Category Archives: Society

Consumer Services, Healthcare, Non-Profit, Society, Travel

Blue Water Spa, a Raleigh NC Spa and Laser Hair Removal Center Donates $107,000.00 to Boys and Girls Clubs of Wake County

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Blue Water Spa, a Raleigh laser hair removal center, donates $108,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Wake County. Kile Law, president and founder of Blue Water Spa in Raleigh, NC attributes the donations to the loyalty and generosity of the clients and staff at Blue Water Spa.

“The Boys and Girls Clubs is an amazing organization. They need support of the community to continue their wonderful work,” says Kile Law. “We are a small business, but I know when we work together Blue Water Spa clients can do great things. The average donation was $37.11, but we all gave together to reach $100,000.00.” Blue Water Spa raised money by offering spa and laser hair removal in Raleigh at a redued price for people who donate to charity.

Blue Water Spa has been voted best medical spa in America for three consecutive years by American Spa Magazine. Raleigh Spa Specials at Blue Water Spa provide an opportunity for people who serve the community and/or donate time or funds to charity to receive luxury spa treatments at reduced prices. Blue Water Spa www.bluewaterspa.com is the top provider of Botox and Juvederm in the Raleigh area and was recently designated an Allergan Black Diamond Provider. In 2011 Blue Water Spa supported over 120 local charities and non-profits. Blue Water Spa has donated more than 150,000 pounds of food to the Interfaith Food Shuttle of NC.

The North Raleigh spa provides luxury spa services in a beautiful lush atmosphere. Blue Water Spa laser center provides laser hair removal, laser skin tightening and laser vein therapy.

Kile Law is president and founder of Blue Water Spa, Kile has been recognized as Humanitarian of the Year in the Aesthetics industry by Aesthetics International. Under Kile Law’s leadership, Blue Water Spa has been voted best place to work in the Triangle by the Triangle Business Journal. Kile Law leads the spa’s philanthropic endeavors. In 2010 she was recognized by the Interfaith Food Shuttle of NC for a gift of 100,000 pounds of food to the Interfaith Food Shuttle.

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Art, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Gaming, Internet & Online, Kids & Teens, Society

New Green App For Eco-Gamers

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The Co-operative Group releases innovative new children’s gaming app on Apple’s iTunes store!

From today (9 December), kids, teenagers and adults with an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch can download the Green Schools app from iTunes and get tackling the addictive eco-tasks straightaway. By downloading the new Green Schools Revolution game, kids up and down the UK can battle it out to become the ultimate eco warrior.

According to a recent study by The Co-operative Group, over 90 per cent of children want to learn more about green issues* and this fun new app, being launched today, sets kids on a mission to become green revolutionaries.

By downloading the free app to their iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, kids can race against time to harvest the carrots before the rabbit gets them, turn off the taps to save the duck in the bath tub and save energy by switching off lights whilst putting their green knowledge to the test to unlock the secret bonus level and become an eco warrior.

With fun quizzes about energy, water and healthy living, the app is a great way to learn important lessons while having loads of family fun this Christmas!

Melanie Phillips, who heads up Green Schools Revolution for The Co-operative, said: “We are lucky that our youngsters have such a tremendous appetite to learn more about green issues.

“Our new Green Schools Revolution app is a fun and engaging way to help children and young people learn about building a more sustainable world whilst competing with their friends and family to become eco warriors!”

The Co-operative’s Green Schools Revolution education programme, part of its Inspiring Young People campaign, was launched in 3,000 primary and secondary schools in September by farmer and TV presenter Jimmy Doherty. It has been designed to inspire the next generation of green pioneers, with free lessons, trips and green activities available to all UK primary and secondary schools.

You can download this exciting app, available on the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, from the iTunes store from today (9 December). Simply search the app store on iTunes for ‘green schools’ to download the game for free or visit the Green Schools Revolution site to find out more about the app and the initiative.

*Opinion Matters interviewed 1,027 children aged between 7 and 14 and 1,002 parents of children aged 7 to 14 in August 2011.

 

Business, Electronics, Energy, Environment, Society, Technology

How One Dollar Lights Up Africa – The success of the WakaWaka Solar Lamp

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In the beginning there was light for all – and a little later there was electric light for, well, only some of us: 1.5 billion people still live in darkness. Dutch startup Off-Grid Solutions makes an end to developing countries’ killing kerosene dependency. They want their high-tech, low-cost WakaWaka solar LED lamp to light up Africa ‘like a Christmas tree’.

Via Kickstarter.com, the general public is now enthusiastically pre-ordering WakaWaka´s for 35 dollars each. The minimal support to contribute to their mission is one dollar. Thanks to this innovative way of crowdfunding, WakaWaka grows at the speed of light .And with it, the dream of providing all Africans with a sustainable light solution becomes more real by the minute.

1.5 billion people live off-grid. They depend on kerosene fuel for their basic lighting needs. Annually millions of children suffer severe burns from accidents with kerosene lamps. The toxic fumes cause even more health problems. World Bank reports that each day 780 million women and children inhale the equivalent of two packs of cigarettes as a result of indoor air pollution.

Fuels for lighting take up to 20% of income of people who try to survive on less than $2 a day. This way, the poor stay poor. But there is light at the end of the tunnel: WakaWaka solar LED light.

The WakaWaka (‘Shine Bright’ in Swahili) solar lamp uses the latest in patented solar technology developed by Intivation, allowing for superior charging in any weather conditions.

Each day of free solar charging gives 16 hours of decent reading light. It has different light intensities and fits on a bottle, stimulating recycling and opening up opportunities for joint promotions. Innovative distribution methods will reach even the most remote rural areas. Various accessories (cell phone chargers, radios, etc.) are already in development, which will further enhance livelihood and help people get out of poverty.

Co-founder Camille van Gestel: ‘I genuinely believe that if you can make a difference, you must. I have never done anything with so much passion. The support and inquiries we are receiving for WakaWaka from all over the world are as stimulating as they are heartwarming. We are doing the right thing.’

Let’s hope this new bright light spreads fast, for all and everybody. LED there be light.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/229055906/wakawaka-is-the-coolest-solar-led-light

http://www.wakawakalight.com

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About Off-Grid Solutions
Founded in 2011 by 4 partners: sustainable entrepreneur, inspirator and guru Maurits Groen, hands-on change maker and entrepreneur Camille van Gestel, carbon emissions consultants Do-Inc, experts emerging markets and finally Paul Naastepad seasoned executive in clean tech industry.

 

Consumer Services, Healthcare, Internet & Online, Society

The Harley Medical Group Busts Cosmetic Surgery Myths

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The UK’s leading cosmetic surgery group, The Harley Medical Group, have today revealed research findings which bust some of the industry’s biggest myths and uncover what motivates people across the UK to have cosmetic surgery.

In the first ever survey of its kind, conducted across the Group’s 31 clinics nationwide on over 20,000 patients, the results challenge many of the longstanding myths that surround the cosmetic surgery field revealing over 85% of UK patients opt for surgery due to a confidence issue and that 95% will think about having a procedure for more than two years before they go ahead.

Lisa Littlehales, Lead Nurse Counsellor at The Harley Medical Group, says: “Patients who are looking into surgical options have lots of questions about their procedure and it is important that they are properly informed.

“We decided to do the survey as people often people have assumptions about cosmetic surgery, which in reality are completely untrue. One of the biggest myths is that cosmetic surgery is purely about vanity, when in actual fact it is most often a confidence issue which the patient has not been able to resolve through other means.”

Top Myths Revealed by The Harley Medical Group

All facts are according to The Harley Medical Group

MYTH
Having cosmetic surgery is addictive and most people go on to have multiple procedures after their first.

FACT
95% of patients will only have one procedure that they’ve been thinking about for several years. It’s a confidence thing with many people.

MYTH
Women who have breast enlargement surgery look fake and just want to have big breasts like Jordan.

FACT
Most women only go up by one or two cup sizes and the average size is a C cup. Women are now wanting a more natural look opting for a tear-drop shaped implant rather than the traditional round high contour.

MYTH
Cosmetic surgery is now so commonplace; most people view it as just another beauty treatment.

FACT
Research shows that on average patients think about their surgery for two to three years before going ahead with it.

MYTH
More men are now having cosmetic surgery than women!

FACT
There’s been a huge growth in men having surgery, but they still only make up 17% of patients at The Harley Medical Group.

MYTH
People have cosmetic surgery to stand out.

FACT
Most cosmetic surgery patients don’t have a procedure to stand out; they have treatment to help them fit in.

MYTH
Most people that book in for surgery are young girls who are over critical about their appearance.

FACT
45% of all female patients who enquire and have surgery at The Harley Medical Group are mothers looking for treatments to help combat the effects of pregnancy and regain their confidence. The Harley Medical Group have also seen a 17% increase in patients over 65, across their 31 clinics, in the UK and Ireland, between 2005 and 2010.

MYTH
Plastic surgeons can make you look like your favourite celebrity.

FACT
Each patient is individual and a surgeon will work with a patient’s existing factors in order to produce a desired result – it is not possible to make one person look exactly like another.

MYTH
If you are overweight you can just have liposuction to make you slim

FACT
Liposuction is not a weight loss technique and produces best results on patients that have lost weight and are looking to remove small pockets of stubborn fat. Also, it’s not just women that opt for Liposuction, 25% of Liposuction patients are male.

MYTH
If you’re standing in the supermarket queue, chances are someone in that queue has had cosmetic surgery of some sort.

FACT
Only about 1% of the population have had surgery.

MYTH
Most people go abroad for surgery because it’s cheaper.

FACT
Many people feel uncomfortable about travelling so far away from home when having a major operation and feel it’s more risky.

MYTH
You’ll only meet sales people when you go to a big cosmetic surgery provider.

FACT
Reputable providers only use medically trained staff. Patients should always meet with a medically trained professional nurse counsellor to discuss their procedure and will always meet their surgeon before the operation.

MYTH
Cosmetic Surgery Industry will be one of the first things to be hit by a credit crunch as it’s a vanity led industry and not essential.

FACT
Most patients think about and plan their surgery for many years. They are unlikely to want to put it off and instead consider it an investment. The Harley Medical Group is currently reporting a 29% YOY increase in demand for surgery, defying the credit crunch.

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Society

Scott Rajavuori Serves with the ‘Life Hurts God Heals’ and ‘Midwest Challenge’!

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Scott Rajavuori has always had a heart for the youth at his church. After years of doing junior high ministry he has felt led to a new program that works with kids who are going through “stuff”.

Savage, MN, November 28, 2011 – Scott Rajavuori has always had a heart for the youth at his church. After years of doing junior high ministry he has felt led to a new program that works with kids who are going through “stuff”. The Life Hurts God Heals program reaches out to kids who need a “real” environment that they can open up in and talk about life. Having gone through his share of bumps, bruises, and bad choices both as a kid and adult Scott feels he can relate.

The first few weeks of involvement have been awesome as he has had the opportunity to connect with his new friends.  Scott says, “It is amazing when you put time aside and volunteer with kids how your effort to help others actually almost does more for you. It heals my hurts, seeing how God can use my past “junk” to minister to others.” GO GOD!

Scott Rajavuori was led to the prison and recovery ministry through his own experiences.  Often in life we ask God “why”? When the real question is “how”? God promises to use the things the devil meant for bad for his Glory and Good. Scott sees how healing happens in his own life and others when we take the ugly stuff of life and use it to help others to show them they can get through it if they just hold on. Scott has been spending time as both a mentor at different programs as well as life coaching and different half way houses and really likes the relationship he has with Midwest Challenge.  Midwest challenge is a program that really follows through on the mission statement and what they believe. You see many men fail when you are dealing with guys either coming from a life of chemical abuse or prison.

It is so awesome when you see a guy in a life changing program like Midwest Challenge start making good choices and you are there to be part of it. There is little better than seeing God glorified through a changed life and that comes from a man who’s life has forever been changed!

Contact:
Scott Rajavuori
8208 West 125th St
Savage, MN 55378
952-746-7817
keith@websiteforgrowth.com
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/scott-rajavuori/25/275/896

Business, Consumer Services, Economy, Financial, Internet & Online, Society

Pensioners Suffering As The Money Runs Out, Says Debt Solutions Company Trust Deed Scotland

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A new report reveals that pensioners across the UK are being left penniless as their money disappears every week in a whirlwind of bills, says Debt Solutions Company, Trust Deed Scotland.

An income of £207.15 per week is typical for most pensioned couples, but a report by Standard Life shows it goes straight back out the door as £207.24 is spent on food, fuel, housing and transport.

The report highlights rising inflation as the reason why the average pensioner has difficulties making ends and are being hit hard – many are having issues even affording a new pair of shoes, a holiday or a present for a grandchild.

While the Consumer Price Index remained the same in September at 4.5%, the Retail Price Index was hovering at 5.2% and threatening to rise again. Pensioner have a fixed income that doesn’t change from month to month, and that combined with inflation and large energy rises from utilities companies means turn some have turned towards credit cards to make ends meet.

A spokesperson for Scottish Debt Solutions Company, Trust Deed Scotland, said:
“According to Age UK, British pensioners are the fourth poorest in Europe, with the worst off set to lose up to 22% of their household income because of cuts to local authority services and changes to the tax and benefits system. This report highlights the dire position our parents and grandparents are in. At a time when they should be relaxing after a lifetime of working, they are pinching pennies and worrying about what the future will hold for them.”

The day before Standard Life published its report, the Institute of Fiscal Studies issued a warning about how ‘real’ inflation was hitting pensioners much harder than younger age groups.

“The Insolvency Service reported the fastest rising group of people claiming insolvency is pensioners,” said the spokesperson. “They are six times more likely to go bankrupt or take out a debt solution such as a Scottish Trust Deed or Debt Arrangement Schemethan they were just a decade ago. The number of people entering retirement with unpaid debts has increased, and when combined with increased life expectancy, the recession and limited options to increase income when you retire, it adds up to a lot of older people in real trouble”.

According to the Consumer Credit Counseling Service the average unsecured debt of newly retired pensioners is £21,370 and few have any savings at all. Once all the bills have been covered, there’s just £85 left at the end of the month.

“There are numerous reasons why pensioners are entering retirement in debt,” said the spokesperson. “Previous good house values led to many people remortgaging for home improvements or to loan to children or grand children for house deposits. There’s also the issue of divorce, where one partner will often buy the other out of their share of the property by extending their mortgage. And then some people are marrying and having families much later in life or having second families in their fifties.”

“For many life as a retiree in today’s world is just as expensive as it was when they were working, but now they have less income to live on.”

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Consumer Services, Healthcare, Science, Society

Kraff Eye Institute First In Illinois To Offer Laser Cataract Surgery

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The most commonly performed surgical procedure in the United States, cataract removal, is now being performed at the Kraff Eye Institute using the latest technological advancement; the Alcon LenSx® femtosecond bladeless laser. This latest advancement, which provides unprecedented precision to cataract surgery, is offered at Kraff Eye Institute. With the use of a multifocal lens or the correction of astigmatism there is NO additional cost to the patient for the use of the Alcon LenSx femtosecond laser.

The FIRST laser of its kind in Illinois and the only laser approved by the FDA for cataract surgery, the LenSx bladeless laser arrived in August of this year at the Harlem location of the Kraff Eye Institute.

LenSx utilizes a femtosecond laser which has been used to perform Lasik surgery since its FDA approval in 2001. By using this latest advancement of ophthalmic lasers, the surgeon and patient have an alternative to the mechanical cuts used in traditional cataract surgery while ensuring the highest-precision surgical incisions. This technology brings both safety and precision to the surgeon and the patient. (See Fact Sheet for additional details.)

Dr. Manus Kraff, the founder of the Kraff Eye Institute, has been performing cataract surgeries since the 1970’s. He now offers the LenSx laser procedure to cataract patients who meet specific criteria for the surgery. Since August of this year, Dr. Kraff has performed numerous successful cataract surgical procedures with the aid of the revolutionary Alcon LenSx femtosecond Laser.

“We are proud to offer the most advanced eye care technology in Illinois and the world to our cataract patients,” states Dr. Manus Kraff. “By adding computer control to the three steps of cataract surgery, the LenSx Laser ensures the highest-precision surgical incisions. The LenSx Laser is unquestionably the most technologically advanced option for cataract patients.

“We are thrilled to have this new technology available to us. Prior to this, cataract surgery was performed by hand with blades or needles,” he explains. “With the LenSx Laser, we are able to perform surgeries to more exacting, individualized specifications not attainable with other surgical methods. Most importantly, patients recover quickly and have great satisfaction with the outcome,” concludes Dr. Kraff.

– MORE –

KRAFF EYE INSTITUTE … Add One

Established in the 70’s, the Kraff Eye Institute has been one of the foremost authorities in ophthalmic eye care. Drs. Manus and Colman Kraff have pioneered surgical procedures like phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, Lasik vision correction and now the LenSx Laser cataract removal. Both Dr. Kraffs have spoken at major universities and conferences worldwide on cataract and laser refractive surgery, served on numerous medical advisory panels and boards with Dr. Manus Kraff having served on the medical advisory board of the LenSx Laser Corporation since its inception.

With two offices in the city, the Kraff Eye Institute has been bringing the very best in eye care to Chicago for over 35 years. For more information about the LenSx procedure or to schedule a consultation, call: 773-777-4444. Visit kraffeye.com.

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Consumer Services, Defense, Entertainment, Financial, Retail, Shopping, Society

Pioneer Services – Mega Merry Giveaway’ to make holidays brighter for lucky winners

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Pioneer Services will make this holiday season one to remember for eight service members and their families thanks to the Mega Merry Giveaway, a sweepstakes just for active-duty or career-retired service members and their spouses. There will be four winners of $1,000 and four iPad winners—one winner of each from each military branch.

“The Mega Merry Giveaway is our way of thanking those who serve for all they have done for our nation, and in a way that captures the season’s spirit of giving,” said Karen Von Der Bruegge, chief marketing and retail operations officer for Pioneer Services. “The best part—other than the chance to win a thousand dollars or an iPad—is that there is no obligation and no strings attached. All they have to do is be on active duty, career-retired, or a military spouse, and they can enter to win. It really is that easy.”

Those who qualify can enter on the company’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/PioneerServices, or at www.MegaMerryGiveaway.com, which is also where they can find complete rules and details.

“We are incredibly excited for the winners to be selected December 11,” added Von Der Bruegge, “because that is when we will find out who is going to have a very merry holiday season on behalf of Pioneer Services.”

Pioneer Services, the military banking division of MidCountry Bank, provides financial services and award-winning education to members of the Armed Forces. For more than 25 years, Pioneer Services has been a leader in military lending, offering military loans,retail lending, VA loans, Certificates of Deposit, savings accounts, and award-winning financial education programs through a network of offices and on the Internet. Pioneer Services is proud to support military families and communities through a variety of partnerships, programs, and sponsorships.

For more information, visit PioneerServices.com. For loan information, visit PioneerMilitaryLoans.com.

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Education, Human Resources, Small Business, Society

UK-based Sharp End Training Joins Forces With WOW Network Alliance For Worldwide Business Benefits

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The WOW Network Alliance, a member-based networking and development community for women, announced that Sharp End Training has joined WOW Network team as its exclusive Professional Training & Advanced Education Partner.

This agrreement means WOW Network members to draw on the valuable expertise of Sharp End Training’s dedicated network of websites as well as leaders in countries such as the United Kingdom, USA and Australia said President/Founder of WOW Network, De Harris.

“We’re excited that our members will have access to even more practical tools to aid in their personal and professional development,” De Harris said.

Jonathan Senior, the brains behind the Sharp End Training developed Sharp End Training IN 2004. The worldwide virtual training company covers all aspects of small business ownership and management. He has a degree in Organization Studies Jonathan is a Chartered Manager and a member of the Chartered Management Institute UK.

Pat Weber heads Sharp End Training, USA, and is an award-winning, top-selling salesperson and sales manager. She coaches individuals who find it difficult to or are reluctant to sell. Weber helps her clients to speak with more confidence, deliver effective presentations and increase sales. Her guidance gives them a working knowledge of how to play up their strengths and minimize feelings of inadequacy. Weber is an avid networker in her local community WHERE? and has been recognized by Peninsula Women’s Network and awarded the “Networker of the Year.” She is one of only two members who have received this recognition twice in its 30-year history.

For more information about Sharp End Training, visit http://www.sharp-end-training.info

Apart from Jonathan Senior and Pat Weber the WOW Network Alliance’s partners include such recognized names as Biba Pedron, Monique MacKinnon, Kathy Cobb, Mary Chatman, Terrice Blackwell, Gena Livings and Becky Harmon with Beverly Lewis of Slingshot Success.

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Law, Society, Sports

Warning For Golfers As Player Awarded £400k After Losing Eye

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Leading UK golf insurance specialist Golf Care has urged players to ensure they take out sufficient protection before stepping onto the course.

The warning comes after a Scottish court ordered a golfer and a golf club to pay damages of almost £400,000 following an accident which led to an amateur player losing an eye after being struck by a ball.

A judge at the Court of Session in Edinburgh ruled on Friday that 44-year-old Anthony Phee from Sale, Greater Manchester, should receive £397,000 in damages – 30 per cent of which will be paid by Niddry Castle Golf Club at Winchburgh, in West Lothian, where the incident took place and 70 per cent by the golfer who struck the wayward shot.

The case has highlighted the importance of individual golfers having specialist golf insurance which covers them for eventualities such as this that can potentially occur on the golf course.

John Woosey, managing director of Golf Care, said: “It’s worrying that nine out of 10 golfers aren’t adequately covered when they step on the course. Mr Phee’s case proves that accidents happen and can cost golfers a fortune.”

The UK’s leading specialist golf insurance provider, Golf Care, offers policies that would have covered the liable golfer for this sort of incident which left the visiting player with only one eye after he was struck by a wayward tee-shot.

Mr Woosey added that in many cases, golfers think their home insurance will cover them for damage or personal liability, but the truth is that an inexpensive specialist golf insurance policy is the best way to ensure that individual golfers are adequately covered.

He said: “This sort of incident highlights just how dangerous a golf course can be, and a pay-out of £397,000 is a staggering amount.”

“The vast majority of golfers don’t realise how easy it is to compare golf insurance and aren’t properly covered. But whether you’re a single figure
handicapper or a golfing novice, we all hit poor shots. Why take the risk when for less than £30 a year you can be fully covered for incidents such as this – a small fee to pay for peace of mind every time you step onto the course.”

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