EU Legislation Outlawing Illegal Timber dealing is welcomed by FRA

FRA has welcomed the introduction of new legislation in the EU that outlaws the selling of illegally sourced timber.

Bainbridge Island, WA, February 27, 2012 – Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has welcomed the introduction of new legislation in the EU that outlaws the selling of illegally sourced timber.

In a move that FRA claims strengthens the importance of investing in sustainable forestry projects, the EU will introduce its new Timber Regulations in March next year.

The new legislation will make sure firms that trade in timber are forced to check the source of their timber products and make sure they come from sustainably managed forests.

“This can only be good news for the environment and the forestry industry around the globe,” stated FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins. He added, “cutting out the trade in illegally sourced timber in Europe is essential to the fight against climate change and also for the sake of consumers who would hate to think they are encouraging deforestation when they purchase a new piece of furniture from a European retailer.”

FRA claims that as the opportunity to sell illegally sourced timber products reduces, the demand for timber produced from sustainably managed plantations will increase. “This is great news for forestry investors who have put their cash into plantation schemes at home and abroad,” added Mr Collins.

An example of this kind of project is the one run by Greenwood Management in Brazil. Greenwood offers investors the chance to invest in a section of plantation in Brazil for as little as $10,000. The plantation grows fast-growing non-native trees like teak and eucalyptus, whose wood is prized for its use in furniture making and in the production of coal for the steel industry.

The project is sustainable because the trees are harvested when they reach maturity but there are other trees being grown to replace them in a cycle model.

Those who are found to be dealing in illegally sourced timber after March 2013 will be fined the value of the damage the incident has caused to the environment, along with the value of the timber in question.

Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

NanoMarkets Projects Substantial Growth Potential for Smart Coatings in PV Applications

NanoMarkets announces the release of its latest report on materials for the photovoltaics industry, “Smart Coatings in PV Applications 2012.” NanoMarkets estimates that the total market for transparent conductors (TCs) in PV will exceed $450 million ($US) in 2017, up from a value of under $12 million in 2012.

Glen Allen, Virginia – February 27, 2012 — Industry analyst firm NanoMarkets announces the release of its latest report on materials for the photovoltaics industry, “Smart Coatings in PV Applications 2012.” NanoMarkets estimates that the total market for transparent conductors (TCs) in PV will exceed $450 million ($US) in 2017, up from a value of under $12 million in 2012.

This report analyzes the opportunities for smart coatings in PV applications, with a focus on the four types of smart coatings poised to bring the most value to the PV sector: self-cleaning, self-repairing, electrochromic, and thermochromic coating systems. The report also discusses the strategies of some of the important and emerging suppliers or users of smart coating including: Almaden, Cardinal Glass, Gentex, Lotus Leaf Coatings, nanoShell, Nippon Glass, Nissan, Peer+, Pilkington/AGC, PPG, SAGE, Saint-Gobain, Soladigm, and others.

Additional details about the report are available at: http://www.nanomarkets.net/market_reports/report/smart_coatings_and_photovoltaics_2012

NanoMarkets has recently released related photovoltaics reports in the areas of BIPV glass, transparent conductors and CIGS.

From the Report:

While NanoMarkets sees the overall PV market slowing and facing future uncertainty, the firm believes that PV makers can improve their competitive position and growth prospects by looking to smart coatings that can improve basic PV performance and provide value-added functionality.

The integration of some kinds of smart coatings, especially self-cleaning ones, can cost-effectively increase conversion efficiencies, which have a direct and measurable affect on cost-per-watt. According to NanoMarkets’ new report, self-cleaning coatings are expected to almost $150 million in annual revenue from the PV sector by 2017.

Other, more sophisticated (and higher value) smart coatings can provide additional functionality that enables PV panel makers to create “premium” products and differentiate themselves in a rapidly commoditizing, and homogenizing, marketplace. These added functionality coatings include dimmable or “switchable” electrochromic, thermochromic, and related coating systems. Electrochromic systems are a natural fit for BIPV and advanced BIPV/smart window applications. Electrochromics in PV are predicted to generate over $190 million in annual revenue by 2017.

About NanoMarkets:

NanoMarkets tracks and analyzes emerging market opportunities in energy, electronics and other markets created by developments in advanced materials. The firm is a recognized leader in industry analysis and forecasts of this kind and has been covering the photovoltaics sector for more than six years.

Visit http://www.nanomarkets.net for a full listing of NanoMarkets’ reports and other services.

Media Contact:
Robert Nolan
NanoMarkets, LC
PO BOX 3840
Glen Allen, VA 23058
804-270-1718
rob@nanomarkets.net
http://www.nanomarkets.net

Rapid Nutrition enter into Equity based Joint venture agreement with Indian pharmaceutical company

Australian natural healthcare company Rapid Nutrition has entered into a joint venture agreement with Indian pharmaceutical production company Cheminnova.

Nerang, Queensland, February 27, 2012 – Rapid Nutrition, whose flagship product Leisa’s Secret, a set of scientifically formulated weight loss and maintenance supplements, has already achieved considerable success both in Australia and overseas.

The company’s managing director, Simon St Ledger, says the joint venture is on an equity basis and will enable Rapid Nutrition to manufacture its own high quality finished formulations as well as derive an income from continued contract manufacturing.

“This is a strategic growth opportunity for Rapid Nutrition as we gear up our global expansion plans,” Mr St Ledger says.

“The venture, which involves business generating assets valued at over $20 million, gives us both equity and captive production capabilities in exchange for part of our business and access to our products.

“While our manufacturing capacity is adequate for current demand, this purchase will allow us to not only increase our output, but take advantage of its research and development facilities for new products.

“Once acquired we will have a manufacturing capacity of 3.5 million tablets, one million capsules and one million bottles of liquid orals in glass and PET bottles per 12 hour shift.”

Established by the late Dr M Seshgiri Rao in 2001, Cheminnova has three facilities which manufacture non-sterile pharmaceutical formulations in solid and liquid dosage forms for a range of major multinational food and pharmaceutical companies.

Cheminnova has full HACCP, ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and GMP certification as well as complying to Halal and Ayush requirements and is in the process of establishing their presence across the US, Africa, Europe and Asia, all of which will enable Rapid Nutrition to be prepared for meeting higher regulatory requirements for international markets.

Cheminnova’s managing director Vasudev Rao says he is excited at the prospect of the partnership.

“Rapid Nutrition is developing niche products and is expanding into a comprehensive healthcare company,” Mr. Rao says.

“As such our combined resources should result into the full vertical integration of research, production, marketing and sales of a range of innovative products.”

Cheminnova’s head of Business and Strategy, Vaidyanathan Nateshan, says the joint venture is a natural fit and a strategic step forward for both companies and will aid globalising both business models.

The acquisition is expected to be finalised sometime in March.

Rapid Nutrition recently announced its intention to list on the Deutsche Börse’s Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

The listing proposal will be presented to Rapid Nutrition shareholders for final approval in the coming weeks with the aim of a company roll up into a UK based public limited company to be completed soon after.

For more information or to register interest in Rapid Nutrition’s listing visit www.leisassecret.com/?page_id=2

For all media enquiries contact Bruce Nelson on +61 (0) 423 403 44 or media@rapid-nutrition.com

About Rapid Nutrition
Rapid Nutrition is a natural healthcare company focused on the research, development and production of a range of life science products.

The company was established on the back of its successful and proven weight loss supplement range which is exported worldwide, and now offers consumers a growing range of health and wellbeing solutions to meet existing and emerging societal health concerns, as well as a providing number of wider services to the life sciences industry.

Contact:
Bruce Nelson
Zakazukha Marketing Communications
3 Eden Court
Nerang, Queensland 4220
+61 7 5596 6634
bruce@zakazukha.com
http://www.zakazukha.com

Arrange the perfect wedding using the Chicago DJ services

February 25, 2012 – When thinking of Chicago and weddings, these two terms merge perfectly together. They are about freshness, young spirit, sophisticated styles and better yet, about exclusive lightning. People expect to see something different in every wedding they are invited, so a Chicago wedding DJ is the right person to make a difference. It is imperative to have the classical songs played at a wedding, but beyond this, people need to have fun and really feel like attending a special party. The Chicago house DJ found at djpaulmichaels.com can also provide special beats that will flow through your guest’s body, making them move according to the rhythm, in ways they do in the the clubs. Deejays really know how to make a difference between a party with a laptop and one that includes all the benefits a real Chicago DJ comes along with.

A real wedding ceremony has to include the best Chicago DJ services, regarding sound and lights. That is why the Chicago DJ Paul Michaels uses special speakers and a great subwoofer. Depending on the number of guests, you can even require an extra bass. Also, when talking about the ceremony service, which is really important in such a special event, the Chicago wedding DJ comes with an excellent sound system, one microphone for the priest that organizes the ceremony and another one for vocalists and other extra uses. When walking down the aisle, a bride has to have her glorious moment and the right music played, so DJ Paul Michaels will take care of this and whatever else is necessary, for the wedding to be perfect. Moreover, you will be provided with great background music and you also have the possibility to choose a specific playlist along with the DJ, so that he will play your favorite music at a certain time.

In addition to this, he can add a little extra color to your event with extraordinary little gifts for the guests, like maracas, sun glasses and many others. Another great thing is the lightning show that will come accordingly to the music rhythms.

Created in 2007, the official site of DJ Paul Michaels, djpaulmichaels.com offers all the necessary details to contact him for the Chicago DJ services. Being well appreciated for the wedding ceremonies provided, this DJ can be contacted for any events, for private, public even corporate parties from the Illinois, Naperville and Chicago land area. On djpaulmichaels.com, you can find details about his wedding services, school events, bars, private parties and everything regarding qualitative music. Hiring him for the entertainment will also include the sound and lightning systems. He provides the best audio quality, by taking special care of any of the attended events.

For more information, please visit http://www.djpaulmichaels.com.

Exact Address: 4651 Ferguson Street, Chicago, IL 62347
Phone no:630-445-1852
Email address: bookings@djpaulmichaels.com

Quick Laptop Repair – Emergency Computer Repair Los Angeles 90025

Computer City Repairs specializes in quick quick emergency computer repair. The professionals at Computer City Repairs are highly trained in performing quick and thorough services for all of your electronic needs. Whether you have a Mac, or a PC, your computer and precious data are in good hands with Computer City Repairs. They specialize in diagnosing your computer’s problem, and fixing it at a fair and affordable cost. Trust the experts at Computer City Repairs, and you will never have to worry about having technology problems ever again.

In addition to providing the best service on your electronic devices, Computer City Repairs believes in convenience. They are happy to offer house calls and remote support to customers who need help right away. Computer City Repairs treats you like family, and they know that your time is valuable. Let them come to your house or business to perform expert repairs on your computers, laptops, cell phones, and more. Or, if you have a question that needs immediate assistance, feel free to call Computer City Repairs and they will be happy to offer remote support. A commitment to service is just one of the high standards that sets Computer City Repairs apart from the competition.

In today’s fast-paced world, the computer is quickly becoming a person’s most valuable belonging. Computer City Repairs recognizes the need to keep these machines in tip-top shape. Their dedication to providing fast and reasonably priced services is what keeps their customers coming back again and again. Whether you are having server problems, need data recovery, virus removal, or anything in between, Computer City Repairs will save your computer and save your life. You can follow Computer City Repairs on Twitter and like them on Facebook to keep up with all the latest news and deals brought to you by Computer City Repairs. See what people are saying about them today!

Computer City Repairs provides quick laptop and computer repairs for Apple and PC computers. They are located on Westwood Blvd near the Wilshire Corridor. Proudly serving West Los Angeles, Computer City Repairs is your place for affordable and professional technology repair and services.

For more information visit: http://computercityrepairs.com

1416 Westwood Blvd. Suite, 204
310-940-7222

Safeline Unveils HACCP Metal Detector with Modern Technology for Food Safety Standards in India

Mumbai, 25th February 2012: With ISO 22000 is set to become the global HACCP based international food safety standard, Mettler-Toledo Safeline, the leader in the field of industrial metal detection solutions, unveils its latest range of Profile metal detectors in India. The company offers the most advanced range of metal detection equipment in the world with a solution for every application.

 

Available in rectangular apertures for conveyorised applications, the “Profile” range is available in fixed, dual or multi and Selectable frequency configurations. The “Profile LS” variant of the range offers customers the freedom of choice to select the level of functionality required to suit their actual requirements. This is achieved through the selection of optional software which is designed to address specific business functions. The range is further complimented by the release of a new Profile ASN model which is designed to address applications where installation space is restricted. This comprehensive portfolio ensures that whatever the application, there is a Profile metal detection solution available.

 

Detection sensitivity levels have been enhanced to new heights with the development of a new software algorithm that significantly reduces the impact of signals present in the environment whilst simultaneously minimising the size of the signal (known as the product effect) given off by the product being inspected. The use of intelligent multi-channel technology also improves detection capability to a level previously unachievable.

 

Whilst sensitivity is the measure of metal detection performance, further customer focussed features have been developed to make the Profile an integral part of a user’s effective contamination prevention programme.

 

Ensuring compliance is achieved through meeting the demands of a HACCP programme, helping to increase on-line productivity, ensuring uptime is maximised and reducing costs are all key fundamental elements for food producers.

 

A unique Condition Monitoring system monitors key elements of the Profile metal detectors functionality and works on the basis that prevention is better than cure especially when measured against the costs of downtime. Many metal detectors in use today are designated as Critical Control Points (CCP’s). Should a problem occur with the metal detector during the inspection process, the production line should shut down until the problem is rectified as the CCP is no longer protected.

 

The cost associated with a line shutdown can be high. A metal detector that can advise when a fault occurs can be seen as beneficial as it allows for emergency service to be undertaken. However a metal detector that can give an advanced warning that a fault may be about to occur before it happens allows preventative maintenance to be scheduled when the line is out of service saving time and money.

 

“In order to maximize on quality and performance, METTLER TOLEDO has brought the unparallel metal detection solution, Profile Series, utilizing sophisticated software technology, Profile Series is very helpful in complying HACCP requirements and also for broader needs of External Food Safety regulations. Whether your products are wet, dry, hot, chilled or frozen, Profile Technology provides the ultimate solution in metal contaminant detection capability.” said Kailash Kale, Business Leader – Product Inspection. “All metal contamination including ferrous, non-ferrous and even the most difficult to detect non-magnetic stainless steels are readily identified, enabling them to be removed efficiently from the manufacturing process. Profile detectors in real sense provide a vital building block in helping the customers to establish improved processes and manufacturing efficiency thus increase productivity, to ensure uptime is maximized and also to reduce costly downtime.”

 

Continuing on the theme of maximising production uptime, Profile has been developed to address one of the biggest reported failure modes of any process or packing line equipment – that of operator error or unauthorised entry to the controls of equipment.

 

To address this issue, a secure personalised login system that allocates every user their personalised entry password has been created. To help navigation around the menu structure, operators can specify their own settings in a choice of 18 languages to ensure that when they log on, they can quickly and easily identify the operations they have been given access to. Every login to the detector is stored in an access log that can be viewed on the colour touch screen which reports the name of the operator and date and time when they logged onto the controls. This provides far greater levels of traceability and system security.

 

Using the latest in communications technology, Profile detectors can be configured to send email or text communications to various key people within the business reporting important events or issues. These could include missed performance verification tests, early warnings from the Condition Monitoring system.

 

It is even possible to configure the detector to communicate directly with Mettler Toledo service organisations to allow the fastest levels of response possible.

 

 

About Mettler-Toledo Safeline:

 

Mettler Toledo Safeline is the world’s leading supplier of metal detection and x-ray inspection solutions for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Together with Garvens Checkweighing, Mettler-Toledo Safeline forms the Product Inspection division of Mettler Toledo.

About Mettler-Toledo India:

Mettler-Toledo India Pvt. Ltd., a wholly subsidiary of Mettler-Toledo Inc. (NYSEMTD), started its operations in India in 1998. With its base in Mumbai and eleven branches across India, Mettler-Toledo India is a leading player catering to the demand of Indian industries for high-technology precision and analytical instruments used in various labs and automation processes.

 

Mettler-Toledo inc is a leading global supplier of precision instruments and is the world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of weighing instruments for use in laboratory, industrial and food retailing applications. The Company also holds top-three market positions in several related analytical instruments markets and is a leading provider of automated chemistry systems used in drug and chemical compound discovery and development. In addition, the Mettler-Toledo is the world’s largest manufacturer and marketer of metal detection systems used in production and packaging. Additional information about Mettler-Toledo can be found on its website www.mt.com

 

 

 

For more details, contact:

Sanjiv Arora
sanjiv@deeshapr.com
+91-22-32713357
Deesha Communications

Labour Education Spokesman Calls for an Independent School Standards Agency to Raise Benchmarks

Stephen Twigg is urging the Government to create an independent office to raise educational standards in England.

The Labour education spokesman is calling for an ‘Office for Educational Improvement’ to develop better benchmarks for education in the country by using research evidence and considering criteria drawn from international comparisons.

Mr Twigg accuses Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, and those on the far left of being ‘dogma-driven’ in their approach to education reform. The plan for the non-ministerial ‘Office for Educational

Improvement’ is to act as a clearing house for the most relevant research available on what really works in schools and to spread good practice amongst regions.

He argues that an independent office would allow for education policies to be built from successful examples as opposed to political ambitions. He aims to do this by measuring performances against international competitors, and by learning lessons from rapidly developing countries such as South Korea and China.

Any plans to improve the standards of education in the UK can be beneficial if based on proven research. All academic writing can benefit from editing and proofreading services, to ensure that it is to a high standard and written in proper English, making sure that all copy is free from spelling, punctuation, grammatical and typographical errors.

Academic proofreading services from the likes of Proofreading.co.uk can assist academics and researchers as the professional editing team will have the skills and experience necessary to carry out a complete proofread and language edit of any academic text.

No matter how much teaching one receives in school or university, it can always help to let a specialist editor look through your work because a fresh pair of eyes can be truly beneficial.

Media Contact Details

Company Name: Proofreading.co.uk
Telephone Number: 0207 323 6032
E-mail: support@proofreading.co.uk

$50 Restores Sight to Blind Person in Third World

Singles Charity Ball, March 24, 2012, Aims to Cure Blind People.

San Rafael, CA, February 27, 2012 — SINGLES FUNDRAISER TO RESTORE SIGHT

The leading singles organizations of the Bay Area are co-sponsoring the East Bay Singles Charity Ball, Saturday, March 24, 2012, 8pm-Midnight, at the Marriott Hotel Bishop Ranch, 2600 Bishop Ranch Drive, San Ramon CA 94583. 100% of the donations will go directly to the Sight Project of The Seva Foundation, located in Berkeley.

“Every $50 we raise will enable Seva to perform a sight-restoring eye surgery in the poorer countries of the world,” says Rich Gosse, Chairman of The Society of Single Professionals, the world’s largest non-profit singles organization. “Eye surgeries in the USA cost thousands of dollars, but are now being performed for only $50 in the Third World, due to innovations created by Seva. More information is available at http://www.Seva.org.

“The Singles Charity Ball is a great opportunity for single professionals to meet new friends who care about others,” says Mr. Gosse.

A donation of $20 at the door is requested, which is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The Ball features dancing to today’s hottest hits and the greatest songs of yesteryear. Adults of all ages are welcome. Everyone is encouraged to dress in their finest for this elegant soiree!

The Ball is co-sponsored by Society of Single Professionals, Singles Supper Club, Wine Socials, BayAreaSingles.com, MatchYourKey, East Bay Singles Over 45, Doctors of San Francisco Meetup, and many other organizations in the Bay Area. Anyone wishing more information about this and many more events for singles may visit http://www.ThePartyHotline.com or call 415/507-9962.

Contact:
Rich Gosse
Society of Single Professionals
205 Mark Twain Avenue, San Rafael CA 94903
Tel: 415-507-9962
E-Mail: richgosse@richgosse.com
Web: http://www.ThePartyHotline.com

Missing from the Presidential Debate: Long-Term Care

Two Candidates Respond to National Survey but Many Remain Silent on How to Support Older Adults and Individuals with Disabilities Who Need Care at Home.

Washington, D.C., February 26, 2012 — Every day, over 10 million frail seniors, younger people with disabilities, and their families struggle to find and pay for long-term care to stay independent and remain at home, and the need for care is expected to grow to over 15 million Americans by 2020.

Yet, the issue of long-term care has been completely absent from this year’s presidential campaign. No questions have been asked during the debates. The candidates have not posted any views or positions on their websites, and only two candidates have responded to a national survey on their views to address this growing national challenge.

Long-term care helps older adults and individuals with disabilities manage everyday activities, such as dressing, bathing, using the bathroom, preparing meals, and taking medication.

While these home care services are cost-effective and help people stay independent and out of expensive nursing homes, they are not covered by traditional health insurance. Medicare does not cover them, and only 3% of adults have private long-term care insurance.

Medicaid offers some coverage for long term care, but individuals must spend-down and impoverish themselves to qualify – often exhausting a lifetime of savings. Waiting lists also have doubled over the past decade, with some states cutting home and community-based services to trim budgets.

As a result, over 90% of all long-term services provided today are delivered informally by more than 42.1 million family members. These caregivers often face enormous burdens, adversely affecting their health, ability to work, and financial security.

To help raise this critical issue among the presidential candidates, 15 national aging and disability organizations, including the National Council on Aging (NCOA), invited each candidate to answer five questions about their views on long-term care. The questionnaire was distributed in November to all major candidates for President, regardless of political party affiliation.

So far, only two presidential candidates-Barack Obama and Newt Gingrich-have responded to the questionnaire. The five questions and responses received to date are available at http://www.ncoa.org/LTSSsurvey.

“The number of Americans needing long-term care is expected to double in the coming decade as the population ages,” said James Firman, NCOA president & CEO. “Clearly, this is an issue that cannot be ignored. Voters deserve to hear the candidates engage in a dialogue about an issue so central to the future of our country and the lives of millions of individuals and families.”

About NCOA
The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA’s mission is to improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. NCOA is a national voice for older Americans and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. For more information, please visit: http://www.NCOA.org / http://www.facebook.com/NCOAging / http://www.twitter.com/NCOAging.

NCOA Media Contact:
Ken Schwartz
Director, Marketing & Communications
202-600-3131
ken.schwartz@ncoa.org