Send2Press Newswire

Joe Sample and Randy Crawford Celebrate 33 Years of Magical Music Making with Their Soul-Slanted Second Duo CD, 'NO REGRETS'

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 13:01:30 GMT

New Contemporary Jazz CD Hits Stores March 24, 2009

NEW YORK, N.Y., Jan. 7 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Certain exceptional musical matches are unquestionably made in Heaven. The day that ubiquitous keyboard journeyman, and PRA Records recording artist, Joe Sample arrived at the studio to lend his distinctive piano touch to singer extraordinaire Randy Crawford's debut album "Everything Must Change" in 1976, one of the finest pairings in contemporary jazz was born.

Off and on through the years, these soul mates have made sweet music together - from the now classic "Street Life," which Randy sang with Joe's group The Crusaders, to Randy's own album "Now We May Begin," for which Joe was a co-producer. These stellar guest appearances eventually led to the inevitable: a duo project as co-headliners.

March 24, 2009 will see the release of Joe Sample and Randy Crawford's second album of collaborations titled "No Regrets." It's the much anticipated follow-up to their first such collection in 2006, Grammy(R) nominated "Feeling Good," which peaked at #3 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart and paved the way for a successful string of tours around the world.

"No Regrets" promises to lean in more of a soulful direction, featuring both remakes of R&B classics such as Aretha Franklin's "Today I Sing The Blues" and The Staple Singers' "Respect Yourself," plus other songs from across the eras done in a jazzy-soul style; such as the legendary Edith Piaf chestnut "No Regrets" to contemporary pop singer/songwriter Sarah McLachlan's "Angel."

Sample states, "Randy and I wanted to keep this recording on more of the rhythm and blues side. And, as always, we wanted to pick songs that nobody else records."

The result is a collection of music that sets and sustains a laid back late night groove - a time and space where the listener can do just that - relax and really listen to Joe and Randy's custom made takes on everything from blues great Bobby Blue Bland's "Lead Me On" to Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Randy Newman's poignant "Just One Smile"; the latter of which significantly impressed Mr. Newman, who told his old friend Mr. LiPuma personally. Key to setting this mood is the returning rhythm section of world class veterans Steve Gadd on drums and Christian McBride on bass - ultra sensitive sidemen who provide the music with precisely what it requires and nothing more.

This fantastically laid foundation brings out the very best in Miss Randy Crawford for 11 soul-stirring performances. One London Times reviewer marveled at how after 30 plus years her voice still retains such "youth and power." Sample proudly describes her succinctly as "an American treasure."

Joe Sample and Randy Crawford's No Regrets is a top shelf sample of masters at play.

More information: www.prarecords.com.

All trademarks acknowledged.

IMAGES FOR MEDIA:
*(PHOTO 300dpi: www.Send2Press.com/photobay/09-0107-PRArecs_300dpi.jpg)

*(Photo Caption: Joe Sample and Randy Crawford celebrate their new second duo release - No Regrets - in stores March 24th.)

Copyright © 2009 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, PRA Records, Joe Sample and Randy Crawford

Publishers Newswire Announces its Latest List of Books to Bookmark, for Q4/2008

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:26:21 GMT

REDONDO BEACH, Calif., Dec. 31 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Publishers Newswire, an online resource for small publishers, as well as lesser known and first-time book authors, has announced its quarterly "Books to Bookmark" list, for Q4/2008. This list, started in 2005, is a round-up of new and interesting books which are often missed due to not originating from "big name" authors, or major New York book publishing houses.

The following list of books are provided as "worth a look" for media and booksellers, as well as avid readers of new and unique literary content. To learn more about these and other books, in detail, visit: http://www.publishersnewswire.com/

(Note: There are fewer books listed this quarter due to Presidential Election and holidays.)

Books to Bookmark(TM) for 2008/Q4:

* New Book Reveals Way to Use Yoga in the Classroom to Improve Test Scores

"Yoga in the Classroom" (ISBN: 978-0-9817955-0-8, paperback), authored by Gail Bentley Walsh, CEO of Yoga Mountain, Inc. is a step-by-step manual for school teachers, K-12. Yoga practice helps to improve mental and physical well being on many levels. This new book, Yoga in the Classroom, is designed to help students focus, relax and prepare for exams. Yoga creates a calm environment for learning and is a natural step in working to improve test scores.

* New Children's Book Lets Kids Know "Mama Voted for Obama!"

Building on the success of "Why Mommy is a Democrat" and "Why Daddy is a Democrat," author and political activist Jeremy Zilber announces the release of his third self-published children's book, "Mama Voted for Obama!" (ISBN: 978-0-9786688-2-2, paperback). With its Seuss-like use of repetition, rhythm, and rhyme, "Mama Voted for Obama" offers a whimsical celebration of Obama's historic presidential campaign while providing his supporters an entertaining way to let their kids know how they voted in 2008.

* Mystery of the 6,000 Year Old Science and Art of Astrology May Have Been Solved

Author of the new book, "ASTROMASKS" (ISBN: 978-0-615-23386-4, paperback), Vijay Rishii Ph.D., announced today that his book reveals the secret code behind the ancient and controversial science of astrology. The author decodes astrology using a new concept of complementary pairs, and gives new meanings to the zodiac signs and their real connection to humans on earth, which has never been done before in the entire history of astrology.

* New Book Remembers our Heroes from Two World Wars

The hardships, struggles, hopes and triumphs of the men and women who served in World War I and World War II is wonderfully captured in "Letters From Heroes" (ISBN: 978-1-58909-570-0, paperback), by Edward T. Cook, a new book just published by Bookstand Publishing. This poignant collection of real letters from real servicemen allow the reader to see things through the eyes of these soldiers and understand their thoughts about war, training, sickness, the enemy and even their food.

* Beowulf - The First, The Original Scary Story (Audio Book)

In "Beowulf," an audio CD, this dramatic original version in English, which has been passed down from generation to generation, over hundreds of years in other languages, can now be found laced with composer Sam Sorensen's original musical score and effects. In this entertaining adventure, Beowulf rescues King Hrothgar and the Danes from the ravages of monstrous horrors. The listener becomes acquainted with Beowulf's strength, heroism and noble heart. From over the gray Baltic, the wintry "whale-road," to the dark and dripping caves of the misty moor, British author Ian Serrallier reweaves the original tale brandishing all the energy and vividness of the original. Sorensen's powerful narration and inspired original score for a huge orchestra and choir enhance the story each step of the way. "Beowulf" (UPC 83710143784) features a story by Ian Serrallier, and music by Samuel Sorensen (with Royal Heorot Philharmonic).

For more information on these and other books and entertainment publishing you likely have never heard of, visit: www.PublishersNewswire.com.

Note: Books to Bookmark(TM), Books2Bookmark(TM), Publishers Newswire(TM), Publishing Industry Newswire(TM), and Neotrope, are service marks and trademarks of Neotrope(R), Redondo Beach / Torrance, Calif., USA. All rights reserved. All other trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Publishers Newswire, new book releases

Visual Poetry and 'Eye Haiku' Highlight FookMovie Videos

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 15:25:44 GMT

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Dec. 30 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- With images inside of images and a nod to such masters of visual communication as surrealist Salvador Dali, the music videos of FookMovie (fookmovie.com) bring together poetry, painting, and performance art. A Los Angeles-based collective of artists, musicians and videographers, FookMovie has completed 43 videos since opening in April of 2008.

"FookMovie is the visual production division of Golosio Publishing," states John Scott G (recording artist The G-Man) "and one of our goals is to appeal to the poet and artist inside of everyone who browses the Web looking for music and video entertainment. We tell people many of our videos are visual poetry or eye haiku."

The video to "Thorne" is loaded with religious and psychological symbolism, including images relating to death, baptism, repression, violence, molestation, resurrection, and redemption. Director Nicholas Laurence G spent six weeks putting the video together using multiple layers of visuals.

The surrealism in "88 Gates of Logic" is sometimes eerie, notes Scott G, "although it is most often playful and humorous, albeit in a moody sort of way. But those qualities describe the music of '88 Gates' so it's a perfect fit."

There is emotional punch in the video to "Beautiful World." Accompanying the country swing big band song performed by Scott Joss and Doug Colosio are images of burning wedding and anniversary announcements. "The sense of loss is incredibly strong, and this feeling accurately mirrors the lyrics of the song written by Wayne Dean, Joss and Colosio," Scott G points out.

The FookMovie Web site (www.fookmovie.com) has all videos in QuickTime and offers links to the videos on YouTube and Veoh. "The mature-themed videos are only on Veoh because they have a category for 18+ content," G notes, "but they are on our site with warning labels."

About John Scott G

Scott is a partner in Golosio Publishing (BMI), Audio Masterworks (ASCAP) and Golosio Audio Masterworks (SESAC) in Los Angeles. Music created by artists signed to Golosio has been in commercials for Verizon Wireless, Goodrich, The Auto Club, DIRECTV, Micron, Legoland, General Dynamics NASSCO and many others. A member of The Recording Academy (www.grammy.com) and on the Board of NARIP, The G-Man has 8 albums on iTunes.

Contact:
Scott G of FookMovie
scott@fookmovie.com; 818-223-8486.

All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, FookMovie Golosio Publishing, music video production

New York Singer Storyteller Pyeng Threadgill to Perform at Blue Note Jazz Club's 'Late Night Grooves Series' on Jan. 10th

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 10:57:53 GMT

Daughter of Jazz Great Henry Threadgill Will Also Share Bill for Progressive Black Female Showcase "Voicing Between The Lines" and a Coveted Hudson Opera House Appearance

NEW YORK, N.Y., Dec. 30 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Critically acclaimed as one of the most inventive and visionary new voices in the progressive scene of jazz, Pyeng Threadgill brings her singular approach to song back to the New York stage for the new year. Pyeng will first be presenting her work on Saturday, January 10 at the Blue Note Jazz Club as part of the storied venue's popular "Late Night Groove Series." This after hours show will feature Pyeng with her stellar quartet consisting of Tyler Wood on keyboards, multi-instrumentalists Dimitri Moderbacher and Kevin Louis, and drummer Evan Pazner.

The very next night, Sunday, January 11, Pyeng will be featured within a bill of like-minded peers in the SanaaHouse Productions' APAP showcase "Voicing Between the Lines" at the Avenue A arts center Drom. There she will share the stage with other bold, boundaries-defying Black female artists such as Somi, Imani Uzuri, Zolani, Tamar-Kali and Sparlha Swa. Threadgill's resume also includes works with James Cammack, Gregoire Maret, Amiri Baraka (Leroi Jones), Ernie Hammes, Wolfgang Muthspiel among others.

At the end of the month, Pyeng and her band will perform at the Hudson Opera House on Saturday, January 31. These January 2009 shows will feature material from her previous two recordings "Sweet Home: The Music of Robert Johnson" and "Of the Air." More importantly, she will be sharing some sneak peek selections from her eagerly anticipated third project "Portholes to a Love & Other Short Stories," Pyeng's first album of all-self-penned material. That project is tentatively slated for a Summer 2009 release and will arrive after three years of work-shopping and development.

New York lower East Side native Threadgill, the daughter of saxophonist Henry Threadgill, earned a grant from the New York Foundation for the Arts to write songs based on short stories by world renowned authors. Reflecting on the creation of Portholes to a Love & Other Short Stories, Pyeng states, "For my first album of all original material I wanted to come with something that was strong in concept. I approached the project as a series of short stories. I was inspired by the author Isabel Ayende, whom I consider to be a magical realist."

Pyeng recorded her third and latest album last summer with engineer/producer Axel Miehaus (a veteran of sessions for Youssou N'Dour, The Roots, Common, Stewart Copeland, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Miri Ben-Ari and more). Threadgill worked out the material with her band mates in shows at NuBlu in Alphabet City.

Threadgill has been described as a fascinating artist whose work has been described by All About Jazz as of "fearless daring and crystalline invention," Pyeng is not only featured in the documentary on African musician Youssou N'Dour titled "Retour a Goree" directed by Pierre Yves-Borgeaud, she is the subject of her own work-in-progress documentary directed by Annabel Wong.

With her upcoming New York shows in January, Pyeng Threadgill hopes to expand her audience, particularly at the "Voicing Between the Lines" date. "I think it will be the perfect showcase for me because of the diversity of the lineup. I've never considered myself to be just a jazz or blues singer. My work is based in improvisational music but all of it has a groove...because it's the groove that connects you to the audience."

PYENG THREADGILL JANUARY 2009 PERFORMANCES

Saturday, January 10th
Late Night Groove Series
Blue Note Jazz Club - 131 W. 3rd Street - New York, NY 10012
Showtime: Midnight / Admission: $8

Sunday, January 11th
APAP Showcase - "Voicing Between The Lines"
Drom - 85 Avenue A - New York City 10009
Showtime: 9 p.m.

Saturday, January 31st
Hudson Opera House
327 Warren Street - Hudson, New York 12534
Showtime: 8 p.m.

All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

IMAGE FOR MEDIA:
Print ready 300dpi image download:
Send2Press.com/photobay/08-1230-Threadgill_300dpi.jpg

Caption: A visionary new voice in the progressive scene of jazz, Pyeng Threadgill.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Pyeng Threadgill singer, Blue Note Jazz Club

CheapBooks Inc Gets Cash to College Students

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:59:53 GMT

HOUSTON, Texas, Dec. 29 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Textbook price comparison site CheapBooks.com has created a competitive bidding marketplace for repurchasing textbooks from students, extending its cash for textbook options. Students may receive bids from up to 20 retailers who will immediately buy their textbooks back, and even pay for shipping.

Internet stores repurchase used textbooks from students in local markets, even when local bookstores are unable to buy them back, and redistribute them to other markets across the country, where the textbooks are still needed by other students. Local bookstores do not do this, and do not buyback all textbooks.

Campus bookstores do not buyback textbooks under a variety of conditions; every new textbook displaces the need for buying back 1 book; campus bookstores prefer to buyback books with only 1 owner (no pre-existing "used" sticker); campus bookstores do not buyback books that are not needed the following semester (the vast majority of higher level classes are not offered every semester, only entry level classes are).

CheapBooks advises students to take the buyback value into consideration when purchasing or renting a book, to use a price comparison service to ensure you find the best deal, and to take advantage of free shipping offers and coupon codes.

Purchasing textbooks and returning them through an online buyback is a cost effective solution for most students to obtain textbooks, and can even be profitable. For students who want to pay less upfront without the option of being recompensated at the end of the semester, CheapBooks also offers textbook rentals with 3 textbook rental companies.

Syrus Yarbrough is currently appearing in CheapBooks TV and radio ads nationwide promoting the textbook buyback options. Syrus first came to the national spotlight as a regular on MTV's "The Real World: Boston."

CheapBooks Inc, which has not previously accepted outside investment, is currently in discussion with investment bankers to manage its frequent requests to purchase the startup.

CheapBooks.com is a leading destination for college students searching for deals on new and used textbooks, textbook rentals, downloadable textbooks, and textbook buybacks.

CheapBooks may be reached at (260) 399-6111, or on the web at cheapbooks.com.

Textbook buybacks may be searched at media.cheapbooks.com/sub/include.shtml?/content/buybacks.

All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, CheapBooks textbook buyback, Syrus Yarbrough MTV

Expert Skin Care Author Wins Guinness World Record for Longest Wall Sit

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:16:06 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Dec. 22 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. Thienna Ho, founder of Thienna, Inc., a skin care company that focuses on health, is no stranger to setting world records. She is the current Guinness World Records' holder for the most sumo squats in one hour. And, on Saturday, December 20, she completed yet another world record - the longest wall sit. Dr. Thienna's record-setting time was 11 hours, 51 minutes, and 14 seconds; the event took place at World Team USA Gymnasium in San Francisco.

The former Guinness World Records' holder for the longest wall sit was Rajkumar Chakraborty at 11 hours and five minutes; this record was set at Panposh Sports Hostel, Rourkela, India, on April 22, 1994.

Dr. Thienna was inspired to set this record in honor of her mother, who passed away from dermatomyosis, an autoimmune disease, after three years of struggle.

"My mother was confined to her bed for almost three years," Dr. Thienna says. "I remember her telling me that she would often dream of going outside to walk around. What better way to honor her memory than by dedicating a physical feat of this capacity to her?"

Dr. Thienna explains that while the wall sit was a great physical challenge, the process of not being able to move for almost 12 hours was even greater.

"I now have a better understanding of what my mother went through in the sense of being confined. I could not have been confined for three years like she was," Dr. Thienna says.

During the record-setting experience, approximately seven hours into the wall sit, a few blisters appeared on Dr. Thienna's feet. The skin on her back also started to burn from moving up and down on the wall.

All in all, she felt she was quite lucky and the pain was minimal.

"Maybe I'm resistant to lactic-acid buildup; I don't know," she says, "but, I do know that I had no knee, joint or back pain."

An hour away from breaking the record, Dr. Thienna explains that her body felt like it was falling asleep or even somewhat paralyzed from the waist down.

"My mother was my inspiration and I could feel her cheering me on the whole time," Dr. Thienna adds. "I am so glad I was able to set this record and appreciate all the support I received from friends and family."

She is currently awaiting official notification from Guinness World Records.

About Dr. Thienna

Dr. Thienna is the top expert in the area of skin care nutrition and human skin color. She is a seven time award-winning author of "Unlocking the Mystery of Skin Color."

Her company, Thienna, Inc., is a one-of-a-kind, science-based developer, manufacturer, and marketer of the FAIRSKIN line of natural nutritional supplements and organic skin care products.

In December 2007, Dr. Thienna was named the Guinness World Records' greatest super-sumo squatter; she achieved an incredible 5,135 of these muscle-burners in just one hour.

Dr. Thienna is also scheduled to release "The Amazing Clear Skin Cookbook" during the first quarter of 2009.

To learn more about Dr. Thienna, visit: www.Thienna.com; or watch a copy of the live broadcast on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcBeFCdEID8&feature=channel_page.

All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Thienna Ho world record, Guinness World Records

January 2009: Flag Football National Tournament Kicks Off in Las Vegas

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 13:24:08 GMT

LAS VEGAS, Nev., Dec. 18 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- FlagMag.com, an interactive web site for flag football and touch players in the U.S. and around the world, is accepting teams for its Flag Football National Tournament scheduled for January 17 and 18, 2009 at Anthem Hills Park in Henderson, Nev. The deadline to register for the event is January 10.

Flag football is a version of American football. The basic rules of the game are similar to those of regular football, but instead of tackling players to the ground, the defensive team must remove a flag or flag belt from the ball carrier; this is referred to as "deflagging" to end a down.

In most organized play, players wear a belt. Flag football was designed in an effort to minimize injuries. However, contact leagues have emerged, where offensive and defensive players can block in certain zones or downfield, adding to the many styles now associated with the game.

In the Flag Football National Tournament, game teams will include: men, women, and youth. There are several division categories. They include: Eight man contact: A, B and C divisions; Seven man no contact: A, B and C divisions; Four man no contact: A, B and C divisions; Over 35 divisions; Five man youth: 18, 16, 14, 12, and 10; and CoRec (men playing with women).

An organized flag football team is a winning team! Teams can register by calling: 1-877-369-3076; sending an e-mail to: staff@flagmag.com; or registering online at: www.flagmag.com/2008/09Nationals.asp.

The winners in each division will receive $1,000 to be used for the 10th Annual World Cup of Flag Football scheduled April 30 to May 3, 2009 in Rosarito, Mexico.

About FlagMag

FlagMag.com was created in 1998 as an interactive web site for flag football and touch players. It is the number one media source for 4 million people who play regularly and for 12 million who play once a year.

FlagMag.com organizes and promotes flag football leagues, tournaments and celebrity events. They are dedicated to flag football and to those who love the sport.

For more information about Flag Football Magazine, visit: www.FlagMag.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Flag Football National Tournament, sporting events Las Vegas

Michael Phelps Heads 2008 Ten Best-Mannered List

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:02:26 GMT

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 17 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, who has been commended for being a role model to young people, heads the list of the "Ten Best-Mannered People of 2008," as named by the National League of Junior Cotillions (www.nljc.com), an etiquette and social training program that involves thousands of young people in the United States.

The 2008 list includes:

1. Michael Phelps - for being a positive example for young athletes.

2. The Jonas Brothers - for their strong commitment to personal values.

3. Carrie Underwood - for the courtesy she shows to her fans.

4. Eli Manning - for displaying good sportsmanship on and off the field.

5. Will Smith - for setting high standards of excellence as an actor.

6. Paula Dean - because of her charming and friendly manner.

7. David Archuleta - for his example of humility and politeness.

8. Meredith Vieira - for the warmth and kindness she extends to "Today Show" guests.

9. Phil Mickelson - for exhibiting grace in defeat and graciousness in victory.

10. Josh Groban - for inspiring young people with his music and his manners.

Says Anne Colvin Winters, NLJC Executive Director, "The annual selections are based on the demonstration of honor, dignity and respect. Michael Phelps was chosen because of the exemplary manner in which he conducted himself at the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing, China."

Cotillion students and directors nationwide nominate individuals for the "Ten Best Mannered People" award.

The National League of Junior Cotillions (1-800-633-7947) is headquartered in Charlotte, NC, and has licensed chapters throughout the United States. It hosts the popular website, "Etiquette for Today" (www.nljc.com).

EDITOR NOTE: This is the 17th annual "Best Mannered" list which has been featured in major media outlets.

All trademarks are property of their respective owners. No celebrity endorsement claimed or implied.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, National League of Junior Cotillions, Ten Best Mannered People of 2008

Pro-Marijuana Mayoral Candidate Craig X Rubin Looks for Jesse Ventura Style Victory

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:35:25 GMT

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Dec. 16 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Major papers are saying that there is no competition for Villaraigosa's mayoral job. Especially considering that he is sitting on a huge financial war chest. Will that fact and the fact he is planning to run for Governor while not having accomplished much hinder him? Pastor Rubin says, "Yes" and looks for Ventura style victory.

Pastor Craig X Rubin (CraigX4Mayor.org) is the only candidate running with national name recognition, having appeared on Showtime's "Weeds" and a search of his name on IMDB.com reveals that he is a modern day one man "Cheech and Chong," having appeared in four projects that won High Times Magazine "Stony Awards." He recently made national news by losing his appeal for running the controversial "Temple 420" on Hollywood Blvd. The temple burned marijuana as an incense at their Friday night candle lighting service.

The City of Los Angeles spent millions of taxpayer dollars to prosecute Pastor Rubin. The Pastor lost his case, but appealed the loss claiming that he was not given a fair trial because he was not allowed to mention medical marijuana, the U.S. Constitution, the First Amendment, CA State Constitution, U.S. Code Title 42 Chapter 21 (RFRA) nor quote from the Holy Bible. Rubin also feels that two lawyers who approached and consulted him on his defense were actually working for the government and that is why he ended up defending himself in court.

Attorney Michael Levin of the Law offices of Bruce Margolin commented during trial that Pastor Rubin was doing a remarkable job of defending himself considering the fact that he wasn't an attorney. Rubin who was sentenced to four years and eight months in prison has yet to serve one day since the judge let him stay out while on appeal. Then in a surprise decision a new judge in the same court room granted Pastor Rubin the "right to own and operate a marijuana facility (club)." This was verified in court minutes dated May 15th 2008.

One has to wonder, could this be the perfect storm for a pro-marijuana candidate for a major office? That is certainly what the Pastor is praying for. There is a need to create jobs and legalizing marijuana would certainly do that. With Blagojevich's recent arrest it is hard for those who follow Los Angeles politics not to notice how many of the mayor's major contributors are ending up with City of Los Angeles contracts and tax breaks.

Mayoral candidate Craig X Rubin stated as fact that ending prohibition will create two million jobs in 2009. It can replace the dying auto industry. In fact, candidate Rubin is quick to point out that cars can actually be made from marijuana that are stronger that steel and run on hemp fuel, a type of gasoline made from marijuana. Currently country music star Willie Nelson has a chain of fuel stations selling gasoline made from hemp.

"We did some polling at local events," said candidate Rubin, "and while most people don't know I am running they know my name and that is a start. Bill Handle of KFI 640AM stated he liked my English First stance even though I speak Spanish too. I just think our city needs to be united by a common language, English. Also, you should not have to push anything to hear English when calling the city."

It is the campaign's goal to raise money from across the country from people who want to see a change in marijuana laws. Any U.S. citizen is allowed to contribute to the campaign and by raising one dollar from each pro-marijuana person in America Rubin hopes to gain enough support to take on the current mayor. Rubin's fund raising efforts are being done over the web via his web site: www.CraigX4Mayor.org where people from across the country can donate to the cause.

"If half of the twenty million regular Americans who have expressed their disdain for the current marijuana prohibition give the campaign one dollar each then we'll have the resources needed to beat Mayor Villaraigosa," Rubin says, "This will send a message."

All trademarks are property of their respective owners. No celebrity endorsement claimed or implied.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Craig X Rubin for mayor, Los Angeles mayoral candidate

Remembering our Heroes

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:06:37 GMT

GILROY, Calif., Dec. 16 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The hardships, struggles, hopes and triumphs of the men and women who served in World War I and World War II is wonderfully captured in "Letters From Heroes" (ISBN: 978-1-58909-570-0), by Edward T. Cook, a new book just published by Bookstand Publishing. This poignant collection of real letters from real servicemen allow the reader to see things through the eyes of these soldiers and understand their thoughts about war, training, sickness, the enemy and even their food.

"The great wars are part of our history," says author Edward Cook. "The men and women who served in our armed forces during them should never be forgotten for the sacrifices they made. For, after all, they are all heroes."

This collection of letters is divided into four chapters: World War I letters; letters from soldiers preparing for World War II; letters from soldiers fighting against Germany in World War II; and, letters from soldiers fighting against Japan in World War II. For the most part the letters are from common soldiers writing their family and friends back home and they reflect everything from complaints about the food, anticipation of coming home, digressions on the destruction of war and the excitement of liberating POWs. There are over 50 photographs from the World War eras, many of them never before published. Many are of 104th and 107th Combat Engineers

"I would like to think that every soldier is a hero," says Cook. "A hero to his nation, a hero to his family, and a hero to himself. That person could be a barber, electrician, cook, clerk, or doctor. That person could be a private or a general. They are all heroes in somebody's eyes. Many were drafted, others volunteered, and some wanted to make the armed forces their career. It takes a combination of men and women to make up our armed forces. They all have a job to do, and they do it well. They give their time, their sweat, and even their blood for our great nation. They are away from their families for months or years. They see death, they see happiness, and they see themselves as doing a job: To protect our freedom and freedom for others. They willingly make that sacrifice for their country."

"I published this book," says Cook, "because I wanted to document these letters and get it out to the public. I didn't want these memories to be lost forever."

Edward T. Cook is the author of four other books, including "The History of the 104th Combat Engineers," "Guiding The Way From Middle Neebish," "Stars & Shields: Cop Stories," and "Murders Do Not Come by Accident." He is a member of the Military Writers Society of America. His website is:
home.att.net/~e.t.cook/wsb/html/view.cgi-home.html-.html

Letters From Heroes is available from:

* Bookstand Publishing
- Phone: 408-852-1832
- Email: orders@bookstandpublishing.com
- Web: www.bookstandpublishing.com/book_details/Letters_From_Heroes

* Amazon.com
* BarnesandNoble.com

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Bookstand Publishing, author Edward T Cook

Mystery of the 6,000 Year Old Science and Art of Astrology Has Been Solved

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:35:36 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Dec. 8 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Author of the new book, "ASTROMASKS" (ISBN: 978-0-615-23386-4), Vijay Rishii Ph.D., announced today that his book reveals the secret code behind the ancient and controversial science of astrology. The author decodes astrology using a new concept of complementary pairs, and gives new meanings to the zodiac signs and their real connection to humans on earth, which has never been done before in the entire history of astrology.

The book supports the theory with physical evidence observed on individuals. Complementary pair theory also adds a new dimension to astrology, thus giving a whole new perspective of astrology, and takes it to an even higher level of being accepted as a true science. The theory also compares astrology with the theory of evolution, and thus speculates on a new meaning to life on earth, which occurs in a sequence of events dictated by the conscious evolution.

Digging even further into the core of astrology, the book discusses the predetermined birth of an individual from the moment of his/her conception in the womb. In the book, the author tries his best to give complete meaning to the age-old science of astrology, which "has been passed on to us incomplete in many ways for over six millennia, and adds to the possible lost features."

According to the author, "This book is just the beginning of a new era in the human history on this blue planet, with an interest of hastening the sunrise of harmony on earth, the ultimate peace."

For more information, visit www.createspace.com/3360123 or order a copy at www.amazon.com.

Mindstock Re-issues MPC3K Sound Sets for Akai MPC-3000 Free for Holidays

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 12:32:07 GMT

TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 7 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Mindstock(R), a California based multimedia publisher of "elements for sound, music and vision," announced today the re-issue of its decade old custom sample set for the classic Akai(R) MPC-3000. Three MPC3K(TM) sound sets will be offered absolutely free for download through the holiday season as part of the company re-launch for 2009. Mindstock is a unit of Neotrope(R), established in 1983.

The three sound sets include the Mindstock MPC3K 8081 set, which includes custom samples of Roland(R) TR-808 and 909 drum kits; the FM3K set which has custom percussion samples taken from Yamaha(R) TX series synths; and the EUROHAX(TM) sound set, which has custom organic and electronic samples which recreate the flavor of 1980s europop. Total file size of the three sets is about 8MB in the free .zip archive download. The sets can also be ordered on CDR for $19.95 including shipping.

The free download is offered without any registration, membership or handling cost requirements, as a way to promote the company re-launch for 2009. The download will be available free through Jan. 31, 2009. A "sampler" kit can also be downloaded from the site.

Mindstock was established a decade ago by sound designer, musician, digital artist, journalist, and marketing guru, Christopher Simmons, who is a member of ASCAP and PRSA, and CEO of Neotrope(R) Entertainment. During 2009 the company will offer a wide variety of new sound sets sampled from Simmons' extensive collection of modern analog and digital synths, with the first new sound instrument being the Mindstock Matrix24(TM) -- an extensively sampled sound set taken from the venerable Oberheim Matrix 12.

Mindstock Matrix24 will be offered as a standalone instrument, and in products compatible with modern sampler applications like NI Kontakt, Wusikstation, E-MU Emulator/Proteus, and UVI. Full details and demos on our YouTube channel will be available late Spring 2009.

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

Mindstock(R) is a registered trademark of Neotrope(R). All other trademarks are the property of their owners.

Neotrope Launches WordPress News Feeds Plug-in

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:30:45 GMT

LOS ANGELES, Calif., Dec. 2 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Neotrope(R), an entertainment publishing company established Jan. of 1983, announced on Dec. 1st a free news feed plug-in for WordPress, the popular blog and CMS application. The plug-in allows a business site, content portal, or blogger running WordPress to easily integrate custom news content by topics like business, computing, entertainment, medical, or travel; and micro-topics like books, or music. News content is powered by Send2Press(R) Newswire, a U.S. based news service.

"We built this plug-in to make it easier for folks who didn't cut their teeth on hand-built HTML to more easily integrate our quality news content without knowing how to write code," said Neotrope CEO and co-founder, Christopher Simmons. "Using the popular WordPress platform, it's easy to install our content plug-in, then position the content on a page, or within a template; our plug-in provides quality dynamic news across 100 different topics more easily than ever before."

For more information on the WP plug-in and other free news feed options -- including JavaScript snippets or RSS full-text feeds, visit: feeds.send2press.com.

To download the free WordPress plug-in, visit the WP Plugins Directory at (compatible with WP 2.3.3 or higher): wordpress.org/extend/plugins/send2press/.

About Neotrope(R)

Since 1983, Neotrope (www.neotrope.com) has been helping small-to-medium businesses and entertainment companies establish their brand and grow revenue. The Neotrope marketing team includes Christopher Laird Simmons, who is an award-winning designer, photographer, musician and digital artist. Other team members include accredited public relations professionals, working journalists and broadcast veterans. Simmons is a member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Graphic Artists Guild, and ASCAP; and has been working in the P.R. field since 1981. Simmons has been widely interviewed by publications as diverse as Entrepreneur, Chicago Post Tribune, PCWorld, and TrendWatch. Neotrope brands include Send2Press(R), California Newswire(R), Mindstock(R), eMediaKit(TM), and ContextEngine(R).

About WordPress

According to the company website (wordpress.org), "WordPress is a state-of-the-art publishing platform with a focus on aesthetics, web standards, and usability. WordPress is both free and priceless at the same time. WordPress started in 2003 with a single bit of code to enhance the typography of everyday writing. Since then it has grown to be the largest self-hosted blogging tool in the world." WordPress had 3,816,965 downloads in 2007.

All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

The Best New Year's Eve Guide Book Has Something for Every Budget

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 10:12:17 GMT

NEW YORK, N.Y., Dec. 2 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EMRG Media, LLC, New York's leading event planning and marketing company, announced today that they have released their best ever New Year's Eve Guide 2009 for hot events happening throughout New York City. And this year, in an effort to be environmentally-conscious and budget-minded, an e-book is available, listing parties for all budgets.

"The economy is rather grim as we move into 2009, that's why we have scouted out venues that are designed to meet all budgets," Mario Stewart, founder and co-owner of EMRG Media, LLC, says. "It's the perfect time for people to say goodbye to 2008 and look to 2009 with a feeling of hope and change. We're trying to make this possible for people by offering an array of affordable celebratory choices."

Stewart adds that this year, more than ever, he has seen people reserving tickets earlier.

"Last year, many groups ordered tickets at the last minute and paid a premium," he explains. "This year, I have already booked several groups wanting a memorable evening, without breaking the bank."

Tickets range from $75 to $500 per person and choices are varied.

"It's the perfect opportunity to check out new and trendy places that you never dreamed of," Stewart says. "And, what better time than New Year's Eve 2009?"

For instance, experience the glamour of Cipriani's - rated New York City's number one most glamorous event for New Year's Eve 2009; ring in the New Year at the Union Square Ballroom - New York's most exclusive VIP event space; live large at Mansion, the biggest, boldest and most bodacious New Year's Eve extravaganza in Manhattan; or cruise the New York City harbor on the Jewel Cruise - rated New Year's Eve 2009 number premier pleasure yacht - bright city lights, big city views and fireworks, too.

Package choices range from general admission to platinum VIP. Each level provides a different set of benefits such as complimentary passes to after-hour parties; table-side cocktail service; gourmet buffets; premium champagne and liquor; and much more.

About EMRG Media, LLC

EMRG Media, LLC is a premier, full-service, marketing, event planning and publishing firm based in Manhattan. The company specializes in the conceptualizing, venue selection and negotiating, organizing, and marketing a variety of events for both large and small-scale corporate and private parties.

So, ring in New Year's Eve 2009 in style. For tickets or more information, call: 212-254-3700; group rates are available. Or, for a complete listing of events, visit: www.BestNewYears.com.

For a free copy of the e-book, visit: www.bestnewyearseve.com/nye2009.pdf.

All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

North Plains Systems Expands Global Digital Asset Management Partnership Program

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 08:00:57 GMT

LONDON, U.K. and TORONTO, Canada, Dec. 2 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- North Plains Systems, Inc., the world's leading provider of digital asset management (DAM) and video asset management (VAM) software solutions, today announced ambitious plans to expand its global channel of strategic partners over the coming months. Due to the increased demand of its TeleScope(TM) digital asset management platform, North Plains will significantly grow its European base of technology partners, brand-name systems integrators, and a top-tier portfolio of national and regional technology resellers.

The global demand for Digital Asset Management systems is expected to triple by 2013, according to a new forecast by ABI Research. "The recent proliferation of digital media content, especially video, and the rise of portable devices for viewing it is a key contributor. We can add the widespread availability of broadband data services to distribute it, and the need for systems that can store and deliver that content to the right people at the right time."

Building upon existing momentum in the region, North Plains will further enhance its support of European customers through an integrated reseller network composed of "best-in-class" technology partners, brand-name systems integrators, and a top-tier portfolio of national and regional technology resellers. North Plains will announce these strategic vendor partnerships over the coming months.

"Partners will be hand-picked to meet some very strict criteria," said Rick Coope, Director, European Sales. Chosen firms will exhibit extensive domain knowledge within North Plains' target markets, including print, publishing, broadcast, media, advertising, design and marketing agencies, as well as demonstrate considerable experience in digital asset management configuration and integration in education environments.

"Our focus is on building the strategic partnerships that will deliver our advanced solutions to businesses that need their legacy asset management systems replaced or an entirely new one implemented. We can better serve our customers and their needs if we increase our local partners," he added.

Learn more about how you can become a North Plains business or technology partner and bring true digital asset management to your customers and prospects.

North Plains' TeleScope(TM) Digital Asset Management (DAM) Platforms

TeleScope(TM) is an award-winning digital asset management platform that enables the secure access, management and distribution of all digital and rich media content across an entire organization. With its distributed and modular architecture, TeleScope is designed to meet the diverse range of rich media needs from small and mid-size businesses and design studios, to the complex business challenges of global enterprises.

Whether you're a new creative "shop" just starting out; growing so quickly that your asset inventory is getting out of control; or a globally distributed organization with millions of assets to manage, North Plains' TeleScope platform is ready to meet your unique business challenges.

North Plains Systems' DAM Leadership

As the global market leader, North Plains' TeleScope(TM) platforms are the only DAM solutions to offer true end-to-end digital media supply chain experience that supports the creation, integration and repurposing of digital assets in mission-critical applications. Customers from all industries and geographies are reaping significant and tangible business efficiency improvements from North Plains' TeleScope platforms. Its expertise in delivering industry-leading digital asset management software solutions is reshaping the way companies manage, collaborate and distribute their digital assets.

About North Plains Systems, Inc.

Founded in 1994, North Plains Systems, Inc. is the world's leading provider of digital and video asset management solutions. With a portfolio of over 475 satisfied customers, North Plains' TeleScope platform streamlines the complexity of managing increasingly challenging digital asset environments. From centralized workflow optimization, asset creation, production and virtual collaboration, to delivery and distribution, North Plains provides end-to-end solutions that scale to meet your unique business requirements. Benefit from North Plains' proven deployment expertise and join its growing list of global customers, including: AOL, Boeing, Bowling Green State University, Gallaudet University, Harcourt, HarperCollins Publishers, Microsoft, Ogilvy and Mather, Playboy, Publicis Groupe, Publishers Clearing House, Rodale Inc., Sony Pictures Entertainment, The Utah Education Network, Viacom, and Warner Bros.

For further information: www.northplains.com.

Discover why industry experts think North Plains is Leading the Digital Asset Management Evolution(TM).

All trademarks are property of their respective owners.