NEWARK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Prudential Retirement, a business unit of Prudential Financial, Inc. (PRU), today announced four new plan sponsor client wins: NETGEAR, Upstate New York Power Producers, Inc., Norcal Beverage and Stone Bridge Cellars.

We are delighted to have these companies as new clients and we look forward to preparing their participants for their Day One of retirement, said George Castineiras, senior vice president, Total Retirement Solutions, Prudential Retirement. Prudential Retirements continuous service improvements and product innovations are the crucial elements that are important to intermediaries and new clients.

NETGEAR, a San Francisco-based global networking company that delivers innovative products to consumers, businesses and service providers, joined Prudential on June 1. Marte Werner from NWKGroup, was the advisor to the $25 million deal. The defined contribution plan has more than 300 participants.

Upstate New York Power Producers, Inc., based in Wallingford, Connecticut joined Prudential on August 27. The 401(k) plan has roughly 175 participants and $20 million in assets under management.

West Sacramento, Calif.-based Norcal Beverage, the largest independent co-packer of teas, chilled juices, waters, and energy drinks west of the Mississippi, joined Prudential Retirement on May 1. The company, which also manages delivery for the nations largest brewery, the largest beer importer, and the largest West Coast craft brewery, along with several smaller boutique breweries, has $19 million in plan assets and roughly 500 plan participants.

Norcal Beverage was impressed with Prudential Retirements plan participant Web site and the level of customer service the firm could provide, said Terri Erwin, corporate human resources director. David Loeffler, first vice president and investment officer at Roseville, Calif.-based Wells Fargo Advisors, was the advisor to the deal.

Stone Bridge Cellars, which operates as Joseph Phelps Vineyards, a Saint Helena, Calif.-based producer of up to 80,000 cases of cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and dessert wines a year, joined Prudential on May 1. The plan has roughly 144 participants and $9 million in assets under management.

For any recordkeeper to be considered, we require an open-architecture investment platform allowing us to select institutionally priced investments without any limitations, completely transparent expenses and competitive service and technology offerings, Rick Wedge, managing director at San Francisco-based Pensionmark and the advisor to the deal, said.

Pensionmark also takes the time to understand our clients culture as best as possible to help guide the vendor selection process, Wedge continued. Educating a diversified work force was a key deciding factor in the selection of Prudential Retirement.

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Prudential Retirement adds four new plan sponsor clients

Tushar Gandhi, Grammy Award winner David Sandborn and Grammy Nominated Nawang Khechog together with Filmmaker Leon Stuparich the gathering of great minds and talent for ROAD TO PEACE.

New York, New York (PRWEB) October 16, 2012

London filmmaker, Leon Stuparich followed The Dalai Lama for two weeks as he traveled around Great Britain. This intimate documentary candidly reveals his nature and wisdom, and shows how he inspires millions of people of all nationalities and creeds to live more meaningful lives in harmony with each other and with the planet on which we live.

Leon Stuparich was driven to make this film "partially because of my own curiosity about the man behind the myth. What does he do behind the scenes? Does he really have the incredible presence that people who have met him always refer to? In addition, like anyone else who is striving for happiness, I hoped that what he shared would move me in some way, and teach me how to live a more centered, peaceful life. I was not disappointed."

The VIP PREMIERE will open with a performance by Grammy nominated Nawang Khechog who will arrive right after performing at the Lincoln Center event for The Dalai Lama.The evening's festivities will include Leon Stuparich, Tushar Gandhi, and Grammy Award winner David Sanborn. Gandhi and Stuparich will have an in-depth discussion about Universal Responsibility and audience Q &A.

Special guests include:

Tushar Gandhi is the Great Grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, and in true Gandhian style, he has dedicated his life to spreading the message of non-violence and positive change. In 1996 Tushar was appointed President of the Lok Seva Trust, a voluntary organization working with factory workers and the economically weaker sections of Mumbai, in the field of education, legal aid, and healthcare. He established the Mahatma Gandhi Foundation to make Gandhis message available globally on the Internet.

Tushar is involved with the US based peace organization Seeds for Peace which works with children. In August 2001 he was invited by an NGO Peace Initiatives, to join a group of journalists and social activists to visit strife torn Kashmir, to interact with the leaders of the separatist Hurriyat Conference, the police and the Chief Minister of J&K with the aim to explore the possibility of achieving peace through development and economic programs.

Nawang Khechog is a Grammy Nominee and the most famous Tibetan Flautist in the World. He is also a composer and recipient of many awards from U.S, Tibet, India and Nepal. He has toured around the world and has produced many CD's. His signature sound and music are incorporated throughout ROAD TO PEACE. His music can be heard in many films, including the Hollywood film SEVEN YEARS IN TIBET.

Nawang was monk for 11 years living in the foothills of the Himalayas as a hermit. He meditated for 4 years, was sponsored, and guided by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. He tries to utilize his music to help make humanity more peaceful and compassionate, and uses his talent to help assist with the freedom of the Tibetan People.

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In Film, Up Close and Personal with the Dalai Lama Here in NYC

By Kathryn Boughton, Litchfield County Times

KENTFifty years ago, many Americans trembled at the thought of imminent nuclear war. President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev stood nose to pugnacious nose in a stare down over the installation of nuclear missiles in Cuba. Neither seemed prepared to blink.

For 13 days, from Oct. 16 to Oct. 28, civilization stood on the brink of annihilation as the two superpowers vied for dominance. So real was the peril that First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy reportedly begged her husband, Please dont send me anywhere. I just want to be with you and die with you.

Related - Photos: The Cuban Missile Crisis

The First Ladys fear was reflected throughout a land that had grown accustomed to the thought of nuclear peril. During the chilliest years of the Cold War, children were schooled in undoubtedly ineffectual responses to nuclear explosions, while prosperous families resorted to building and stocking bomb shelters in their back yards. Suddenly, it appeared, those precautions might be needed. The world held its breath as missile-bearing Russian ships steamed toward Cuba.

The story of the confrontation and its denouement has been told many times, but never from the personal perspective that former international reporter Donald S. Connery of Kent brings to his latest book, Escape from Oblivion, A Moscow Correspondents Memoir of the Cuban Missile Crisis. The account, recently released as an e-book and available on Amazon.com, traces Mr. Connerys experiences in reporting from Moscowa much-coveted experience truncated by his frank reporting of the crisis for Time and Life magazines.

Those were the two weeks that might have ended human history. Whole forests have been felled for books about the Cuban Missile Crisis, but what has been missing is that no one has written about their personal experience in covering it. I think this is uniqueand it may stay unique because everyone who was there is dead or dying, said the octogenarian author this week. I am one of the last standing veterans of the Depression, World War II and the Cold War.

Related - Reflections on the Cuban Missile Crisis at Fifty

Mr. Connery had been in Moscow for only a matter of weeks when the crisis erupted. He had won the coveted assignment after making an unprecedented Trans-Siberian rail trip with photojournalist John Launois in 1961. Taken during one of the most dangerous years of the Cold World, when the Soviets were bent on forcing the U.S., Great Britain and France out of their occupation zones in West Berlin, the trip gave ordinary Americans insight into the Russian people.

I hope the thing that comes across in this book is my affection for the Russian people, a people that has suffered perhaps more than any other [in Europe] said Mr. Connery this week. When we made the Trans-Siberian trip we found them to be big-hearted, big country people. After we got past the initial suspicions, we found them to be just so friendlyand these were supposed to be our enemies.

More:
Kent man's book recounts personal experience of Cuban Missile Crisis 50 years later

A snap debate on privacy breaches at the Ministry of Social Development's got very personal.

The department's Minister, Paula Bennett, described security flaws at WINZ information kiosks as unacceptable and mortifying and has ordered an inquiry into the matter.

She's been under attack by opposition parties for the failure that's happened on her watch.

Paula Bennett's hit back at her critics and has taken particular exception to heckling from Labour MP Lianne Dalziel and calls for her to resign.

"Should we talk about who should give their resignation? When that member had to when she had to when she lied in unison, which is the actual reality of it. So, I suppose she's personally experienced of what that means to lie, but I have not."

The Greens are suggesting the Social Development Minister's crying crocodile tears over privacy breaches committed by her ministry.

Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei is challenging Ms Bennett's claims of concern about the mistake, given the case where the Minister released details about beneficiaries.

"This is a Minister who is leading the privacy breaches in her own ministry. She has set the standard for the Ministry of Social Development to not care, and to have no respect for the people whose information is kept."

And Paula Bennett's playing down allegations it was her office that revealed the name of the person who found the WINZ privacy breach.

Ira Bailey's been named as the person who brought the issue to media attention - it's alleged Paula Bennett's office leaked his name to media, given a staffer looked at his Linkedin profile.

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Privacy breach debate gets personal

LONDON - Britain's Pearson has bought U.S. educational services company EmbanetCompass for $650 million in cash to bolster its position in the fast-growing online learning market.

Pearson, which also publishes Penguin books and the Financial Times, has been building up its education businesses through acquisitions.

Will Ethridge, chief executive of Pearson North America, said that buying EmbanetCompass, from an investor group led by Technology Crossover Ventures and Knowledge Universe, increased Pearson's presence in online education and educational services, two areas where it saw opportunities for growth.

EmbanetCompass, which was founded in 1995 and is expected to have revenues of about $130 million this year, provides online products for more than 100 university programmes, including course design, student recruitment and technology support, Pearson said on Tuesday.

Jefferies analyst David Reynolds said it would be hard to describe a better strategic fit for Pearson, but the company was paying a full price.

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Pearson buys US online education company for $650M

* Buys EmbanetCompass for $650 mln cash

* Increases presence in online learning

* Paying fives times company's 2012 revenue

LONDON, Oct (KOSDAQ: 039200.KQ - news) 16 (Reuters) - Britain's Pearson (Dusseldorf: PES.DU - news) has bought U.S. educational services company EmbanetCompass for $650 million in cash to bolster its position in the fast-growing online learning market.

Pearson, which also publishes Penguin (SES: E2:P13.SI - news) books and the Financial Times, has been building up its education businesses through acquisitions.

Will Ethridge, chief executive of Pearson North America, said that buying EmbanetCompass, from an investor group led by Technology Crossover Ventures and Knowledge Universe, increased Pearson's presence in online education and educational services, two areas where it saw opportunities for growth.

EmbanetCompass, which was founded in 1995 and is expected to have revenues of about $130 million this year, provides online products for more than 100 university programmes, including course design, student recruitment and technology support, Pearson said on Tuesday.

Jefferies analyst David Reynolds said it would be hard to describe a better strategic fit for Pearson, but the company was paying a full price.

"On the one hand it looks like a great deal," he said. "But it's difficult to escape the observation that it is paying $650 million for a company that's doing $130 million of revenue in 2012. That strikes me as being expensive."

The transformation of Pearson into an education-led company has been driven by chief executive Marjorie Scardino, who is stepping down at the end of the year. She (SNP: ^SHEY - news) will be replaced by John Fallon, head of the international education division.

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UPDATE 1-Pearson buys US online education company for $650 mln

LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's Pearson has bought U.S. educational services company EmbanetCompass for $650 million in cash to bolster its position in the fast-growing online learning market.

Pearson, which also publishes Penguin books and the Financial Times, has been building up its education businesses through acquisitions.

Will Ethridge, chief executive of Pearson North America, said that buying EmbanetCompass, from an investor group led by Technology Crossover Ventures and Knowledge Universe, increased Pearson's presence in online education and educational services, two areas where it saw opportunities for growth.

EmbanetCompass, which was founded in 1995 and is expected to have revenues of about $130 million this year, provides online products for more than 100 university programmes, including course design, student recruitment and technology support, Pearson said on Tuesday.

Jefferies analyst David Reynolds said it would be hard to describe a better strategic fit for Pearson, but the company was paying a full price.

"On the one hand it looks like a great deal," he said. "But it's difficult to escape the observation that it is paying $650 million for a company that's doing $130 million of revenue in 2012. That strikes me as being expensive."

The transformation of Pearson into an education-led company has been driven by chief executive Marjorie Scardino, who is stepping down at the end of the year. She will be replaced by John Fallon, head of the international education division.

The deal is Pearson's largest in education since it bought Harcourt Assessment and Harcourt Education International from Reed Elsevier for a total of $950 million in 2007.

Shares in Pearson closed 0.7 percent higher at 12.38 British pounds, valuing the group at about 10.1 billion pounds ($16.26 billion).

(Reporting by Paul Sandle in London and Karen Rebelo in Bangalore; Editing by Supriya Kurane and David Goodman)

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Pearson buys U.S. online education company for $650 million

LOUISVILLE, KY--(Marketwire - Oct 16, 2012) - Online students are playing a significant role in higher education, with 13.5 percent of college students enrolled in a fully online degree program. But according to a new report, Best Practices in Online Faculty Development, teaching online poses different challenges than face-to-face instruction.

"Most faculty members are most comfortable with the interaction that comes from traditional teaching," said Dr. David Clinefelter, Chief Academic Officer of Learning House and author of the report. "But the skills for teaching online can be developed if institutions ensure they have practices and a culture in place to support and develop online faculty."

When developing a plan for online faculty success, institutions should consider:

"Regardless of delivery method, the faculty member is still the key ingredient for an effective class and meaningful student experience," said Dr. Clinefelter. "Giving online faculty members the tools to succeed is really giving students the tools they need to make the most of their educational experience."

To download the full version of this report, please visit http://www.learninghouse.com/facultydevelopment.

The Learning House, Inc. is an online education solutions partner that helps colleges and universities develop and grow high-quality online degree programs and courses. Partnering with more than 100 colleges and universities, Learning House offers a business model that enables institutions to achieve their online education goals efficiently and affordably. Learning House provides a comprehensive solution to success, including curriculum development and management, faculty training and professional development, marketing and lead generation, admissions and enrollment management, student retention, 24/7 technical support, learning management systems, and management and consultation.

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Learning House Publishes Report on Developing Online Faculty at Higher Education Institutions

The northeast suburbs team set for theSport Aerobic World Championships, from left,Grulia Chiro, Ashleigh Weston, Meagan Williams, Kira Trevallow, Emily Sharp, Joey Day and Nicole Pedler. Picture: Luke Hemer Source: adelaidenow

RETIRING from aerobic gymnastics four years ago with a world title, Kira Trevarrow never dreamt of again representing Australia.

But that's precisely what the Modbury Heights woman, 29, is about to do.

Trevarrow is coach and member of a northeast women's team representing her country at the Sport Aerobic World Championships inthe Netherlandsthis week.

"I've been coaching ever since I retired in 2008 and I came back to competing as a bit of fun," Trevarrow says.

"We (the team) ended up with some good results and thought we should keep going.

"The teams we'll be competing against at the championships do this as their fulltime job and we do it as a hobby, so for us even to be in the same league as them is brilliant."

Sports aerobics involves high intensity routines to music demonstrating flexibility, strength and continous movement.

Co-coach Emily Sharp, of Redwood Park, is also stepping out of retirement to compete at the championships which run until October 20.

"I've been itching to come back to the sport and obviously we're aiming high and would love to come back with a medal," Sharp, 28, says.

See the rest here:
Aerobics team bound for world champs

World-renowned RYS yoga certified education center announces upcoming classes in Yin Yoga, Yoga Anatomy and Interdisciplinary Yoga taught by E-RYT instructors. Relaxing yoga retreat for yoga newcomers to experts with Nosara Yoga founder Amba Stapleton also available in December.

Nosara, Costa Rica (PRWEB) October 16, 2012

Nosara Yogas approach to teaching yoga goes beyond traditional poses and yoga styles. Specifically, it integrates the concept of inner inquiry into each training. Don Stapleton, PhD, Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Institute, explains, What makes Nosara Yoga Institute different from other yoga training methodologies is that we believe that each person experiences yoga in his or her own unique way, where each pose and technique helps generate an enlightened inner understanding of oneself. Our curriculum of inward inquiry through yoga enriches and empowers each graduate of our training to find their own individuality, their own voice, their own style, and their own passion for teaching yoga in their yoga practice.

A 50-hour Yin Yoga Training, led by Biff Mithoefer (http://www.nosarayoga.com/professional-trainings/yin-yoga-teacher-training), will take place on the lush Nosara Yoga Institute campus from October 29 through November 3, 2012. This 5-day training teaches the Yin approach to yoga, where yoga postures are held for a long time to stretch the deep connective tissue in the joints and deepen inner awareness. Ways to lead a Yin class and incorporate Yin postures and philosophy into any practice will also be explored.

For those who wish to get started teaching yoga, Nosara Yogas 200-hour Interdisciplinary Yoga Teacher Training (http://www.nosarayoga.com/trainings/200-hr-interdisciplinary-yoga-teacher-training) is the course to take. Central to the training, which will be held November 4 through December 1, 2012, is an inquiry into what makes a successful teacher, a philosophy that is a hallmark all of Nosara Yogas teacher trainings. This month-long course will be taught by Nosara Yoga Institutes Co-Directors Don and Amba Stapleton and, like all other trainings offered at Nosara Yoga, meets Yoga Alliance certification standards.

Experiential Anatomy for the Multidimensional Being (http://www.nosarayoga.com/professional-trainings/100-hr-experiential-yoga-anatomy-training), a 2-week training that will take place December 2 through December 15, 2012 under the leadership of Sarah Tacy Tangredi, is a 100-hour advanced training in yoga anatomy for certified yoga teachers. This program is designed to help students acquire a deeper knowledge of the body by studying both the objective, scientific aspects of anatomy, plus explore the subjective, experiential elements of the mind, emotions and the environment. The study of both elements creates an extraordinary learning experience that can be applied to any yoga instruction.

To relax and get out of the cold winter during the busy December holidays, Nosara Yogas 7-day Yoga with Amba Retreat (http://www.nosarayoga.com/retreats/yoga-retreat-with-amba-getting-a-jump-start-on-your-easy-at-home-practice) is the perfect get-away. Ideal for anyone who knows either nothing or a lot about yoga or anywhere in-between, this December 16 through December 22, 2012 all-inclusive retreat offers yoga instruction and meditation interspersed with great food, beach time and anything else to help put some fun and relaxation back in ones life. An added benefit of this restorative retreat is learning a short 40-minute simple routine that one can practice at home each day. Stretches, postures, breathing routine and meditation are tailored for each participant, so that they can be easily remembered and done quickly, providing profound results that create deep awakenings in consciousness. Leading this retreat will be Amba Stapleton, Nosara Yoga Institute Co-Director who mixes a sunny disposition with a contagious passion for yoga and fun.

We are proud to offer these Yoga Alliance-recognized certification programs for yoga teachers and yoga lovers alike who wish to expand their yoga practice, notes Ms. Stapleton. Taking a training or relaxing at our year-end yoga retreat during the fourth quarter of 2012 can also bring about a greater sense of renewal and rejuvenation in time to make next year, 2013, a truly successful year both personally and professionally for each participant.

Additional information and registration for upcoming 2012-2013 programs can be found on the Nosara Yoga Institute website at http://www.NosaraYoga.com.

About Nosara Yoga Institute (http://www.NosaraYoga.com)

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Yoga Teacher Training Schedule Featuring 50-, 100-, 200-Hour Yoga Alliance-Recognized Certification Courses, and a ...