Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Sensible iPhone App for Medical Services Advice Revealed
GeoBlue, an innovator and thought leader servicing the healthcare necessities of expatriates and world travelers, announced at the moment that it has launched the first iPhone program for finding and paying for top quality healthcare services worldwide. GeoBlue Mobile has become easily obtainable in the iTunes Application Store for downloading it on to i-phones, iPads as well as iPod touches. From the palm of his or her hands, GeoBlue insurance members easily use the downloadable app to:
* Review detailed profiles of carefully selected English-speaking physicians and dentists in 180 countries
* Contact GeoBlue’s concierge service to request an appointment with a specific doctor or within a medical specialty
* Plug into iPhone’s mapping and GPS functionality to find the shortest route to convenient care
* Present a digital identification card directly to doctors and hospitals as confirmation of their eligibility for benefits.
GeoBlue Mobile also maps and profiles notable hospitals and pharmacies and provides brand name equivalents for over 350 prescription and over-the-counter medications. To help users describe and understand symptoms, diagnoses and treatment plans, GeoBlue Mobile has built-in translation tools with audio allowing users to play hundreds of key medical terms and phrases in the world’s most widely spoken languages.
Requiring no Internet connection when taken abroad, GeoBlue Mobile is exceptionally fast and easy to use with convenient functionality to save favorites or recall recent searches. With an Internet connection, travelers can also go directly from the app to the Blue National Doctor and Hospital Finder mobile web site to find providers inside the U.S. GeoBlue Mobile was developed and is maintained by HTH Worldwide, the global leader in mobile technology for destination health services.
“Today GeoBlue sets a new industry standard for member convenience and value with the deployment of the global downloadable application,” said Angelo Masciantonio, Chief Executive Officer of GeoBlue. “No other international health plan can place access to a world of quality health care literally in its members’ hands.”
About GeoBlue
GeoBlue is the trade name for the international health insurance programs of Worldwide Insurance Services, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Setting the industry standard, GeoBlue’s mission is to provide peace of mind to long- and short-term global travelers by offering competitive insurance protection and technology-powered assistance, including an elite community of thousands of carefully selected, contracted doctors and hospitals in almost every country in the world as well as its signature destination databases, mobile tools and concierge-level services. The scope of GeoBlue’s services and technology creates a complete, reliable, convenient way to keep international travelers and expats healthy and productive.
Inside Swift Programs For Rising Teen Driver Deaths
A study announced only recently by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) makes known that the actual number of 16- and 17-year-old driver deaths in passenger vehicles increased slightly for the first six months of 2011, based on preliminary data supplied by all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Overall, 16- and 17-year-old driver deaths increased from 190 to 211 – an 11 percent increase. If the trend continued for the second half of 2011, it will mark the end of 8 consecutive years of cumulative reductions in deaths to this particular age range.
The new report – the first state-by-state look at teen fatalities in 2011 – was completed by Dr. Allan Williams, a researcher who formerly served as chief scientist at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Dr. Williams surveyed GHSA members, who reported fatality numbers for every state and D.C. The report comes as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released a statistical projection suggesting that total motor vehicle deaths for the first six months of 2011 declined 0.9 percent.
Deaths of 16-year-old drivers increased from 80 to 93 (16 percent) while the number for 17-year-olds went from 110 to 118 (7 percent), a cumulative increase of 11 percent. Twenty-three states reported increases, 19 had decreases, and eight states and the District of Columbia reported no change. While the changes in state-by-state fatality numbers generally are small, states such as Florida, Texas and North Carolina reported significant increases.
Dr. Williams attributes much of the increase to the fact that the benefit of state Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws may be leveling off, as most of these laws have been in place for some time. Additionally, Dr. Williams speculates that improving economic conditions are contributing to an increase in teen driving, thus increasing their exposure to risk of traffic collisions. Dr. Williams notes, “While it is not a surprise that these numbers are stabilizing or slightly increasing, states should not accept these deaths as something that cannot be prevented. More work can and should be done to save teen lives.”
Troy E. Costales, Chairman of GHSA, explained, “While it is good news that overall deaths appear to have declined during the first six months of 2011, we are concerned that the trend with teens is going in the opposite direction,” He continued, “As the report notes, a widespread strengthening of laws is still possible and finding effective tools outside of GDL is an important goal. These include improving driver education and involving parents in proactively establishing safe driving habits for their teens.”
Chairman Costales explained, “As the parent of a young driver and a soon-to-be-driver, I know firsthand the pressures parents face in allowing their teens behind the wheel. As parents, we must set and enforce strict rules for our new drivers, making sure risks are minimized. This includes limiting other teens in the car, limiting nighttime driving and absolutely prohibiting any type of cell phone or electronic device use while driving.”
Barbara Harsha, Executive Director of GHSA, said states could use federal support to save more teen lives. “As part of the upcoming highway reauthorization bill, Congress should provide financial incentives to states that have strengthened or will strengthen teen driving laws. Additionally, Congress should provide adequate funding so that NHTSA can research and support demonstration projects to determine the most effective ways to increase teen seat belt use and compliance with GDL laws. Congress also should fund NHTSA and the states to carry out distracted driving campaigns aimed at teen drivers,” Harsha added, “Research also needs to be done to determine the impact of changing school start times so that teens are less likely to be driving fatigued.”
The full report, including state-by-state data, is available online at www.ghsa.org.
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. GHSA provides leadership and representation for the states and territories to improve traffic safety, influence national policy, enhance program management and promote best practices. Its members are appointed by their Governors to administer federal and state highway safety funds and implement state highway safety plans.
The Latest On Key Factors In Windsor Advantage Expansion
Windsor Advantage, LLC, a leading lender service provider to banks participating in Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs, has achieved real success in 2011, by not only increasing profitability but also by creating or preserving more than 2,000 jobs and by assisting its bank clients in providing SBA loans to nearly 100 small businesses across the country.
Shawn Andrews, Managing Director of Windsor stated, “The SBA enables banks to offer borrowers the loans they need to increase productivity, hire employees and benefit their local communities. This partnership with the SBA will ultimately provide the foundation for the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovation in the US. We at Windsor are proud to be part of the solution by allowing our bank clients to participate profitability in this great program.”
In 2011, Windsor Advantage achieved its best year to date, generating over 84 million dollars in successfully completed transactions. This achievement is built on 150 years of collective experience working with SBA small business lending programs and a commitment to industry compliance as evidenced by Windsor’s recent SOC 1 Type 2 certification. From offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Charlotte, Kansas City and the corporate headquarters in Indianapolis, the Windsor Advantage team is poised to become the nation’s preeminent SBA lender service provider.
To meet the demands of its growing business, Windsor Advantage made a significant investment in human capital, hiring five new professional staff members last year. Windsor’s internal success in 2011 also resulted in meaningful growth for the United States economy. In partnership with its bank clients, Windsor helped to create or preserve over two thousand US jobs. Windsor has also played a pivotal role in the growth of the nearly 100 US small businesses represented in the loans closed and serviced by the company on behalf of its bank clients.
The responsible and real growth of Windsor Advantage in 2011 is a significant achievement that is made more significant by the company’s success in job creation and preservation and in facilitating the flow of invaluable financial support to small businesses across the country. This is what makes Windsor Advantage a progressive industry leader.
Windsor Advantage provides a comprehensive outsourced SBA department solution to banks across the country. Services include application packaging, loans closing and compliance, secondary market sales, loan servicing and regulatory exam support. Windsor also provides continuing training and technical assistance to banks at no cost. With more than 150 years of collective SBA lending experience, cutting edge systems and rigid controls, Windsor Advantage is uniquely qualified to support its clients to develop and execute a thoughtful and profitable SBA 7(a) loan program.
Insights On Rapid Solutions For Former Top DOJ Attorney
Bass, Berry & Sims PLC is very pleased to be able to broadcast the addition of John Kelly, a former top U.S. Department of Justice official, as a partner in the firm’s Compliance and Government Investigations Practice.
Mr. Kelly will automatically be the controlling business partner of the firm’s brand-new Washington, D.C. office. He has extensive experience with complex federal and state investigations and Litigation matters related to healthcare fraud and abuse, the False Claims Act, white collar crime, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and regulatory and compliance issues.
Mr. Kelly joins Bass Berry after a notable track record of service as a criminal law attorney with the Department of Justice, and subsequently as a partner at Fulbright & Jaworski LLP. During his tenure at DOJ, Mr. Kelly supervised investigations and prosecutions in a broad range of healthcare fraud actions nationwide, including criminal law violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute, the False Claims Act, wire and insurance fraud, and anti-money laundering. He served in several prestigious positions including Assistant Chief for Health Care Fraud of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and he led the Los Angeles Medicare Fraud Strike Force. He also served as Chief of Staff and Deputy Director of the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, where he worked closely with senior leadership within the 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the Department of Justice, and various federal agencies including HHS-OIG, FBI, and DEA.
“With increasingly significant regulatory and enforcement activity having such direct impact on our clients and the healthcare industry, we saw no better time than now to establish a presence in Washington, DC,” said Keith Simmons, Managing Partner of Bass, Berry & Sims PLC. “We are most fortunate to have John at the helm. He is deservedly regarded as one of the most capable healthcare fraud enforcement and compliance lawyers in the profession.
“The best way to build a practice in Washington is by recruiting the best lawyers in Washington, those who are firmly established and recognized in the marketplace,” added Mr. Simmons. “John brings an insider’s knowledge of the Beltway that will have a direct and beneficial impact on our clients who are so directly affected by legislative and regulatory decisions made at the federal level.”
“It is an honor to now be a part of this prestigious law firm,” said Kelly. “I particularly welcome the opportunity to build on Bass, Berry & Sims’ stellar client base and grow its Compliance and Government Investigations Practice here in Washington.”
About Bass, Berry & Sims
Originating from a affluent historical past within capital markets activity in the southeast, the firm’s more than 200 attorneys now represent more than 40 public companies and have developed a national healthcare practice from Nashville, the hub of for-profit healthcare. Bass, Berry & Sims has distinguished itself for service to healthcare clients at every level, including service to hospitals, health systems, pharmaceutical companies and outpatient service providers. The healthcare practice, which includes an interdisciplinary team of more than 100 attorneys, provides unsurpassed depth in government investigations and enforcement, compliance, regulatory and operational matters, mergers and acquisitions, and joint ventures and syndications.
Deciding upon Speedy Methods Of ATF Reward for Information
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) offers a reward as much as $2,500 with regard to facts bringing about the arrest and conviction of the individual or people responsible regarding the Jan. 23, 2012, break-in and attempted arson of the Tipsy Toad Tavern, located at 609 W. Western Ave., in Muskegon.
In addition to the ATF reward, the Muskegon Police Department is offering an additional $500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual responsible for the break-in and attempted arson.
“Arson can have a devastating effect on our community. We need the public’s help to solve this crime,” explained David McCain, special agent in charge of the ATF Detroit Field Division. “ATF and the Muskegon Police Department will continue working together toward our goal of a successful prosecution in the investigation.”
ATF and the Muskegon Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the individuals responsible. Anyone who may have noticed a drunk driver on January 23, or with any information is encouraged to call the Muskegon Police Department at 231/724-6750 or Silent Observer at 231/72CRIME (231/722-7463). Phone callers may also even call the ATF Grand Rapids Field Office at 616/301-6100 or ATF at 1-888-ATF-FIRE (1-888-283-3473).
Significant Elements Of SBA Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration is reminding small businesses that Mar. 8 will be the filing deadline pertaining to federal economic injury disaster loans available in Appling, Candler, Emanuel, Evans, Liberty, Long, Tattnall, Toombs and Wayne counties in Georgia. The SBA declared a disaster because of excessive rain, high winds and a hail storm on March 26 – 28, 2011.
“When the Secretary of Agriculture issues a disaster declaration to help farmers recover from damages and losses to crops, the Small Business Administration issues a declaration to eligible entities affected by the same disaster,” noted Frank Skaggs, director of SBA’s Field Operations Center East.
Under this declaration, the SBA‘s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is available to eligible farm-related and nonfarm-related entities that suffered financial losses as a direct result of this disaster. With the exception of aquaculture enterprises, SBA cannot provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers.
The small business funding can be up to $2 million with a 4 percent interest rate for eligible small businesses and 3 percent for non-profit organizations with terms up to 30 years. The SBA determines eligibility based on the size of the applicant, type of activity and its financial resources. small business loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. These SBA working capital loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits.
Disaster loan information and application forms may be obtained by calling the SBA‘s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications can be downloaded from the SBA’s website at www.sba.gov.
Core Aspects Of AsepticSure Decontamination Technology – Where To Go
Medizone International, Inc., the company behind the AJIC peer-reviewed disinfection technology AsepticSure, announced at the moment that it has now executed National patent application filings of its just lately awarded lead patent application (Canadian Patent No 2735739). These filings apply to the United States, Mexico, Brazil, China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, the 37 countries of the European Patent Organization, Great Britain, India and Australia.
AsepticSure’s clinically proven efficacy against a vast spectrum of pathogenic bacteria, fungi, spores and viruses clears the way for its use in large-scale reductions of hospital acquired infections in surgical centers, long-term care facilities and hospitals around the world.
It’s also the only green disinfection technology on the planet that has consistently demonstrated in peer-reviewed research, an unprecedented 100% kill-rate with formidable pathogens such as C-difficile, MRSA, E coli, Pseudomonas aeruginous and VRE, the root sources of superbug infections – on both hard and soft surfaces – and without the need to remove, cover or protect the treated room’s contents.
Medizone‘s lead patent was granted on November 22, 2011 by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office for processes and systems relating to the platform technology. The Company considers this an extraordinarily strong foundational patent as it covers both the science and technology of AsepticSure.
Medizone Board Chairman and CEO, Edwin Marshall added, “Shareholders should also be delighted to know that our patent attorneys have recently received a most favorable report from the Patent Cooperation Treaty Examiners on both the Bed Bug Application and our Bio-Terrorism Countermeasures Application for dealing with weaponized pathogens for building remediation following an attack.
“To quote, ‘The way forward to an international, favorable patentability opinion on each case seems to be clear. In no case has the examiner found any prior art of which we were not previously aware. In respect of the Anthrax case and the Bed Bugs case, there are no pertinent prior art references at all. All claims in both cases are ruled to possess both novelty and inventive step, so that they can proceed without further amendment or argument.’”
Marshall concluded, “As Medizone’s AsepticSure technology moves closer to becoming the International Standard for Disinfection of enclosed spaces, the significance of these patents to shareholder value moving forward should prove immense. It’s a great time to be involved with this Company.”
Simplifying Effortless Valentine’s Day Dinner Choices Solutions
Valentine’s Day is the most romantic day of the whole year, and if you have ever attempted making meal reservations for a night out, you realize it is also one of the most most popular dining out events of the entire year. It might be almost impossible for getting a dining table. And, just how romantic can it be when you’re surrounded by a crowded restaurant full of strangers?
This year, skip the reservations, long wait times and high cost of going out and instead have a real, intimate and romantic dinner for two at home with the help of eMeals.com, the online meal planning service that saves you time, money and dinnertime hassle.
With eMeals’ special Valentine’s Day Dinner for Two, you and your sweetie can enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal in the privacy of your own home without the prying eyes of onlookers. Show your love by taking the time to prepare this scrumptious meal, complete with dessert, for your Valentine. Or, prepare the meal together for a fun and flirtatious cooking experience.
“There’s no better way to show someone how much you care than by cooking a delicious meal just for them, and with our special Valentine’s Day Dinner Menu, it couldn’t be easier,” said Jane DeLaney, founder of eMeals.com. “We take the worry out of what to prepare and give you the step-by-step instructions and ingredients you need so that you can focus on the romance and not stress out over the food.”
With regards to eMeals.com
eMeals.com has been the market leader in online meal planning since 2003, providing a simple and affordable dinnertime solution to hundreds of thousands of busy people everywhere. Dinner menu plans include classic family meals, low-fat, portion control, low-carb, gluten-free, vegetarian recipes and the new natural and organic plan.
Outlines For Uncomplicated Illinois Wind Farm Financing Systems
E.ON Climate & Renewables North America expressed today it has established $122.2 million of institutional guarantee capital coming from JPM Capital Corporation and Wells Fargo Wind Holdings LLC in exchange for a partial interest in its recently completed Settlers Trail Wind Farm. JP Morgan acted as lead investor in the business funding.
“EC&R constantly looks to determine the most beneficial economic structures best suited for its projects,” said Dr. Verena Volpert, Senior Vice President Finance, E.ON AG. “For this project, teaming with JP Morgan and Wells Fargo made the most sense.”
The project, the first wind farm inside Iroquois County, Ill., is located 10 miles west of Watseka and consists of 94 GE 1.6 megawatt turbines providing more than 150 megawatts (MW) of power, enough to provide clean power to more than 45,000 households in the central Illinois region using North American made wind turbine generators, blades and towers.
“Wind farms generate clean, affordable, homegrown electricity, creating jobs, providing an economic shot in the arm to farmers, ranchers, and rural communities across America,” said Steve Trenholm, CEO, EC&RNA. “JP Morgan and Wells Fargo were natural partners due to their leadership and experience in the tax equity market.”
This specific project is envisioned to create more than $29 million in community taxes, pay $8 million in local salaries, and earn landowners more than $20 million. At the height of construction, the Settlers Trail Wind Farm project brought more than 200 jobs to the area.
E.ON Climate & Renewables (EC&R) is responsible for the E.ON group’s renewable energy and environmental protection activities around the world. Tapping renewable energy sources offers enormous alternatives, both from a business perspective and for the environment. E.ON Climate & Renewables will be investing euro 7 billion in renewable energy and environmental protection projects over the next five years to expand the share of renewable energy in E.ON’s portfolio for the long term. E.ON has thus taken a leading role in developing alternative energy solutions across the globe.
Examining Fast Systems In Clifton Park Model Home Grand Opening
NVR, Inc., one of the country’s greatest homebuilding and mortgage banking corporations, proclaims the grand opening of the completely new, decorated Clifton Park model home, plus savings of up to $50,000 on new single family homes at Scaleby Farm in West Chester, PA. These luxury single family homes are priced from the upper $690′s and offer wooded, 2+ acre homesites in Chester County.
Scaleby Farm is NVHomes’ newest enclave with executive-style single family places of residence in West Chester, PA, combining prime location, just seconds off scenic Route 52, with high-class, estate-style living, supplying homeowners more space, inside and outside. With sizeable homesites with a minimum of 2 acres, and sweeping views of the rolling Chester County country side, your loved ones will have plenty of room to spend time playing and entertain. The community at Scaleby Farm also is a rapid commute to the shopping, cusine and allure of downtown West Chester, while offering uncomplicated trips to points in Pennsylvania or Delaware.
The new Clifton Park model home at Scaleby Farm is astounding in size with 4 or more bedrooms and 4 or more baths with interiors starting at 4,576 square feet. The list of included features is sizable as well, with architecturally dimensional shingles and beaded siding, stone and stucco accented exteriors, 3-car side-entry garages, hardwood flooring in the foyer, gas fireplaces, optional woodstove hearths, and NVHomes’ Signature Kitchen, with granite countertops, maple Timberlake® cabinetry, stainless steel GE® appliances, hardwood flooring and our unique, European inspired range hood, hidden from view by furniture grade cabinetry.
NVHomes at Scaleby Farm are fully ENERGY STAR® Qualified, yielding monthly utility savings up to 30% more than standard homes, according to the EPA. All NVHomes also carry 10-year structural warranties and are independently inspected for quality by a third-party inspector.
NVR, Inc. operates in two business segments: homebuilding and mortgage banking. The homebuilding unit sells and builds homes under the NVHomes, Ryan Homes, Rymarc Homes and Fox Ridge Homes trade names, and operates in 27 metropolitan areas in 15 states.