PALM SPRINGS, Calif., Aug.1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- World Education University today announced itself as the newest player in the free online, global higher education movement. Unique to the space, WEU (pronounced "We You") aims to become acomprehensive, degree-granting institution designed to offer unprecedented access to college diplomas and a better life for the growing millions of underserved, both nationally and around the globe.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120801/CG50189LOGO)

New Hope for the Disenfranchised Founded by seasoned entrepreneurs WEU Chairman and CEO, Curtis Pickering and President and COO, Scott Hines, WEU is committed to a vision of free, global, high-quality education for all, with the core belief that education is a human right and an educated world is a safer, wiser, and more peaceful world. WEU offers a second chance for those to whom a higher education has been economically out of reach. It not only provides new access to historically underserved populations in high-poverty communities and developing nations, but also to the newly disenfranchised middle class who cannot afford the burden of debt associated with a university education.

"Scott and I are both from economically-disadvantaged backgrounds and products of free college education," says Pickering. "It was only because of an athletic scholarship in my case and the Air Force Academy in Scott's that we were both fortunate enough to have access to higher education. We profoundly believe that everyone should have this same opportunity."

Adaptive Learning Model Personalizes Instruction WEU upends the traditional one-size-fits-all instructional model with its proprietary Pinpoint Adaptive Learning System (PALS), designed to meet each student where they are in terms of learning strengths and interests. PALS guides individual student learning paths by continually shifting content in response to ongoing feedback on real time learner data. Self-paced and accessible 24/7, course material and assessments are individualized and the platform is also designed to facilitate online collaboration that promotes communities of learners where students communicate, teach and assist each other. Students begin their individual learning journeys by taking a proprietary Cognitive Learning Assessment, which determines one of sixteen learning styles based on cutting-edge neuroscience. PALS then adapts learning content and modalities based on how each WEU student's brain best processes, stores and recalls information.

It's Not About Paying, But Paying it Forward WEU wants to inspire an entire movement of socially conscious global citizens who will take the gift of a free WEU education and find ways to give back to their communities on both local and global levels. With a "Pay it Forward" button, WEU asks that all students agree to use their education to assist others in improving their life situations and to generally help shape a better, healthier, more just world. This honor system encapsulates the WEU vision and dedication to social entrepreneurship and social equity in today's world of "haves" and "have nots."

WEU plans to launch in Fall 2012 with a range of 21st century course options, including programs and degrees in Business Administration, Computer Science, Chemistry, Fine Arts, Paralegal Studies, Mathematics, and much more.

About WEUWorld Education University represents a game-changing paradigm shift in the American and global education model by providing free education to all. Aiming to be a comprehensive education ecosystem with programs from "Pre-K to Gray," WEU first seeks to be an accredited provider of high-quality university degrees and credentials that are offered to anyone, anytime, anywhere . . . free of charge.

With the education system as we know it broken, high schools failing students in masses and post-secondary programs offering varying levels of instructional quality at extraordinarily high cost, the time is ripe for WEU. WEUbrings a completely fresh perspective to the education model from the outside looking in, building content and programs around the needs of learners and the industries that will eventually offer them jobs.

WEU reflects a disruptive and transformative business model that will forever alter the landscape of post-secondary education to embody the next "big idea" that will change the world. We believe that free university programs and degrees will have massive worldwide appeal, breaking down traditional economic, geographic and cultural barriers for students domestically and internationally. WEU aims to meet the growing demand of the current market, and projects millions of consumers clambering to sign up, login and learn.

See the article here:
World Education University: Disruptive New Player in Free Online Higher Ed Movement

ANNAPOLIS, Md., July 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Law schools are gearing up for the on-campus recruiting season, yet the job market is the worst in a generation.

Once, a law degree ensured stable employment at a respectable salary. But fewer than half of the 40,000+ graduates in the Class of 2011 found permanent, full-time employment as lawyers in law firms. As law students begin the on-campus interviewing process, there is a new resource to help them. Shauna C. Bryce, Esq., a leading career adviser for attorneys, just launched http://www.HowToGetALegalJob.com. "It's all about converting the massive investment in a law degree into a paying legal job and a law career," she says.

How To Get A Legal Job helps law students confront the combination of:

Yet, "so many don't have any idea how to face this perfect storm," Bryce says. "They need help transitioning from student to professional."

The new How To Get A Legal Job website expands on Bryce's book, "How to Get a Legal Job: A Guide for New Attorneys and Law School Students." Together, the website and book are the culmination of her 15+ years of law firm, in-house, hiring committee, and career counseling experience, and her 3 years of research and interviews of 150+ hiring lawyers across the country and across industries.

"I put in so much research because How To Get A Legal Job isn't just about one person's opinion," Bryce says. "It's built on advice from the same people who review resumes, interview, and make hiring decisions." The thoroughness behind How To Get A Legal Job has been noted in numerous endorsements and reviews.

"The more job hunters know about the market conditions, the hiring process, and the real opinions of decision-makers," she continues, "the better they can do in the marketplace." The website and book teach the principles behind the advice, like what hiring attorneys think about various resume-writing strategies and why, as well as and provide step-by-step guides on implementing that advice, "so that students and recent graduates can understand, meet, and exceed expectations."

Bryce is also including a forum on the website. "It's hard to be candid on sites like LinkedIn and Facebook because they aren't anonymous and they're populated by employers, family, and classmates. I want to create a place of freedom for students that only anonymity can give."

About Shauna C. Bryce, Esq.

Shauna C. Bryce, Esq. is a career industry leading expert in coaching and strategic resumes for lawyers. A graduate of Harvard Law School, Shauna served in a major law firm based in Manhattan, a regional law firm, and in-house at a regional company. During this time, she reviewed countless resumes, conducted interviews, worked on a firm's hiring committee, and mentored associates. She then brought her expertise to job hunters, forming Bryce Legal Career Counsel. She is also the author of "How to Get a Legal Job: A Guide for New Attorneys and Law School Students," a project involving 3 years interviewing more than 150 hiring attorneys.

See the article here:
Life Raft for Law School Students Launching Their Careers in 'Perfect Storm' of Crushing School Debt and Dismal Job ...

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihXE17HnKFc

30-07-2012 11:47

Read the original here:
72 year old Andy @ 2012 SM Chamber of Commerce health and fitness festival - Video

They have trained most of their lives to get to the London Olympic Games 2012. But if you are like me, your Olympic fever is now growing weary, and you care more about the medals on the wine bottle youve just opened than the official medal tally.

Quite frankly, at some points in recent days Ive thought that if I have to watch anymore sports coverage I may just lose my will to live and God forbid my patriotism.

But then I spied the athletes that did more than steal my attention and reignite my flame for this historic event because Lesliebeans, the Olympics is full of HOT women I never knew existed.

Hockey. Holy moly. Where did these girls come from?! Our Australian team the Hokeyroos, with an average age of 25, are in a league of their own. Midfielder Casey Eastham, 23, and striker Ashleigh Nelson, 25, are definitely worth my time!

The Netherlands. WOW. I dont know what the Dutch are putting in their Gatorade but its working. These girls are hypnotic. Sophie Polkamp , Ellen Hoog oh hell I cant name all of them but this team are extraordinary! Their incredible athletic bodies and flowing blonde locks illuminate the field like elves from Riverdale on Middle Earth.

Volleyball. Brazil. Do I need say any more? Who else but a perfect God could have crafted the beautiful Brazilian volleyball team. Look at the perfection. The miracle taking place is not the result of a random Big Bang! No, it is not! It is the work of a perfect creator. Brazils team is the defending champion at the Olympics and was favoured to win the gold.

Read the original post:
Sex / Health / Fitness: The Olympics - Discovering hot girls you never knew existed

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) August 01, 2012

The Gym, Health and Fitness Clubs industry has benefited from the array of marketing campaigns and ensuing consumer trends for fighting obesity and improving health. Gym membership numbers have increased considerably over the past 10 years, rising from 36.3 million in 2002 to more than 43.6 million by 2012. According to IBISWorld industry analyst Dale Schmidt, "this trend is the result of soaring demand for fitness activities, and industry operators have capitalized on this growth by expanding establishments in both size and number." In addition, the industry has diversified some with the rise of small-scale gyms and female-oriented gyms, which have expanded its customer base.

However, the industry has not been recession-proof. In 2008 and 2009, demand for gyms and health clubs weakened as consumers cut back on discretionary spending. Still, compared with other industries, the Gym, Health and Fitness Clubs industry has remained remarkably resilient, as increased leisure time and boosts in health and morale from exercise have kept the industry highly competitive. Gyms and health clubs have broadened their markets in a bid to retain membership numbers throughout the recession's aftermath. "Due to their lower cost, the downturn has also favored the growth of small-budget gyms with fewer amenities over more expensive, all-inclusive clubs," says Schmidt. Consequently, this industry has a low level of market share concentration, with the top four firms in this industry accounting for a relatively small portion of sales. The concentration remains low because of the large number of centers that only employ one person or are nonemploying establishments. The larger players in this industry, such as 24 Hour Fitness, Ballys Total Fitness and Curves International have numerous locations throughout the United States, while small players are generally operate in one or two states. Over the past five years, concentration has increased as a result of larger firms continuing to expand operations to improve economies of scale and enter new markets.

Over the next five years, the industry will benefit from increased youth and baby-boomer memberships, which will boster the industrys revenue. Firms will profit from the public's growing interest in staying fit as well as the rising obesity rate, and membership growth will continue to outpace population growth. As consumers' income grows in line with the recovering economy, the industry will transition back toward larger and all-inclusive clubs. With total health club memberships expected to rise at a healthy rate over the next five years, players will capitalize on this growth and provide members with additional services in a bid to increase registration and retention rates. For more information, visit IBISWorlds Gym, Health & Fitness Clubs in the US industry report page.

Follow IBISWorld on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/IBISWorld Friend IBISWorld on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/IBISWorld/121347533189

IBISWorld industry Report Key Topics

This industry operates fitness and recreational sports facilities that feature exercise and other active physical fitness conditioning or recreational sports activities, such as swimming, skating or racquet sports. Firms are also involved in facilities management and fitness instruction.

Industry Performance Executive Summary Key External Drivers Current Performance Industry Outlook Industry Life Cycle Products & Markets Supply Chain Products & Services Major Markets Globalization & Trade Business Locations Competitive Landscape Market Share Concentration Key Success Factors Cost Structure Benchmarks Barriers to Entry Major Companies Operating Conditions Capital Intensity Key Statistics Industry Data Annual Change Key Ratios

About IBISWorld Inc. Recognized as the nations most trusted independent source of industry and market research, IBISWorld offers a comprehensive database of unique information and analysis on every US industry. With an extensive online portfolio, valued for its depth and scope, the company equips clients with the insight necessary to make better business decisions. Headquartered in Los Angeles, IBISWorld serves a range of business, professional service and government organizations through more than 10 locations worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.ibisworld.com or call 1-800-330-3772.

View original post here:
Gym, Health & Fitness Clubs in the US Industry Market Research Report Now Available from IBISWorld

NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Healthways (HWAY) announced effective July 1, it is providing the Prime Fitness program to Novitas Solutions (formerly Highmark Medicare Services) of Camp Hill, Pa. and First Coast Service Options (FCSO) of Jacksonville, Fla. Both companies will provide Prime Fitness to their employees in all locations as a company-paid benefit as part of their commitment to enhancing employees health and well-being. The program promotes the benefits of physical activity with a combination of convenient access to facilities and motivational support.

Healthways Prime Fitness members have full access to more than 8,000 fitness centers nationwide, providing a variety of class, equipment and location options. Members also have access to an online portal that provides resources to locate participating centers, create fitness plans and set and track goals. Telephonic customer service support is also provided.

Regular physical activity prevents and controls health issues that influence healthcare costs and productivity. Research has shown that increasing physical activity from 0-1 times per week to more than 3 times per week decreased medical costs by $2,202 per year per person1.

By offering Prime Fitness to their employees, Novitas and FCSO are demonstrating their commitment to enhancing their well-being, while at the same time addressing rising healthcare costs, said Healthways president and chief executive officer Ben R. Leedle, Jr. By making fitness convenient, accessible and engaging, Prime Fitness gives members every incentive to participant in a program that is both highly rewarding and enjoyable.

Prime Fitness engagement specialists will work closely with Novitas and FCSO employees to create strategic, tailored campaigns that encourage ongoing participation in their programs. Aggregate reporting of member enrollment and use will guide the employee communication and programming strategy.

About Healthways

Healthways (HWAY) is the largest independent global provider of well-being improvement solutions. Dedicated to creating a healthier world one person at a time, the Company uses the science of behavior change to produce and measure positive change in well-being for our customers, which include employers, integrated health systems, hospitals, physicians, health plans, communities and government entities. We provide highly specific and personalized support for each individual and their team of experts to optimize each participants health and productivity and to reduce health-related costs. Results are achieved by addressing longitudinal health risks and care needs of everyone in a given population. The Company has scaled its proprietary technology infrastructure and delivery capabilities developed over 30 years and now serves approximately 40 million people on four continents. Learn more at http://www.healthways.com.

1 Cross, M. Spend Money on Healthy People. Managed Care. August 2004. Available at http://www.managedcaremag.com/archives/0408/0408.wellpeople.html.

See the article here:
Healthways to Provide Prime Fitness Program to Novitas Solutions and First Coast Service Options Employees

Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9coD8A2zxp0

31-07-2012 13:18 Jeff Vogan...retirement planner, financial advisor in Mesa & Tucson Arizona discusses why traditional asset allocation may not work today.

See the original post:
Relevancy of balanced portfolios: Retirement planner Jeff Vogan Mesa Tucson Arizona - Video

LONDON (SHARECAST) - Global consumer packing company Rexam posted a three per cent like-for-like rise in sales during the first half of the year, pushed higher by a six per cent increase in the total number of beverage cans volumes.

Revenue for the year came in at 2,165m, compared to 2,095m the same half the previous year, with underlying pre-tax profit at 207m (H1 2011: 204m) and underlying earnings per share up from 16.7p to 17.1p.

The group recently announced its intention to sell its loss-making Personal Care division; with this division included, underlying profit before tax was 225m.

However, it was by no means all good news as statutory pre-tax profit fell from 192m to 166m and the firm turned in a post-tax loss for the period at 52m, compared to a profit of 132m the previous year, as its Personal Care division put a 171m dent in the bottom line. Total basic losses for the period were 6p compared to earnings of 15.1p the same period in 2011.

Underlying operating profit from continuing operations improved 2.0%, in spite of a number of headwinds including higher aluminium conversion and labour costs.

As at June 30th, net debt was 1.35bn, compared to 1.3bn at the end of 2011.

In Europe, utilisation improved as a result of higher volumes and in North America it increased as the firm started to recover volumes lost in 2011. There was also better utilisation in South America as market growth resumed and it started to recover some of the market share lost to additional competitor capacity last year.

The firm said: "Beverage Cans traded well with the global growth of speciality cans and the performance of the North American business overcoming cost headwinds. As indicated previously, we had some specific challenges in Healthcare.

"In an increasingly uncertain macroeconomic environment, we will continue to focus on generating cash, managing costs and return on capital employed for the rest of 2012. Our progress to date gives us confidence of achieving our 15% return on capital employed target by the end of 2013."

Half year sales for Beverage Cans rose 1,871m to 1,946m year-on-year, with underlying operating profit up from 212m to 226m, driven by good volume growth in speciality cans, better than predicted volume recovery in North America, and continued delivery of efficiencies related to down-gauging and light-weighting. The return on sales increased from 11.3% to 11.6% and the return on net assets increased from 29% to 32%.

Read the original post:
Personal Care unit dents Rexam

Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez has insisted that he would swap all of his goals for another Premier League title.

'Chicharito' has struck 32 times in all competitions in his first two seasons at Old Trafford, but claims that he does not set personal targets and focuses solely on helping the team win matches in whatever way he can. The Mexico international added that he does not want to be seen as a player who had played badly if he has failed to score instead hoping people recognise his all-round contribution.

"I've never had a goal target," Hernandez told Inside United magazine. "I don't want to be obsessed with scoring goals, I don't want to be only that player who only scores goals, and if I score goals I've played well and if I didn't score goals I played badly.

"It's more about doing my best for the team - if the goals come then great, but if someone else scores instead of me then it's still great for the United fans and for the club.

"You can never play one man against 11, and one player can never score all the goals by himself. If the goals are coming then good, but as I've always said, I would swap every one of my goals for a title with Manchester United."

United lost its grip on the title in dramatic fashion last season, as rival Manchester City scored twice in the dying minutes of the campaign to beat QPR and claim its first Premier League crown.

Hernandez admitted that the tables had been turned on a club that has, over the years, come back from a couple of seemingly impossible positions itself, most notably in the 1999 and 2008 Champions League finals.

"It was difficult to believe, really," Hernandez admitted. "For so many years that type of game was a fable of Manchester United, with goals in the last minute [to win big games], and sometimes it is part of life to experience the bad moments like this one.

"It was a very strange day because in the space of one minute we thought that the title was going to be ours, and then City scored twice, and that's it.

"When you win you learn to keep working hard in order to keep doing the things you did to win the title. And when you lose, you need to learn from the mistakes you made.

Link:
Hernandez: I would swap all of my goals for another title with Manchester United

LONDON--(BUSINESSWIRE)-- A new survey from online marketing tools provider Constant Contact, Inc. (NASDAQ:CTCT - News) indicates a strong disconnect between British small businesses perception of social media marketing success and the reality.

Among the one quarter (24 per cent) of British small business decision makers surveyed that report using Facebook to market their organisation, more than a third (37 per cent) say they dont think it has helped their business in any way, and only one fifth (21 per cent) believe they are doing a great job using Facebook to market their business. The data reveals several misconceptions that help to explain these attitudes, and shows that small businesses are actually doing a better job than they think.

"We were surprised to see the misconceptions that many British small businesses have about what social media marketing success looks like - especially when their own results show they are doing a fantastic job using Facebook to drive customer engagement, find new customers and generate repeat sales," explained Annette Iafrate, UK managing director at Constant Contact.

Small businesses use Engagement Marketing without knowing it

In looking at the how small businesses are using Facebook to market their organisation, the survey revealed a major misconception around engagement, demonstrating that Britains small businesses simply arent familiar enough with Engagement Marketing to recognise when they are doing it. In fact, nearly a third (32 per cent) of decision makers whose small businesses use Facebook say they dont know how they engage with Facebook fans, yet they also report employing a variety of engagement tactics on their Facebook pages.

Of those whose organisations use Facebook in some way:

The great news here is that British small businesses are using Engagement Marketing to their benefit without even realising it, said Iafrate. Engagement isnt complicated, nor does it have to be costly. Responding to fans, asking questions, and Like-gating content or offers are all great ways to boost interaction with your fans. The best part for time-starved small businesses is that doing these things takes just a few minutes a day.

Small businesses overestimate whats needed for success

The survey also revealed a huge misconception around evaluating the success of engagement tactics. Of those willing to hazard a guess, a fifth of respondents whose small business use Facebook (23 per cent) believe success equates to achieving more than 500 shares, comments or Likes on a single post. In reality, it takes far less to find success, and more than half (52 per cent) of respondents who reported knowing how many Likes, shares, or comments their posts usually get are achieving fantastic results for their business by generating up to ten Likes, shares or comments on each Facebook Business page post.

From talking to small businesses every day, we know that engagement typically happens in small doses and over time, noted Iafrate. When it comes to small businesses and social media marketing, small really is huge. Just one or two shares can put your content in front of hundreds of new sets of eyeballs.

Original post:
Constant Contact Survey Reveals that Small Businesses Need Help Evaluating Social Media Marketing Success