax service to improve document flow, reduce fax costs

One of the challenges many growing organizations face is making sure that the availability of its resources matches the head count. That has certainly been the case at The Leavitt Group, one of the largest insurance brokerages in the United States. As it has grown to approximately 1,500 employees in 115 offices, the urgency to continually reevaluate all of its business processes and technologies has grown with it.

OTTAWA (PRWEB) December 6, 2007

One area that drew particular attention was the company's faxing technologies. The Leavitt Group typically sends and receives roughly 20,000 faxed pages per month in its busiest office alone, either through a fax machine or fax server. When Randy Wilson, an IT consultant in the Leavitt Group's service division, looked at the cost and productivity challenges surrounding the current processes for faxing documents he determined it was time to look into alternatives.

An Internet search led him to MyFax, one of the leading Internet fax services. MyFax allows users to send and receive faxes through their e-mail accounts or via a secure online server anywhere they can get an Internet connection.

"We had actually looked at Internet fax services before, but at the time we determined that the cost was too high," Wilson says. "When we looked into MyFax we realized that the landscape had changed considerably. MyFax was able to show that they had the longevity, stability, and customer support we wanted to bring to our member agencies - and they really stepped up to the plate in terms of pricing. They had the ideal combination of everything we were looking for."

Customer support was a key issue for The Leavitt Group. Because of the widespread nature of the member agencies, it was often difficult for the IT department to keep the various fax machines and fax servers running. Going with MyFax allowed the IT department to offload this ongoing support burden while giving users access to MyFax's 24 x 7 technical support. The fact that MyFax was rated number one for customer support on the Top 10 Reviews Web site made the decision even easier.

Another important factor according to Wilson was the ability to integrate MyFax into the two agency management systems The Leavitt Group maintains.

"We run two separate agency management software platforms that are very different from each other," he says. "Our IT group supports both, so we needed a fax solution that would integrate into both. Faxes are now centrally located in Microsoft(R) Outlook(R), making it easier to import both the faxes themselves and the confirmation notes we receive for sent faxes. No matter which platform a given agency is using, MyFax works seamlessly with it."

Since The Leavitt Group began deploying MyFax on a rolling basis they have found the productivity gains and cost savings to be significant. Wilson says one improvement has been that the need for a gatekeeper to review and distribute faxes has been greatly reduced, saving time while gaining efficiencies.

"All faxes are now sent directly to and from the individual user's desktop," Wilson says. "Unless a fax comes into the central number, no one has to deliver documents that come in on a machine or pass them through as they did when we were using a fax server. Our agents really like that, especially because they can even send and receive faxes when they're calling on a customer or otherwise out of the office."

One hard cost Wilson has seen reduced is the cost of a phone line. He estimates that the average cost for a phone line in a remote office is $40 per month. Paper and toner costs have also been reduced, although it's more difficult to provide an exact figure due to paper's use for copiers and standard printing.

"Overall, MyFax has been a huge success for us," Wilson adds. "You can tell by the quick adoption rates. Our members have a choice of which fax solution to use. But when they see what it can do for them, overwhelmingly they're choosing MyFax."

About MyFax

MyFax is the fastest growing Internet fax service used by individuals, small, medium and large businesses to send and receive faxes using existing email accounts or the web. MyFax offers services in North America and Europe, including the United Kingdom to industries recognized among the fastest growing adopters of internet fax including finance, insurance, real estate, healthcare, transportation and government. More than 10,000 new customers subscribe to MyFax each month. Additional information is available at www. myfax. com and www. myfax. uk. com.

Tuesday, July 27, 2004

Weight Train To Help Vision

Recent study finds that weight training may decrease your chances of developing glaucoma.

(PRWEB) December 18, 2003

Weight training, strength training, and resistance training are all different names for an exercise program that increases flexibility, builds bone density, improves strength, decreases the chance of obtaining certain diseases such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease, and boosts metabolism, which in turn results in weight loss.

But there is another exciting benefit. Weight training may also decrease your chances of developing glaucomaÂ—the second leading cause of legal blindness. This, according to a recent study published in the National Strength and Conditioning AssociationÂ’s Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (Vol.17, No. 4, Nov. 2003, page 715-720).

The study, conducted at Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, examined the effects of resistance training on the internal pressure within the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP). Having high IOP is related to an increased risk of developing glaucoma. Researchers found that strength training decreases this pressure, thus decreasing the risk.

Thirty healthy subjects (15 male and 15 female) performed 3 sets of 10 repetitions at 70% one repetition maximum on either a chest press or leg press. Eye pressure was measured before the exercise, after each set, and five minutes after each exercise.

The results of this study show that intraocular pressure decreases immediately after one or more sets of either exercise. The cause of this decrease is not known, however research suggests that the changes in blood and blood flow to the eye after exercise affects eye pressure. The authors of this study stress caution about generalizing these results. Although the study suggests that resistance training can reduce the likelihood of developing glaucoma, more research is needed in this area.

To get started in a weight training program, the NSCA recommends that you work with a Certified Strength and Conditioning SpecialistÂ® (CSCSÂ®) or NSCA-Certified Personal TrainerÂ® (NSCA-CPTÂ®) to learn proper lifting technique, and maximize your efforts while strength training. You can find these strength and conditioning professionals listed by city on the NSCA web site at www. nsca-lift. org/CPTReferrals (http://www. nsca-lift. org/CPTReferrals).

The National Strength and Conditioning Association seeks to educate its members and increase respect for the strength and conditioning profession by providing a wide variety of resources such as: exceptional professional journals; cutting edge conferences; scholarship and grant opportunities; educational text and videos; and career services to its 26,000 members. Visit the NSCA Online Media Center at www. nsca-lift. org/press (http://www. nsca-lift. org/press) for more information.

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NOTE: The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research is the official research journal of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and is available from Alliance Communication Group at 800-627-0932. For a complete copy of the research paper (Vol. 17, No. 4, page 715-720) or to speak with a leading strength and conditioning expert on the topic, you may contact the NSCA Public Relations Department at 800-815-6826.

14th Annual Woods Hole Film Festival to Screen Documentary About Humanitarian-Award Winning Dr. Marc Lieberman and the Tibet Vision Project

The 14th Annual Woods Hole Film Festival will screen VISIONING TIBET on August 1, 2005. VISIONING TIBET chronicles the passion of ophthalmologist Marc Lieberman, founder of the Tibet Vision Project. His mission: to end preventable blindness in Tibet Â— which has the highest rate of untreated cataract blindness in the world Â— by 2020. Bringing light where there was once darkness, LiebermanÂ’s work has been recognized by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, which named him 2003 Humanitarian of the Year.

(PRWEB) July 22, 2005

The 14th Annual Woods Hole Film Festival will screen VISIONING TIBET, a feature documentary about humanitarian-award winning doctor, Marc Lieberman and the Tibet Vision Project. The screening is scheduled for Monday, August 1, 2005 at 8:00 pm at Coffee Obsession 2, 38 Water Street, Woods Hole, MA.

VISIONING TIBET Â“Â…vividly documents a miraculous project in TibetÂ…a tremendously worthwhile filmÂ…Â” said His Holiness, The Dalai Lama.

A documentary by Isaac Solotaroff, VISIONING TIBET chronicles the passion of ophthalmologist Marc Lieberman, founder of the Tibet Vision Project. His mission: to end preventable blindness in Tibet Â— which has the highest rate of untreated cataract blindness in the world Â— by 2020.

Bringing light where there was once darkness, LiebermanÂ’s work has been recognized by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, which named him 2003 Humanitarian of the Year.

The film tells the stories of two of Tibetans Â— Karma and Lhasang Â— who have one last chance at restored sight.

Karma, 52, is from a small northern Tibetan village. A farmer, he works the land that his family has farmed for generations. Karma has only left home to barter in a neighboring village and to make religious pilgrimages. For two years, he has been gradually losing his eyesight, preventing him from working in the fields. His one wish, if his sight is restored, is to make a pilgrimage to a lake sacred in Tibetan Buddhism. Lhasang, 56, is patriarch of a nomadic family. Like his ancestors before him, he herds yak and goats on the plains of northern and central Tibet. LhasangÂ’s blindness has made him unable to provide for his family, darkening both his mood and outlook on life.

The film follows the two men as they make the arduous journey to a remote clinic in the hopes of having their sight restored by Tibetan doctors, who have received technology and skill training through the Tibetan Vision Project.

In order to shoot the documentary, Solotaroff had to keep crew and equipment to a bare minimum Â— just a director/producer and camera/sound person Â— in order not to raise suspicions of the Chinese authorities. Local volunteers were used as grips and camera assistants. If the Chinese officials had known that the crew was shooting a documentary, itÂ’s movements would have been closely monitored and restricted. Filming took nearly three years. VISIONING TIBET uses breathtaking cinematography to provide a view of contemporary Tibet and its people seldom seen by international audiences

Dr. Marc Lieberman founded the Tibet Vision Project in 1995. The Tibet Vision Project operates as a non-governmental organization (NGO). It is one of the few NGOs or international health organizations able to function in Chinese Â– ruled Tibet. For the past 10 years, Â“Dr. MarcÂ” has made biannual one-month trips to Tibet, leading a team of doctors, nurses and technicians he has trained. Together, they run Â“eye campsÂ” that provide basic eye care and perform up to 120 cataract operations in four days. To date, the project has restored sight to over 3,000 Tibetans.

In the 1980Â’s, Lieberman became involved in Buddhist meditation and practice and active in Buddhist communities throughout northern California. He organized a series of meetings in the US and India between The Dalai Lama and Jewish scholars and rabbis, during which time he learned of cataract blindness crisis in Tibet. These meetings were the basis of the book of THE JEW IN THE LOTUS.

Producer/Director Isaac Solotaroff is an award-winning producer, director and editor. He was co-producer, co-director and editor of his first film, JEWS AND BUDDHISM: BELIEF AMENDED, FAITH REVEALED. Narrated by Sharon Stone, the film was chosen Â“one of the outstanding documentaries of 1999Â” by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The film was shown at over 30 international film festivals and screened on PBS.

Solotaroff was co-producer and editor of LOS ROMEROS: THE ROYAL FAMILY OF THE GUITAR, which was nominated for a Â“best biographyÂ” Emmy in 2001 and broadcast nationally on PBS. He has also edited several award-winning documentaries including, FREESTYLE: THE ART OF THE RHYME (HBO Best Documentary, Urban World Film Festival) and SMOKESTACK LIGHTENING (Best Documentary, Memphis Film Festival).

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Research finds Positive Action&#174; program improves students’ test scores and behavior

Research finds Positive Action® program improves students’ test scores and behavior

A study by Oregon State University researchers found that Positive Action®, a program that teaches social and emotional skills and character development to elementary school children, can improve academic test scores as much as 10 percent on national standardized math and reading tests.

Twin Falls, ID (Vocus) February 3, 2010

A study by Oregon State University researchers found that Positive Action® (http://www. positiveaction. net/), a program that teaches social and emotional skills and character development to elementary school children, can improve academic test scores as much as 10 percent on national standardized math and reading tests.

Other key findings include:
21% improvement on state reading tests

51% improvement on state math tests

70% fewer suspensions

15% less absenteeism

Supported by the National Institute of Drug Abuse and published in the January issue of the Journal of Research on Educational Effectiveness, this study was conducted in 20 public elementary schools in Hawaii, 10 of which were randomly assigned to receive the program and the rest were controls. Participating schools had below-average standardized test scores and a diverse student population with an average of 55 percent of students receiving free or reduced-price lunches.

Behavioral findings from the same study were published by the American Journal of Public Health last October. Researchers found that students who had gone through the Positive Action® program were about half as likely to engage in alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse, violent behavior and/or sexual activity as those who did not take part in the program.

“This research demonstrates that a comprehensive, school-wide social and character development program can have a substantial impact on both reducing problem behaviors of public health importance in youth and improving their school performance,” said Dr. Brian Flay (http://www. hhs. oregonstate. edu/faculty-staff/userinfo. php? id=461), a professor in the Department of Public Health at OSU (http://www. hhs. oregonstate. edu/ph/) and the study’s principal investigator.

Dr. Carol Gerber Allred, President of Positive Action, Inc., developed the program based on insights she gained from her teaching experiences. “It was apparent that behavior and academics were directly related, but there was nothing available to approach both areas simultaneously.”

The positive results from this study reinforce Positive Action’s recognition by the U. S. Department of Education What Works Clearinghouse (http://ies. ed. gov/ncee/wwc/) (WWC) as the only character education program out of 41 such programs that improves either academics or behavior. “I hope these results contribute to an understanding of the importance of doing social, emotional and character development for improving academics,” Allred said.

The Positive Action® program consists of daily 15-minute interactive lessons focusing on such topics as responsible self-management, getting along with others, and self-improvement. At schools implementing the intervention, these lessons occupied about one hour a week for every grade. Information about the study and the program is available at http://www. positiveaction. net/ (http://www. positiveaction. net/) or by calling 800-345-2974.

About the Positive Action® Program: Positive Action® is recognized as a top-rated, evidence-based program for improving academics and behavior. Since it was conceived of by Dr. Carol Gerber Allred in 1982, Positive Action® has been used in more than 13,000 schools nationally and internationally. The program components are: PreK–12 Curriculum, Schoolwide Climate Development Kits (Elementary and Secondary), Drug Education Kits (Grade 5 and Middle School), Counselor’s Kit, Conflict Resolution Kit, Family Kit, Family Classes and Parenting Classes Kits, and Community Kit. Many are available in Spanish.

About the OSU College of Health and Human Sciences: Emphasizing a holistic approach to optimal health and disease prevention, researchers focus on nutrition, physical activity, the psychology of aging, improving the health of children and older adults, public health, access to health care, and maximizing environmentally friendly materials and structures.

Media contact/source: Brad Allred, 208-733-1328; brad(at)positiveaction(dot)net

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Monday, July 26, 2004

Recording Artist Laura Bryna is Named Celebrity Spokesperson for National Guard Youth Challenge Program

Music recording artist Laura Bryna is already "giving back" through her volunteer work with Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Air National Guard. Add to that list her new role as celebrity spokesperson for the National Guard Youth Foundation (NGYF), whose mission is to raise national awareness for the National Guard Youth Challenge Program and expand the program throughout the country.

Alexandria, VA (PRWEB) July 6, 2009

Music recording artist Laura Bryna is already "giving back" through her volunteer work with Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Air National Guard. Add to that list her new role as celebrity spokesperson for the National Guard Youth Foundation (NGYF), whose mission is to raise national awareness for the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program and expand the program throughout the country.

The Youth Challenge Program was founded by the National Guard with a congressional mandate in 1993. Open to male and female high school dropouts between the ages of 16 and 18, the voluntary program is a year and a half commitment focusing on education and practical life skills geared to helping these former students chart a better life path for themselves.

The program takes a holistic approach focusing on eight core components, including: academic excellence, health and hygiene, job skills, leadership/followership, life coping skills, physical fitness, responsible citizenship and service to the community. As of January 2009, close to 85,000 students have graduated from the program and 80 percent earned their GED (general equivalency degree), nearly double the pass rate of other adult education programs.

With one CD out and another on the way, Bryna is an artist quickly establishing herself. In the past year, she has opened for the likes of Taylor Swift, Sugarland, Carrie Underwood and Clint Black. Clear Channel Radio calls Bryna "an artist to watch". Her current CD, 'Trying to be Me' (2008), is about to be released in Europe.

"I'm so honored to be a part of this outstanding program," said Bryna, who performed recently at the Fourth Annual Challenge Champions Gala in the nation's capital. "Almost one third of all public high school students fail to graduate each year with their senior class and that figure is much higher for African-Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans. The Youth Challenge Program is incredible and really produces positive results. We need this for the sake of our kids and our country."

Bryna joins several other celebrity spokespeople working on behalf of the NGYF. They include country recording artist Trisha Yearwood, Kelly Perdew (winner of NBC's The Apprentice), country recording artist and American Idol finalist Josh Gracin, actor Lorenzo Lamas, Indy 500 winner Dan Wheldon and actor Karri Turner (TV series JAG from 1997-2005).

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Sunday, July 25, 2004

Building Resilience Can Reduce Risks of Developing Depression: HeartMath(R) Suggest Free Resources in Light of Depression Awareness Month

One in ten Americans still meet the criteria for depression and only half of depressed individuals seek treatment according to surveys by the Center for Disease Control and the National Institute of Mental Health. For nearly twenty years HeartMath(R) (http://www. heartmath. com) has been researching the physiology of stress and wellness, and HeartMath stress experts believe that chronic stress is a likely cause behind the increase in those experiencing depression. In light of Depression Awareness Month, HeartMath is offering resources for stress and depression.

(PRWEB) October 8, 2010

Current research is shedding new light on the biological connection between stress and depression. Despite advancements in the understanding of stress and depression, one in ten Americans still meet the criteria for depression and only half of depressed individuals seek treatment according to surveys by the Center for Disease Control and the National Institute of Mental Health.

For nearly twenty years HeartMath® (http://www. heartmath. com) has been researching the physiology of stress and wellness, and HeartMath stress experts believe that chronic stress is a likely cause behind the increase in those experiencing depression. In light of Depression Awareness Month, HeartMath is offering resources for stress and depression that can work with a doctors' suggested treatment plan.

Depression has many possible causes including genetics, brain chemicals and life situations, which can all cause stress. Chronic stressful life situations can increase the risk of developing depression if individuals are not coping with stress well. While many are over-stressed these days, the personal remedies to relieve stress don't seem to be working as well as they used to. HeartMath stress experts say this is because today's stress is different.

After nearly twenty years researching the physiology of stress and wellness, and watching stress levels grow each year, HeartMath experts say that the majority of us are resigned to stress as an unwanted but inescapable way of life. Until recently, stress was considered an issue only after a major life crisis. However, for many people, today's stress is not about just the single incident type of stress that naturally follows trauma. Today many people are coping with several major stress incidents at once such as illnesses, financial strains and in some cases job and home losses.

Addressing the issues of stress and depression, HeartMath offers a free downloadable webinar on their website called "Overcoming Feelings of Sadness and Depression" (http://www. emwave. com/askdrrozman/index3.html).

The webinar is led by Deborah Rozman, a behavioral psychologist with more than thirty-years' experience and a recognized expert in human emotions. It offers suggestions and methods to build more emotional resilience through pending feelings of sadness and depression.

When our resilience factor is low we lack motivation and the ability to experience reward or pleasure. Stress experts agree that knowing where stress is stemming from and how much it's impacting you is an important step in transforming it. HeartMath developed a comprehensive and accurate stress and well-being survey at http://www. heartmath. com/about-us/trackers-survey. html. Their Stress & Well-Being Survey™ is also a free service that people can take advantage of.

The workplace is a common petri dish for breeding chronic levels of stress. HeartMath organizational programs have proven to measurably and immediately re-train the human stress response to a healthier, more productive function. Their corporate wellness programs have shown that on average their organizational clients have seen 60% reduction in depression and over 40% reduction in anxiety in a six to nine week period based on pre and post testing with over 3000 individuals.

Rozman is also the co-author along with HeartMath founder Doc Childre, of the book, "Transforming Depression: The HeartMath® Solution to Feeling Overwhelmed, Sad, and Stressed." The book uses HeartMath's scientifically developed techniques to help individuals tap into new resources of energy, positivity and find new ways to connect with people. Research from HeartMath shows these techniques can help individuals shift from negative to positive emotions.

"Millions of people are experiencing a kind of low-grade depression due to constant feelings of overwhelm and anxiety," said Rozman. "Low-level depression is not something you can just pull yourself out of with positive thinking. These mental and emotional attitudes - along with their accompanying biochemical and neurological imbalances - take time to build up. It will also take some time to bring them back to balance, but it doesn't have to take as long as it might feel."

"That's the hope of the tools and techniques presented in the book, Transforming Depression. Scientific research along with a new understanding of how emotional energy works shows you that you can transform depression."

HeartMath stress experts believe that to make progress in reducing stress the individual has to play an active part in it and emotional self-maintenance is an important part of the process. With self-compassion and patience, they say we can emerge from the depths of challenging times, especially if we connect with the strength that comes from truly putting your heart into the intention to move forward. HeartMath's mission is to provide tools and a step-by-step understanding of how to regain balance, hope and inner peace.

Transforming Depression: The HeartMath® Solution to Feeling Overwhelmed, Sad, and Stressed is available on amazon. com. For more information about HeartMath visit http://www. heartmath. com.

HeartMath news, events, and free resources are listed on their Facebook page (facebook. com/heartmath), as well as on their Twitter and YouTube pages.

About HeartMath®:
The HeartMath System was created by Doc Childre. HeartMath LLC, a cutting-edge performance company, provides a range of unique services, products and technologies to improve health and well-being, while dramatically reducing stress. HeartMath clinical studies have demonstrated the critical link between emotions, heart function and cognitive performance. HeartMath studies have been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals such as American Journal of Cardiology, Stress Medicine, Preventive Cardiology and Journal of the American College of Cardiology. Their organizational clients include Stanford Business School, Stanford Hospital, Mayo Clinic, Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine and Kaiser Permanente, as well as dozens of school systems and thousands of health professionals around the world. HeartMath's award-winning emWave Technologies include the emWave Personal Stress Reliever and the emWave PC Stress Relief System. The emWave Personal Stress Reliever recently won the Last Gadget Standing People's Choice Award at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show, and Today's Caregiver magazine's Caregiver Friendly Award®.

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

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An Easy To Use Flying Star Feng Shui Software Only At MysticBoard. com

Flying Star is a traditional Feng Shui method which has its roots in ancient Chinese Astrology. Flying Star Feng Shui is a highly precise science that uses very complex calculations to predict the present as well as future events based on the year of construction of a house and its directions. Mystic Board's new Flying Star Feng Shui Software aims to make the complex calculations simple and easy.

Millbrook, NY (PRWEB) September 26, 2007

Swetha Lodha, the CEO of Mystic Board, proudly announces the official launch of MB Free Flying Star Feng Shui (http://http://www. flyingstarfengshui. org/ (http://http://www. flyingstarfengshui. org/)). It is a comprehensive Feng Shui program, which helps a person find his lucky living environment. This advanced yet handy Feng Shui tool calculates the different influences of 'chi' that affects one's well being.

Speaking about the newly launched software, Swetha Lodha says, "MB Free Flying Star Feng Shui is an extremely comprehensive Feng Shui software with an easy to use interface. It helps you find out the auspicious and the inauspicious directions of your house which affect your happiness and prosperity. The program is interactive and informative and reflects the directional flow of 'chi' within your house for a better living."

MB Free Flying Star Feng Shui is quite a unique Feng Shui program that calculates the combination of the different positive energy or 'chi' within homes. The program takes into account the year of construction of the house along with the building's facing directions and produces a numeric 'chi' map. It is the configuration of these numbers that indicates present events and also about the probable future happenings. It thus helps one understand how home directions affect a person's well being.

Swetha is ecstatic about the fact that finally her team's months of hard work has yielded such a fantastic result. When asked about her inspiration for launching such a software Swetha Lodha said, "Flying stars is one of the most integral parts of traditional Feng Shui practice. It is an important mathematical calculation that can be used while assessing property. But calculating the flying star chart involves complex calculations and is also not very easy for a layman. This led us to develop MB Free Flying Star Feng Shui Software." Swetha continues to say, "The software has been designed with the objective of making the calculations simple, easier and faster. Novices as well as Feng Shui practitioners can turn to MB Free Flying Star Feng Shui for guidance."

Flying Star Feng Shui lends a 'time dimension' to the conventional Feng Shui beliefs and practices. It reflects the fact that the delicate and minor 'Chi' or energy surrounding us is constantly changing. It is the numeric 'Chi' flying star map that makes it possible to respond to or prepare for these changing energy 'situations.'

The program has been designed keeping in mind the average computer user. The user of the software has to simply enter the year in which his/ her house has been built along with the facing direction of the house and the software generates the flying star chart.

MB Free Flying Star Feng Shui Software is absolutely free and has already proven to be a popular choice among users. It is further supported by Mystic Board's open-to-all online discussion forum, which has an exclusive section on Feng Shui (http://www. mysticboard. com/feng_shui (http://www. mysticboard. com/feng_shui)). Here one can find experts to discuss and understand more about the practices of Feng Shui.

About MysticBoard. com
MysticBoard. com is a leading online forum and website on feng shui, astrology, psychic, and tarot and other divination related topics. Mysticboard. com is an easy, user friendly, well defined and integrated Psychic forum on the Internet. Mystic Board has over 13,800 members and 118,000 live discussions. It has something to offer to all its members -- experts, amateurs and the general public at large. The forum gives an opportunity for amateurs to interact with experts, to learn and perfect their skills. It also offers an excellent platform for professional exchange of ideas and new findings.

Some other areas that MysticBoard. com includes are Western Astrology (Tropical Astrology), Vedic Astrology (Sidereal Astrology), Chinese Astrology, Horary Astrology, Tarot, Psychic, Vaastu Shastra, Chakra, I Ching, Paranormal, Everyday Predictions, Dream Interpretation, Numerology, Runes, Occult and Magick, Palmistry, Crystal Healing, Hypnosis, Graphology, Family And Parenting, Health and Beauty, Aromatherapy, Reincarnation, Symbols & Symbology, Reiki, Mind Control and Meditation. Registration is absolutely free. Visit http://www. mysticboard. com (http://www. mysticboard. com)

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MyCafeteriaPlan - Third Party Administrator (TPA) Announces Hiring of New Cafeteria Plan Administrators

BusinessPlans, Incorporated, a national third party administrator (TPA) announced today the hiring of four new employees for their administrative services, which include Section 125 Cafeteria (FSA) Plans, Section 105 Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) Plans, and Section 132 Qualified Transportation (Transit/Parking) Plans.

Dayton, OH (PRWEB) September 14, 2005

BusinessPlans, Inc. Â– myCafeteriaPlan is located in Miamisburg, Ohio and welcomes aboard two new Plan Administrators, Sandra Wells and Carol Houdieshell and two new Customer Service Representatives, Tracy Dunn and Sarah Dempsey.

Sandra and Carol each bring more than 30 years of experience in human resources, benefits, accounting, and training to BPI Â– myCafeteriaPlan. Sarah is a graduate of Wright State University with a B. S. in Management Information Systems while Tracy brings over 8 years of customer service and administrative experience to BPI Â– myCafeteriaPlan.

"We're excited about our new team members. We're gearing up for our 2006 business and look forward to providing our clients with responsive, reliable, and knowledgeable administrative services from plan implementation/open enrollment through their end-of-year reporting." says David Turner, Vice President of BPI - myCafeteriaPlan.

To discover more about myCafeteriaPlan you may visit their website at www. myCafeteriaPlan. com, call 937.865.6500, toll-free at 800.865.6543.

For More Information Contact:

David Turner, Vice President Marketing & Sales

BusinessPlans, Incorporated Â– myCafeteriaPlan

In California D. B.A. Â– BPI Flex Administrators

432 East Pearl Street, Miamisburg, OH 45342

Telephone: 937.865.6500

Fax: 937.865.6502

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Wednesday, July 21, 2004

Where Do Diversity Experts Go For Encouragement and Enrichment?

New program is designed to offer customized coaching and professional development for experienced diversity executives. Texas-based firm, Diversity Trends LLC, is registering participants now for this year long program that begins in April.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) February 15, 2005

Diversity Trends LLC, a Dallas based consulting firm, has announced a new program for experienced professionals. Diversity Executives Engaged is a year-long program that includes teleseminars, coaching and group sessions.

Experienced diversity practitioners know all the basics, and everyone in their companies expect them to have all the answers. They donÂ’t need a consultant to teach them how to set up a diversity program. This program is designed to provide them with a sounding board for their ideas, a network of colleagues to brainstorm with and a series of Â“just in timeÂ” learning resources they can use for their own development or to share with others. According to the President of Diversity Trends, Tracy Brown, Â“We wanted to develop a resource that would help experienced diversity professionals avoid burnout and achieve their goals.Â”

Beginning in April, participants in the Diversity Executives Engaged program will be able to participate in a monthly conference call with others to discuss possible solutions to a real-life challenge faced by a member of the group. They will also have access to up to 30 hours of customized coaching on any aspect of their diversity strategy during the 12 months they are registered in the program. And as a group they will meet in person for two sessions designed around issues they identify as important.

Additional resources will be shared through a private website where participants in the program can access articles, models and other tools to help them, and their organizations, use diversity as a strategic advantage.

For more information about this new program go to www. DirectorOfDiversity. com and click on Â“Diversity Executives.Â” Or contact Diversity Trends LLC (www. DiversityTrends. com) at 800.290.5631.

About Diversity Trends LLC

Since 1991, Diversity Trends LLC has helped organizations nationwide develop customized strategies for dealing with diversity. Clients have included Harvard University, Texas Health Resources, Sabre Inc and Dr Pepper Seven Up.

Contact information:

Tracy Brown, President

Diversity Trends LLC

800.290.5631

Http://www. DirectorOfDiversity. com (http://www. DirectorOfDiversity. com)
Http://www. DiversityTrends. com (http://www. DiversityTrends. com)

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Tuesday, July 20, 2004

KIWI Magazine Celebrates Amazing Kids

KIWI Magazine has launched its "My Kid, My Hero" Contest, giving parents the opportunity to nominate their children as heroes and win great prizes.

New York, NY (PRWEB) July 31, 2008

KIWI Magazine has partnered with Hero Nutritionals to launch, effective immediately, the "My Kid, My Hero" Contest, sponsored by May Media Group, LLC.

Parents are invited to nominate their children as their "heroes" by submitting true stories of their children's acts of kindness and receive the chance to win some great prizes. Entry into the contest requires submission of an original, 400-word essay describing the child and why he/she is being nominated as a hero. "Hero" is defined, for the purposes of the contest, as a child who has performed good deeds during the last year to help others and/or the community. Parents may nominate more than one child, with one submission allowed per child.

Submissions will be judged by representatives of KIWI and Hero Nutritionals--the manufacturers of Yummi Bears children's vitamins--on the positive nature of the good deeds, impact of the actions, inspirational value, and statement credibility.

Prizes for the three nominees with the highest scores include savings bonds up to $500, one-year subscriptions to KIWI Magazine, and supplies of Yummi Bears.

The "My Kid, My Hero" Contest officially ends December 31, 2008. Entry forms are available online at www. kiwimagonline. com/contests/Hero/ (http://www. kiwimagonline. com/contests/Hero/). To enter, parents must be 18 years of age or older and be legal residents of the U. S., and must follow the official rules and agree to the terms and conditions.

Business Profile:
KIWI Magazine is an organic family lifestyle and parenting magazine (http://www. kiwimagonline. com/organic-lifestyle-parenting-magazine. php), informing readers how to live a more natural, healthy, and organic lifestyle on an everyday basis.

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Monday, July 19, 2004

Anderson: Industry Advocacy, Engagement Key to Healthcare Reform

Anderson to 2009 Pharmacy & Technology Conference Attendees: "We have no choice but to embrace our role as true reformers"

Boston, MA (Vocus) August 11, 2009

Today, National Association of Chain Drug Stores (http://www. nacds. org)' (NACDS) President and CEO Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE, urged the 2009 Pharmacy & Technology Conference attendees to engage and advocate on pro-pharmacy, pro-patient issues that impact the industry. During this morning's Business Program at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Anderson articulated the current state of play on the healthcare reform debate and the challenges that lie ahead.

Citing the NACDS Principles of Healthcare Reform, enhancing visibility through media interviews, congressional testimony and this year's first annual RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill, Anderson demonstrated through recent successes just how effective a highly engaged membership can be in affecting congressional and regulatory outcomes.

"NACDS and our allies achieved legislative victories that are really incremental reforms. For example, we delivered a delay in the Medicaid pharmacy reimbursement cuts … gained prompt payment requirements for Medicare Part D claims … froze retail co-payments in the military's TRICARE healthcare plans … created incentives to spur adoption of e-prescribing in Medicare … secured the allowance of electronic logbooks to track pseudoephedrine sales while still allowing paper systems … and achieved an Internet pharmacy law that distinguishes between rogue websites and legitimate, state-licensed pharmacies."

Anderson also cited victories for the industry in the stimulus bill, including $2 billion in grants and loans to advance health information technology, and a temporary increase in federal funding for state Medicaid programs, totaling $86.6 billion.

Now in the thick of the healthcare reform debate, Anderson urged continued focus on the task at hand.

"Our objective remains the same: to bring about as many of our Principles of Healthcare Reform as possible. There are three key pharmacy issues very much in play. These include reforming Medicaid pharmacy reimbursement, expanding the availability of medication therapy management - or MTM, and exempting pharmacies that sell durable medical equipment - DME - from the redundant and access-threatening requirements of accreditation and surety bonds."

Anderson also stressed that while we may not know what form the healthcare bill will take, we do know that one of the most critical priorities for the industry is to permanently fix the Deficit Reduction Act's (DRA) Medicaid pharmacy reimbursement cuts under the average manufacturer price model - or AMP - which is slated to reimburse pharmacies below cost for many generic drugs.

"The regulations to implement these cuts have been written. But they remain blocked by two mammoth victories: a legislative delay secured last year, which I mentioned, and a Court injunction, which was secured through a lawsuit by NACDS and NCPA. Every day these cuts are not in effect, $5.5 million in pharmacy cuts are prevented. From January 1, 2008, through September 30, 2009, $3.5 billion in access-threatening cuts will have been avoided. But, throughout, we have emphasized the need for a long-term legislative solution - an against-the-odds, up-hill battle against the DRA."

"We have to fight not only the policy of the Deficit Reduction Act, but also the flawed perception that it has created. Even though we have blocked the DRA temporarily, it continues to bite pharmacy. Every day, we are reminded that the DRA is a dragon that has yet to be slain."

Anderson called on attendees to impact change, and urged them to keep telling their stories through NACDS grassroots advocacy program RxIMPACT (http://capwiz. com/nacds/home/index).

"We have no choice but to embrace our role as true reformers. Whatever the outcome of any specific legislation, our objective will remain the same. Just as we have over the past two years, we will utilize every legislative, regulatory, legal and media strategy in the pursuit of good policy. For pharmacy and the patients they serve, this battle will continue for a long, long time."

Anderson offered gratitude for attendees' engagement to further advance the industry's efforts on healthcare reform.

"We appreciate your engagement, and thank you in advance for all you will do - and all we must do in the future. Reform is not a destination, but a journey. Together, it will be a successful one at that."

For a copy of Anderson's prepared remarks, please click here (http://www. nacds. org/user-assets/pdfs/newsrelease/2009/AndersonSpeech. pdf).

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) represents traditional drug stores, supermarkets, and mass merchants with pharmacies. Its more than 160 chain member companies include regional chains with a minimum of four stores to national companies. NACDS members also include more than 1,000 suppliers of pharmacy and front-end products, and 85 international members representing 28 countries. Chains operate 39,000 pharmacies, and employ a total of more than 2.5 million employees, including 118,000 pharmacists. They fill more than 2.5 billion prescriptions yearly, and have annual sales of over $750 billion. For more information about NACDS, visit www. NACDS. org.

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June 21st is the Day to Take a Recess and Increase Employee Morale

If the Congress can take a recess, why can't employees -- and their employers? Well on June 21st they can -- it's Recess At Work Day! Don't miss your opportunity to increase employee morale.

Marion, CT (PRWEB) June 10, 2007

Wolcott, CT June 8, 2007 -- If Congress can take a recess, why can't employees - and their employers?

Well on June 21st they can -- it's Recess At Work Day! Don't believe us? Check out Chase's Calendar of Events; the official bible of unofficial holidays. Or you can visit www. recessatworkday. com

It has been proven that breaks are essential for satisfaction and alertness. Brain processing requires periodic downtime to recycle chemicals crucial for long-term memory loss. "Now if that explanation doesn't give you a headache" says Rich DiGirolamo, Founder of Recess At Work Day, "perhaps these reasons might encourage company officials to offer a break on June 21st"
Improved Employee Morale and Team Spirit Stress Management Employee Retention - what does a new hire cost you? Being recognized in the business community as a forward thinking employer Increased Productivity Your bottom line just might soar Improved mental and physical health, which just might bring down insurance costs

So how does one celebrate Recess At Work Day? There really are no rules. Just take a break from the daily work routine and do something fun. The possibilities are endless. Perhaps create a company time capsule. Or engage in a fun teambuilding activity. When was the last time your company did some volunteer or community work? These are some of the examples offered by DiGirolamo at the Recess At Work Day website.

Last year Sargoy, Stein, Rosen and Shapiro took some time out for a recess. Here is what Stephanie Sage had to say: "Recess at Work Day was a complete success! We are planning to make it an annual event and I heard a "rumor" that we might have one in the fall! And who said you can't have a company picnic in Central Park.

So whether you're twenty-two or sixty-two, June 21st is the day to relive your youth, create team spirit and have a little fun. Is it Recess Yet?

For more information about Recess At Work Day, or to schedule an interview with Rich DiGirolamo, call 203.879.5970 or visit www. recessatworkday. com

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Sunday, July 18, 2004

A Two Year IQ Research by GetIQ & Ph. D. Maslow, has found Remarkable Facts about World IQ Rank

A IQ Research by Creafire Ltd has Ranked top Ten Countries with the highest IQ score which is Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan...... The Research has been taken by over 36 Countries who participated by taking IQ Test.

Seattle, Washington (PRWEB) September 12, 2009

The research was done by testing over 2,000,000 people from 36 countries of four continents within one and a half year. World most ranked country with IQ level (http://www. getiq. co. uk/charts. jsp) is Hong Kong with 107 points, the worst IQ rank has Barbados with 68 points out of 161.

IQ is a measure of different components of intelligence as measured on a standardized test so arranged that exactly half of the people taking it score 100 (the 50-the percentile). When the IQ test (http://www. getiq. co. uk/test. jsp) is given to many people the distribution of scores resembles a bell curve, with intellectually gifted people falling on the curve's right side and their less fortunate counterparts on the left.

Amazing, but date of birth could affect human IQ (http://getiq. co. uk/publishResults. jsp? form=1) either! If you are born in the last three months of the year, your IQ could be a victim of school policies. Schools usually have a cutoff dates; if you are born after one, you have to wait a year to start kindergarten. Likewise, schools also require attendance until kids are 16 or 17. But 16-year-old dropouts born after the cutoff dates get a year less of schooling than 16-year-olds born before it. And researchers have shown that each year of schooling is good for about 3.5 IQ points. So even though kids born in the last three months of the year have the same intellectual potential, school rules can come back to bite them harder than their peers if they drop out.

Other factors that could have an impact on your IQ level is the things you put in your mouth. The study of 4,000,000 students in New York City revealed that school pupils did 14 percent better on IQ (http://www. getiq. co. uk/info. jsp) tests after preservatives, dyes, and artificial flavors were removed from their lunches. The weakest students benefited the most from healthier food.

After getIQ research, top ten most ranked countries are:

1.Hong Kong 107 points
2.South Korea 106 points
3.Japan 105 points
4.Taiwan 104 points
5.Singapore 103 points
6.Austria 102 points
7.Germany 102 points
8.Italy 102 points
9.Netherlands 102 points
10.Switzerland 101 points

Still, these results are approximate due to permanent evolution and people mix around the world. You are probably "smarter" than your grandfather. At least, as measured by IQ test. If you could turn back time 50 years and take IQ test, more than 90 percent of today's scorers would rate "genius" . Meanwhile, our grandparents' score compared to today's would tend to put them in the lowest bucket. Does this mean we are actually smarter? Not so much. Rather, we have better nutrition, more schooling, better-educated parents, and lifestyles that have been enriched by computers and toys that boost that particular kind of intelligence. In other words, we test better.

More information about the following research and IQ test can be found on GetIQ. co. uk (http://www. getiq. co. uk)

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Saturday, July 17, 2004

The Chicago Condo Market is Holding Strong According to newcondosonline. com

Http://www. newcondosonline. com sees the city of Chicago as holding strong in the nationwide real estate slowdown.

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) November 3, 2007

Chicago, a city where builders have continued to develop new projects, has been very responsive to the powerful concept of online advertising with www. newcondosonline. com. On the Chicago Condos (http://www. newcondosonline. com/illinois-condos/chicago-new-condos) Page of the site, homebuyers have the ability to view 20 listings per page of Chicago's hottest new and pre-construction developments. Some of the most recent projects added to the site, including Vision on State, The Flats on LaSalle, 565 Quincy, and Rainbo Village, have already been receiving hundreds of page views every day from interested new homebuyers. Each listing client on the site can display up to 8 photos of their project and have up to 8 embedded links directing homebuyers to the website for the project and its development team. One advanced feature on www. newcondosonline. com, referred to as the "E-Lead Program" actually allows an interested consumer to request more information regarding a new development by sending their contact details and inquiries directly to the sales office of the project.

According to Brandon Fishman, CEO at NewCondosOnline. com, "The Chicago Condo (http://www. newcondosonline. com/illinois-condos/chicago-new-condos) Market still looks relatively healthy. We currently advertise 23 new Chicago condo projects and our Chicago city page has been receiving excellent homebuyer traffic in 2007. We expect to double this number within the next six months."

When evaluating any market's conditions, existing inventory and saturation rate are a major concern to sellers and buyers alike. Less than six months of inventory is considered to be a sellers market, meaning that once completed, a new unit will take six months or less to sell. In Chicago there is currently 5.6 months of inventory overall, so although close to the edge, this is technically not in a buyer's market. Chicago's condo (http://www. newcondosonline. com) market is remaining somewhat stable although new developments have slowed in a market with a glut of new housing.

To remedy this, Kevin Schnitzler, Director of Sales at NewCondosOnline. com believes that online advertising is a crucial component to successful marketing and sales of all new developments in the Chicago land area. "Many sellers throughout the city have still reported difficulty in unloading units - even those who have slashed prices as much as 20% or more. Although we see a lot of cooperation from the majority of developers in Chicago (http://www. newcondosonline. com/illinois-condos/chicago-new-condos) who use our service, there are still those who are set in the more traditional advertising avenues of print, radio, and television media need to start understanding the power and scope of the internet in reaching out to homebuyers and investors in the marketplace."

Mr. Schnitzler referred to a recent study from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), indicating that 80% of all new homebuyers are using the internet as their primary research tool when shopping for a new home. "In most cases, a typical homebuyer will be browsing the internet for new prospective homes up to 6 months before ever contacting an agent," Schnitzler stated. According to the NAR study, when asked what was the most useful information source for learning about new homes, 73% of new homebuyers stated the internet, while only 20% said print, and 3% said Television.

"In Chicago, we are also seeing something very interesting by way of the type of new units being built right now" noted Mr. Fishman. "One third of all pre and new construction condo sales in are between $500-$700 a square foot. This is considered to be high end luxury pricing in today's market. The entry-level pricing of $300/square foot is quickly disappearing in new condo construction in Chicago." Thus, Mr. Fishman is pointing out that builders and developers are beginning to target high net-worth homebuyers and investors from out of state as well as internationally. "The internet is the most cost-effective way for developers of Chicago high end luxury condo projects (http://www. newcondosonline. com/illinois-condos/chicago-new-condos) to reach out of state and international buyers. It is a no-brainer for these builders to use our service because NewCondosOnline. com is designed to deliver web-traffic from local, out-of-state, and international homebuyers.

Www. NewCondosOnline. com is the nation's largest and most visited new condo (http://www. newcondosonline. com) advertising website in the country. The Chicago page on NewCondosOnline. com alone receives around 5 million hits per month, accounting for nearly 70,000 unique visitors per month. The site optimizes over 80,000 condo-related search terms in the major search engines, has over 14,000 banners cross-linked with other real estate websites and blogs, as well as runs a national PR and media campaign to drive homebuyer traffic to its client's projects throughout the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Central America.

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Wednesday, July 14, 2004

Fetch! Pet Care&#194;™ Releases Top 10 Tips Assuring Pet Sitting Satisfaction

Fetch! Pet CareÂ™ Releases Top 10 Tips Assuring Pet Sitting Satisfaction

Company extends Â“Dog Days of SummerÂ” vacation special.

SAN DIEGO, CA (PRWEB) July 27, 2005

With summer vacation season in full swing, many are opting for pet sitters rather than a boarding facility when making plans for their four-legged family members. And, despite conventional thinking, all pet care services are not alike. Fetch! Pet Care, a pet sitting and dog walking company with 5 locations serving San Diego county, is taking measures to ensure our residentÂ’s pets are well cared for as their Â“peopleÂ” vacation, having today released these Â“Top 10 Tips Assuring Pet Sitting SatisfactionÂ”:

1) Confirm the service is a current member of Pet Sitters International, the worldÂ’s largest organization for professional pet sitters;

2) Diligently check all of the companyÂ’s references Â– at least three should be voluntarily provided;

3) Ensure the company is licensed, bonded and insured;

4) Confirm that your sitter has undergone a criminal background check and has received proper training;

5) Pre-interview sitter with your pet(s) present to observe interactions and establish a Â“comfort levelÂ” for both you and the pet(s);

6) Ensure the company offers 7-day per week telephone and email availability;

7) Clearly state how you would like the sitter to use his/her visit time in terms of walking, playing, feeding, cleaning, etc.;

8) Provide veterinary and other emergency contact information and gather all necessary supplies, including food, vitamins, treats, and a leash, in one central location;

9) Ensure the sitter can accommodate both your desired vacation schedule, including busy holidays, and the petÂ’s daily feeding and walking schedule;

10) Ensure company has Â“backupÂ” measures in place should your sitter have an emergency that prevents them from completing your assignment

Â“These tips are what we consider to be the cardinal rules of picking a pet sitting service, said Gina Costi-Wong, owner of Fetch! Pet Care San Diego Inland. Â“If a pet owner takes these ten relatively simple things into account before they entrust their beloved pet to an animal sitting service, they can enjoy peace of mind that their pet will be well cared for.Â”

Costi-Wong continued, Â“Many people feel uncomfortable with leaving their pet at a boarding facility. With our services, pets maintain the familiarity and comfort of their own home environment, experience less anxiety, have lesser health risks and benefit from more personal attention. And since the cost is comparable to kennel boarding, in-home pet sitting is a viable, and often preferable, alternative.Â”

Through the end of August 2005, Fetch! Pet Care is offering weekend warriors and extended vacationers alike their Â“Dog Days of SummerÂ” special, which provides 10% off both their overnight pet sitting and daily pet visit services.

About Fetch! Pet CareÂ™

Founded in 2002, Fetch! Pet Care provides loving overnight and/or daily care to pets in the most professional and reliable manner possible. With 23 locations nationwide servicing over 300 cities and towns, Fetch! Pet Care is fully licensed, bonded and insured, and are proud members of Pet Sitters International - the worldÂ’s foremost organization for professional pet sitters. The companyÂ’s carefully selected and trained pet sitters and dog walkers have serviced over 2,000 clients in the past year alone. San Diego pet owners may reach Fetch! Pet Care online at www. fetchpetcare. com, or by calling the location nearest them: Fetch! Pet Care San Diego Inland: 619-287-PETS, North County Inland: 760-430-9191, North County Coastal: 619-298-7600, South County: 619-934-2868, Metro: 619-501-3511.

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Not All Fruits Are Superfruits: Not One Network Marketing Superfruit Company Has Accepted Tahitian Noni’s Challenge

Tahitian Noni International believes that no other product in the industry will measure up to Tahitian Noni Bioactive Beverages

Provo, UT (Vocus) April 8, 2010

Tahitian Noni International (http://www. tni. com/) (TNI) announced that five weeks after issuing a challenge to the entire network marketing industry, not one superfruit company has responded. Tahitian Noni International believes that no other product in the industry will measure up to Tahitian Noni Bioactive Beverages, so they have offered $250,000 to any network marketing company that can prove its signature product has all of the following qualities:

The product features at least 14 human clinical studies, and The plant ingredient has at least 52 scientifically validated patents, and The product has been validated as a world class adaptogen and contains 15mg of iridoids (http://research. tni. com/united_states/english/research/iridoids. html) or more in each recommended serving, and The product contains bioactives from a validated medicinal plant that after processing and pasteurization remains stable for at least two years, and The company employs scientists who collectively have authored no fewer than 35 peer-reviewed publications about its signature products in scientific and medical journals, and The product adheres to the World Anti-Doping Code and has been approved and certified by an independent laboratory.

Tahitian Noni® Original contains over 150 bioactive compounds-including 12 unique iridoids-that deliver a multiplicity of benefits to the human body. We are supremely confident that no other network marketing product in the world comes close to the criteria listed above," stated Kelly Olsen, founder and member of the Board of Directors of Tahitian Noni International. Tahitian Noni Original not only meets the requirements, it exceeds them."

The $250,000 Bioactive Beverage Challenge runs from March 1 -- June 1, 2010. For a complete list of rules and conditions please go to http://www. tni. com/250K (http://www. tni. com/250K)].

About the Company
Tahitian Noni International is a global, research-driven bioactive products (http://research. tni. com/united_states/english/research/bioactives. html) company that was the first to introduce the health benefits of the noni plant-a bioactive-rich, adaptogenic plant, containing iridoid compounds-to the world outside of Tahiti. Tahitian Noni International is the leader in the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of noni-based bioactive products including beverages, beauty, and weight loss lines. Tahitian Noni International has a presence in over 70 markets worldwide, and is the world-wide leader in bioactive beverages.

Contact:
Andre Peterson
Director, Public Relations
(801) 234-1401
Andre_peterson(at)tni(dot)com

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Monday, July 12, 2004

Grant of Nearly $5.2 Million Supports RPCI-Led Research to Improve Survival After Blood/Marrow Transplant

Largest R01 Research Grant in Institute History

Buffalo, NY (Vocus) August 2, 2010

Even with the best donor match, patients who undergo a lifesaving transplant of blood or bone marrow (http://www. roswellpark. org/specialized-services/bmt) from an unrelated donor face a one-in-three chance of transplant-related death within a year. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded a four-year, $5.18 million Research Project Grant (R01) to investigators at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (http://www. roswellpark. org/) (RPCI) to support research aimed at improving the survival rate of those patients and making transplant a possibility for more patients.

The National Institutes of Health has awarded a $5.18 million Research Project Grant to investigators at Roswell Park Cancer Institute to support research aimed at improving survival rate and making transplant a possibility for more patients.

Theresa Hahn, PhD, (http://www. roswellpark. org/bio/bmt/theresa-hahn-phd) of the Department of Medicine at RPCI and Lara Sucheston, PhD, of the Department of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences will serve as Co-Principal Investigators of the project, which is the largest R01 ever awarded to RPCI.

Blood or marrow transplantation (BMT) can often cure patients with leukemia or other life-threatening blood diseases. A patient with a sibling who is a compatible donor will have the best chance of success, “but only 30 percent of patients have a matched-sibling donor, so the majority need an unrelated donor,” says Dr. Hahn.

Patients are matched to the best potential donors through “tissue typing,” to lower the risk that the donor’s hematopoietic stem cells will perceive the patient as “foreign” and cause a serious complication called graft-versus-host disease. The tissue-typing test looks at patient/donor compatibility for one set of genes, called the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) system.

Drs. Hahn and Sucheston hypothesize that transplant-related deaths might be due to patient/donor incompatibility at areas in the genome other than the HLA system — for example, in genes that affect how a person’s body responds to drugs or radiation, or that regulate the immune system. They will lead a team of researchers from across the U. S. in an unprecedented effort to identify non-HLA genetic traits that might play a role in transplant-related deaths.

“Over the past 10 to 15 years, survival rates for BMT patients with unrelated donors have really increased,” says Dr. Hahn. “It used to be that half of those patients died within three months, and now a third are dying within a year, so that’s a huge improvement in survival. But we’ve reached the limit of our current knowledge, and we feel we can do better.”

The project involves 2,800 patients (and their HLA-matched unrelated donors, for a total of 5,600 people) who received a transplant at any U. S. BMT center between 2000 and 2008. In all cases, the patients and donors are well matched for HLA compatibility, yet about one-third died of transplant-related causes in the first year. “The primary purpose of the study, then, is to ‘map’ non-HLA genetic variations that are found in individuals who died of treatment-related mortality (TRM) but not in those who survived treatment,” says Dr. Sucheston.

Using data from the same group of individuals, the investigators will also examine how TRM is impacted by the relationship of those genetic variants with different combinations of chemotherapy drugs and radiation used in the transplant process. That relationship has never before been evaluated as a predictor of patient survival in a study this large.

Results derived from the first patient/donor group will be validated with data from an additional group of 1,000 patients and their HLA-matched unrelated donors (2,000 people) who received a transplant between 2009 and 2011.

Information gleaned from the study could be used to introduce routine genetic tests that might help personalize the treatment plans for BMT candidates with unrelated donors, identify the best donors, and improve patient survival. “Sometimes patients have more than one donor you can select from,” explains Dr. Hahn. “It could be that we need to add a few other genetic variants that we test for, in addition to HLA, to choose the best donor for that patient and lower their risk of transplant-related mortality.”

Co-investigators on the project — titled “Genetic Susceptibility to Unrelated Donor Stem Cell Transplant-Related Mortality” — include Philip McCarthy, Jr., MD, (http://www. roswellpark. org/bio/philip-mccarthy-jr-md) Director, Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, RPCI; Song Liu, PhD, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, RPCI; Gary Chen, PhD, Biostatistics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC); Thomas Furlani, PhD, Director, Center for Computational Research, University at Buffalo; Christopher Haiman, ScD, Associate Professor, Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, USC; Kenan Onel, MD, PhD, Director, Pediatric Familial Cancer Clinic, University of Chicago Medical Center; Marcelo Pasquini, MD, MS, Division of Neoplastic Diseases and Related Disorders, Medical College of Wisconsin; Stephen Spellman, Senior Manager, Scientific Services, National Marrow Donor Program, Minneapolis; David Tritchler, ScD, Research Professor, Biostatistics, University at Buffalo; and David Van Den Berg, PhD, Director, Genomics Center, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The NIH awards R01 grants for health-related research and development that reflects the NIH mission and the expertise of the investigator(s). At the conclusion of the project, the data generated will be available on the NIH website to promote future scientific discovery by other researchers in the scientific and medical community.

The mission of Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) is to understand, prevent and cure cancer. RPCI, founded in 1898, was one of the first cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and remains the only facility with this designation in Upstate New York. The Institute is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers; maintains affiliate sites; and is a partner in national and international collaborative programs. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at http://www. roswellpark. org (http://www. roswellpark. org), call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email askrpci(at)roswellpark(dot)org.

Contact: Annie Deck-Miller, Senior Media Relations Manager
716-845-8593; annie(dot)deck-miller(at)roswellpark(dot)org

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Sunday, July 11, 2004

“Eat, Play, Stay Red Sox Triple Play Sweepstakes” Package Offered By Brookline Non-Profit, SHARED

Massachusetts businesses partner with local nonprofit, SHARED, to raise funds for nurses in southern Africa by offering Red Sox tickets, dinner and drinks for two and a free night hotel stay in exchange for donations.

Brookline, Massachusetts (PRWEB) July 30, 2010

Want a chance to win an “Eat, Play, Stay Red Sox Triple Play” package – tickets to the August 21st ball game at Fenway Park, a free night’s stay at the Holiday Inn and dinner at O’Leary’s? It’s simple. Make a tax-deductible donation to Brookline-based non-profit, SHARED, and you’ll be entered to win this package worth almost $500.00.

SHARED’s “Eat, Play, Stay Red Sox Triple Play” package offers the lucky winner and a guest:
Dinner and drinks for two on August 21st at O’Leary’s Irish Pub and Restaurant – Brookline (Value $100.00, tax and tip not included) Two field box seats tickets right behind the visitor’s dugout on Saturday, August 21st at 7 PM for the game against the Toronto Blue Jays (Value $190.00) A standard room for two at the Holiday Inn – Brookline for the evening of August 21st including breakfast (Value $200.00)

The Red Sox tickets are donated to SHARED by our loyal supporter and Boston attorney, Stewart Engel. The Holiday Inn – Brookline has generously donated the accommodations – a standard room for two including breakfast. Conveniently located on the Green Line on Beacon Street, it is a short subway ride to Fenway Park. Parking is available at the hotel so no need to search for a parking space

A home cooked dinner is waiting for the lucky winner at O’Leary’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, just down the street from the Holiday Inn. Relax at this neighborhood gem before or after the ball game.

To enter to win this sweepstakes, just make a tax-deductible suggested donation of at least $50.00 to SHARED between July 22nd and 5 PM on August 12th. Visit SHARED’s website, www. HealthShares. org to make a secure donation online and agree to the simple rules of this sweepstake’s game:

You must be at least 21 to enter the sweepstakes. While you may give the Eat, Play, Stay Triple Play package to another person, the tickets are NOT to be sold under any conditions! The free night hotel and dinner must be used on August 21st as part of this package and cannot be used or redeemed at any other time. The winner and guest agree to have pictures taken at the hotel, restaurant and ball park for SHARED to use on its web site and other fund raising materials. Transportation must be provided by the winner and guest. It is not included in this package.

The lucky winner will be selected at 5 PM on August 12th and will be notified immediately!

The money raised will continue to fight the battle against AIDS in Africa. SHARED will provide medical equipment and supplies like stethoscopes, digital thermometers, and blood pressure cuffs for nurses and health care staff at rural hospitals in Lesotho with the proceeds from the sweepstakes.

SHARED, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving global health by increasing access to the essentials of good health including medicines for the world's poorest people. Working in partnership with individuals and organizations in the private and public sectors, SHARED expands the access to health care by creating innovative, elegant solutions to filling gaps in the health care delivery system. For more information about SHARED and the sweepstakes, please contact Elizabeth Ziemba, SHARED, 1018 Beacon Street, Suite 201, Brookline, MA 02446, (617) 277 – 7800.

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BEST Zit-Zapper: the Sonya Dakar Drying Potion

Cult Product Wins the Allure Magazine's Best of Beauty Award for the Second Consecutive Year.

Los Angeles (PRWEB) September 29, 2008

MINDYS Cosmetics, trademark owner and producer of Sonya Dakar Skin Care is proud to announce that its Drying Potion, the brand's best-selling star product has won the 2008 Allure Magazine Best of Beauty Award in the Best Zit-Zapper category, taking home the prestigious prize for the second year in a row. The beauty-based magazine features its Best of Beauty Awards annually in its October issues.

"It is a huge honor to have this recognition," says Nate Dakar, President of MINDYS Cosmetics. "We thrive to produce the best products that deliver results and provide solutions to problem skin."

The celebrity-favorite acne spot treatment quickly rose to cult status after its introduction over 20 years ago. Its unique ability to provide an overnight solution to breakout emergencies has earned industry admiration and recommendation by the country's leading dermatologists. The Drying Potion's one-of-a-kind formulation includes Dead Sea sulfur to reduce redness, pure lavender and chamomile to calm blemishes, sage to disinfect, and peppermint to stimulate blood circulation to promote speedy healing.

Celebrity fans of the winning Drying Potion include: Jessica Biel, Ashley Simpson-Wentz, Megan Fox, Fergie, and many others!

The Best of Beauty of Award honors 182 total products that range from hair, makeup, and skin care. It is a meticulous process (involving cosmetic chemists, dermatologists, and other beauty professionals) spanning over eight months in which the Allure beauty editors test and try hundreds of submissions from products in all categories and price range.

About MINDYS Cosmetics/ Sonya Dakar Skin Care:
Known for its defining Total Skin Fitness philosophy, Sonya Dakar Skin Care believes that taking care of your skin is just like taking care of your body - requiring hard work and commitment in order to see results. What began as a small family operation in 1999, founded by family patriarch Israel Dakar and son Nate - has flourished into an industry phenomenon. Sonya Dakar Skin Care, a trademark of and produced by MINDYS Cosmetics, is now considered a leader in luxury corrective skin care. The comprehensive line includes over 70 innovative results-oriented products combing cutting-edge ingredients with nature's purest botanicals, designed to keep skin healthy and ageless. Sonya Dakar Skin Care products are sold at luxury spas nation-wide and at www. sonyadakar. com.

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Saturday, July 10, 2004

A Pooch's Perspective

No doubt, every dog owner has engaged in a one-way conversation with his or her pet. Author and illustrator Susan Jacobs, has managed to capture not only the dogÂ’s response in conversation, but also a unique and naÃ¯ve dogÂ’s view of the world, in her book Meggie the PupÂ’s Summer Adventure.

(PRWEB) March 28, 2002

For Immediate Release For Further Information Contact:

Susan Jacobs

Blissful Biscuits

330-530-1147

McDonald, Oh (March 26, 2002)

A PoochÂ’s Perspective

This is a beautiful, light-hearted childrenÂ’s book that would also make a great gift for any dog enthusiast. Based on true observations, Meggie the sheltie pup reveals her thoughts and misinterpretations during a stay at Aunt SueÂ’s house. The story unfolds in true 21st century style, with Meggie emailing her mommy at her vacation site. She is joined in the adventure by Aunt SueÂ’s two cocker spaniels. Hand cut construction paper illustrations in vibrant color depict the various personalities of the canine trio, and expressively interpret the text. The paper art medium is a familiar one for children, yet the style is several steps up in sophistication.

Sue Jacobs appears to be on the inside track with dogs already. The proprietor of Â“Blissful BiscuitsÂ”, she bakes gourmet, healthy dog treats that dogs crave, and her taste testers are none other than the stars of the book.

True to her entrepreneurial spirit, the book is self-published and is distributed through Ingram. It is also available through her website www. blissfulbiscuits. com, as well as Amazon. com, Barnes and Noble. com, and local bookstores and art galleries.