Monthly Archives: August 2012

Entertainment, Internet & Online, Music, Society, Sports, Travel

The Mayor’s Thames Festival Gets an Olympic Boost This Year

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Every September the Mayor’s Thames Festival celebrates the continued importance of the River Thames. This year this free event is getting an Olympic boost as it coincides with the Olympic Closing ceremony bringing an end to the Paralympic Games. This boost comes in the form of a euphoric atmosphere, bigger crowds and even more live riverside performances.

Over the course of this two-day event, from 8-9 September, there will be street entertainment, art installations, music and dancing dotted along the Thames riverbank between Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge. The spectacular finale will be a show-stopping fireworks display eating through more than one ton or pyrotechnics in just 10 minutes.

Despite being one of London ‘s biggest and greatest free events, it is one of the lesser-known happenings outside of the capital. This year the extra publicity given to the event due to its Olympic tie-up should elevate its status outside of the capital.

For visitors to London LondonTown.com is advising booking accommodation early to avoid disappointment. LondonTown.com has secured exclusive online discounts at some of the most luxurious, centrally located hotels in London including the four-star Crowne Plaza London The City and the exclusive Me London Hotel, a five-star property in Covent Garden.

Rooms at the modern, spacious Crowne Plaza London The City start at £117 per night and it boasts an enviable location just minutes from the Thames and right in the middle of all the action. There are babysitting and crib facilities available for families and a late checkout time of 12pm.

The Me Hotel is an ultra-high end property in the heart of theatreland that opened last month. This lavish hotel has floor-to-ceiling windows and a rooftop bar, both ideal spots for viewing the fireworks display. If you want to escape somewhere quieter, the marble-lined champagne bar is perfect. Due to the high-end nature of this property room rates are higher. Prices start at £500 per night including a discount from LondonTown.com.

Entertainment, Internet & Online, Music, Society, Travel

London Hotels Cut Prices for Hyde Park Proms Event

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The world-famous Last Night of the Proms will be shown at special outdoor events all over the UK, as Proms in the Park returns this September 8th.

Living up to the popular perception of the closing night as classical music for the masses, the celebrations are to be screened in Glasgow, Belfast, Cardiff and, most famously, Hyde Park. Each screening of the action from the Royal Albert Hall will be built around a live concert, featuring appearances from major artists, both classical and pop.

London’s Proms in the Park is offering more than five hours of music, hosted by Sir Terry Wogan and featuring pintsized pop star Kylie Minogue. Other acts include Alfie Boe, Il Divo, the Royal Choral Society and the BBC Orchestra.

The show starts at 5.15pm. Tickets cost £35 and are available via LondonTown.com. The website is also offering major discounts on London hotels in the area, many of them within easy walking distance of Hyde Park.

The Thistle Marble Arch Hotel is among the London hotels on offer, with a 91% discount available for early bookings on double rooms. The reduction brings the cost of a night’s stay in this very smart West London hotel down to just £90. The hotel is around ten minutes walk from Hyde Park, at the end of Oxford Street.

The four star Lancaster London Hotel, on Lancaster Terrace, offers an exceptional location overlooking Hyde Park and is currently offering a 70% reduction on deluxe double rooms, bringing the nightly rate down to £159.

See LondonTown.com for more information on Proms in the Park, and to view more discounted London hotels.

Healthcare

IAPAM Announces New Aesthetic Medicine Symposium with Botox ® Training September 22-23, 2012

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The IAPAM announces the dates for its next Aesthetic Medicine Symposium, September 22-23, 2012, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Las Vegas, Nevada, USA – August 9, 2012 — The growth in minimally-invasive, less expensive anti-aging treatments such as Botox ®, dermal fillers, and hCG for weight loss continues to grow in the second half of 2012. From family physicians to internists to obstetricians & gynecologists, many physicians have decided to add these services to their existing practices. To meet this need, the IAPAM announces the dates for its next Aesthetic Medicine Symposium, September 22-23, 2012, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

As reported in Medical Economics, the increase in interest in the field of aesthetic medicine makes sense when one considers that, “the bulk of cosmetic procedure clients are the very people who dominate the patient panels of internists and family physicians. Women aged 35 to 50 years have 44% of these procedures, and women between the ages of 51 and 65 have an additional 20%.”

To help physicians add these non-surgical modalities to a practice, and enter this lucrative cash-based market, the IAPAM offers the industry’s leading dermatologist-led Aesthetic Medicine Symposium with Botox ® Training in Scottsdale, Arizona. At the IAPAM’s September 22-23 Symposium (http://iapam.com/aesthetic-medicine-symposium-botox-training), physicians will receive everything they need, to start safely and profitably offering Botox ® and other in-demand aesthetic medicine procedures right away.

“About 5 million nonsurgical cosmetic procedures were performed by aestheticians last year, frequently in a spa setting,” says Jeff Russell, executive director of the IAPAM (http://www.iapam.com). “Many primary care physicians (PCPs) have decided to meet the demand for these services by actively controlling the “med” part of these “medspas”.”

Therefore, the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposium is specifically designed by physicians, for physicians, to educate and train on the top cosmetic procedures like: Botox ®, dermal filler injections, lasers for skin rejuvenation & laser hair removal, medical microdermabrasion, and medical grade chemical peels. The IAPAM’s September 22-23 Symposium has integrated the most important clinical, aesthetic medicine business, and Botox ® training ALL into one weekend, including:

– dedicated instruction from board-certified dermatologists, who are true experts of the skin and cosmetic injectables;
– hands-on practice in the best injection techniques;
– Botox ® training at a multi-million dollar medical practice, not in a hotel room; and
– an environment that does not allow exhibitors, giving physicians more time for education.

Attendees also have the opportunity to:

1. Attend the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Practice Start-Up Workshop (http://iapam.com/aesthetic-practice-startup-workshop) on Monday, September 24, 2012, a program highlighting the latest information on medspa business development and social media marketing.
2. Attend the IAPAM’s hCG Training (http://iapam.com/physician-weight-loss-training-using-hormones) on Friday, September 21, 2012, which covers hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) for weight loss, prescription appetite suppressants, ketogenic diet based programs, meal replacements and B6/12 injections.

Since 2006, over 1000 physicians (MDs, DOs, NPs, PAs, DDSs etc.) and their staff (RNs, MAs, practice managers, etc.), have attended the IAPAM’s Aesthetic Medicine Symposiums and hCG Training seminars, and been certified by the IAPAM. Also, the year of personalized practice support and the wealth of resources included with one’s training, definitely make the IAPAM’s programs different than the others.

The dates for the next Aesthetic Medicine Symposium are September 22-23, 2012 in Scottsdale, Arizona. For additional information or to register for the September 22-23 Aesthetic Medicine Symposium, please contact the IAPAM at 1-800-219-5108 ext. 704, or visit http://www.iapam.com.

Botox is a trademark of Allergan, Inc.

About the IAPAM: The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine

The International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine is a voluntary association of physicians and supporters, which sets standards for the aesthetic medical profession. The goal of the association is to offer education, ethical standards, credentialing, and member benefits. IAPAM membership is open to all licensed medical doctors (MDs), dentists (DDSs/DMDs) doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), physicians assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs). The IAPAM offers aesthetic medicine and hCG medical weight management programs, including: Botox ® training, medical aesthetic training, laser training, physician hCG training, and aesthetic practice business training. Additional information about the association can be accessed through the IAPAM’s website (http://www.iapam.com) or by contacting:

Jeff Russell, Executive-Director
International Association for Physicians in Aesthetic Medicine (IAPAM)
1-800-219-5108 x704

Business

AAA: Pension Fund Researchers Need To Take Time Over Alternatives

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A new article in the Financial Times has pointed out the fact that many pension funds and other institutional investors may need to take on more research staff if they want to make the most of alternative investment opportunities. This has led AAA to warn pension funds that they may want to think twice about bringing their research in house.

Boston, MA, USA, August 9, 2012 — A new article in the Financial Times has pointed out the fact that many pension funds and other institutional investors may need to take on more research staff if they want to make the most of alternative investment opportunities. This has led Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) to warn pension funds that they may want to think twice about bringing their research in house.

This view was reflected by Peter Urbani, who used to work for Infiniti Capital, and who spoke to the FT about his experiences. He said, “The recent acquisition of Sovereign by Mercer is an indication that pension funds are starting to look at alternatives, but realising that they need to do it internally.”

He explained that turning to alternatives meant that researchers would have to carry out more in-depth due diligence than when dealing with traditional asset classes, which equates to more work.

A growing number of large investment institutions, such as pension funds are turning increasingly towards the idea of alternative investment. Following the economic crisis, investors are keen to receive something tangible in exchange for their investments and are also interested in diversifying their portfolios against risk.

One option is direct forestry investment. This can be done by buying up physical sections of forest or plantation and cashing in the profits once trees grow and are harvested for timber. However, investing through a firm like Greenwood Management means investors get all the benefits of timberland investment, but will start to see returns on their investment much sooner.

Timberland investment has become extremely popular as it has regularly outperformed stocks and shares and provides a very effective hedge against inflation. What’s more is that if, when the time come to sell the timber you have been growing come, but the market price isn’t right, investors can simply hang on to their investment and watch it grown some more.

About Alternative Asset Analysis:
The remit of Alternative Asset Analysis is to analyse and provide news on the global performance of a wide range of alternative asset classes including, but not restricted to, commodities, real estate, forestry, foreign exchange, hedge funds, private equity and venture capital.

Media Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Travel

Vietnam’s First Luxury Tour Operator Attracts the High End GLBT Travelers

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Luxury Travel Ltd announces new bespoke holidays to upscale gays and lesbian travelers to Vietnam.

Hanoi, Vietnam, August 9, 2012 — It is the first travel company in the country offering tours for not only couples but also for upscale singles.

“Quietly, Vietnam has become a popular niche market for gay tourists. Saigon is particularly welcoming,” Dav Nguyen, Sales and Marketing Manager of Luxury Travel says that it’s all because of the locals’ friendly attitude: “People living here have a very open approach to gay people.”

“We had a wonderful trip in Vietnam. All accommodations and tour guides were fantastic. We enjoyed all the sights included in our schedule as well as all meals planned by Luxury Travel. Let me stress that all guides and hotel employees were very respectful, kind, and professional and we have no complaints against any individual we encountered,” said Julie and Valerie, New Orleans, LA 70115, USA.

About Luxury Travel Ltd

Vietnam-based Luxury Travel Ltd (http://www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) is a long established Asian specialist in the art of travel and serves today’s most sophisticated travelers, in luxury privately guided and fully bespoke holidays in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand. Luxury Travel excels in designing tailor-made tours and providing unique travel experiences to fulfill the most sophisticated traveler’s expectations. Luxury Travel Ltd. has won numerous travel awards for excellent performance, including the most recent award: Best Luxury Tour Operator.

Media Contact:
Doan Hong Linh (Ms.)
Marketing Executive
Luxury Travel Ltd
05 Nguyen Truong To Str.,
Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi 84444
Vietnam
+ 84.4.39274120 Ext 122
marketing3@luxurytravelvietnam.com
http://www.LuxuryTravelVietnam.com

Business

FRA Welcomed USA Today Endorsement of Timber Investment

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FRA has welcomed a new article published by USA Today predicting a boom in timber investment returns if the real estate industry returns to a strong position.

Seattle, United States, August 9, 2012 — Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has welcomed a new article published by USA Today predicting a boom in timber investment returns if the real estate industry returns to a strong position.

The housing collapse in the US brought with it a fall in timber prices. Now things are looking up again and, as a result, timber stocks are looking rather attractive once more, according to USA Today’s John Waggoner. Since timber futures prices’ lowest spot in early 2009, they have increased by an impressive 93 per cent. Although this is slightly less than the recovery in the Standard & Poor’s 500 index, the improvement in the real estate market indicates a good reason to buy up timber REITs.

In the past 12 months, new home starts have jumped by 23 per cent and the fact that housing is now a lot more affordable than the last time housing starts increased, suggests that the turnaround will last longer and be more notable this time, claims FRA.

The forestry investment advocacy group supports the USA Today article, claiming that timber REITs are very attractive, but that there are also other options for those who are interested in investing in timber. “We promote investment in sustainably managed plantations, such as those operated in Brazil by firms like Greenwood Management,” stated FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins.

These plantations allow investors to directly invest in a piece of forestry land for as little as $10,000, which is a lot less than is involved when buying forestry independently. Then, firms like Greenwood manage these plantations for the owners and start paying returns to investors as soon as money starts coming in from any mature trees on the entire plantation.

Mr Collins claims that this option mean that investors enjoy the diversification benefits of forestry investment, but also get to see returns sooner than they would through other direct investment routes.

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media 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

Education

Bryant & Stratton College Online Announces Webinar: How to Make the Most of an Entry-Level Job

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Webinar to be held on August 22, highlighting advice on what to do and what not to do in an entry level position; free for prospective and current students and new college graduates

Buffalo, NY, August 08, 2012 – Bryant & Stratton College Online announced today a new session in its ongoing free career training webinar series. New college graduates, prospective students and current Bryant & Stratton College Online students are encouraged to attend the free webinar titled, “Make the Most of an Entry-Level Job.” This session will take place on Wednesday, August 22, from noon to 1:00 p.m. EDT.

Acclaimed career coach Kim Dority will lead the webinar. Ms. Dority is a frequent presenter for Bryant & Stratton College Online and has been writing about and teaching courses on career training for more than a decade.

“An entry level job is a great place to start building your professional reputation and developing your career smarts,” said Dority. “This webinar will coach attendees through the actions to take – and avoid – to make the most of this important opportunity.”

The “Make the Most of an Entry-Level Job” webinar will highlight tricks and tips for new graduates as well as prospective and current students. Attendees of the webinar will learn how to:

* Impress not only their boss, but their colleagues

* Benefit from other’s knowledge while effectively contributing their own ideas

* Navigate the “new hire” landscape to establish trust and respect for their professional skills, maturity and judgment

“Emphasis is often put into how to find and get a job, which are both important steps in creating a successful career; but this webinar demonstrates that the work does not stop once you’ve heard ‘you’re hired,’” said Scott Traylor, Associate Campus Director for Online Education at Bryant & Stratton College. “Whether you’re a new graduate or just starting to consider enrolling in a degree program, understanding all the steps that go into building a strong career path is important. At Bryant & Stratton College Online, we are committed to helping our students find and succeed in the careers of their choice. We are grateful Ms. Dority lends her extensive knowledge in support of this mission.”

The webinar is offered for free by Bryant & Stratton College Online and is open to current students, prospective students and others seeking information on building a successful career. Those interested in attending are invited to register at http://online.bryantstratton.edu/webinar/. Additionally, following the free webinar, attendees will be able to download a hand-out recapping the top strategies addressed in the session.

To learn more about Bryant & Stratton College and for information about its online degree programs, go to online.bryantstratton.edu. Bryant & Stratton College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

About Bryant & Stratton College Online:
Bryant & Stratton College is a private career college delivering outcomes based education and training through a flexible, contemporary curriculum in a personalized environment.  The College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, and has locations in New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin, as well as an Online Education division, and a Professional Skill Center. For over 155 years, Bryant & Stratton College has been providing real world education leading to bachelor’s and associate’s degrees and professional certificates. Bryant & Stratton College Online offers five online bachelor’s degree programs, thirteen online associate’s degree programs and eleven online certificate programs in a variety of fields including business, criminal justice, financial services, healthcare, human resources and information technology. Some online programs are not yet available in all states. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of graduates and other important information, please visit www.bryantstratton.edu/disclosures.  General information about Bryant & Stratton College and its online degrees can also be found at http://online.bryantstratton.edu.

Contact:
Kavitha Thimmaiah
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 433-7020
kthimmaiah@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Business

AAA Welcomes Report on Bransons impact Investing efforts

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AAA has welcomed a report into Richard Branson’s impact investing efforts.

Boston, MA, August 08, 2012 – Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has welcomed a report into Richard Branson’s impact investing efforts. The article, published by Marketwatch.com, talks about how Virgin boss, Richard Branson, has taken a huge interest in impact investing and has launched Virgin Unite to try to help boost its popularity among regular investors.

The celebrity ambassador for social enterprise investment recently held a promotional shark-swimming activity in Cancun, which attempted to promote small businesses such as the shark-swimming trips that help to raise eco-awareness. The trips illustrated how investors can help small social enterprises and family business in developing countries to thrive, according to AAA. “They help communities and local environments to flourish, while investors start to see returns on their investment when the small businesses begin to grow and pay back loans,” explained AAA’s partner Anthony Johnson.

Richard Branson recently published a book called Screw Business As Usual. He stated, “I have written this book for those who, at the same time as wanting to develop a business and make a living, also want to do more to help people and the planet.

“It’s a vibrant sea change from the way business was always done, when financial profit alone was the driving force.” The book is intended to back up the work of Virgin Unite, which is a non-profit organization intended to help guide investors towards suitable social enterprise that need investment.

Jean Oelwang, the CEO of the organization, explained, “We basically look at ways philanthropy and charity can play a role in kickstarting new markets.”

AAA, an advocate of alternative and impact investing, supports many kinds of ethical investment, including timberland investment. Mr Johnson, explained, “Investing in sustainable forestry land through organizations like Greenwood Management, for example, can help to reduce deforestation by providing alternatives to illegally sourced timber. Greenwood Management runs plantations on non-native trees species in Brazil and Canada.

Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Art

The Collection, UB City in Association with Sublime Galleria and Art Chutney are Proud to Present the 3rd Edition of ‘Art Bengaluru’

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The Collection, UB City in association with Sublime Galleria and Art Chutney is all set to present the 3rd Edition of ‘Art Bengaluru’, South India’s premier festival for contemporary art and culture.

Bangalore, India, Thursday – August 09, 2012 — Following the success of the previous editions of Art Bengaluru and its veritable recognition as one of the world’s leading art events to watch out for today, The Collection, UB City in association with Sublime Galleria and Art Chutney is all set to present the 3rd Edition of ‘Art Bengaluru’, South India’s premier festival for contemporary art and culture. Art Bengaluru ( http://www.artbengaluru.in ) is an annual forum which aims to bring together artists, galleries, art collectors, art enthusiasts and the best in contemporary Indian art from across India under one roof.

‘Art Bengaluru 2012’ will commence on 10 August 2012 and continue till 24 August 2012 from 11am to 8pm every day.

Uzma Irfan – Executive Director, Corporate Communications, Prestige Group & Founder – Sublime Galleria said, “Art Bengaluru 2012 promises to be a magical feast for art lovers and aficionados from India and around the world. This year we have lined up a host of new additions that will bring to life vivid art forms that are often overlooked. With participation from celebrated personalities including Pallavi Foley, Pallon Daruwala, Suresh Jairam, as well as several prominent art galleries from across India, Art Bengaluru 2012 will trail-blaze its journey to becoming the symbolic platform for everything related to art in India.”

Playing host to this prestigious festival is one of Bangalore’s best-known landmarks, UB City, which epitomizes the latest in Fashion, Luxury and Fine Art. The Collection, UB City apart from being the venue, has also played a pivotal role in conceptualizing and making this event a reality.

‘Art Bengaluru 2012’ will showcase the artworks of 16 eminent art galleries from across India including Sublime Galleria, Art Chutney, I Art, Deccan Art Foundation, Time & Space, Third Eye Gallery, Mahua, Ajantha Studio, Vinscent Art World, Jyothi Aranha, Savi 3 Studio, Varna Sangama Art Gallery, Chitrasangam Art Gallery (Hubli), Ayya Art Galleries, PRV Gallery Space & Impana Art House.

This prestigious festival will also bring together eminent and talented artists from around the globe. Some of the artists from India who will showcase their work include Vijit Pillai, Shipra Bhattacharya, Shuva Prassana, C Jagdish, Farhad Hussain, Ganesh Doddamani, Jyothi Aranha, Shahul Kollangude, Sudeep Mukherjee, RD Roy, Ganesh Dey, Sudhir Shelar, Shekar Bellari, KN Ramachandran, Bharti Prajapati, Nandgopal S, Niren Sengupta, Ravendra Salve, Dilipkumar Kale, Madhuri Dilip, Jagadish Kadur, Siri Khandavilli and SA Vimalanathan, Ramesh Gorjala, Asit Kumar Patnaick, K Ravi, Nityam Singha Roy, Bratin Khan, Sekar Roy, Fawad Tamkanat, Sachin S Jaltare, Laxman Aeleay, Vijay Raaj Bhodankar, Vimalanathan, Rama Suresh, Anand Panchal, Shyamul Mukkerjee, Shreekanth Kurva, Somenath Maity, Suresh Gulage, A Karuppiah, AP Santhanaraj, Sakeel Momin, N Manohar, Manohar Raja, Nirmala Anand, Partha Bhattacharjee among others.

In addition, Art Bengaluru ( http://www.artbengaluru.in ) this year will witness participation from several artists from Africa, including David Muzugno, Joseph Cartoon, Ruth Nyakundi, Wilson Mwangi and Dinesh Revankar.

The celebration of this unique festival will start with a grand Opening Night on Friday – 10 August 2012 which will witness celebrated musician/singer Tochi Raina performing exclusively for Bangaloreans, accompanied by an 8-piece band.

Some of the highlights of the festival include:
* A Luxury Charity Auction featuring the works of legendary artists including M.F.Hussain, Jamini Roy, B. Prabha, F.N Souza, Ganesh Pyne, K.K. Hebbar, Krishen Khanna, Ramkumar, Bakre, Somnath Hore. 10% of the auction proceeds will be given to Christel House India, an NGO for the empowerment and education of underprivileged children.
* An exhibition of jewellery design brought alive through the medium of art by renowned designer – Pallavi Foley & well-known artist – Vijith Pillai
* A workshop on photography by – Sam Mohan
* Children’s art competition
* Workshops on:
– ‘Music Art’ by the Nathiniel School of Music
– ‘Dance Art’ by Shiamak Davar’s Institute of Performing Arts
– ‘Art Speak’ by Suresh Jairam
– ‘Pop-up art (3D on canvas’, ‘Pantomime’, ‘Wax Art’, ‘Art of making animation films’ by Reenu etc.

Art Bengaluru 2012 website:
Art Bengaluru 2012 has also launched its official website – http://www.artbengaluru.in. With an artistic vibe to it, this website captures the essence of Art Bengaluru and displays all the information related to this much-awaited event.

The Art Bengaluru website will throw light on the Art & Luxury Auction, in addition to highlighting the Masters whose works will go under the hammer during the festival. The site, will also allow users to learn about the various artists and galleries that are participating in this prestigious art festival. They will also be able to monitor the workshop calendar and register themselves for it. Additionally, users can easily navigate through the website to browse through images of past events, and find out everything about the rich history of Art Bengaluru.

The co-sponsors for Art Bengaluru 2012 are William Penn and Lewis Berger. Four Seasons is the Liquid and Beverage Sponsor and the Hospitality Partner is Oakwood Premier Prestige.

About Art Bengaluru:
Art Bengaluru is an exclusive event that is designed to showcase various types of art forms including ‘Wall Art’ (fine art, paintings, illustration, photographs) and ‘Stand-alone Art’ (sculpture, installations, product design). Art Bengaluru was first launched in March 2010, and after two successful editions, the event this year promises to be bigger and more diverse since it has extended its purview to include different forms of art!

The venue for Art Bengaluru will be the highly-acclaimed, The Collection, UB City which is conveniently located in the heart of cosmopolitan Bangalore. Needless to say, the Tuscan architecture of UB City complements the art festival by creating an illusion of fluent expanse. Art displayed in this landmark area promises to enhance aesthetic awareness and create a sensory delight for the viewer.

Press & Media Contact:
Urmila Biswas / Lakshman Babu
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
Bangalore, India
Ph: +919886099736 / +919845706155
urmila.biswas@ogilvy.com / lakshman.babu@ogilvy.com
http://www.artbengaluru.in

Apparel & Fashion, Business, Entertainment, Internet & Online, Shopping, Small Business, Social Media, Society

Balluun Introduces New Social Business Platform To Empower Fashion Designers To Create Impact For Their Brands And Businesses

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Leading up to the 2012 MAGIC show, social business upstart, Balluun, today announced its patent-pending technology platform for emerging fashion designers and the wholesale marketplace. On the same day, Balluun announced a new advisory board member, fashion maverick, Nicole Miller. “We are so honored and excited to be able to tap such a visionary innovator and designer to add to our distinguished group of advisors,” said Peter Koch, CEO of Balluun. “She will bring an invaluable perspective, aesthetic eye and reality check to our overall effort.”

Balluun is the future of commerce for fashion, as we know it. Fashion designers who are Balluun members can easily upload their collections on Balluun’s website prior to the show and take advantage of Balluun’s mobile app to display specifications of their lines and conduct transactions with buyers online at the show.

Balluun’s focus is the world of fashion and redefining how fashion is accessed, experienced, shared, purchased and sold in the real and digital worlds. Some of Balluun’s primary features and benefits include:
– Balluun provides the ability for sellers to share product updates and entire collections and for buyers to view and discover new designs and track product trends.

– Balluun enables buyers to communicate directly with the sellers before, during and after creating a purchase order.

– Balluun accommodates all terms and forms of payment traditionally found in the fashion industry.

– Balluun records all of the information for the seller and the buyer, and all order information is maintained online for easy reference anytime, anywhere.

“Balluun is truly game-changing for young fashion designers who want to create impact with their brands and build businesses within an increasingly competitive climate.” said Peter Koch, CEO of Balluun. “With the continued evolution of the internet, the cloud and social networking, Balluun has been able to develop transformative ways to do business.”
Brief Balluun Product Snapshot

Visually Rich Marketplace To Show & Share Collections- Balluun provides a robust platform on which designers/manufacturers can sell their products and independent retailers can shop for products in a visually rich digital environment. Social Business Community All Your Own- Balluun’s platform is optimized for ongoing social inter-action and like an in-person interaction, people communicate with one another back and forth while purchasing goods. Balluun accomplishes this and deploys technology to thread the communication exchange throughout a transaction. The Paperless Office- Balluun enables designers, retailers and manufacturers the ability to search products by price and style, review line sheets and collections, create and pay purchase orders online. Balluun provides a hassle-free digital option from paper-based lookbooks/catalogs, business cards and order forms in a social business solution.

About Balluun
Balluun’s mission is to empower fashion designers by lowering barriers to entry for emerging designers to launch their brand, sell their products to buyers and connect them online to create long-term relationships and healthy businesses. Balluun redefines a whole new way of conducting business by leveraging its roots in the information technology world (Cisco), commerce marketplace (eBay) and banking (UBS). The company has built a patent-pending social business platform dedicated to the unique needs of the fashion industry. With a guiding philosophy of connecting everyone and helping everyone to grow, Balluun is a company that is re-imagining how fashion businesses are created and managed with a technology-driven social business model. For more information and to sign up on Balluun, please visit: www.balluun.com.

eBay, the eBay logo, Cisco, the Cisco logo, UBS, the UBS logo are trademarks of their respective com

Contact Details: Tricia Chan, Public Group, LLC
95 Morton Street, Main Flr.
New York, NY 10014
Tele: 917.239.0642
triciachan8@gmail.com
www.balluun.com