Monday, March 16, 2015

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa Launches Earth Day

Pin It To Win It Contest.

Monterey, CA, March 16, 2015 - Did you know this year Earth Day is celebrating its 45th anniversary? Each year we learn more about sustainability and Pinterest is an excellent place to share tips from green construction to composting and quotes! Share your favorite pins that represent what Earth Day means to you in our new Pin-It-To-Win-It Contest!


To enter the contest simply:

1. Follow us on Pinterest: pinterest.com/montereyhyatt
2. Create a board titled: Earth Day 2015
3. Add a minimum of 5 of your favorite pins for green construction to composting, quotes and other ways to be “green” with the hashtag #InAHyattWorld
4. Email a link your board to: marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com
5. One lucky winner will receive a two-night stay at Hyatt Regency Monterey! Winner will be announced April 22nd in honor of Earth Day! (Airfare not included)
6. Contest run dates March 15 – April 15th

About Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on Del Monte Golf Course:
Nestled in 22 acres of soaring Monterey Pines, the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel & Spa on Del Monte Golf Course is a destination resort providing the discerning traveler the quintessential Monterey experience. Its location offers guests close proximity to downtown Monterey and Monterey Airport and easy access to some of the Peninsula’s most well known attractions. With its warm, contemporary ambiance, elegant furnishings and convenient amenities, the hotel offers both leisure and business travelers a Northern California respite of unmatched serenity and comfort. Features include 550 guestrooms including 32 suites, and the President’s house, TusCA Ristorante, Knuckles Sports Bar, Fireplace Lounge, personalized concierge service at the Regency Club, a 2,000 square foot fitness facility, tennis courts, pools and whirlpools, and 12,000 square foot full service spa. The hotel is located at 1 Old Golf Course Road in Monterey, California. For information call (831) 372-1234 or visit www.hyattregencymonterey.com/.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox
Carmel, CA 93923
831-747-7455
Marci@ChatterboxPublicRelations.com
http://www.hyattregencymonterey.com/

Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea Announces its Golfers Delight Package

The Hofsas House Hotel has partnered with two of the Monterey Peninsula's best golf courses

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, March 15, 2015 - Celebrating more than six decades of European hospitality at the beautiful Bavarian-inspired Hofsas House Hotel, the Theis family proudly announces seven new themed packages to their valued guests. Each has been crafted with the same minute attention to detail generations of guests have come to expect from Hofsas House Hotel and is as unique and charming as Carmel itself All are available year-round:


Golfer's Delight
The Hofsas House Hotel has partnered with two of the Monterey Peninsula's best golf courses. Book a night stay and add on a round of golf.

Choose from:
• Experience the immaculate green grasses of the historic Quail Lodge Golf Club. Play a 9-hole round of golf for two including shared cart and range balls. Cost is an additional is $ 50.00. When booking use promotion code: HHQUAIL

• NCGA sanctioned Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach is newly renovated and re-opened in April 2014. Cost is addition to the room is $185 per golfer includes cart (savings of $50.00). In addition, Poppy Hills offers free use of brand new state of the art Taylor Made rental clubs (an $85.00 value). Call for the NCGA rate. When booking use promotion code: HHPOPPY

About Hofsas House:
Owned and operated by the Theis Family, Hofsas House Hotel is within walking distance of everything Carmel has to offer, including a stunning beach, fine restaurants and shops and wine tasting. It provides peaceful respite and European charm just minutes from Monterey, Pebble Beach, Big Sur and Pacific Grove. The Hofsas House’s 38 spacious, one-of-a-kind rooms boast European comfort and lovely views and amenities such as fireplaces, private balconies, wet bars, kitchens and patios. Large suites provide the perfect stay for newlyweds and anyone else seeking an extra special getaway. Dutch doors in every room allow guests to welcome in the ocean air, and free WiFi enables them to stay connected — if they want to.

The Hofsas House Hotel family works to ensure every visitor's experience is special, striving to offer the highest quality personal services. Consider the continental breakfast, abundant with fresh French Roast coffee, tea, juice, fruit and pastries from a neighborhood bakery, or the personalized concierge services for guests and their families, including their four-legged family members, who are welcome as well.

For large groups — wedding parties, company meetings, family reunions and others — Hofsas House Hotel offers a spacious room equipped with a fireplace and full kitchen that can comfortably accommodate 40 people. A heated pool, dry saunas, decks with views and off-street parking are on-site as well.

Hofsas House Hotel is located on San Carlos Street, north of Fourth Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea. For more information, call (831) 624-2745 or visit www.hofsashouse.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox
Carmel, CA 93923
831-747-7455
Marci@ChatterboxPublicRelations.com
http://www.hofsashouse.com

New Survey of Retired Women Prioritizes significant Achievements in Women’s Rights during their Lifetime

Holiday Retirement spotlights women’s achievements in celebration and honor of
Women’s History Month

Lake Oswego, OR, March 15, 2015 – American history has long been associated with significant events and notable women who have made invaluable contributions to society in the past century. These women have achieved greatness in their lives by winning the right to vote in 1920; attaining permanent status in the military in 1948; and breaking male-dominated barriers to becoming astronauts, race car drivers, business and military leaders, politicians, and professional sports figures.


In celebration of Women’s History Month, 4,132 Holiday Retirement female residents responded to a four-question survey about the significance of women’s rights, women as role models, and hopes for women in the future.

* 69 percent of female residents polled feel winning the right to vote was the greatest accomplishment for women in the 20th century and today.

* 33 percent of survey participants felt that Eleanor Roosevelt and her vocal support of African-American civil rights poses her as the best role model for young women.

* 35 percent believe the U.S. will elect its first female president within the next 10 years; however, it is also important to note that 18 percent of senior women surveyed believe there will never be a female president.

* 47 percent of those surveyed list their biggest hope for women in the future as achieving equal pay with their male counterparts.

In addition to the survey, Holiday Retirement received stories about inspirational women and their role in helping to shape women’s roles as we know them today.

“There are thousands of amazing women who live at Holiday Retirement communities,” said Jamison Gosselin, vice president of marketing, communications, and resident enrichment for Holiday Retirement. “Over casual conversations, our residents may learn their neighbor was a former Olympic medalist, the first African American female basketball player, or even the recipient of a prestigious military award. These women are a great part of our history and our future.”

Many of these women have played an active role in history and now share their achievements with fellow residents in senior living communities across the country. Here are a few of their stories:

Annie P., lifelong champion of civil rights
Annie, a resident at Rancho Village in Palmdale, California, is well-known for her lifelong efforts as a civil rights activist; in fact, she chartered a chapter of the NAACP in the Pacoima neighborhood of Los Angeles in 1945. When Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated, she and her husband chartered a plane to attend the funeral. She participated in the procession that walked behind his casket for more than 3.5 miles. You can also find her name engraved in the wall at The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.

Judy D., 1952 Olympian
It was 63 years ago that Judy, now 90, represented the United States in the 1952 Helsinki Games, winning a silver medal in breaststroke. Judy was born and raised in southeast Portland and credits high school with where her Olympic dreams took hold. This Olympian now resides at Edgewood Downs in Beaverton, Oregon.

Lillie C., first African American female basketball player
At 90-years-young, Lillie was recently honored as one of the first African American women to play basketball in North Carolina. And for this momentous achievement, Lillie was named to the Hall of Fame at Atkins High School in North Carolina. Lillie grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, during a time of civil unrest in the South, but she was determined to be treated equally. She took part in protests and refused to leave lunch counters at North Carolina A&T University. Lillie considers herself as one of the original freedom riders. She currently lives at Forsyth Court in Winston-Salem.

Neva H., former Grand Prix driver and champion
At 92-years-old, Neva knows what it is like to have a need for speed. She’s a former Senior Malibu Grand Prix driver—and champion. Neva’s favorite part of racing: “Beating all the other men drivers.” She began racing in 1970, once her children were full-grown. Today, Neva proudly displays her awards at The Worthington in Gahanna, Ohio.

Katherine H., Order of Military Medical Merit award recipient
Known to many as Lieutenant Colonel Katherine H., she began her career in the U.S. Army as a volunteer in the wake of Pearl Harbor. Now, at 101 years old, Katherine is one of very few to receive the Order of Military Medical Merit award. This prestigious award recognizes Army medical personnel who have demonstrated the highest standards of integrity and moral character. She now calls Essington Place in Joliet, Illinois, home.

“These women are just five of the many who left major marks on American history, changing the future for men and women alike,” said Gosselin. “We encourage everyone to learn from our Greatest Generation and to strive to make their own impact on history.”

Access Women’s History Month infographics and learn more about notable women in a Holiday Retirement community at holidaytouch.com/women.

Media Contacts:
Brian K. Fawkes
Holiday Retirement
(971) 245-8837
brian.fawkes@holidaytouch.com

About Holiday Retirement
Since 1971, Holiday Retirement has endeavored to provide its signature “Holiday Touch” to residents and their families. Today, Holiday is a trusted name in senior living and provides security, comfort, and value to independent seniors seeking a fulfilling lifestyle. Holiday operates more than 300 retirement communities, making it the second largest senior housing operator in the United States. For more information about Holiday Retirement, please call 800-322-0999 or visit www.holidaytouch.com.

Contact:
Molly Koch
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
720-726-5435
mkoch@csg-pr.com
http://www.holidaytouch.com

Pop-Punk, Progressive Rock Band Enter The Paradox to Release New Music Video and Radio Single “Sweet Intentions” from Debut Album Love, Loyalty and Mayhem: Part 1 out April 21, 2015

“Sweet Intentions” Going for Radio Adds March 10

Los Angeles, CA, March 15, 2015 - Los Angeles-based pop-punk, progressive rock band Enter The Paradox release their upbeat single that will surely excite any fans of Blink-182, Fall Out Boy and Muse. Enter The Paradox aim to showcase their high-energy and passionate storytelling through their debut album Love, Loyalty and Mayhem: Part 1 due out April 21, 2015.



“Sweet Intentions” is the first taste listeners will get until the release of their debut, a unique concept that unfolds through the lyrical prowess of front man Brian Bolen.

“From the beginning, I wanted every album Enter The Paradox made to be the essence of a story brought to life. Not just your typical love story, but one much deeper, with twists and turns you just don’t see coming; I wanted it to embody the feel of a psychological thriller with strong archetypal characters and themes,” Bolen states.

Bolen takes all the right risks that will catch anyone’s ear with the complex stories told through each song, a chapter one after another. The album follows the story of a young man named Fibonacci. Through his trials and tribulations, Fibonacci discovers the lessons of love, loyalty and mayhem.

Showcasing a melting pot of styles of cutting-edge rock, psychedelic, pop-punk, and hardcore fused together, Enter The Paradox bring their sound together in ways never before heard.

Enter The Paradox links: Website - Facebook - Twitter - Instagram

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

Sunday, March 15, 2015

GiftWorksPlus Offers Tips for Selecting the Right Picture Frame

GiftWorksPlus offers guidance for framing family photos in custom frames.

Waukesha, WI, March 11, 2015 - GiftWorksPlus suggests four points to consider when choosing single or multiple photo frames: style, size, orientation, and personalization. There are so many custom designed frames available for framing family photos that it can be difficult to know which to select. Think about these factors before purchasing a new picture frame.


STYLE
What is the style of the décor in the room where photographs will be displayed? Does the room have a contemporary or a casual look? Traditional or country chic? Determine the ideal style and then choose customizable picture frames that match.

SIZE
What sizes of custom picture frames will be needed? Whether simply slipping photographs into customized frames or using mattes, consider the answer to this question and make any frame-size adjustments as needed.

ORIENTATION
Will photographs be displayed horizontally or vertically? Make sure the custom frames are aligned properly to display the photographs and the frame’s detailing properly. For collage displays, a mix of horizontal and vertical wooden frames can often add visual interest.

PERSONALIZATION
One of the hallmarks of a quality picture frame is its ability to be personalized to reflect the photograph within. Select a reputable company that offers detail-oriented personalization. GiftWorksPlus employs master craftsmen to create intricate engravings on customizable frames per customer requests. Further, free personalization is standard at GiftWorksPlus.

Based in Waukesha, Wisconsin, GiftWorksPlus offers an ever-increasing selection of engraved picture frames and picture gifts perfect for holidays or any occasion. All products are proudly crafted with care in the USA and custom orders are always welcome at GiftWorksPlus. Personalization is free, shipping for orders over $50 is free, and customer satisfaction is guaranteed.

Contact:
Karla Jordan
GiftWorksPlus
N15 W22218 Watertown Rd. #5
Waukesha, WI 53186
888-456-9878
pr@brandography.mobi
http://www.giftworksplus.com

Monday, March 9, 2015

Leading Managed Security Provider Addresses Increase in Cyber-security by Disrupting Market Order

Netswitch Technology Management, Inc., one of the top 5 MSP’s in California has developed a Managed Security offering that is a game-changer in the managed security space.

San Francisco, CA, March 09, 2015 -- Netswitch Technology Management, Inc., one of the top 5 MSP’s in California has developed a Managed Security offering that is a game-changer in the managed security space.

The Gartner Group has defined Managed Security Services by identifying leaders in their Magic Quadrant who all offer a proprietary software system surrounded by services. Netswitch has flipped the model on its head by offering security services surrounding an open software stack customized to fit the customer’s specific security protection needs.


This approach has earned Steve King, the Chief Security Officer of Netswitch, acknowledgement as one of the 250 most influential people in Managed Services in 2014. Mr. King designed the MADROC Integrated Security Platform to address the increasing incidents of cyber-security breaches affecting companies of all sizes as an affordable, subscription based solution.

Mr. King was recently selected for Nine Lives Media’s seventh annual MSPmentor 250. The global list identifies the world’s leading Managed Services Provider (MSP) executives, entrepreneurs, experts, coaches and community leaders. “We congratulate Steve King on this distinguished honor and thank our readership community for submitting the nomination,” said Amy Katz, president of Nine Lives Media, a division of Penton (www.penton.com).

Instead of forcing a proprietary software solution at customers – one that will be outdated within six months at the rate things are changing in data security – MADROC customizes its technology stack with several software solutions from leading vendors with which Netswitch is partnered to fit the exact requirements of particular customer profile. Netswitch evaluated and tested 235 separate software systems addressing every possible point solution, before selecting a handful of the best price-performers to integrate in MADROC. And, to be sure that they keep pace with changes in attack techniques, they continue to test and evaluate new software products for consideration as new candidates for inclusion in the platform. This way, they insure that MADROC is always current.

To keep it affordable, MADROC is offered on a subscription basis. “Our clients don’t have to write a big check for software that will be obsolete in a year”, says King, who is also COO of Netswitch. “Making that kind of a capital commitment in a market that changes every 60 days is crazy. No one has the time or resources to stay abreast of these changes or to evaluate solutions today. There is literally a breach every day and most of them represent a new form of malware that hasn’t been seen before. Our model is to add continuous protection from a dangerous changing world populated by really smart cyber-criminals, so our customers don’t ever have to worry.”

Netswitch says that their technology stack is used by over 3,000 companies worldwide and provides protection from attacks from the endpoint, file-sharing, data, application, web and email sources, regardless of whether they have prior signatures or represent zero-day, unknown attacks. MADROC uses advanced behavioral analytics to detect and prevent advanced persistent threats in all forms from attacking a company’s assets.

About Netswitch:
Netswitch is a global technology solutions provider, serving businesses of all sizes whose model for success relies upon secure, smoothly running, and fully integrated IT systems.

Netswitch provides Managed Security Services, IT Support and Systems Integration Services in the US and Asia with offices in San Francisco, Thailand, Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Our MADROC® Integrated Security Platform is in use in over 3,000 client sites around the world providing intrusion detection and prevention, monitored and managed web firewalls and gateways, mobile device management, security information and event management, managed vulnerability, network mapping and performance monitoring and complete audit-ready regulatory compliance. http://www.netswitch.net/

About Nine Lives Media
Nine Lives Media, a division of Penton, defines emerging IT media markets and disrupts established IT media markets. The company’s IT channel-centric online communities include MSPmentor (www.MSPmentor.net ), The VAR Guy (www.TheVARguy.com ) and Talkin’ Cloud (www.TalkinCloud.com ).

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox Public Relations
Carmel, CA 93923
831-747-7455
http://www.netswitch.net/

Cibo After Hours" Launches at Cibo Ristorante Italiano beginning in March, 2015

Cibo Restaurant is pleased to announce that it will launch “Cibo After Hours” every Friday and Saturday evening beginning at 10:00 p.m. through 1:30 a.m.

Monterey, CA, March 08, 2015 - Cibo Restaurant is pleased to announce that it will launch “Cibo After Hours” every Friday and Saturday evening beginning at 10:00 p.m. through 1:30 a.m. A special Late Night menu, featuring “Pizza and Panini” will be served until Midnight. From Midnight – 1:30 a.m., there will be $3 well drinks, beer and wine (with some exceptions for Cibo special event evenings.)

Cibo continues to present outstanding live music 6 nights a week with no cover charge. On Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, the cool sounds of jazz accompanies dinner from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Enjoy a party atmosphere and a lively mix of soul, funk, rock, reggae, and R&B dance music Fridays and Saturday nights now beginning in March at 9:00 p.m. through 12:30 p.m.

Don't forget to stop by for a very special "Happy Hour Jazz Jam" from 2:00 pm-5:00 pm every first and third Sunday of the month hosted by acclaimed musician, Roger Eddy.

Please be aware that Cibo is undergoing a fabulous “face lift” with a little urban construction on the outside of the restaurant while 22 apartments are built upstairs. Outdoor seating will be available soon with Cibo Al Fresco dining and cocktails. Cibo is open daily during construction beginning at 4:00 p.m.

About Cibo:
Cibo Ristorante Italiano (www.cibo.com) offers Italian cuisine, gourmet pizzas, cocktails, fine wines, cordials, and more. Cibo (pronounced chee-bo) means food in Italian, but it’s more of a feast for the senses. This beautiful, spacious and comfortable restaurant features an intimate yet vibrant atmosphere which is accentuated with expressive art in the form of photography, paintings, sculpture, hand-blown glass and live jazz. Fusing the best of old and new world Italian cuisine, Cibo offers an eclectic menu ranging from gourmet pizzas to multi-course dinners. Families are welcome and there is a special children’s menu. Cibo has been a favorite of locals and visitors alike since 1990.

Cibo, located at 301 Alvarado in Downtown Monterey with convenient adjacent partking in the City of Monterey garage, is open every evening with dinner served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Cibo Bar is open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. and is a popular “pre-event” and “after-party” destination. The bar features a $3 Happy Hour with special appetizers daily from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. They offer an extensive high quality local and international wine and beer list, cordials, microbrews, rare and small batch Bourbons, Scotches, Ports, Grappa and liqueurs, as well as espresso, coffee drinks and a full menu of cocktails.

Cibo also presents live music 6 nights a week. On Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, the cool sound of Jazz accompanies dinner from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. The restaurant features a lively and fun atmosphere with Soul, Funk, Rock, Reggae, R&B, Blues, or Salsa dance music on Friday and Saturday nights from 9:00 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. with no cover charge. “Cibo After Hours” is held every Friday and Saturday evening beginning at 10:00 p.m. through 1:30 a.m. A special Late Night menu, featuring “Pizza and Panini” will be served until Midnight. From Midnight – 1:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, there will be $3 well drinks, beer and wine (with some exceptions for Cibo special event evenings.) Hosted by Roger Eddy, "Happy Hour Jazz Jam" is held from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. every first and third Sunday of the month which includes Happy Hour food and drink specials. Cibo is now “wired” with free WiFi.

With 150 seats, including intimate booths for dining , and room for over 50 people in the attractive bar area, Cibo also accommodates large groups for business functions, wedding rehearsals and receptions, special group dining events, and customized private parties.

Cibo Restaurant is the winner of numerous awards including California Writers Association Recommended Dining, Monterey Herald Readers' Choice Local Favorite, Best Place to Meet Singles in Their 30's and 40's, Gold Key Award for Interior Design, Best Place to Enjoy a Martini, Best Place for Live Jazz, Best Italian Restaurant, Best Place to Dance, Best Martini and one of the Top 10 Happy Hours in Monterey.

For more information, go to www.cibo.com or call (831) 649-8151.

Contact:
Wendy Brickman
Brickman Marketing
395 Del Monte Center #250
Monterey, CA 93940
831-633-4444
http://www.cibo.com

Saturday, March 7, 2015

How to Make a Mobile Friendly Site with Google Sites and Get a Higher Rank

Google has released a very important news last week which will greatly impact on Google's search engine result page (aka SERP).

Los Gatos, CA, March 08, 2015 - That is, Google will rank mobile friendly websites higher on the SERP. Google announced a major change in an official blog.

It will impacts everyone, anywhere from individuals, small businesses, non-profits to large organizations who has the websites. If you have a website and want to show your website on a higher rank, it is a mandate that optimizes your website as a mobile friendly.

Because nowadays people spend more time on mobile rather than on computers people search and visit the website through mobile more than computers.

The analysis by comScore also supports the trend. On Jan 2014, Mobile exceeds PC internet usages for the first time in history.

Google has announced that starting April 21st it will be expanding its use of mobile friendliness as a ranking signal. This change will affect in all languages worldwide.

In order to help you to build the mobile friendly website, Google offered a tool called Mobile-Friendly Test website. To get you started, simply enter your website address and you can find the test result.

There's a good news for Google Sites lovers since Google Sites, which is developed by Google has advantages. You can make a mobile friendly website in one click. For example, find the test result to see 'Google Sites for Mobile'.

The secret of 'Google Sites for Mobile' is simple. I have just checked on 'mobile option' as below screenshot to get the mobile friendly site. For more information, please refer to the previous article here.

However, please note that even if you have designed a website with Google Sites and checked on mobile it may not look perfect on mobile. In that case, you would need to fine tune it to make more mobile friendly websites. Also, you can think of developing an optimum Google Sites for mobile phone resolution.

After all, this change could motivate people that currently don't have a mobile-friendly site to create one.

If you have questions about your Google Sites development for mobile or how to optimize design, contact us at info[@]bnhservice.com

Contact:
Harry Jung
BNH Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 321417
Los Gatos, CA 95032
(408) 982-7363
billing@bnhservice.com
http://www.bnhservice.com

Friday, March 6, 2015

Netswitch’s Steve King Honored in 7th Annual MSPmentor 250

Annual Managed Services Provider (MSP) List Honors Top Executives, Entrepreneurs & Experts

New York, NY, March 06, 2015 - Steve King, COO, Netswitch Technology Management, Inc. was selected for Nine Lives Media’s sixth annual MSPmentor 250. The global list identifies the world’s leading Managed Services Provider (MSP) executives, entrepreneurs, experts, coaches and community leaders. You can see the entire list at: http://www.mspmentor.net/top250


“I am honored to be selected,” said King, COO, Netswitch. “We are pleased that our innovative Managed Security Services platform MADROC, has received so much attention and acknowledgement. MADROC is the first integrated Advanced Threat Defense solution available as a SaaS and we have been overwhelmed by the market response. We will continue to innovate with new advanced threat protections in order to maintain our leadership position and stay ahead of the cyber-criminals and the continually evolving nature of malware.”

The sixth annual MSPmentor 250 list is richer and deeper with MSP executives from across the globe. An associated list, called Locked in the NOC (network operations center), honors MSP Hall of Famers who have made a lifetime impact in the market (http://www.mspmentor.net/top250/noc).

“We congratulate Steve King on this distinguished honor and thank our readership community for submitting the nomination,” said Amy Katz, president of Nine Lives Media, a division of Penton (www.penton.com).

The MSPmentor 250 report is based on a global survey of MSPmentor site readers conducted in the first half of 2014. The MSPmentor editorial staff, led by Managing Editor Jessica Davis, also weighed in with nominations, based on the team’s daily coverage of the managed services market. The resulting MSPmentor 250 and Locked in the NOC coverage represents MSP experts across business, technology, sales, marketing, community development, coaching and more.

About Your Company:
Netswitch is a global technology solutions provider, serving businesses of all sizes whose model for success relies upon secure, smoothly running, and fully integrated IT systems.

Netswitch provides Managed Security Services, IT Support and Systems Integration Services in the US and Asia with offices in San Francisco, Thailand, Beijing, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Our MADROC® Integrated Security Platform is in use in over 3,000 client sites around the world providing intrusion detection and prevention, monitored and managed web firewalls and gateways, mobile device management, security information and event management, managed vulnerability, network mapping and performance monitoring and complete audit-ready regulatory compliance. http://www.netswitch.net/

About Nine Lives Media:
Nine Lives Media, a division of Penton, defines emerging IT media markets and disrupts established IT media markets. The company’s IT channel-centric online communities include MSPmentor (www.MSPmentor.net), The VAR Guy (www.TheVARguy.com) and Talkin’ Cloud (www.TalkinCloud.com).

Penton Vision Statement
For millions of business owners and decision-makers, Penton makes the difference every day.  We engage our professional users by providing actionable ideas and insights, data and workflow tools, community and networking, both in person and virtually, all with deep relevance to their specific industries. We then activate this engagement by connecting users with tens of thousands of targeted providers of products and services to help drive business growth.

Contact:
Jessica Davis
Managing Editor
Nine Lives Media
1166 Avenue of the Americas/10th Fl
New York, NY 10036
212-204-4200
jessica.davis@penton.com
http://www.penton.com

Major Publisher issues Essential New Fundraising Guide That Launched Nationwide Wednesday, March 4th

Does your non-profit need help in improving the effectiveness of its fundraising program? Almost 60% of nonprofit board chairs and executive directors identify fundraising as one of the most important areas for board improvement.

Monterey, CA, March 06, 2015 — Does your non-profit need help in  improving the effectiveness of its fundraising program? Almost 60% of nonprofit board chairs and executive directors identify fundraising as one of the most important areas for board improvement. Help is now at hand with the new e-book, “Informed Fundraising: An Introduction and Guide,” written by veteran nonprofit executives Ron Wormser and Josiah Stevenson IV.


The book has been published by BoardSource, the leading organization and publisher focused on the governance of nonprofit organizations.

The book, now available online, is designed to equip board members and executive directors, particularly those leading smaller and/or newer nonprofits, with a solid understanding of what it takes to construct and execute an effective and successful fundraising program. The book will also be of interest to current and prospective board members who are unfamiliar with fundraising for nonprofits.

“Too many nonprofits are not successful in raising the money they want or need,” says lead author and Carmel, Ca. resident Wormser. “Based on our years of experience working with nonprofits, we have concluded that this is because many board leaders and executive directors— particularly of small and  newer organizations — have limited knowledge and experience about fundraising and what it takes to do it effectively.”

Wormser and Stevenson, who both have had decades of nonprofit fundraising experience, say that many nonprofit board members are missing the information they need to excel at this key  function.

“Uninformed, they approve plans and programs that yield disappointing results,” says Wormser. “Our book  will equip nonprofit leaders with the concepts and tools that will enable them to make informed, strategic fundraising decisions. If we succeed, more nonprofits will become financially stable and sustainable, and thus able to better serve those who rely on their programs and services — that is our ultimate objective.”

The book focuses on what the authors have identified as the three key components of successful fundraising:

Understanding — Developing familiarity with the fundamentals of raising money which form the foundation for effective fundraising programs

Preparation —  Becoming aware of the components, of what it takes to create informed, purposeful programs

Execution — Knowing how to effectively carry out fundraising programs and how to monitor and assess  their progress.

The Guide includes sample worksheets that illustrate the concepts discussed and how to translate those ideas into practice.

“Informed Fundraising” will also be useful to faculty and students at colleges and universities who are teaching and learning about nonprofits and their management.

In addition, organizations maintaining lists of nonprofit resource materials available to others, such as community foundations, state and local associations of nonprofits, professional associations about nonprofits, and others, might want to add the book to their libraries as well.

Lead author Wormser’s 40-year career was spent working for four different nonprofits — the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the State University of New York at New Paltz, the Institute of International Education headquartered in New York, and The Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.

Since retiring and relocating to Carmel Ca. in 2007, Wormser has been giving back to the nonprofit community as a volunteer with the Arts in Crisis program of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, with various Monterey County nonprofits and as a board member, executive coach, and consultant of the Monterey Peninsula Chapter of the Stanford Alumni Consulting Team.

“Informed Fundraising: An Introduction and Guide” is now available at https://www.boardsource.org (search for Informed Fundraising in the upper right corner search field). Wormser is available for interviews by the media.

Contact Marci Bracco Cain at (831) 747-7455 or marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com to schedule an interview.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox
Carmel, CA 93923
831-747-7455
https://www.boardsource.org

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Holman Ranch Announces Its Wedding Packages

Sunday Wedding Special at Holman Ranch.

Sunday’s just got sunnier at Holman Ranch. Book your wedding on a Sunday from July – September 2015 and Holman Ranch is offer 25% off the site fee. Book with promotion code SunnySunday. (Does not apply to already booked events.)

Carmel Valley, CA, March 05, 2015 - Holman Ranch is full of romance and history. It is rustic and sophisticated, secluded and special. The hacienda offers the charm of its native gardens, the wonder of its olive groves, the magic of its vineyards as well as the serenity and privacy of the estate itself. A world away yet close enough to everything guests could need or desire, Holman Ranch offers unlimited possibilities for weddings, engagements, anniversaries, family reunions, and any other occasion. Holman Ranch a place for togetherness, celebration, friends, family, and good times. Truly a special place to create memories.


Imagine the feeling you’ll get as you pull into Holman Ranch…all the splendor that Carmel Valley holds…the sunshine, the vineyards, the mountains, and the sheer beauty of nature…all for you to enjoy on your special day or proposal day. You will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience that begins the moment you arrive and stays with you for years to come.

Director of Hospitality, Hunter Lowder announces today the introduction of the following packages: (Click on live links to learn more)

* The Micro-Wedding

* We Love Weekdays...So Will You

* Get Married in the Off-Season and Save!

* Same Sex Weddings

* Outdoor Catholic Ceremonies and Interfaith Marriages

* Dream in Cultures

* On Bended Knee—Will You Marry Me? (Proposal Package)

Highlights of some of the packages include:

Same Sex Marriages
At Holman Ranch we offer the perfect destination for your unforgettable gay equality wedding and same sex elopement. Your love is a glorious, sacred and magnificent gift and your decision to marry is one of the most important and  profound decisions of your life. One of the most important parts of your wedding day will be your ceremony which should  be the foundation of your marriage. It should reflect who you are and your unique relationship. Whether you wish to have a spiritual, interfaith, non-religious or religious ceremony, let Holman Ranch help you create the most unique, loving, and personalized wedding ceremony that you have ever dreamed of.  It is your right to unite!

Catholic Outdoor Weddings
A wedding is a one-time event, followed by a lifetime of commitment in marriage. For centuries, people have taken their marriage vows in front of family, friends, church members and God in a local church. The vast majority of Catholic weddings around the world occur in a local church building. In recent years, many people have desired to follow the trend of holding a wedding outdoors in a beautiful surrounding. Holman Ranch offers Catholic Outdoor Weddings. Celebrate your Wedding wherever you want
On Bended Knee – Will You Marry Me!

It’s one of the most nerve-racking moments in a man’s life: the proposal. You’ve been thinking about it forever, and she’s likely been dreaming of it too. Instead of getting caught up in all the planning, grab the ring (and your girl) and let Holman Ranch provide the romantic proposal setting of her dreams. Holman Ranch has some of the most stunning vistas and perfect locations to pop the question. You only need to provide that special person and the ring. Picture yourself surrounded by rustic splendor when you bend down on one knee and pop the question. She can't help but to say "yes"! Then, toast to the future with a bottle of Holman Ranch estate wine and remember that the best is yet to come!

Follow our wedding blog. https://holmanranch.wordpress.com/tag/holman-ranch-weddings/

Holman Ranch Background:
Holman Ranch: Where the Past is Always Present. Tucked away in the rolling hills of Carmel Valley, historic Holman Ranch provides a unique and memorable setting for weddings, special events, family gatherings, corporate retreats, and team-building events. With its charming gardens, stunning mountain views and serenity, this private estate affords old-world charm while providing modern day conveniences. This stunning Property includes a fully restored stone hacienda, overnight guest rooms, vineyards, olive grove, horse stables and more.

Holman Ranch can be found at www.holmanranch.com and at its new Tasting Room in Carmel Valley located at 19 E. Carmel Valley Road. Suite C. 831-659-2640, info@holmanranch.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox
Carmel, CA 93923
831-747-7455
marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com
http://www.holmanranch.com

Holman Ranch Wines Score Top Points From Wine Enthusiast Magazine

Holman Ranch is proud to announce that five of its wines have been rated in the April 2015 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine (The Advanced Buyers Edition is on the shelf as of February 17)!

Carmel Valley, CA, March 05, 2015 - Holman Ranch is proud to announce that five of its wines have been rated in the April 2015 issue of Wine Enthusiast Magazine (The Advanced Buyers Edition is on the shelf as of February 17)!


94 Point Holman Ranch 2011 Heathers Hill Pinot Noir Carmel Valley $37.00

93 Points Holman Ranch 2010 Hunter's Cuvee Pinot Noir Carmel Valley $40.00

91 Points Holman Ranch 2011 Estate Grown Chardonnay Carmel Valley $25.00

91 Points Holman Ranch 2013 0.5 Brix Pinot Gris Carmel Valley $18.00

91 Points Holman Ranch 2010 Estate Grown Pinot Noir Carmel Valley $33.00

Wine Caves:
The winery at Holman Ranch, located in The Caves, is completely underground in order to take advantage of the natural cooling and humidity held below. The 3000 square foot area maintains a constant temperature of 58°F-60 °F and contains four 750 gallon tanks, four 1200 gallon tanks, and four open top tanks that can hold two tons each. One hundred (100) French oak barrels are maintained year round. Winery operations such as destemming, pressing, fermenting and aging take place within the cool environment of The Caves, while bottling is done directly outside using a mobile bottling line. During harvest, 6 to 8 tons of grapes a day are processed. This may seem low but it is due to the fact that harvesting hours are between 7am to noon on any given day. Grapes are hand picked and loaded into half ton bins, transferred to the winery by tractor and then moved by forklift to the destemmer. White wines take around three weeks to ferment at 50°F and are bottled in February, while red varietals ferment for two weeks and are bottled in early June. All skins, seeds and stems are composted and returned to the fields. Slow months for our winery are June, July and August with the busiest time being September. The winery will produce 3000-5000 cases annually.

Vineyard & Winery Background:
Located at the north eastern tip of the Carmel Valley Appellation, the family-owned Holman Ranch resides approximately 12 miles inland from the Pacific Coast. Immersed in history and romance, the ranch has not only proven to be an excellent growing location for our vineyards but also for the Tuscan varietal olive trees which have flourished under the temperate climate.

Our estate-grown wine varietals are planted on approximately 21 acres of undulating terrain.

The wines produced are unfined and crafted to deliver the true varietal of the grape from harvest to bottle.

The climate and terroir of the appellation has played a critical part in the success of our wines. The warmth of our inland valley coupled with the cooling marine layer has established itself as an ideal microclimate for the production of Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Our Burgundy Clones have thrived from the perfect blend of ideal climate, southern exposure and thin rocky soils.

Holman Ranch Tasting Room:
Holman Ranch’s Carmel Valley tasting room offers the perfect backdrop to swirl, sip and savor the different complexities of Holman Ranch Vineyard and Winery wines. There is something for everyone (4 varietals in fact), from the full-bodied Pinot Noirs to the light, fruity flavors of our Pinot Gris and lightly oaked Chardonnay. Holman Ranch also offers estate grown and bottled Olive Oil available for tasting and purchase at the Tasting Room.

The Tasting Room showcases the estate wines of Holman Ranch which includes our Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Rosé of Pinot Noir. Carefully hand-harvested, cold pressed and bottled, the Extra Virgin Olive Oil produced from the fruits of our Tuscan trees has a delightful spice followed by a buttery finish.

Three tasting flights of three wines each (White, Mountain and Pinot Noir) are available 7 days a week. The Tasting Room also holds a series of cooking demos called In Your Backyard. For more information, call (831) 659-2640.

Olive Grove:
Holman Ranch has its own distinctive olive grove located on a south facing hill of our vineyard. The grove is comprised of 100 trees with multiple cultivars planted. These cultivars consist of 25 Frantoio, 25 Leccino, 10 Mission, 25 Coratina, 5 Pendolino, and 10 Picholine, all of which were originally planted in 2194 in a Carmel Valley orchard then replanted at Holman Ranch in 2007. These mature olive trees allowed us to produce olive oil right away. They are planted in shale for the best production and harvesting results possible. We harvest our fruit by hand in December, which is then milled, producing a superb, high quality product. Although the Olive Grove is not certified organic, we do employ organic practices when farming our trees. Our mill, however, is certified organic. An interesting fact is that olive trees are alternate bearing, which means that one year they may produce 650, 375ml bottles worth of oil, while next year they may produce only 50, 375ml bottles.

Holman Ranch Background:
Holman Ranch: Where the Past is Always Present. Tucked away in the rolling hills of Carmel Valley, Californian historic Holman Ranch provides a unique and memorable setting for weddings, special events, family gatherings, corporate retreats, and team-building events. With its charming gardens, stunning mountain views and serenity, this private estate affords old-world charm while providing modern day conveniences. This stunning Property includes a fully restored stone hacienda, overnight guest rooms, vineyards, olive grove, horse stables and more. www.holmanranch.com

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox
Carmel, CA 93923
831-747-7455
marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com
http://www.holmanranch.com

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Hofsas House Launches Pin It to Win It Contest

Tell the Hofsas House where you’d love to visit and why and you could win a 2 night stay!

Carmel, CA, March 04, 2015 - If you are like us, you love some good Pinterest time! Full of fun recipe ideas, fun ideas and beautiful photos, we can get lost in browsing the beautiful beach scenes. Pin your favorite beach pic and one lucky winner will win a two-night stay! These can be any beautiful beach pics from around the world!


To enter the contest simply:

Follow our board: http://pinterest.com/hofsashouse/beach-pics-we-love/

Pin your favorite pics using the hashtag: #hofsashouse

Email a link your board to: marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com

One lucky winner will win a 2-night stay at our hotel!

Enter to win between March 15th – April 15th. Winner announced on April 20th.

Includes Hotel stay only- airfare, transportation, meals and other amenities not included

Stay tuned to see who the lucky winner is!

Hofsas House Background:
Owned and operated by the Theis Family, Hofsas House Hotel is within walking distance of everything Carmel has to offer, including a stunning beach, fine restaurants and shops, and wine tasting. It provides peaceful respite and European charm just minutes from Monterey , Pebble Beach, Big Sur and Pacific Grove . The Hofsas House’s 38 spacious, one-of-a-kind rooms boast European comfort and lovely views, not to mention amenities like fireplaces, private balconies, wet bars, kitchens and patios. Large suites provide the perfect stay for newlyweds and everyone else seeking an extra special getaway. Dutch doors in every room allow guests to welcome in the ocean air, and free WiFi enables them to stay connected — if they want to.

The Hofsas House Hotel family works to ensure every visitor's experience is special, striving to offer the highest quality personal services. Consider the continental breakfast, abundant with fresh French Roast coffee, tea, juice, fruit and pastries from a neighborhood bakery, or the personalized concierge services for guests and their families, including their four-legged family members, who are welcome, as well.

For large groups — wedding parties, company meetings, family reunions and others — Hofsas House Hotel offers a spacious room equipped with a fireplace and full kitchen that can comfortably accommodate 40 people. A heated pool, dry saunas, decks with views and off-street parking are on offer as well.

Hofsas House Hotel is located on San Carlos Street, north of Fourth Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea. For more information, call (831) 624-2745 or visit www.hofsashouse.com. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/hofsashousehotel

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox
Carmel, CA 93923
831-747-7455
http://www.hofsashouse.com

Monday, March 2, 2015

The Ambulatory M&A Advisor welcomes Walter Cronkite School of Journalism Graduate to their Team

The Ambulatory M&A Advisor is proud to welcome Richard Romero to the team. Romero is multimedia journalist that graduated from the prestigious Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University.

Dallas, Texas, February 27, 2015 - The Ambulatory M&A Advisor is proud to welcome Richard Romero to the team. Romero is multimedia journalist that graduated from the prestigious Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University. While at ASU, he participated in college radio broadcasts and wrote for various publications. After college, he assisted in creating The Western Times, a publication that informed community members of an upcoming incorporation election. Afterwards, he worked for The Yuma Daily Sun as a staff writer, covering medical-based articles.


“We are very excited about Romero joining The Ambulatory M&A Advisor, and we’re expecting great work from him,” publisher Blayne Rush says. “Having graduated from one of the premier schools of journalism and having experiences in multiple media applications, Romero adds the right mix to our team. We look forward to growing the publication and its reach.”

As a staff writer, Romero will build and maintain lasting relationships in the healthcare industry, as well as educate readers about the urgent care and ambulatory care center market. He starts Feb. 9, 2015.

The Ambulatory M&A Advisor covers business, legal and transactional updates and insights around ambulatory care center deal making. It focuses exclusively on topics for those interested in mergers and acquisition tactics, strategies, processes, dealmakers and the interrelated activities of buying and selling outpatient care centers.

Contact:
Blayne Rush
The Ambulatory M&A Advisor
18181 Midway Rd Ste 200
Dallas, Texas 75287
469-385-7792
publisher@AmbulatoryAdvisor.com
http://www.Ambulatoryadvisor.com

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Sweet Honey in the Rock Slated for Performance Tours Hosted by The US Embassy in Peru and Jamaica to Celebrate Black History Month

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, the venerable and Grammy-nominated a cappella ensemble who've built a legacy for merging an inimitable and distinct harmonic vocal blend with a veracious commitment to activism

New York, NY, February 22 2015 - SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, the venerable and Grammy-nominated a cappella ensemble who've built a legacy for merging an inimitable and distinct harmonic vocal blend with a veracious commitment to activism, social justice, equality and freedom have been invited by the US Embassy in Lima, Peru and Kingston, Jamaica for a series of concert performances and cultural community outreach workshops to support and celebrate Black History Monthprograms spearheaded by each Embassy.


"We're truly honored and excited to have been invited by the US Embassies in Ethiopia, Peru and Jamaica to perform and celebrate Black History Month," says Carol Maillard, one of Sweet Honey's founding members. "It is truly an honor to serve as cultural ambassadors and artists during this special time and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to share our music and messages around the globe," she added.

The US Embassy in Lima,Peru has invited SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK to celebrate Black History Month and draw attention to Rule of Law/Administration of Justice related activities. Program dates are from February 20-24 (2/22-24 in Lima 2/21 in Ayacucho).

Their activities in Peru will target at risk youth, Afro Peruvian populations, artists, activists, alumni, the police community, incarcerated youth and general audiences. The visit to Ayacucho will be the first public event for the U.S. Mission for a number of years and signals the return of U.S. interest in the area. The group's mini-tour will be capped by a performance at the prestigious Gran Teatro Nacional in Lima followed by a special reception hosted by the US Ambassador to Peru, Brian A. Nichols.

Immediately following their stay in Peru, Sweet Honey will travel to Kingston, Jamaica to participate in several Black History Month events hosted by the US Embassy in Kingston., February 26-27. The Embassy has beenworking tirelessly on the theme “Equal Citizenship for all Jamaicans”. This theme also supports the “Respect Jamaica” (private sector initiative) and “Respect” campaign of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).Persons with disabilities and those who practice alternative lifestyles (i.e. based on sexual orientation/gender identification) are often on the margins of society and not treated equally in several ways. The Embassy's campaign this month emphasizes that human rights are not special to any group (majority, minority or marginal) and that it is simply everyone’s right to be valued and protected in the society in which they live.

Sweet Honey will be honored as special guests of the US Ambassador to Jamaica, Luis G. Moreno and will perform at a privatereception at his residence on Feb. 26th. Earlier in the day, Sweet Honey will host two culturally inspired workshops for youth and adults at "Blues on the Green," Emancipation Park in New Kingston. On February 27th, they will headline the Embassy's annual Black History month concert for an estimated 7000 people at "Blues on the Green," Emancipation Park.

Earlier this month Sweet Honey was invited by U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to contribute to several Black History Month cultural and educational events highlighting the contributions of African Americans, and in particular African American women, have made in the fields of music, art, politics and business. Their visit to Ethiopia (Feb 2 - 5) was kicked off with special reception andperformance at the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa.

They also collaborated and performed a concert with the Ethiopian female a cappella musical group Yegna at the Mulualem Hall in Bahir Dar on February 3rd, hosted a master class at the Mekaneyesus Jazz School in Addis Ababa on February 4th and performed on February 4th at Mama’s Kitchen Restaurant and Night Club in Bole.

Last year, Sweet Honey made their premiere US Embassy tour (August 27- 31) as part of the longstanding Arts Envoy program to Belize. The Arts Envoy Program is a longstanding outreach program and initiative by the US State Department that's hosted by the US Embassy in Belize. Sweet Honey performed concerts in Belize City, Dangriga and Placentia and conducted artist exchange workshops with a couple of noted Belizean artists.

For further information about SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK go to:
www.sweethoneyintherock.org

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

Legendary Singer-Songwriter and Producer Bunny Sigler Releases New Music Video and Radio Single “When I Think of You” from Upcoming Album Bundino out April 14

Going for Radio Adds March 2 Watch / Share and Embed on Youtube

Los Angeles, CA, February 27, 2015 - Four-time Grammy winning producer/singer/songwriter Bunny Sigler releases a fresh new single that will excite past and present fans. The prolific songwriter who produced the “Philly Sound” excites his audience with this highly anticipated new song continuously showcasing his classic R&B sound going back to his roots for something past fans will be excited for.


Share and Embed on Youtube

“When I Think Of You” is the first taste listeners will get until the release of Bundino, Sigler’s upcoming album out on April 14, which will be a complete work of romantic R&B, soul ballads.

Sigler takes all the right risks that will catch anyone’s ear. Known to many of his fans and peers as “Mr. Emotion”, Sigler still provides his signature smooth sound and romantic lyrics.

The accompanying music video for “When I Think Of You” is a perfect partner to the single showcasing a montage of photos dedicated to his wife and Bunny himself both old and new. Like flipping through a photo album of nostalgia, the sentimental release comes out just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Bunny has been known for working with a string of acts over the years such as Patti LaBelle, The O’ Jays, The Spinners, Curtis Mayfield, Barbara Mason, Gamble & Huff, Outkast and even Jay-Z. He continues to evolve as an artist staying in tune to what’s current in order to be a relevant songwriter to continue his long-running career in the music industry.

Bunny Sigler links: Website - Facebook - Twitter - Reverbnation

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

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Lady Justice on the Dark Side Released by Mystery author, Robert Thornhill

Award-winning author Robert Thornhill announces the release of the nineteenth installment in his Lady Justice mystery/comedy series, Lady Justice on the Dark Side.

Independence, MO, February 21, 2015 - The first eighteen novels in the series, Lady Justice Takes A C.R.A.P. City Retiree Action Patrol, Lady Justice and the Lost Tapes, Lady Justice Gets Lei’d, Lady Justice and the Avenging Angels, Lady Justice and the Sting, Lady Justice And Dr. Death, Lady Justice and the Vigilante, Lady Justice and the Watchers, Lady Justice and the Candidate, Lady Justice and the Book Club Murders, Lady Justice and the Cruise Ship Murders, Lady Justice and the Class Reunion, Lady Justice and the Assassin, Lady Justice and the Lottery, Lady Justice and the Vet, Lady Justice and the Organ Traders, Lady Justice and the Pharaoh’s Curse and Lady Justice in the Eye of the Storm are currently available through bookstores, online and on the author’s website.


After five years on the police force, a bullet in the kiester from a vengeful gangbanger convinces Walt that it’s time to turn in his badge.

Walt realizes once again that retirement just isn’t his cup of tea, and with a little urging from his brother-in-law, decides to become a private investigator.

For five years he had served the Lady Justice wearing a white robe and a blindfold and followed the rules, but he soon discovered that the P.I. business was leading him across the line into the dark side and a completely different set of rules.

When Walt comes face to face with the Lady Justice on the dark side, dressed in a tight skirt, fishnet stockings and high heels, he is faced with decisions that will change the course of his life.

Christina Jones of Independence, MO. writes, “Walt Williams, a senior member of the City Retiree Action Patrol retires from serving Lady Justice after a life-threatening ambush. Is author Robert Thornhill retiring one of our favorite comedy/mystery heroes? Maybe only for about the 3 minutes it takes you to get engrossed in the new direction Williams gets pulled into — after all, there are more angles to serving the Lady than just being a cop! A great afternoon read with all the familiar characters and plenty of action to keep the story moving right along. Thornhill has added some new twists and turns, but in the end, Walt is still protecting Truth, Justice and the American Way!

Six volumes in the series, Lady Justice and the Vet, Lady Justice and the Assassin, Lady Justice and the Organ Traders, Lady Justice and the Pharaoh’s Curse, Lady Justice and the Candidate and Lady Justice in the Eye of the Storm have all reached the #1 rank on Amazon during the past year.

Read Chapter #1 here: http://booksbybob.com/lady-justice-on-the-dark-side_422.html

Robert is also the author of the Rainbow Road series of chapter books for children.

Visit him on the web at http://booksbybob.com

Contact:
Robert Thornhill
Books By Bob
21312 E. 37th Terr Ct S
Independence, MO 64057
660-383-6011
booksbybob@hotmail.com
http://booksbybob.com

Friday, February 20, 2015

Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea Announces 2 New Packages

History Walking Tour and Movie Star Tour

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, February 21, 2015 - Celebrating more than six decades of European hospitality at the beautiful Bavarian-inspired Hofsas House Hotel, the Theis family proudly announces seven new themed packages to their valued guests. Each has been crafted with the same minute attention to detail generations of guests have come to expect from Hofsas House Hotel and is as unique and charming as Carmel itself All are available year-round:


* History Walking Tour
Delight in the special charms of Carmel on a leisurely, fun and informative two-hour guided walk past enchanting Fairy-tale cottages, through secret pathways, hidden courtyards and award-winning gardens. At the end of the tour, you’ll  feel like a local. Cost is $25 per person. When booking use promotion code: HHWALKS

* Movie Star Tour
Monterey Movie Tours® is a fascinating two-tours-in-one outing featuring both magnificent landscapes and blockbuster scenes from some of the 200 movies filmed across the Monterey Peninsula. It’s your ticket to a star-studded getaway. Relax aboard the multimedia Theater-On-Wheels® – a customized luxury motor coach with high-back seats, overhead video screens and personal headsets. Cost is $ 55  per person.  When booking use promotion code: HHSTARS

2 Night Media Stays Available Upon Request/Airfare Not Included

If you would like to visit the Hofsas House, please email marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com the following information:

First and Last Name

Publication You Will be Writing For

2 Options of Travel Dates

Blackout Dates For Media Visits: February 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 20th and 21st; March 7th and 14th

Any Special Details:  Traveling with Children; Traveling with Dogs; Mobility Concerns; Food Allergies

Thank you.

About Hofsas House:
Owned and operated by the Theis Family, Hofsas House Hotel is within walking distance of everything Carmel has to offer, including a stunning beach, fine restaurants and shops and wine tasting. It provides peaceful respite and European charm just minutes from Monterey, Pebble Beach, Big Sur and Pacific Grove. The Hofsas House’s 38 spacious, one-of-a-kind rooms boast European comfort and lovely views and amenities such as fireplaces, private balconies, wet bars, kitchens and patios. Large suites provide the perfect stay for newlyweds and anyone else seeking an extra special getaway. Dutch doors in every room allow guests to welcome in the ocean air, and free WiFi enables them to stay connected — if they want to.

The Hofsas House Hotel family works to ensure every visitor's experience is special, striving to offer the highest quality personal services. Consider the continental breakfast, abundant with fresh French Roast coffee, tea, juice, fruit and pastries from a neighborhood bakery, or the personalized concierge services for guests and their families, including their four-legged family members, who are welcome as well.

For large groups — wedding parties, company meetings, family reunions and others — Hofsas House Hotel offers a spacious room equipped with a fireplace and full kitchen that can comfortably accommodate 40 people. A heated pool, dry saunas, decks with views and off-street parking are on-site as well.

Hofsas House Hotel is located on San Carlos Street, north of Fourth Avenue in Carmel-by-the-Sea. For more information, call (831) 624-2745 or visit www.hofsashouse.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox Public Relations
Long Beach, CA
(831) 747-7455
marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com
http://www.hofsashouse.com

Educational and Professional growth is just a Synaap away!

Long Beach Resident Anita Herrera Launches New One-of-a-Kind, Non Profit called Synaap.org --an interactive social media tool to provide students with the information, access to mentorship and the encouragement needed to stay on track with their educational goals

Long Beach, CA, February 20, 2015 - Upon arriving as a freshman on the campus of UCLA, a young Anita Herrera wondered: Do I really belong here? As the first in her family to attend a four-year university, Anita lacked a roadmap to help her negotiate the rigorous academic environment. And then, during her first quarter of study, her beloved grandfather died suddenly of a heart attack.


“Just hours before he died he held my hand and said, ‘Love God and keep studying.’ Those words became my life’s motto,” Anita said. “During the times when I had very little financial or emotional support, I clung to those words.”

Fast-forward a couple decades. Anita Herrera became Dr. Anita Herrera Hamilton a board certified pediatric neuropsychologist at Children’s Hospital, Los Angeles. Having attained her educational goals she wants to empower the world to do the same. Literally. Hamilton has launched a one-of-a-kind, website called Synaap.org, an interactive social media tool to provide students with the information, access to mentorship and the encouragement needed to stay on track with their educational goals.

The idea behind Synaap.org is to establish a national and then global network of collaborative mentorship that is convenient, efficient and accessible to anyone in need of educational support.

Hamilton believes that mentorship is a fluid, organic, collaboration of supportive team members, and each mentor brings a unique perspective and role. At Synaap.org, some will focus on academics, others will provide insight geared toward personal or professional development. The goal is to encourage others to optimize their hard work, knowledge and personal life experiences.

“Because of Synaap.org, future leaders no longer have to feel isolated or alone in their educational journey,” Hamilton said. “They will be able to see, know and interact with others like them, or who started out like them, and through these interactions achieve their educational goals then turn around and do the same.”

Hamilton completed her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature at UCLA (1996) and her Ph.D. in clinical psychology with an emphasis in neuropsychology at the Fuller School of Psychology in Pasadena (2005). Following residency at Children’s Hospital Colorado and a post-doctoral fellowship in pediatric neuropsychology at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Dr. Hamilton received board certification in Clinical Neuropsychology from the American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology. She is currently CHLA’s Director of Neuropsychology at the Children’s Orthopaedic Center.

Dr. Hamilton envisions 5,000 members within Synaap.org’s first year, increasing to 20,000 the second year, and 100,000 in the third year. Future goals include: providing information resources from local and national experts via the site’s “Fuel,” “Balance” and “Inspire” tabs; hosting/streaming local and national leaders speaking to others about education and professional development; obtaining advertising contracts to cover financial costs and overhead; initiating a Synaap app that allows members log their education, exercise and nutrition progress and then analyze this data to modify behavior and realize success; and opening a Synaap.org headquarters as the website becomes THE social media tool for all mentorship organizations, with global input from all seven continents.

In the end, Hamilton hopes Synaap.org members are able to have goal-focused and solution-oriented interactions that instill and promote professional development.

No one knows more than Hamilton how inspiration is the genesis of learning, and how learning is the path to joy and fulfillment.

“Synaap.org provides an efficient mechanism for busy professionals to encourage and mentor future leaders,” she said. “When we give to others we stay relevant and innovative and in the end really benefit ourselves.”

Synaap.com is a 501c3.

Learn more about Synnap.com:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-ts=1422579428&v=dnB2edV3ZJc&feature=player_embedded&x-yt-cl=85114404#t=0
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Synaap/686323154758115
http://www.synaap.org/

Press Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox Public Relations
Long Beach, CA
(831) 747-7455
marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com
http://www.synaap.org/

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

48th Annual Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival returns to the Monterey County Fair & Event Center on August 1st and 2nd, 2015

Dozens of kilted athletes, bagpipers and dancers will be back in Monterey entertaining Festival-goers who will enjoy experiencing the fascinating Celtic culture.

Monterey, CA, February 18, 2015 - Save the date! The 48th Annual Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival brings the bright colors of hundreds of tartan plaids and the sounds of many talented bagpipe bands to Monterey! Put on your kilt and sporran, bring your family and friends, and visit the mystical lands of Scotland and Ireland … without even leaving the Monterey Peninsula. Dozens of kilted athletes, bagpipers and dancers will be back in Monterey entertaining Festival-goers who will enjoy experiencing the fascinating Celtic culture.


The award-winning Scottish Society of the Monterey Peninsula will hold its 48th Annual Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival (www.montereyscotgames.com) on Saturday and Sunday, August 1st and 2nd 2015, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The festival will take place at the beautiful and spacious Monterey County Fair & Event Center located at 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey, CA, 93940.

This very popular Celtic celebration brings the music, dance, food and athletic events of Scotland and Ireland to Monterey County. Featuring fun activities for the whole family, the Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival offers a variety of live Celtic entertainment with exciting massed pipe bands on parade, including many award-winning California-based pipe bands, plus talented Highland and Irish dancers.

The outstanding array of special entertainment this year will feature many crowd-pleasing favorites for all ages including internationally known entertainers. On Sunday, the Festival will also feature “Salute to the Irish” that will include special Irish entertainment, including performances by the hilarious Seamus Kennedy.

The Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival also features exciting Scottish heavy athletic competition events seen in award-winning films such as Braveheart, Rob Roy and Brave, including the famous caber toss, hammer and stone throw, weight for distance and height, and the sheaf toss.

Among the many thrilling sights and sounds are crowd-pleasing activities such as the powerful massed pipe bands, thrilling Drum Major competition, Solo and Pipe Band competitions, Highland Dancing, Irish Step dancing, and sheepdog herding. Step back in time with costumed historical re-enactment Groups depicting life in 16th Century Scotland with Clan Galbraith, St. Andrew’s Society including meet and greets and tea with Mary Queen of Scots, and the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism). Festival attendees will also enjoy researching their own clans at the clan and Celtic association tents as they stroll through the Avenue of Clans.

There are lots of fun interactive children’s games activities planned for the wee ones at the Children's Glen, too. Little ones can participate in scaled down athletic events (mini-Caber toss, pillow over the bar, mini braemar stone putt), plus enjoy fun Celtic craft projects and the popular Celtic Quest.

Many vendors at the Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival will offer tasty and British and Scottish food and drink, and unique Scottish, British and Irish crafts, jewelry, clothing, and music that will be enjoyed by all. There’s always great shopping with authentic products imported from Scotland, Ireland and England and hand-made items with Celtic themes.

Don’t miss the popular whisky tasting seminar that celebrates one of Scotland’s greatest exports—fine, single malt Scotch whisky and learn more about the history, distillation process and various tasting characteristics of fine whiskies. Guinness beer and other beverages are abundant as well.

Advance discount presale tickets will be available soon at www.montereyscotgames.com.

Each year, the proceeds from the Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival benefit several local non-profit organizations in Monterey County.

For more details, check out the website montereyscotgames.com or call (831) 682-2022. For sponsorship opportunities, interviews and high resolution photos, please call Wendy Brickman, Brickman Marketing, at 831-633-4444 or email Brickman@BrickmanMarketing.com.

Contact:
Wendy Brickman
Brickman Marketing
395 Del Monte Center #250
Monterey, CA 93940
831-633-4444
http://www.montereyscotgames.com

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Former NBA Star, Executive Coach and Transformational Speaker Joe Courtney Releases Hard Cover Version and Training Program for “Life Above and Beyond the Rim”

Joe Courtney reveals 10 Secrets to Elevate Success, Monetize and Transform your life.

Scottsdale, AZ, February 10, 2015 – Former NBA basketball player Joe Courtney announced the upcoming release of the hard cover version of “Life Above and Beyond the Rim”. Courtney has also launched a 10 week training program to accompany the best-selling book aimed at empowering people through his 10 principles to unlock and break through barriers to achieve success in business and in life.


The NEW Hardcover book will be released on February 20, 2015 via Amazon and other retail outlets. Pre-release orders are available at www.joecourtneysbook.com. Those who order the hard cover edition prior to the 20th will receive a personally signed action shot in the book and will also receive a FREE 10 Week Training on the book (Valued at $397).

Courtney is no stranger to adversity and breaking through barriers in order to achieve success. Joe who didn’t pick up a basketball until his 10th grade year in high school has broken through many barriers including making it to the NBA without being drafted and owning and operating a successful design build company. His work was featured in Architectural Digest, and many other publications. Now Joe is spreading the message of empowerment through his new book and success program “Life Above and Beyond the Rim”.

The book has been endorsed by some of the top leaders on the topic of success. Tim Grover, who is the Best-selling Author of “Relentless” and personal performance expert for Michael Jordan Charles Barkley, Kobe Bryant, and Dwayne wade, had this to say about Joe’s book; "Some people just talk about breaking through barriers; Joe Courtney has actually done it. His book can do the same for you."

Former Suns Owner and Head of USA Basketball Jerry Colangelo chimed in with this; " His book should serve as a tremendous inspiration to people of all ages, athletes and non-athletes regarding commitment, compassion and empowerment."

Learn more about Joe and PRE-ORDER “Life Above and Beyond the Rim” at www.joecourtneysbook.com

Contact:
Scott Kelly
Black Dog Promotions
9920 S. Rural Rd., Ste 108
Tempe, AZ 85284
480-206-3435
scott@blackdogpromotions.com
http://www.blackdogpromotions.com