Saturday, October 13, 2007

Feeling Incentivised? 73% of Us Don't, Says ASDA Business Rewards

Feeling Incentivised? 73% of Us Don't, Says ASDA Business Rewards

Just under 73% of British workers do not feel incentivised in the workplace, according to research released today (May 30) – and that could spell trouble for UK employers, according to professor Kerry Gardiner, a leading occupational health expert.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, Kent (PRWEB) May 30, 2008

More than 45% of workers feel they are 'more likely to be rebuked than rewarded' – although older workers seem to be more secure. 58% of the Tickbox. net survey respondents in the 16-24 age group felt vulnerable to rebukes, but that figure fell to 47% in the 26-34 age group and 37% in the 55-plus age group.

Nearly 38% of the 1,000 respondents said that feeling poorly incentivised at work made them "want to leave their current job".

The survey was conducted for ASDA Business Rewards, which was introduced to make it easier for companies to give personalised incentives to all staff and customers. Graham Sellors, Director of ASDA Business Rewards, said: "Incentivising staff is not just about paying them and giving cash rewards – sometimes an unexpected reward, or even a kind word or a pat on the back, can offer major benefits."

Professor Gardiner said: "We live in a world in which most people have nice houses and quite a good standard of living, but the credit squeeze will start to make employees a little more concerned about job security and their long-term financial well-being. No amount of vacuous congratulations from the boss will prevent an industrial relations problem, or anything on that scale – but prudent managers will pay attention to the relationship they have with employees over the longer term, and there is no doubt that problems of any sort are more likely to be resolved with less loss of production if the relationship is, on the whole, a good one."

Mr Sellors said: "It is normal for companies to reward senior managers and sales staff with bottles of wine or other gifts. It is less likely for companies to offer such gifts to all personnel, and there are now web-based systems that will make this both easy and more cost-effective for employers. There's no reason why relatively large groups of employees cannot receive unexpected corporate gifts, very nicely presented – it is no longer the preserve of the sales force and directors!"

Notes to editor:

To view the full research results or find out more about ASDA's corporate solutions, visit www. asdabusinessrewards. com

Friday, October 12, 2007

Breaking the Fast Food Cycle Chef Offers Tips for Spending Time in the Kitchen, Not the Drive-thru

Breaking the Fast Food Cycle Chef Offers Tips for Spending Time in the Kitchen, Not the Drive-thru

“Knowing what’s in your food is the key to healthy weight loss and weight management. Make it yourself with no trans-fatty fats, no enriched flours and no chemicals,” says Yvonne Stephens, and lack of time is no excuse, just read my book "Amazing 7 Minute Meals".

Cherry hill, NJ (PRWEB) May 28, 2006

An estimated 129 million Americans or 64 percent of the U. S. population is overweight or obese, reports the Department of Health and Human Resources. Many say that the diet industry is to blame for America’s expanding waistlines as the lucrative market for obesity fighting products and services (banking over $100 billion a year) continues to grow, offering a virtual menu of fix-its from controversial new diet drugs to celebrity diets to extreme surgeries.

“Knowing what’s in your food is the key to healthy weight loss and weight management. Make it yourself with no trans-fatty fats, no enriched flours and no chemicals,” says Yvonne Stephens, a graduate of the Art Institute of Philadelphia, a cooking instructor, private chef and freelance food stylist. “No time is no excuse. It takes less than ten minutes to cook a healthy and delicious meal for every taste from all over the world: Italian, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Hawaiian, Asian, etc.”

Stephens has easy advice for beginners wanting to get cooking at home, or people who gave up cooking due to lack of time. In her new book “Amazing 7 Minute Meals” (Synergy Books, April 2006, 1933538201, $22.95), Stephens provides a practical advice for healthy, easy recipes - over 100 recipes that are all cooked in seven minutes or less, stocking your first kitchen with detailed information about herbs, spices and the right carbs.

After a long battle with bulimia and experimentation with every fad diet on the market, Stephens realized the underlying reason why many people spend more time and money on diet plans and fast food than in their own kitchens – lack of time and energy. Because an active lifestyle combined with healthy eating is the only way to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight, Stephens introduced a homegrown approach to eating for today’s dieters. The only items needed for a successful healthy eating and weight loss plan are pre-cut ingredients, a wok (or skillet) and seven minutes.

“Good tools really make your prep-time shorter, and the job easier,” says Stephens. She suggests that kitchen novices invest in a wok, or another large non-stick skillet, which are ideal for stir-fry dishes. The non-stick surface cleans easily, and because you only have one pan, cleanup is also fast. Other beginners will want to add these to their shopping list as well: a chef’s knife, paring knife, cleaver, tongs, whisk, spatula, juicer, peeler, and food saver containers.

By using the stir-fry technique, Stephens says healthy and delicious meals can be prepared and cooked in less time than it takes to cook macaroni and cheese. All the dishes in her cookbook are made with fresh ingredients and are low in calories and fat. Breaking the myth that healthy home cooking is expensive and time consuming, she provides a detailed shopping list in the book outlining the cost of ingredients for four of her meals.

Stephens was born in the Netherlands, and into her family’s rich tradition of Dutch cooking. The recipes in “Amazing 7 Minute Meals” originate from traditional world cuisine she found through her travels.

For more information and free recipes, please visit getrealhealthyfood. com.

To schedule an interview with Yvonne Stephens, or to request a review copy, contact Stephanie Mayabb at Phenix & Phenix Literary Publicists at (512) 478-2028.

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Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Cincinnati, Ohio Hotel Offers Ideas to Make Ladies Feel Special This Mother's Day

Cincinnati, Ohio Hotel Offers Ideas to Make Ladies Feel Special This Mother's Day

Say "Thank You" to Mom with a Cincinnati Weekend Getaway at the Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter.

Cincinnati, OH (PRWEB) May 3, 2008

The Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter knows that surprising mom is never an easy feat. That's why they're making it easy to give her a relaxing getaway that she's sure to remember for years to come. Whether sending her off with a girlfriend, or letting dad tag along for a romantic weekend getaway, mom won't know how to thank her family for such a refreshing weekend away.

Once she checks into her luxury four-diamond accommodations, she's sure to relax in a hotel room in Cincinnati that is highlighted by vibrant waterfront views, plush bedding that offers ultimate comfort with down comforters, custom duvets and rich linens, and upgraded amenities including executive workstations and high-speed Internet. Whether coming with a friend on a girlfriend getaway or coming with her sweetie, she's sure to appreciate time spent without any responsibilities.

Surprise her with a few choice spa treatments at one of the three nearby Cincinnati spas in the area, including a message to rub out knots acquired from carrying young ones. After she's loose and relaxed, treat her to a divine dinner back at the hotel's restaurant, Zebo's Bistro & Lounge. Featuring a stunning environment complete with spectacular views of the Ohio River, the menu features regional specialties created with the freshest local ingredients, and best of all, no cooking is required.

The Cincinnati Marriott also offers moms and their guests the Book a Room and Tickets Too hotel package. Stay the night and receive two tickets to BB Riverboat for a bountiful brunch or dinner boat cruise on Mother's Day. Complete with complimentary souvenir photo of mom and guests, your mom is sure to love this unique gift. Visit bbriverboats. com for more information about BB Riverboat cruises, and marriott. com/hotels/specials for package pricing.

Whether it's a hand made card, breakfast in bed or a Cincinnati weekend getaway to refresh and unwind, all moms really want to be appreciated and thanked, so, tell your mother how much she means to you and surprise her with something special that she's sure to cherish.

About Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter
The luxurious Cincinnati Marriott at RiverCenter boasts deluxe accommodations featuring stunning skyline views. A contemporary great room showcasing a 7-story gazebo complements well-appointed meeting rooms and banquet facilities, which collectively span over 9,000 square feet. In addition, an enclosed skywalk connects The Northern Kentucky Convention Center to this premier Cincinnati Riverfront hotel recognized for hosting successful corporate events and dazzling social soirees. Enjoy a wide variety of downtown Cincinnati, Ohio hotel amenities including the award-winning cuisine of Zebo's Bistro, a full service health club, and fully equipped guest rooms. For more information or to make a reservation, call 859-261-2900 or visit http://www. marriott. com/hotels/travel/cvgdr-cincinnati-marriott-at-rivercenter/ (http://www. marriott. com/hotels/travel/cvgdr-cincinnati-marriott-at-rivercenter/).

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Monday, October 8, 2007

All About Acne - “Skincare-News” Presents First Comprehensive Skincare & Beauty FAQ Handbook – Part 2: Acne

All About Acne - “Skincare-News” Presents First Comprehensive Skincare & Beauty FAQ Handbook – Part 2: Acne

Need help battling those pesky breakouts? Part 2 of Skincare-News. com’s FAQ Handbook provides a comprehensive guide to acne concerns. Find out how to treat acne according to skin type, key ingredients to look for, how to diminish scars, and special considerations for adult and hormonal acne.

Rancho Cordova, CA (PRWEB) November 29, 2010

Looking for answers on effective ways to fight acne? With this Beauty & Skincare FAQ Handbook, anyone can learn the ins and outs of healthy skincare from head to toe. From finding a gentle acne treatment for dry skin to banishing back acne for good, use these FAQs to create a personalized skincare regimen.

In the chapter excerpt below, people can find sample FAQs from Skincare-News. com’s latest guide, “Skincare & Beauty FAQ Handbook – Part 2: Acne.”

Acne & skin type

» Q: Is it safe to exfoliate if a person has dry/sensitive skin and acne?

A: Sloughing off dead skin cells is crucial for people who have acneic skin, but harsh scrubs can actually increase irritation and cause more acne. People should make sure they’re using a gentle facial scrub like a gommage, which is a super-refined exfoliator that gently loosens dead skin cells without causing further dryness and sensitivity.

Treating acne

» Q: Are there any DIY concoctions to help a zit?

A: Try an aspirin tablet, which contains salicylic acid and will exfoliate dead skin cells that can clog pores and lead to acne, as well as reduce inflammation. Simply let a few tablets dissolve in water and mash until creating a paste, then apply to the breakout and let sit for three minutes. But people who have sensitive skin or are allergic to aspirin shouldn’t try this treatment.

Acne treatment ingredients

» Q: Some dermatologists recommend products formulated with benzoyl peroxide to help clear up acne. How does this ingredient work?

A: When it penetrates pores, benzoyl peroxide stops acne in two ways. First, it delivers oxygen to kill acne-causing bacteria. Second, benzoyl peroxide clears the follicle of dead skin cells, unblocking pores to prevent the formation of new blemishes.

Blackheads & body acne

» Q: What are blackheads and how can people get rid of them?

A: Blackheads are a build-up of dead skin cells and sebum that clog pore openings. To get rid of these clogs and keep pores clear, people can use a gentle exfoliating product. In addition, blackhead sufferers can try salicylic acid or retinoids. Remember that retinoids are only available by prescription, so it’s necessary to consult a dermatologist first. Also, a trained esthetician can extract blackheads using a special tool, but don’t attempt this at home.

Acne marks/scars

» Q: What is the difference between a cystic acne scar and a regular scar?

A: While regular acne can scar if it’s deep enough or if it’s picked at too much, cystic acne is much more likely to cause raised or indented scars that won’t go away on their own. These can look like: icepick scars, which are narrow and deep; rolling scars, which look like waves; boxcar scars, which resemble chicken pox scars; or keloid scars, which are raised because of an overgrowth of tissue.

Adult/hormonal acne & birth control

» Q: How different is adult acne from teen acne?

A: People may notice a few differences. For instance, typically for adults the worst acne spots are located along the chin, jaw and neck, whereas in teens, it’s more common to have acne primarily around the forehead and nose. Another difference is that as an adult, acne may be less severe, but it is often chronic. Similar to the teenage years, however, women often notice that their acne becomes worse before their period because hormones are responsible for flare-ups.

Read the complete FAQ Handbook on treating acne-prone skin at Skincare-News. com.

Http://www. skincare-news. com/a-7821-Skincare__Beauty_FAQ_Handbook__Part_2_Acne. aspx

Skincare-News. com consistently covers all skincare and beauty topics from head to toe, including acne and other skincare conditions. For example, check out these latest articles:

Complete Acne Handbook
Http://skincare-news. com/a-7102-Complete_Acne_Handbook. aspx

Acne is one of the most common—and frustrating—skin conditions, affecting men and women of all ages and skin types. And anyone who's ever suffered from acne knows that it doesn't just affect appearance; troubled skin can be a blow to self-esteem as well. Fortunately, people can take charge of skin woes by finding the right treatment for their age and skin type. Here are 25 articles that offer clear-cut insight on everything acne-related: what causes blemishes, effective ingredients for fighting breakouts and how to develop the right skin-clearing regimen.

First Comprehensive "Beauty Glossary": Learning Skincare Lingo
Http://www. skincare-news. com/a-7663-First_Comprehensive_Beauty_Glossary_Learning_Skincare_Lingo. aspx

Confused by the dizzying variety of skincare information out there? From peptides to parabens, free radicals to ferulic acid, it can be hard to keep track of skincare lingo. Fortunately, a little knowledge can go a long way when it comes to caring for skin. Before investing in a new product or treatment, it pays to do some homework. Learn about key skincare ingredients, conditions, treatments and procedures in our A-to-Z guide to all things skin-related.

About Skincare-News. com -- "Your Source for Intelligent Skin Care"

Skincare-News. com is the online source for consumers seeking intelligent beauty and skin care news, advice, tips and articles. Founded in 2005, Skincare-News. com features articles, news items and frequently asked questions on skincare and beauty-related issues. Skincare-News. com is located in Sacramento, California, but receives visitors from all around the world. For more information, visit http://www. skincare-news. com.

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Sunday, October 7, 2007

Like Oil and Water... Koi Ponds and Algae Don’t Mix

Like Oil and Water... Koi Ponds and Algae Don’t Mix

Increasing the aerobic bacteria activity as part of your routine koi pond maintenance program will lead to removal of organic matter, resulting in a clearer, healthy pond.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) May 23, 2006

Pond owners spend time, money and patience building a beautiful koi fish pond only to have their hard work threatened by unsightly algae. This stringy green nuisance has plagued most koi ponds at one time or another. However, increasing the aerobic bacteria activity as part of a routine koi pond maintenance program will lead the removal of organic matter, resulting in a clearer, healthy pond.

Actually, algae is not the problem. It is a symptom of a larger problem, which is the nutrient level and oxygen content in the koi pond. Algae feed on the nutrients in the pond and when the nutrient level becomes high, algae will bloom and grow very quickly. Small amounts of algae in a koi pond is healthy, as it does add oxygen back into the water, however too much of a good thing is bad. To help remedy this problem, excess nutrients need to be removed.

There is only so much that can be done to limit the nutrients that get into a pond. The most common sources are koi food and the koi fecal matter. Since koi have to eat and they have to use the bathroom, the best bet will be to remove the nutrients once they get into the water. A healthy, natural way to do this is through the addition of a microbial product, like Natural Enviro 4000 (www. naturalenviro. com), that increases the aerobic bacteria levels in the pond. The increase in aerobic bacteria will break down the nutrients, limiting their presence in the water. The microbes will also release oxygen into the pond, which aids in the reduction of turbidity and eliminates odors from stagnant pond water.

Aerobic bacteria (microbes) are naturally occurring and are present in most all koi ponds. However, it is when their levels become diminished or outnumbered by anaerobic bacteria that supplementation with a microbial product is beneficial. Another benefit to microbial products as part of a koi pond maintenance program is that they are compatible with, and often enhanced by, many other maintenance products like biological filters, aerators and fountains.

The bottom line is, koi fish ponds are meant to be an aesthetic delight and a reflection of the owners vision and hard work. While not inherently harmful, algae is a nuisance and an eye sore that is not a welcome addition to a koi pond. However, with proper aeration and a quality microbial product, a koi pond can be a clean, beautiful, healthy oasis for the koi and the owner.

Contact: Casey Coke

Natural Environmental Systems, L. L.C.

5000 Quorum Dr. #300

Dallas, TX 75254

Toll Free: 800-999-9345

Www. naturalenviro. com

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Web Marketing Association to Name Best Public Relations Website of 2005

Web Marketing Association to Name Best Public Relations Website of 2005

The Web Marketing Association announces the call for entries for its 9th annual international WebAward Competition (2005webaward. org), the InternetÂ’s premier award competition. The PR industry represents an important category in the WebAward competition and the Web Marketing Association will again be honoring the Best Public Relations Web site, Best Advertising Website and Best Public Relations Website of 2005. The deadline for entry is June 1, 2005.

(PRWEB) April 12, 2005

The Web Marketing Association announces the call for entries for its 9th annual international WebAward Competition (http://www.2005webaward. org (http://www.2005webaward. org)), the InternetÂ’s premier award competition that judges website development against an ever increasing Internet standard of excellence and against peer sites within an industry. The PR and advertising industry represents an important category in the WebAward competition and the Web Marketing Association will again be honoring the Best Public Relations Web site, Best Advertising Website and Best Public Relations Website of 2005. The deadline for entry is June 1, 2005.

“The advertising, PR and marketing communities have long understood the value of winning awards,” said William Rice, President of the Web Marketing Association. “Companies can also benefit from the independent evaluation of their efforts that the award judges provide That's the goal of the WebAward Competition - to provide a forum to recognize the people and organizations responsible for developing some of the most effective websites on the Net today.”

Past winners of marketing related WebAwards include:

Best Public Relations Website

2004 News@Cisco: Innovating Cisco's Corporate Press Room - http://newsroom. cisco. com (http://newsroom. cisco. com)
2003 Toshiba Tablet PC Launch - http://63.220.28.252/Weber/toshiba/tabletpc. html (http://63.220.28.252/Weber/toshiba/tabletpc. html)
2002 Wealth Management News Service - http://www. wmns. org (http://www. wmns. org)
2001 Cohn & Wolfe Website - http://www. cohnwolfe. com (http://www. cohnwolfe. com)
2000 Middleberg Euro - http://middleberg. com (http://middleberg. com)

Best Marketing Website

2004 ECCO Symantec Client Security 2.0 Launch Kit - http://symantecclientsecurity. verite. com (http://symantecclientsecurity. verite. com)
2003 The Getaway - http://thegetaway. playstation. com (http://thegetaway. playstation. com)
2002 Disc Marketing Corporate Website - http://www. discmarketing. com (http://www. discmarketing. com)

Best Advertising Website

2004 Lake Effect Website - http://www. hanon-mckendry. com (http://www. hanon-mckendry. com)
2003 Google Adwords - http://adwords. google. com (http://adwords. google. com)
2002 JCDecaux Airport US - http://www. jcdecauxairportus. com (http://www. jcdecauxairportus. com)
2001 Cole & Weber / Red Cell Corporate Site - http://www. coleweber. com (http://www. coleweber. com)

A complete list of past winners and the entry for companies who wish to compete for 2005 honors can be found at http://PR. webaward. org (http://PR. webaward. org)

Web sites are judged on design, innovation, content, technology, interactivity, navigation and ease of use. Each WebAward entry is judged against other entries in the category and then against an overall standard of excellence. The Best of Industry WebAward, a handsome plaque with the image of the winning site embossed, will be given in each of the more than 90 industry categories, including advertising, design, marketing, PR, small business, transportation, and healthcare.. The competitionÂ’s highest honor, the 2005 WebAward Best of Show, will be given to the one site that the judges believe represents outstanding achievement in Web development. Last yearÂ’s Best of Show winner was Arc Worldwide for their work on Behr Paint Interactive. (http://www. behr. com (http://www. behr. com))

The Web Marketing Association will also recognize the interactive agency winning the most awards in the competition with the Top Interactive Agency WebAward. The 2004 Top Agency award was presented to Arnold Worldwide for their outstanding achievements in Web site development.

Judging for the WebAwards will take place in July and August, and winners will be announced in September, 2005. Judges will consist of a select group of Internet professionals who have direct experience designing and managing corporate web sites –including members of the media, advertising executives, site designers, content providers and webmasters – with an in-depth understanding of the current state-of-the-art in Web site design and technology. Past Web Marketing Association WebAward competition judges have included top executives from leading corporations, institutions and media organizations such as Ogilvy Interactive, Saatchi & Saatchi, Blattner Brunner, Comedy Central, Sun Microsystems, Refinery, Euro RSCG, EPB Interactive, New York Post Interactive, The Cincinnati Enquirer, J. Walter Thompson, Xerox, Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Modem Media, Answerthink, and Zentropy Partners.

The 2005 WebAwards are sponsored by BURST! Media, PRWeb, BurrelleÂ’s/Luce, OÂ’DwyerÂ’s PR Daily, VentureDirect Worldwide, NewsUSA, Small Army Marketing Services, Perseus Software, Line56 Media OddCast and AdTools, Inc.

About the Web Marketing Association

The Web Marketing Association is an organization working to create a high standard of excellence for Web site development and marketing on the Internet. Staffed by volunteers, it is made up of Internet marketing, advertising, PR and design professionals who share an interest in improving the quality of advertising, marketing and promotion used to attract visitors to Web sites. Since 1997, the Web Marketing AssociationÂ’s annual WebAward Competition has been helping interactive professionals promote themselves, their companies, and their best work to the outside world. Now in its ninth year, the WebAward Competition has become the premier award event for Web developers and marketers worldwide.

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ClearBenefits and TotalRewards Software Announce a Marketing Partnership to Offer Total Compensation Statements

ClearBenefits and TotalRewards Software Announce a Marketing Partnership to Offer Total Compensation Statements

Agreement provides employees with total compensation statements that increase compensation awareness and improve job satisfaction.

Santa Clara, CA (PRWEB) September 13, 2010

ClearBenefits, a leading provider of benefits technology and services, announced today a marketing partnership with TotalRewards Software Inc. that will provide ClearBenefits’ employer clients and broker partners with total compensation statements.

Integrated into the ClearBenefits' enrollment and administration system, ClearBenefits’ Total Compensation Statements provide employees with a detailed and illustrated breakdown of their full benefits and cash compensation.

“Benefits and perks can represent 40 to 60 percent or more of an employee’s total compensation,” said Frank Patchel, ClearBenefits’ President & COO. “Our partnership with TotalRewards Software allows us to provide compensation statements that show employees there is much more to their total compensation than direct pay alone.”

ClearBenefits’ Total Compensation Statements include the value of benefits such as health and welfare, income protection, retirement, stock options, vacation, holiday and sick time, laptop computers, education, cell phones, free parking, holiday bonuses and much more. Options include both online and printed statements.

“ClearBenefits’ benefits platform is widely used by employers of all sizes in a wide variety of industries. This partnership enables us to increase the compensation awareness of thousands of employees around the country,” notes Ray O’Donnell, President of TotalRewards Software, Inc.

ClearBenefit’ Total Compensation Statements are easy for busy human resource departments to implement. Data collection is simple and straightforward. Completely Web-based, there is no software to purchase and there are no maintenance issues.

About Total Rewards Software Inc.
Total Rewards Software is a private company founded by business and technology professionals with a mission to deliver high quality, cost-effective, total compensation statement software solutions to the thousands of small and medium sized employers in North America. www. totalcompbuilder. com.

About ClearBenefits
Founded in 1999, ClearBenefits is one of the fastest growing benefits technology vendors in the market. ClearBenefits offers benefits enrollment (http://corpweb. clearbenefits. com/enrollment/index. shtml) technology, benefits outsourcing, employee communication, and wellness services (http://corpweb. clearbenefits. com/wellness/index. shtml). The company’s flexible benefits services platform is used by companies in industries ranging from healthcare to technology to services. ClearBenefits is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA. Learn more at www. clearbenefits. com (http://corpweb. clearbenefits. com).

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