Daily Archives: November 13, 2012

Business, Healthcare, Marketing, Media, Small Business, Sports

In support of World Diabetes Day, Harvey Norman’s Connected Fitness team research reveals that 280 Australians develop diabetes every day

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In support of World Diabetes Day (14 November), Harvey Norman’s Connected Fitness team carried out a detailed research project to uncover the extent of Australia’s type 2 diabetes problem. The worrying results indicate that an estimated 1.7 million Australians suffer from type 2 diabetes today, with up to half of these cases currently undiagnosed. Reports from The World Health Organisation indicate that the total number of diabetic Australians is expected to increase to 3.3 million by 2031, creating a healthcare timebomb for the country. An infographic to visually represent the results has been specially commissioned and can be found on theHarvey Norman website.

Diabetes can significantly impact the quality of life and life expectancy of its sufferers. Some of the potential health complications caused by the disease include kidney damage, heart disease and stroke, loss of vision, and foot ulcers leading to limb amputation. The long term impacts on the life of the sufferer, and on healthcare costs for the country, are significant. However, it is known that up to around 60% of cases of type 2 diabetescould be prevented.

Key steps that can be taken to help prevent the development of this killer disease include eating a healthy diet, cutting out tobacco, keeping alcohol consumption within sensible limits and taking regular exercise. Walking, running and cycling are all great forms of exercise that enable people to work at their own pace and can easily be carried out in the home using treadmills and exercise bikes. Harvey Norman’s Connected Fitness team are on hand to provide help and advice on suitable fitness equipment and tools that can make it easy for people to increase their levels of activity and monitor their progress.

Harvey Norman’s Daniel Hosford, says: “World Diabetes Day should be an important date in everyone’s diary. Harvey Norman understands the importance of following a healthy lifestyle in order to protect against this debilitating disease and we’d like to do our bit to support the aims of the day. Our Connected Fitness team are happy to help our customers find the right equipment to help them take part in a healthy level of exercise, and our range is also available to purchase online for those customers who don’t have a store nearby. ”

Ends

For more information contact: Steve.teece@freshegg.com, tel: 0414697495

Notes to editors

Harvey Norman Holdings Ltd, is a public company that,as a franchisor, grants franchises to independent business operators, as business owners who retail products for the home and office in the following categories: Fitness, Electrical, Computers & Communications, Small Appliances, Furniture, Bedding, Home Improvements, Lighting and Carpet & Flooring.

There are Harvey Norman stores in Australia, New Zealand, Slovenia, Ireland, Singapore and Malaysia.

Entertainment, Internet & Online, Media, Social Media, Society

pixelhose.com Announces Second Writing Competition with $1000 in Total Author Prizes

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pixelhose.com announced today its second writing competition in two categories: Fiction and Non-Fiction.

The fiction category is intended as primarily a short story contest, although authors are encouraged to also submit one act plays, or other experimental compositions. The non-fiction category includes personal essays, memoires, sociopolitical opinions, and travel stories, not including reviews. All English language submissions, in any genre, are eligible. However, submissions with pornographic theme, hate speech, or those that may be classified as personal or institutional rants will not be considered.

There are three prizes in each category, $300, $150, and $50, for a total of $1000 in author prizes. The contest is fee to enter. Previously published material and simultaneous submissions are permitted.

Asked about the first contest, Bob Dourandish had this to say: “Our first writing competition was successful beyond our own wildest hopes! We received over 1000 entries from 11 countries, many of which were compelling and extremely well-written pieces. While it is now becoming more common, pixelhose was the first publisher to use social as an integral part of a writing contest. As the result, our authors found new readers, beyond their own base of friends-and-family, which can only enhance their careers.”

“Furthermore,” Dourandish continued, “we are extremely excited to report that we will be publishing a collection of the best entries in our first writing competition in the very near future – so look for it soon!”

All entries must be made via email to write2@pixelhose.com. No physical submissions are accepted. Deadline to enter is Thursday, February 28, 2013. For complete details see pixelhose.com.

About pixelhose.com
pixelhose.com is an experimental variety blog. It is specifically designed to create a nurturing community for writers who do not produce on a regular basis. The site has multiple categories including Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Travel.

Contact Details: pixelhose.com
POB 1476, San Mateo, CA 94401

209-487-5648
press@pixelhose.com

Apparel & Fashion, Internet & Online, Retail

ComfyBabies now stocking new Wallaboo Baby Changing Bags

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ComfyBabies are now stocking brand new Baby Changing Bags as part of their expanding range. The popular Wallaboo changing bags are made from faux suede with a fleece trim and function both as a stylish shoulder bag and baby changing facility. Adapt the Wallaboo to carry on your shoulder or attach to a pram, to alleviate strain. This bag makes a trip out and about easier and less stressful, as you can compartmentalise all your baby’s items. Inside there are five pockets and two large compartments, made especially for nappies and wipes. The two carrying straps are padded and adjustable to suit your height, making carriage as comfortable as possible.

Inside the Wallaboo baby changing bag, there is a thermal bottle holder, which will keep your baby’s drink warm or cool for a few hours. A special pouch for used nappies and wipes makes it ideal for separating your own items, such as your mobile, diaries etc. all contained in two interior zip-up pockets. This bag also holds the essential baby changing mat, which is padded and washable that you can bring out at any time when you’re in a cafe or restaurant wash facility. The interior lining of the Wallaboo makes it easy to clean and wipe dry, so you won’t have to worry about stains.

The Wallaboo Changing Bag has a number of detachable features, including the insulated bottle holder, which you can replace with space for your own bits and bobs. Uniquely, the Wallaboo is water resistant, so you can afford spills of any kind without ruining the appearance or durability of the bag. Wallaboos are available in six gorgeous colours, including red, blue, pink, lime, chocolate and black. Generous dimensions and excellent quality will make this bag part of your new baby essentials.

ComfyBabies.co.uk is owned and operated by Stormforward Retail Ltd, Unit 19 Lawson Hunt Industrial Park, Horsham, Sussex, RH12 3JR, United Kingdom

Travel

Luxury Travel Vietnam to Venture into Exotic Places of Quang Binh Provinces

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Vietnam’s first Luxury Tour Operator (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) often offers new tours for discerning travelers and has just announced a new tour to Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park from Hue or Danang.

Hanoi, Vietnam, November 12, 2012 – Luxury Travel Ltd. has served the luxury travel industry for many years, and their staff has acquired first-hand knowledge about the luxury travel market in Vietnam. Their advisors have visited their recommended destinations, and have personally checked out the finest hotels, resorts, restaurants, unique optional tours designed for discriminating travelers.

Quang Binh province has been blessed by Mother Nature with forests, seas, rivers and a stunning coastline. History has been less kind, but this battle-hardened province and long impoverished land is now making the most of its natural assets and emerging as one of Vietnam’s most talked about up-and-coming tourist destinations.

In part this has been due to its comparative inaccessibility, however, the opening of regular air service from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to the city of Dong Hoi, some 40km from the caves in September 2008 has changed all that. Now the caves are a 45-minute flight away from the Vietnamese capital and 1.5 hours from the southern hub, and you can access Phong Nha from Hue city or Danang by car. Like Halong Bay’s rocks, the caves date back to the Paleozoic period, some 400 million years ago. The main difference lies in the vast scale of the cave. The whole complex is some 65km long stretching towards the Lao border. To explore the cave and underground river system more effectively, we have launched a special tour to explore further into the mysterious cave. Besides visiting the cave by power boat as usual, you can kayak down the underground river to access both the well-known and unexplored caves.

“Discovered in 1935, but having only opened to tourists in 1999, Phong Nha Cave was made a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2003. Compared to the citadel of Hue, the ancient town of Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary, Phong Nha has remained largely off the beaten track at least for international tourists. We offer two day tours from Hue or Danang, and you can opt for a unique homestay in Chay Lap or the Sun Spa Resort.” Said Phan Trong Thang, Senior Sales Excutive of Luxury Travel Ltd.

The tour price starts from US$ 279 per person for 2 persons (5.600.000 VND pp). Price includes every thing: private pick up and drop off services, all transportation, accommodation, entrance fees, kayak equipements, and the services of an English or French-speaking guide. This offer is valid until 30 December 2013.

“Do not expect much luxury, but rather nature and sense of connection with the area’s history and people. On this two day tour you will explore Son Dong and Paradise Cave, and the three or four day option is also recommended.” Said Pham Ha, founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Ltd.

Vietnam’s first luxury tour operator/DMC (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) is based in Hanoi, with offices throughout Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Luxury Travel is exceptional at designing tailor-made tours and providing unique travel experiences. Opened in 2004, the Luxury Travel Company Limited has its own offices, luxury vehicles, luxury travel advisors, and representative offices in California, London,Paris, and Sydney. The company’s depth of experience and large infrastructure enable it to create unique itineraries with the operational confidence to fulfill client expectations. Luxury Travel Ltd. has won numerous travel awards for excellent performance including the most recent “The Years’ Best” of the Guide Awards in 2012. www.facebook.com/luxurytravelcompany

Contact:
Linh Doan
Luxury Travel Ltd
05 Nguyen Truong To Str.,
Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi 84444
Vietnam
84439274120
marketing12@luxurytravelvietnam.com
http://www.LuxuryTravelVietnam.com

Education

Ecotech Institute Now Offers Business Administration Degree with an Emphasis on Sustainability

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Comprehensive Program Puts a Green Focus on the Traditional Business Degree

Denver, Colorado, November 12, 2012 – Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability, is now taking applications for its new two-year Business Administration – Sustainability degree program. Unlike Ecotech’s other lab-centric offerings, this program is steeped in business education with a unique focus on sustainability. The program will launch in January 2013.

The Business Administration – Sustainability program provides students with knowledge and skills suitable for employment in a broad range of private and public sector organizations. Coursework includes accounting, financial analysis, human resources, project management, communications, customer service, sustainability, renewable energy and workplace ethics.

“There has been extensive research about the increasing importance of sustainability within organizations, and that requires business leaders who understand green technology, industry verbiage and implementation techniques,” says Michael Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “National industry leaders helped us develop curriculum that focuses on applying sustainability knowledge within a business environment; this program is designed to educate specialized graduates who will stand out.”

Upon successful completion of the Business Administration – Sustainability program, students will be prepared to:

* Understand the various components of contemporary business administration;

* Communicate effectively and in a manner appropriate for a business setting;

* Demonstrate practical proficiency in the use and application of current business hardware and software;

* Operate cutting-edge business technology;

* Utilize project management skills;

* Demonstrate an understanding of employment relationships;

* Understand and demonstrate good customer service skills;

* Understand the basic principles of finance and accounting.

Ecotech Institute’s website outlines each of its programs to help answer common questions such as, “Is this program right for me?”, “What will I learn?” and “Why Ecotech?” In addition to offering curriculum information, the site explains what to expect from the program, which skill sets are most desirable for this field of study, and what careers are available in cleantech industries. Learn more about the Business Administration – Sustainability degree program.

Ecotech Institute also offers the following six programs:

* Solar Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science

* Wind Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science

* Renewable Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science

* Energy Efficiency Program, Associate of Applied Science

* Electrical Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science

* Power Utility Technician, Associate of Applied Science

About Ecotech Institute:
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers seven highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

Contact:
Alicia Hassinger
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
720-933-8119
ahassinger@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com