Naomi Ballantyne is a well known New Zealand business woman with strong involvement in the insurance industry. She was a founding member of Sovereign Insurance and rose through the ranks to become the Chief Operational Officer. During this time Sovereign Insurance grew to become the largest life assurer in New Zealand with a 52% market share.Sovereign Insurance was purchased by ASB Bank in 1999 at which time Ballantyne left this highly paid job to become the first woman in the world to found her own life assurance company, Club Life. Club Life opened in July 2001, and quickly took 3% of the market. ING purchased Club Life in early 2004 and re-branded the firm ING Life. Ballantayne resigned as Chief Executive Officer in mid-2009.
Ballantayne established in early 2010 Us Advice. The company runs on a brokerage model, and is based in Albany, Auckland, New Zealand. Subsequently, in December 2010, it was announced that Ballantyne would be setting up a new NZ life insurance company.
Ballantayne established in early 2010 Us Advice. The company runs on a brokerage model, and is based in Albany, Auckland, New Zealand. Subsequently, in December 2010, it was announced that Ballantyne would be setting up a new NZ life insurance company.
"The Greatest Thing" is an unreleased song by American recording artist Cher, which was recorded in 2012 and set to be featured on her twenty-fifth studio album, Closer to the Truth. A rough demo of the song was leaked on August 13, 2013.
Background and development
In August 2011, it was announced that Cher recorded a duet with American recording artist Lady Gaga for her upcoming twenty-sixth studio album. "The Greatest Thing" was written by Gaga, and produced by RedOne. According to Gaga, she wrote the song earlier in her career and stated that she has "never put it on one of own albums for, really, no particular reason." She continued: "I always write these concept records, and it just didn't fit in. But it's always been, like, this big, massive, beautiful hit record and everyone always says, 'Why don't you put that on your album?' And I said, 'I don't know, it just doesn't fit with everything else.'" RedOne met up with Cher after approval from management, to which he played various demos to her. In his interview with MTV, RedOne exclaimed that Cher favored the demo of "The Greatest Thing" the most. RedOne later notified Gaga of a possible collaboration through a text message, to which she was ecstatic. Rumors were that Lady Gaga was not pleased with the end result. In reaction to a fan's question about the song on Twitter, Cher tweeted: "It's done & she doesn't like it, or want it to come out. She's an artist, it's up to her. I'm disappointed, too."
Responding to a fan who asked if she could release a solo version of the song, Cher wrote: "Could, but its GREAT Duet. Redid my vocal, “GOOD CALL” Always hated it & Loved Hers! Now I like Mine too! RedOne was to redo track, But he blew it off. Have singers who like song, but not production, its old. Red’s contract says No one is allowed to touch track & he’s MIA. wtf"
Background and development
In August 2011, it was announced that Cher recorded a duet with American recording artist Lady Gaga for her upcoming twenty-sixth studio album. "The Greatest Thing" was written by Gaga, and produced by RedOne. According to Gaga, she wrote the song earlier in her career and stated that she has "never put it on one of own albums for, really, no particular reason." She continued: "I always write these concept records, and it just didn't fit in. But it's always been, like, this big, massive, beautiful hit record and everyone always says, 'Why don't you put that on your album?' And I said, 'I don't know, it just doesn't fit with everything else.'" RedOne met up with Cher after approval from management, to which he played various demos to her. In his interview with MTV, RedOne exclaimed that Cher favored the demo of "The Greatest Thing" the most. RedOne later notified Gaga of a possible collaboration through a text message, to which she was ecstatic. Rumors were that Lady Gaga was not pleased with the end result. In reaction to a fan's question about the song on Twitter, Cher tweeted: "It's done & she doesn't like it, or want it to come out. She's an artist, it's up to her. I'm disappointed, too."
Responding to a fan who asked if she could release a solo version of the song, Cher wrote: "Could, but its GREAT Duet. Redid my vocal, “GOOD CALL” Always hated it & Loved Hers! Now I like Mine too! RedOne was to redo track, But he blew it off. Have singers who like song, but not production, its old. Red’s contract says No one is allowed to touch track & he’s MIA. wtf"
The following is a list of the athletic basketball shoe developed by Nike. The shoe line is modeled after NBA superstar LeBron James. The shoe line has produced over nine models, including the latest one, the Nike Zoom Air LeBron 10.
Nike Air Zoom Generation
Nike Air Zoom Generation is the first Nike LeBron basketball shoe. It was inspired by a Hummer and features a rugged, militaristic design.
Nike Zoom LeBron II
Following the success of LeBron's first shoe, the "Nike Zoom LeBron II" was released in 2004. Inspired by Lebron's bulletproof performance, Nike talked to Lebron about the shoe and he tore out a picture of a bulletproof vest and said 'I want the shoe to be like this". This shoe was regarded as one the best in the series, because of how comfortable the double-stacked full-length Nike Zoom units were. LeBron wore this in his second NBA season. Designed by Ken Link.
Nike Zoom LeBron III
This particular shoe was designed for LeBron's strong, aggressive nature on the court. The shoe supported his 6'8", 250-pound body frame. LeBron James carried the Cavs to their first NBA playoff appearance since 1998. Designed by Ken Link.
Nike Zoom LeBron IV
This was credited as one of the most unique shoe in the line by far. This shoe was noted for its Foamposite material, making for a futuristic look. Foamposite was introduced in the mid-1990s for a supportive upperweight.
Nike Air Max LeBron VII
The Nike LeBron VII was the first LeBron shoe to feature Nike Air Max technology and Flywire. This is the first time Nike released a post-season model of the shoe, namely the Nike Air LeBron VII P.S. This model only came in a full-length Air unit.
Nike Air Max LeBron 8
Before its release, James was an NBA free agent and he went to the Miami Heat to join Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. It again utilized an Air Max 360 bag, the same as of the LeBron VII. The V1 had Flywire and suede upper, whereas the V2 had Flywire and Nike Torch upper. The post-season model featured Hyperfuse and the Zoom/Air Max combination. This model was famous for the "South beach" colorway of the V1, and the "Miami nights" colorway of the V2 Low.
Nike Air LeBron 9
This was the first LeBron shoe to feature Flywire, Hyperfuse, second to feature air max/zoom air combination, the third model to release a post-season model, aside from the Nike Air Max LeBron 8 P.S. and the Nike Air Max LeBron VII P.S. The LeBron 9 P.S. Elite featured almost the same technologies as with the LeBron 9, but it has Cushlon midsole, thicker Nike Zoom forefoot unit, diamond traction pattern(the regular LeBron 9 had chain link traction pattern, and phylon midsole).
Nike Zoom LeBron X
Released on September 22, 2012 for the Nike+ model, and on October 10, 2012 for the regular model, this model featured the most advanced Nike technologies, including the Hyperfuse upper, Dynamic Flywire that was seen first in Nike's Hyperdunk 2012, the first time in Nike Zoom's history, a full-length Max Zoom unit, Nike also incorporated Nike+ Basketball system from the Nike Lunar Hyperdunk+ 2012. Such technological advances had the price increased, from $170 to $180 for the regular model, $290 for the Nike+ model with Nike+ Sportpack, and $200 for the Nike+ model without Nike+ Sportpack. Rumors spread months before its release, notably during the 2012 Olympic Games held in London that the Nike+ model had a $315 price tag. The most notable colorway is the EXT "Cork" with an upper made of cork material and premium leather. The MSRP for the Cork Lebrons was originally set for $305, but Foot Locker made it clear that the price would be $250. Since the release date, the shoe's price has gradually increased, selling on eBay from $600-$4000 depending on the shoe size, condition, and time of purchase. A post-season model released on April 20, 2013 for the Nike+ model and on April 27, 2013 for the regular model. Retail price for the Nike+ model is $280 and $260 for the regular model.
Nike LeBron XI
Nike LeBron 11 debuted in October 2013. It is the lightest and lowest Nike LeBron shoe ever. LeBron 11 is made from Hyperposite, which combines Foamposite injection molding and Hyperfuse ventilation. The LeBron 11 base price is $200 retail, with limited edition pairs and NIKEiD custom designs for $250.
Early in the 2013-14 season, LeBron James chooses to wear the LeBron 10 Elite instead of LeBron 11, complaining of fit issues. The problems are resolved by December and James wears the 11 for the rest of the year.
Nike Air Zoom Generation
Nike Air Zoom Generation is the first Nike LeBron basketball shoe. It was inspired by a Hummer and features a rugged, militaristic design.
Nike Zoom LeBron II
Following the success of LeBron's first shoe, the "Nike Zoom LeBron II" was released in 2004. Inspired by Lebron's bulletproof performance, Nike talked to Lebron about the shoe and he tore out a picture of a bulletproof vest and said 'I want the shoe to be like this". This shoe was regarded as one the best in the series, because of how comfortable the double-stacked full-length Nike Zoom units were. LeBron wore this in his second NBA season. Designed by Ken Link.
Nike Zoom LeBron III
This particular shoe was designed for LeBron's strong, aggressive nature on the court. The shoe supported his 6'8", 250-pound body frame. LeBron James carried the Cavs to their first NBA playoff appearance since 1998. Designed by Ken Link.
Nike Zoom LeBron IV
This was credited as one of the most unique shoe in the line by far. This shoe was noted for its Foamposite material, making for a futuristic look. Foamposite was introduced in the mid-1990s for a supportive upperweight.
Nike Air Max LeBron VII
The Nike LeBron VII was the first LeBron shoe to feature Nike Air Max technology and Flywire. This is the first time Nike released a post-season model of the shoe, namely the Nike Air LeBron VII P.S. This model only came in a full-length Air unit.
Nike Air Max LeBron 8
Before its release, James was an NBA free agent and he went to the Miami Heat to join Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. It again utilized an Air Max 360 bag, the same as of the LeBron VII. The V1 had Flywire and suede upper, whereas the V2 had Flywire and Nike Torch upper. The post-season model featured Hyperfuse and the Zoom/Air Max combination. This model was famous for the "South beach" colorway of the V1, and the "Miami nights" colorway of the V2 Low.
Nike Air LeBron 9
This was the first LeBron shoe to feature Flywire, Hyperfuse, second to feature air max/zoom air combination, the third model to release a post-season model, aside from the Nike Air Max LeBron 8 P.S. and the Nike Air Max LeBron VII P.S. The LeBron 9 P.S. Elite featured almost the same technologies as with the LeBron 9, but it has Cushlon midsole, thicker Nike Zoom forefoot unit, diamond traction pattern(the regular LeBron 9 had chain link traction pattern, and phylon midsole).
Nike Zoom LeBron X
Released on September 22, 2012 for the Nike+ model, and on October 10, 2012 for the regular model, this model featured the most advanced Nike technologies, including the Hyperfuse upper, Dynamic Flywire that was seen first in Nike's Hyperdunk 2012, the first time in Nike Zoom's history, a full-length Max Zoom unit, Nike also incorporated Nike+ Basketball system from the Nike Lunar Hyperdunk+ 2012. Such technological advances had the price increased, from $170 to $180 for the regular model, $290 for the Nike+ model with Nike+ Sportpack, and $200 for the Nike+ model without Nike+ Sportpack. Rumors spread months before its release, notably during the 2012 Olympic Games held in London that the Nike+ model had a $315 price tag. The most notable colorway is the EXT "Cork" with an upper made of cork material and premium leather. The MSRP for the Cork Lebrons was originally set for $305, but Foot Locker made it clear that the price would be $250. Since the release date, the shoe's price has gradually increased, selling on eBay from $600-$4000 depending on the shoe size, condition, and time of purchase. A post-season model released on April 20, 2013 for the Nike+ model and on April 27, 2013 for the regular model. Retail price for the Nike+ model is $280 and $260 for the regular model.
Nike LeBron XI
Nike LeBron 11 debuted in October 2013. It is the lightest and lowest Nike LeBron shoe ever. LeBron 11 is made from Hyperposite, which combines Foamposite injection molding and Hyperfuse ventilation. The LeBron 11 base price is $200 retail, with limited edition pairs and NIKEiD custom designs for $250.
Early in the 2013-14 season, LeBron James chooses to wear the LeBron 10 Elite instead of LeBron 11, complaining of fit issues. The problems are resolved by December and James wears the 11 for the rest of the year.
Ryan Samuels (born April 19, 1980), better known by his stage name TROOTH, is an Australian rapper.
Career
The beginning
Ryan Samuels was born and raised in Perth City. He began writing poetry at the age of 13 and was introduced to rapping by his late cousins Dion and Owen when they performed at parties. Trooth recorded himself rapping over popular artists’ instrumentals on an old AWIA system. Trooth would freestyle rap at every opportunity. In 1995 both cousins Dion and Owen died in a car accident. Trooth did not handle the loss of his cousins well and his remaining teenage years were rife with the negative and darker aspects of life. In the year 2000 he decided that he was not happy with his life and moved to Melbourne, VIC. In 2001 he studied acting and continued to rap. He met a producer from Los Angeles, USA named Trumpnotics who took him under his wing and taught him that there was much more to hip hop than what is projected into homes through the media.
Getting U Junkdafied
Trooth recorded a small demo that was never released and in 2005 moved back to Perth to start a record label with a high school friend. The label failed and Trooth decided to work solo on his first mixtape. ‘Getting U Junkdafied’ covered the topics of drug use, depression, politics and world hunger.
Too High EP
In 2006 Trooth released his first EP titled 'Too High'. The EP featured Trooth teaming up with producer/singer Bruno Favoury and producer Ta-ku. ‘Too High’ was about subjects of pain from Trooth’s past, consequences of drug use and tells the tales of a drug addicts life.
United We Stand Mixtape
In 2011 Trooth released a mixtape titled ‘United We Stand’. Trooth wanted to explore more artistic avenues and break self boundaries and he began work with Perth producer Loftee Beats. The mixtape heavily features Perth rap artists including BYP, Dialekt and Slackjaw. Trooth stepped up his lyrical game and experimented with different styles, words and genres. In his own words “I challenged myself with ‘United’ We Stand, I tried to be as creative as possible”.
Reborn
'Reborn' is the first full release album from Trooth. After the digital-only release of his mixtape ’United We Stand’ Trooth decided to set his sights a little higher and started work on his first album with producer Loftee Beats. ‘Reborn’ will be released early 2012 with a focus on an international audience. ‘Reborn’ includes the single ‘Tender Lovin’, which also features a video filmed by acclaimed director James Wade. Tender Lovin has received airplay on Australia's National Radio Station Triple J.
Track listing
Discography
*Getting U Junkdafied
*Too High EP
*United We Stand Mixtape
*Reborn
Career
The beginning
Ryan Samuels was born and raised in Perth City. He began writing poetry at the age of 13 and was introduced to rapping by his late cousins Dion and Owen when they performed at parties. Trooth recorded himself rapping over popular artists’ instrumentals on an old AWIA system. Trooth would freestyle rap at every opportunity. In 1995 both cousins Dion and Owen died in a car accident. Trooth did not handle the loss of his cousins well and his remaining teenage years were rife with the negative and darker aspects of life. In the year 2000 he decided that he was not happy with his life and moved to Melbourne, VIC. In 2001 he studied acting and continued to rap. He met a producer from Los Angeles, USA named Trumpnotics who took him under his wing and taught him that there was much more to hip hop than what is projected into homes through the media.
Getting U Junkdafied
Trooth recorded a small demo that was never released and in 2005 moved back to Perth to start a record label with a high school friend. The label failed and Trooth decided to work solo on his first mixtape. ‘Getting U Junkdafied’ covered the topics of drug use, depression, politics and world hunger.
Too High EP
In 2006 Trooth released his first EP titled 'Too High'. The EP featured Trooth teaming up with producer/singer Bruno Favoury and producer Ta-ku. ‘Too High’ was about subjects of pain from Trooth’s past, consequences of drug use and tells the tales of a drug addicts life.
United We Stand Mixtape
In 2011 Trooth released a mixtape titled ‘United We Stand’. Trooth wanted to explore more artistic avenues and break self boundaries and he began work with Perth producer Loftee Beats. The mixtape heavily features Perth rap artists including BYP, Dialekt and Slackjaw. Trooth stepped up his lyrical game and experimented with different styles, words and genres. In his own words “I challenged myself with ‘United’ We Stand, I tried to be as creative as possible”.
Reborn
'Reborn' is the first full release album from Trooth. After the digital-only release of his mixtape ’United We Stand’ Trooth decided to set his sights a little higher and started work on his first album with producer Loftee Beats. ‘Reborn’ will be released early 2012 with a focus on an international audience. ‘Reborn’ includes the single ‘Tender Lovin’, which also features a video filmed by acclaimed director James Wade. Tender Lovin has received airplay on Australia's National Radio Station Triple J.
Track listing
Discography
*Getting U Junkdafied
*Too High EP
*United We Stand Mixtape
*Reborn