BallantinesPR

The Flying Culinary Circus Offers Exciting, Different Tips for Grilling

Tony — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:38:58 +0000

Where’s the Beef?
Exciting and Different Tips for Labor Day Summer Grilling From
The Flying Culinary Circus, the First International Chef Group

The Flying Culinary Circus

From left to right:
Tor Jørgen Kramprud Arnesen,
Trond Svendgard
Hans-Kristian Larsen,
Mathias Spieler Bugge,

Grilled Mackerel
with Slices of Lemon,
Summer Cabbage & Bacon,
Boiled New Potatoes,
and Sour Cream

Culinary Salmon Burger”
with Grilled Asparagus,
Beef Tomatoes, Buffalo Mozzarella,
Mixed Garden Salad,
Parmesan Cheese and Tarragon Aioli

Los Angeles, CA, Aug 25, 2010 – The Flying Culinary Circus (TFCC), the first international chef group, want Americans to set aside the traditional hamburger and experiment with new flavors on the grill. The team of four chefs from Norway, travel the globe to cook and entertain at the world’s exclusive events and destinations. The most popular food being requested of them right now is Norwegian seafood. With summer here and the Labor Day holiday just around the corner, the chefs have some great tips and unique recipes that will liven up any dinner party and make summer grilling with seafood fun for everyone.

Experiment with New Ingredients
According to the fish and seafood expert in The Flying Culinary Circus, Trond Svendgård, one top trend that they are noticing at events worldwide is a demand in Norwegian seafood. “Dropping the traditional burgers and steaks, and using seafood such as crayfish, scallops, halibut, salmon, mackerel, and cod is a bold move, but it livens up a party,” says Trond. “Make something that your guests would not expect, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new ingredients and flavors you have never used before. Instead of making a traditional hamburger, try making ‘the world’s best Salmon burger’ with grilled asparagus, tarragon aioli, tomatoes and a fresh garden salad.” Also, try switching and changing out ingredients in recipes that you think will taste well together. “There are no rules when you are cooking. The most important thing is to taste everything several times to make sure you get the results you want.”

Pamper your palate
To make a great meal, Chef Mathias Spieler Bugge recommends sourcing the best products and ingredients possible. “It’s important to use seafood of high quality, and then make sure you don’t over cook it. Grilling on a barbeque at the right temperature is key. For a whole piece of fish, or a thick piece, you need to keep it at a lower temperature to avoid burning the fish. Brush the seafood with a neutral oil, and grill the seafood to perfection. It should have a nice caramelized outside without getting dry and over cooked.”

Marinade the seafood after grilling instead of before
Most cooks marinade their meats and fish before putting them on the barbeque. However, it is much easier to grill, and avoid burning the seafood if you marinade it after. Just before serving the fish, chop some parsley and garlic, mix with freshly squeezed lemon juice and olive oil, add salt and pepper, and then pour or brush the marinade on top of the seafood.

Charcoal vs Propane barbeques
While propane gas grills are very popular, the Chefs actually recommend using a traditional charcoal barbeque. “You get a lot more taste, and the time it takes to fire up the BBQ will make sure all the guests are really hungry. The best seasoning in the world is hunger,” says Chef Trond.

Good things come to those that wait
It’s important to remember to be patient when you’re at the helm of the barbeque. And, if you are using a barbeque with traditional coal or wood, make sure you wait until it’s at the right temperature to begin cooking. A good idea is to have some games or a quiz prepared to entertain your guests while waiting.

Pair it up
As far as pairings go, here are a few examples of vegetables that go well with any of TFCC’s Norwegian seafood recipes: Grilled green asparagus, summer cabbage cooked with a little bit of water and butter, boiled new potatoes, sautéed spinach, sautéed cauliflower, and glazed baby carrots. A cold bottle of white wine also goes well with the seafood.

Planning makes perfect
Planning ahead for your barbeque party will relieve some of the stress the day of the party. Also, it gives you time to shop and find the best deals on quality seafood, such as Norwegian seafood.

Of course, don’t forget to have fun!
The Chefs want to encourage cooks to have as much fun as possible while they are at the barbeque. “Summer grilling is already fun, so all you have to do is invite all the people you like and have a great meal. You can even include your guests in the cooking too. Happy people make happy food,” says Mathias.

Below are two easy-to-make grilling recipes from The Flying Culinary Circus:
Grilled Mackerel with Slices of Lemon, Summer Cabbage & Bacon, Boiled New Potatoes, and Sour Cream.
Ingredients:
2 whole mackerels (or approximately 2 pounds and 6 oz)
1 lemon
1 spring/summer cabbage
¼ pound smoked pork bacon
2 oz or ¼ cup good butter
1 pound, 5 oz of new potatoes
1 box sour cream
Salt & pepper
Method:

Slice/cut the cabbage and bacon into thin strips. Pack cabbage and bacon inside aluminum -foil with good butter, salt, pepper and a little bit of water
Boil the new potatoes in salted water until ready
Put the aluminum-foil with cabbage and bacon on the barbeque. Cook until the cabbage is cooked. The length time on the grill depends on the thickness of the cabbage.
Brush the mackerel with neutral oil, and season with salt and pepper inside the belly. Grill the mackerel on both sides of the fish until it looks ready. Don’t overcook the fish, but take it off the barbeque before you think it is ready and check that it is thoroughly cooked. Small pieces of fish cook much quicker than bigger pieces, so try to take note of the thickness.
Serve with sour cream

Culinary Salmon Burger” with Grilled Asparagus, Beef Tomatoes, Buffalo Mozzarella, Mixed Garden Salad, Parmesan Cheese and Tarragon Aioli
Ingredients:
1 ½ pound filet of Norwegian salmon without skin
16 green asparagus
2 beef tomatoes
Mixed garden salad
2 oz parmesan cheese
6 oz mozzarella
4 burger buns
Salt & pepper
Aioli:
1 egg yolk
1 tbsp mustard
1 tsp vinegar
¾ cup neutral oil (sunflower)
1 lemon
Fresh tarragon
Method:

Start making the aioli by mixing the egg yolk, mustard and vinegar in a small bowl with an aluminum whisk. Pour little by little of the oil into the bowl while whisking until you have used all the oil. Season with salt, pepper, chopped tarragon and fresh lemon juice. (If you don’t want to make your own aioli, you can buy sour cream and season with salt, pepper, freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped tarragon)
Slice tomatoes and season with olive oil, salt and pepper
Grate parmesan cheese
Clean the salad
Slice the buffalo mozzarella
Cut the salmon filet in four pieces and brush with a little bit of neutral oil. Season with salt and pepper. Put the fish on the barbeque, and leave it on one side until it is almost cooked through. Turn the filets to the other side, and cook it for 30 seconds on the other side. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish.
Grill the burger buns for 20 seconds on each side and let your guests put together their own “Flying Culinary Salmon Burger” with additional toppings of their choice.

For more information on the Flying Culinary Circus, please go to www.fccircus.com or go to their electronic press kit at http://www.ballantinespr.com/FCC/.
To interview The Flying Culinary Chefs, please contact:

Erika Maya
Ballantines PR
erika@ballantinespr.com
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
Mob: +1.310.850.0309
www.ballantinespr.com

New book: Awaken the Kryst Within – You Are Your Own Guru

Tony — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 20:20:34 +0000

You Are Your Own Guru

From addictions, abuse and near-death experience, expert reveals how to reclaim control of your life, in a groundbreaking new book – October release

“I’m not speaking about a specific religion – Nor am I a guru of any kind. I only trust that I can help people remember that they are their own guru.”
- author Adayara BudAea Rivera

Los Angeles, CA, Aug 24, 2010 - In our evolving society, people are beginning to question their beliefs, and are looking for a deeper meaning to their purpose in life. Many people are seeking spiritual guidance, and are willing to try new ways to heal themselves and regain empowerment. But today, we need facts and reason in order to believe in something. Faith is simply not enough anymore.

“Awaken the Kryst Within” by Adayara BudAea Rivera offers true-life experiences and techniques backed by science to assist readers in finding their purpose, reaching their full potential, and experiencing pure freedom and happiness.

Adayara insists that this book is NOT a self-help, spiritual book, but rather an empowering encryption for humanity to help you remember who you are, where you came from, what your purpose is, and to know where you are going once you leave your physical body.

“I ask those who are ‘open-minded’ enough to read this book to simply not BELIEVE a word I say for “believing” means there is doubt. Instead, I simply ask you to FEEL/SENSE the frequency or the energy of not only the words on the page but as you read on, start to pay attention to the frequency BEHIND the words,” says Adayara about his book.

“Awaken the Kryst Within”, by Adayara BudAea Rivera is:

A candid look into Adayara’s sexual abuse as a child and his nearly twenty years of drug, sex and alcohol addiction.
An exposé of Adayara’s journey from a near-death experience to reclaiming his own personal power, inner peace and freedom.
An explanation of methods Adayara used to overcome obstacles in his life, including Sound Healing therapies.
Scientific explanations with hard facts that back up Adayara’s claims.

ABOUT AUTHOR ADAYARA BUDAEA RIVERA:

Adayara BudAea Rivera is the author of “Awaken the Kryst Within”. He is also the owner and host facilitator of “Sounds of Ascension”, bio-evolutionary, life-enhancement workshops. In 2000, Adayara had a NDE (Near Death Experience) from a near-fatal drug-alcohol overdose, the result of nearly twenty years of drug, sex and alcohol addiction. Since that life-altering, multi-dimensional consciousness shift, Adayara searched and experienced many spiritual traditions and systems for the answers of WHO am I, WHERE do I come from, WHAT is my purpose and WHERE am I going after death; all of them falling short until he finally found PEACE, TRUTH and FREEDOM through “Awakening the Kryst Within” himself. Adayara contributes this amazingly liberating process to the MCEO FREEDOM TEACHINGS™.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
“Awaken the Kryst Within” will available on October 7, 2010.

For more information on Adayara BudAea Rivera and “Awaken the Kryst Within,” please visit http://www.adayarabudaea.com/.

To obtain a copy for review, or to book Adayara BudAea Rivera for an interview, please contact:

Jenn Deese
jenn@ballantinespr.com
310-454-3080
www.ballantinespr.com

Performance Team Named Top 100 3PL for 4th Year in a Row

Tony — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:05:51 +0000

Performance Team Named Top 100 3PL
for 4th Year in a Row

Los Angeles, CA, Aug 19, 2010 – Performance Team has been selected as an Inbound Logistics Top 100 Third-Party Logistics Provider (3PL) for 2010. Inbound Logistics (IL) editors trimmed the list from over 300 companies to select the top 100 third party logistic providers.

IL editors base their selection on the best logistics solutions providers by carefully evaluating submitted information, conducting personal interviews and online research, and comparing that data to their readers’ burgeoning global supply chain and logistics challenges. The service providers that are selected are companies that, in the opinion of IL editors, offer the diverse operational capabilities and experience to meet readers’ unique supply chain and logistics needs.

Felecia Stratton, Editor of Inbound Logistics, states, “Given the growing complexity of mastering global supply chain management, the role 3PLs play continues to become increasingly important. Recent economic times have forced companies to deal with product scalability, demand volatility, access to capacity, and matching inventory more tightly to demand. Cutting transport costs is also very important, but Inbound Logistics readers say that great 3PL relationships are built not just on cost savings but on consistent customer service. Performance Team qualifies as an Inbound Logistics 2010 Top 100 3PL Provider because it provides a high level of customer service and has shown consistent results in helping customers navigate stormy economic times. Performance Team has also demonstrated ability in helping leading enterprises achieve the efficiency and scalability so important to success in today’s global economic climate.”

ABOUT INBOUND LOGISTICS:

Inbound Logistics the leading trade magazine targeted toward business logistics and supply chain managers. The magazine’s editorial mission is to help companies of all sizes better manage corporate resources by speeding and reducing inventory and supporting infrastructure, and better matching demand signals to supply lines.

For more information, please visitwww.inboundlogistics.com.

ABOUT PERFORMANCE TEAM:
Since 1986, Performance Team (PT) has been an industry leading, privately held Third Party Logistics (3PL) company with over twenty years of experience in warehousing, distribution, consolidation, and transportation. PT has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s top 3PL companies, managing portions of supply chain logistics for large corporations such as Best Buy, Belk, and Gerber Childrenswear LLC. PT has eight domestic hubs strategically located near major ports, interstate highways, and intermodal rail lines, and over three million square feet of distribution and transportation space located in Los Angeles, New Jersey, Seattle, Dallas/Fort Worth, Charleston and Miami.

Performance Team has positioned themselves as the “green leader” in the supply chain logistics industry through their multiple green initiatives. PT is committed to being an environmentally responsible organization and has taken initiatives to enhance environmental causes. For more information of Performance Team’s initiatives, please visit www.ptgt.net.

FURTHER INFORMATION:
For media inquires please contact:

Kelley Coughlan
Kelley@ballantinespr.com
Ballantines PR
Tel: 310.454.3080
www.ballantinespr.com

Mike Yerkes new Vice President of Operations, Performance Team NE

Tony — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:04:07 +0000

Performance Team Proudly announces Mike Yerkes as new Vice President of Operations, Performance Team Northeast

Los Angeles, CA, Aug 20, 2010 – Performance Team (PT), a leading provider of supply chain logistics, announces the addition of Mike Yerkes as Vice President of Operations, PT Northeast.

About Mike Yerkes, VP of Operations, Performance Team Northeast:
Mr. Yerkes is backed by an impressive 12-year career at Jones Apparel Group, earning titles of Director of Engineering, VP Business Solutions Group, VP Customer Service, and VP Operations support. While at Jones Apparel Group, Mr. Yerkes led ground-up startups of warehouses across North America, including structural design, facility design, process design, staffing, and training. Yerkes also implemented high speed cross belt and tilt tray sortation utilized in both apparel and footwear distribution. He led IT projects ranging from WMS customization and installation to ERP design and implementation, and also worked closely with senior management on all acquisition integration activities to ensure smooth business transitions.

The veteran also spent two years as Senior Vice President of Operations at The Moret Group. While there, he worked with Customs to set up a First Sale import process, which resulted in significant duty savings. At Moret, he also established new partnership with international logistics companies to better manage freight from factory to point of origin through the use of software and EDI protocols. Mr. Yerkes also made operational changes from factories in China to local distribution in order to increase shipping accuracy to key accounts such as Kohl’s. Through his efforts, Moret’s average performance grade significantly improved in one year.

Mr. Yerkes holds a BS in Industrial Engineering and an MBA from the Pennsylvania State University.

Comments about Performance Team:

“I feel the number one asset a company can possess is its people and this is what drew me to PT,” says Yerkes, “From the top down they have an excellent approach to business as well as the ability to create an environment for their clients that is very flexible and innovative to not just move product, but add value. In addition to good people, they are also well positioned geographically, have an excellent Finance and IT staff and understand what it takes to succeed. I am extremely excited to join the very talented team at PT and I look forward to supporting and contributing to the East Coast growth strategy.”

About Performance Team:

Performance Team (PT) has been an industry leading, privately held Third Party Logistics (3PL) company for over twenty years, with experience in warehousing, distribution, consolidation, and transportation. PT has eight domestic hubs strategically located near major ports, interstate highways, and intermodal rail lines, and over three million square feet of distribution and transportation space located in Los Angeles, New Jersey, Seattle, Dallas/Fort Worth, Charleston and Miami.

PT offers a full suite of services including full service Pick and Pack, Distribution, Facility Management, Garment on Hanger, Value Added Services, Kitting, Transportation, Drayage, full EDI/ Interface, Retail Store Deliveries, Deconsolidation and Consolidation Services.
Performance Team has positioned themselves as the “green leader” in the supply chain logistics industry through their multiple green initiatives. PT is committed to being an environmentally responsible organization and has taken initiatives to enhance environmental causes. For more information of Performance Team’s initiatives, please visit www.ptgt.net.

Further Information:

For more information on Performance Team, please visit www.ptgt.net.
Contact:
Kelley Coughlan
Kelley@ballantinespr.com
310.454.3080
www.ballantinespr.com

Performance Team Named Top 100 3PL for 4th Year in a Row

Tony — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 18:25:49 +0000

Performance Team Named Top 100 3PL
for 4th Year in a Row

ABOUT INBOUND LOGISTICS:

For more information, please visitwww.inboundlogistics.com.

FURTHER INFORMATION:
For media inquires please contact:

Kelley Coughlan
Kelley@ballantinespr.com
Ballantines PR
Tel: 310.454.3080
www.ballantinespr.com

Diana’s last day at BPR

Kelley — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 21:48:23 +0000

Diana was a summer 2010 intern at Ballantines PR in Los Angeles

Dr. Sarfraz Zaidi To discuss Vitamin D, Insulin Resistance at OC Mensa Regional Gathering

Tony — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 21:45:48 +0000

Dr. Sarfraz Zaidi, Medical Expert on Vitamin D
and Insulin Resistance Syndrome, to
Present at the Orange County
Mensa 2010 Regional Gathering

The Power of Vitamin D

Sarfraz Zaidi, MD

WHO:
Sarfraz Zaidi, MD, is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA and Director of the Jamila Diabetes and Endocrine Medical Center in Southern California. Dr. Zaidi’s book, “Power of Vitamin D,” discusses the vitamin D deficiency epidemic, how Vitamin D affects every organ system in the body, the role Vitamin D plays in the causation of most of the chronic illnesses and how to prevent and treat Vitamin D deficiency without fear of its toxicity.

WHAT:
Mensa is the largest and oldest high-IQ society in the world. It is a non-profit organization open to people who score at the 98th percentile or higher on a standardized and supervised IQ test. The Orange County Mensa organization will be having their annual Regional Gathering over Labor Day weekend, and the prestigious Dr. Sarfraz Zaidi will be presenting on the important topics of Hormone D Deficiency (HDD) and Insulin Resistance Syndrome.

WHEN:
Saturday, September 4, 2010
10:00 am – Presentation on
“Power of Vitamin D”
3:30 pm – Presentation on
Insulin Resistance Syndrome

WHERE:
Atrium Hotel
18700 MacArthur Blvd., Irvine, CA 92612
(Just across from John Wayne Airport)

For more information about the Orange County Mensa Regional Gathering, please go to: http://www.orange.us.mensa.org/

For more information on Dr. Zaidi, please go to http://www.DoctorZaidi.com, or please visit his Electronic Press Kit at http://www.ballantinespr.com/doctorzaidi/

Press may RSVP to:

Erika Maya
erika@ballantinespr.com
Ballantines PR
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
Mob: +1.310.850.0309
Fax: +1.310.943.1978
www.ballantinespr.com

Master Pizza Chef, Theo Kalogeracos, Pizza Oven coming to America!

Tony — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 20:29:04 +0000

Move Over George Foreman!
Master Pizza Chef, Theo Kalogeracos, and his Pizza Oven – the Pizza Perfector – are coming to America!

Master Pizza Chef, Theo Kalogeracos

The Theo + Co Pizza Perfector

Theo’s Chocolate Mud Honey Pizza

Theo’s Pisagne Pizza

CLICK on the image
to view Theo on Australia’s
number one national
breakfast TV show

Los Angeles, CA, Aug 16, 2010- The 2010 World Pizza Champion, Theo Kalogeracos, is coming to America and he’s bringing his famous pizza oven with him. Already a huge hit in Australia, Theo Kalogeracos is known in the culinary world as a Master Pizza Chef. To say Theo is talented and passionate when it comes to pizzas is an understatement. For 15 years he has run a pizzeria, Little Caesars (no relation to the Little Caesars US chain), in the Perth hills suburb of Mundaring, Western Australia - www.littlecaesarspizzeria.com.au, and recently a second pizzeria in the trendy suburb of Leederville. Customers drive from far and wide to enjoy the award-winning food and atmosphere. His great TV presence has also made him a household name in Australia.

Just like his pizzas, Theo’s journey to becoming a master pizza chef is original. He credits his Greek heritage, his family, evolution as a baker then pastry chef, strong work ethic and Italian mentor, Caesar Saraceni, as influencing the evolution of his award winning pizzas. He has become quite the TV personality in Australia. Some recent award titles include: 2010 World Champion Pizza Maker – Las Vegas Pizza Show, 2006 Las Vegas Italian Chef Wars Winner, 2004 member of Dairy Farmers Team Oz that won the America’s Plate, and 2003 Australian winner of Dairy Farmers Best of the Best.

Theo’s philosophy, when it comes to making pizzas, is about using quality, fresh produce and developing a taste sensation. He is far from being a traditional pizza maker and some of his pizzas are considered a little outside the box.

While his choices are sometimes thought bold – many would turn their noses at putting pasta on a pizza or creating a chocolate pizza – staying true to simple flavor principles and being a perfectionist has lead to the creation of a long list of delicious and award-winning pizzas. A few of those notable pizzas are:

Pisagne – combination of lasagna on a pizza, bolognaise sauce, pasta sheets and parmesan cheese
Chocolate Mud Honey – chocolate mud cake, honey, chocolate sauce, white milk and dark chocolate buttons, icing sugar.
Strawberry Fields – frangipani cake, strawberries, icing sugar, strawberry sauce, ice cream

Creating an ‘authentic’ pizza experience is integral to Theo’s pizzas – similar to a work of art. Theo views the pizza base as a ‘culinary canvas’ and then creates a flavor masterpiece. If he wants to create a Thai satay chicken pizza, it is created using fresh and authentic Thai ingredients. As well as ensuring the taste is spot on, Theo is also extremely visual when it comes to making pizzas – the pizza needs to look good and toppings need to be balanced.

“We eat with our eyes as well as our taste buds, so the pizza must look great and taste delicious,” says Theo. “When you cut the pizza into slices, each person needs to enjoy the flavors. That’s why balancing the toppings across the pizza is really important.”

Continuing with his passion for everything pizza, Theo will be branching out with his Theo + Co brand with his award winning cookbook and a countertop pizza oven for the U.S. market in the coming months. Theo is excited to be bringing his pizza passion and knowledge to the US.

The 200 page cookbook, Theo + Co – The Search for the Perfect Pizza, is a labor of love and much more than an instructional pizza cookbook. Theo has put his heart, soul and pizza recipes into the book to equip people to make world class pizzas in the comfort of their home. It has been a major success in Australia, first released as a hard-cover, followed soon after by a paperback edition.

The book is published in Australia by UWA Press. It has exceeded all of their expectations and has been their most successful published book to date. The cookbook is currently being updated and converted to the US metric system for release in the United States.

The Theo + Co Pizza Perfector is an easy to use countertop electric pizza oven designed by Theo. With a rotating tray for even cooking; an automatic timer and upper and lower heating elements, it cooks a perfect pizza in 7 – 10 minutes. It also comes with an instructional DVD featuring Theo preparing dough from scratch in real time and tips on how to make the perfect pizza. Theo is working on re-designing the Pizza Perfector for release in the U.S. consumer market. Expected launch will be in three to six months.

Bringing the cookbook and pizza oven to the U.S. makes perfect sense for a pizza enthusiast like Theo. “While Australians like pizza, Americans LOVE pizza and I am really looking forward to immersing myself in the diverse US pizza culture.”

Theo hopes to share his knowledge about pizza making with American families on a budget. “Using quality, fresh ingredients, the whole family can come together to create their meal and share some quality family time.” He sees a future where kids and their parents can have fun cooking and experimenting together with unique ingredients and toppings.

To prepare for his book and pizza oven launch in the US, Theo will be hitting the TV and print circuit and doing cooking demonstrations over the next few months, providing fun and easy cooking tips and great recipes. Theo hopes you’ll join him on his journey to making great pizzas.

For more information about Theo Kalogeracos or the Theo+Co brand, please go to -http://www.theoandco.net/

To request recipes or book Theo for a show, please contact:

Erika Maya
Ballantines PR
erika@ballantinespr.com
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
Mob: +1.310.850.0309
Fax: +1.310.943.1978
www.ballantinespr.com

Leftover Cuties’ song is theme song for “THE BIG C” from Showtime

Tony — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 21:57:40 +0000

Venice-Based Band Leftover Cuties’ song
“Game Called Life” chosen as the theme song for
Showtime’s newest original series “The Big C”

Leftover Cuties
“Game Called Life”
Official Music Video

Los Angeles, CA, Aug 12, 2010 - Leftover Cuties’ song “Game Called Life” has been chosen by Showtime as the theme song for the new SHOWTIME original series “THE BIG C”.

The BIG C features acclaimed actress Laura Linney in the role of Cathy Jamison, a reserved, stifled, Minneapolis schoolteacher who receives life changing news and decides, from that moment on, to make drastic, long-overdue adjustments to the way she is living her life.

THE BIG C premieres on SHOWTIME Monday, August 16th at 10:30PM ET/PT, following the Season Six premiere of WEEDS.

Leftover Cuties will perform Live every Friday night at Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica, from 7-11pm through the end of August as a part of the hotel’s “Live Well Again” artist series.

As part of Hotel Casa del Mar’s “Live Well Again” artist series, Leftover Cuties will be taking the stage in the Lobby of the famed Santa Monica property for an intimate performance and meet and greet.

For more information on Hotel Casa del Mar’s “Live Well Again” artist series please visit:www.hotelcasadelmar.com/?offer=food

About Leftover Cuties

“A band like Leftover Cuties could start a similar movement, by reminding the indie rock masses of the overlooked jazzy greatness of the near past.”

- Redefine Magazine

Imagine Billie Holiday playing ukulele under a palm-thatched hut in 1930’s Waikiki and you’ll get a taste of the soothing sound of Leftover Cuties. A delicate mix of sultry crooning, tender melodies, and bittersweet lyrics, Leftover Cuties harkens back to a simpler age when music was as likely to come from a soup-line or a smoke filled speakeasy as it was from a recording studio.

Shirli McAllen (singer/songwriter) and Austin Nicholsen (bassist/songwriter) began their lives together as Leftover Cuties in 2008. It was, in fact, an impromptu jam session with Austin’s ukulele that led to the creation of the Cuties first song and the title track of their debut EP. Seizing that creative seed, Austin and Shirli began working on Leftover Cuties in earnest; writing songs, recording, and assembling band members. After long months of hard work, the Cuties played their first show at The Hotel Cafe in late 2008 to a packed house, followed by the release of their debut EP “Game Called Life” in early 2009. The EP was co – produced with well-known producer/mixer/engineer Ryan Hewitt (John Frusiante, Cat Power, the Avett Brothers).

Since, the cuties have filmed their first music video for the title track “Game Called Life”, recorded a cover for Lady Gaga’s smash-hit “Poker Face” which has recently gotten over 16,000 views on You Tube due to a mention by Perez Hilton and Lady Gaga on twitter, and are already hard at work on their forthcoming full length album with well known producer Tony Berg (Peter Gabriel, Pete Yorn, Jesca Hoop).
http://leftovercuties.com/

About Hotel Casa del Mar

Originally built in 1926 as the grandest of the opulent beach club hotels and the premier playground for Hollywood ‘A-listers,’ Hotel Casa del Mar re-emerged in October 1999, following a $50 million restoration by Edward Thomas Hotels, as the prime location to “live well again.” True to its indulgent past, Hotel Casa del Mar remains one of the most well-appointed addresses on the West Coast, with luxurious décor evoking the grandeur and elegance of a European coastal experience. Known for its sophisticated accommodations and stylish public spaces, an indulgent and relaxing ambiance and extraordinary service and privacy, the beachfront escape provides 129 beautifully appointed guest rooms, including 17 suites, and panoramic views of the Pacific and Southern California shore. The signature restaurant, Catch Restaurant and Wine Bar, offers innovative cuisine and spectacular vantages of picturesque sunsets in a comfortably elegant setting. Sea Wellness Spa incorporates eco-friendly design, revitalizing and health-benefiting spa treatments, and a variety of fitness programs for mind and body. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Hotel Casa del Mar is located at 1910 Ocean Way in Santa Monica, CA, only 20 minutes from Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Los Angeles International Airport and adjacent to the historic Santa Monica Pier.

For reservations or more information, guests of Hotel Casa del Mar can call:
(310) 581-5533
(800) 898-6999,
www.hotelcasadelmar.com.

For more information about The Big C please visit:
http://www.sho.com/site/thebigc/home.do

For media inquiries please contact:

Kelley Coughlan
kelley@ballantinespr.com
Ballantines PR
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
Fax: +1.310.943.1978
www.ballantinespr.com

NeuroSky’s Brain Computer Interface – University to Consumer

Tony — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:35:46 +0000

NeuroSky’s Brain Computer Interface – Bridging the Gap Between Research, Academia, and the Consumer

NeuroSky’s David Westendorf explains the company’s achievements in bringing technological advances to the masses

NeuroSky’s MindSet

David Westendorf,
VP of Business Development
and Product Marketing

NeuroSky’s CEO, Stanley Yang,
using the Uncle Milton
Star Wars Force Trainer

NeuroSky Lab, MATLAB plug in
for EEG data collection

San Jose, CA, Aug 11, 2010 – In 2007, U.S. Universities spent more than $48.8 billion dollars on research and earned only $2 billion back in licensing of previous patents developed from their work. While this research is ostensibly available for license, it is somehow not translating into broad commercial use. Leading brain-computer interface technology company, NeuroSky has made it their mission to utilize university neuroscience research and create products to benefit the general public.

At this year’s BCI Meeting in Asilomar, California, NeuroSky’s Vice President of Business Development and Product Marketing, David Westendorf, presented NeuroSky’s commercialization model to a gathering of the top 400 researchers in the BCI industry.

Grounded in over 60 years of medical research, NeuroSky’s technology has taken proven medical EEG (electroencephalograph) technology, and evolved it for application to the mass market in games and toys. Mattel’s MindFlex and Star Wars Force Trainer by Uncle Milton use NeuroSky ThinkGear EEG technology to read the intensity of the wearer’s brainwaves via sensors positioned on the forehead. NeuroSky’s ThinkGear chip is not limited to games, though. Their BCI technology is now being incorporated into products as various as automotive, healthcare, education industries, and more.

At the BCI Meeting, Mr. Westendorf explained how the current consumer markets for BCI technology are rapidly growing and strong, with the brain fitness market expected to grow from $265 million in 2008, to an astounding $5 billion in 2015, and the neuro-stimulation, or drug-free alternatives market, growing from $1.3 billion in 2009 to $2.7 billion in 2015. If the market is so open to these types of products, why then is there this disconnect between the amount of research done and the number of products available to the masses?

The main problem, as Mr. Westendorf made clear, is that consumer manufacturers don’t know BCI, and BCI experts do not know consumer electronics. And that’s where NeuroSky comes in. Under the guidance of CEO Stanley Yang, their MindSet has effectively bridged the gap between academics and consumers, by offering them an incredibly reliable and effective EEG machine for 1/100th of the cost of a full medical EEG.

“Through research and commercialization partnerships with Carnegie Mellon, Stanford, Trinity College, University of Wollongong, University of Washington and many others, NeuroSky is helping unlock decades of brainwave research for mass market applications,” said Stanley Yang, NeuroSky CEO. “We look forward to product announcements with these and more partners in the coming years.”

The cost of a typical medical EEG systems, which must be used with gel and assistance from a clinician, can be above $40,000 per unit and takes 15-30 minutes to calibrate, and produces a high degree of accuracy. NeuroSky’s Mindset has a calibration time of only 4-seconds, an accuracy rate of 90%-96%, yet only costs $199. The fact that NeuroSky has been able to offer nearly the full value of a real EEG machine for mass-market consumption is one of the factors that have contributed to the company becoming one of the world’s largest EEG manufacturers.

About NeuroSky
NeuroSky, Inc. is the leader in Brain-Computer Interface technologies for consumer product application. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in San Jose, CA, NeuroSky works with industry partners, developers, and with academic and research institutions, to provide innovative products and solutions across a wide range of areas.

Technological innovations include significant advancements in noise reduction, dry-sensor development (rather than requiring a conductive gel), substantial cost-engineering (reducing the price), and enabling the wearer to use it outside of a lab (without the assistance of a doctor). With such universal innovation, NeuroSky’s games and other applications are sure to have an impact in a variety of arenas in the coming years.

For more information about NeuroSky, please go to www.neurosky.com

For more information on NeuroSky’s University partnerships, please contact:
Tansy Brook
Head of Communications
NeuroSky Brain-Computer Interface Technologies
Office: 408-200-6677
Mobile: 415-215-6519
tansy@neurosky.com

Media Contact:
Erika Maya
Erika@ballantinespr.com
Ballantines PR
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
Mob: +1.310.850.0309
Fax: +1.310.943.1978
www.ballantinespr.com

MAXIMILLIAN GALLERY 2010 Speed Racer International Art Competition

Tony — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:31:47 +0000

MAXIMILLIAN GALLERY Named
Exclusive Fine Art Licensing Agency
By Speed Racer Enterprises

Gallery Kicks Off New Partnership with its
2010 Speed Racer™ International Art Competition

Los Angeles, CA, Aug 11, 2010 – MAXIMILLIAN GALLERY, art licensors and gallery of emerging, celebrity talent and properties, is pleased to announce its 2010 Speed Racer™International Art Competition to kick-off its exclusive fine art licensing representation of Speed Racer Classic.

MAXIMILLIAN GALLERY, which will also serve as an official art publisher for Speed Racer art, will launch this exclusive partnership with its 2010 Speed Racer™ International Art Competition on August 10, 2010, accepting submissions through October 31, 2010. Artists of all ages and ranging from emerging to established are invited to submit new works incorporating their visions of the classic Speed Racer art. These original designs may be in the categories of painting, drawing, photography, digital, print (etching, lithograph, silkscreen, linoleum cut, woodcut, monotype, etc.), sculpture and video.

Caradoc Ehrenhalt, MAXIMILLIAN GALLERY Founder and CEO states “We are thrilled to represent such an exciting, original property as Speed Racer. We feel that the 2010 Speed Racer International Art Competition is an excellent preview of how Maximillian Gallery will utilize art licensing and publishing deals to expand consumer access to new and existing Speed Racer art.”

James Rocknowski, President of Speed Racer Enterprises, agrees. “We’re really excited to be driving Speed Racer head-on into the fine art medium. The enthusiasm over at Maximillian Gallery really sets our mind at ease that they are definitely the guys who will help expand the brand into the uniqueness of the art world. We are confident that Caradoc’s passion for art and knowledge of the art and licensing business make Maximillian Gallery the perfect champion for Speed Racer in the art world.”

Judged by a panel of art professionals including Ehrenhalt, winning entries based on the classic Speed Racer cartoon will be eligible for sales representation, publication as a limited edition print, perhaps even be licensed for use on products and apparel. The competition offers valuable exposure for artists and their art. Applicants will be given the opportunity to submit their work for consideration, culminating in a panel, public and founder’s vote. In addition, there are numerous opportunities for all entrants, including unprecedented recognition and exposure to the art world, media and public through MAXIMILLIAN’s website, mention in press releases/coverage, potential inclusion in the Speed Racer exhibition following the competition, and exposure for their existing work as well as the new Speed Racer work created for the competition.

Ehrenhalt continues, “This competition is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for artists to showcase their work and get the chance to expand their influence and profile in the art and art licensing world. Established artists are also invited to participate and create new art based on the amazing Speed Racer cartoon. Ultimately, at Maximillian, we are eager to receive submissions and see what undiscovered talent may emerge and what great new art will be created by emerging and established artists.”

Rocknowski adds, “Speed Racer is loved by tens of millions of fans worldwide, and this official Speed Racer art competition is very exciting to us and sure to be very exciting to the fans. We look forward to seeing the new works artists will create based on Speed Racer.”

The gallery will stage a Speed Racer Exhibition featuring the winners and selected competition entrants following announcement of the winners.

About MAXIMILLIAN GALLERY:

MAXIMILLIAN GALLERY makes connections between those desiring meaningful, cutting edge art – collectors, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers – and celebrity and other modern, contemporary artists. MAXIMILLIAN GALLERY provides art licensing and sales representation for ingenious, emerging fine artists, serving a wide array of creative intellectual property owners, including painters, sculptors, photographers, and illustrators, with new artists being added regularly. The gallery serves collectors in Los Angeles, New York, Paris, and London under the leadership and expertise of its founder Caradoc Ehrenhalt. www.maximilliangallery.com

About Speed Racer:

Speed Racer™ first created by Tatsunoko Productions in 1966 as a Japanese “Manga” entitled Mach Go Go Go. In 1967, the 52 episodes of the cartoon series were dubbed into English by Peter Fernandez and were syndicated nationally on television in America. For nearly 20 years, Speed Racer™ was on TV in the afternoons five days a week. During that time, the world of Speed Racer™ was deeply etched into the memories of millions of youngsters who would run home from school to watch the show. Speed™ later enjoyed a comeback on TV in the 90’s on MTV and then it ran again for almost 5 years on the Cartoon Network. Nearly three full generations have grown up with Speed Racer™ and the Mach 5™. Today, Speed™, Trixie™, Racer X™, Pops™, Sparky™, Spritle™, and Chim Chim™ all hold a warm place in the hearts of 45 million Speed Racer™ fans! www.speedracer.com

Entrants for the MAXIMILLIAN GALLERY 2010 Speed Racer™ International Art Competition may visit www.maximilliangallery.com for the official Terms and Conditions, and submission details.

For more information on MAXIMILLIAN GALLERY or for press inquiries, please contact Cara Morrissey at Ballantines PR.

Cara Morrissey
cara@ballantinespr.com
Ballantines PR
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
Fax: +1.310.943.1978
www.ballantinespr.com

LA Times: NeuroSky is the leader in consumer Brain Computer Interface Technology

Tony — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 17:35:12 +0000

MEDIA ALERT: According to the Cover of Sunday’s LA Times , Mind Reading is on the Market

NeuroSky Establishes itself as the Leader in Consumer Brain Computer Interface Technology

NeuroSky Mindset

Mindflex Game, powered by NeuroSky

NeuroSky’s CEO, Stanley Yang,
using the Uncle Milton
Star Wars Force Trainer

WHAT: According to the cover of August 8th’sLA Times, The NeuroSky ThinkGear™ technology, first of its kind to be applied to the mass market, has propelled NeuroSky as the leader in consumer BCI. With industry leading partners like Mattel, Square Enix (Final Fantasy), Uncle Milton, Sega Toys Co, Toshiba and a number of others, NeuroSky is leading the charge with the introduction of BCI to the general public with the first of many toys and products.

Link to the full story:http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-mind-reader-20100808,0,6235181,full.story

WHY:
According to Reporter Shan Li, “The Company’s breakthrough was in harnessing the brain-wave technology found in EEG machines costing $20,000 and up into headsets that consumers could afford.”

The revolutionary NeuroSky chip is used on NeuroSky’s own MindSet headset and in products by partners Mattel (MindFlex) and Uncle Milton (Star Wars Force Trainer.)
The MindSet uses the advanced NeuroSky chip and one dry sensor to sense and interpret the wearer’s brainwaves. The information is sent by Bluetooth technology to a computer. The computer uses the brainwave information to determine the level of attention and meditation. For games like the MindSet video game and the MindFlex and Star Wars Force Trainer physical games, the user’s level of attention is transformed into action.

“Next year, Iceland-based game developer MindGames will roll out Tug of Mind, the Apple App Store’s first mind-controlled game, which also works with a NeuroSky headset.”

Beyond toys and games, a number of universities have been using the NeuroSky Mindset in their research. “Up until this point, conducting this type of research was cost prohibitive to almost every university except those with substantial resources,” states Assistant Professor Richard Van Eck at the University of North Dakota. Dr. Stuart Johnstone Assistant Professor at the University of Wollongong has been developing a software system, which helps children with ADHD “The game is designed to strengthen specific psychological abilities that will help them in the classroom.”

According to the article, “We will see more and more products in the future that have this technology, whether for entertainment or healthcare or safety,” said Lee Ting, a managing partner at WR Hambrecht, one of the venture capital firms that backed NeuroSky. “This isn’t limited to very narrow applications or markets — even we can’t foresee all the possible applications.”

To learn more about NeuroSky and their technology, please go tohttp://www.neurosky.com.

Media Contact:
Erika Maya
Erika@ballantinespr.com
Ballantines PR
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
Mob: +1.310.850.0309
Fax: +1.310.943.1978
www.ballantinespr.com

Reception with Ed Massey at Hotel Casa del Mar, Thur Aug 12

Tony — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:49:43 +0000

Celebrate with Ed Massey at Hotel Casa del Mar

Artist Ed Massey on the
Casa del Mar sponsored Lifeguard Tower
in front of the hotel

You and a guest are invited to an exclusive reception with Ed Massey, as part of the “Live Well Again Event Series” at Hotel Casa del Mar.

Come celebrate and hear the stories of the Portraits of Hope successful transformation of 156 lifeguard towers from Palos Verdes to Malibu. Ed will also guide you through his art exhibition that can only be seen at Casa del Mar through the end of August.

Come enjoy the sunset with us as Ed Massey and Hotel Casa del Mar celebrate a Summer of Color as a part of the Live Well Again Event Series at Hotel Casa del Mar.

When:
Thursday, August 12th, 2010
6pm – 8pm

Where:
Hotel Casa del Mar
1910 Ocean Way
Santa Monica, CA 90405

Who:
Media Only

Brothers Bernie and Ed Massey
talk about the
“Summer of Color” Project

To RSVP, please contact:
Kelley Coughlan
Ballantines PR
kelley@ballantinespr.com

Childhood Obesity linked to Vitamin D Deficiency

Tony — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 18:54:38 +0000

Childhood Obesity linked to Vitamin D Deficiency

First Lady Michelle Obama’s Task Force to Shed Light on the Epidemic of obesity and vitamin D deficiency

The Power of Vitamin D

Sarfraz Zaidi, MD

Los Angeles, CA, Aug 4, 2010 – Vitamin D deficiency is particularly common among obese children and teenagers. Unfortunately, it remains undiagnosed and untreated. Vitamin D deficient children suffer from chronic fatigue, decreased stamina, decreased bone strength, generalized muscle aches and pains, frequent colds, and attacks of asthma. Consequently, they exercise less frequently which results in more weight gain and a vicious cycle sets in.

Most of the ill-effects of obesity such as pre-diabetes, diabetes and high blood pressure are mediated thru insulin resistance. Vitamin D deficiency worsens insulin resistance and all of its consequences. Obese children get a double dose of insulin resistance: one from obesity itself and the other from vitamin D deficiency. That’s why they are at such high risk for the consequences of insulin resistance such as pre-diabetes, diabetes and high blood pressure.

With First Lady Michelle Obama recent task force on fighting childhood obesity, author and medical expert Dr. Sarfraz Zaidi hopes that their findings will wake up Americans on the deleterious effects that vitamin D deficiency can have on obese children.

Vitamin D deficiency does not spare children of any geographic location or any race or ethnicity. However, according to Dr. Sarfraz Zaidi, medical expert and author of “Power of Vitamin D,” the following factors do make children and teenagers more susceptible to vitamin D deficiency:

Less Exposure to the sun due to sun phobia among parents, cultural customs and high latitudes such as in the Northeastern US.
Infants who are solely breast-fed, as breast milk contains only negligible amounts of vitamin D.
Skin pigmentation decreases the skin’s ability to synthesize vitamin D from sun exposure. Therefore, the darker the skin, the less efficient is the synthesis of vitamin D.
Lastly, obesity is an important factor that causes vitamin D deficiency. Why? Because vitamin D is fat soluble and gets trapped in the fat cells. Consequently, less vitamin D is available for the rest of the body.

Both, Vitamin D deficiency and obesity have reached epidemic proportions. In a study published in 2008 in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, researchers reported vitamin D to be low in 74% of obese children and adolescents in the Wisconsin area. With new findings linking serious medical problems to Vitamin D deficiency, it seems more crucial than ever that children should be taught at a young age how to stay as healthy as possible.

First Lady Michelle Obama’s task force on childhood obesity may just help bring the awareness and spotlight on vitamin D deficiency being linked to obesity. According to government statistics, about 32% of children and adolescents today — 25 million young people — are obese or overweight. The goal of the First Lady’s task force is to try to solve childhood obesity in a generation. That means returning to a childhood obesity rate of 5% by 2030.

Although the task force is still in its early stages, Dr. Zaidi hopes that the task force will use the recent knowledge and findings on vitamin D deficiency in children as a way to improve their overall health and to push for more vitamin D testing.

“Obesity and vitamin D deficiency are intertwined. You treat one, the other gets treated as well. For example, if you treat vitamin D deficiency, you improve physical strength and get rid of fatigue, body aches and pains, which naturally increases your exercise level and in this way greatly helps in the treatment of obesity,” explains Dr. Zaidi.

The federal task force’s recommendations to reverse childhood obesity, include, but are not limited to:

Restaurants should offer healthier choices on children’s menus
The food and beverage industry should market nutritious foods, not junk foods, to kids
Schools need to ensure elementary students get recess
And, the federal government needs to improve the nutritional quality of food commodities provided to schools

In addition, Dr. Zaidi recommends to parents of children and teenagers that they focus on doing weight bearing exercises, such as power walking, jogging and running. Staying active and lean will help free up vitamin D from fat cells and allow it to be utilized by the rest of the body. As a result, kids will stay healthier and more in control of their weight too. Dr. Zaidi also recommends sensible sun exposure, a good calcium intake, and a daily dose of vitamin D supplement for children two months and older to maintain a healthy level of vitamin D.

ABOUT MEDICAL EXPERT SARFRAZ ZAIDI, MD:
Dr. Zaidi is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA and Director of the Jamila Diabetes and Endocrine Medical Center in Southern California. Dr. Zaidi’s book, “Power of Vitamin D,” discusses the vitamin D epidemic, how Vitamin D affects every organ system in the body, the role Vitamin D plays in the causation of most of the chronic illnesses and how to prevent and treat Vitamin D deficiency without the fear of its toxicity.

For more information on Dr. Zaidi, please go to http://www.DoctorZaidi.com, or please visit his Electronic Press Kit at http://www.ballantinespr.com/doctorzaidi/

To interview Dr. Zaidi, please contact:

Erika Maya
erika@ballantinespr.com
Ballantines PR
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
Mob: +1.310.850.0309
Fax: +1.310.943.1978
www.ballantinespr.com

LineKong Announces Strategic Partnership with NeuroSky Brainwave Technology for Online Gaming

Tony — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:06:02 +0000

LineKong Announces Strategic Partnership with NeuroSky
Brainwave Technology Enhances Innovation of Online Gaming

NeuroSky’s MindSet

NeuroSky’s CEO, Stanley Yang,
using the Uncle Milton
Star Wars Force Trainer

San Jose, CA, USA, and Beijing China, Aug 3, 2010 – During ChinaJoy, the 8th China Digital Entertainment Expo & Conference, Feng Wang of LineKong Entertainment Technology Co., Ltd., the leader of China’s third-generation online gaming industry, and Stanley Yang of NeuroSky, the leader in mass market Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology, announced a strategic partnership to launch the first brainwave-controlled MMO game.

At a conference VIP gathering, Feng Wang, CEO of LineKong, said “LineKong has been focusing on developing MMO games with leading-edge content. Through the strategic partnership with NeuroSky, LineKong will focus on the development and application of human interface entertainment technologies, and will strive to be a world-class MMO gaming powerhouse. This strategic partnership will be carried out in all aspects of technology, brand, promotion, etc., seeking synergies and striving to develop a better gaming experience for players worldwide.”

Stanley Yang, CEO of NeuroSky, said that “We are devoted to working with the world’s premiere partners in developing new and inspiring products. We are very excited that the first MMO game using brainwave technology will be powered using our ThinkGear technology.” Mr. Yang expects that the combination of the brainwave technology headset and the “Warrior King” game, will provide gamers with an unparalleled experience.

“Warrior King” is a MMO game from the magic fantasy war genre that will soon be launched by LineKong. The strategic cooperation between LineKong and NeuroSky will be the first to introduce BCI technology into the MMO game market. Since “Warrior King” contains inherent advantages of various playing methods and rich content, players can work together to take the gaming experience to a whole new level.

During the press conference, the two companies presented NeuroSky’s MindSet brainwave technology headset in context with the “Warrior King” game. The introduction of the new gaming experience triggered high praise from on-site players and media. In the future, the two companies will collaborate to introduce a series of new games using brainwave technology.

About LineKong Entertainment Technology Co., Ltd (Beijing)
LineKong Entertainment Technology Co., Ltd (Beijing) was founded in March 2007 by Mr. Feng Wang, a celebrity in the software and the online game industries. It is part of a new generation of interactive entertainment companies that specialized in online game development and publishing. As a leading player in the China online game industry, LineKong has a firm stance in the domestic market and aims towards further expansion internationally, by concentrating on building world-class gaming products. As a leader in third-generation online game companies, LineKong set up 6 studios through its “Independent Game Producer System”, focusing on 6 different directions of development and research. The platform of products involves various product of turn-based strategy game, ARPG, classic games, web games, large-scale 3D project, etc. LineKong is building a respected reputation nationally and internationally for its aggressive development and publishing abilities. So far, “Journey to the West”, “Warrior King”, “Happy Fairy (web)” and “Legend of Kongfu” are titles that have successfully entered many overseas markets includingÂ Europe, USA, Taiwan, Vietnam and other regions in Southeastern Asia.

Technological innovations include significant advancements in “noise” reduction, dry-sensor development (rather than requiring a conductive gel), substantial “cost engineering” (reducing the price), and enabling the wearer to use it outside of a lab (without the assistance of a doctor). With such universal innovation, NeuroSky’s games and other applications are sure to have an impact in a variety of arenas in the coming years.

LineKong Website:http://www.linekong.com/
NeuroSky Website: http://www.neurosky.com/
Warrior King Website:http://yb.linekong.com/

Media Contact:
Erika Maya

Erikam@ballantinespr.com

Ballantines PR
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
Mob: +1.310.850.0309
Fax: +1.310.943.1978
www.ballantinespr.com

One-Week Job Program to Aid in Discovering Passion

Tony — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 19:57:17 +0000

One-Week Job Program to Aid in
Discovering Passion

Sean Aiken, partnering with The Naked Foundation, grants selected participants opportunity to try various jobs over course of one semester

Los Angeles, CA Aug 2, 2010 – After college graduation, Sean Aiken struggled to answer the question, “What should I do with my life?” Instead of taking the first job that came along, Sean launched himself on an epic journey called the One–Week Job Project. His goal: work 52 jobs in 52 weeks in order to find his ultimate passion.

Through his journey, Sean has created a movement that revolutionizes the job hunt. His program, “One-Week Job Program”, grants selected participants the opportunity to travel for one semester and try eight different jobs in eight weeks in search of their true passion.

Sean Aiken, creator of the program, says, “We’re starting this first semester with three participants, but my vision is to continue to grow the program in subsequent semesters and make it available to anyone who feels that they would benefit from the experience.” Participants will blog about their experience on the OneWeekJob.comwebsite by sharing stories from the road and provide insight into life lessons that they learn along the way.

Jud Ireland, Co-Founder of The Naked Foundation and Executive producer of One-Week Job, insists, “I believe that Sean’s initiative is very important in helping students discover what their true passion is. It’s a revolutionary program that I’m proud to be a part of.” The Naked Foundation is a sponsor for One-Week Job.

ABOUT ONE-WEEK JOB:

Throughout his inspirational quest, Sean trekked over 46,000 miles, slept on 55 couches, raised over $20,000 for charity, and tried every job he could: baker, teacher, real estate agent, advertising executive, Hollywood producer, radio DJ, and many more.

Wherever he could find work, he’d go there, find a couch to crash on and immerse himself in whatever profession was at hand. After a week, he’d move on to the next job.

Media was engrossed in this journey. The New York Times, The Rachel Ray Show, Good Morning America, CNN, 20/20, FOX News, and countless other media outlets covered the story.

Yahoo.com sent over 30,000 to the website OneWeekJob.com in under one hour, crashing the server in the process.

Thousands of people began following Sean’s journey, looking to him for inspiration in their own lives. People from all over the world commented on the website and wrote about their own journeys in blogs.

College students, in particular, were relieved to find others just like them who were uncertain of their future career.

This movement sparked Sean to want to help others find their passion.

ABOUT SEAN AIKEN’S BOOK:

Publishers competed for Sean’s book, based on his experience, titled The One-Week Job Project: 1 Man, 1 Year, 52 Jobs. The book was published in May 2010 by Random House.

The book follows Sean on his seven day stints, from a Cowboy in Wyoming to a Fashion Buyer in Manhattan, to a Park Ranger in Hawaii. Whether choosing a Spring fashion line, brewing beer, or milking a cow, Sean continued to ask himself and others about the nature of success and the real meaning of happiness—all while having the adventure of his life.

Part memoir, and part career guide, The One-Week Job Project reveals Sean’s observations on the job, the wisdom gleaned from his employers, and his personal story in making the transition from school into the working world.

AUTHOR REVIEWS:

“A terrific read for young people wondering what to do with their lives, and for anyone looking to change his or her life for the better.”

–Keith Ferrazzi, #1 New York Times bestselling author ofNever Eat Alone

“A life–changing, cross-continental, action-packed adventure. After reading The One-Week Job Project, you’ll know how to get the most extraordinary things out of life, and how to score some choice jobs along the way!”

–Kyle Macdonald, author of One Red Paperclip

“The One-Week Job Project will inspire a new generation of young people to stay true to themselves and define their own roads in life.”

–Mike Marriner, author of Roadtrip Nation

“I can’t say whether Sean Aiken was a good aquarium host or tattoo artist, but I do think he’s very good at one job: writing.”

–A.J. Jacobs, New York Times bestselling author of The Year of Living Biblically

“A fresh approach to the long-held idea of ‘trying on’ jobs before you ‘buy’ them.”

–Richard Chard N. Bolles, New York Times bestselling author of What Color Is Your Parachute?

ABOUT THE NAKED FOUNATION AND JUD IRELAND:

The Naked Foundation (TNF) was established in 2008 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with two goals:

To educate, advocate, and promote “healthier lifestyles” for every man, woman, and child on the planet by significantly reducing the spread of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) worldwide;
To protect the environment and a planet that’s under growing stress by championing grassroots action through a variety of endeavors.

TNF’s STD mission is to prevent 34 million new cases by increasing effective and consistent condom use worldwide by 10%, thereby saving hundreds of thousands of lives per year. TNF gives at the grassroots level to innovative groups overlooked or rejected by other corporate donors. TNF funds activists who take radical and strategic steps to protect habitat, wilderness and biodiversity. TNF also actively participates in educational programs in developing countries and works to protect the environment and make earth a healthier place.

For more information on The Naked Foundation, visit www.nakedfoundation.org/

FURTHER INFORMATION:

For more information on Sean Aiken and One-Week Job Project, visitwww.oneweekjob.com

Kelley Coughlan
kelley@ballantinespr.com
Ballantines PR
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
Fax: +1.310.943.1978
www.ballantinespr.com

Cowgirl’s Getaway to Santa Fe, Bishop’s Lodge & Resort

Tony — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 19:56:18 +0000

Cowgirl’s Getaway to Santa Fe

Santa Fe, N.M., August 2, 2010 — The Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort and Spa announces the Cowgirl’s Getaway to Santa Fe package. The resort, nestled on 450 acres and only minutes from the Santa Fe Plaza, is the ideal setting for a girl’s getaway.

Package includes:

One custom massage per adult
One hour group horseback ride per adult
Full breakfast each morning
Welcome bottle of Bishop’s Lodge Heritage Collection Wine
Resort Fee (including daily fitness classes, art tour, chapel tour, pool and spa access, scheduled shuttle service to the plaza and WIFI)

Starting at $212.25* per person, per night

*Price is based on double occupancy with a two night minimum beginning at $424.50 per person. Single occupancy and multiple people occupancy available. This package is available for deluxe accommodations to private, luxurious 2 to 3 bedroom Villas. Black-out dates and restrictions may apply.

This year Santa Fe is ranked as the fifth most popular travel city in North America by Travel + Leisure Magazine. With weekly gallery crawls throughout the city’s art districts, nightly musical and theater performances, a new Thursday evening schedule for the Farmers Market at the Railyard, art markets, sales, fairs, and expos, some blockbuster museum exhibits, summer is the perfect time to plan a trip to Santa Fe, and The Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort and Spa.

About Bishop’s Lodge:

Bishop’s Lodge is a secluded sanctuary nestled on 450 stunning acres in the Tesuque Valley of Northern New Mexico. The resort, with mountain forest surroundings, is located only minutes from the historic Santa Fe Plaza and considered among the best retreats in America by Travel & Leisure Magazine.

Meeting spaces include four conference rooms totaling 8,000 square feet, fully wired with high-speed Internet access. Outdoor spaces are available for receptions and activities. Business support services are available, as well as catering and culinary planners.

Ranked by Travel & Leisure magazine as one of America’s premier retreats, Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa is managed by Prism Hotels & Resorts, whose clients also include Marriott, Hilton, Radisson, Doubletree, and Holiday Inn. To make a resort or spa reservation, call 800-732-2240 or visitwww.bishopslodge.com

For press inquiries, please contact:

Kelley Coughlan
kelley@ballantinespr.com
Ballantines PR
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
Fax: +1.310.943.1978
www.ballantinespr.com

Downtown Santa Monica Invites you to join the 2010 FAM

Tony — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:19:19 +0000

Downtown Santa Monica
Invites you to join us for the 2010 FAM

“Urban Lifestyle – Beachside”
An exclusive look at Santa Monica Living

Tuesday, August 31st – Friday, September 3rd

Downtown Santa Monica is a thriving urban community which maintains a small-town feel while being nestled within one of the largest cities in the world, Los Angeles. The people who live and visit here experience a unique slice of life – one that’s focused on community, health, and overall well-being. The shops, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment packed within this walk-able area are unparalleled. We invite you to come and see everything that this amazing district has to offer.

This FAM is all inclusive, including airfare if possible. Transport on the ground in CA, hotel accommodations, the majority of your meals and all activities will be complimentary.

All journalists interested in attending must please submit letters of assignment by Monday, August 9th.

ITINERARY:

Tuesday, August 31st – Arrival and welcome
You will be picked up from Los Angeles International airport and driven to your hotel for check-in and to freshen up. Later that evening, you will enjoy a welcome dinner at one of Downtown Santa Monica’s local restaurants.

Wednesday, September 1st – Farmers’ Market and Shopping District
After optional breakfast at the hotel and a gym or yoga session, you will be given a tour of the Downtown Santa Monica Farmers’ Market, followed immediately by lunch with one of the area’s local chefs. Each journalist will be paired with a chef at the beginning of the tour in order to help tailor this portion of the program to fit your story angle. For example, the chef can teach you how to shop at the farmers’ market and then show you how to cook a recipe using the fresh and seasonal ingredients.

That evening, you will enjoy dinner at one of Downtown Santa Monica’s local restaurants, followed by optional nightlife activities.

Thursday, September 2nd – Bike tour, spa, and Twilight Dance Series
After an optional breakfast and gym or yoga session, you will embark on a “Pedal-or-Not” electric bike tour of Santa Monica including a quick stop at one of Ocean Avenue’s seaside restaurants for a mid-morning drink. The tour concludes at one of the area’s local restaurants for a light lunch followed by a relaxing spa treatment package at a local spa.

After some time on your own, there will be a farewell celebration and picnic dinner, provided by the Lobster, at Santa Monica’s famous Twilight Dance Series on the Pier. The featured performer will be Dr. John & the Lower 911, one of New Orleans most iconic bands.

Friday, September 3rd – Return home
We will return you to Los Angeles International Airport for your departing flight.

A more detailed itinerary will follow. This information is subject to change.

About Bayside District Corporation:
Downtown Santa Monica is managed by the Bayside District Corporation (BDC), a public-private management company that works in partnership with the City of Santa Monica on issues impacting the area.

BDC is responsible for advising the City on strategic, long-term planning that will keep the area vital in the years ahead. On a day-to-day basis, BDC staff work with departments at the City on operational and maintenance issues. As well, BDC works with merchants and community members. BDC also handles filming requests, marketing and special events for the District.

For consideration, please submit your letters of assignment for the Downtown Santa Monica FAM trip by Monday, August 9th to:

Jenn Deese
jenn@ballantinespr.com
Ballantines PR
LA Office:
Tel: 310 454 3080
Cell: 314 660 4643
Fax: 310 943 1978
http://www.ballantinespr.com

Downtown Santa Monica Celebrates Grand Opening of Santa Monica Place

Tony — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 18:17:45 +0000

Downtown Santa Monica Celebrates
the Grand Opening of Santa Monica Place

Bayside CEO Kathleen Rawson shares the significance of the redesigned shopping center to the Downtown mix

Third Street Promenade
circa 1965.

The Third Street Promenade
under construction in the late 1980’s.

The Third Street Promenade
as it appears today.

An artistic rendering
of the new Santa Monica Place.

>
Kathleen Rawson,
CEO of Bayside District Corporation

Santa Monica, CA, July 29, 2010 — Bayside District Corporation (BDC) is proud to join the celebration as Macerich, one of the nation’s largest owner/operator of retail properties re-introduces Santa Monica Place to the community on August 6, 2010. After a two-year closure, Downtown Santa Monica welcomes the grand re-opening and the new tenant mix the redeveloped property offers.

Kathleen Rawson, CEO of the Bayside District Corporation, says, “Macerich has worked closely with the City of Santa Monica and Bayside District Corporation both in conception and implementation of the vision from design to operations. It has been a synergistic relationship with a focus to deliver the best overall experience for locals and visitors to the district.”

Macerich ensures that the product offered by the premier property is aligned with the shopping and entertainment preferences of consumers in the community. Rawson expresses that “Macerich has been careful to seek tenants that will enhance the already diverse Downtown restaurant and merchandising assortment.”

”The architecture of Santa Monica Place is an extension and compliment to the Third Street Promenade, both in its physical structure and in its tenant mix. The seamless connection will encourage our guests to move between both areas easily, says Rawson. “In fact, each entrance of the shopping center will have architectural elements that mimic the neighboring parts of the city.”

Rawson contends “everyone in the District is confident that we will see the vitality of Downtown Santa Monica increase with the opening of Santa Monica Place.” She believes that “Downtown Santa Monica is going to be a stronger destination because of the newly remodeled Santa Monica Place. The key to the longevity of a downtown is reinvention so these extraordinary improvements are very welcome to the Bayside District. Everyone who comes to the area will now have more stores, restaurants and places to choose from.”

About Bayside District Corporation:
Bayside District Corporation is a public-private management company that works in partnership with the City of Santa Monica on issues impacting the Downtown Santa Monica area. BDC is responsible for the management of the urban community, in which the newly improved Santa Monica Place falls under.

For more information about Downtown Santa Monica, please go to www.downtownsm.com.

Jenn Deese
Ballantines PR
jenn@ballantinespr.com
Tel: 310 454 3080
Cell: 314 660 4643
Fax: 310 943 1978
www.ballantinespr.com

Culinary Trends are calling for Norwegian Seafood

Tony — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 19:32:14 +0000

Culinary Trends are calling for Norwegian Seafood

The Flying Culinary Circus

From left to right:
Mathias Spieler Bugge,
Tor Jørgen Kramprud Arnesen,
Hans-Kristian Larsen,
Trond Svendgard

Skreifiske

Salmon cages in Loppa

Sashimi

Los Angeles, CA, July 28, 2010 – Norwegian trends are taking over the seafood market by storm. Top chefs from all over the world are now importing Norwegian seafood due to its excellence in quality and flavor. A foursome of Norwegian chefs, who call themselves The Flying Culinary Circus, remain loyal to their roots by using only Norwegian-imported seafood to create their culinary masterpieces. This positive trend for Norwegian seafood is verified by the Norwegian Seafood Council’s Borge Gronbech, who established that fresh whole salmon and salmon filets are at the highest demand right now. In fact, the export value of Norwegian seafood has increased an abundant amount just in the past year.

So what makes Norwegian seafood the best in the world? Trond Svendgard, one of the fabled chefs in The Flying Culinary Circus, says that it is because “Norway has the coldest, clearest water in the world.” Norway’s fresh ocean currents and cold waters create the perfect conditions for harvesting seafood. With fishing in its culture for the past 6,000 years, Trond believes that “[Norwegians] have learned how to take care of the coast and level of seafood.” The ideal settings paired with a culture that honors high-quality seafood, it is no wonder that Norwegian Seafood is in such high demand.

“Norway has a unique position with nearness to the resources, and relatively short distance to the markets,” says Gronbech of the Norwegian Seafood Council. There are over 150 countries around the world that import Norwegian Seafood. Gronbech guarantees a high level of confidence in their product, “we stay constantly and vigilantly focused on quality and food safety.” For all European countries, seafood is exported by boats and trucks. For exports to USA, Asia, and Middle East, seafood is shipped by airplanes.

In popular demand amongst top chefs is the Norwegian Salmon. Rich in omega-3 and quality proteins, this time-honored fish is the perfect ingredient for a light snack or a gourmet meal. Norwegian Salmon is growing fast in popularity in the sushi segment because “of its taste, freshness and availability all year round,” says Borge Gronbech.

Top chefs are not the only ones who ask to have Norwegian Seafood flown in. According to Svendgard – Sarah Ferguson, Sheiks in Dubai, Royals in Malaysia, and Jo-Ann Strauss are among some of the celebrities who have the taste for high-quality seafood. The Flying Culinary Circus, have ordered and cooked Norwegian Seafood at the NRJ Music Awards, AHA Last World Tour, and at a private dinner for Guns and Roses.

For more information, please log onto www.fccircus.com or go to the Flying Culinary Circus’ electronic press kit at http://www.ballantinespr.com/FCC/.

To interview The Flying Culinary Chefs, please contact:

Erika Maya
Ballantines PR
erika@ballantinespr.com
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
www.ballantinespr.com

Honor Knows No Borders: Vivid novel of intrigue, danger, death in WWII

Tony — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 17:03:24 +0000

HONOR KNOWS NO BORDERS
Now available for review

A newly-released novel that paints a vivid picture of life, intrigue, danger and death during World War II.

“A compelling and historically fascinating fictional account of a pivotal point in World War II. Intense, thrilling and riveting,”
—Ted Olson, former U.S. Solicitor General and one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world

Los Angeles, CA July 20, 2010 – The largest war in the history of the world, World War II devoured whole cities, and resulted in the loss of sixty million lives. However, WWII also gave rise to some of the finest acts of courage and sacrifice, and stands as the most important event of the modern age. “Honor Knows No Borders” tells the thrilling story set in WWII of a Jewish boy and his father who encounter German officers and learn that people can’t always be judged by the uniforms they wear.

The novel, written by John Sharer, is a fictional story based on the author’s own experiences and those of his father living in wartime. History buffs will especially be enlightened by “Honor Knows No Borders” as it reveals a unique tale about an incredibly significant time in history.

ABOUT THE NOVEL:

The novel takes place in London and North Africa during WWII in the early 1940s. Bombs are dropping in London nightly. Inside a ruined house, a German pilot who was shot down is nursing a broken leg. No one knows he is there except Tom Sloan, a fourteen-year-old Jewish boy who found him while searching for souvenir bomb fragments. The German pilot, Hauptman Heinrich Leuzinger, insists he is anti-Nazi and begs Tom not to turn him in to authorities, but rather to help him escape so he can see his ill wife again. Tom understands this is a dangerous dilemma for which there could be serious consequences.

More than a thousand miles away in the North African desert, the boy’s father, Major Bernie Sloan, a British officer and the commandant of a German and Italian POW camp, meets captured German Colonel Hans Dieter Reichmann who tells an unbelievable story. Could the colonel have actually saved a Jewish family by smuggling them out of Germany at an incredible risk to his own life?

Both father and son are about to discover that in war, as in life, things are not always as they appear, and people can’t always be judged by the uniforms they wear – Or can they?

ABOUT AUTHOR JOHN SHARER:

John Sharer, author of “Honor Knows No Borders,” was born in England, lived in London during World War II, and is now a U.S. citizen living in Los Angeles with his wife. His father was a British officer and commandant of a German POW camp. As a young boy living in London during WWII, he has held on to vivid memories of bombings, deaths, and hard living with scarce food. His novel depicts an unlikely story of the relationship between a Jewish boy, his father and two German officers.

OTHER REVIEWS ABOUT THE NOVEL:

“Honor Knows No Borders steps beyond its title to include age and era. The story set during WWII has flawed characters, loyalty, loyalty misplaced, and danger that build to a race against time that may affect England’s security; and particularly a young boy who doesn’t get it right, but triumphs at significant risk.”
—Richard Reisberg, former president of MGM/UA Television and of Viacom Productions

“John Sharer’s riveting novel, Honor Knows No Borders, grabs hold of our attention and will not let go, even after we read the concluding paragraph. Sharer treats us to action, suspense and psychological insights that challenge conventional assumptions. The reader is in for a stimulating treat that lingers.”
—Arthur Gilbert, Author of Under Submission

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Honor Knows no Borders is available today on amazon.com.

To obtain a copy for review, or to book John Sharer for an interview, contact:
Jenn Deese
jenn@ballantinespr.com
310-454-3080
www.ballantinespr.com

View “Huxley on Huxley” Documentary, Q&A, July 28, 2010

Tony — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:19:36 +0000

The Ecology, Cosmos and Consciousness lecture series, in association with the Scientific and Medical Network and The October Gallery, presents:

Huxley On Huxley

What:
Documentary film and Q&A with Producer/Director
Mary Ann Braubach
Wednesday, 28th July, 2010
at 6pm

Where:
Birkbeck Cinema
43 Gordon Square
Birkbeck University of London, WC1H 0PD.
(Tel: 44 (0)20 7831 1618)
email: rentals@octobergallery.co.uk

Laura Huxley was a European violin virtuoso. After leaving the concert stage for Hollywood, she married one of the 20th century’s literary giants and greatest visionaries: Aldous Huxley. Together, they shared an interest in the evolution of human consciousness and pioneered the use of LSD – at a time when the United States was deeply conservative. The Huxley home became a hotspot for countless luminaries and celebrities. Their groundbreaking work set the dawn for the 1960s, giving shape to an important chapter of American cultural history.

Huxley on Huxley is an intimate portrait of a compelling personal and professional union.

The film is narrated by Peter Coyote and includes interviews with Laura Huxley, drummer John Densmore (whose band, the Doors, was named after Huxley’s book The Doors of Perception), spiritual leader Ram Dass, Esalen co- founder Michael Murphy, artist Don Bachardy, philosopher Huston Smith and actor Nick Nolte, star of the adaptation of Huxley’s novel The Genius and The Goddess.

Mary Ann Braubach graduated from UCLA Film School and, after beginning her career directing documentaries, became director of development for George Lucas at his Lucasfilm headquarters in Marin County. During her tenure, “Willow,” “Tucker,” and “Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade” were produced. She has numerous credits for producing and directing films. More about Mary’s life and work, and the Huxley on Huxley documentary, can be found at:
www.huxleyonhuxley.com

Kelley Coughlan
kelley@ballantinespr.com
Ballantines PR
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
Fax: +1.310.943.1978
www.ballantinespr.com

“Huxley On Huxley” debuts on DVD July 27

Tony — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:18:52 +0000

Intimate documentary gives access into the 1950s avant-garde
life with famed author Aldous Huxley

Huxley On Huxley
Debuts On DVD July 27th, 2010
Pre-Order Date: 6/29/10

New York, NY July 20, 2010– Narrated by Peter Coyote and featuring interviews with such luminaries as John Densmore, Michael Murphy, Nick Nolte and Ram Dass, HUXLEY ON HUXLEY offers a compelling glimpse of Laura Huxley’s life with Aldous Huxley (literary giant, author of Brave New World), as well as the revolutionary and provocative work that had a major influence on American and contemporary cultural history and such key figures as The Beatles, The Doors and Timothy Leary. The all-new documentary debuts on DVD July 27th, 2010 from Docurama Films.

Director Mary Ann Braubach says of her filmmaking experience, “When I first started, I did massive research on them, reading all of Huxley’s books, listening to audio interviews with Laura and navigating through her thick accent. The more I learned about this amazing woman, the larger than life she became. My hope for people who find themselves in Laura’s story is to enlighten a new generation of audiences to the Huxleys’ fantastic achievements and their fascinating life together.”

Italian-born Laura Huxley, a teenage violin virtuoso, played for European royalty and made her American debut at Carnegie Hall before leaving the concert stage to become a renowned psychotherapist and author. In 1956 Laura married Aldous Huxley, famous author and prophet of the 20th century.

In the conservative 1950s, the Huxley home in the Hollywood Hills was the center of the artistic and intellectual avant-garde of Los Angeles. Guests to their famous Saturday luncheons included George Cukor, Igor Stravinsky, Orson Welles and Christopher Isherwood. The Huxleys’ passionate search to find higher levels of consciousness included their controversial experimentation with psychedelic drugs.

HUXLEY ON HUXLEY (SRP $29.95) features the 58 minute documentary and DVD extras providing more in-depth scenes and interviews with Laura Huxley, John Densmore, Ram Dass, Don Bachardy, Huston Smith, Nick Nolte and David Dunaway.

CAST:
John Densmore, Aldous Huxley, Laura Huxley, Nick Nolte, Ram Dass, Huston Smith, Michael Murphy, Igor Stravinsky, Vera Stravinsky, Mike Wallace, Don Bachardy, Walter Cronkite, Piero Ferrucci, Herman Harvey, Gerald Heard, Christopher Isherwood, Tim Leary, Edward R. Murrow, Jawaharlal Nehru, Karen Pfeiffer

FILMMAKERS:
Narrator Peter Coyote
Directed, Produced and Written by Mary Ann Braubach
Editor Josh Beal
Directors of Photography Chris Burrill, Nancy Schreiber
Consulting Producer Jonathan Dana
Composer Andrea Morricone

TECHNICAL INFORMATION:

Catalog #:	NNVG214821	Language:	English
Rating:	N/A	Color:	Color & B&W
Running Time:	58 mins + extras	Audio Format:	Stereo
Genre:	Documentary	Distributor:	Docurama Films

(www.docurama.com)

About Docurama Films
Docurama Films launched in 1999 with the very first feature documentary on DVD, D.A. Pennebaker’s Bob Dylan: Don’t Look Back. Over a decade later and a line of over 300 award-winning and critically acclaimed films, Docurama Films is the premier worldwide distributor of documentary films. Our mission is to deliver the greatest classic documentaries of the last fifty years while spreading the word about filmmakers who are taking the form to new heights. We share stories that are informative and express diverse points of view within a broad range of topics, the stuff we truly care about such as the arts, the environment, history, social, politics, ethnic, LGBT, and music. We seek to reach broader audiences not only by distributing these stories on traditional formats like DVD, but also by making them available on new and evolving digital platforms.

Press and Screener Contact:
John Squires,
Docurama Films
646-259-4138
jsquires@newvideo.com

Kelley Coughlan
kelley@ballantinespr.com
Ballantines PR
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
Fax: +1.310.943.1978
www.ballantinespr.com

Celebrities recognize vitamin D deficiency as potential threat

Tony — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:17:04 +0000

Celebrities recognize
vitamin D deficiency as potential threat

The Power of Vitamin D

Sarfraz Zaidi, MD

Peter DiStefano
from
Pornos for Pyros

Peter DiStefano
and
Dr. Zaidi

Los Angeles, CA, July 19, 2010 – A hot topic in Hollywood among celebrities has been the trend of taking Vitamin D supplements, which in recent news has been linked to possibly helping and preventing severe diseases such as Cancer, Hearth Disease, Diabetes, Chronic Fatigue, Asthma, Flu, Colds, Arthritis, Depression, muscle strength, and much more.

“In the last 20 years, there has been tremendous research in the field of vitamin D. We now know that vitamin D plays an important role in the normal functioning of every system in the body,” says Dr. Sarfraz Zaidi, medical expert and author of “Power of Vitamin D”.

Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to celebrities, Gwyneth Paltrow in particular, who has recently spoken to the media about her vitamin D deficiency. As it turns out, her deficiency was fueling more severe diseases in her body.

According to International Business Times and several other sources, Paltrow suffered a severe Tibial plateau fracture several years ago, which led to the orthopedic surgeon to give her a bone scan. From the bone scan, Paltrow’s doctor discovered that she suffered from the beginning stages of Osteopenia. The cause of this disease: a vitamin D deficiency.

“I went on a prescription-strength level of vitamin D and was told to… spend a bit of time in the sun!” says Paltrow. Paltrow has been speaking out in the media about her deficiency in order to raise awareness of Vitamin D and it’s life-threatening effects to the body.

“Vitamin D deficiency is the most common cause of weakening of bones, technically called osteopenia if it is mild and osteoporosis when it is more severe,” explains Dr. Zaidi. “Left untreated, is can lead to bone fractures, as well as severe bone aches and pains. Treatment is simple and very effective – a high done of vitamin D supplement.”

Dr. Zaidi, a leading expert on vitamin D, has helped treat vitamin D deficiencies many patients, as well as celebrities such as Peter Distefano, lead guitarist from Pornos for Pyros. Distefano has been in remission from a Cancer diagnosed in 1997.

“When I first met Dr. Zaidi, I never heard anything about vitamin D deficiency. After talking to him and telling him about my medical history, he suggested that I take a 25 (OH) vitamin D test to determine my vitamin D level. Turns out I was low in the vitamin.

Dr. Zaidi recommended that I take vitamin D3, as 5000 I.U. per day. Since taking it, I feel a lot healthier and have a lot more energy – and the Cancer hasn’t come back!” says Peter Distefano.

Although not proven to be a cure for Cancer, vitamin D may have positive effects on treating and preventing such diseases while helping with energy levels in order to combat depression and other issues.

OTHER CELEBRITIES WHO COULD POSSIBLY BENEFIT FROM VITMAIN D:

Other celebrities could reap benefits of Vitamin D. Jennie Garth, Elizabeth Taylor, Larry King and Bill Clinton have all had cardiovascular problems. Studies have shown an increased risk for coronary heart disease in people who are low in vitamin D.

Other names like Bret Michaels, Halle Berry, Selma Hayek and Randy Jackson suffer from Type 2 Diabetes, which can be linked to vitamin D deficiency.

ABOUT VITAMIN D:

Not technically a vitamin, Vitamin D is actually a hormone that affects almost every organ system in the body.
Vitamin d deficiency is a TRUE DISEASE. Deficiency of Vitamin D can affect every organ in the body and result in various life threatening diseases.
In addition to the diseases mentioned earlier, research shows that vitamin D deficiency is linked to high blood pressure, Kidney failure, Fibromyalgia, Aches and Pains, Multiple Sclerosis, Osteoporosis, Lupus, Thyroid diseases, Dental problems, Problems during pregnancy, Problems in newborns, Sense of well-being, Immune System disorders and Cardiovascular Diseases.
A simple blood test will determine if someone is vitamin D deficient. The proper blood test is 25 (OH) Vitamin D.
Most people don’t know how to tap into the incredible health benefits of Vitamin D without risking toxicity. According to Dr. Zaidi and his extensive experience with his patients, the optimal daily dose of Vitamin D for most people ranges from 2000 I.U. to 10,000 I.U. – compared to the usual dose of 400 I.U. in multivitamins and calcium supplements.

ABOUT MEDICAL EXPERT SARFRAZ ZAIDI, MD:

Dr. Zaidi is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA and Director of the Jamila Diabetes and Endocrine Medical Center in Southern California. Dr. Zaidi’s book, “Power of Vitamin D,” discusses the vitamin D epidemic, how Vitamin D affects the body and treatments to prevent and/or treat vitamin D deficiency without the fear of toxicity.

For more information on Dr. Zaidi, please go to http://www.DoctorZaidi.com, or please visit his Electronic Press Kit at http://www.ballantinespr.com/doctorzaidi/

To interview Dr. Zaidi, please contact:

Erika Maya
erika@ballantinespr.com
Ballantines PR
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
Mob: +1.310.850.0309
Fax: +1.310.943.1978
www.ballantinespr.com

Brainwave-controlled games, apps for use at 35,000 feet

Tony — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 06:28:29 +0000

Brainwave-controlled games and applications designed for use at 35,000 feet are a big hit at On the Wings of Innovation aerospace conference

Windsor, ON, July 12, 2010 –The global aerospace industry was treated to a sneak peek into the future of in-flight entertainment as Toronto’s InteraXon demonstrated a prototype of their thought-controlled in-flight entertainment system and the response was overwhelmingly positive.

The system was shown at On the Wings of Innovation, a global aerospace symposium organized by the Ontario Aerospace Council and the Ontario Government. Attendees including executives from Boeing, Bombardier and even Canadian Astronaut Bjarni Tryggvason stayed long after the days programming ended to play one of four brainwave-controlled games specifically designed for use at 35,000 feet.

“We think it’s time that in-flight entertainment does more than simply distract you,” says InteraXon CEO Ariel Garten, “We create in-flight experiences that offer value even after the flight is over.” The system includes a NeuroSky MindSet and suite of applications InteraXon has created for the conference, which involves a meditation trainer that helps travelers relax and an EEG Golf trainer that helps users improve their concentration, focus and even their golf game.

The system measures the brain’s electrical output and sorts them into waves. The system reacts to alpha waves, associated with relaxation, and beta waves, associated with concentration. As the users relax or focus their thoughts, their brainwaves become the joystick with which users control the game.

“Airline passengers are saying they want a more engaging experience or they want to rest comfortably. InteraXon’s thought-controlled computing offers tremendous potential for delivering on both of those needs.” said Rod Jones, Executive Director of Aerospace Ontario.”InteraXon has world-leading technology and it’s a marvelous illustration of the kind of innovative ideas that we find in Ontario.”

“InteraXon is working to bring thought-controlled computing out of research labs and into the mainstream,” explains Chris Aimone, CTO. “We help companies looking to engage in the exploding thought controlled computing space bring products and services to market.”

To view additional video featuring Apple founder Steve Wozniak trying InteraXon’s technology see:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywclyhmwUQY

ABOUT INTERAXON:
InteraXon is a Toronto-based company that serves clients with custom thought-controlled products and experiences. They were featured in Ontario House during the Vancouver Olympics, where they allowed users to control the lights on the real CN Tower, Niagara Falls and the Parliament Buildings using their thoughts alone from more than 3000km away. They were also featured at the Premier’s Innovation Awards in 2009 and 2010. Quickly becoming known for their impressive, innovative work, the company has rapidly established themselves as a global leader in thought controlled computing.

ABOUT NEUROSKY:
NeuroSky’s has quickly established itself as a leader in brain-computer interface technology. Their brain-computer interface chip is most well known for its use in the extremely successful Mattel Mindflex and Uncle Milton Star Wars Force trainer toys. However, the technology is also incorporated in products as various as automotive, health care, education industries, and more. But now, with such universal exposure, NeuroSky’s games and other applications are sure to have an impact in a variety of arenas in the coming years.

www.neurosky.com

To view NeuroSky’s Electronic Press Kit, please click here.

For all media inquiries, or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Erika Maya
310-454-3080
erika@ballantinespr.com
http://www.ballantinespr.com/

Invite-only health chat with medical expert Dr. Sarfraz Zaidi

Tony — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 02:17:36 +0000

Exclusive, invite-only health chat with medical expert Dr. Sarfraz Zaidi

Dr. Zaidi to provide revolutionary insight about vitamin D

The Power of Vitamin D

Sarfraz Zaidi, MD

St. John’s Patient Center

WHO:
Dr. Sarfraz Zaidi, medical expert and author of “Power of Vitamin D”; a book that revolutionizes the medical world and discusses the importance of Vitamin D as a daily necessity for all people of all ages and races.

WHAT:
Exclusive health chat with Dr. Zaidi, who will explain Vitamin D, the consequences of having a Vitamin D deficiency, the most efficient ways to prevent and improve a deficiency and the possible benefits of maintaining a solid level of Vitamin D.

Dr. Zaidi will be happy to answer questions throughout the health chat and is available for interviews

For more information on Dr. Zaidi, visithttp://www.doctorzaidi.com/

WHEN:
July 14, 2010 from 4:00p.m. to 5:00p.m.

WHERE:
St. John’s Patient Center
2468 South St. Andrews Place, Los Angles CA

* To interview Dr. Zaidi, request a press copy of “Power of Vitamin D,” or arrange for a free consultation and a Vitamin D deficiency test, please contact Erika Maya.

* This is an exclusive, invite-only event. Press must RSVP to Erika Maya at:

Erika Maya
erika@ballantinespr.com
Ballantines PR
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
Mob: +1.310.850.0309
Fax: +1.310.943.1978
www.ballantinespr.com

Vitamin D to Improve Overall Men’s Health and Wellness

Tony — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 01:28:12 +0000

Vitamin D to Improve Overall Men’s Health and Wellness

Vitamin D linked to muscle strength, cardiovascular health, and prevention of life-threatening diseases among men of all ages.

Sarfraz Zaidi, MD

The Power of Vitamin D

Los Angeles, CA, June 30, 2010 – Most men, regardless of age, are unaware that they may be vitamin D deficient, which puts them at high risk for a number of serious diseases. The top three most common diseases among men are heart disease, prostate cancer and colon cancer. Some men may also experience chronic fatigue, lack of well being and lack of stamina. Many suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome. These diseases are a threat to men of all ages around the world. However, with the recent discovery of the amazing health benefits of Vitamin D, such diseases could be prevented.

Dr. Sarfraz Zaidi, medical expert and author of “Power of Vitamin D,” believes that Vitamin D is essential to men’s overall health and wellness. Most men are low in vitamin D, but do not know it. According to Dr. Zaidi, there is a simple solution.

ABOUT VITAMIN D

Not technically a vitamin, Vitamin D is actually a hormone that affects almost every organ system in the body.
Vitamin D deficiency is a TRUE DISEASE. Deficiency of vitamin D can affect every organ in the body and result in various life threatening diseases.
Research shows that Vitamin D can significantly improve chronic fatigue, stamina, sense of well-being, muscle strength, the immune system and the cardiovascular system
Most people don’t know how to tap into the incredible health benefits of vitamin D without risking toxicity

DR. ZAIDI’S STRATEGY TO OPTIMIZE VITAMIN D LEVEL:

Get your vitamin D level checked. Everyone has a different level of vitamin D based on various factors. A simple blood test will determine if someone is vitamin D deficient. The proper blood test is 25 (OH) Vitamin D.
Take advantage of all of the sources of vitamin D, including sensible sun exposure, proper nutrition and most importantly proper dose of vitamin D supplements.
Check your vitamin D level with your doctor on a regular basis. According to Dr. Zaidi and his extensive experience with his patients, the optimal daily dose of vitamin D for most people ranges from 2000 I.U to 10,000 I.U. – compared to the usual dose of 400 I.U. in multivitamins and calcium supplements.

ABOUT MEDICAL EXPERT SARFRAZ ZAIDI, MD:
Dr. Zaidi is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA and Director of the Jamila Diabetes and Endocrine Medical Center in Southern California. Dr. Zaidi’s book, “Power of Vitamin D,” discusses the vitamin D epidemic, how Vitamin D affects the body and treatments to prevent and/or treat vitamin D deficiency without the fear of toxicity.

For more information on Dr. Zaidi, please go to http://www.DoctorZaidi.com, or please visit his Electronic Press Kit at http://www.ballantinespr.com/doctorzaidi/

To interview Dr. Zaidi, please contact:

Erika Maya
erika@ballantinespr.com
Ballantines PR
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
Mob: +1.310.850.0309
Fax: +1.310.943.1978
www.ballantinespr.com

Eye Blink Detection in NeuroSky Developer Tools 2.1 Sparks Developer Contest

Tony — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 08:43:59 +0000

Eye Blink Detection Now Available in Developer Tools 2.1 for NeuroSky MindSet

NeuroSky Challenges Developers in a Contest for the Best Application to Make Use of the New Eye Blink Detection.

San Jose, CA, June 29, 2010 – Developer Tools 2.1 upgrades NeuroSky’s past MindSet tool set and now includes support for eye blink detection. The new upgrades allow developers to create and publish their own games and applications for use with NeuroSky’s MindSet.

Tansy Brook, the Head of Communications for NeuroSky, states “With the inclusion of the blink APIs in the MindSet Development Tools, we are providing developers with another powerful tool for application design. Blinks are more immediately actionable than brainwaves, making this feature a great “jumping off point” for introducing people to Brain-Computer Interface technology and helping them to become familiar with this new genre of interface.”

To celebrate the launch of NeuroSky’s Developer Tools 2.1, NeuroSky is challenging developers to compete in a contest for the best application to make use of the new eye blink detection. The details and rules are as follows:

FIRST PRIZE: 1 iPad*
ADDITIONAL PRIZES: Gift Certificates, publishing contracts, and more!

Instructions:

Download the new Developer Tools 2.1. The toolkit is still free! And, it’s completely compatible with existing MindSets.
Use the new eye blink detection for your application development. Your program can be either on the PC or the Mac (or both if you like). You can use the ThinkGear Connector to make a Flash-based web program, or you can compile an executable that uses the ThinkGear Communications Driver. Just make sure the app is in a distributable format so you will be able to send it to us to try.
Interested developers should fill out a form athttp://company.neurosky.com/blink-of-an-eye/. Please enter your information and NeuroSky will provide you with the appropriate FTP to complete your submission. The form will include details on how to upload your program. For further questions, please email: store@neurosky.com

JUDGING:
Applicants will need to ensure that their application has been tested on the intended platform (PC or Macs).

Applicants must submit their applications for certification and publishing in the NeuroSky Store. Submissions for this contest will have certification costs waived and will receive publication profits upon publication in the NeuroSky Store.

The NeuroSky panel of judges will closely reviewThe NeuroSky panel of judges will closely review all applications submitted and choose finalists and winners according to the following criteria:

Creativity: Eye blinks and brainwaves are utilized in expressive and innovative ways.
Quality: The application or service must be fully functional and run successfully. Bugs and other program complications will negatively impact the score. All programs should be polished and distributable.
Speaking of distributable – the application you submit must be something you can legally share. So a utility for a mod is okay, but someone else’s program with a feature taped on… no.
Marketability: There are many needs in the market place, including programs for helping disabled people. Programs that can fulfill needs and provide interaction and control systems are encouraged.

Contest ends on 7/17/10.

For more details about the contest, please go to
http://company.neurosky.com/blink-of-an-eye

ABOUT DEVELOPER TOOLS 2.1 UPGRADES TO NEUROSKY’S MINDSET:

The NeuroSky MindSet is NeuroSky’s first Brain Computer Interface headset available for the consumer market. As a turnkey consumer or research acquisition tool, it measures electrical impulses generated by mental activity, and uses proprietary algorithms to calculate the observed types of brain behavior. For consumer games and education, The MindSet takes calculated brainwave levels and interpreted mental states (currently “attention” and “meditation”) and makes them available as digital input for computers, software, and devices. There are currently over a dozen games and educational applications available for download. For sophisticated developers, raw unfiltered brainwave measurements are available through use of the NeuroSky SDK, which feeds data to the computer via wireless Bluetooth.

The new Developer Tools 2.1 upgrades to MindSet tool set include drivers, sample code, and documentation for several software platforms, including PC, Mac, and even lower level platforms such as micro-controllers.

NeuroSky MindSet Developer Tools Support:

Windows (all programming languages, via TGSP and TGCD interfaces, sample code, and serial I/O
Mac OS X (all programming languages, via TGSP and TGCD interfaces, sample code, and serial I/O protocol)
Arduino (Processing, via tutorials, sample code, and serial I/O protocol)
Linux (C/C++ via sample code and serial I/O protocol)
Other (C/C++ via sample code and serial I/O protocol)

ABOUT NEUROSKY:

NeuroSky’s BCI ThinkGear chip is well known for its use in Mattel’s extremely successful Mindflex and in Star Wars Force Trainer by Uncle Milton. Both of these toys sold out in the U.S. during the 2009 Christmas season. The Mattel Mindflex also received People’s Play Award, “Best Toy of the Year,” and was rated one of the top five toys for Christmas by Bloomberg. NeuroSky’s technology was also a part of the Ontario House display featured at the recent Winter Olympics.

The BCI technology is not limited to games though. NeuroSky technology is now being incorporated into products as various as automotive, healthcare, education industries, and more. It’s obvious that, with such universal innovation, NeuroSky’s games and other applications are sure to have an impact in a variety of arenas in the coming years.

David Westendorf
VP of Marketing, NeuroSky
david@neurosky.com
408-550-2852

For more information about NeuroSky, please go to www.neurosky.com and to
www.ballantinespr.com/NeuroSky

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Erika Maya
Ballantines PR
310-454-3080
erika@ballantinespr.com
http://www.ballantinespr.com/

Luxury Coffee Renaissance: Sanani, the Original Mocha Coffee, makes triumphant return to America

Tony — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:05:39 +0000

Coffee Connoisseurs Bring About The Luxury Coffee Renaissance

Sanani, the Original Mocha Coffee, makes its triumphant return to America

Dallas, Texas, June 29, 2010 –As coffee giants such as Starbucks continue to add varieties to their already abundant catalog, the world of coffee continues to expand. It seems a new brand or blend is introduced daily, and the options are becoming overwhelming to the regular cup-a-joe consumer. Amidst all of this clutter, one major trend has begun to emerge – the rise of the luxury coffee class.

Even in this economy, expensive coffees are still becoming more highly sought after. While McDonalds is making a killing selling their $0.99 cups of coffee, there are still those who seek a more gourmet experience. Those with discerning palates fancy themselves to be coffee connoisseurs – an idea that has been lost through the centuries and is just now beginning to resurface. Centuries ago, French enlightenment thinkers such as Voltaire & Rousseau, and later Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were some of the early coffee elitists. Voltaire was even known to drink around 40 cups of coffee per day!

Finally in the 21st century, it’s again becoming acceptable to treat fine coffees like you would fine wines. Enjoy a cup of single-origin, fair-trade brew after a gourmet meal, and spend up to $10 on a single cup. It’s worth the price. These beans come from specific regions and are prized for their unique characteristics. What consumers buy into is the quality and, in most cases, the story behind the cup.

Take Sanani Coffee, a single-origin original Mocha coffee straight from the arid region of Yemen where coffee was born. Up until the seventeenth century, the Middle East was the only place coffee was actually grown and cultivated. Tariq Ausaf discovered this fact and recognized the value in re-introducing the original mocha bean to America – and thus Sanani was born.

“We’ve successfully captured the sophisticated flavor that put Mocha on the map centuries ago, and when you consider the fact that a part of the American Constitution was contemplated over this very same coffee, it’s like drinking a rich flavorful cup of history,” Ausaf says.

This original mocha bean was the first to be introduced to the Parisian elite in 1669 by the visiting Turkish ambassador to France. And this very coffee led to the opening of the first truly French coffee house, Café Procope.

Sanani’s beans are still cultivated and processed in the exact same way they were centuries ago. No chemicals or pesticides are used in its cultivation, and due to the primitive growing process this coffee finds itself way ahead of the organic race in its organic purity – not by choice, but by chance. It’s the intrinsic value of quality like this that makes price merely a number.

Other world-class beans making a name for themselves are: St. Helena Coffee, which Napoleon Bonaparte became a fan of during his exile to the island where the coffee is exclusively grown, Hacienda La Esmeralda’s Geisha coffee which is grown only in the shade of Panama’s Guava trees, and the infamous Kopi Luwak which gets its flavor from being eaten and excreted by a civet.

“As for enjoying luxury coffees” Ausaf explains, “there is nothing like starting your day with an extraordinary cup of delicious coffee and enjoying the privilege of uncommon choices.”

Sanani, the Original Mocha coffee retails for $24 for an 8.8 oz box and can be purchased at www.sanani.com

If you would like to interview Tariq Ausaf or receive press materials for Sanani, please contact:

Jenn Deese
Ballantines PR
Tel: 310 454 3080
Cell: 314 660 4643
Fax: 310 943 1978
www.ballantinespr.com

Chama, New Mexico Offers Cool Weekend Getaways

Tony — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:13:35 +0000

Chama Offers New Mexico’s Sun-Drenched Flatlanders
Cool Weekend Getaways

Chama, NM, June 25, 2010 —Texans have been doing it for nearly as long as there as been a New Mexico

And while New Mexicans are certainly not inclined to follow the examples set by of most Texans, the idea of escaping the summer heat by taking to the hills has a nice ring to it this time of year.

Chama: The very name conjures up images of relief from the high heat and dry winds that plague much of the Land of Enchantment during these early days of summer. And while many New Mexicans relish the heat, others may need some respite, even if it’s only for a day or two.

“Chama is a tranquil, high-mountain escape, smack dab in the middle of wooded wilderness and a high mountain valley. It’s those (cool) temperatures that make summer so enjoyable in Chama,” said Michael Cerletti, Secretary of the New Mexico Tourism Department. “Kick back at dusk and watch for elk and deer grazing on the greenbelts or fly fish the high-mountain streams.”

Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad officials have been forced to temporarily suspend routine operations out of the Chama Depot for an undetermined length of time, as the Lobato Trestle was damaged by a fire Wednesday (June 23, 2010), rendering it impassable by trains. The trestle is being restored to full operational capacity as quickly as possible.

This doesn’t mean, however, that Chama is closed in the interim.

“Chama is so much more than a train depot,” Cerletti said. “Few Southwest destinations offer the unspoiled scenery of the Chama Valley. With an average altitude of 7,800 feet and average July temperature of 68 degrees, the Chama Valley offers a cool New Mexico summer getaway like few others, with hiking, rafting, kayaking, four-wheeling, fishing, horseback riding, shopping – you name it.”

Everywhere you turn, you are greeted by towering mountain peaks, scenic vistas and deep, colorful gorges. Been to Yosemite? You’ll be struck by the similar beauty of our own Brazos Cliffs. All forms of outdoor recreation are at their finest, offering a new treats and challenges. Make time for adventure in Chama.

Contact the Chama Valley Chamber of Commerce,
800-477-0149 or 575-756-2306;
or visit www.chamavalley.com

Contact the New Mexico Tourism Department’s Chama visitor Information Center,
575-756-2235
or chama.vic@state.nm.us

Mike Stauffer,
Communications Director,
New Mexico Tourism Department
505-827-7379,
mike.stauffer@state.nm.us

For press information, please contact:
Rachel Silva
Ballantines PR
Rachel@ballantinespr.com
Tel: 505-216-0889
Cell: 505-795-5353
www.ballantinespr.com

Award Winning Peach Dishes at Critically Acclaimed Restaurants in Downtown Santa Monica

Tony — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 01:23:02 +0000

Award Winning Summer Peach Dishes Now Available at Critically Acclaimed Restaurants in Downtown Santa Monica

Santa Monica, CA, June 24, 2010 – California is a-buzz with peach fever, as the summer stone fruit makes its way into California farmers’ markets. Chefs of Downtown Santa Monica were recently issued a challenge with this delectable fruit – which local restaurant could create the best dishes using peaches from locally grown farmers in the form of a cocktail/appetizer, entrée and dessert. On June 23, 2010, three critically acclaimed chefs from Locanda del Lago, Fraiche, and The Lobster answered this question at the Downtown Santa Monica Peach-Off, a restaurant competition hosted by Kathleen Rawson CEO of Bayside District Corporation, at California’s largest and oldest certified farmers’ market in Santa Monica, California. As a result, the award winning dishes will now be available on the restaurants’ menus through the month of July for the public to enjoy.

On the restaurants menus will be the award winning dishes from the Downtown Santa Monica Peach-Off. Fraiche’s Chef Sal Garcia will have available their “Best Appetizer” dish, Pêche Poché, a poached Farmers’ Market peach with red and yellow endive, wild arugula, candied walnuts, blue cheese and a red wine vinaigrette. While Locanda del Lago’s Chef Roberto Maggioni made patrons mouths water with his “Best Entrée” dish, Branzino Cileno al Cartoccio, a Chilean Sea Bass with peaches, lemon verbena leaves and olive oil. The Lobster’s “Best Dessert” dish, Vanilla Scented Peaches with Brioche and Grand Marnier Sabayon, will be prominently featured as a must try dessert at the restaurant.

Fraiche’s Chef Sal Garcia’s award winning appetizer is now available for dinner for $15 at the restaurant. In addition, Fraiche will also be serving their other entry dishes – “Peach Champagne Watercress,” a chicken salad entrée, is available for lunch only for $16 and “Peach Celebration,” peach fritters with a port wine sauce, and peach ice cream and sorbet, for lunch and dinner for $10.

Judge Mar Yvette, Editor at Citysearch and TV Personality on “Good Day LA” and “KABC” says, “I appreciated Fraiche’s straightforward simplicity with the Peach Champagne Watercress salad. No poached or roasted peaches. The chef simply allowed the fruit to shine through, which is all you need to do when you’ve got fresh farmers’ market produce. Less was more in this case.”

Also according to Yvette, “Lago’s entrée winning Branzino Cileno al Cartoccio was light and subtle, yet flavorful with the delicate slices of peach on top. The en papillote presentation really was what took that dish over the top because it felt as though the food was a gift, which, really, it is!” Chef Roberto Maggioni’s “Best Entrée” Branzino dish will be available starting June 26^th for dinner for $32. Offered all day will be their cocktail, “Summer in Rio,” for $14 and dessert, “Pesche Dolci,” for $12.

Judge Carole Dixon from NBC’s Feast raved over the plating of Lago’s Pesche Doli because it was “a work of art consisting of cake stuffed with a peach and served alongside cotton candy.”

Chef Collin Crannell and Dessert Chef David James of The Lobster pulled inspiration for their award-winning dessert from one of people’s favorite meals, stating that “Everyone likes breakfast for dinner, so we thought it would be fun to make breakfast for dessert.” The vanilla scented peaches with Brioche and Grand Marnier Sabayon will be available for dinner only for $9. In addition, the appetizer Krobuta Pork Cheeks will be available for dinner for $12 and Pan Roasted Alaskan Halibut with Peaches for $28 at lunch and $32 at dinner. All dishes will be available beginning July 5^th.

“I found Colin’s dessert dish to be the most creative, while not losing sight of peach flavor. It looked a little like a Southern country biscuit but celebrated the peach in every way, both referencing the fruit in color, smell, and structure while pushing its sweet, honeyed qualities to a maximum,” says Judge Hadley Tomicki, Editor at Grub Street LA.

Yvette urges that everyone go to these restaurants to try the food. “I’ve been to each of these restaurants and now that I know they’ll be featuring these dishes, I’ll be visiting again soon!”

Fraiche is located at 312 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA. http://www.fraicherestaurantla.com/

Locanda del Lago is located at 231 Arizona Avenue, Santa Monica, CA
http://www.lagosantamonica.com/

The Lobster is located at 1602 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA

http://www.thelobster.com/

High resolution images from the Downtown Santa Monica Peach-Off are available for download at the following link:
http://www.ballantinesbiz.com/promenade/Promenade_PeachOff_062310.html

To stay up-to-date on events, activities and special promotions in Downtown Santa Monica, please follow them on Twitter at DTSantaMonica and Facebook at Downtown Santa Monica.

Media inquires may be directed to::
Erika Maya
Ballantines PR
erika@ballantinespr.com
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
Mob: +1.310.850.0309
Fax: +1.310.943.1978
www.ballantinespr.com

“Holly’s World” – Theme Song Release

Tony — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:05:11 +0000

“Holly’s World” – Theme Song Release

Los Angeles, CA, June 22, 2010 –CHANEL and producer Damon Elliott have been selected to write, produce and perform the theme song to “Holly’s World” which premiered Sunday, June 13, 2010 at 10:30pm on E!.

Chanel is best known for her role as the rapping receptionist at the Fantasy Factory on MTV. She is currently working on her own music, has recorded with some of the most successful producers in music and most recently finished performing on the Planet Hollywood music video in Las Vegas.

Damon Elliott is a Multi-Diamond, Grammy Award winning producer. He is best known for his work with Pink, Mya, Beyonce and Keyshia Cole. Most recently he contributed six original songs to the Lakeshore/MGM film “Fame.”

“HOLLY’S WORLD”

E! Entertainment Television debuts their new half-hour reality series entitled “Holly’s World,” following the adventures of blond beauty Holly Madison as she lives, works and plays in her new home in Las Vegas. The eight-episode series, executive produced by Kevin Burns, produced by Prometheus Entertainment, Alta Loma Entertainment and Fox Television Studios, was announced today by Lisa Berger, Executive Vice President, Entertainment Programming, E!

FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING CHANEL,
please contact:
Sheila Conlin,
310-482-2641.

FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING DAMON ELLIOTT,
please contact:
Bruce J. Barber
951-905-3769

Kelley Coughlan
kelley@ballantinespr.com
Ballantines PR
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
Fax: +1.310.943.1978
www.ballantinespr.com

NeuroSky Closes $11.8M Financing Round

Tony — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:03:05 +0000

NeuroSky Closes $11.8M Financing Round

Funding enables brainwave sensor innovator to expand manufacturing growth capabilities and support partner needs

San Jose, CA, June 22, 2010 – NeuroSky, the world’s leader in wearable consumer brainwave technology, announced that it has closed a $11.8 Million Series C round of funding led by Taicom Capital. All previous lead investors participated, including W.R. Hambrecht, bringing the total amount raised to $18.6M since the company’s inception in 2004.

“In this challenging economic environment, we are thrilled to have delivered an increased valuation to our investors and employees. Following the tremendous response to Mattel’s MindFlex, The Star Wars Force Trainer, and in anticipation of our new partnerships with Toshiba and Sega, we need to bolster worldwide capacities for innovation and manufacturing,” stated Stanley Yang, CEO of NeuroSky. “Furthermore, this event will enable us to expand into more sophisticated areas of brain-computer-interface including health care, education, and automotive applications.”

To facilitate its rapid growth process, NeuroSky has also expanded the depth of its board. New and existing outside Board of Directors include:

Dr Hong-Jen Chang is former Taiwan Deputy Minister of Health and CEO of Taiwan Global Biofund.
Christopher B. Paisley is former CFO of 3COM and serves as Dean’s Executive Professor of Accounting and Finance at the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University.
Lee Ting is W.R. Hambrecht’s Managing Partner.
Chris Wei is the President of Taicom Capital.

In the past quarter, NeuroSky technology was seen in the Olympic Village in Vancouver, on CNN’s Wolf Blitzer, in IEEE Spectrum Magazine, and was named one of Gartner’s Cool Vendors of 2010. NeuroSky technology is also being used to help train the US Olympic Archery Team.

About NeuroSky
NeuroSky, Inc. is the leader in BCI (brain-computer interface) technologies for consumer product applications. From its headquarters in San Jose, CA, NeuroSky works with industry partners, developers, and academic and research institutions, to provide innovative brainwave sensor products across a wide range of industries including toys, games, health and automotive. NeuroSky currently distributes the NeuroSky MindSet in the Unites States, European Union, Japan, China and Korea.

Grounded in over 60 years of medical research, NeuroSky’s technology has taken proven medical EEG (electroencephalograph) technology, and evolved it for application to the mass-market by making it more user-friendly and cost effective. Patented innovations include significant advancements in noise reduction, dry-sensor development (rather than requiring a conductive gel), and enabling the wearer to use it outside of a lab without the assistance of a doctor.

For more information, research and white papers, contact
Tansy Brook
NeuroSky, Inc.
(408) 200-6677
tansy@neurosky.com
125 S. Market Street #900
San Jose, CA 95113
http://www.neurosky.com

For all media inquiries, or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Erika Maya
310-454-3080
erika@ballantinespr.com
http://www.ballantinespr.com/

Farm to Restaurant, Cook with the Chef programs at Santa Fe Farmers Market

Tony — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:45:27 +0000

Santa Fe Alliance presents the 2010 Farm to Restaurant project
and Cook with the Chef program at the
NEW Thursday Santa Fe Farmers Market

Santa Fe, NM, June 21, 2010 - The Santa Fe Farmers Market has been recognized as one of the top local markets in the country and is a popular spot for locals and visitors during its Saturday and Tuesday market days. After polling local restaurants, an additional market day was selected to better serve busy Santa Fe chefs wanting to support the Santa Fe Alliance’s growing Farm to Restaurant initiative.

Beginning on June 24, 2010, the Santa Fe Farmers Market will be open on Thursdays from 3 to 7 p.m. to allow chefs, and the public, to shop for locally produced foods. In addition, the Thursday markets will feature Cook With the Chef from 5:30 to 6:30, when Santa Fe chefs prepare and share a signature dish made from locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Cook with the Chef takes place each Thursday through September 30. Fifteen of Santa Fe’s best known chefs will take part, talking about their recipes, their choice of local food sources, preparing a dish, and answering questions.

Cook with the Chef is just part of the Santa Fe Alliance Farm to Restaurant project, which was recently honored with the Sustainable Santa Fe Award for best Food System Project. The Farm to Restaurant project highlights the relationship between chefs and New Mexico farmers, bringing together Santa Fe restaurants that are committed to supporting regional farmers by purchasing sustainably grown produce, meat, poultry, eggs and other food products.

The project was also given a USDA grant from the Farmers Market Promotion Program to fund a value-chain approach to a food distribution pilot project, further linking farmers with the Santa Fe community. The value chain approach insures farmers receive a fair market price while restaurants–and their customers–receive the freshest of local ingredients.

Cook with the Chef schedule at the Santa Fe Farmers Market

June 24 – Michael Giese, Flying Star Cafe
July 1 – Peyton Young, Harry’s Roadhouse
July 8 – Carmen Rodriguez, Bishop’s Lodge
July 15 – Andy Barnes, Dinner for Two
July 22 – James Campbell Caruso, La Boca
July 29 – Louis Moskow, 315 Restaurant & Wine Bar
August 5 – Sancho Soeiro, Dish n’ Spoon Café & Gifts
August 12 – Rocky Durham, SF School of Cooking
August 19 – Lorin Parrish, BODY of Santa Fe
August 26 – Roland Richter, Joe’s Restaurant
September 2 – Patrick Lambert, Cowgirl BBQ & Western Grill
September 9 – George Gundrey, Atrisco Café and Bar
September 16 – Patrick Gharrity, La Casa Sena
September 23 – Jennifer Nelson, Annapurna’s World Vegetarian Cafe
September 30 – Ahmed Obo, Jambo Café
October 7 – Megan Tucker, Amavi

The Santa Fe Alliance is a non-profit coalition of independent businesses, organizations and community members dedicated to supporting locally based economic development and preserving a strong sense of community.www.santafealliance.com

Contacts:
Kathleen Chambers,
programs@santafealliance.com,
670-2341

Vicki Pozzebon,
vicki@santafealliance.com,
989-5362

For more information Please contact:
Steve Lewis
steve.lewisnm@comcast.net
Locas Communications
1916 Camino Lumbre
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone 505-473-9002
Fax 505-473-3899

Downtown Santa Monica Restaurants Face-Off in First Annual “Peach-Off”

Tony — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 18:43:58 +0000

Downtown Santa Monica Restaurants Face-Off in First Annual “Peach-Off”

Three critically acclaimed restaurants compete to create most delectable dishes featuring seasonal ingredients from famous Downtown Santa Monica Farmers’ Market

WHEN: Wednesday, June 23rd from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

WHERE: Downtown Santa Monica Farmers’ Market, located at the Intersection of Arizona and 2nd Street. Parking is available in structures on 2nd and 4th street.

WHO: Critically acclaimed Roberto Maggioni from Locanda Del Lago, Sal Garcia from Fraiche, and Collin Crannell from The Lobster will participate in a friendly competition hosted by long-standing Farmers’ Market Supervisor, Laura Avery.

WHAT: The event will challenge each chef’s use of ingredients paired with their knowledge on fine cuisine to produce a cocktail/appetizer, an entrée, and a dessert item using the key seasonal ingredient – peaches. Judges will score a winning dish from each category. The three specialty items each chef concocts will be served month-long at each venue as part of their menu.

Special guest judges will include Carole Dixon from NBC’s The Feast, Hadley Tomecki from Grub Street LA, and Mar Yvette from CitySearch.

The event is being sponsored by Bayside District Corporation. www.downtownsm.com

If you would like to receive a press pass and have access to any of the chefs or celebrity judges for interviews, please contact:
Erika Maya
Ballantines PR
erika@ballantinespr.com
Tel: 310-454-3080
Cell: 310-850-0309
www.ballantinespr.com

Deals and Fun in Downtown Santa Monica for Father’s Day

Tony — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 15:09:42 +0000

Great Deals and Fun Things To Do with Dad
in Downtown Santa Monica this Weekend for Father’s Day

Santa Monica, Calif., June 18, 2010 – Still looking for a fun way to celebrate Father’s Day this weekend with the entire family? Check out these local venues and shops in Downtown Santa Monica offering unique ideas and specials.

Santa Monica Playhouse
1211 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 394-9779 x1
http://santamonicaplayhouse.com/
The Santa Monica Playhouse offers all fathers free admission to “Beauty and the Beast.” This family theatre production follows Beauty, her gentle Papa, silly scatter-brained sisters, a spell-binding sorceress and a most endearing Beast, as they discover “it’s not what you look like, but what’s in your heart that counts.” Valid on June 20, 2010 for the12:30pm and 3:00pm performances.

Magicopolis
1418 Fourth Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451 2241
www.magicopolis.com
On Father’s Day, enjoy the evening version of their critically acclaimed show, “Escape Reality,” in the daytime. Complimentary popcorn, soda, and magic party favors for everyone. Valid on Sunday June 20, 2010 for the 2PM. $27 per person

Fig Restaurant
101 Wilshire Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 319-3111
http://www.figsantamonica.com/
Chef Ray Garcia is cracking the egg on predictable Sunday brunch and ho-hum mimosas. His new brunch is fresh, simple and comforting. Add in sustainability and you have the latest approach to Sunday morning: Kegs & Eggs at FIG Restaurant Santa Monica. For $37, The Kegs and Eggs Brunch includes a bottomless pint of specialty draft beers (think Brasserie Dupont Saison and Koningshoeven “Quadrupel” Trapist) and any egg-based items open to seasonal adjustments, such as the Frittata Verde featuring market green vegetables and avocado-tomatillo salsa or the Chilaquiles with crispy tortillas, chicken salsa roja and queso fresco. Brunch will take place 11-2 p.m on Sunday.

Fraiche
312 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451-7482
http://www.fraicherestaurantla.com/
Fraiche is offering a special Father’s Day menu, which includes Chef Sal’s five courses and wine pairing by their Sommelier, Damien, for $75. This rustic French & Italian restaurant is reminiscent of tasting one’s way through the European countryside, emphasizing market-fresh, seasonal ingredients. The five courses include: 1. Farmers Market Heirloom Tomato and Burrata, 2. Sweet White Corn Agnolotti, 3. Alaskan Halibut, 4. New York Steak, 5. Pastry Chef Janeth’s selection.

Locanda del Lago
231 Arizona Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 451-3525
http://www.lagosantamonica.com/
Roberto Maggioni, executive chef of Locanda del Lago, presents a special FATHER’S DAY FEAST featuring three or four courses matched with wines (optional) and served in addition to Lago’s lunch, brunch and dinner menus on Father’s Day (Sunday, June 20). The popular Santa Monica restaurant is known for its unique menu, which spotlights the cuisine of Bellagio on Lake Como in Northern Italy. Valid 10:30 am – 10 pm during brunch, lunch and dinner.

Perfumeria International -
110 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
310-260-9990
http://www.smellinggood.com/
Perfumeria International is the perfect place for colognes and after-shaves for Dad.
Take up to 40% off on selected items. Plus, all items are tax free. Free gift wrapping with any purchase. Open Monday, and Wednesday through Friday 11am-8pm, and Sunday 12-6pm.

ABOUT DOWNTOWN SANTA MONICA:
Downtown Santa Monica is a popular Southern California coastal destination, minutes from Pacific Ocean beaches. The world-famous Third Street Promenade is known for its weekly farmers’ markets, fabulous dining, shopping, and street performers.
www.downtownsm.com.

For up-to-date specials and events in Downtown Santa Monica, please follow us on:

Media inquires may be directed to::
Erika Maya
Ballantines PR
erika@ballantinespr.com
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
Mob: +1.310.850.0309
Fax: +1.310.943.1978
www.ballantinespr.com

Santa Fe’s Bishop’s Lodge Featured on Univision Colorado

Tony — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 02:34:37 +0000

Santa Fe’s Bishop’s Lodge Featured on Univision Colorado

Bishop’s Lodge
on Univision Colorado KCEC TV

Santa Fe, N.M., June 16, 2010: Univision Colorado KCEC TV recently featured the Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort and Spa in a travel segment highlighting Santa Fe. Luis Canela, host of the show, visited the Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort and Spa in early May to shoot the segment. Scenes include horseback riding on the Lodge’s 450 acres, spa treatments at the world-class Sha Nah Spa, private dinner demonstration with Las Fuentes Restaurant Executive Chef Carmen Rodriguez, skeet shooting, and many other outdoor activities. The segment aired on May 25th and 26th, 2010 and will be broadcasted again at a later time.

For more information, please contact:

Rachel Silva
505 216 0889
Rachel@ballantinespr.com

About Bishop’s Lodge:
The Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa is a classic, historic destination resort minutes from downtown Santa Fe. Meeting spaces include four conference rooms totaling 8,000 square feet, fully wired with high-speed Internet access. Outdoor spaces are available for receptions and activities. Business support services are available, as well as catering and culinary planners.

Ranked by Travel & Leisure magazine as one of America’s premier retreats, Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa is managed by Prism Hotels & Resorts, whose clients also include Marriott, Hilton, Radisson, Doubletree, and Holiday Inn. To make a resort or spa reservation, call 800-732-2240 or visit www.bishopslodge.com.

Sorcerer’s Apprentice” Screening Benefit at Walt Disney Studios, to Build Kenya High School

Tony — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 22:09:21 +0000

One event. One night:
Our goal is to raise $150,000 to build a high school in Kenya for 200 kids.

What:
Rich Ross, Sean Bailey,
Jerry Bruckheimer and
Jon Turteltaub
invite you to join
Nicolas Cage,
Jay Baruchel,
Alfred Molina and the cast for a very special
early screening of their film

When:
Monday, July 12, 2010
6:30pm

Where:
Walt Disney Studios
Main Theatre
500 South Buena Vista Street, Burbank, CA 91505
Why:
to benefit

Creative Visions Foundation
Inspired by the life of Dan Eldon, a 22-year-old Reuters
photojournalist killed in Somalia in 1993, a “creative activist”
who used media and the arts to create awareness of
important issues and catalyze positive action.

Live auction of unique, one-of-a-kind experiences!

Summer barbeque and
live African entertainment
following the screening
on Disney Studios Legends Plaza

For more information, please call Cara Morrissey
at 310-454-3080 or email rsvp@ballantinespr.com

See form below for sponsorship opportunities and ticket prices

For the past five years, my wife and I have been deeply involved with a Kenyan orphanage, started by our family, where 50 kids who have lost their parents to AIDS are given a home, a school, a family, a life. Now, they need a high school. In one night, we can make that happen. If we can raise $150,000 at this one premier event, an entire high school will be built. It’s that simple. Oh, and the movie’s not too shabby either.

- Amy Eldon Turteltaub and Jon Turteltaub

Please indicate your package/ticket order:

If you would like to Mail or Fax us your Ticket order or Contribution
please click here for a downloadable/Printable PDF.

PLATINUM SPONSOR PACKAGE:

Yes, I/we would like to become a Platinum Sponsor……………………………… $15,000

24 screening tickets (best seats in the house)
24 exclusive event credentials
24 post-reception tickets with reserved seating
24 signed film posters
Name listed as a Platinum Sponsor in all printed materials, when possible
Complimentary popcorn & soda
Hosted parking
Click here to RSVP as a Platinum Member

GOLD SPONSOR PACKAGE:

Yes, I/we would like to become a Gold Sponsor……………………………………….$8,000

16 screening tickets (VIP reserved seats)
16 exclusive event credentials
16 post-reception tickets
16 collectible items
Name listed as a Gold Sponsor in all printed materials, when possible
Complimentary popcorn & soda
Hosted parking
Click here to RSVP as a Gold Member

SILVER SPONSOR PACKAGE:

Yes, I/we would like to become a Silver Sponsor……………………………………..$5,000

10 screening tickets (reserved seats)
10 exclusive event credentials
10 post-reception tickets
Name listed as a Silver Sponsor in all printed materials, when possible
Complimentary popcorn & soda
Hosted parking
Click here to RSVP as a Silver Member

BRONZE SPONSOR PACKAGE:

Yes, I/we would like to become a Bronze Sponsor…………………………………… $1,500

4 screening tickets (reserved seats)
4 post-reception tickets
Name listed as a Bronze Sponsor in all printed materials, when possible
Complimentary popcorn & soda
Hosted parking
Click here to RSVP as a Bronze Member

PAIR OF TICKETS:

Yes, I/we would like to purchase a pair of tickets………………………………………….$250

2 screening tickets (reserved seats)
2 post-reception tickets
Complimentary popcorn & soda
Hosted parking
Click here to RSVP for a pair of tickets

CHILD SEAT ADDITION (age 12 or under):

Yes, I/we would like to purchase ________ child ticket(s)……………….$100 each

1 screening ticket (reserved seat)
1 post-reception ticket
Complimentary popcorn & soda
Click here to RSVP for a Child Seat Addition

SPONSOR A CHILD TICKET:

Yes, I/we would like to purchase ______ Sponsor a Child ticket(s)….$125 each

1 screening ticket (reserved seat)
1 post-reception ticket
Complimentary popcorn & soda
Ticket is for an underprivileged child to attend
Click here to RSVP for an underprivileged childs ticket

INDIVIDUAL TICKET:

Yes, I/we would like to purchase ________ individual ticket(s)…………$125 each

1 screening ticket (reserved seat)
1 post-reception ticket
Complimentary popcorn & soda
Hosted parking
Click here to RSVP for one or more individual tickets

CONTRIBUTIONS:

I/we are unable to attend but wish to contribute by buying and donating:

_____ a cow $800
_____ a goat $200
_____ a desk $150
_____ books $100
Click here to make a charitable contribution.

If you would like to Mail or Fax us your Ticket order or Contribution
please click here for the complete downloadable/printable PDF.
Cara Morrissey
Ballantines PR
cara@ballantinespr.com
LA Office:
tel: 310 454 3080
fax: 310 388 6027
cell: 310 490 6077
www.ballantinespr.com

Help Fight the #1 Killer Disease of Children in America

Tony — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:38:37 +0000

Please Help Fight the #1 Killer Disease of Children in America

Dr. Finlay

Los Angeles, CA, June 9, 2010 – It is common knowledge that motor vehicle accidents and suicides combined are the number one cause of death in children ages 1-16 in the United States. However, few people are aware that the next leading cause of death in children is brain cancer.

Dr. Jonathan Finlay is a professor of Pediatrics, Neurology and Neurosurgery at USC’s Keck School of Medicine and the Clinical Director of the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles Neural Tumors Program. “We have managed to overcome so many of the childhood scourges such as polio and diabetes that resulted in early mortality. Even leukemia, which had a zero survival rate in 1950, is now at almost eighty five percent cure rate,” says Dr. Finlay. “But there are so many different kinds of brain cancer in children. With some, we’ve had significant success. While with others, we have not made progress at all.”

One extraordinary success credited to Dr. Finlay was the creation nearly twenty years ago of the “Head Start” Program. This innovative program aggressively treats malignant brain tumors in children under six years of age with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy and avoids the use of radiation therapy that was shown to irreparably damage developing brains of young children. Since that time, he has established a multi-institutional, multi-national consortium of 41 hospitals in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Argentina which have joined together to conduct three consecutive clinical “Head Start” trials. The last trial, in which 220 children participated, concluded in December 2009. The results are currently under analysis.

Coordinating and collating these data is extremely costly and Dr. Finlay’s research has never been underwritten by the federal government. His research has been fully funded by private philanthropic organizations along with some support from Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and the University of Southern California. However, Dr. Finlay was recently informed that two of his prime benefactors responsible not only for funding clinical studies, but also the support of the young doctors who win a fellowship to come and train under him for a year, had run out of money. The funding for this tremendously important work is no longer available.

“Right now we are training the next generation of pediatric neuro-oncologists. These are the people who are going to make great leaps in the field in the coming decades,” says Dr. Finlay, who can name a dozen former fellows who are now leaders in the field throughout the world. “It is acutely a problem for the future. We have the potential to make tremendous progress, but without continued funding, the clinical studies and education of the next generation of doctors will not continue.”

Dr. Finlay, who has been repeatedly cited in “Best Doctors in America” believes deeply in excellence and service. He often cites an aphorism by the ancient religious leader, Hillel the Elder, who said, “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, then who am I? And if not now, when?”

“Quite simply, one must stand up for oneself, and believe in oneself,” explains Dr. Finlay, who says the quotation has long served as a guiding light. “Furthermore, one cannot live one’s life for oneself alone. Life without active concern for and involvement with others has no meaning, no relevance, and no justification.”

For more information or to help support this fellowship program please make donations to:
Dr Jonathan Finlay,
Director, Neural Tumors Program,
Childrens Hospital Los Angeles,
4650 Sunset Blvd., Mail Stop #54,
Los Angeles, CA 90027-6016

Kelley Coughlan
kelley@ballantinespr.com
Ballantines PR
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
Fax: +1.310.943.1978
www.ballantinespr.com

LE STUDIO Celebrates Grand Opening Of Culver City Location!

Tony — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:37:45 +0000

LE STUDIO Celebrates
The Grand Opening Of Their New Culver City Location!

What:
A kickoff event celebrating the very grand OPENING of the massive, state-of-the-art new LE STUDIO location!

Why:
There will be an open “Cirque Bar” and special guest performances by:

The Wonderthings band
Cirque artists
Luminario Ballet
Stilts
Singer Nina Kruse,
AND a special performance by Le Studio’s very own kids team aerialists!

When:
Saturday June 12th, 2010
from 7-10 pm

Where:
LE STUDIO
9500 Jefferson Blvd
Culver City, 90232

For media inquiries and/or to RSVP Please contact Kelley Coughlan at Ballantines PR. Interviews with Nathalie Gaulthier, founder of Le Studio will be scheduled on a first come, first served basis.

Kelley Coughlan
kelley@ballantinespr.com
Ballantines PR
Tel: 310 454 3080
Cell: 310 570 9970
Fax: 310 943 1978
www.ballantinespr.com

NeuroSky’s Brain to Computer Interface Technology at E3 Conference

Tony — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:36:51 +0000

Preview Available with NeuroSky’s Brain to Computer Interface Technology at E3 Conference in Los Angeles

San Jose, CA, June 9, 2010 –NeuroSky’s Brain to Computer Interface technology promises to revolutionize the traditional video gaming paradigm, enhancing interactivity and in many instances, increasing the mental benefits of game play.

From June 15th to 16th only, in Los Angeles, E3 Conference press attendees will have a chance to experience how developers and gamers are embarking on the next revolution in gaming through brainwave integration in exclusive one-on-appointments only.Press will have the opportunity to learn more about NeruoSky’s new bio-command features and next generation of headset, specifically designed for gamers.

Within NeuroSky’s portfolio of work is a video game called NeuroBoy. Gamers get to experience what it is like to float an object and then hurl it far into the distance, using only the power of the mind. The Adventures of NeuroBoy fulfills this classic dream by demonstrating the experience of hitherto-considered superpowers. Objects in NeuroBoy’s world have different weights and require different levels of mental skill to manipulate. Gamers can explore and follow along, as new updates and powers become available for download.

The technology behind NeuroBoy is made possible through NeuroSky’s BCI ThinkGear chip, which is most well known for its use in Mattel’s extremely successful Mindflex and Star Wars Force Trainer by Uncle Milton. Both of these toys sold out during the 2009 Christmas season. The Mattel Mindflex also received People’s Play Award, “Best Toy of the Year,” and was rated one of the top five toys for Christmas by Bloomberg.

Additional game developers are incorporating BCI technology into their games right now, but the BCI technology is not limited to games. NeuroSky technology is now being utilized in products as various as automotive, healthcare, education industries, and more. It’s obvious that, with such universal innovation, NeuroSky’s games and other applications are sure to have an impact in a variety of arenas in the coming years.

For more information on Neurosky, go to http://www.neurosky.com. To view NeuroSky’s Electronic Press Kit, please go to http://www.ballantinespr.com/NeuroSky.

Exclusive, one-on-one press technology previews and interviews are available inside or near the E3 Conference by appointment only.

For all media inquiries, or to schedule an interview, please contact:
Jenn Deese
310-454-3080
jenn@ballantinespr.com
http://www.ballantinespr.com/

Why we cannot drink enough milk to get the Vitamin D we need

Tony — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 18:23:02 +0000

Dr. Sarfraz Zaidi Dispels the Myths about Vitamin D in his New Book “Power of Vitamin D”

Why we cannot drink enough milk to get the Vitamin D we need

Sarfraz Zaidi, MD

The Power of Vitamin D

Los Angeles, CA, June 8, 2010 – “Diet is not a major source of vitamin D,” according Dr. Sarfraz Zaidi, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine at UCLA and Director of the Jamila Diabetes and Endocrine Medical Center in Southern California. Dr. Zaidi is the author of a new book titled, “Power of Vitamin D,” which provides the real facts and benefits of vitamin D.

In order to get enough vitamin D one would have to drink at least 20 cups, or more of milk a day. “It’s a common misconception that one or two cups of milk a day will provide you with enough vitamin D. I have patients that say, but I drink milk every day. I tell them, okay, let’s get your vitamin D level checked. Sure enough, they turn out to be deficient in vitamin D.”

Even oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and blue fish contain only small amounts of vitamin D. The amount of vitamin D in fish remains unchanged if it is baked, but decreases about 50% if fish is fried. Also, farm raised salmon has only about 25% of vitamin D compared to wild salmon.“While fish is good for your overall health, you’d have to eat a lot of fish in order to get enough vitamin D. And that is not only impractical but would also increase your risk for mercury poisoning” says Dr. Zaidi.

“These misconceptions are one of the reasons why we are facing an epidemic of vitamin D deficiency” explains Dr. Zaidi. “The most scientific way to find out if you are low in vitamin D is by taking a simple blood test. It factors in all of the variables that determine your vitamin D status such as your eating habits, amount of sun exposure, geographic location, race, age, medications.”

Vitamin D plays a vital role in the health of our muscles and bones to our immune system, and almost every organ system in the body. While Vitamin D has been a hot topic in the media lately, it is important to note that this hormone (yes, it’s actually a hormone, not a vitamin!) is not a cure. There are a lot of books and articles that may be causing confusion about this topic. “Bottom line, vitamin D should be taken as a form of prevention and treatment, not a cure for cancer or diabetes. It’s important that people understand this and take the appropriate dose of vitamin D supplement for the prevention as well as treatment of a host of medical illnesses,” says Dr. Zaidi.

For more information about “Power of Vitamin D” or Dr. Zaidi, please go towww.DoctorZaidi.com or please visit his Electronic Press Kit at
http://www.ballantinespr.com/doctorzaidi/

To interview Dr. Zaidi, please contact:

Erika Maya
erika@ballantinespr.com
Ballantines PR
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
Mob: +1.310.850.0309
Fax: +1.310.943.1978
www.ballantinespr.com

Santa Fe’s Bishop’s Lodge Joins Historic Hotels of America

Tony — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:40:37 +0000

Santa Fe’s Bishop’s Lodge Joins Historic Hotels of America ®

Santa Fe, N.M., June 7, 2010 - Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa is pleased to announce it has joined Historic Hotels of America®, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and brand of Preferred Hotel Group.

Bishop’s Lodge is one of more than 200 hotels and resorts throughout the country that are recognized by Historic Hotels of America for preserving and maintaining their historic integrity, architecture and ambiance.

“The trend of cultural travel in America continues to grow,” said Thierry Roch, executive director of Historic Hotels of America®. “By inviting Bishop’s Lodge into our collection of distinguished properties, we are continuing to encourage historic preservation while at the same time showcasing this hotel’s rich history. Our goal is to bring these historically special hotels and their authentic experiences to the attention of the traveling public.”

To be selected for membership in National Trust Historic Hotels, a hotel must be at least 50 years old, listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or recognized locally as having historic significance.

“Given Bishop’s Lodge’s extraordinary history and significance to the culture of New Mexico,” says Rich Verruni, the Lodge’s Managing Director, “it is a natural fit for our resort to be included in the Historic Hotels of America.”

The Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa is rich in history and architectural integrity. Once the site of ancient ruins inhabited by the native Tesuque people, the land in the Canoncito del Rio de Tesuque was given as a grant to a settler in 1743. Here, successive generations of Spanish farmers grew squash, corn and wheat in the fertile canyon. In 1853, a French priest, Jean Baptiste Lamy, was appointed Bishop of Santa Fe. A tireless priest with a huge parish to serve, Bishop Lamy recognized the need for a retreat from the pressures of his office. He found this in Canoncito just three miles north of Santa Fe. Little by little, he bought small parcels of land and eventually built a house for himself with a small chapel. An avid gardener, he planted and landscaped extensively. After the Bishop’s death, the property passed through a succession of owners, including the famous Pulitzer publishing family, until the Thorpe family bought it in 1918. Responsible for most of the expansions of the 152 acre property which include many of the present lodges, the equestrian area, the swimming pool, tennis courts and skeet shooting range, the Thorpe heirs sold the lodge to its present owners in 1998.

The Thorpes were very sensitive to the Lodge’s origins. The chapel that was Bishop Lamy’s original residence has been faithfully preserved. Just this year grape vine cuttings that were thought to have come from Bishop Lamy’s vineyard were re-planted on the property with the hope that the Lodge will one day produce its own vintages, just as Bishop Lamy did more than a hundred years ago.

For press inquiries, please contact:

Gina Galatro
Historic Hotels of America
Manager, Marketing Communications
Tel: +1 646 465 9778
Fax: +1 212 541 7245
ggalatro@preferredhotelgroup.com

Rachel Silva
Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa
Public Relations
Tel: +1 505 216 0889
Cell: +1 505 795 5353
Fax: +1 505 214 5677
rachel@ballantinespr.com

About Historic Hotels of America®
Historic Hotels of America® is a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation that was formed in 1989 and a brand of Preferred Hotel Group. Historic Hotels has identified more than 200 hotels located in the U.S.A that have faithfully maintained their historic integrity, architecture and ambiance. To be selected for this prestigious program, a hotel must be at least 50 years old, listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or recognized as having historic significance. Historic Hotels of America is aligned with Historic Hotels of Europe, a federation of 20 European hotel associations in 20 countries, and with Historic Hotels of Mexico, an association of hotels and restaurants located in buildings of historical significance including haciendas, palaces, monasteries, convents, fortresses, country estates. For more information please visitwww.historichotels.org

About Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa:
Ranked by Travel & Leisure magazine as one of America’s premier retreats, the Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa offers the resort-style family vacations, weddings, and conference facilities.

Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa is managed by Prism Hotels & Resorts, whose clients also include Marriott, Hilton, Radisson, Embassy Suites, and Holiday Inn. To make a reservation, call 800-732-2240 or visit www.bishopslodge.com.

June 9, 6-8pm: Try Luxury Sanani Coffee at Little Door Restaurant

Tony — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 01:56:06 +0000

Ballantines PR Invites You to Experience
Luxury Sanani Coffee
at L.A.’s Famous Little Door Restaurant

When: Wednesday, June 9th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Where: The Little Door
8614 West 3rd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90048

Made from handpicked beans from the high mountain regions of Yemen, a region where the most popular beverage in the world is thought to have originated, Sanani is to coffee what Dom Perignon is to champagne. Meet Tariq Ausaf, founder of Sanani Coffee, who has dedicated himself to introducing America to the true taste of Yemeni coffee, whose rich, subtle flavor makes other famous beans such as Jamaica’s Blue Mountain and Kona coffee pale in comparison.

We will be offering free samples of this luxurious coffee to take home, and brewing it on site for you to try! There will be light finger foods and a selection of desserts and macaroons from the oh-so-exclusive Little Door Restaurant. Stop by after work for that needed early-evening pick-me-up!

For more information about Sanani Coffee, please visit: www.sanani.com

Please RSVP to Jenn Deese
Jenn@BallantinesPR.com
310-454-3080
www.ballantinespr.com

Santa Fe’s Bishops Lodge Offers Self–Portrait Workshops for Meetings & Conferences

Tony — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 00:31:12 +0000

Santa Fe’s Bishop’s Lodge Announces
Healing the Self Through Self-Portrait Artist Workshop

Amy Stein

Santa Fe, N.M., June 3, 2010 – Bishop’s Lodge Ranch Resort & Spa is now offering a three hour self-portrait workshop by award-winning Santa Fe artist Amy Stein. The workshop develops intuition and uncovers the creative spirit in each participant.

“All portraits are self-portraits, whether intended or not,” she says. “Through this process you can learn to be a more creative person in many areas of your life – professional and personal.”

It is important to note that no previous art experience or perceived talent is necessary to have a completely successful experience in this workshop. Workshop participants are amazed at the high quality portrait they create within such a sort period of time.

Amy Stein, known for her beautiful artwork of the Southwest, has been profiled in the nationally published American Artist magazine and a recently published article in the Permanente Medical Journal describes her “Healing the Self through Self Portrait” process. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the City University of New York, is a licensed Art teacher in New Mexico and is the courtroom artist for KOAT – Channel 7 News.

The workshop is geared to business, corporate, and academic groups in addition to individuals and creative leaders, and develops team-building, group communication, and creative leadership skills.

The self-portrait workshop and other team-building programs offered at Bishop’s Lodge encourage bonding among the group and provide recreational learning events for corporations and other employee groups.

Bishop’s Lodge also offers additional team-building exercises for meetings and conferences. Games and activities include a rodeo round-up with horse-handling training, a blind-folded retrieval task, a chili cook-off that requires participants to search for ingredients, cook and market their product, among others. Such activities provide the opportunity to improve communication, expand comfort zones and increase camaraderie.

Activities range from short ice-breakers to four-hour exercises, prices range from $10 per participant to $75 per participant.

Bishop’s Lodge Resort & Spa has been recognized with the Smart Meetings Magazine Platinum Choice Award three years running.

For more information, please contact:

Rachel Silva
Ballantines PR
(o) 505 216 0889
(c) 505 795 5353
Rachel@ballantinespr.com

Shop like Celebrity Chefs at the Downtown Santa Monica Farmers’ Market – Recipes Included

Tony — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:43:40 +0000

Shop like Celebrity Chefs at the Downtown Santa Monica Farmers’ Market

Read on for Easy Summer Recipes that Incorporate Fresh Ingredients from the Farmers’ Market

Santa Monica, CA, June 2, 2010 –For the best in local farm to table produce, acclaimed chefs from all over the Los Angeles area schedule Wednesday and Saturday mornings for a trip to the oldest and most respected certified farmers’ market in California: the Downtown Santa Monica Farmers’ Market, which features 75 farmers and takes up more than 4 city blocks. Whether these chefs are hunting down the best new potatoes, rainbow chard, beets, spring onions, white corn, artisan cheeses or exotic spices, they are sure to find not only the rarest, freshest ingredients, but the highest quality.

Two of those chefs who regularly buy their produce just outside their restaurants’ doors in Downtown Santa Monica are Roberto Maggioni, Executive Chef of Locanda del Lago and Raphael Lunetta, Owner and Executive Chef of JiRaffe. They agreed to share two of their favorite summer recipes made entirely of ingredients they gather at the Santa Monica Farmers’ Market.

ZUPPA FRESCA
CHILLED GAZPACHO SOUP
Roberto Maggioni, Executive Chef at Locanda del Lago

Roberto Maggioni

Makes 4 servings
Ingredients

4	Heirloom Tomatoes, large
1 cup	Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1	Persian Cucumber, diced
½	Red Onion, diced
2	Red Bell Peppers, small, diced
2	Yellow Bell Peppers, small, diced
1 cup	White Wine Vinegar
3 cloves	Garlic
**	Salt and Pepper, to taste

Preparation

Chop all ingredients in food processor
Pass through a filter or cheese cloth to remove large food particles

Adjust salt and pepper as necessary

Serve chilled

Locanda del Lago is located at 231 Arizona Avenue in Santa Monica, California.www.lagosantamonica.com

ROASTED BEET SALAD WITH CARAMELIZED WALNUTS,
DRIED CHERRIES AND GOAT CHEESE
Raphael Lunetta, Owner and Executive Chef at JiRaffe

Raphael Lunetta

Makes 4 servings
Ingredients

3	Medium red beets
2 Tbsp.	Banyuls vinegar
1 cup	Dried cherries, chopped
¼ cup	Grapeseed oil
1 cup	Walnut halves or pieces
1 Tbsp.	Chives, chopped
1	Shallot, peeled and minced
1 cup	Sugar
1 tsp	Fresh ginger, minced
1 ½ cups	Goat cheese
1 Tbsp.	Italian parsley, chopped
2	Large tomatoes, skin removed, seeded, and diced

Preparation

Roast beets: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wrap beets in aluminum foil and place on a baking sheet with a little water. Roast 40 to 50 minutes or until cooked through. Let cool. Peel beets and shred on a box grater. Set aside.
Prepare Vinaigrette: In a jar with a tight seal, mix ginger, Banyuls vinegar, grapeseed oil and season to taste with salt and pepper. Shake well and set aside.
Caramelize walnuts: Heat corn oil in saucepot. In a separate pot, bring water to boil and blanch walnuts for 4-5 minutes. Drain well. Toss with granulated sugar and deep fry until golden brown. Remove and let drain.
Prepare Goat Cheese: Place goat cheese in a food processor and mix until creamy in texture. Remove and place in a pastry bag.
To Serve: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded beets with diced tomatoes, dried cherries, caramelized walnuts, chives, shallots, parsley and season with salt and pepper. Toss with the vinaigrette and adjust seasoning. Place a ring mold in the center of a plate and fill with beet mixture. Top with the goat cheese and garnish with chopped chives.

JiRaffe is located at 502 Santa Monica Boulevard in Santa Monica, California.www.jirafferestaurant.com

The Downtown Santa Monica Farmers’ Market
Location: Arizona and 2nd Street
Wednesday Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Saturday Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Featured restaurant food tent hours on Wednesdays: 10:00 a.m. to close
For a more complete schedule of events please visit:www.smgov.net/farmers_market

For more information, to interview the chefs, or reprint the recipes, please contact:
Erika Maya
Ballantines PR
erika@ballantinespr.com
Tel: +1.310.454.3080
Mob: +1.310.850.0309
Fax: +1.310.943.1978
www.ballantinespr.com

Ecotourism: Heart of the West Tours in Northern New Mexico

Tony — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:41:34 +0000

Cimarroncita Historic Ranch Retreat and Seven Directions Cultural & Sustainable Tours Announce Heart of the West Tours in Northern New Mexico

Porch, Laguna Lodge
Cimarroncita Historic Ranch Retreat
Ute Park, NM

Gathering for Trail Ride
Cimarroncita Historic Ranch Retreat
Ute Park, NM

Fishing the Cimarron River
Cimarroncita Historic Ranch Retreat
Ute Park, NM

Frijoles Lobby Porch
Cimarroncita Historic Ranch Retreat
Ute Park, NM

Santa Fe, NM, June 2, 2010 —Two New Mexico ecotourism companies, Cimarroncita Historic Ranch Retreat and Seven Directions Cultural & Sustainable Tours, announce their collaboration with Heart of the West Tours offering travelers an exploration of culture, history and pristine wilderness of Northeastern New Mexico and implementing key cultural and sustainable eco travel components of the New Mexico Ecotourism Initiative.

Few places remain as they were when the forces of nature combined with the dreams of man to forge the history of the American West. The North of New Mexico is one such compelling place. Here the ancient native-American Taos Pueblo, the explorers and wagons of the Santa Fe Trail, and the cowboy traditions of vast ranch lands combined with the pristine wilderness of the Southern Rocky Mountains to create the rich history of northern New Mexico.

With itineraries featuring cultural history and nature adventure, The Heart of the West Tours offer unparalleled access to this still-pristine wilderness and the history of those who came before.

Patrizia Antonicelli, an Italian who fell in love with New Mexico and moved to Santa Fe, has been designing tours of the Southwest for European travelers for years through her company, Seven Directions. “This is an exciting time to be working in the field of eco-travel in New Mexico as the New Mexico Tourism Department has engaged in the Ecotourism Initiative with the goal of establishing the state as a primary venue for Ecotourism in the world,” she said.

Cimarroncita Historic Ranch Retreat, offering seasonal summer heritage lodging and adventure vacations, serves as the central hub and headquarters for each tour. Minnette Burges and Alán Huerta own and operate Cimarroncita, honoring the history and preserving the experience of the pristine wilderness high in the Sangre de Cristo Range of the Southern Rocky Mountains at the heart of the Cimarron Canyon in Northeastern New Mexico. Cimarroncita’s ecotourism history started more than 100 years ago with the railway wilderness resort constructed in 1908, and includes 65 years as the home of the exclusive Cimarroncita Ranch Camps established in 1930

“As the conservation stewards of this beautiful land, we have restored the primary historic buildings and have opened this property to the public, establishing the business of catering to those who love the great outdoors with fly fishing and nature adventure vacations. With the Heart of the West Tours we expand the opportunities for sustainable adventure travel at the Ranch and throughout Northeastern New Mexico,” said Burges.

Cimarroncita is the perfect central headquarters for experiencing the West as it is so uniquely manifested in Northeastern New Mexico. It is located in a high mountain valley of protected wilderness amidst some of the most fascinating historical icons of the American West. To the East is the Santa Fe Trail which forged the wagon trail era of the 1880s, and to the West is Taos with the 1000-year-old Taos Pueblo, the traditional native and Hispanic arts, and the artists – writers, painters and photographers – of the early 20th century.

This region has not only the historical and cultural icons, but some of the country’s greatest wilderness areas including Valle Vidal and Wheeler Peak, with rich recreational opportunities including fly fishing, hiking, and horseback riding.

“Our goal is to offer the traveler a delicious taste of this corner of the world, knowing there is a lifetime of opportunity to learn and experience the treasures of the West in a deeper way through return visits and expanded itineraries,” said Burges.

Each Tour includes lodging for four days and nights at Cimarroncita Historic Ranch Retreat as well as all meals, evening campfires, adventure activities, and driving tours, each highlighting a featured experience. In addition to the featured highlight, the tours include exploration of the western ranch and Santa Fe Trail history where the Rockies meet the Plains, the spiritual intrigue and cultural fascinations of Taos as well as nature adventure in the high country of Cimarroncita.

June 11 -14, 2010: PIONEER SPIRIT
Discover the Santa Fe Trail as live wagon trains arrive in Cimarron to celebrate the Santa Fe Trail and establish the state’s interpretive site with historical re-enactments and festivities. Feel the thrill of pioneer life settling America’s western plains.
July 2 – 5, 2010: OLD WEST RODEO
The Cowboy is alive in Cimarron, New Mexico as the Maverick Rodeo, one of the oldest continuous Rodeos in the country features, competition in bronc riding, calf roping and barrel racing. Take a front row seat to the rodeo action, the traditions of the cowboy and the fabled old west town of Cimarron.
August 5 – 8, 2010: TAOS PUEBLO AND SOUTHWEST ART
The intrigue of the 1000-year old Taos Pueblo is yours as a renowned Taos elder guides you on an exclusive experience of place and traditions of the Pueblo and its people. Continue your exploration of Taos and as you delve into some of the finest collections of Southwestern and Modern Art found in Taos museums and galleries.
August 28 – 31, 2010: MUSIC AND NATURE
Celebrating 27 seasons of bringing the best of classical chamber music to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Angel Fire Chamber Music Festival features music related to this year’s theme: The Leipzeig Romantics – The Relationship Between Clara and Robert Schumann and Their Protégé, Brahms.

For press inquiries and additional information, please contact:

Minnette Burges
Cimarroncita Historic Ranch Retreat
505-603-3558
info@cimarroncita.com
www.cimarroncita.com

Patrizia Antonicelli
Seven Directions: Cultural and Sustainable Tours
505-820-3305
info@sevendirections.net
www.sevendirections.net

For press information, please contact:
Rachel Silva
Ballantines PR
Rachel@ballantinespr.com
Tel: 505-216-0889
Cell: 505-795-5353
www.ballantinespr.com

“I LOVE AFRICA” Single for Africa in time for World Cup

Tony — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 04:33:35 +0000

“I LOVE AFRICA” Celebrate Worldwide! On June 11 “Think And Grow Rich” Inspired Single for Africa

Millions of dollars can be raised… just as the Soccer World Cup kicks off!

Santa Monica, CA, June 1, 2010 –Six years award-winning film-maker Martin Dunkerton was living in Hollywood with a movie for an A list star that went into ‘turnaround.’ Martin and his fiancé returned to London, completely broke. Down to his last couple pounds, Martin’s fiancé announced she was leaving him. With his spirit crushed and nowhere to turn, Martin prayed to God for a ‘divine solution.’

Unexpectedly, Dunkerton found his answer with a tattered paperback given to him by a friend – it was Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich”, a 1937 classic with 13 Mastermind Principles including Desire, Faith, Power of the Mastermind, Mystery of Sex Transmutation, and The Sixth Sense.

His mind “alight” with Hill’s teachings, Dunkerton traveled the world with a camera, curious to find out whether Hill’s visionary ‘enlightened wealth creation’ was true today. The resulting documentary, ‘Awaken Your Riches’ is scheduled for release in Fall of 2010, with distribution on DVD by Beyond Words (‘The Secret’, ‘What the Bleep!’) and cinema tba this summer.

Multi-millionaire movie investors Robert Allen (Co-creator of ‘One Minute Millionaire’) and Mark Victor Hansen (Co-creator of ‘Chicken Soup for the Soul’) asked Martin, “So now you have made your movie, how are you going to give back?”

Dunkerton created LovEarth.TV a music + movie entertainment company that gives 33% net profits to eco charities. The first 2 x CD release is: “AFRICA THE ALBUM, Vol 1 + 2″, a compilation of extraordinary music available to download now on LovEarth.TV. This album is celebrating the World Cup in South Africa by donating to The Coalition For A Sustainable Africa’s (CSAFRICA) 20+ charities: who empower women, orphan child soldiers, clean water, plant trees, build eco villages & more…

Dunkerton says,

“I can see people rocking all over, celebrating in the streets, churches, schools, stores, cafes, sports and yoga centers, even the White House on JUNE 11. That’s when priests, sports stars, actors, musicians, celebrities, yogis to millionaires, the homeless to kings and Presidents, can all sing in one voice, “I LOVE AFRICA!”

“I think Napoleon Hill would be proud, on JUNE 11, 2010, just in time for the Soccer World Cup, his vision will come alive.”

“I LOVE AFRICA” (feat. AYO) by KRISHNA LOVE & KONSCIOUS COLLECTIVE the anthem World Soccer (unofficial) single is released on June 02
PHIL LYNCH, USA DANCE RE-MIX “I LOVE AFRICA” (feat. AYO, CC, MASSOD, MICHAEL) by KRISHNA LOVE & KONSCIOUS COLLECTIVE the dance anthem World Soccer (unofficial) single is released on June 02
“AFRICA, THE ALBUM VOL 1 + VOL 2″ Two unique World Soccer (unofficial) albums featuring international artists & stars from Africa are released on June 03
“I LOVE AFRICA!” WORLD SOCCER ‘KICK-OFF’ CHARITY PLEDGE FORM & POSTER” for stores, churches, cafes, sschools, sports / yoga centers, businesses & entertainment venues is available worldwide via LovEarth.TV on June 02 and via iTunes, Amazon, etc by JUNE 11
CSAFRICA.ORG is a US 501(c)(3) Public Charity

http://lovearth.tv

For more information on ‘I LOVE AFRICA DAY’, or to schedule an interview with Martin Dunkerton, please contact:

Cara Morrissey
Ballantines PR
Los Angeles, London, New York, Santa Fe
TEL: 310 454 3080
FAX: 310 388 6027
caramorrissey@gmail.com
www.ballantinespr.com

Aaron Nigel Smith, Music For Little People Award Winning CD!

Tony — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 04:31:47 +0000

Aaron Nigel Smith And Music For Little People Rock The Kids Together On A New Award Winning Cd!

Los Angeles, CA, May 27, 2010 - Aaron Nigel Smith and Music for Little People have joined forces to release Everyone Loves to Dance on June 22, 2010. The CD has already been awarded a Parents’ Choice Award for 2010! Aaron Nigel Smith assembles an all-star team to create his super cool children’s CD. Parents and kids alike will love these hip original tunes as well as funky new arrangements of popular classics. Ziggy Marley, Kevin Richardson from The Backstreet Boys, DJ DREZ, and local LA artists Rhythm Child rock with Aaron on select songs. Grammy Award-winning mixer Myke Aaron closes out the CD with a dance mix that will keep the whole family jammin’.

Leib Ostrow, the founder and president of Music for Little People label is thrilled to be involved. “From the time I first met Aaron a few years ago, I have been totally impressed by his passion and ability to engage children in song and movement. He is truly a dynamic children’s performer and his new recording expresses this whole heartedly.”

Aaron actively promotes the positive effects of music and movement as an integral part of early education through his recordings as well as his enrichment program, FUNdamentals of Music and Movement. Launched in 2002 in Los Angeles, FUNdamentals is now the program of choice for over 100 schools nationwide! The uptempo, hook-filled tunes created for his curriculum get kids literally jumping off the floor while exploring key developmental concepts. His songs have been described as “some of the best targeted music for kids today,” and PBS agrees. Aaron was recently invited to join the cast of the Emmy Award-winning PBS Kids show Between the Lions.

His entertaining stage show has been featured around the country as part of the Ziggy Marley Family Time Tour, Between the Lions Live, NEA Read Across America Tour, NBC/Universal, Sony, Warner Brothers, Paramount, Fox Studios Family Concerts, and the Sierra Nevada World Music and Abbott Kinney Festivals. He received the NAPPA and iParenting awards for his first release, Let’s Pretend, in 2005. Most recently, Aaron collaborated with Ziggy Marley and the Palisades Children’s Choir on the new hit Tuff Gong release of Bob Marley songs for kids, B is for Bob.

Located in the coastal redwoods of northern California, Music for Little People has emerged as a leading resource for quality, alternative children’s music with an educational, multi-cultural orientation. Now, 25 years and over 100 releases later, the label has garnered over 140 awards including two Grammy ® nominations. Their music has been featured in film and television as well as in many custom compilations, software programs and publishing add-ons. Their recordings have been distributed by Warner Bros. Records for over twenty years.

They have worked with renowned artists such as Taj Mahal; Willie Nelson; Faith Hill; Danny Glover; Michelle Shocked; Ladysmith Black Mambazo; and The Persuasions. The label has produced themed collections featuring such diverse performers as Raffi; Paul Simon; Burl Ives; Jerry Garcia; Bobby McFerrin; Joni Mitchell; John McCutcheon; The Doobie Brothers; Kenny Loggins & Jim Messina; James Taylor; Linda Ronstadt; Aaron Neville; Julie Andrews; Chuck Berry; Loreena McKennitt and John Lennon.

“Groundbreaking . . . The label has evolved into a showcase for established pop and ethnic music artists who wish to release children’s albums.” – Billboard

“The Little People’s Music Label That Could” – L.A. Times

For more information, please contact:
Kelley Coughlan
kelley@ballantinespr.com
Ballantines PR
Tel: 310.454.3080
www.ballantinespr.com

SF Museum of International Folk Art: Empowering Women – Artisan Cooperatives

Tony — Thu, 27 May 2010 22:09:03 +0000

Empowering Women:
Artisan Cooperatives That Transform Communities

Kenya

Lao PDR

Morocco

Santa Fe, NM, May 27, 2010 — A quiet revolution is taking place around the world led by women artisan cooperatives. Taking the initiative to collectively produce, manage, and market their crafts, they have enriched their lives and become powerful forces in their communities. On July 4, 2010 the Museum of International Folk Art inaugurates its’ “Gallery of Conscience,” a space dedicated to exploring contemporary issues affecting folk art production and consumption.

Empowering Women: Artisan Cooperatives That Transform Communities kicks off the first annual International Folk Arts Week – a week of demonstrations, lectures, folk music, performances, and other programs held in conjunction with the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market running July 9 through July 11, 2010.

Focusing on ten cooperatives that illustrate how the power of such grassroots collaborations transform women’s lives, the exhibit brings together first person quotes, stellar photos, and stunning examples of the cooperatives’ handmade traditional arts to tell stories of how women folk artists are working cooperatively to:

Preserve and reinvigorate their traditional arts.
Generate steady livelihoods for their families.
Give back to their communities.
Become leaders in public life.
Overcome domestic violence.
Develop literacy programs for themselves and their children.
Heal the traumas of war.
Sustain their natural environments.
Save for the Future

The featured cooperatives are drawn from three continents and ten countries including India, Nepal, Swaziland, South Africa, Rwanda, Kenya, Bolivia, Lao PDR, Peru and Morocco. Featured folk arts include embroidered story cloths, hand dyed sisal baskets, beaded neck collars, hand carded and dyed wool weavings, cultivated bromeliad bags, and folk paintings of village life.

“As the largest folk art museum in the world we have a responsibility to create a forum to discuss current issues that folk artists are facing around the world. This ‘Gallery of Conscience’ will be devoted to the examination of issues that threaten the survival of the traditional arts, bringing them to the attention of our visitors,” says Marsha Bol, Director of the Museum of International Folk Art. “We intend to address, over the course of the next few years, such issues as: the ecological implications of the acquisition of materials used in producing folk arts, the impact of political conflict and war on folk arts, and various economic and social issues that threaten to disrupt folk arts. We will also exhibit examples of successful solutions to such circumstances.”

There is a strong connection between this exhibition and the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market which has; “.always [been] a supporter of cooperatives, recognizing their power to bring both cultural and economic sustainability to communities,” said Folk Art Market Director Charlene Cerny, “Most of the cooperatives at the Market involve women.”

When anthropologist Dr. Suzanne Seriff was asked to guest curate an exhibition on women’s artisan cooperatives at the Museum of International Folk Art she had a unique perspective as head of the Folk Art Market’s Selection Committee. Seriff was; “.struck by the large numbers of women’s cooperatives applying to the Market, and their incredible stories how working collaboratively changed their lives. In this exhibition I wanted to bring some of these larger stories to the public, to give the women a chance to speak for themselves-in their own words about their work and their lives and how women all over the world are improving their lives, families and communities with the power of cooperatives.”

Nicholas Kristof recently wrote in the New York Times how these women’s artisan cooperatives are change agents in the developing world. One Moroccan woman teaches a village to read. An embroideress from Gujarat takes out a loan for the first time at the local bank. A Hutu woman from Rwanda works side by side with a Tutsi to make the peace baskets that are working to heal their war-torn country. In Swaziland, the village women use profits from the sale of their handwoven sisal baskets to feed and educate the hundreds of children in their village orphaned from AIDS. In Bolivia, displaced Ayorean women learn to cultivate the bromiliad plants that were once native to their jungle habitat and from which they weave their native dress and hand dyed bags. Women artisans from all over the world are using the power of artisan cooperatives to reach new markets and transform their lives. Two representatives from each cooperative featured in the exhibit will participate in a full week of demonstrations, discussions, lectures, and artist-led exhibit tours beginning with a facilitated roundtable discussion with the curator during the opening on July 4, 2010 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The opening will be hosted by the Women’s Board of the Museum of New Mexico from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Empowering Women: Artisan Cooperatives That Transform Communities runs July 4, 2010 through January 2, 2011. High resolution exhibition images may be downloaded from the media center.

Museum of International Folk Art
www.internationalfolkart.org
On Museum Hill
706 Camino Lejo
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 476-1200

Media Contacts

Suzanne Seriff,
Ph.D, Sr. Lecturer,
Dept. of Anthropology,
University of Texas at Austin,
Guest Curator,
“Empowering Women: Artisan Cooperatives that Transform Communities”
seriff@aol.com
512 459-3990

For more information please contact:
Steve Lewis
steve.lewisnm@comcast.net
Locas Communications
1916 Camino Lumbre
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone 505-473-9002
Fax 505-473-3899