Daily Archives: November 25, 2014

Entertainment, Internet & Online, Media

The Smash Group Releases 18 Year Old Artist, Dylan Hartigan and Love Seems To Be Awake Video

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New York, NY, November 25, 2014 — /REALTIME PRESS RELEASE NEWS/ — The Smash Group is proud to announce the release of Dylan Hartigan, a young successful actor and musician. At the age of 3 he booked his first acting gig for a nationwide commercial. Soon after, he was cast in 2004 in his first film, “The Stepford Wives”, playing Nicole Kidman and Matthew Broderick’s son. At 14 Dylan booked his first lead in a major motion picture as Andy in “The Funeral Kings” and most recently he was featured in “Unforgettable” on CBS. In 2014 he launched his music career, produced by Clay Sheff and The Smash Group. Dylan Hartigan music is groove pop with a rock edge and his style on his recordings are only rivaled by his flair on stage.

In association with the Dylan Hartigan Release, The Smash Group also has released Dylan’s First music video, Love Seems To Be. The video is directed by Andrew Wilson (creative director of The Smash Group) and produced by Clay Sheff. The song was written by Dylan Hartigan and Nunzio Signouri. Love Seems To Be Awake features beautiful model Brookelyn Kelly in intimate scenes with Dylan Hartigan. Shot on a Bridgehampton estate, the video depicts young love in a fantasy world.

For more on Dylan Hartigan go to www.dylanhartigan.com or contact the Smash Group at 212-244-9066.

Contact-Details: Clay Sheff
The Smash Group
Phone 212-244-9066
Fax 212-244-6268
info@smashny.com

Education, Human Resources

Kaplan University and Leading Global HR Organization Assess What is Needed To Narrow the Skills Gap Between Job Seekers and Open Positions

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Human resources leaders often rank communication skills over tech in business and IT fields, according to Career Tips survey.

DAVENPORT, Iowa (November 25, 2014) — Professionals who can articulate well and adeptly analyze information to make strategic decisions have the edge in business and information technology workplaces, according to nationwide survey commissioned by Kaplan University School of Business & Information Technology with the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM).

The survey, which highlights career tips for IT and Business Job applicants was distributed to 3,000 SHRM members nationwide in September, amassing over 350 responses from the administrator to C-Suite level. The goal of the survey was to identify the personal and professional traits that can help secure job opportunities for graduates seeking employment and advancement in the business and IT sectors.

“Kaplan University is keenly focused on making sure our graduates have the skills employers are looking for. We’re constantly evaluating and enhancing our business and IT programs to better prepare our students for the demands in the workplace,” said Dr. Thomas C. Boyd, Kaplan University dean and vice president of the School of Business & Information Technology. “The survey results reaffirm the importance of obtaining ‘soft skills’ like communication, critical thinking and team work in addition to core curriculum competencies.”

Key survey findings include the following:

• Aside from education training, communication (94%) and critical thinking skills (73%) ranked as leading skills for business and general job applicants in today’s workplace.

• Breaking it down by sector, communication (90%) and critical thinking (75%) remained as the top two business job applicant skills; technology/social and digital media skills (72%) and critical thinking (67%) addressed the top IT job applicant skills.

• Adaptability to change (31% for IT jobs; 25% for business jobs) was the one strength that HR professional deemed most important for a person to gain a competitive edge in their field or position.

• Employee referrals and national online job boards (58% and 53%, respectively, for business applicants; and equally 46% for IT applicants) were reported to be the leading resources for human resources recruiters. Internal job postings were another top recruitment source for business positions (45%), and industry-specific/niche online job boards were key for IT jobs (39%).

For more information, visit the Kaplan University School of Business & Information Technology.

About Kaplan University
Kaplan University offers a different school of thought for higher education. It strives to help adult students unlock their talent by providing a practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries. The University, which has its main campus in Davenport, Iowa, and its headquarters in Chicago, is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (http://www.hlcommission.org). Kaplan University serves approximately 46,000 online and campus-based students. The University has 13 campuses in Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, Maryland, Maine, and Wisconsin, and Kaplan University Learning Centers in Maryland and Missouri.

Kaplan University is part of Kaplan Higher Education LLC and Kaplan, Inc., a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Kaplan’s higher education institutions serves approximately 61,000 students online and through 56 campus-based schools across the United States and offer a spectrum of academic opportunities, from certificates and diplomas to graduate and professional degrees, including a juris doctor degree. Kaplan serves students of all ages through a wide array of offerings including higher education, test preparation, professional training and programs for kids in grades K-12. Kaplan, Inc. is a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company and its largest division. For more information, visit http://www.kaplanuniversity.edu.

Media Contact:
Amy Hawkinson
Director of Public Relations
Kaplan University
Office: 954-515-3603
Mobile: 954-459-1324
ahawkinson@kaplan.edu
http://www.kaplanuniversity.edu/business.aspx

Environment, Food & Beverage, Healthcare, Non-Profit

Hays PureWater Launches $10,000 Campaign To Save Lives

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WASHINGTON, IA, November 25, 2014 — /REALTIME PRESS RELEASE/ — 783 million people live each day without clean water and 3.4 million die annually from a lack of pure water. To combat these staggering statistics, Washington-based nonprofit, Hays PureWater, launched a crowd-funding campaign. The money raised will fund 30 Khlor Glen technology units to purify water for 150,000 individuals. The organization hopes to raise $10,000 by December 1st.

Hosted on crowd-funding platform IndieGoGo, the project offers nine sponsorship levels. Each level includes novelty “rewards” for donors, ranging from stickers to t-shirts to a trip to Haiti. The rewards are unique, innovative and hands on, giving donors a sense of ownership in the project. For just $2,500, an investor can travel to Haiti (all inclusive) to see the life changing benefits first hand.

The Khlor Glen is a simple unit that turns salt water into chlorine. The chlorine treats infected water, removing deadly impurities and toxins in just one hour. It’s solar powered and easily used in remote areas, where clean water is most needed. “It will also impact malaria zones as it can be used as a bug repellant and protect from disease,” says founder John Hays. “Even just using the chlorine produced by the unit as a sanitizer can cut down on so many infections that the natives in these areas don’t even know exist.”

In the last eight years, Hays PureWater distributed over 4,000 purifying units around the world, changing entire communities by implementing this system. It’s proven to work. Hays builds each system with the help of a dedicated group of volunteers. Nothing is outsourced, ensuring the most effective product for the lowest cost. Now all they need is help from their community to change the lives of those in need once more.

See the crowd-funding campaign here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/hays-purewater-providing-clean-water-globally

ABOUT Hays PureWater
In 2006, after traveling around developing nations on missions trips, John Hays began to create a low cost, portable solution for water purification. John, who worked with municipal water works for over 30 years, put his experience to use and developed the Khlor Gen system. Through the years, the design and look has been changed and improved, but the mission has stayed the same. The organization exists to provide people with clean water, reaching out to them through word and deed. Eight years and 4,000 units later, that mission continues full steam ahead. For more information, logon to www.hayspurewater.com.

 

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Contact-Details: TJ Widbin
tj@hayspurewater.com
319-470-7391

Travel

Hofsas House Hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea Announces its 2015 Packages

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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.

Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, November 25, 2014 – 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:

* Third Night’s A Charm
Book 3 nights and the 3rd is 1/3 off. A getaway is always a wonderful break…they just don’t last long enough. At Hofsas House we know the 3rd nights a charm
Subject to availability. Minimum of three (3)-night stay required. Savings reflected in rate at time of booking. If modifications to reservation are made during your hotel stay (e.g. early departure), the promotion is void and your rate will be adjusted to the rate of the day. Taxes and gratuities not included. Offer not applicable to groups, negotiated or third-party rates. Not combinable with any other offers. Not applicable to existing reservations. Blackout dates apply. Offer valid from November thur February excluding holidays and AT&T golf week.  Mention Code HHCHARM when booking.

* Golfer’s Delight
Hofsas House Hotel has partnered with two of the Monterey Peninsula’s best golf courses. Book a minimum two (2)- 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

* 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

* Wine and Cheese Package
Taste wines at nine different Carmel tasting rooms on the Wine Walk by-the-sea with a Wine Tasting Passport. ThThe Carmel Wine Walk by-the-Sea is pleased to offer a Wine Tasting Passport for $65 which entitles the buyer to one $10 flight at each of nine tasting rooms (a $90 value).

The Hofsas House concierge offers wine passports at a discounted price of $50 per person with any one (1)- night stay.  Or, stay at the Hofsas House and enjoy our special wine and cheese package for $30. Enjoy a bottle of Monterey County Wine and cheese from the Cheese Shop.

Purchase Wine Passports and/or Wine and Cheese package when you booking at Hofsas House Hotel.

* Tail Wagging Package:
Hofsas House is one of the most dog friendly hotels in Carmel. Guests receive a complimentary Doggie Welcome Package upon arrival that includes:

* Hofsas House Dog Frisbee
* Hofsas House collapsible dog bowl
* Special Dog Bed
* Letter from Cajun. our onsite Pet Concierge
* Special dog amenities package
* Tips and recommendations for your four legged friends stay
* Walking Trail and Hiking Guide
* A package of treats.
* Costal Canine Magazine—offering the best four legged options for visiting Carmel Minimum two (2)-night stay. $25 fee per night for one dog and $40 per night for two.

* Take a Hike at the Hofsas House Hotel
Experience Big Sur hiking trails ranging from tranquil walks along a coastal waterfall to miles-long ascents through the redwoods and into the rugged wilderness or take in magnificent Point Lobos State Park. After a day of hiking the Big Sur coastline, guests relax in the hotel’s heated swimming pool or European dry saunas.

Package includes a $25 gift certificate for Carmel’s 5th Avenue Deli and complimentary Point Lobos day pass.

Minimum two (2)-night stay. Mention HHNature at booking. Offer not valid with any other discounts or promotions.

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
23625 Holman Highway
Monterey, California 93940
(831) 747-7455
http://www.hofsashouse.com

Entertainment

Singer/Songwriter Joseph Eid Announces The Release of Americana- Folk Album Human with a Genuine and Soulful Touch

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Americana-Folk Singer/Songwriter Joseph Eid has announced the recent release of his first full studio album, Human.

Los Angeles, CA, November 25, 2014 – Americana-Folk Singer/Songwriter Joseph Eid has announced the recent release of his first full studio album, Human. Recommended if you like the Avett Brothers and Ray Lamontagne, Eid has been garnering considerable buzz with his music, recently being named as one of the 100 Hottest Live Unsigned Artists of 2014 by Music Connection Magazine.

VIEW/STREAM LATEST SINGLE, “SOMETHING REAL”

The album’s title track “Human“, displays the pastoral beauty, delicate guitar work, and intricate but relatable lyrics that have become Eid’s trademark. “Human” seamlessly blends sharp, melodic pop lyricism with traditional folk sensibilities evoking folk troubadours both past and present .

The album’s first single “Ready Now”, is propelled by a driving rhythm section , lush instrumentation and an instantly unforgettable hook. “Ready Now,” has surpassed over 20,000 views on YouTube and is the depiction of an animated version of Eid. The song tells a love story in which the man is confused about his beloved one. The storyline is lively presented by Eid’s gentle and narrative voice in the verse parts, and the passionate vocal harmony in the chorus increased the whole song’s intensity and meaning. The use of varied orchestra instruments also added a layer of dramatic effects to the song, giving it a more complicated and intriguing sensation.

Originally born in Liberia to Lebanese parents, Joseph Eid grew up in the suburbs of New York.  He was raised in a strict and traditional home where the arts were only supported as a hobby and never as a career.  During his college years, Eid studied psychology and pre-med but all the while, he was always dreaming about a potential career in music.  After his first semester at med school, the dream got too big to hold and Joseph made the bold choice of dropping out and moving to New York City to pursue music and follow his dream.  He joined a band, picked up a guitar, and the songs poured out like rain.  His journey led him to Los Angeles in 2007 where he started playing regularly at open mikes and showcases.  Shortly after, he began working with world-renowned guitarist/songwriter David Lamar, honing his songwriting at weekly showcases at the Stone Bar, leading the prolific singer/songwriter to write over 30 new songs as well as record his debut EP Cardiac Output.

Known as a dynamic solo performer, Joseph Eid has brought his cathartic one-man live show to many of Los Angeles’ premier music venues, including stints at Room 5 and El Cid.  He has held residencies at the following Hollywood venues:  The Stone Bar, Crane’s Hollywood Tavern, Room 5, and Bar Lubitsch.

Eid recently released a music video of “Something Real,” which is based on a personal experience that also happens to be universal with communication via technology and social media. A visually simple yet emotionally complex music video, “Something Real,” is meant as a commentary on our constant need to be plugged in and how this has changed the way we communicate as well as taken away the value and the weight of words and human connection.  This idea is demonstrated in the video as Eid sings to and tries to connect with lifeless, robotic people. The twist at the end of the video illustrates that no one is immune to the digital disease – including Eid.

For All Media Inquiries, Please Contact:
Chip Schutzman – Miles High Productions
323-806-0400 / chip@mileshighproductions.com

Another piece of exciting news for the folk and country lovers is that Eid’s going to release a brand new video for the single “Hit me up” from the album “Human”. This particular song maintained his emotional and well-polished singing and song writing style, and at the same time experimented with country style guitar fill-ins. Every Eid’s video released so far, from the animated himself in ‘Ready now’ to the robotic crowd in ‘Something Real’, had shown an interesting, real-life related story and life lesson. This coming video of his would definitely be worth waiting for.

Human Tracklisting
1.Ready Now
2. Human
3. Hit Me Up
4. Something Real
5. The Rock
6. Take A Breath
7. Rain Master
8. What Will You Do
9. Don’t Leave
10. The Rock(Reprise)
11. Greatest Lesson
12. It’s Only Love

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

Travel

Vendange Carmel Inn & Suites Partner With Monterey County Wineries

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To Offer Unique Wine-Themed Experience In The Heart Of Carmel

Carmel, CA, November 24, 2014 – When Brian and Jonathan Lee sought inspiration around the transformation of their family’s Carmel inn a few years ago, they looked no further than Monterey County’s Wine Region.

In 2013 Wine Enthusiast magazine bestowed the county as the top wine destination in the world. In the article, writer Steve Heimoff hailed the region’s “beautiful scenery, upscale galleries, glamorous resorts and stellar local wines.”

Faced with a major renovation and re-imagination of the property the Lees once owned but sold seven years ago, the answer became obvious: Name the inn Vendange (French for “vintage”), capitalize on its supreme location, design everything around a wine theme and create two stunning, fully equipped barrel rooms” for traveling families or couples.

“After we sold the property it really declined, and passing by it was difficult for our family,” said Jonathan Lee. “We wanted to modernize it and make it beautiful again, but also we knew we wanted to make each suite on our property a reflection of Monterey County’s flourishing wine industry.”

The Lees had the idea to partner with local wineries, especially those with tasting rooms in Carmel (currently there are more than two dozen tasting rooms, wine bars and bottle shops in the village, and the Carmel Wine Walk is thriving).

The wine-centric idea was to have wineries “adopt” a room at Vendange, putting their personal stamp on the furniture and décor. Each suite now provides a romantic ambiance of luxuriousness and charm.

“It took some time to get our ideas across to local wineries (Twisted Roots came on board first), but once they completed their suite, and the wineries could visually see the ideas we were striving for, the rest took off from there.”

Following the lead of Twisted Roots were: Galante, J. Lohr, McIntyre, Dawn’s Dream, Joullian, Ventana, Manzoni, Tudor, Cima Collina, Holman Ranch and Blair.

The novel idea allows the wineries to reflect their own style and statement through the rooms, while Vendange allows the wineries to use the rooms for clients or wine club members to create valuable cross-promotion.

“For us it creates a cachet and makes it a unique experience,” Lee said.

The family also created the two adjoining “barrel rooms,” designed ideally for couples rooms to create a relaxed “hang-out” experience. Each room is more than 900 square feet, with separate bedrooms, radiant floor heating, private patios, personal entrances and parking spaces. One room comes equipped with a high-end kitchen, complete with granite countertops, Viking appliances and all the comforts of home.

Whether it’s a walk around the manicured gardens, or quiet conversation and complimentary wine and cheese tasting around the fire pit under a lighted pergola, guests at Vendange find themselves pampered in an intimate environment with expert, attentive service.

Nestled beneath the pine trees in a tranquil neighborhood, Vendange Carmel Inn & Suites is one of the few inns in Carmel to provide parking. Located just a short walk from Carmel’s legendary downtown, visitors can absorb a complete wine experience in and out of their suites.

Lee points out that “vendange tardive” means “late harvest” in French. The phrase refers to a style of dessert wine where the grapes are allowed to hang on the vine until they start to dehydrate, concentrating the sugars.

“It fits because we want guests to come here, rest and get sweeter for the next day,” he said.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Vendange Carmel Inn & Suites
24815 Carpenter St.
Carmel, CA 93923
831-624-6400
reservations@vendangecarmel.com
http://www.vendangecarmel.com