Thursday, February 28, 2013

Wore Jeans. Raised Cash. Paid it Forward.

How Zuri Salon and Spa's Dress Code compromise, created a philanthropic opportunity

Denver, CO, February 28, 2013 -- When the employees at the prestigious Zuri Salon and Spa, in Cherry Creek North, were looking for more work wardrobe options, owner Peter Friedauer struck a rather noble deal with his staff. While Zuri has always maintained a professional atmosphere, and dress code to match, Peter would agree to the staff-proposed "Blue Jean Friday," under one creative, and philanthropic condition. Any staff member wanting to participate in the coveted flexibility to wear jeans on Fridays would contribute a $5.00 cash donation towards charity.

"I thought it was a fun way to give my staff some different clothing options while doing something good for others," Peter says. "Blue Jean Fridays" ended up creating a chain reaction of good. Peter paid it forward to his staff and allowed them the comfort of wearing jeans to work. The Zuri staff paid it forward by raising donation money for Phoenix Multisport, an organization paying it forward by promoting sober lifestyles communities.

The impressive organization, Phoenix Multisport, supports a physically active community for individuals who choose to live a sober lifestyle after struggling for years with alcohol and substance abuse. In fact, Phoenix Multisport founder, Scott Strode became the recipient of the "2012 CNN Heroes Award", and he continues to strive for excellence as a leader. This motivation inspired the Zuri staff to raise donations to a grand total of $550 dollars over the last year. And did so, in the comfort of their blue jeans.

Contact:
Lindsay Appel
Splendid Fruition
Denver, CO
303-921-5683
lindsay@splendidfruition.com
http://www.splendidfruition.com

World-Renowned Vocal Ensemble Sweet Honey In The Rock Adds Something Different – A Jazz Trio! – On New Two-CD Live Set And Upcoming Special Shows Celebrating Musical Influences

February 26th Release on Appleseed Recordings, “A Tribute – Live! Jazz at Lincoln Center,” and Tour Dates Spotlight Quintet’s Inspirations and Versatility

Hollywood, CA, February 26, 2013 - Nearing its fourth decade, the internationally acclaimed, award-winning female African-American a cappella group Sweet Honey In The Rock was ready to follow its adventurous spirit and undertake a new challenge – to honor some of the seminal songs that first inspired its unique blend of folk, blues, jazz, gospel and ethnic music in a concert presentation utilizing an instrumental backing trio for the first time. Upping the ante, the singers decided to perform this special program at New York’s prestigious Jazz at Lincoln Center venue and to record their two-night appearance there in front of surprised and delighted audiences. Talk about working without a net!

In the opening moments of Sweet Honey In The Rock’s new 2-CD set, “A Tribute – Live! Jazz at Lincoln Center,” well-timed for February 26th release – concluding Black History Month and preceding Women’s History Month in March – group member Ysaye Barnwell recites a roll-call of some of the great female African-American vocalists whose songs helped shape the group and comprise much of “Tribute’s” repertoire, including Abbey Lincoln, Odetta, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Miriam Makeba, Carmen McRae, Bessie Smith, and Sarah Vaughan.

The songs on this recording are drawn from those two shows at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Hall in April 2011. They were subsequently performed on several additional dates, and will be featured in at least five upcoming “Tribute” shows in February and March 2013. Adorned with new arrangements by Sweet Honey’s members, there are jazz standards such as “Love Me or Leave Me,” “Wild is the Wind,” and “Tell Me More and More and Then Some,” gospel/civil rights anthems melded into a “Freedom Suite,” Afro-centric songs (the Sixties hit song “Pata Pata,” “Sabumoya,” “Shuku Shuku,” and the closing “N'diarabi/Africa is Where My Heart Lies”), show tunes, blues, and a salsa-flavored original, “Let There Be Peace.”

Sweet Honey In The Rock’s distinctive swirl of a cappella vocals, encompassing waves of imaginative ensemble harmonies and occasional solo showcases, is heard unaccompanied, aside from the quintet’s hand percussion, on about half of the songs. Interwoven throughout the presentation are the understated instrumental contributions of the trio nicknamed “the Honey Men” – Stacey Wade (musical director/piano/keyboards), Parker McAllister (bass), Jovol Bell (drums, percussion) – who augment Sweet Honey’s exhilarating, soulful voices and confident, genre-crossing dexterity.

Founded in 1973 by Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon at the (Washington) D.C. Black Repertory Theater Company, Sweet Honey In The Rock’s line-up currently includes returning original members Carol Maillard and Louise Robinson (Dr. Reagon retired from the group in 2004) and “long-timers” Ysaye Barnwell, Nitanju Bolade Casel, and Aisha Kahlil, as well as on-stage sign language interpreter Shirley Childress. The group has toured from Australia to Zimbabwe, performed in the White House at the request of President and First Lady Obama, accrued numerous honors (including a Grammy and several Grammy nominations , most recently for its first CD on Appleseed, 2007’s “Experience…101”), and established itself as an inspiring, empowering musical force worldwide.

Sweet Honey’s involvement in various social justice projects makes the group an ideal member of the independent Appleseed Recordings roster, which includes significant artist/activists Pete Seeger, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and South Africa’s Johnny Clegg, among others.

Upcoming “Tribute” tour dates:
2/28/13 Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, PA
3/1/13 McCarter Theater, Princeton, NJ
3/2/13 New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ
3/5/13 B.B. King’s, New York City
3/7/13 Howard Theatre, Washington, D.C.

Upcoming Non-“Tribute” tour dates:
3/8/13 Murphy Fine Arts Center, Baltimore, MD
3/9/13 Williamsburg Lodge, Williamsburg, VA
3/21/13 Kraakhuis, Gent, BE
3/23/13 Barbican Centre, London, UK
3/26/13 Royal Opera House Muscat, Muscat, OM
3/30/13 Bluesfest, Bryon Bay, AU
3/31/13 Bluesfest Bryon Bay, AU
4/1/13 Enmore Theatre, Newtown, AU
4/3/13 Hamer Hall, Melbourne, AU
5/11/13 Smothers Theatre, Malibu, CA
5/19/13 Brooklyn Academy of Music Opera House, Brooklyn, NY
7/17/13 Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL
8/3/13 Berkshire Choral Festival, Sheffield, MA

Founded in 1997 by activist attorney Jim Musselman, Appleseed Recordings is an independent, idealistic and internationally distributed record label devoted to releasing socially conscious contemporary, folk and roots music by a wide array of established and lesser-known musicians. Sweet Honey In The Rock is part of a roster that includes such politically active musicians as Pete Seeger, Buffy Sainte-Marie and South Africa’s Johnny Clegg, as well as seasoned, creatively evergreen “heritage” artists Tom Paxton, Tom Rush, Donovan, Jesse Winchester, David Bromberg, Jonathan Edwards, and Al Stewart, among others. The company’s approach has attracted many high-profile guest artists, including Bruce Springsteen, who has recorded six tracks for the label and was inspired to create his “Seeger Sessions” CD and tours after working on the first of Appleseed’s three Pete Seeger tribute releases. Appleseed has built a catalogue of more than 100 well-respected CDs, two Grammy Awards, ten Grammy nominations, and, most importantly, has produced music that is actually helping to change the world.

For more information, to request a review/airplay copy of “A Tribute – Live! Jazz at Lincoln Center” or an interview with Sweet Honey In The Rock, please contact:
Chip Schutzman – chip@mileshighproductions.com, 323-871-4821.

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
P.O. Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323-806-0400
chip@mileshighproductions.com
http://www.mileshighproductions.com

P2I Previews Advanced IPX7 Dunkable™ Technology at Mobile World Congress

With millions of users already benefiting from the company's splashproof liquid repellent nano-coating on Motorola and TCL Communication smartphones and tablets, P2i is unveiling its new, Dunkable™ technology at Mobile World Congress.

Hampshire, UK, February 28, 2013 - Dunkable™ is a game-changing hydrophobic barrier which allows electronics to function in liquids for an extended period of time. Differentiating itself from the splashproof technology, which is a hydrophobic layer approximately 1000 times thinner than a human hair, the Dunkable™ barrier enables manufacturers to reach an IPx7 water protection rating.

Dr. Stephen Coulson, Chief Technical Officer, P2i, said: “P2i recognizes the market need for a truly dunkable technology which goes beyond protecting against accidental splashes and spills. We have already proven on tens of millions of electronic devices that our everyday splashproof technology significantly reduces water ingress and dramatically increases reliability.

However those needing protection against full submergence for a significant period of time, require something extra. P2i’s cutting-edge Dunkable™ technology provides just this by preventing long lasting corrosion and water damage. Make no mistake; this technology signals the end of extra gaskets, membranes, snubbers, clumsy plastic jack plugs and ugly watertight cases. Dunkable™ is IPx7 without changing the look and feel of a smartphone.”

As a commercially successful innovator, P2i operates in five key market sectors, including Electronics, Lifestyle and Filtration.

It was first established in 2004 to commercialize liquid repellent technologies originally designed to protect soldiers’ military uniforms from chemical attack. P2i has an extended patent portfolio enabling the development of further technologies and application methods. Today, P2i operates as a global outfit, with expertise extending across the technology, engineering and implementation processes.

Carl Francis, Chief Executive Officer, P2i, said: “Dunkable™ represents the very latest advancement in nanocoating technology for the smartphone and tablet market. With over 60 patent families behind us, and dedicated teams researching functional nano-coatings such as anti-scratch, the future is very bright for P2i and our customers.”

Over the past two years P2i has received recognition for the successful leadership and commercialization of its nano-coating technologies through a great variety of industry awards and has been shortlisted for GSMA’s Global Mobile Awards 2013 in the ‘Best Mobile Technology Breakthrough’ category.

About P2i
P2i is the world leader in liquid repellent nano-coating technology. It was established in 2004 by Dstl/Ploughshare Innovations to commercialize liquid repellent treatments developed by the UK’s Ministry of Defence. Now on a commercial scale, P2i’s patented process has been successfully applied to a wide range of products in a wide range of markets including Electronics, Lifestyle, Life Sciences, Military & Institutional and Filtration & Energy. See http://www.p2i.com for more information.

Media Contact Natasha Verniquet +44 (0)1235 838 715 or natasha.verniquet@p2i.com

About Ploughshare Innovations
Ploughshare Innovations manages the commercial licensing to industry of intellectual property developed by the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). Ploughshare’s goal is to give clients a competitive edge, by lowering technology risk, reducing R&D costs, speeding time to market, and maximizing the business opportunity. It provides leading edge, application focussed technology, backed up with the assurance of advanced IP support and protection. Ploughshare Innovations is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dstl.

Media Contacts Chris Goff +44 (0)1794 301602 or chris.goff@ploughshareinnovations.com

Contact:
Chris Goff
Ploughshare Innovations Ltd.
Unit 2, Nine Mile Water Business Park
Nether Wallop, Stockbridge
Hampshire SO20 8DR
+44 (0)1794 301602
pr@newsvend.com
http://www.ploughshareinnovations.com

Is Mississippi getting rid of Insurance Cards?

Insurance King was founded in 2000 out of Illinois and currently has employees licensed in 7 states for Auto and Motorcycle Insurance.

Rockford, IL, February 28, 2013 - Is Mississippi getting rid of insurance cards? On July 1st, 2013 in the state of Mississippi a police officer will have real time insurance information like policy number, the company name the car is insured with, when the last payment was received, and yes if the policy is currently in force at the time of a routine traffic stop. There will be a 6 month testing period so the insurance companies and the state can make sure the system is running correctly.

Insurance King was founded in 2000 out of Illinois and currently has employees licensed in 7 states for Auto and Motorcycle Insurance. Insurance King plans to grow in these states and eventually open offices to better serve the clients. Insurance King specializes in Low Cost Auto Insurance and also writes SR-22s.

Insurance King is making car insurance affordable for drivers in Mississippi. Motorcycle owners can currently quote, buy, print and ride online in Mississippi at www.insurancekingquote.com under the motorcycle tab and Automobile owners can request a quote over the phone or by visiting www.insurancekingquote.com .

Mississippi requires you to have Auto Insurance and Insurance King helps you drive legal for Less.

Contact:
Dan Block
Founder of Insurance King
Insurance King
127 N. Alpine Rd
Rockford, IL 61107
815-316-9522
dan@insurancekingquote.com
http://www.insurancekingquote.com

New Car Insurance Law in Mississippi

Insurance King is helping Drivers in the state of Mississippi understand the new law the state of Mississippi is enacting on July 1st 2013.

Rockford, IL, February 27, 2013 - Rockford IL New Car Insurance Law in Mississippi.

Insurance King is helping Drivers in the state of Mississippi understand the new law the state of Mississippi is enacting on July 1st 2013.


Mississippi has enacted Senate Bill 2631 which authorizes the department of Public Safety, in collaboration with the Insurance Commissioner and the Department of Revenue, to implement a motor vehicle insurance verification system to track uninsured motorists in Mississippi. This law became effective on July 1, 2012 except the vehicle registration provision in Section 5 which becomes effective on July 1st, 2013.

Mississippi Driver’s will soon learn about the state’s Automobile Insurance Verification System.

The Mississippi Automobile Insurance Verification System summarized does this;

* authorize the Department of Public Safety, in collaboration with the Insurance commissioner and the Department of Revenue, to implement a motor vehicle insurance verification system to track uninsured motorists in the state. The law requires the system be installed and operational by July 1, 2013, following a minimum testing period of six months

*give the Department of Public Safety rulemaking authority to implement provisions of the law, such as requiring insurers to make periodic insurance data file transfers to identify motor vehicles that are not covered by an insurance policy and to monitor ongoing compliance with the mandatory motor vehicle liability insurance requirements;

*authorize the Department of Revenue to deny a motor vehicle applicant a vehicle registration tag (both new and renewed) upon discovery that the person is uninsured after accessing the insurance verification system;

*but most importantly the Mississippi Automobile Insurance Verification system authorizes a law enforcement officer to access the system during a traffic stop or accident investigation to verify insurance coverage for the stopped motorist.

Get a Free Automobile insurance quote from Insurance King by visiting www.insurancekingquote.com or call a local office.

Contact:
Dan Block
Founder of insurance king
Insurance King
127 N. Alpine Rd.
Rockford, IL 61107
815-316-9522
Dan@insurancekingquote.com
http://www.insurancekingquote.com