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Archive for the ‘Personal Development’ Category

Music to Our Ears: How Headphones Changed Our World

Posted: May 30, 2012 at 6:12 pm


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A short philosophical history of personal music

If you are reading this on a computer, there is a 50% chance that you are wearing, or are within arm's reach of, a pair of headphones or earbuds.

To visit a modern office place is to walk into a room with a dozen songs playing simultaneously but to hear none of them. Up to half of workers listen to music on their headphones, and the vast majority thinks it makes us better at our jobs. In survey after survey, we report with confidence that music makes us happier, better at concentrating, and more productive.

Science says we're full of it. Listening to music hurts our ability to recall other stimuli, and any pop song -- loud or soft -- reduces overall performance for both extraverts and introverts. A Taiwanese study linked music with lyrics to lower scores on concentration tests for college students, and other research have shown music with words scrambles our brains' verbal-processing skills. "As silence had the best overall performance it would still be advisable that people work in silence," one report dryly concluded.

If headphones are so bad for productivity, why do so many people at work have headphones? And why are our bosses letting us drive ourselves to distraction?

There is an economic answer: The United States has moved from a farming/manufacturing economy to a service economy, and more jobs "demand higher levels of concentration, reflection and creativity." This leads to a logistical answer: With 70 percent of office workers in cubicles or open work spaces, it's more important to create one's own cocoon of sound. That brings us to a psychological answer: Evidence that music relaxes our muscles, improves our mood, and can even moderately reduce blood pressure, heart rate, and anxiety. What music steals in acute concentration, it returns to us in the form of good vibes.

That brings us finally to our final cultural answer: Headphones give us absolute control over our audio-environment, allowing us to privatize our public spaces. This is an important development for dense office environments in a service economy. But it also represents nothing less than a fundamental shift in humans' basic relationship to music.

A SHORT HISTORY OF PRIVATE MUSIC

In 1910, the Radio Division of the U.S. Navy received a freak letter from Salt Lake City written in purple ink on blue-and-pink paper. Whoever opened the envelope probably wasn't expecting to read the next Thomas Edison. But the invention contained within represented the apotheosis of one of Edison's more famous, and incomplete, discoveries: the creation of sound from electrical signals.

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Music to Our Ears: How Headphones Changed Our World

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May 30th, 2012 at 6:12 pm

Connectyx Announces Life Line Screening Healthy Rewards(TM) Program Powered by MedFlash(R)

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SOURCE: Connectyx Technologies Holdings, Inc.

Connectyx's Development of White Label MedFlash Platform Enables Companies to Build Own Brand Utilizing MedFlash Personal Medical Record Back End

STUART, FL--(Marketwire - May 30, 2012) - Connectyx Technologies Holdings Group, Inc. (PINKSHEETS: CTYX) ("Connectyx"), http://www.connectyx.com, manufacturer and distributor of the MedFlash, a Personal Health and Wellness Management System (ePHM) designed for maintaining personal health records (ePHR), announced today the rollout of Life Line Screening's white label personal medical record pilot for Life Line Screening's new Healthy Rewards program powered by Connectyx's MedFlash platform.

The Life Line Screening Healthy Rewards program offers members unlimited access to MedFlash's Personal Health Manager, a simple-to-use web-based electronic personal health manager to store health, lifestyle and medical information securely and confidentially. Personal Health Manager comes with user friendly web-based software which enables members to quickly enter their information and access it anywhere an Internet connection is accessible or to print out before a doctor's visit. Plus, personal health information can be accessed in five different ways, allowing a first responder, healthcare professional or family member access to your health information in an emergency. Prescription information can be stored, thereby reducing the potential for drug interactions and medicine errors. As an added benefit, members will have access to a toll-free number, 24/7 Nurse Advice Hotline so members can speak to a health professional anytime.

"Portability and security of personal health information is important to our customers. We are pleased to be providing access to the MedFlash platform as part of our Healthy Rewards program," Joelle Reizes, Communications Director for Life Line Screening, said.

Ronn Schuman, President & CEO of Connectyx Technologies, said, "We are excited to work with Life Line Screening as they are advocates of health and wellness and have many benefits that we can also pass on to our general membership. This synergy coupled with the release of our white label platform which allows our strategic partners to customize and brand MedFlash to fit the needs of their specific customer relationship-retention programs, tracked with our affiliate administrative program will be a win-win partnership for both companies."

To be added to the corporate e-mail database for corporate press releases and industry updates, investors and shareholders are requested to send an e-mail to investorrelations@connectyx.com.

About Life Line Screening

Since 1993, Life Line Screening's corporate mission has been to enable people to be aware of unrecognized health problems and encourage them to take a pro-active approach to their own wellness. Life Line Screening is the leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings in the United States. Life Line Screening uses advanced ultrasound equipment identical to the equipment found in hospitals and medical centers. Screenings are performed by highly trained healthcare professionals and all scan results are reviewed by board-certified physicians to ensure the highest standards. The company has screened over 7 million people since 1993, and screens over 1 million people each year at over 16,000 screening events nationwide. Life Line Screening has often identified serious health issues and has helped save thousands of lives. For more information about Life Line Screening, please visit http://www.lifelinescreening.com.

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May 30th, 2012 at 6:12 pm

The Many Reasons To Consider Spectrum

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By Jordo Bivona - May 30, 2012 | Tickers: ALTH, GSK, SPPI | 0 Comments

Jordo is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network -- entries represent the personal opinions of our bloggers and are not formally edited.

Would you buy a biopharmaceutical company that recentlyreported recordyearly sales, earnings and cash flow and yet sells at a relatively low price to earnings ratio (for a biotech company) of 12, and a price-to-sales ratio and price-to-book ratio of only about 3? Revenues of $193 million were up 160% from the previous year revenues of $74 million.

Spectrum Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: SPPI)describes itself "a biotechnology company with fully integrated commercial and drug development operations." With a market cap of about $600 million, it is relatively small but is included in a number of stock market indices, among them the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index, the Russell 3000, Russell 2000, Russell Global and most recently theS&P SmallCap 600.The company currently markets two oncology drugs, Zevalin and Fusilev, and for a small company, has an impressive pipeline of drug candidates in various stages of development. The company's latest potential blockbuster for bladder cancer, apaziquone,failedin late-stage trials. On a valuation basis, however, Zevalin and Fusilev are worth more than the current market price for shares.

Zevalin is a monoclonal antibody to B-cell antigen p20 fused to a radioactive element Yttrium-90. It is used treat low grade or follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Treatment regimens include two doses of another monoclonal antibody, rituximab, marketed byBiogen IDEC andRoche Holding, to reduce circulating B-cells, followed by one dose of Zevalin, which actively attacks the lymphoma. Because the antibody is radioactively labeled, it kills neighboring cells, most of which are also tumor cells, in addition to the cell to which the antibody binds.

The drug that competes most directly with Zevalin is Bexxar, a similar p20 monoclonal antibody that is complexed with radioactive Iodine-131. Bexxar is marketed by pharmaceutical giantGlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK). There is little to differentiate the two drugs, other than the choice of radioactive agent.

The company's other drug, Fusilev, is used to treat advanced metastatic colorectal cancer in combination with chemotherapy involving methotrexate or 5-fluoro-uracil. The active ingredient of Fusilev is l-leucuovorin (aka folinic acid), a folate analogue, which has been purified to remove the inactive d isomer of the racemic mixture, so that patients only need half the dose. While not pharmaceutically useful, the d isomer may cause side effects. Leucovorin is used to "rescue" bone marrow after methotrexate treatments, but enhances the activity of the chemotherapy agent 5-fluoro-uracil. The main competition to Fusilev is Wellcovorin, which contains the inactive d-isomer. Wellcovorin is also marketed by GlaxoSmithKline. Fusilev seems to have the edge: Spectrum has recentlyexpandedits capacity to manufacture the drug in response to increased demand.

Besides apaziquone, Spectrum has one other key drug in late stage development under the FDA's Special Protocol Assessment, belinostat.

First, Apaziquone was being investigated as anintravesicle instillationfor non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. This type of cancer is recurrent in 80% of patients after the tumor is surgically removed. "Intravesicle instillation" means that it is introduced directly into the bladder. It is really a pro-drug that is converted into an active cytotoxic alkylating drug by reductase enzymes expressed preferentially by tumor cells. The company has conducted two multi-center phase 3 trials of Apaziquone used after tumor resection, but the drugfailedto meet its primary endpoint of statistically significant reduced tumor recurrence at two years, analyzed individually. Trials with multiple instillations of the drug are likely to continue in some form.

Belinostat is a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor under investigation for the treatment of peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PCTL), non-small-cell lung cancer, and other solid tumors. Belinostat causes increased acetylation of Listor proteins, resulting in cell cycle arrest and cell death. Currently, Spectrum is testing Belinostat in a pivotal trial for PCTL. Currently, PCTL is commonly treated with anthracycline chemotherapy drugs, like daunomycin, marketed by as Cerubidine by Ben Venue Laboratories, a subsidiary of the German firm, Boehringer Ingelheim (not publicly traded).

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May 30th, 2012 at 6:12 pm

Rise Asset Development pilots group microfinance program for individuals with mental health, addiction challenges

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Citi a generous sponsor of the group lending program at Rise

TORONTO , May 30, 2012 /CNW/ - Starting a business can be challenging for any entrepreneur but for those with a history of mental health or addiction issues, the task can be even more daunting. But a program from Rise Asset Development, a financial initiative of UofT's Rotman School of Management and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), is providing microfinancing and mentorship to entrepreneurs facing these extra challenges.

The Toronto-based not-for-profit is piloting a group lending program with help from several community organizations and the Citi Foundation.

The pilot group lending program seeks to leverage the sense of community and support offered in a group setting. Rise will work with lending groups affiliated with organizations such as transitional homes and mental health organizations to support business growth. The program builds on the individual lending program by Rise Asset Development.

"Though we are still at the pilot stage, we anticipate demand for this unique approach to mirror that of our original individual program," says Narinder Dhami, Executive Director of Rise Asset Development. "We believe that the social support networks offered by community organizations will translate well into a successful microcredit experience forthe borrower."

In this program, Rise will work closely with both the community organization and the borrower, in providing business guidance and support, in addition to encouraging borrowers to motivate, support, and learn from each other.

"Around the world, Citi has been supporting Microfinance initiatives philanthropically for more than 30 years," said John Hastings , Chairman and CEO, Citibank Canada. "Through the Citi Foundation, we are pleased to be associated with such a worthwhile initiative."

Dhami expects the first group of loans to be administered by fall of 2012.

About Rise Asset Development Rise Asset Development works to empower business owners with access to financing and business support. The organization recognizes the interdependency of financial well-being to one's overall quality of life. Rise is committed to improving the lives of people who are unable to secure employment due to mental health or addictions challenges. Rise, with the support of the Rotman School of Management and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), provides microfinancing and mentorship to men and women living with mental illness and addictions who are interested in pursuing self-employment.

Rise offers business loans, leases and other investments, based on stage of development, needs and capacity, including business financing up to $25,000 throughout Ontario, with average initial financing from $3000 to $5,000 . Credit is currently at a 3.5% interest rate with all investments secured by the assets of the business (not personal assets).

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May 30th, 2012 at 6:12 pm

The Inaugural California Women's Conference Announces Exclusive Ticket Offer

Posted: May 29, 2012 at 1:25 pm


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LONG BEACH, CA--(Marketwire -05/29/12)- The California Women's Conference, an event endorsing leading women everywhere, has announced exclusive access to pre-sale tickets available for purchase beginning on June 15, 2012. On this date tickets will be available for businesses and individuals to attend the September 23rd and 24th conference at the Long Beach Convention Center, promoting its theme, "The Women's Economy Starts Here."

Women everywhere are anticipating this momentous event as The California Women's Conference offers attendees inspiration, resources, and connections for greater advancements in personal development, business and career ventures, health and wellness, and philanthropic endeavors. The conference features widely respected thought leaders, talented entertainers, and an infinite marketplace of ideas, exhibits, networking and panel discussions. Intended for women committed to success, and those seeking to connect and inspire, this year's conference is a must-attend event.

For nearly thirty years, women in California have enjoyed a conference that provided women resources for building successful businesses, strengthening careers, and positively influencing the world around them. The mission of The California Women's Conference is to empower women and provide resources for every aspect of their lives. To learn more and to get information on how to purchase tickets, join our community by visiting http://www.CaliforniaWomensConference.com.

About the history and tradition of the California Governor & First Lady Conference on Women The spiritual predecessor of the California Women's Conference, namely the California Governor & First Lady's Conference on Women, was an annual non-partisan event, and was created in 1985 by then-Governor George Deukmejian, to address the high failure rate among women-owned businesses by giving women entrepreneurs greater access to funding and other helpful resources. Selecting the city of Long Beach as the event's host, city officials and businesses quickly became enthusiastic supporters. Then-First Lady Gloria Deukmejian assumed responsibility for the conference, which became known as the California Governor and First Lady's Conference. In the recent past, this conference became a star-studded event. Past speakers have included: His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, First Lady Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, Barbara Walters, Jane Fonda, Queen Noor of Jordan, Tyra Banks, Martha Stewart, Madeline Albright, Condoleeza Rice, and many others. Today, the tradition of enthusiastically serving women-owned businesses continues under the stewardship of Michelle Patterson, CEO of EventComplete.

About EventCompleteEventComplete, LLC, is a full-service event marketing company specializing in strategy, production and marketing for large scale conferences, workshops, and charitable events. They partner with each client at every step in creating, planning, marketing, and producing signature events in which businesses, non-profits and the community collaborate effectively to maximize marketing objectives. They "complete" events by utilizing their proprietary methods for Marketing Sequence Campaigns, Database Management, Event Registration, Sponsorship Development, and Venue Management. To learn more about Michelle Patterson and EventComplete, visit http://www.eventcomplete.com.

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May 29th, 2012 at 1:25 pm

MMRGlobal Reaches One Million Member Mark With Agreements to Double This Year

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LOS ANGELES, CA--(Marketwire -05/29/12)- MMRGlobal, Inc. (MMRF.OB) ("MMR") today announced that its domestic membership base for its patented Personal Health Record products and services has passed the one million mark and is expected to double before the end of this year with affinity programs through agreements with E-mail Frequency (www.emailfrequency.com). The Company believes it currently has the highest member base of any pure-play Personal Health Record (PHR) provider. MMR counts members as a population who has paid access to the Company's MyMedicalRecords and MyEsafeDepositBox websites along with private label websites. Members from MMR's clients include Chartis Insurance (formerly AIG), Coverdell, MedicAlert, UST Global, and the NRA in addition to union membership, expats, hospitals, physician groups, surgery centers and other healthcare professionals, amongst others.

Membership is a key indicator of the interest in, and awareness of, Personal Health Records, giving the Company a targeted list of individuals and families that MMR can convert to users. According to Bob Lorsch, MMRGlobal CEO, "As our member base continues to grow, it creates a revenue generating platform for the Company to sell affiliate products and services or for use in a targeted advertising model. Once users place any data in their account, they keep it. The more information that is stored in an account the stickier our service becomes."

Starting today, the Company will be presenting its Interbit Data certified MEDITECH solution at the International MUSE Conference taking place in Orlando through June 1 (www.museweb.org). The solution moves patient records from MEDITECH EMR systems and delivers them into MMRPatientView which can then be upgraded to a full-featured MyMedicalRecords PHR. The MyMedicalRecords PHR is also integrated in the Company's MMRPro document management and imaging system (http://info.mmrpro.com/). MMRPro is sold to surgery centers, small hospitals, physician offices and other healthcare professionals.

MyMedicalRecords is the only PHR that can store actual copies of patient files in their original format from any healthcare professional and connect patients to their providers via a patented telecommunications platform which seamlessly integrates Internet, fax and voice. Each MyMedicalRecords account includes a version of the Company's MyEsafeDepositBox service to protect other important documents and enable quick retrieval in an emergency, such as deeds of trust, birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, wills, advance directives, photos and other irreplaceable documents. Since the launch of its MyMedicalRecords service in 2005, the Company has noted attrition rates of less than 3 percent.

MMR sells MyMedicalRecords PHR products direct to consumers, corporations as an employee benefit, physicians, small hospitals, surgery centers and other healthcare professionals, including veterinarians, and through affinity organizations as a "value-added" service for their members or clients. The Company recently introduced a Prepaid Personal Health Record Card, which it is beginning to offer through retailers. The Company also plans to sell MyEsafeDepositBox.com through financial services organizations in the future.

The Company's products and services are offered both via the MyMedicalRecords website and as a private-label product. When sold to employers and/or affinity groups, MMR uses a wholesale pricing model similar to companies like Travel Guard. In that model, the Company counts members as individuals who have received wholesale paid access to the MMR system as an employee benefit or from an affinity group. The Company then counts users as the individuals in that member group who activate and commence usage of their individual PHR by having documents, images or voice files stored in their account.

About MMRGlobal, Inc.

MMRGlobal, Inc., through its wholly-owned operating subsidiary, MyMedicalRecords, Inc., provides secure and easy-to-use online Personal Health Records ("PHRs") and electronic safe deposit box storage solutions, serving consumers, healthcare professionals, employers, insurance companies, financial institutions, and professional organizations and affinity groups. The MyMedicalRecords PHR enables individuals and families to access their medical records and other important documents, such as birth certificates, passports, insurance policies and wills, anytime from anywhere using the Internet. MyMedicalRecords is built on proprietary, patented technologies to allow documents, images and voicemail messages to be transmitted and stored in the system using a variety of methods, including fax, phone, or file upload without relying on any specific electronic medical record platform to populate a user's account. The Company's professional offering, MMRPro, is designed to give physicians' offices an easy and cost-effective solution to digitizing paper-based medical records and sharing them with patients in real time through an integrated patient portal. MMR is an Independent Software Vendor Partner with Kodak to deliver an integrated turnkey EMR solution for healthcare professionals. Through its merger with Favrille, Inc. in January 2009, the Company acquired intellectual property biotech assets that include anti-CD20 antibodies and data and samples from its FavId/Specifid vaccine clinical trials for the treatment of B-Cell Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. To learn more about MMRGlobal, Inc. visit http://www.mmrglobal.com. View demos and video tutorials of the Company's products and services at http://www.mmrtheater.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements in this press release that are not strictly historical in nature, including future performance, management's expectations, beliefs, intentions, estimates or projections, constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some can be identified by the use of words (and their derivations) such as "need," "possibility," "intend," "offer," "development," "if," "negotiate," "when," "begun," "believe," "achieve," "will," "estimate," "expect," "maintain," "plan," and "continue," or the negative of these words. Actual results and the timing of selected events may differ materially from the results predicted, and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. Such statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those discussed or incorporated by reference herein. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the risk the Company's products are not adopted or viewed favorably by the healthcare community and consumer retail market; business prospects, results of operations or financial condition; success of new distribution channels and personal health records adoption; timing and volume of sales and installations; length of sales cycles and the installation process; market acceptance of new product introductions including the Prepaid Personal Health Record card; ability to establish and maintain strategic relationships; relationships with licensees; competitive product offerings and promotions; changes in government laws and regulations and future changes in tax legislation and initiatives in the healthcare industry; undetected errors in our products; possibility of interruption at our data centers; risks related to third party vendors; risks related to obtaining and integrating third-party licensed technology; risks related to a security breach by third parties; maintaining, developing and defending our intellectual property rights; marketing and exploitation of our patent portfolio both in the U.S. and internationally; uncertainties associated with doing business internationally across borders and territories; and additional risks discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company is providing this information as of the date of this release and, except as required by law, does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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May 29th, 2012 at 1:25 pm

Senior individuals using personal service companies to have income tax and national insurance deducted at source, the …

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"It is the Governments view that where an individual has the requisite level of control to direct the activities of the organisation and they are engaged at a senior level (through an intermediary) then that individual should be taxed as an employee" says the consultation document.

The consultation document suggests a change in law so that where an organisation engages a controlling person through an intermediary, such as a personal service company, the engaging organisation will be required to deduct the income tax and national insurance at source, as they would for their employees.

It is proposed that 'controlling person' will be defined as "someone who is able to shape the direction of the organisation having authority or responsibility for directing or controlling the major activities of the engaging organisation during the year". The consultation document goes on to say that this would be "someone who has managerial control over a significant proportion of the organisations employees and/or control over a significant proportion of the budget of the organisation."

Chris Thomas, a tax law expert at Pinsent Masons (the law firm behind Out-Law), commented that the legislation is perhaps unsurprising in the context of the recent furore over off payroll remuneration in the public sector. However, it will nonetheless be unwelcome news for many corporates who have, until now, been able to offer the benefits of gross payment without taking on any risk themselves.

Thomas added that the Governments thinking on the issue did not appear very well developed and that the consultation left a lot of questions unanswered. The key will be how exactly they define who is a controlling person, he said. At the moment, the description is rather vague and it is likely to cause problems for businesses in determining who exactly is caught. Also it is not clear whether it will actually hit the intended targets. For example, non-executive directors are presumably in the Governments sights, but it is by no means clear that they would be able to shape the direction of the organisation. We will also need to see how the regime applies where a controlling person is supplying separate consultancy services although one would hope that this should not be affected

Rules currently exist, commonly known as IR35, to prevent tax avoidance using personal service companies. The IR35 rules apply where the relationship between the end client and the worker would be one of employment if it was not for the interposition of an intermediary, such as a personal service company.

A worker caught by the IR35 rules can take out of the personal service company as salary the money earned from that contract and pay tax and National Insurance on those salary payments in the normal way. However, to the extent that the worker does not choose to pay the money out as a salary, at the end of the year, the personal service company is required to calculate a deemed payment on which employee national insurance contributions and income tax are due and a deemed employer national insurance payment.

The Government considers that IR35 is not sufficient to solve for the senior workers the new rules are aimed at.. "When IR35 was introduced 10 years ago it was comparatively unusual for controlling persons of an engaging organisation to be working through a PSC [personal service company]. In the last few years anecdotal evidence suggests that it has become an increasingly common practice in both the private and public sectors." states the document.

It explains that because the IR35 legislation places the obligation on the personal service company to operate income tax and national insurance "this means that even where the appropriate tax and National Insurance for the circumstances of the case is being paid, that is not going to be clear and transparent to the engaging organisation."

The Government believes that, "because of their role in an organisation, controlling persons should be required to meet their income tax and National Insurance obligations in a way which is transparent to their engager. This is not currently possible where they work through a PSC" states the consultation document.

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May 29th, 2012 at 12:13 am

Boyertown board get lesson in technology from students

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Times photo by Rebecca Blanchard Students show each of the board members what they learned using their iPods.

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The Boyertown Area School District board members were given a personal lesson by students last Tuesday at the Board of Directors meeting. Students, with iPods in hand, sat down alongside board members to explain what they have learned about this new technology.

To coincide with the personal explanations, two students presented a presentation about the iTouch to the audience.

During the first public comment period, one person came forward to address the fact that no other administrators have agreed to a pay freeze aside from superintendent Dr. Dion E. Betts.

The contract between the school district and Dr. Betts has been amended since the meeting held on May 8.

A new agreement has been made regarding Act 93 employees. This agreement will replace the current compensation plan, and states that the group will not receive salary increases for the 2012-2013 school year.

Many board members expressed their gratitude towards the groups willingness.

This was the first group that came to us about a freeze, stated board President Gwendolyn Semmens.

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May 29th, 2012 at 12:13 am

Cast, crew efforts recognised

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Most of the cast and crew of The Sound of Music, staged by Showbiz Queenstown at the Queenstown Memorial Hall from May 17 to 26. Photo by Geoff Patterson.

Lisa Moore, who lit up the stage as Maria, was selected by director Bryan Aitken to receive the Alan Cheak Memorial Trophy for displaying the most personal development during rehearsals.

Assistant director and stage manager Marty Newell was chosen by Aitken to receive the Scooter Reid Memorial Crew Excellence Award for his technical skill, good spirit, commitment and attitude. Along with the trophy, Newell took home late community stalwart Glenn "Scooter" Reid's tool box for a year.

Chris Parvin, who co-starred as Captain Georg von Trapp, won the Kenny Maurice Memorial Award, awarded to the cast member who made the most positive contribution to the overall good spirit of the show and based on a vote by the cast.

Helen Bird, who played the role of Sister Berthe, was presented with the Showbiz Queenstown Douglas Kamo Scholarship of $500 to help advance her musical theatre career. Bird has performed in every Showbiz production since Chess in 2005.

Head mechanist Jim Gibson was recognised by Showbiz president Alex Derbie with the President's Pick for choreographing set movements.

Jonty Climo, one of two actors who played Kurt von Trapp, was given the Hoofer's Award on Aitken's recommendation for making the most personal growth and contributing the most as a dancer.

Samuel Farr won the Committee Award for his significant contribution to the show, specifically for looking after the children, making sure they had the right costumes on, had the correct props and were in the right places for their entrances.

Derbie told the Queenstown Times the awards recognised those who "excelled even beyond their own expectations and it's a thank you, really, from the society".

The president said The Sound of Music had been one of the Showbiz Queenstown's most successful shows in terms of attendance and staging.

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May 28th, 2012 at 7:18 am

Spiritual journey tour programme on May 28

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Posted on May 27, 2012, Sunday

BINTULU: Islamic Information Centre (IIC) will be holding the IIC spiritual journey tour 2012 programme at BDA Auditorium, Wisma Bintulu from 7.30am on May 28.

It will be held in collaboration with Badan Harakah Islamiah (Baharis), Bintulu Development Authority (BDA) and Bintulu branch of Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association (Macma).

Its next destination is Miri.

Among the lectures to be delivered is the Miracle of Heart by Prof Mohd Ali Izuddin, better known as Professor Izzi, who conducts lectures and motivational courses on public speaking, personal development, teamwork, leadership, communication, learning and parenting skills.

In the meantime, the tour programme is in line with the IIC to promote and deliver information on Islam.

In addition the programme promotes understanding and appreciation of Islam among people of all races and religions in the state.

All those interested are welcome to take part in the programme.

For enquiries call Muhamad Zakaria or Rohaiza (IIC) at 082-420798 or 082-420799 or fax 082-420628.

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