http://www.send2press.com/newswire/ Business, Entertainment and Technology News Sat, 11 Feb 2012 15:19:40 GMT http://neotrope.com 60 en-us 144 31 http://www.send2press.com/newswire/index.shtml http://www.send2press.com/XML/send2press-rss.gif http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2011-12-1215-002.shtml Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:59:09 GMT Health Senior Citizen Interests Kirkland Washington Send2Press Newswire http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2011-12-1215-002.shtml LTC Financial Partners, LLC KIRKLAND, Wash., Dec. 15, 2011 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or another end-of-year holiday, long-term care insurance just might be the best present you could possibly give. "That may sound crazy," says Denise Gott, National Sales Manager and Chairman of the Board of LTC Financial Partners, LLC (LTCFP).

"But think about it. The whole point of a present is to please someone you love and improve their lives. What can do that better than financial protection ensuring one's whole future?"

Gott's company has developed a list of the top ten reasons long-term care insurance (LTCI) should be on everyone's gift list:

1. If you get it for your spouse and yourself, you'll both breathe easier, knowing you can afford professional care in the comfort of your own home, should the need ever arise.

2. You'll also enjoy the gift of knowing you're protecting your assets and lifestyle for years to come.

3. If you get it for your parents, they'll relax and get more enjoyment out of their golden years, confident they can avoid senior poverty.

4. The gift to your parents may also be a gift to yourself, since LTCI protects assets earmarked for inheritance.

5. Compared to pricey items, LTCI is often a bargain, costing much less than you'd pay per month for a new car or health insurance.

6. If you get it for your children, it can REALLY be a bargain, costing a fraction of what many people spend per year on coffee at Starbucks.

7. As a gift to your children, it will "keep on giving" year after year, making them feel more secure for decades, maybe 100 years or more.

8. It can help you afford other holiday gifts in future years. Without it, out-of-pocket care costs could eat up your savings. How generous a Santa could you be then?

9. Peace of mind is one of the best gifts of all. If you've been putting off looking into long-term care insurance, you may feel anxious and guilty. Why not give yourself a break for the holidays?

10. LTCI is tax-deductible. You can use the "savings" to buy other gifts of many kinds, year after year!

LTC Financial Partners is one of the nation's largest and most experienced agencies specializing in long-term care insurance. More information is available at http://www.ltcfp.com . LTCFP is a co-founder and sponsor of the "3 in 4 Need More" campaign, which seeks to alert Americans to the long-term healthcare crisis, and to multiply the number protected by long-term care planning. The 3in4 Association is currently sponsoring the 3in4 Caregiver Contest, which has $50,000 worth of prizes in the form of a home caregiver makeover, as a way of "saying thanks": http://3in4contest.com/index.html . Another holiday gift option!

NEWS SOURCE: LTC Financial Partners, LLC
This story was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source and is Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

TAGS: LTC Financial Partners, LLC, Insurance, Send2Press. ]]> http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2011-12-1206-003.shtml Tue, 06 Dec 2011 07:59:18 GMT Computing Entertainment Geneva Switzerland Send2Press Newswire http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2011-12-1206-003.shtml des p'tits bonheurs GENEVA, Switzerland, Dec. 6, 2011 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Swiss design company "des p'tits bonheurs" announced today that its new application, Appygraph, is now available exclusively on Apple's online store. Appygraph™ allows users to choose, personalize, and send illustrated Season's Greetings ecards, all directly from their iPhone. The application is available worldwide in English, French, German, and Spanish.

Six months after the release of its first application bambinapp, which allows users to send birth announcements from their iPhone, "des p'tits bonheurs" extends the same concept to holiday greetings cards.

"During the holidays, rather than texting their wishes to their relatives, users can now instantly share the joy of the season by sending a festive e-card, thanks to Appygraph," said Charles Massin, co-founder of "des p'tits bonheurs."

"For this application, we have expressly created 20 original designs that reflect the holiday spirit. Users can choose amongst illustration-only, or photo-ready designs," adds Valerie Massin-Hagin, artistic director.

Appygraph uses the same user-friendly interface as bambinapp. Personalized e-cards can be shared on Facebook or by e-mail, or sent by MMS (iOS5 users can send their e-cards for free using iMessage) or other third-party services.

Appygraph is priced at $1.99 and includes 20 unique, personalizable designs (10 Christmas and 10 New Year's templates). All included designs can be sent as many times to as many people as desired. The application can be downloaded on the App Store.

Visit www.appygraph.com for more information on this application, including a detailed description.

"des p'tits bonheurs" is a small Swiss company that has been in operation for 10 years in the field of graphic design. Beginning in 2011, the company is expanding its range of activities by creating and marketing its own iPhone applications. More information is available at www.desptitsbonheurs.com .

NEWS SOURCE: des p'tits bonheurs
This story was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source and is Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

TAGS: des p'tits bonheurs, Apple, Mac, iPod and iPhone, Send2Press. ]]> http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2011-12-1201-002.shtml Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:44:20 GMT Entertainment General Editorial Seattle Washington Send2Press Newswire http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2011-12-1201-002.shtml Seattle Bash SEATTLE, Wash., Dec. 1, 2011 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- SeattleBash, a leading event production company in the Puget Sound area, today announced the INDULGENCE New Year's Eve Bash would continue it's long tradition of being held at the EMP museum in downtown Seattle. INDULGENCE, known as "Seattle's largest and hottest New Year's Eve party," has sold out every year for the last 9 years, primarily because of its unique proposition to partygoers: offering 5 parties in one.

The INDULGENCE New Year's Eve Bash provides 5 unique areas of entertainment located throughout the EMP museum including four live stages featuring two live bands, two spinning DJs and a mixing DJ, a live radio broadcast, two exclusive VIP areas, a comedy lounge, and the two amazing museums: the EMP and the Science Fiction museum. Everything is included for one price.

Selected details from the INDULGENCE website (which can be found at www.SeattleBash.com):
- 3,000 swanky party guests
- 5 unique experiences
- 4 areas of live entertainment
- 3 fantastic performance stages
- 2 exclusive VIP areas
- 1 LIVE comedy theater

Sky Church Stage: Brand X High Energy Party Band brings the best party hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s and today;
You Spin Me Right Round The 80's Stage: 80's Invasion;
The MOViN 92.5 Party Stage, hosted by Justin, with DJ Mack Long spinning and broadcasting live;
Live Comedy Theater: renowned stand-up comedians;
140,000 sq ft of PURE PARTY SPACE;
Party the night away right underneath the iconic Space Needle;
Access to the amazing EMP Museum included (a $20 value);
Access to the Sci-Fi Museum included;
Full access to the amazing Avatar Movie Exhibit included in the price of admission;
Pre-party "Cocktail Hour" for singles.

The INDULGENCE signature of 5 unique entertainment experiences all in one venue for one price continues it's tradition of being the largest New Year's Eve Bash in the Northwest on December 31st, 2011 in the EMP Museum at 325 5th Ave North, Seattle, WA 98109.

WHAT: INDULGENCE New Year's Eve Bash at the EMP
WHEN: December 31, 2011 Saturday Night, 8:00 p.m.
WHERE: EMP Experience Music Project under the Space Needle at 325 5th Ave N, Seattle WA 98109
PRICE: $59.00 and up, with two additional levels of VIP admission
AGE: 21+, must bring valid photo ID
MORE DETAILS AND TICKETS: www.SeattleBash.com .

NEWS SOURCE: Seattle Bash
This story was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source and is Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

TAGS: Seattle Bash, Regional Events, Send2Press. ]]> http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2011-11-1122-003.shtml Tue, 22 Nov 2011 20:17:46 GMT Health General Editorial San Jose California Send2Press Newswire http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2011-11-1122-003.shtml Comfort Keepers SAN JOSE, Calif., Nov. 22, 2011 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- At least one in nine seniors is at-risk of going hungry due to the inability to obtain sufficient food for their household or having to choose between food and medical care (*note 1). During the Holidays, Comfort Keepers® in South Bay and Peninsula is asking the community to make food donations to the "STOP Senior Hunger" food drive to help local seniors and raise awareness for this growing epidemic that impacts millions of older Americans trying to remain healthy and independent.

"Many seniors go hungry all year," said Alina Baktashian, Client Services Director, of the South Bay and Peninsula franchise. "We cannot fight every factor affecting hunger, but we can start here in our community by creating awareness about the issue and helping family members become more aware of the signs of hunger and malnutrition."

Hunger can lead to malnutrition and other serious health problems in seniors. In fact, it is estimated that as many as 85% of seniors in the care of others are at risk for malnutrition or under-nutrition. Malnutrition is the result of the body not absorbing enough nutrients due to inaccessibility. Signs of malnutrition may include sudden weight gain or loss, bruising, or dental difficulties, sudden changes in taste, or a general disinterest in eating.

For seniors, malnutrition means the potential for increased hospital stays, increased health complications, early entry into assisted living facilities and premature death.

In response to a growing need for awareness about senior hunger, the Comfort Keepers system has launched a nationwide campaign called "STOP Senior Hunger" to create awareness for the importance of a healthy diet for those 65 and over. This senior nutrition campaign aims to help seniors preserve their independence by providing diet and nutrition information, encouragement and necessities.

In the local market, Comfort Keepers in South Bay and Peninsula has placed food collection bins at the following locations:

Comfort Keepers South Bay Office
10061 Pasadena Ave.
Suite B
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 446-1199.

Comfort Keepers Peninsula Office
161 W 25th Ave
Suite 102B
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 312-1300

A Plus Auto Service Center
610 Holloway Rd
Gilroy, CA 95020
(408) 847-4759

Almaden Library
6445 Camden Ave.
San Jose, CA 95120
(408) 808-3040

Lucky Food Center
6109 Meridian Ave
San Jose, CA 95120
(408) 997-3100

Lucky Food Center
715 E El Camino Real
Mountain View, CA 94041
(650) 938-8300

For more information on the local "STOP Senior Hunger" campaign, please contact your local Comfort Keepers office at Cupertino, (408) 446-1199

About Comfort Keepers:
Comfort Keepers® is a leading franchise network in the in-home care market for senior and other adults needing care. Since its founding in 1998, the company has grown to more than 600 franchised locations around the world by staying true to the founders' goal of providing in-home care services that allow clients the opportunity to age in place. In August of 2009, the brand was strengthened even further by the purchase of the franchisor, CK Franchising, Inc., by Sodexo, one of the world's leading food and facilities management services companies and the global leader in the health care and seniors markets. For more information, visit www.comfortkeepers.com .

Sources: (*Note 1) Feeding America, Hunger in America 2011.

NEWS SOURCE: Comfort Keepers
This story was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source and is Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

TAGS: Comfort Keepers, Senior Citizen Interests, Send2Press. ]]> http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2011-11-1121-001.shtml Mon, 21 Nov 2011 04:57:04 GMT Insurance Taxes and Accounting Kirkland Washington Send2Press Newswire http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2011-11-1121-001.shtml LTC Financial Partners, LLC KIRKLAND, Wash., Nov. 21, 2011 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Thanksgiving is a time to join with family to say thanks for life's blessings. It can also be a time to make sure those blessings continue year after year, uninterrupted by the financial impact of long-term health issues. "According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, about 7 in 10 of us over age 65 will need long-term care at some point," says Denise Gott, National Sales Manager and Chairman of the Board of LTC Financial Partners, LLC (LTCFP).

"But when you consider that several family members are at risk," she continues, "the odds of your family unit being impacted are almost 100 percent."

This hard fact doesn't have to be bad news, though, Gott asserts. She recommends bringing up the LTC issue at some point Thursday. "When is a better time?" she asks. "Everyone will be together in one place. And hopefully everyone will be in a relaxed, receptive frame of mind."

Questions that might be raised include -

* If you, your spouse, Mom or Dad, your brother or sister, or other family member suddenly needs long-term care, how will it be paid for? Is an LTC insurance policy in force? If not, would it make sense to look into one?

* If Mom or Day, say, were to need long-term care suddenly, who would have the time to care for them personally if there's no insurance to cover professional care? Who has a spare room, or who could afford time away from work or family responsibilities?

* What about the question of inheritance? Are you expecting something from Mom or Dad - to help pay your kids' college bills, perhaps? Or if you're the aging Mom or Dad, are you expecting to pass something on to your family? Remember that long-term care expenses can quickly consume one's assets, leaving little or nothing to bequeath.

* Is Medicaid an option you're considering for long-term care expenses? If so, remember that one must exhaust assets in order to qualify for Medicaid.

"Why not make every Thanksgiving, from here on, a little more hopeful - by attacking the long-term care threat now?" Gott asks. "Consider all the thinking and discussing you do just to plan for the turkey dinner and getting together. Why not make time for a side conversation on long-term care - an issue vital to everyone's future happiness?"

LTC Financial Partners is one of the nation's largest and most experienced agencies specializing in long-term care insurance. More information is available at the LTCFP website: http://www.ltcfp.com .

LTCFP is a co-founder and sponsor of the "3 in 4 Need More" campaign, which seeks to alert Americans to the long-term healthcare crisis, and to multiply the number protected by long-term care planning. The 3in4 Association is currently sponsoring the 3in4 Caregiver Contest, which has $50,000 worth of prizes in the form of a home caregiver makeover, as a way of "saying thanks": http://3in4contest.com/index.html .

*(Photo Caption: LTC Financial Partners National Sales Manager and Chairman of the Board Denise Gott.)

NEWS SOURCE: LTC Financial Partners, LLC
This story was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source and is Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

TAGS: LTC Financial Partners, LLC, Holidays and Seasons, Send2Press. ]]> http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2010-11-1116-004.shtml Tue, 16 Nov 2010 20:57:26 GMT Entertainment Music Tampa Florida Send2Press Newswire http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2010-11-1116-004.shtml Good Gets Better Publishing
Instead of the normal expectations of many children who look forward to Christmas and to the gifts they will receive, Haley points out the one thing that matters most; the love for family and the relationship between a father and daughter.

Today, with so much separation of family members due to divorce or jobs, or even military assignment, Haley's Christmas is a great reminder for 2010 that the most important values of the holiday season are those of family and the strength of those relationships.

"I believe that this song has a statement to make in 2010," says songwriter Kimberly Fuller, who wrote the song.

"I was inspired by my two daughters, who have not seen their father since they were 8 yrs old, and only ever received a card for Christmas from him, and not every Christmas."

Haley's Christmas is a great inspiration for the 2010 holiday season.

Music video available on YouTube, at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loZrGrgFBXg .

Available as a single on iTunes and other online retailers.

Contact Good Gets Better Publishing at "Goodgetsbetter @ live.com" (remove spaces).

NEWS SOURCE: Good Gets Better Publishing
This story was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source and is Copyright © 2010 Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

TAGS: Good Gets Better Publishing, Holidays and Seasons, Send2Press. ]]> http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2010-10-1014-003.shtml Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:48:50 GMT Events Seattle Washington Send2Press Newswire http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2010-10-1014-003.shtml Space City Mixer SEATTLE, Wash., Oct. 14 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- This year Space City Mixer events are bringing you the "Ultimate Halloween Bash" Halloween Party. It is the biggest Halloween Costume Party in Seattle! Tonight, you're in control! Be anything you want to be! Tonight is the night to bring out your ultimate costume. You know that costume that you've had your eye on (or it's already in your closet) that makes even your crazy friends say "Wow - that's over the top!" Crazy wigs? Yes. Daring shoes? Yes! Clothing that need double-sided tape to stay in place? Oh, Yes! Yes. Yes. YES WE CAN! :-) Let your imagination run wild!

This year we are proud to offer a Grand Prize for the best overall costume that consists of: A Grand Prize Costume Prize of $1,000 presented to the Best Costume of the Party!

And then, we have $3,000 more in prizes to reward the winners in the other seven Costume Categories!

This is one of the biggest Halloween parties in Seattle. Like every year, we're expecting over 1,200 guests to join us at The Showbox. We'll have 2 rooms of entertainment (the main stage and the Greenroom), theme decorations, a gigantic costume contest and a fun mix of activities and games for everyone that attends.

As always, Space City Mixer events are for guests 21 and Over, ID's are required.

We are proud to announce that we'll have the following entertainment for the evening:
- Our headliner - Cool-Ade - This is one of Seattle's hottest dance and party bands! Cool-Ade brings you a review of the decades with costumes and the choreography of the times. With exceptional musicianship and lush vocals, Cool-Ade plays the best disco hits of the 70's, the retro fun of the 80's, and the power party tunes the 90's.
- A popular Seattle DJ will be spinning throughout the night - check the Web site halloweenseattle.com for updates.
- Costume Contest - 8 Categories: Most Elaborate, Scariest, Sexiest Female, Sexiest Male, Best in Theme, Most Creative/Clever, Best Group Costume, Best Overall Costume (Grand Prize!)! Fabulous costumes, awesome prizes!

$29.00 early-bird tickets are on sale now by visiting the official event Web site at www.halloweenseattle.com and following the links to the ticket page.

You can also purchase tickets in person by visiting the Showbox box office at 1426 First Avenue in Downtown Seattle. They are open from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

What: The ULTIMATE Halloween Bash.
When: Saturday, October 30th, 2010. Doors open at 8:00 p.m., music starts at 9:00 p.m.
Where: The Showbox - 1426 First Avenue.
Entertainment: Cool-Ade, DJ, and HUGE Costume Contest!
Cover: $29.00 "Early Bird Tickets" presale available now. Doors open at 8 p.m. Music starts at 9:00 p.m. Must be 21+ to attend.

NEWS SOURCE: Space City Mixer
This story was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source and is Copyright © 2010 Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

TAGS: Space City Mixer, Regional Events, Send2Press. ]]> http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2009-03-0320-002.shtml Fri, 20 Mar 2009 12:21:58 GMT Fashion Send2Press Newswire http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2009-03-0320-002.shtml My Christmas Sweater HUMBLE, Texas, March 20 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Want to win the office prize this year for the ugliest Christmas sweater around? The new company, My Christmas Sweater, may be the key to victory. The recently launched Christmas sweater company sells retro Christmas sweater designs in a wide array of colors and styles.

Based in the U.K., MyChristmasSweater.com was launched to provide the global market with a blast from the past. Customers will be delighted by the funky and kooky designs and colors; they are tightly knitted just like granny used to make.

"We are not new to the industry," Rafael Fernandez, MyChristmasSweater.com, co-founder says. "We started with our retro jumpers and are now expanding our line due to the great reception that we received. Our research also revealed the increasing popularity of ugly Christmas sweater parties in the U.S."

It is the company's belief that these "ugly" sweaters remind people of times gone by. And, in today's world, sometimes a look back is what necessitates a positive leap forward.

My Christmas Sweater not only offers a wide array of ugly Christmas sweater choices, it also provides reading forums, blogs and links to other sites. Additional product offerings include: jumpers, t-shirts, sweater vests, mittens and hats.

"These are great gifts to provide to family and friends around Thanksgiving," Fernandez says. "It will put them in the holiday spirit and people can plan holiday parties around these ugly Christmas sweaters to kick off the holiday season. They're great fun for everyone!"

These kooky and ugly Christmas sweaters will be available for sale starting June 1, 2009. Choices include: Cheese-O-Rama, Reggie Reindeer, Silly Granny, Party Santa, and more.

The parent company, My Christmas Jumper (ChristmasJumper.co.uk), has received much media attention in the U.K. and with the launch of MyChristmasSweater.com, they are sure to knit their way into the global market of comedy fashion.

For more information, visit: www.MyChristmasSweater.com.

NEWS SOURCE: My Christmas Sweater
This story was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source and is Copyright © 2009 Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

TAGS: My Christmas Sweater, Fashion, Send2Press. ]]> http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2008-04-0409-003.shtml Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:44:54 GMT Holidays and Seasons Send2Press Newswire http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2008-04-0409-003.shtml Jacalyn Valent bulldogsarebeautiful.com). "I hope that with the help of these sweet bulldogs, people will take note of how they treat others they deem unattractive," said Jackie Valent, author of the children's book, "Stinky the Bulldog" (ISBN 1420826972).

The Milwaukee and national signature event, which will take place at Central Bark; 5780 W. Hemlock; Milwaukee, Wis., 53223 from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m., is expected to attract about 50 bulldogs and their owners.

The event will feature snacks and mingling for pups and people, but different this year is a showcasing of regional agencies doing great work around diversity and acceptance issues. Even though bulldogs' saggy skin makes them look to have perpetual frowns and their stout bodies connote sluggishness, bulldogs are affectionate animals that enjoy attention from humans, according to bulldog owner and the holiday's host, author Jackie Valent of Wauwatosa, who is also a human resources executive at Deloitte, LLP.

"I hope that 'National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day' teaches us to embrace differences in people; if people see beyond the looks and aggressive ancestry of a bulldog, they can certainly look within and challenge themselves to accept their neighbors of a different race, gender, appearance, lifestyle, physical ability, national origin or religion.

"In today's global community, we are valuable as a cohesive civilization rather than as segmented populations." Valent knows that changing people's prejudices is a large order, but with her success as a human resources specialist who works passionately with diversity issues, and each time someone hides their face in shame after hearing that Stinky is her bulldog's name of affection, not cruelty, she believes that it can be done.

Host your own National Bulldogs are Beautiful Day celebration and show people that there is beauty in all beings!

The story of Stinky the Bulldog
A loveable bulldog in a new neighborhood, Stinky is eager to make friends, but is quickly disappointed when kids crinkle their noses and run away; they don't even know him! Packed with vibrant illustrations, "Stinky the Bulldog" (ISBN-13: 978-1420826975, AuthorHouse) is a touching story that teaches the value of people's differences, and the wonders of true friendship.

"If we cherish our differences and learn to cooperate and reason with one another, our world will be a more profitable and peaceful place," Valent said. "It's a grande effort, but one that we can learn from our bulldog partners."

More information on "Stinky the Bulldog": www.stinkythebulldog.com and www.stinkythebulldogmedia.com.

NEWS SOURCE: Jacalyn Valent
This story was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source and is Copyright © 2008 Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

TAGS: Jacalyn Valent, Holidays and Seasons, Send2Press. ]]> http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2008-03-0326-003.shtml Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:05:28 GMT Pop Culture and Cool Stuff Send2Press Newswire http://www.send2press.com/newswire/2008-03-0326-003.shtml Nine Mile Canyon Coalition
Nine Mile Canyon: Located high on the side of a sheer cliff in a rugged place in central Utah, is an ancient petroglyph that dates back over 1,000 years; it has an uncanny resemblance to the modern day Santa, an elf, and his nine reindeer.

A petroglyph is a work of prehistoric Indian rock art that is chiseled or "pecked" into rock, usually into a dark patina surface; the Nine Mile Canyon Coalition and their preservationist friends are seeking to save this ancient petroglyph from destruction.

An industrial gas and oil development in the area is slowly destroying this and thousands of other petroglyphs that call this canyon home.

According to Pam Miller, a trained archaeologist and Chair of the Nine Mile Canyon Coalition, "'Santa' is one of more than 10,000 unique petroglyphs and pictographs (prehistoric Indian art painted on rock) found in the canyon that are being obliterated by dust and destroyed by dust-suppressant chemicals (magnesium chloride) that is being sprayed on roads. Additionally, the vibrations of huge trucks, drill rigs, bulldozers, and industrial traffic are also affecting these ancient works of art."

Bill Bryant, the photographer who managed to photograph "Santa" using a super-telephoto lens said that, "The destruction going on here is tragic. This entire canyon is a national treasure that should be made into a national monument or park."

Additional photos of "Santa" and other petroglyphs can be viewed at: www.flickr.com/photos/bryant99.

So, why is this happening? The Federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has sold mineral leases in Nine Mile Canyon and on plateaus north and south of it. BLM has not ordered industrial traffic to be re-routed to preserve countless prehistoric and historic sites in the canyon.

"BLM has decided to do the bidding of the gas and oil industry and the Bush Administration while sacrificing cultural and historic values, air and water quality," Miller said. "It's time to restore balance to BLM's public land policies and decisions."

What can be done? Fortunately, there is time to stop further destruction. A public comment period ends May 1 on the BLM West Tavaputs Plateau Natural Gas Full Field Development Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The proponent prepared DEIS is a proposal from the Bill Barrett Corporation to drill over 800 wells over the next eight years using the historic and scenic National Back Country By-Way Nine Mile Canyon road as its industrial thoroughfare and staging area.

Petro-Canada Resources (USA) is also drilling in the area. Public comments can be submitted electronically and all information can be found on the Nine Mile Coalition web site at: www.ninemilecanyoncoalition.org.

"While the intentions and beliefs of the original artist(s) will never be known, the beauty of rock art is that future generations will continue to be inspired by it," Miller explained. "Of course this 'Santa' interpretation must clearly be seen as ethnocentric by later observers; it is not likely that Santa, the elf, and reindeer were in the mind of the original people making the markings."

According to Miller, "The only way to save 'Santa' and the world-renown rock art of Nine Mile Canyon from destruction is for people to get involved and make their voices heard to BLM and their elected officials across the country. This place needs to be saved for future generations."


NEWS SOURCE: Nine Mile Canyon Coalition
This story was issued by Send2Press® Newswire on behalf of the news source and is Copyright © 2008 Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

TAGS: Nine Mile Canyon Coalition, Pop Culture and Cool Stuff, Send2Press. ]]>