Chicago Auto Show 2012 Showcases Wild Custom Vehicles

During this year’s Chicago International Auto Show, hundreds of thousands of car lovers, auto enthusiasts, and gear heads will crowd the aisles of McCormick Place in anticipation of what the Auto industry has planned for their driving future.

While we all look forward to the new models from our favorite domestic and imported brands, the concept cars, classics, and custom vehicles on display will be some of the crowd favorites.

What many won’t realize, is that most of the customized vehicles on display this year were designed and created right here in the Midwest, with some developed right here in the Chicago area.

Not southern California!  And… there will be historic and classic vehicles on exhibit that were originally unveiled decades ago, right here at the Chicago Auto Show.

Award-winning custom vehicle designer, Jhan Robert Dolphin is available to take you and your audience behind the scenes to learn who creates these amazing vehicles and why.

Chicago Auto Show 2012 - Jhan Robert Dolphin

Jhan Robert Dolphin

He can explain the various challenges required to complete the extensive work on time, and how today’s custom vehicles and aftermarket parts affect the car designs of the vehicles you’ll purchase in the future.

Some of this year’s local custom rides include:

(News4us.com) February 04, 2012

Win a Home Via Trivia Quiz Questions

The newly launched uk competitions based website, Win My Flat (winmy-flat.com) is now offering trivia quiz buffs a wonderful opportunity to test their knowledge with a chance to win a home, comprising of a comfortable one bedroom flat, right in the heart of the UK’s flashiest city, London!

Win My Flat is a brand new website that offers would-be home owners the dream of being able to own a flat in one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world.

Win My Flat is a Trivia Quiz competition site, where entrants can correctly answer five trivia questions covering a gamut of categories including science, politics, art, history and pop culture in order to win a flat in beautiful London (England).

And also just in time for the upcoming 2012 Olympics.

One of the only catch is – there is no catch!

Answer all five questions correctly and you’re automatically entered into the final UK win draw, to obtain the flat – mortgage free.

Plus the winner gets an additional £5,000 (GBP) to spend on anything they want, furnishings, a car, or just simply bank it.

Runners-up will also be entered to win prizes from £5,000 cash, £1,000 cash, or vacation vouchers to sunny and historic Spain.

Win My Flat has also committed a percentage of the prize to charitable work, ensuring that a portion of each ticket sold will be donated to educational charitable causes like the Sankofa Education Foundation, a registered charity aiding and supporting schools in the developing world.

Although the official ticket prices are £50, there is currently an ongoing large promotional discount and all tickets are now going for only £30, with the odds being roughly 1-in-15000, this is by far the best comp to register with and win a home.

So don’t delay! Test your trivia quiz knowledge today!

There are no restrictions on entry other than you must comply with all laws and regulations concerning contest entry in England and or your host country of residence.

For more information, visit the site  http://winmy-flat.com

Or write to;-

Mr G Charles

Unit 52, 187 East India Dock Road, London, E14 0EF

Email:-(admin@winmy-flat.com)

Find & Post Cars, Jobs & Property Classifieds

Kirads.com is a booming domain in Africa as we speak now.

We offer our visitors the chance to find local classifieds, cars, jobs property here in Africa.

With more and more being transferred from offline to online we offer the biggest scalable platform.

Kirads has integrated the Facebook plugin and in the coming weeks we will be increasing our social plugins and adding Xing and linked-in to expand our users market.

At Kirads we help get your business started in seconds.

We are the best in Africa and we believe that online classifieds should be free and it’s the best way to reach effective buyers or sellers.

You can make more than 60% using online classifieds than offline marketing this is a proven fact.

Online classifieds are more comprehensive and easier to use as they offer free post to your ad to enhance your market reach in Africa’s #1 marketplace.

Finding local classifieds such as cars, jobs and property is very easy at Kirads.

Just scroll down to latest items posted and then contact seller through email or phone number provided.

Few tips you should know when transacting:

-Avoid scams by acting locally or paying with PayPal

-Never pay with Western Union, MoneyGram or other anonymous payment services.

-Don’t buy or sell outside your country if you don’t have enough information of the buyer or seller.

- Don’t accept cashier cheques from outside your country they might be fake.

-Our site is never involved in any transaction, and does not handle payments, shipping, guarantee transactions, provide escrow services, or offer “buyer protection” or “seller certification”

We advise you to post free ads to thousands of potential prospects on the internet every hour.

Our online readers and visitors are fast in responding to your ads, ideas and opportunities and are always there to look for more ways of getting some income.

Kirads online classifieds platform is a good place to buy any item at a cheaper price.

Numerous new deals and goods are listed on the website on a day-to-day basis, there is also a search tab that will help you navigate easily through the website.

“On behalf of my colleague Irene Wanja, Kevin Fred would like to thank you for taking your time to read this press release”

Please visit our website to see what is on offer www.kirads.com  as the best in Africa’s online classifieds #1 marketplace

Cairns City Forum Sees Political Candidates Lining Up To Speak

With three days until the first Cairns City Forum in City Place (Sunday 5 February at 2.30pm), the North Queensland Party have thrown their hat into the ring with confirmation candidate for the seat of Cairns, John Piva,  will participate in the Forum.

One Nation candidate Jim Evans has also confirmed he will travel from Chillagoe to speak at the Cairns City Forum, fielding a total of nine candidates at the first in a series of three events.

The only major political party who have not yet confirmed any candidates to participate is the Liberal National Party.

However, organiser Angus Gasson remains hopeful.

“The invitation is still open to Gavin King, Michael Trout and David Kempton if they would like to be a part of this important event,” he said.

Along with the Nth Qld Party and One Nation, Katter’s Australia Party and the Australian Labor Party will also be well represented.

Organiser, Angus Gasson, said “We especially would like to encourage young people to come along and ask questions to the candidates.”

“It doesn’t matter if they are not old enough to vote.”

“The decisions made by politicians today will affect their future tomorrow”.

***************************************

Additional information

In the lead up to State elections on 24 March, a group of concerned residents have organised a series of three, free forums for the general public that will allow them to hear from their candidates with a Q & A to follow.

The series of forums will kick off on Sunday 5^th February at 2.30pm at the performance stage in City Place, Cairns.

Forum 1 will focus on the hotly contested seat of Cairns followed by Barron River at 4pm and Mulgrave and Cook at 5.30pm.

Cairns ALP (Kirsten Lesina) and KAP candidates (Darren Hunt) will begin proceedings.

Spokesperson for the group, Angus Gasson explains “We are keen to see public discussion on local issues in the lead up to the State and Local Elections.”

The forums will be mediated by Toastmasters International.

Organisers are proud to announce Events NQ, Toastmasters International, Pip Miller PR, and Hides Coffee Café as official sponsors.

Forum participants who are confirmed to present at the forums include Darren Hunt (KAP,  Cairns), John Piva (Nth Qld Party, Cairns), Kirsten Lesina (ALP, Cairns), Brendan Fitzgerald (KAP, Barron River), Steve Wettenhall (ALP, Barron River), Curtis Pitt (ALP, Mulgrave), Damian Byrnes (KAP, Mulgrave), Jim Evans (One Nation, Cook), and Lachlan Bensted (KAP, Cook).

Organisers are currently awaiting confirmation from other key candidates including Gavin King (LNP Cairns) and Michael Trout (LNP Barron River).

The forums will comprise a brief presentation from candidates (5 minutes), and then questions would be fielded from the audience (using wireless microphones) – ie a Town Hall type meeting/forum.

“Altogether we have 25 candidates who have confirmed so far,” said Gasson.

“We are planning extensive publicity, and there has been considerable interest from the media.”

“So we think it is a good idea to arrive early if people want to be sure to get a good seat.”

The forums will be mediated by Toastmasters International.

Organisers are proud to announce local business Events NQ as an official sponsor.

The event is not-for-profit and free.

Forum 1

• Session 1    Sun 05 Feb, 2.30pm – State Election, Cairns
• Session 2    Sun 05 Feb, 4pm – State Election, Barron River
• Session 3    Sun 05 Feb, 5.30pm – State Election, Mulgrave and Cook

Forum 2

Session 1   Sun 01 Apr, 2.30pm – Mayoral Candidates for Cairns Regional Council

Forum 3

Session 1   Sun 08 Apr, 2.30pm – Councillor Candidates Div 1, 2, 3, 4

Session 2   Sun 08 Apr, 4.30pm – Councillor Candidates Div 5, 6, 7

Session 3   Sun 08 Apr, 6pm – Councillor Candidates Div 8, 9, 10

For further information.

Email: info@cairnscityforum.org

Web: www.cairnscityforum.org

*****************************

Press Release Supplied By:

Pip Miller PR

Email: pip@pipmillerpr.com.au
Web: www.pipmillerpr.com.au

Electronic Visa Applications Now Open To Brazilian and Argentinian Tourists

The online e676 electronic tourist visa application is now open to all Brazilian and Argentinian Tourists wishing to travel to Australia.

Tourists from both countries will be able to apply through the Internet from February 15, 2012 for an electronic visa (e676) to visit Australia.

The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has described this form of electronic tourist visa as a fast and secure application process for the intended international travelling public.

Applicants from Brazil and Argentina now have the ability to check the progress of their application electronically through the easy to use online platform.

A DIAC spokesperson said “A notification is sent to the client at the time of decision, providing details of the visa, and airlines are able to confirm the visa entitlements through the Advance Passenger Processing system.”

This new and technologically advanced visa does not require a visa label to be placed in a passport.

Tourists can simply print a copy of their visa approval email notification and produce it upon request while traveling to Australia.

Citizens of Brazil or Argentina who are unable to lodge an e676 application online can continue to lodge their tourist visa application directly with the Australian Embassy in Brasilia (Brazil) and Buenos Aires (Argentina) respectively.

The lodgment gateway and further information is available at www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/e676.htm.

Natural Disaster Assistance for Flooded Northern NSW Initiated by Australian Federal Government

Northern New South Wales torrential rain and flooding continues to devastate the local communities without any sign of ending.

Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP, stated that the Federal Labour Government has announced natural disaster assistance for the Northern New South Wales communities hit hard by the extremely heavy rainfall and concurrent flooding received in January, 2012.

The Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) have once again been employed to fund this Australian natural disaster through the co-operation of the Commonwealth and States, to the five local government areas of Bellingen, Byron, Kyogle, Lismore and Richmond Valley.

The Minister for Emergency Management, Robert McClelland MP went on to say “A range of disaster assistance schemes are available in the disaster affected areas to support councils, families, local businesses and farmers impacted by the floods.”

Emergency assistance for Individuals suffering from personal hardship was once again available as a result of the heavy rainfall and flooding.

Further information for individuals affected by the disaster assistance schemes that have been made available under the NDRRA can be found at www.disasterassist.gov.au along with up to date information about all current disaster assistance.

Mr McClelland went on to say, “Damage assessments are continuing across the state and should it be identified that other areas have suffered damage from this event, assistance may be extended to cover those areas as well. These payments are a demonstration of the Commonwealth and NSW governments’ commitment to helping disaster affected communities with their recovery.”

The Commonwealth Government has assured that it will continue to work closely with the NSW Government to ensure affected councils have the support they need.

The Vampire Diaries New Blog ‘Sink Your Teeth In’

Are you a fan of The Vampire Diaries (TVD)?

Do Elena, Damon and Stefan make your heart throb?

Then this new blog ‘Sink Your Teeth In’ created by the-sarah-diaries will keep you up to date with promotional photos and videos of new and unreleased Vampire Diaries episodes.

As well as juicy gossip about the cast, rare photos, birthday updates and merchandise give away competitions.

If you still aren’t hooked then this next part will surely surprise you.

By following the-sarah-diaries on the popular blog site Tumblr, you will be the first to receive alerts regarding new posts, links to exclusive previews, soundtrack music, book lists and fan forums.

Along with auditions for ‘Fan Fiction’- is the new and highly popular craze where fans post stories online and spin the plot to suit their favourite character relationships.

If hearing from the cast of the Vampire Diaries themselves interests you, then this is another reason you should follow.

As soon as interviews are posted you will be alerted, along with quotes and speeches from nominations (Most recently- The Teen Choice Awards).

The-sarah-diaries are in no way associated with the cast and does not claim ownership of any materials featured on this blog unless stated otherwise.

If you’re fond of a particular image or post, then click the ‘reblog’ button, and it will appear on your blog for your followers to see.

Or to keep it for private use just click the ‘like’ button to save it for later.

By following the-sarah-diaries, you will find many more blogs dedicated to The Vampire Diaries, this is a good way to follow or be followed and keep up with all the news and information.

Sink Your Teeth In doesn’t just revolve around the three main characters; the entire cast is included.

This is maintained by having a ‘Character of the Week,’ every seven days a new character is chosen and will be focused on and posted about the most.

An ask box is included on the blog for any questions, comments and suggestions.

It is also how competition applications are entered.

If you love The Vampire Diaries then click the link to the-sarah-diaries blog and Sink Your Teeth In.

The Vampire Diaries and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

Enrolments Increase at Peace Lutheran College

Middle Schooling is booming at Peace Lutheran College.

According to principal, Rob Fysh, total college numbers are up eight per cent* on last year with most of the extra students enrolled from years 6 to 9; the middle school years.

In addition, prep and year 1 classes are also full.

According to Mr Fysh, the increase in numbers is down to a variety of factors.

“Our parents and students appreciate a well run school environment where students feel safe and are challenged to do their best.”

“The spirit in our college is strongly positive.”

“Each of our year 7 students is being issued with an iPad this year and that may have been an attractive proposition for some people,” he said.

In other developments, boarding numbers have also increased by approximately 25 per cent and the college is completing a large scale refurbishment to accommodate the extra boarding students.

Mr Fysh said he is buoyed by the increase in demand and especially the level of enquiry which he accords is largely the result of good word-of-mouth.

*student numbers increased from 555 to 585 with number of boarders increasing from 87 to 102 in 2012.

Further information can be obtained from Principal, Rob Fysh on 40399000 or 0407160619.

Peace Lutheran College (PLC) is a P-12 coeducational school owned and operated by the Lutheran Church of Australia.

This school welcomes students from all cultures; Christian and non Christian.

PLC seeks to give its students a balanced education across intellectual, spiritual, emotional, physical and aesthetic dimensions.

Excellence and authenticity are the school’s operating principles.

There are currently 587 students including 102 boarders.

TokBox Steps into Asian Market Opens Office in Sydney Australia

San Franciso-based Online communications company, TokBox, expands into the Asia Pacific Market after what has been described as a stellar year for the company.

This rapid growth focuses around the launching and quick take up of the OpenTok Face-to-Face platform.

Sydney, Australia has been chosen as the base of the Asia-Pacific operations with company plans to take advantage of Australia’s growing engineering and software development community in the production of its online interactive video platform, OpenTok.

OpenTok has now been used by over more than 23,000 corporate and private users around the world including American Idol and Atlantic Records.

The innovative Face-to-Face platform is powered by a range of new services, from video-voice mail through to the largest ever Facebook video chat ever held.

The Asia Pacific has been a major growth region for TokBox and the company’s recent success includes a partnership with SingTel, one of Asia’s largest communications providers.

The new office in Sydney will concentrate on engineering and product development, while leveraging the rising developer community within Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

TokBox CEO Ian Small was quoted as saying. “Global demand for online face-to-face solutions has grown significantly in the past year. While the US remains the core driver, we have seen rapid growth from Asia Pac in terms of both demand and sophistication of the developers.”

Based in San Francisco, California, TokBox is privately held, with venture backing from Sequoia Capital, Bain Capital Ventures, DAG Ventures, and Youniversity Ventures.

Sunlover Reef Cruises Relaunches Tropic Sunseeker After Major Refurbishment

Following a $700,000 refurbishment, Sunlover Reef Cruises will celebrate the relaunch of its 400 seat vessel, Tropic Sunseeker with a special ‘on board’ event for 100 guests in Cairns on Thursday 2 February 2012.

The extensive upgrade to Tropic Sunseeker undertaken in recent months includes a freshly painted exterior, new windows, carpet, seat coverings and engine.

Tropic Sunseeker is an air-conditioned, fast catamaran that will depart Cairns daily, bound for Sunlover Reef Cruises’ outer reef pontoon at Moore Reef.

It will also be available for private charter.

The general manager of Ocean Hotels and Tourism, Nicole Constantinidis said she is delighted with Sunlover Reef Cruises’ new look vessel that will boost fleet capacity by a further 400 seat when it resumes operations this week.

“While the upgrade to Tropic Sunseeker may have been at significant cost, we truly believe it to be a solid investment in local tourism and the company’s future by enabling greater capacity and flexibility in terms of our sales and marketing efforts.

“With the vessel back in the water we are now set to vie for new business that includes the lucrative private charter and meetings and incentive markets.

The opportunity to offer dinner and sunset cruises on Trinity Inlet and private charters to Fitzroy Island are now a wonderful reality,” she said.

About Ocean Hotels and Tourism

From its headquarters in Cairns, north Queensland, Ocean Hotels and Tourism is one of the largest owner-operators of hotels and resorts in Far North Queensland with 456 hotel rooms and a marine tourism business operating two, 400 seat vessels and one pontoon on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

The organisations are Long Island Resort and Club Crocodile Resort on the Whitsundays, Hides Hotel, Cairns, Ferntree Rainforest Resort in Daintree’s Cape Tribulation and Sunlover Reef Cruises.

Sunlover Reef Cruises operates a daily service to Moore Reef.

From the undercover pontoon passengers are offered a variety of activities including snorkelling, scuba diving, viewing the reef from glass bottom boat or semi submersible tours and (Seawalker) helmet diving.

Marine biologists also provide an interesting, interpretive view of the marine life that is showcased.

In 2011 Sunlover Reef Cruises won the coveted Major Tour and  or Transport Operator award in the TNQ Tourism Awards.

For More Information: http://www.sunlover.com.au