Creative twists can add a “Wow Factor” to your Labor Day Menu

Suprising food pairings that are sure to excite the taste buds.

Parsippany, NJ, USA (August 31, 2013) — The stress of planning your Labor Day menu can turn the special holiday into a chore. But whether you’re barbecuing in the backyard or tailgating before the big game, adding a creative twist to your favorite dishes can instantly turn your social gathering into a memorable event – no extra effort necessary.

It’s all about bringing an unexpected ingredient into the mix. Have you ever thought about using powerful flavors in extraordinary new ways such as topping a cake with barbecue sauce, using jalapenos to make ice cream, or perking up deviled eggs with pickles?

Here are four favorite flavorful ingredients and some unpredictable new ways to use them for a Labor Day menu surprise:

1. Pickles – While you love them all year long, pickles are among the royalty of condiments. Why not let them hold court in dishes where you might not usually expect them? Start with pickles that celebrate the essence of freshness, such as Farmer’s Garden by Vlasic in Kosher Dill Spears or Zesty Garlic Chips. Made with farm-grown cucumbers, hand-picked garlic, carrots, peppers, herbs and spices, each jar is delivered fresh to your grocery store. Free of preservatives and artificial colorings, they’re naturally low-fat and low-calorie. Toss pickles on the grill or use them to add zing to favorite dishes like deviled eggs.

2. Barbecue sauce – Grilled goodies surely would not be the same without barbecue sauce. It makes burgers bodacious and wings take flight. But imagine that spicy, savory punch paired with the intense richness of dark chocolate for a startling culinary match made in heaven. Barbecue sauce adds moisture and excitement to your favorite chocolate cake or cupcake recipe (http://www.thedormesticgoddess.blogspot.com/2012/07/chocolate-barbecue-sauce-cupcakes-with.html).

3. Watermelon – Plenty of fresh fruits find their way onto your plate, but few carry the weight (literally and figuratively) of this staple. Watermelon is a great ingredient for everything from salads and salsa to cocktails and Asian-style stir fry. You can even toss a wedge on the grill. Simply brush the edges with oil first to prevent sticking, grill just enough to warm the melon and add some grill marks, and then top it with thinly shaved prosciutto and blue cheese crumbles for a sweet and savory appetizer.

4. Jalapeno peppers – You love them on nachos and they wake up any omelet, but have you ever thought of adding jalapenos to ice cream? The combination of heat from the peppers, sweet from other ingredients such as fruit, and the coolness of the frozen treat make for a stimulating and unique experience. Pull out your ice cream maker and whip up a batch of chocolate jalapeno ice cream or mango-jalapeno sorbet. It’s easy to find such recipes online and in no time at all, you’ll create a dessert that’s both hot and cold and will keep people talking until Christmas.

If you’re ready to get adventurous with your ingredients, try this deviled egg recipe from Vlasic, which marries two tastes into one blissful union of flavor:

DEVILED EGGS PICKLE BOAT

Ingredients:
– 6 eggs
– 1 teaspoon of mustard
– 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon of chives
– 1/2 a Farmer’s Garden Kosher Dill Half, finely chopped
– 2 pieces of red pepper from the Farmer’s Garden jar, finely chopped
– 1/2 Farmer’s Garden Kosher Dill Half, sliced thin into half moons for garnish
– Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Boil or steam the eggs for 13 to 15 minutes. Immediately remove the eggs from the hot water and place in ice water to cool. When eggs are cool enough to handle, peel the shells, and split the eggs in half, separating the yolks from the whites.

Place yolks in a bowl with mustard, mayo, salt and pepper, chives, chopped pickles and chopped red pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Place two half-moon pickle slices in each egg white half. Fill remaining egg white with yolk mixture, using a spoon or a piping bag. Top deviled eggs with fresh parsley and chill until ready to serve.

Log on to http://www.farmersgardenvlasic.com/recipes for more great pickle recipes.

Media Contact:
Mary Sudasassi
Pinnacle Foods Group, LLC
399 Jefferson Road
Parsippany, NJ 07054
305-448-6163
mary.sudasassi@rbbpr.com
http://www.farmersgardenvlasic.com

Girls Princess Tiara Wand Set Pink Tutu and Feather Boa Party Favor Kit Offered by Yagoozon

One of the most popular games for little girls everywhere is playing dress up. Now, it’s easy for any little girl and her friends to dress up as little Princesses, thanks to online retailer Yagoozon.

Sebring, FL, August 31, 2013 (Straight Line PR) — One of the most popular games for little girls everywhere is playing dress up. Whether it’s just one of mom’s old dresses and a pair of her heels; or the full boat, with make-up, costumes, and a family fashion show, dressing up has been a part of life for young girls for as long as… well, as long as there have been little girls. And what is one of the most popular dress-up fantasies for little girls? Dressing up like a princess!

Now, it’s as easy as 1-2-3 to dress up one little girl and her two friends as three little Princesses. Online retailer Yagoozon makes it simple with their Princess Party Favor Kit, which includes: 3 Jeweled Tiaras, 3 Pink Feather Boas, 3 Pink Tutus and 3 Silver Star Wands. The complete kit for 3 girls is less than $20, making it affordable for practically any family.

The Princess Party Favor Kit was created by Inc 500 Retailer of The Year Yagoozon, Inc. after numerous requests from customers throughout the online world.

“We are genuinely excited to introduce the Princess Party Favor Kit ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EBO5TAC ) on Amazon.com,” said Justin Ligeri, CEO of Yagoozon. “The initial feedback we have received from parents and their parties is incredible and very exciting.”

The Princess Party Favor Kit can be seen in detail in a short YouTube video, which can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_e1wH9dgJg

The Princess Party Favor package includes:

* Three six-foot-long Pink Feather Boas
* Three silver-tone Jeweled Tiaras w/ Heart-shaped central stones
* Three sequined Silver Star Wands
* Three adjustable Pink Princess Tutus with Rose Applique

Each pink tutu has two layers of tulle and features 5 white roses with 2 leaves per rose. Tutus can be used individually or on top one another for up to 6 layers & 15 roses. Adjusts to child girl waist sizes 15-36″. The Princess Party Favor Kit is available now at Yagoozon, and qualifies for free shipping on Amazon orders totaling over $25.

About Yagoozon, Inc.:
Yagoozon is the fastest growing online retailer of toys, costumes, and novelty items. The company focuses on customer service and purchaser simplification. Headquartered in Sebring, FL, Yagoozon leverages the strengths of the Amazon retail platform, adding their self-described “obsession” with excellent customer service, to take online retailing to a whole new level.

For more information, visit Yagoozon online at http://www.amazon.com/b?me=A393ZKPVGVX3TX or find Yagoozon on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yagoozon/226200834154092

Press Contact:
Phil Berman
Phiberman@gmail.com
863-800-0485
Yagoozon, Inc.
1843 US Highway 27 N.
Sebring, FL 33870

Please contact http://www.PressReleaseNation.com for corrections or updates.

Contact:
Phil Berman
Yagoozon, Inc.
1843 US Highway 27 N.
Sebring, FL 33870
863-800-0485
Phiberman@gmail.com
http://www.amazon.com/b?me=A393ZKPVGVX3TX

Art Bengaluru ’13 Paints a Positive Picture for the City’s Appreciation of the Arts

The Contemporary Art Festival saw a record number of footfalls, extending this year’s event by two days.

Bangalore, India, August 30, 2013 — South India’s premier contemporary art festival, in its 4th edition, wowed the entire art fraternity and public at large. The seven-day event was extended past its scheduled date, to satisfy requests from art enthusiasts of the city, recording the most ever footfalls at UB City, Bangalore’s popular hub.

Taking centre stage at the Opening Ceremony was Padmashri award winner Thota Tharrani’s exclusive piece created for the event. The presiding Chief Guest, Co-Founder of Mindtree, Subroto Bagchi, along with Prestige Group CMD, Irfan Razack and Tharrani himself, unveiled the creation amidst much fanfare. Also unveiled during the night, was co-organizer Sublime Galleria’s collection ‘The Reflective’ that inspired the theme of this year’s event.

The Collection at UB City, the venue for Art Bengaluru for the past four years, greeted visitors with a novel 3D installation at the entrance – a tube of paint cascading its color down the grand central staircase. Amongst other installations visible across the Mall were artist’s props such as life-size crayons, a palette, bucket of color pencils, etc. Another attraction was the Sculpture Park set up in the amphitheatre, allowing spectators to gather around and soak in the beauty of the sculptures.

In keeping with tradition, art-houses from across the country were seen here, such as Progressive Art Gallery, Art Salon, Rangkunchala Arts, Deccan Art Gallery & Artèquest. The artworks on display were another highlight, with greats such as M.F. Husain’s work attracting more than just the art lovers of the city.

Berserk, the latest addition to Art Bengaluru is an art conference aimed at nurturing the self confidence and latent creativity of children, allowing them to express themselves without any barriers or expectations. It was created to bring about awareness and appreciation, for fine art in India, which the organizers felt was much needed. Berserk worked on developing children’s inherent interest in art, by coaching them in the basics of art, be it in theatre, dance, music or visual art itself.

The families of the participating students were invited to witness the Grand Finale on the closing night. The show opened with renowned salsa dancer Sneha Kapoor of Jhalak Dikhla Jaa fame delivering an entertaining and energetic performance. Following that was a thoroughly enjoyable performance by the pro-team of the Lourd Vijay Dance Studio (LVDS). A whimsical yet smart monologue delivered by Rebecca Spurgeon, along with a Kalari performance by Master Nikhil Varagiri, were the main attractions of the show. The audience was pleasantly greeted with a performance by Taaqademy. The performers included Varun (Lead and Rhythm Guitarist of Swaratma), Vibhas (Drummer, Eccentric Pendulum), Archana (Faculty at Taaqademy and Shankar Mahadevan Institute of Music), Pradeep (Music Graduate from Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music) and Snehal (Ex-Band Member of Galeej Gurus, ‘Parachute XVI’ and Bass Player of ‘Voodoo Gas’). The show concluded with an awe-inspiring live painting session by artist Mahesh Pattar, who painted a portrait of Mahatma Gandhi on stage in just seven minutes, to amaze and completely entertain the crowds.

Also, of noteworthy mention is the success of the Luxury Art Auction held at ITC Windsor, which over the years has grown to become one of the most-awaited art events of the country. Record sales of the artworks are testimony to the popularity of the auction. The beginning of this highly eventful evening was initiated by Ms. Uzma Irfan – Co-founder of Art Bengaluru and Ramesh and Swati Ramanathan from Janaagraha. This was followed by the auction conducted by acclaimed London-based auctioneer, Bob Hayton, who did an exceptional job, receiving joyful cheers from the audience. Among the final lots of the 135 on auction this year, was Thota Tharrani’s installation, created exclusively for this event.

Once again, Art Bengaluru has enjoyed a stunning year with record numbers by any standards, proving that it doesn’t necessarily take a connoisseur’s eye to appreciate and be moved by good art. With its success towards making art more accessible to everyone, Art Bengaluru ’14 is already a much awaited event!

For further information, please contact:
Urmila Biswas
+91 98860 99736
urmilabiswas@gmail.com
http://www.artbengaluru.in

Luxury Travel Ltd. Attends ITB Asia 2013

Luxury Travel Ltd. Embraces Asean Countries With Niche Products at ITB Asia in Singapore. Travel Professionals Find Luxury Travel at Stand K25 , Hall 404.

Hanoi, Vietnam, August 30, 2013 – Luxury Travel Ltd. (www.luxurytravels.asia) Embraces Asean Countries With Niche Products at ITB Asia in Singapore . Travel Professionals Find Luxury Travel at Stand K25 , Hall 404.

The company specialises in planning and organising incentive trips and has been one of the leading Mice destination firms in Vietnam for more than 8 years.

Hung Nguyen, the company’s Mice department manager said Vietnam has something for everyone in cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and the centre in areas such as Nha Trang, Hue, Danang and Hoian.

Luxury Travel Ltd. is the first travel company in Vietnam specialising in luxury, leisure, and incentive holidays. We have first-hand knowledge in M.I.C.E and excellent relations with suppliers in the Mice industry for whatever event or incentive holiday travellers want. Name it and we make it happen,” said founder and CEO Pham Ha.

The company promotes Vietnam as a preferred new destination for both domestic and international MICE travel but can arrange successful Mice trips to Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.

“We will also promote its leisure luxury short trips at this year’s show. Asean countries are our great markets, with direct convenient flights, no visa. They have purchasing powers. Today’s luxury travellers want to be entertained and stimulated, rather than simply pampered.” added Pham Ha

“They want off-the-beaten-track experiences; crave efficient and seamless travel and value for money. They are also interested in short trips, family travel, a bit of adventure, local culture and authentic experiences. Our leisure travel programmes to show at ITB Asia are designed to catch this trend.”

Visit www.luxurytravels.asia

Contact:
Link Doan
Luxury Travel Group Ltd
05 Nguyen Truong To Street
Ba Dinh Dist
Hanoi, Vietnam 71000
+84.4.3927 4120
phamha@luxurytravelvietnam.com
http://www.luxurytravelvietnam.com

Cambodia and Vietnam Best Selling Multi Country Tour

Luxury Travel Ltd. reveals “ the best of Vietnam and Cambodia in 14 days” in the best selling multi country tour package in August.

Hanoi, Vietnam, August 29, 2013 – Luxury Travel Ltd. (www.luxurytravels.asia) reveals “ the best of Vietnam and Cambodia in 14 days” in the best selling multi country tour package in August.

“On this fourteen day trip, you will discover the wonders of Ha Long Bay, Hue and the picturesque port town of Hoi An, a favorite with many travelers. Also on the tour is the lush Mekong Delta, the amazing Cu Chi tunnels and vibrant Ho Chi Minh City (aka Saigon). After leaving HCMC, you will fly to Siem Reap in Cambodia to discover the marvel of the Angkor Complex, including Angkor Thom, Angkor Wat, Bayon, Banteray Srei and countless other masterpieces of Khmer architecture.” Says David Nguyen, Director of Sales and Marketing of Luxury Travel Ltd.

The tour prices start from 2042 USD per person from 2 people, including almost every things, local guide, domestic and international flights, accommodation, meals, transfers.

“The beauty of our Vietnam and Cambodia tour is the flavors of first hand – knowledge, authentic, unique, sophisticated, excellent service handled by local travel experts. This trip has been carefully designed to capture the crème de la crème, essence, culture or food of the region it visits, allowing you to really get to grips with a particular area, provide a unique experience in the destination, promote cultural understanding and exchange, flow smoothly from place to place, allow time for relaxation and exploration on your own, provide maximum value, and very importantly to be enjoyable. The itinerary can be modified to suit your tastes, timeframe, budget, and special interests.”adds David.

Serving today’s most sophisticated travelers, Luxury Travel Ltd (www.luxurytravels.asia) is exceptional in designing tailor-made tours, providing unique travel experiences and luxury travel products in Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand). Opened in 2004, the Luxury Travel Company Limited has its own offices, luxury vehicles, luxury travel advisors, and representative offices in California, London, Berlin, Bunos Aires, and Brisbane. The company’s depth of experience and large infrastructure enable it to create unique itineraries with the operational confidence to fulfill clients’ expectations.

For booking online, visit www.luxurytravelvietnam.com

Contact:
Link Doan
Luxury Travel Group Ltd
05 Nguyen Truong To Street
Ba Dinh Dist
Hanoi, Vietnam 71000
+84.4.3927 4120
phamha@luxurytravelvietnam.com
http://www.luxurytravelvietnam.com

Infographic by Varsity Tutors Dissects the ‘Anatomy of a College Dorm Room’

Infographic Offers Tips and Tricks for Ideal Campus Living to Incoming Freshmen and Their Parents

St. Louis, MO, August 28, 2013 – In an effort to ease students’ transition into their first year of college, Varsity Tutors, a premier one-on-one private tutoring and test prep provider, today released an infographic that details the ins and outs of dorm living. Entitled “Anatomy of a College Dorm Room,” the infographic highlights the basic essentials that every student needs to achieve the ideal campus housing experience.

2.46 million students elect to live on campus each year, a population that includes 78 percent of all college freshmen. Most new students are living independently for the first time, and adjusting to life on campus can be difficult.

“As a student, your living arrangement affects every aspect of your life, from your social experience to your academic performance,” said Varsity Tutors founder and CEO Chuck Cohn. “Varsity Tutors aims to help students more easily navigate their first year of college so they can achieve success all around.”

The infographic from Varsity Tutors features the layout of a typical dorm room and calls out tips and tricks for every element of dorm life, from hygiene and storage to study time and entertainment. Advice for those who are new to campus housing includes:

* Making sure to check whether your school provides regular or extra-long mattresses before you buy sheets for your bed.

* For extra security, buying a laptop tether to secure your computer to your desk when you’re not in your room.

* Remembering to bring extension cords to accommodate potential problems with room layout and limited outlets.

The infographic also highlights other key statistics on college students living on campus. View the full infographic at http://www.varsitytutors.com/blog/anatomy+of+a+college+dorm+room+infographic.

For more information about Varsity Tutors and its services, visit www.varsitytutors.com.

About Varsity Tutors:
Varsity Tutors is a premier private academic tutoring and test prep provider designed to help students at all levels of education achieve academic excellence. Varsity Tutors delivers in-home, personalized, one-on-one instruction in any subject from STEM to the humanities and customized preparation for all standardized exams, including ISEE, SSAT, SAT, ACT and graduate exams such as the GRE, LSAT, MCAT and GMAT. Students from elementary to graduate school are expertly matched with an exceptional tutor who is best able to address their unique needs and goals. To ensure satisfaction and safety, only the highest caliber tutors are selected to join Varsity Tutors following a rigorous screening process. Varsity Tutors currently serves 25 cities nationwide and offers a variety of tutoring packages. Students and their families interested in learning more about Varsity Tutors should visit varsitytutors.com.

Contact:
Cathryn Sloane
Marketing Coordinator
Varsity Tutors LLC
St. Louis, MO
314-740-6075
cathryn@varsitytutors.com
http://www.varsitytutors.com/

Zevrix Unveils Output Factory Server 1.0 for Adobe InDesign

Zevrix Solutions announces Output Factory Server 1.0 public beta, a new output workflow automation solution for Adobe InDesign. Output Factory Server automates printing and exporting from InDesign by processing files from watched hot folders and is a major upgrade of the company’s tool BatchOutput Server. Output Factory Server offloads output to a central system leaving operator workstations free from the output process and offers layer versioning, email notifications, preflighting and more.

Toronto (ON), Canada (August 28, 2013) — Zevrix Solutions today announces the public beta release of Output Factory Server, a new solution to automate printing, exporting and post-processing from Adobe InDesign. Developed originally for a major magazine publisher in the United States to free up their operator computers from outputting InDesign files, the software automates InDesign workflow by processing files from watched hot folders. The public beta is available for free download and Zevrix offers 25% discount to qualified beta testers who provide valuable feedback.

Output Factory Server saves companies countless hours that are lost each year because operators have to wait for InDesign to print and export files. With Output Factory Server, production artists, prepress operators and designers simply copy files to hotfolders that reside on the network. The program automatically outputs the files from its dedicated station using hot folder settings, and will auto-activate document fonts as well. Operator workstations will never again be tied up by the output process.

Output Factory Server offers the following key features:

Process InDesign files automatically from watched hot folders
-Support printing, PDF, PostScript, EPS, JPEG, Flash, EPUB and other formats
Export InDesign files as single pages
-Layer versioning: output specific layers and their combinations
-Update modified links automatically
-Variable output file names
-Preflight files before output
-Automatic e-mail notifications of process stages and errors
-Easy to install and set up

Output Factory Server also allows for a single set of output settings for an entire workgroup, solving problems caused by inconsistent settings across workstations and dramatically simplifying support tasks.

Pricing and Availability:
Output Factory Server 1.0 public beta can be downloaded from http://www.zevrix.com free of charge. Qualified beta testers will get a 25% discount once the software is released. Upgrade price will be available for BatchOutput Server users. Output Factory Server runs on Mac OS X 10.6-10.8 and works with Adobe InDesign CS3-CC.

About Zevrix Solutions

Located in Toronto, Canada, Zevrix Solutions provides productivity solutions for Adobe Creative Suite software, PDF and graphic file diagnostics, file delivery and Microsoft Office on Mac OS. Zevrix Solutions is dedicated to helping professionals achieve more while doing less through automating their everyday tasks, producing error-free documents, saving disk space and cutting production costs. For more information, visit http://www.zevrix.com.

-Ends-

Contact:
Leo Revzin
Owner
Zevrix Solutions
105 McCAUL St, Suite 301
Toronto Ontario M5T 2X4 Canada
858-206-0607
media@zevrix.com
http://www.zevrix.com

Ernst & Young have given a positive report on URALCHEM’s Joint Service Centre

The Russian division of British auditing company Ernst & Young has conducted an audit of URALCHEM’s new branch, the Joint Service Centre (JSC).

Moscow, Russia (August 27, 2013) — The Russian division of British auditing company Ernst & Young has conducted an audit of URALCHEM‘s new branch, the Joint Service Centre (JSC).

The JSC was established in Perm in early 2013 to unify and optimize the accounting business processes of URALCHEM’s different units within a single multifunction centre. The centre is responsible for data processing and preparation of financial statements according to Russian and international standards, tax accounting, treasury operations. It also has been given the task of setting up and maintaining a unified information and telephone systems for the company.

On 1 February, 2013, the Centre started providing services for the company’s branch in Perm. On 1 May 2013 services were started for URALCHEM’s Berezniki branch. These were audited by Ernst & Young specialists. The auditors examined the mechanisms of remote operations, the quality of the whole suite of services identification of duplication of functions as well as the efficiency of the centre staff and the cost of its operations. After audit, the results of the second quarter of 2013 showed that the JSC met all performance targets and all the tasks are performed at a good level.

The plans for the next two years include a trebling of the centre’s staff, from one hundred to three hundred people. From 1 October this year the centre will start providing services for “Power supply utility of Kirovo-Chepetsk Chemical Plant” and for “Repair and Engineering Works of Kirovo-Chepetsk Chemical Plant”. Form the beginning of 2014 the centre will roll out services for the plant in Kirovo-Chepetsk.

-Ends-

PR department
URALCHEM, OJSC
Tel: +7 (495) 721 89 89
E-Mail: pr@uralchem.com
Web: http://www.uralchem.com

URALCHEM, OJSC is one of the largest producers of nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers in Russia and the CIS with production capacities of over 2.5 million tonnes of ammonium nitrate, 2.8 million tonnes of ammonia, 0.8 million tonnes of MAP and DAP, 0.8 million tonnes of complex fertilisers and 1.2 million tonnes of urea. URALCHEM, OJSC is the second largest ammonium nitrate producer in the world and number one in Russia, the second largest producer of nitrogen fertilisers in Russia. Key production assets of URALCHEM, OJSC include Azot Branch of URALCHEM, OJSC in Berezniki, Perm Region; OJSC Minudobrenia, Perm; MFP Kirovo-Chepetsk Chemical Works, OJSC Branch in Kirovo-Chepetsk, Kirov region; Voskresensk Mineral Fertilisers, OJSC in Voskresensk, Moscow region.

Some of the information in this press release may contain projections or other forward-looking statements regarding future events or the future financial performance of URALCHEM. We wish to caution you that these statements are only predictions. We do not intend to update these statements and our actual results may differ materially from those contained in our projections or forward-looking statements, including, among others, the achievement of anticipated levels of profitability, growth, cost and synergy of our recent acquisitions, the impact of competitive pricing, the ability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and licenses, the impact of developments in the Russian economic, political and legal environment, financial risk management and the impact of general business and global economic conditions.

Best Free HTML5 Image Slider Maker, Hi Slider Now is Available on Hislider.com

A new website hislider.com and a new free free html5 image slider maker – Hi Slider is released now. Hi Slider is the best and free html5 image slideshow maker for all web designers.

Hong Kong (August 28, 2013) — Hi Slider product manager, Alice Lee, announced the launch of the firm’s new website and Hi Slider application, a free html5 image slider maker. The new app allows anyone to create jQuery sliders without the need for coding or special expertise. Hi Slider provides a quick, powerful and easy way to create dynamic banners for websites.

“Hi Slider is a unique tool that anyone can use to make 2D and 3D jQuerry sliders without programming skills,” said Lee. “Even non-coders can design gorgeous slideshows and banners in minutes.”

Dynamic websites featuring sliders have a proven record of increasing visitor engagement and conversions. The ability to engage potential customers is essential for entrepreneurs in any economy. With Hi Slider, users have the ability to create and publish website banners, slideshow presentations, image slideshows and WordPress slider plugins.

The app features four output types – basic, WordPress plugin, Joomla module and Drupal module. Slides load quickly and slider jQuery creations can be made with images, along with YouTube and Vimeo videos. Hi Slider provides users with the tools and flexibility to change font settings, image proportions and the way thumbnails are displayed.

Hi Slider significantly decreases the time needed to create jQuerry Sliders and provide users with multiple templates and skins built in to the app. Templates can be easily customized to accommodate a wide range of needs and requirements. Settings can be configured to alter features that include background colors, images and navigation bars.

Templates and skins have topics that include classic, elastic, Eris horizontal, full, list and wonder. Users have an array of decorative design and showy effects from which to choose, along with transitions encompassing 3D horizontal and vertical, base, block, rotate, shuffle stack and wipe. Effect controls can be established for individual slides or set for random. Users have complete control over the direction and duration of their animations.

Hi Slider is available for multiple platforms that include Android, PC, Mac, PAD, tablets and mobile phones. The app is compatible with Firefox, Google Chrome, IE7 and up, and Safari browsers. Hi Slider is offered for non-commercial use to schools, non-commercial blogs and non-profit organizations and a commercial version is available for business owners and entrepreneurs.

The innovative Hi Slider app revolutionizes the way jQuery sliders are created, allowing anyone to design and publish 2D and 3D sliders and an array of banners, slideshows and WordPress plugins. No programming skill is needed and the app provides users with the tools to customize a wealth of features. Hi Slider offers an easy and imaginative solution for creating stunning websites that stimulate interest, engages visitors and increases conversions.

For more information, visit the website at http://www.hislider.com.

Media Contact:
Lailie Tan
Wonder Idea Technology Limited
Flat 01C3 10/F Carnival Commercial Building,
18 Java Rd. North Point
Hong Kong
020-85530201
pr@hislider.com
http://www.hislider.com

Texas State Technical College West Texas Uses Outcomes Based Assessment to Revive Nursing Program

Pass Rate on Licensing Exam Jumped 77 to 100 Percent Using Direct Evidence of Student Learning through ExamSoft Technology Platform

Dallas, Texas, August 27, 2013 – The Texas State Technical College West Texas (TSTC) LVN to ADN Nursing Program was able to increase the pass rate on the National Council Licensing Exam (NCLEX) from 77 percent to 100 percent by taking a strategic and aggressive approach to assessment. TSTC-West Texas was able to improve programmatic effectiveness and student retention based on evidence and insights in student learning using ExamSoft’s intelligent assessment platform, the company announced today.

TSTC-West Texas is part of a state performance-based pilot program that only reimburses the institution when graduates secure a job within their field of study. In 2011, with the NCLEX pass rate at 77 percent and retention rate near 50 percent, TSTC-West Texas was placed on conditional status by the Texas Board of Nursing and could not admit any new students. TSTC-West Texas decided to adopt an assessment platform to help completely revamp and refine their curriculum and better help their students learn, prepare for and pass the NCLEX – a barrier to employment for nurses. Since implementing ExamSoft, the NCLEX pass rate, retention rate and employment rate among graduates are all 100 percent.

“Since our state funding depends on our students graduating and getting jobs, their success is our success,” said Shawntay Sparks, Instructor and Program Chair, Texas State Technical College West Texas LVN to ADN Nursing Program. “By taking a strategic approach to assessment using ExamSoft’s platform, we can easily track and measure performance across a wide set of learning outcomes and it gives us the tools and evidence we need to remediate students on a individual basis, refine our curriculum, increase retention and help students succeed in their careers.”

TSTC-West Texas uses ExamSoft to design, manage and administer all exams, tests and quizzes in a computer-based platform and enables them to “tag” every question to learning objectives so they can track and measure student performance. With data available immediately after each exam, faculty use the learning analytics to inform targeted feedback for students and implement remediation strategies based on students’ individual needs. Longitudinal assessment data gives TSTC-West Texas the evidence they need to track students over time and map and refine their curriculum.

“We’re excited to see the kind of dramatic turn around TSTC-West Texas has seen because it shows how important a role technology and data can play in helping drive student success,” said Daniel Muzquiz, Chief Executive Officer of ExamSoft. “We thrive on helping institutions and programs succeed in their missions by giving them the technology and insights they need to help engage their students, enhance the learning experience and improve outcomes.”

In addition to being able to enhance revenue reimbursements from the state, TSTC-West Texas was taken off conditional admittance by the Texas Board of Nursing in October 2012 and anticipates being placed on full approval in January 2014. TSTC-West Texas’ accelerated online nursing program, established in 2008, includes two campuses serving 26 rural counties and trains students to become registered nurses.

“We have students scattered around the state who face and conquer challenges every day for the opportunity to achieve their degree and become better nurses, so we strive to deliver a high quality education with a non-traditional approach,” said Sparks. “In an online accelerated program, there is no time to allow a student to get behind and ExamSoft gives us the tools to find and address issues immediately and the technology is so solid that we can rely on it to support the program, and the students, in reaching this goal.”

For more information about ExamSoft, visit http://www.examsoft.com.

About ExamSoft Worldwide, Inc.
ExamSoft provides scalable and flexible intelligent assessment solutions that give educators actionable outcomes data and insights to help every student. Its software puts the data back in the hands of faculty and enables clients to more efficiently and practically administer direct assessments and analyze resulting data to improve curricular design, test design, and accreditation compliance. ExamSoft has served hundreds of prominent academic, certification, and licensing institutions for more than 15 years and has successfully administered millions of exams. For more information, please visit www.examsoft.com, or follow ExamSoft on Facebook and Twitter.

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