IKEA for Scott's Apartment's by Interior Designer mom? | Home ...

Interior design for Bedroom design decorating and interior design ideas. San Diego Interior Designer Rebecca Robeson and her son Scott introduce a design video showing several of the apartments and condos Scott has lived in over the past 6 years. In their FIRST EVER video together, Rebecca and Scott explain how purchasing the right pieces from the start can build a foundation for a home and create flexibility if frequent moves are necessary. Learn how to decorate on a budget with smart furniture pieces, lighting, art and accessories. Subscribe to Scott Robeson?s ?Drive to Work? channel and enjoy the hilarious ride! www.youtube.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Source: http://jorgemier.com/home-accessories/ikea-for-scotts-apartments-by-interior-designer-mom.htm

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KCET: From refugee to daughter of a street perfume vendor to college grad -- another LA arrival story frmo @KCETDepartures: http://t.co/BqD9NVFp

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Source: http://twitter.com/KCET/statuses/218427322817191936

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Marketing Is NOT About Relationships ? B2B Digital Marketing

Develop a relationship. Don?t propose on the first date. Relationships take time.

You talk about relationships as a marketer. You use the same words and clich?s. However, you don?t really mean a relationship.

You won?t take a walk in the park with me because we enjoy spending time together and share what we did today just because we want each other to know.

What do businesses really mean when they talk about relationships and what is marketing?s place in those relationships with clients, prospects and the marketplace at large?

Business Relationships that Matter

In the vast majority of enterprise B2B companies, relationships that matter are between people. This is why sales people with existing relationships are recruited and account managers work to develop personal relationships with clients.

Marketing Isn?t About Relationships

Marketing is tasked with reaching the masses, even when the masses are just your 500 customers in the niche market you serve.

Here are three reasons marketing cannot be focused on developing relationships with these people:

1. Marketing will need to transfer the relationship to sales or account teams. Rather than create opportunities, this creates disruption.
2. There are far too many people for marketing to develop meaningful relationships.
3. Marketing is predominantly one-way communication. Outside of social networks, the only dialogue back is a click. That click may be important, but calling it a conversation is an insult to the person with their hand on the mouse.

Marketing?s Real Role In Business Relationships

Marketing doesn?t create relationships, but marketing does have an important role. Focusing on how marketing contributes will position your company to have more meaningful and productive relationships with customers.

Capture Attention
Without someone?s attention, your business cannot develop a relationship. Marketing?s first stepping stone is getting attention, using advertising, content marketing or any other tools at their disposal.

Identify Potential Prospects
Sales is the first stop for relationship building in many organizations, but who should sales focus on? Marketing needs to identify potential prospects that are likely receptive to speaking with sales and beginning to develop a relationship.

Activities ranging from inbound marketing to lead scoring and distribution are critical for marketers to master here.

Support Relationship Building
Marketing can provide the materials (often in various forms of content) that supports sales conversations and the ongoing communications streams that keep your sales and account teams in front of people.

When someone picks up the phone to actually have a conversation in response to any of the material marketing has provided, the conversation is not with marketing and the relationships that develop are not with marketing.

In Summary

The business relationships you need to develop are not relationships with marketing. Marketing must play a supporting, not a leading, role in the development of successful business relationships.

Your Turn

What is your view, has relationship become a thin buzzword in marketing, or do you believe marketing should be the primary point in a company?s relationship with customers and prospects?

Share your perspective in the comments below or with me on Twitter (@wittlake).

Photo by Natesh Ramasamy

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Source: http://b2bdigital.net/2012/06/28/no-marketing-relationships/

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thelostagency: The Sound of Trouble Knocking??? ? A Call from Google Places India http://t.co/hfrGU7Uz via @mblumenthal

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2012/2013 EUROPEAN RIVER CRUISE - Fashion Maniac

Compiled by Phillip Johnson

Crystal Cruises Wine Tasting

Bocuse d?Or Chef Experiences, Masters of Wine, and Other Culinary Stars to Spice up Crystal?s Summer and Fall 2012 Wine and Food Festivals

Caption: Robin Kelley O?Connor is one of several Master Sommeliers who will be bringing his culinary expertise to Crystal Cruises? guests about the ultra-luxe line?s Wine and Food-themed cruises this year. (PRNewsFoto/Crystal Cruises)

Crystal Cruises is renowned for providing intimate access to the cream of the international culinary crop; and extraordinary culinary experiences are a hallmark of every Crystal vacation. ?Extensive, innovative choices for gourmandizing include the ultra-luxury line?s coveted cheese and wine cellars, overseen by on-board, certified cheese and wine sommeliers; fresh, chef-like cocktails served by certified mixologists; and gourmet dining options at every meal, whether in the Crystal Dining Room, at afternoon tea, or in Nobu Matsuhisa?s specialty restaurants ? all complimentary and included with every cruise.

Crystal Cruises - Crystal Wines (Courtesy: Crystal Cruises Media Center)

The ultra-luxe Crystal Cruises, in a new program, is bringing aboard esteemed chefs, wine experts, and mixologists to enlighten guests on Europe?s culinary arts and host a $1,000/person rare wine experience, with mentors including:

Complimentary cooking lessons, hands-on classes, wine tasting, cocktail-mixing instruction, and special dinner menus for all will be offered:

• September 18: 12-day Mediterranean cruise from Istanbul to Venice on Crystal Serenity
• November 17: 11-day Canary Island voyage from Barcelona to Lisbon on?Crystal Serenity
• August 14: 11-day Baltic/North Sea sailing from Stockholm to?Dover/London on Crystal Symphony. ?Moueix and Solvold will also serve as?chef/wine expert hosts for this cruise?s piece de resistance: a 7-course, $1,000
• ?Ultimate Vintage Room? fete, with Moueix sharing?uber-rare wine pairings from his private collection.

Until June 30, ?Book Now? fares for the Wine and Food-themed Series begin at $3,615/person, double occupancy, with $1,000/person in additional savings for Penthouse bookings. ?Attractive airfares are available from more than 200 North American gateways.
For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call?888-799-4625, or visit?www.crystalcruises.com.
Web Site:?http://www.crystalcruises.com

The Big Reveal: Crystal Symphony Completes Dazzling Extreme Ship Makeover. $15 Million Dry Dock Finishes 5-Year Redesign Plan

Caption: Among the redesigns of Crystal Symphony?s gathering spaces was a complete re-do of the ship?s Palm Court lounge, a signature space for drinks, dancing, afternoon tea, and vista-gazing. (PRNewsFoto/Crystal Cruises)
Completing a two-week extreme makeover, ultra-luxe Crystal Cruises reveals chic-ly redesigned major public spaces aboard Crystal Symphony, including the Avenue Saloon, Palm Court lounge, Galaxy showroom, Hollywood Theatre, Bridge Lounge, Fantasia and Waves ?junior cruisers? areas, and the Tender Landing/Passenger Boarding Area. ?This latest triumph marks the culmination of a $65 million, five-year plan to redesign every room aboard the award-winning ship. ?Other invigorating new touches include ?bells and whistles? added to all staterooms, paddle tennis court resurfacing, sprucing of tender shuttles, more energy-efficient hull paint, galley updates, and general maintenance and detailing of the entire ship, from propellers and boilers to the bridge and lifeboats.

Crystal Cruises - Crystal Symphony at Sea

?In keeping with our tremendous focus on design, we wanted to create something both highly contemporary and yet extremely accessible,? says President Gregg Michel. ?The ultimate result is all our guests? favorite gathering places now feeling even more welcoming, while also offering the stylish sophistication and comfortable elegance luxury travelers look for in a vacation setting, and expect from Crystal.?

Crystal Symphony - The Refurbished Palm Court - Among the redesigns of Crystal Symphony gathering spaces was a complete re-do of the ship's Palm Court lounge, a signature space for drinks, dancing, afternoon tea, and vista-gazing. (PRNewsFoto/Crystal Cruises)

Three interior design companies from the UK and U.S. created the visions for the new spaces: Adfecto and SMC Design from London and KNA Design from Los Angeles, with inspiration culled from classic tony icons like New York?s 21 Club, Hollywood?s Coconut Grove, and Palm Beach country club life. ?With lighting being such a key creative consideration, Crystal and designers also worked with DPA Lighting Consultants to add to the design?s drama, ambiance, and environmental-friendliness.

Crystal Symphony Galaxy Lounge

Helping Local Communities
While the refurbishing was taking place at Hamburg?s Blohm + Voss shipyard, four 20? containers of Crystal Symphony furniture were donated to Hamburger Tafel, a charitable organization that has extensive outreach into local, underprivileged communities. ?Thanks to transportation assistance from fellow goodwill organization, Stilbruch, hundreds of chairs, stools, tables, and cabinets will be given directly to Hamburg area residents-in-need.

Elegant Tea, Tunes, Cocktails, and Vistas
KNA?s redesign of signature lounges Avenue Saloon and Palm Court sets the perfect, lively backdrop for taking advantage of Crystal?s newly all-inclusive fine wines and custom-crafted cocktails. The panoramic-view from the Palm Court is the jewel in the crown on top of the ship, recalling the glamour-filled Coconut Grove of Hollywood?s yesteryear, yet also delivering a sleek, uber-contemporary wow factor. ?More intimate, modern lounge seating in buttery soft leathers surrounds a larger, spiral-design dance floor and slick, stainless and hand-tiled mosaic bar. ?Flooring is a mix of white, laser-cut Calacatta marble, soft grey swirling wood, and carpeting with a bold, large-scale, graphic ? a pattern that is complemented by the reflective, decorative ceiling around the bar?s perimeter. ?Together, aqua, chartreuse, ash, and cream jewel tones create a ?light? California ambiance that helps bring the outside in during daytime tea and view-gazing. ?New lighting, including stunning, faceted Lucite wall sconces and shimmering Murano glass table lamps, transforms the space into a dreamy destination for evening dancing and drinks. ?The emblematic palm theme endures in pillow fabric, Sago palm trees, and a dramatic rock crystal, branch ceiling feature above the spacious dance floor. ?Six-foot-tall, lit alabaster urns, suede wall upholstery, electric window shades, and state-of-the-art Meyer speaker and audio control systems further accessorize the look and sound of this enchanting social destination.

Crystal Symphony Fitness Center

The Avenue Saloon and Piano Bar retains its 19th-century gentlemen?s club feel, but incorporates updated colors, furnishings, materials, and music and seating configuration. ?Rich mahogany-paneled walls, leather upholstery, brass nailhead trim, sumptuous velvets, and thick, lush inset rugs remind one of a days-gone-by manor home. ?Heavily shuttered windows frame regal burgundies, golds, caramels, moss greens, and ivories that embrace guests in luxe warmth. ?The inviting piano relocation allows for increased seating and conversation area choices, including new brass-tack couches, embossed-leaf barstools, or tufted booths. ?New romantic lighting, sumptuous crown molding, antique-style trunk tables, custom artwork, and audio systems add to the salon atmosphere.
Old Hollywood panache also extends into Crystal?s entertainment showrooms, the Galaxy Lounge and Hollywood Theatre, with an air of British tradition, thanks to the spaces? two UK designers. With diamond-patterned glass doors, lustrous gold fabric panels, black Nero Marquina marble flooring, and large LCD digital signage screens, a new, contemporary entrance to the ship?s live performance showroom immediately tells guests they?re in for something special once inside the Galaxy Lounge. ?Through the entry, crystal lighting features, reminiscent of a dressing room mirror, and starburst-designed carpet and wall lights help create a galactic home fitting for Crystal?s star guests and performers. ?Royal purple and old gold curtains in sheer and velvet fabrics envelop the space, including the main stage and side walls, in royal theatricality. ?New, modern mohair seating, cocktail tables, and under-banquette lighting add comfort and drama. ?Throughout, SMC Design includes artwork niches with abstract figurative sculpture and a harmonized color scheme of lively lilac, pink, and crimson shades. ?A new stage extension that expands performance space by 30%, plus cutting-edge tech enhancements such as a new sound booth, show control systems, high-definition Barco projection, infrared video cameras, stage lighting, and Meyer speaker system bring guests on the high seas even closer to Broadway.

Crystal Symphony Reburbished Seahorse Pool - Pool Deck at Day

Classic, Art Deco movie palaces and the stars of the silver screen inspired Adfecto?s re-do of the Hollywood Theatre, Crystal?s elegant space for feature films and presentations. ?New smoked woodgrain walls and velvet damson-colored curtains create a sweeping entry, while decorative and underseat lighting provides a warm ambience and soft glow. ?Crisp, architectural lines prevail in the design of knife-pleated pendant wall lamps and high-back, ivory-colored leather theatre seating ? a contrast to the circular starburst patterns in both the carpet and custom-woven acoustic wall-paneling. An additional, damson wallcovering of crushed silk texture synchronizes with dark umber, taupe, and pearl earth tones and bronze-colored ceiling and metal trim. ?New ?stage? lighting, boosted surround sound audio processing from Bose? and Meyer, top-notch Barco high-definition projector, and enhanced lecture, recording, and presentation control systems further transform the space into a luxury screening room.

Crystal Cruises - Cocktails at the Galaxy Lounge

Crystal?s dedicated Junior Cruisers? areas, Waves (teens) and Fantasia (children), have been re-designed by Adfecto for savvy stylistas-in-training, acknowledging that the spaces? patrons are fashionable young cruisers who already have a strong sense of what?s cool and sophisticated ? while also providing versatility for a wide range of ages and activities. ?Scarlet, pistachio, denim blue, and magenta pink colors differ from typical ?primary? kids colors and inject vibrancy into the sophisticated, warm grey and neutral base woodgrain colors. ?Dramatic graphic harlequin carpeting; custom, digital-printed wallcovering; Marimekko-patterned, Fatboy? bean bags; ?70?s-classic, multi-colored Casala Casalino chairs and tables; and multiple oversized sofas, including a huge Walter Knoll Circle sofa, together, create a trendy urban loft/modern rec room look that kids can ?own? as their own, be it curling up alone with a book, or piling on the couch with new friends for a movie night. ?The areas? divided layout has been reconfigured to create more privacy for teens and a welcoming, home den feel for younger children ? while also allowing flexibility for the space to be opened up into one. ?Different sections for group activities/crafts, storytime, relaxation, videogames (Wii, PlayStation?, Xbox, Kinect), and screenings (two wide-screen TV?s, Blu-ray players, and movie projection system) encourage personal expression. ?New lighting features and Bose? speaker system help create different atmospheres and transform the entire space into an exclusive teen hangout at night.

Crystal Symphony Refurbished Deluxe Stateroom with Veranda

KNA has transformed the Bridge Lounge into the perfect, classic card room ? reminiscent of Palm Beach?s tennis and card clubs during the Gilded Age ? with ambient sconces flanking wooden built-ins, frosted mirrors, and saffron panel-covered walls. ?Soothing ocean blues and teals keep nerves calm during Bridge, board games, or spirited speaker sessions. ?Other new accents include floor-to-ceiling drapes, Roman sheers, modern chandelier, and a 12K gold, champagne leaf, dome ceiling that enhances the wall design. ?New podium, credenza, and A-V systems, along with new convertible game tables and armchairs, provide room versatility and expert-level presentation tools.

Crystal Symphony transitioning the Panama Canal

In addition to Crystal-sprucing of the tender shuttles that transport guests to and from anchor ports, Adfecto has designed a comfortable and welcoming foyer for the Tender Embarkation Area. ?A hint of signature seahorse turquoise, with design references from other public areas of the ship, reminds guests they are back on Crystal immediately upon stepping off the gangway. ?Aged teak, plank-style flooring, a sky blue ceiling, bright lighting, and multi-colored, striped canvas curtains (a la the ship?s poolside furniture) evoke feelings of being out on deck. ?Contemporary benches and boldly-colored, five-foot-tall travel photographs from around the world provide comfortable seating and global-inspired eye-candy when waiting to pass through the space.

A new electronic ?do not disturb? doorbell system ? a big success after installation on Crystal Serenity last year ? were added to all staterooms, as were new cordless digital telephones. ?Penthouses also received new glass shower doors. ?Smaller-level updates included a complete refresh of the paddle tennis court, new stoves and cooking equipment in the main galley, and environmental upgrades with lighting, boilers, and a new, energy-efficient hydrogel hull paint that mimics the low-friction characteristics of a shark?s skin. ?The scheduled dry dock also boasted a massive cleaning and maintenance detail of the ship?s entire exterior and interior. ?An update to stateroom verandah furniture is also scheduled to follow shortly after the dry dock?s end.

Crystal Symphony is now sailing her first of seven all-inclusive Baltic and Northern Europe cruises this summer before sailing across the Atlantic for a New England/Canada season this Fall. ?Until June 30, Book Now fares for a 2012 voyage aboard Crystal Symphony start at $2,355/person, with 7- to-18-day options also offered in the Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand. For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call?888-799-4625, visit?www.crystalcruises.com.
Web Site:?http://www.crystalcruises.com

New Low Solo Fares for Crystal Fall European Voyages

Crystal Cruises, who already charges one of the lowest rates in the luxury cruise industry for sole occupancy of a double occupancy

Crystal Cruises' solo fare offers savings of 15% off starting fares for all-inclusive, luxury Mediterranean cruises this fall. (PRNewsFoto/Crystal Cruises)

room, has ?launched? a new solo travelers? sale on fall Mediterranean voyages. Guests traveling alone can enjoy even lower fares to vacation in ease while traveling through one of the most beautiful cruising areas in the world.? A significantly-reduced solo supplement of just 10% can save individuals up to almost $900 off a private, deluxe outside stateroom (Category C) of their own.

The savings are offered on eight 11- and 12-day Crystal Serenity sailings through the Black Sea, Middle East, Canary Islands, and entire Mediterranean, starting with September 6?s voyage. The all-inclusive luxury cruises embark in Athens, Istanbul, Venice, Barcelona, and Lisbon from September through November, with overnight visits and more time in both smaller, off-the-beaten-path and favorite, large ports throughout Italy, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Montenegro, Israel, Croatia, Morocco and the Canary Islands.? Attractive air add-ons are offered from more than 200 North American ports.

?A Crystal cruise is a wonderful option for solo travelers who seek luxury and pampering while on vacation and also the fast, easy friendships that are made on board,? says Jack Anderson, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales.? ?This is an ideal opportunity for cruisers indulging in a room all to themselves to realize significant savings and value with the World?s Best Cruise Line.?

Among the extraordinary care Crystal provides for solo travelers are Ambassador Hosts on every sailing for those seeking a dance partner, assigned seating for dinner in the Crystal Dining Room, and ?Table for 8,? which brings individuals together for friendly shared dining in the specialty restaurants at night.? Crystal Cruises? ocean resort experience always includes fine wines, premium spirits, and gratuities with one?s vacation, as well as a host of other complimentary amenities, from enlightening enrichment speakers and fitness classes to pampering pillow menus and specialty restaurant dining, featuring the world-renowned cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa.

http://www.crystalcruises.com

AMAWATERWAYS RELEASES NEW WINE BROCHURE & THEMED ITINERARIES THROUGH 2013
NEW CRUISES SHOWCASE ACCLAIMED WINE REGIONS ALONG EUROPE?S SEVEN MOST BEAUTIFUL RIVERS

The Award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways (www.amawaterways.com) proudly announces the release of the Wine Cruises Through Europe 2012 & 2013 Brochure, officially launching its newest ?In Celebration of Wine? themed cruises through Europe?s premier wine regions and world-renowned destinations.
?We?re thrilled to announce our new wine ? themed itineraries and the new brochures are the perfect way to share this exciting news,? said AmaWaterways Executive Vice President and Co-Owner Kristin Karst. ?We believe that each travel agent and guest is a part of our AmaWaterways family and we?re always looking for ways and tools to enhance their experience with us.?

Founded in 2002 by river cruise pioneer Rudi Schreiner, river cruise executive Kristin Karst and founder of Brendan Vacations, Jimmy Murphy, AmaWaterways is the premier river cruise line on Europe?s Danube, Rhine, Main, Mosel and Rh?ne Rivers. Known for its custom-designed ships, extensive complimentary amenities and personalized service levels, AmaWaterways consistently leads the way in river cruising. With destinations traveling through Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia, and new voyages to Africa and Portugal the line?s award-winning fleets compliment a variety of travel plans.

AmaWaterways Amalegro at the Dock in Amsterdam (www.cruise.about.com)

The Europe fleet includes the AmaPrima (2013); AmaCerto (2012); AmaVerde (2011); AmaBella (2010); AmaLyra (2009); AmaDolce (2009); AmaCello (2008), AmaDante (2008); AmaLegro (2007) and the AmaDagio (2006). ?In the spring of 2012, AmaWaterways introduced the new 164-passenger AmaCerto in Europe, joining the AmaVerde and AmaBella in offering an exclusive Twin Balcony design in the majority of staterooms; multiple dining venues; complimentary Internet and Infotainment system, a heated swimming pool or whirlpool on the Sun Deck plus many more unique design elements. In addition to the European destinations, AmaWaterways offers the separate and distinct AmaVoyages to Vietnam and Cambodia via the AmaLotus (2011) and the La Marguerite (2009); Russia via the AmaKatarina (2011); Portugal via the AmaVida (2013); and Africa via the Zambezi Queen (2009).

AmaWaterways? customized ?In Celebration of Wine? cruises feature unique shore excursions and complimentary wine-themed programming designed to showcase the rich history of Europe?s famous wine regions. Guests can enjoy visits to local vineyards and wine cellars in the famous Chateauneuf-du-Pape region; dialogue with acclaimed vintners; sip select tastings of award-winning vintages including Beaujolais

AmaWaterways Cruises - Outdoor Sun Deck on the AMAWaterways Amalegro

and Cotes du Rhone wines and attend onboard, wine-themed lectures co-hosted by various celebrity food and wine experts from top U.S. wineries and an AmaWaterways Executive.

AmaWaterways Cruises - Amalegro Observation Lounge Bar

Itinerary highlights include a traditional ?Heruiger? tasting of new wine in the Austrian villages of Grinzing and Neustift; an introduction to Alsatian wines at the ?Wunsch et Mann? winery in Wettolsheim, France; a tour of Lamego and the historic Palacio de Mateus; and a special ?Oktoberfest? celebration in the charming village of Vilshofen, Germany held exclusively for AmaWaterways guests.

? AMAWATERWAYS? NEW ?IN CELEBRATION OF WINE? ITINERARIES AND DATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
Legendary Wine Regions of the Rhone- This 15-day itinerary begins with 3 nights in Barcelona. There, guests embark on the AmaDagio ?for a 7-night cruise through legendary wine regions with visits to the cities of Arles, Les Baux de Provence, Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, Vienne and Trevoux before arriving in Lyon, followed by a high-speed TGV train ride to Paris for a 3-night stay. Excursions include tastings at local vintners, visits to enchanting Roman ruins and tours of the Provencal shops and marketplaces. North American travelers are invited to book cruises from Nov. 4 2012 ? Nov. 18, 2013.

Vineyards of the Rhine & Mosel ? On board the AmaDolce, this 12-day Rhine and Mosel River itinerary offers an unparalleled experience of centuries-old vineyards along two of Europe?s most renowned rivers. Itinerary highlights include views of the steepest vineyards in the world, a sight unique to the Mosel River; visits to ancient wine villages and vineyards and a visit to the 13th-century gothic cathedral in the city of Colonge, whose twin spires are among the tallest in Europe. The Vineyards of the Rhine & Mosel cruise begins with 3 nights in Paris, followed by a 7-night cruise from Luxembourg to Amsterdam. North American travelers are invited to book cruises starting Nov. 3, 2013.

Paris & the Sparkling Seine- This 11-day itinerary includes 2 nights in Paris and a 7-night cruise along the magnificent Seine

AmaWaterways Cruises - Dining on the AMAWaterways Amalegro (www.cruises.about.com)

aboard the AmaLegro. Guests will enjoy wine lectures, samplings and pairings as they visit the beautiful cities of Vernon, Giverny, Rouen, Les Andelys and Conflans before returning to the Parisian ?City of Light.? Highlighting the rich art and culture of France, excursions include walking the along the streets that inspired Monet, exploring the historic capital of Normandy and its beaches and seeing the ruins of Chateau-Gaillard, the once-massive stronghold of Richard the Lionheart. North American travelers are invited to book cruises from April 4 ? Nov. 7, 2013.

Castles & Wineries of Germany ? On board the AmaDolce, this 14-day itinerary offers a historic tour of Europe?s rich medieval era. Beginning with 2 nights in Prague, the itinerary includes a 7-night cruise from Nuremberg to Luxembourg, visiting Bamberg, Wurzburg, Wertheim, Rudesheim, Koblenz, Cochem, Zell and Bernkastel. The cruise concludes with a 3-night stay in Paris and optional tours of the famous city. Excursions include vineyard visits and wine tastings, a Bamberg Smoked beer, or ?Rauchbier?, tasting, a visit to Siegfried?s Music Museum and a tour of the Reichsburg Castle. North American travelers are invited to book cruises starting Oct. 28, 2013.

AmaWaterWays River Cruises

Culture & Wine Legacy of the Rhine ? This 13-day itinerary begins in the colorful city of Amsterdam, where guests embark on the beautiful AmaCello. Traveling through the legendary Black Forest region en route to Zurich, guests can discover the stunning scenery of the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switzerland. ?Excursions include a tasting of renowned Kolsch beer, a visit to Heidelberg?s red-walled Castle, scenic lakeside tours and visits to the region?s famous local wineries and markets. The itinerary concludes with a 2-night stay in the medieval city of Lucerne, followed by 2 nights in Zurich, Switzerland. North American travelers are invited to book cruises from Nov. 7, 2012 ? Nov. 21, 2013.

AMAWATERWAYS LOGO

Classic Port Wines & Charming Quintas ? This 12-day itinerary begins with three nights in Portugal?s lively capital, Lisbon, before continuing on a relaxing 7-night cruise aboard the AmaVida through the scenic Douro River Valley. Surrounded by deep cleft gorges, charming fishing villages and lush vineyards, this cruise begins and ends in Porto, the capital of the North. Itinerary highlights include a visit to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; a tour of the Palacio de Mateus; a journey to the Portuguese pilgrimage site Nossa Senhora dos Rem?dios (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies) and exploration of the 14th-century Alpendurada Monastery. North American travelers are invited to book cruises from March 29 ? Nov. 1, 2013.

AmaWaterways Luxury river Cruises - The AmaDagio

Great Capitals & Vintages of the Danube ? Onboard the AmaPrima, AmaCerto, AmaBella, and AmaLyra, this 12-day itinerary travels along one of Europe?s most captivating rivers. ?Following a 3-night stay in majestic Prague, guests are invited to embark on a 7-night cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest with a backdrop of rolling hillsides, lush vineyards and medieval castles. Itinerary highlights include a walking tour of Vilshofen, known as a 2,000-year-old fairy tale city; a visit to one of Europe?s largest Baroque monasteries, Melk?s Benedictine Abbey; a visit to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and setting of the ?The Sound of Music? and tours of Krem, a city rich with wine culture and history. North American travelers are invited to book cruises from Nov. 3, 2012 ? Nov. 14, 2013.

For additional information or to request a Wine Cruises Through Europe 2012 & 2013 Brochure, please visit?www.amawaterways.com. To book, please contact a local travel agent or visit?www.amawaterways.com, like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
Web Site:?http://www.amawaterways.com

Risky Drinking Can Put a Chill on Your Summer Fun

Summer is a wonderful time for outdoor activities with family and friends. For many people, a day at the beach, on the boat, or at a backyard barbecue will include drinking alcoholic beverages. But excessive drinking and summer activities don?t mix. Drinking impairs both physical and mental abilities, and it also decreases inhibitions?which can lead to tragic consequences on the water, on the road, and in the great outdoors. In fact, research shows that half of all water recreation deaths of teens and adults involve the use of alcohol.

SWIMMERS CAN GET IN OVER THEIR HEADS?Alcohol impairs judgment and increases risk-taking, a dangerous combination for swimmers. Even experienced swimmers may venture out farther than they should and not be able to make it back to shore, or they may not notice how chilled they?re getting and develop hypothermia. Surfers could become over-confident and try to ride a wave beyond their abilities. Even around a pool, too much alcohol can have deadly consequences. Inebriated divers may collide with the diving board, or dive where the water is too shallow.

BOATERS CAN LOSE THEIR BEARINGS?According to research funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol may be involved in 60 percent of boating fatalities, including falling overboard. And a boat operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) over 0.1 percent is?16 times?more likely to be killed in a boating accident than an operator with zero BAC. According to the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, alcohol can impair a boater?s judgment, balance, vision, and reaction time. It can also increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold-water immersion. And if problems arise, intoxicated boaters are ill equipped to find solutions. For passengers, intoxication can lead to slips on deck, falls overboard, or accidents at the dock.

DRIVERS CAN GO OFF COURSE?The summer holidays are some of the most dangerous times of the year to be on the road. When

NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON ALCOHOL ABUSE AND ALCOHOLISM, NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH RETHINKING DRINKING -

on vacation, drivers face many new obstacles: Traveling an unfamiliar route, hauling a boat or camper, and/or with the distraction of pets and children in the car. Adding alcohol to the mix puts the lives of the driver and everyone in the car, as well as other people on the road, at risk.

STAY HYDRATED AND STAY HEALTHY: Whether you?re on the road or in the great outdoors, heat plus alcohol can equal trouble. Hot summer days cause fluid loss through perspiration, while alcohol causes fluid loss through increased urination. Together, they can quickly lead to dehydration or heat stroke.

But this doesn?t have to happen. At parties, make at least every other drink a nonalcoholic one. If you?re the host, be sure to provide plenty of cold, refreshing nonalcoholic drinks to keep your guests well hydrated. If you know you?ll be driving, stay away from alcohol. And remember, there?s no shame in taking a cab or sleeping on a friend?s couch if you feel at all unsure if you should be driving.

FINALLY, SUMMER WILL END, BUT CONSEQUENCES CAN ENDURE: You can have fun in the sun and still be safe: Avoiding beverages that cause mental and physical impairment while piloting a boat, driving a car, exploring the wilderness, and swimming or surfing is a good place to start. NOT BEING SMART WILL MEAN THAT YOU WILL SPEND THE REST OF YOUR LIFE IN A WHEELCHAIR AS A QUADRPELGIC, SUFFER A BROKEN LEG OR ARM THAT WILL TAKE? MONTHS TO HEAL, CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHILE BAOTING ON THE LAKE THAT WILL RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH TO OTHERS AND/OR POSSIBLE CRIMINAL PROSECUTION FOR YOURSELF. Be smart this summer?THINK BEFORE YOU DRINK, and make sure that you and your loved ones will be around to enjoy many summers to come.

MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT DRINKING AND THE SUMMER HEAT

MYTH: If you drink just beer or wine, you?ll be fine.

FACT: It doesn?t matter what type of alcohol you chose to consume?a drink is a drink. Your blood alcohol content (also known as BAC, the percentage of alcohol in your blood) is what determines how drunk you are.

MYTH:??Drink coffee. Caffeine will sober you up.

FACT:?Caffeine may help with drowsiness, but not with the effects of alcohol on decision-making or coordination. The body needs time to metabolize (break down) alcohol and then to return to normal. There are no quick ways to sober up?only time will help.

For more information on preventing problems with alcohol this summer, and tips on cutting back, visit?http://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov. SOURCE: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health

http://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov

DURANGO, COLORADO ZIPLINE INTRODUCES OBSERVATION TRAIN CAR SEATING

Traveling on its inaugural journey through the Animas River Canyon, the ?Knight Sky? Open Air Observation Car carried its first passengers to Soaring? Tree Top Adventures? Zipline on June 15, 2012. ?Knight Sky is the newest addition to the Durango & Silverton Railroad?s train car fleet. The car was commissioned by Soaring owners and given to the Durango Railroad. With no road access to Soaring?s remote location in the mountains outside of Durango, Colorado, guests arrive at Soaring via the Durango & Silverton Railroad.

Soaring? Tree Top Adventures? first guests to ride in the Knight Sky were Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa (from the daytime TV show Live! with Kelly) and their family.

Melcher Brothers of Durango, Colorado built the new First Class, open-air observation train car, Knight Sky. This private, open seating car was built with the historic Silver Vista car in mind, with luxurious appointments added. The Knight Sky train car includes roomy, reclining leather seating, a UV-protected glass paneled roof and large viewing platforms. From mid-June through mid-August, Soaring guests have the option of riding in any of Soaring?s First Class cars: the Tall Timber Legend, the Tall Timber Legacy and now the Knight Sky.

SOARING TREE TOP ADVENTURES OBSERVATION TRAIN CAR SEATING - Durango, Colorado Zipline Introduces Observation Train Car Seating. The Knight Sky train car was added June 15, 2012. (PRNewsFoto/Soaring Tree Top Adventures)

Soaring? Tree Top Adventures consists of over 34 eco-friendly platforms, with 27 spans ranging from 56-1400 feet. Guests soar over 1.5 miles of cable in old growth forest, through Aspen glens and across the Animas River. Also included is a four-course gourmet lunch served in the trees overlooking the river and an ecology tour that operates in tandem with the Zipline. It has been enjoyed by guests age 4 ? 91. For several years, the canopy tour has been rated the #1 Attraction in the United States, Colorado and Durango on TripAdvisor.com, a consumer website for posting unbiased reviews of places visited.

The all-inclusive cost for the 5 1/2 hour Zipline adventure, including all equipment, expert Sky Ranger guides, Eco Tour specialists, a four-course gourmet lunch served in the trees and roundtrip train transportation on Soaring?s First Class train cars to this full day of adventure is $449/pp. Advance reservations are required: please call?970-769-2357?or reserve online at?www.soaringcolorado.com.
Web Site:?http://www.soaringcolorado.com

FATA MORGANA CIRQUE-STYLE EXTRAVAGANZA COMES TO BEAU RIVAGE JUNE 26 ? AUGUST 19
PRODUCTION SHOW FOR ALL AGES PRODUCED EXCLUSIVELY FOR MGM RESORTS GULF COAST CASINO
Bello Nock, comedic daredevil and circus star, for the first time ever walked 32 stories above and 360 feet across Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi. The high wire walk kicks off Beau Rivage?s summer production show FATA MORGANA which will appear in the Beau Rivage Theatre June 26-August 19.

Bello Nock is one of only five people in the world trained to perform such a feat. Easily recognized by his mile-high blonde hair, Nock holds a Guinness World Record for the first-ever high wire walk across a cruise ship at sea and he has more than four million views on YouTube for footage of his unbelievable toe hang underneath a helicopter this past February. He is one of only a handful of performers to win a Silver and a Gold Clown at the prestigious Monte Carlo International Festival hosted by Princess Stephanie and Prince Albert of Monaco. Equally accomplished at generating breathtaking thrills and laughter, Bello is a true mix of amazing comedian and daredevil. ?Recognized by TIME magazine as ?America?s Best Clown,? Nock kept millions around the world laughing during his time as a headline performer with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. After eight years with the ?Greatest Show on Earth,? and star of his own traveling show, he joined DreamCast Entertainment.

BEAU RIVAGE RESORT & CASINO FATA MORGANA -

?DreamCast Entertainment has produced several successful cirque-style shows for Beau Rivage including Balagan and New Ezuru. This time we wanted to create a summer production featuring more daring and death-defying stunts than ever before. This show has been exclusively produced for MGM Resorts and we?re looking forward to bringing 64 exciting performances in eight weeks to the Beau Rivage Theatre,? said DreamCast Entertainment President Misha Matorin, the show?s creator and producer.

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino is a AAA Four Diamond resort on the Mississippi Gulf Coast featuring 1,740 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites, 10 restaurants, four nightclubs and bars, a 85,000-square-foot gaming area, a 1,550-seat theatre, an upscale shopping promenade, a world-class spa & salon and Fallen Oak, a Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course.

FATA MORGANA, an Italian phrase meaning optical illusion, will feature an international ensemble cast including the stunning Bolshoi Moscow Circus dancers, award-winning acrobats, aerialists from Canada and daring motorcyclists from the Ukraine. The show will feature more than a dozen acts including hand-balancing, the Cyr Wheel, the Sphere of Fear motorcycle globe and the Wheel of Wonder to wow crowds. ?At the center of FATA MORGANA is international circus star Bello Nock.
FATA MORGANA performances are 7 p.m. Tuesday ? Friday; 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday; no performances on Monday. Tickets are $9.95, $14.95 and $19.95 plus tax and service fees and available for purchase at the Beau Rivage Ticket Office, by phone at888.566.7469?or online at?www.beaurivage.com.

A family package of four tickets is available for $30. Advance reservations are required and package pricing is based on availability. ?A one night hotel stay and two FATA MORGANA tickets can be purchased for $129.99 plus taxes and fees. This offer is valid Sunday-Thursday nights and additional restrictions may apply. ?Reference offer code FATA129 when booking.

Ticket holders can also take advantage of Beau Rivage food and beverage offers from June 26 ? August 19. ? Children 12 and under eat free at The Buffet. Receive a free appetizer at Jia with the purchase of any entr?e, and 25 percent off your total bill at Stalla and Memphis Q. Guests must present their show ticket stub and M life card to redeem restaurant discount offers. Food & beverage offers are valid only on day of show dated on ticket. Offers are valid during the duration of the show, any day of the week, excluding July 3 & 4, 2012.

Beau Rivage is a wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International? (NYSE: MGM), one of the world?s leading global hospitality companies. For more information, call?(888) 567-6667?or visit?www.beaurivage.com.
SOURCE:?Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
Web Site:?http://www.beaurivage.com

USC SCHOOL OF CINEMATIC ARTS PARTNERS WITH CRYSTAL CRUISES TO TEACH MOVIE-MAKING
Crystal Cruises? award-winning, luxurious offerings always include a diverse selection of thought-provoking, scholarly, and

CRYSTAL CRUISES joins with USC'S SCHOOL OF CINEMATIC ARTS - Crystal Cruises' industry-first partnership with USC's School of Cinematic Arts will teach digital filmmaking on the iPad to luxury cruisers. (PRNewsFoto/Crystal Cruises)

sophisticated enrichment activities that provide extensive on-board choices for cultured world travelers.

In an industry first, Crystal Cruises has teamed up with the esteemed University of Southern California?s School of Cinematic Arts ? alma mater of Ron Howard, Robert Zemeckis, and George Lucas, among many other film and media-makers ? to present ?Digital Filmmaking: The iPad iMovie Video Course? through the line?s exclusive Creative Learning Institute. Launching this week aboard Crystal Symphony, the five-hour, complimentary course teaches professional filmmaking tools and techniques to create one?s own films, from pre-production to final cut. Led by USC film professors, alumni and other film industry experts specially trained by curriculum creators Kerry Millerick and Dina Sterr, the course utilizes the iMovie app for iPad, but teaches basics that can be applied to any digital format.

?USC is one of the best film schools in the world,? says Bret Bullock, Crystal?s vice president of entertainment. ?We?re thrilled to bring guests a curriculum of this caliber to expand our Creative Learning Institute and teach vacationers even more new skills that they can take home with them.?

Using one?s own iPad, guests shoot one of five documentary-style genres while on board: Interview, Event, Commercial, Man on the Street or How-to. They then edit the footage and add music, graphics, voiceover and effects. Participants learn the importance of filmmaking theory in production ? considering the video?s purpose, intended audience, camera angle and shot composition ? and then how to create a trailer and digitally share their masterpiece with an ?audience? of loved ones via social media.
USC School of Cinematic Arts? Dean Elizabeth M. Daley, shares her enthusiasm about the partnership: ?We are always delighted to have the opportunity to share some of our creative skills and our love of cinema and media with others. Crystal Cruises provides a special way to reach a very interesting and exciting group, and we are pleased that members of our faculty will be invited on board to provide lectures and workshops to their guests.?

The Digital Filmmaking course will expand to Crystal Serenity in January 2013, making the program available on all Crystal?s luxury cruises worldwide. For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call?888-799-4625, visit?www.crystalcruises.com.
Web Site:?http://www.crystalcruises.com

VIRGIN AMERICA NAMED OFFICIAL DOMESTIC AIRLINE OF SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE PARADE?S 42ND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
SAN FRANCISCO?S HOMETOWN AIRLINE PROUDLY PARTNERED WITH SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE PARADE FOR FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
This past weekend, Virgin America, San Francisco?s hometown airline, in partnership with San Francisco Pride, the nation?s largest LGBT event, was the ?Official Domestic Airline of SF Pride? for the fifth year in a row. ?As the ?Official Domestic Airline of SF Pride,? Virgin Americaonce again partnered with the local LGBT Pride Celebration Committee for the world-famous, one-of-

Virgin America logo. (PRNewsFoto/Virgin America)

a-kind SF Pride Parade and Celebration ? complete with a contingent of hundreds of Virgin America teammates celebrating the long tradition of inclusiveness in San Francisco on the airline?s ?The World is Your Runway? themed float. ?In addition, Singer and San Francisco native Aubrey O?Day ? formerly of ?Danity Kane and most recently, Celebrity Apprentice, took to the ?runway? to help Virgin America teammates celebrate atop the airline?s float in the annual parade. ?The float also included a live DJ with music spun by local San Francisco DJ, Fifty Pound Note.

This year marks the 42nd Anniversary of SF Pride, which was be held this past weekend.

SF Pride Parade-goers were also be able to join in the fun by striking a pose in a Virgin America aircraft window cut-out for snapshots that will be featured on Virgin America?s SF Pride photo album on Facebook. The airline is also inviting its followers around the country to tweet the airline a photo of their interpretation of Virgin America?s ?The World is Your Runway? theme using the hashtag #VXPride.

Celebrity Apprentice alum, Aubrey O'Day, celebrating with Virgin America teammates onboard the airline's float at SF Pride. (PRNewsFoto/Virgin America)

Headquartered in California, Virgin America offers guests attractive fares and a host of innovative features aimed at reinventing air travel. Virgin America was named ?Best Domestic Airline? in the Conde Nast Traveler 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 ?Readers? Choice? Awards ?and ?Best Domestic Airline? in Travel + Leisure?s 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 ?World?s Best? Awards. ?The airline?s base of operations is SFO?s sleek and sustainable Terminal 2. The airline?s new aircraft offer interactive in-flight entertainment systems and power outlets near every seat. Virgin America was the first airline to offer Gogo? InFlight Internet on every flight and hosts the largest in-flight entertainment library in the U.S. skies, via the touch-screen Red? platform.
?We?ve worked with SF Pride ever since our launch and this event is always one of the most popular with our teammates,? said Luanne Calvert, Vice President of Marketing at Virgin America. ?As San Francisco?s hometown airline, we couldn?t be more proud to continue to be part of the incredible tradition and celebration that is SF Pride.?

As the Official Domestic Airline of SF Pride, Virgin America has welcomed onboard those traveling to San Francisco from all over the country to take part in the festivities. Virgin America offers hip mood-lit cabins and touch-screen personal entertainment systems (with 700 hours of entertainment content, on-demand food and beverage ordering, shopping and more). With WiFi on every flight, parade-goers can update their Facebook status or tweet about their journey on Virgin America ? and even chat up fellow Pride-Paraders on their flight at 35,000 feet, via the airline?s seat-to-seat chat system.

Since its launch in August 2007, Virgin America has created 2600 new jobs and grown to serve multiple destinations across North America. ?The airline has a fleet of 52 A320 Family Airbus aircraft ? with 60 additional aircraft slated for delivery from 2013-2019. ?Virgin America flies to San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C. (Dulles), Seattle, Las Vegas, San Diego, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Cabos, Cancun, Chicago, Puerto Vallarta, Palm Springs, Philadelphia, Portland and Washington Reagan National (as of August 14, 2012). ?Known for friendly service, beautifully designed cabins and inventive amenities, like touch-screen entertainment at every seat, Virgin America has swept the major reader-based travel awards since its launch, including ?Best Domestic Airline? in Conde Nast Traveler?s Readers? Choice Awards and Travel + Leisure?s World?s Best Awards.

?SF Pride is the celebration of the best that is within us ? the diversity and depth of the LGBT community,? said Brendan Behan, Executive Director of the LGBT Pride Celebration Committee ?We are excited to welcome back Virgin America as our official domestic airline sponsor. ?Virgin America?s commitment to make flying good again goes hand in hand with their partnership with the world-class event that is San Francisco Pride.?
Web Site:?http://www.virginamerica.com

JAPAN AMERICA SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HONORS DISNEYLAND RESORT AND OPERATION TOMODACHI
103RD ANNIVERSARY DINNER & GALA CELEBRATION RECOGNIZES ORGANIZATIONS AND PERSONNEL WHO CONTRIBUTED TO RELIEF EFFORTS FOLLOWING JAPAN EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI

Caption 1:? The Japan America Society of Southern California presented its Kokusai Shimin Sho ?International Citizens Award? to Operation Tomodachi, the joint U.S. Forces and Japan Self-Defense Forces humanitarian relief effort after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Pictured (L-R) Tammie Kanda, Co-Chair, JASSC?s 103rd Anniversary & Gala; Admiral Patrick M. Walsh, 59th Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (Ret.); Jun Niimi, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles; and Terry Hara, Co-Chair, JASSC?s 103rd Anniversary & Gala. (PRNewsFoto/Japan America Society of Southern California)

Caption 2: The Japan America Society of Southern California presented its Kokusai Shimin Sho ?International Citizens Award? to Disneyland Resort for its more than 50 years of help to strengthen the U.S.-Japan relationship though the world?s most beloved theme parks. Disneyland Resort was also honored for its response and humanitarian aid following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. The quake initially stranded 69,000 people at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. Pictured (L-R): Terry Hara, Co-Chair, JASSC?s 103rd Anniversary Dinner & Gala; 2011-12 Disneyland Ambassador Jolie Hales; Mickey Mouse; and Tammie Kanda, Co-Chair, JASSC?s 103rd Anniversary Dinner & Gala. (PRNewsFoto/Japan America Society of Southern California)

The Japan America Society of Southern California (JASSC) presented its Kokusai Shimin Sho ?International Citizens Award? to Disneyland Resort and Operation Tomodachi, the joint U.S. Forces and Japan Self-Defense Forces humanitarian relief effort, at the JASSC?s 103rd Anniversary Dinner & Gala Celebration at the Disneyland Hotel on June 15, 2012.

?The Japan America Society of Southern California?s annual celebration is not only a time to bring our members and guests together, but also to honor outstanding efforts to foster the spirit of friendship and cooperation between Japanese and Americans,? said Nancy Woo Hiromoto, chair of the JASSC. ?Last year?s tragic earthquake and tsunami in Japan brought out the best of both peoples, and we are proud to honor Disneyland Resort and Operation Tomodachi for their extraordinary contributions to the relief efforts.?

The Japan America Society of Southern California presented its Kokusai Shimin Sho "International Citizens Award" to Operation Tomodachi, the joint U.S. Forces and Japan Self-Defense Forces humanitarian relief effort after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Pictured (L-R) Tammie Kanda, Co-Chair, JASSC's 103rd Anniversary & Gala; Admiral Patrick M. Walsh, 59th Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (Ret.); Jun Niimi, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles; and Terry Hara, Co-Chair, JASSC's 103rd Anniversary & Gala. (PRNewsFoto/Japan America Society of Southern California)

The Japan America Society was founded in 1909 to build economic, cultural, governmental and personal relationships between the people of Japan and America. ?It has grown to become the West Coast?s premier educational and public affairs forum dedicated to the United States-Japan relationship by offering unique opportunities to become involved in the business and cultural relationship between the two countries. ?The Japan America Society?s active calendar of events includes breakfast and luncheon programs, business networking mixers, weekend family events, and programs highlighting art, music, fashion, film, performing arts and other special activities. ?Annual events include the 44th Japan America Golf Classic & Tennis Open, Family Fishing Trip and Family Whale Watch Cruise, 16th Japan America Kite Festival? and 6th U.S.-Japan Green Conference. ?The Japan America Society of Southern California is a qua

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Practice Fusion Pulls In $34M Series C Led By Artis To Crush The Other eMedical Record Startups

Practice Fusion is the frontrunner in the fevered race to become?the electronic medical record platform, and today it finished raising a $34 million Series C led by hedge fund Artis Ventures?to make sure it wins and lead it towards an IPO. Practice Fusion's valuation is now around a half a billion dollars, it tells me. Startups trying to compete? "We're squashing them" founder and CEO Ryan Howard tells me. It now hosts 40 million patient records of its 150,000 doctor clients, up from ?25 million records and 130,000 doctors seven months ago. The money will fund a patient acquisition strategy, the build-out of its app platform, hires, and attracting more docs to ditch pen and paper for more efficient, accessible electronic records. Howard beams?"We're excited to light it up. The company's on fire, growth is maddening. The problem needs to be solved."

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Google simulates the human brain with 1000 machines, 16000 cores and a love of cats

Don't tell Google, but its latest X lab project is something performed by the great internet public every day. For free. Mountain View's secret lab stitched together 1,000 computers totaling 16,000 cores to form a neural network with over 1 billion connections, and sent it to YouTube looking for cats. Unlike the popular human time-sink, this was all in the name of science: specifically, simulating the human brain. The neural machine was presented with 10 million images taken from random videos, and went about teaching itself what our feline friends look like. Unlike similar experiments, where some manual guidance and supervision is involved, Google's pseudo-brain was given no such assistance.

It wasn't just about cats, of course -- the broader aim was to see whether computers can learn face detection without labeled images. After studying the large set of image-data, the cluster revealed that indeed it could, in addition to being able to develop concepts for human body parts and -- of course -- cats. Overall, there was 15.8 percent accuracy in recognizing 20,000 object categories, which the researchers claim is a 70 percent jump over previous studies. Full details of the hows and whys will be presented at a forthcoming conference in Edinburgh.

Google simulates the human brain with 1000 machines, 16000 cores and a love of cats originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 07:22:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Condoleezza Rice as VP? 'There is no way that I will do this'

Former Secretary of State?Condoleezza?Rice is?not interested in joining Romney, who has more than enough delegates to win the presidential nod at the party convention in Tampa.

By Associated Press / June 26, 2012

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice speaks at Mississippi College in Clinton, Miss in April.

Rogelio V. Solis/AP/File

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Former Secretary of State?Condoleezza?Rice is trying to tamp down any speculation she could be Mitt Romney's vice presidential running mate.

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Rice tells "CBS This Morning" she's not interested in joining Romney, who has more than enough delegates to win the presidential nod at the party convention in Tampa.

Rice says, quote, "I didn't run for student council president. I don't see myself in any way in elective office."

Rice also says "there is no way that I will do this because it's really not me. I know my strengths and weaknesses." She says Romney will pick a strong running mate and she'll support the ticket.

Rice says that Romney will bring "first and foremost an understanding" of the role the United States' role in the world."

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Duplicate spending on US veterans' care costs billions

ScienceDaily (June 26, 2012) ? A new study published June 26 in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that the federal government made about $13 billion in duplicative payments to provide health-care services to veterans who were simultaneously enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans from 2004-2009.

The study was conducted by researchers at Brown University, VA Palo Alto Medical Center and the Institute for Population Health Improvement at UC Davis Health System.

Some veterans are entitled to health-care coverage through both the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System and Medicare. But under current law, the federal government often ends up paying twice for care of veterans when they are also enrolled in Medicare Advantage managed-care plans. And with the growing popularity of Medicare Advantage plans among all seniors, including veterans, the annual duplicative costs are rising. Nearly 30 percent of Medicare beneficiaries are now enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans.

"These 'dual eligible' veterans earned the right to receive care through both VA and Medicare, but that does not mean that the government has to pay twice for their care," said Kenneth W. Kizer, a former VA Under Secretary for Health and now a professor and director of the Institute for Population Health Improvement at the University of California, Davis, Health System. "The problem could be fixed without reducing benefits to veterans.

"Duplicative costs occur because of way the federal government pays for Medicare Advantage services for veterans, not because veterans are receiving unnecessary care or doing anything wrong," he added.

Veterans who are disabled or over age 65 and have been paying into the Medicare program are eligible for Medicare just like any other American. Veterans who live far from a VA hospital or clinic may especially rely on Medicare coverage for acute or emergency care. But unlike the traditional Medicare fee-for-service program, Medicare Advantage plans are paid in advance to provide all needed care for the beneficiary. If the person enrolled in the Medicare Advantage plan then gets his or her medical care in another federal health plan such as the VA, it means that the federal government has paid twice for care of the same person. Most of the Medicare Advantage plans are for-profit health plans.

To assess duplicative costs, the researchers conducted a comprehensive review of VA and Medicare records for more than 1 million veterans over a 6-year period. The researchers found that 61 percent of doubly-covered veterans used both VA and Medicare Advantage coverage, with 10 percent of dual-eligible veterans receiving all their health care from the VA. That is, 10 percent of these dual eligible veterans received all their health care from the VA despite Medicare paying the Medicare Advantage plan to provide those services. About 4 percent of the dual-eligible veterans sought no care from Medicare Advantage or the VA, and 35 percent used Medicare only.

The number of veterans doubly covered by Medicare Advantage and the VA has risen nearly 53 percent in recent years, from 485,651 in 2004 to 924,792 in 2009. The yearly federal spending in the VA for these dual-eligible veterans rose from $1.3 billion in 2004 to $3.2 billion in 2009. The costs to take care of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries now amounts to 10 percent of the VA's budget for medical care.

But Kizer believes the government can eliminate the duplicative spending without reducing care for veterans by changing the way that Medicare Advantage payment rates are calculated or by changing the law so that the VA could bill Medicare Advantage plans for care that it provides to veterans, as is currently the case with private insurance plans. While the VA may bill private insurers, the law does not allow VA to bill Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans.

"In light of the severe financial pressure facing the Medicare program, policymakers should take steps to identify and eliminate redundant expenditures such as found in this study," Kizer said.

In addition to Kizer, the study's other authors include Amal Trivedi, Regina Grebla, Lan Jiang and Vincent Mor at the Providence VA Medical Center and Jean Yoon at the VA Palo Alto Medical Center.

The research was supported by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Office of Research and Development, Health Services Research and Development Service, and the National Institute of Aging (5RC1AG036158).

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The above story is reprinted from materials provided by University of California - Davis Health System.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

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Journal Reference:

1. Regina C. Grebla. Duplicate Federal Payments for Dual Enrollees in Medicare Advantage Plans and the Veterans Affairs Health Care SystemDuplicate Federal Payments for Dual Enrollees. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 2012; : 1 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2012.7115

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

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Coconut Oil ? Hair | Gnet Health and Fitness

?Coconut oil is excellent for your hair.

Ever wondered people living in coastal tropical regions have excellent shiny black thick hair?

Its because the only hair oil they know of is coconut oil. it is one of the most effective conditioner ever and helps in regrowth of damaged hair. That's why it is used in shampoos and soaps.

Microbes are major cause of weak hair, hair fall and hair loss. They infect our scalp & hair roots and cause scaling & dandruff. The anti microbial activity of coconut oil protects you from microbes

Vitamin E present in it nourishes the scalp and hair. Regular use of coconut hair oil can cure and relieve you from scaling and dandruff.

Coconut oil is an excellent moisture absorbant. When you apply coconut oil on your hair it abosorbs moisture which keeps your hair moistened and soft.

Coconut oil keeps your hair strong vitalized and nourished.

Coconut oil is semi solid at room temperature. So you can use it as styling gel because it condenses at room temperature and will keep your hair in style!

People Throughout The World Acknowledge The Beneficial Effects of Coconut Oil

1. "I use Virgin Coconut Oil instead of body lotion or hair conditioner. I had very dry hair, skin and cuticles due to a thyroid problem but once I started the VCO it went away."?
2. Deborah from Denison, Texas, USA. (http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/coconut_oil14.html#SE)
3. "I still use VCO to condition my hair on occasion as a warm oil treatment before washing" -?Sheila from San Diego, Ca, USA.?(http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/coconut_oil14.html#SE)
4. "This is the BEST hair treatment that I have ever used, and I have tried way too many products in my lifetime." - Michelle from Ohio, U.S.A. (http://www.coconut-oil-central.com/if-your-hair-is-dry-and-lifeless-try-coconut-oil-it-truly-is-wonderful.html)
5. "I decided to try Coconut Oil because my hair was falling out. My hair is starting to grow again and it is healthier! I apply it at night and sleep with it, or I just apply hours before I wash it. I do this several times a week."- Wendy from North Providence, RI (http://www.coconut-oil-central.com/my-hair-is-healthier.html)
6. "My hairline was receding quite rapidly so I decided to try coconut oil. In a matter of 2-3 months my hair was getting thick especially up at the top. I apply 1-2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil (VCO) on my hair and scalp, three days a week, right after taking a bath."- Frederick (http://www.coconut-oil-central.com/my-hair-is-healthier.html)
7. "I have gotten the silkiest, most glorious hair from using it internally and externally," - Sharon. (http://www.coconutdiet.com/testimonies.htm)

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Office Furniture Removalists / Removals | KUSIQUYLLUR Home ...

Moving office can become a traumatic experience if the management doesnt have everything under control. On the other hand, advance planning and consulting office furniture removalists to overlook the logistics of your shift will make way for a smooth transition and cause minimal disruption on the business as a whole. Depending on the type and size of the organization, moving can result in various complexities. Moving offices means that the office manager will be required to ensure that the move takes place without too many hitches.

There are several essential points when moving office, and while there are numerous aspects to overlook during this process, these tips will make certain that you get a good start.

- Before moving, ensure that each staff member is made aware of their responsibilities. Staff should be involved especially in packing up personal items when moving offices. Naturally, this means that staff has been informed beforehand of the move as well as being involved in part of the moving process so that they already have an idea of what the new office is going to be like and can move with minimal disruption. The process at the beginning also includes making certain that there is sufficient telephone and electrical connections at the new office, not only for current needs but for future expansion if any as well. This is where the office furniture removalists play a major role in your office moving venture. They will take due care of the office furniture and ensure that it remains secure and safe while packaging, packing, transporting and unpacking.

- Before the move, it is important to ensure that the best office furniture removalists are there to make certain your move takes place as swiftly and smoothly as possible. This can be done by checking references of former business contacts and clients to check if they have been happy with the services offered by the removalists. Once, youve made the decision to hire office furniture removalists, it is essential to have the computer network first tested and then set up in place a couple of weeks before you arrive at the new office. Make certain that computer upgrading is avoided during this time, and wait to make further changes once youve completed the move. Office equipment such as the photocopier and fax machine must be set up before staff move into the new place, so that as soon you move you can begin working once the personal boxes have been unpacked. Each staff member must be provided with the office layout plan in order for them to visualize what the place look likes before their arrival.

Office furniture removalists will use proper packing material and safe packing methods to pack glass, metal and wooden items. They will also save you from the hassle of having to take on the full responsibility of transportation and logistics. Most importantly, all these points must be discussed with your office furniture removalists while you need to keep a proper checklist so that both the removalsits as well as you can have an easier time if each of these items is taken care of properly.

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Unbowed by Badu blowup, Coyne, Lips aim for record

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