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Entertainment

Monterey Meringues Launches!

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Internationally Renowned Entertainers Re-Imagine The Classic French Meringue and Create a Featherweight Delicacy that turns Desserts into Works of Art!

Carmel, CA, January 20, 2015 – Leigh Zimmerman and Domenick Allen share the ultimate recipe for success: a heaping spoonful of love, a massive sprinkling of creativity and equal parts sweetness and style.

Married for more than 20 years, the internationally renowned entertainers have reached great heights of success in virtually every genre — from Broadway, television, the Hollywood big screen, glittery Las Vegas and the arenas of Rock & Roll. And now they’ve conquered the kitchen.

Working with their daughter Cayleigh, this family of trained chefs has re-imagined the classic French meringue and created a featherweight delicacy that turns desserts into works of art. They have elevated the concept by combining the sweet treats with the colors and energy of classic rock, creating a Psychedelicious™ gourmet munchie that appeals to all generations, from Boomers to Millennials.

After living abroad in London and developing their initial concept, the family moved to the Central Coast of California in mid 2014. They started Monterey Meringues in Monterey, a city perfectly suited to premiere their newest innovative culinary adventure — creating bites of meringue in deliciously different flavors, colors and shapes.

They wanted to land in the special place known for its artistic, musical and literary legacy, fine dining and superb wines, and especially for its breathtaking natural scenic beauty.

But there was another reason they felt the draw of Monterey. At the start of what became known as the Summer of Love in 1967, the city became the epicenter of the musical universe, hosting the world’s first rock festival, the Monterey International Pop Festival.

Inspired by that history and counterculture spectacle, the family fell into their creative comfort zone in Monterey and continued to refine the “psychedelicious” concept they trademarked for Monterey Meringues.

All three family members have undergone intensive culinary training. Leigh studied the art of baking meringues and macarons at Le Cordon Bleu in London. Domenick learned at the Waitrose Cooking School in London and both received private tutelage in master classes led by renowned French Chef Nicolas Houchet. Adding Cayleigh’s instruction at the Westminster Kingsway Culinary College, the entire family became well-versed in culinary technique and flavor.

“We wanted to create a product that was light, fun, sweet, gluten-free, dairy-free, and in that relatively new concept of bite size,” said Leigh.

They found the meringues they sampled in Europe too large and too dry, so they came up with their own smaller version with the perfect sweetness and lightness — “crunchy on the outside and marshmallowy on the inside, that just melts in your mouth” she said.

All of the meringues are handcrafted with the highest quality ingredients, which are locally sourced, whenever possible. Monterey Meringues contain only natural colors and natural ingredients, with no additives, preservatives, cholesterol or GMOs. And meringues are dairy-free, gluten-free and fat-free.

Following are some of the fun and “groovy” categories sold through the online store at www.montereymeringues.com (each with a Top 10 hit parade of flavors such as Monterey Pop-Corn, The Almond Brothers, Purple Haze-lnut, Yellow Sub-meringue and more). With a mantra of “music, meringues, peace and love,” a portion of their proceeds support music education and music rehabilitation):

ZZ Toppers: One of a kind, bite-sized meringues uniquely topped with a rockin’ treat.
Magic Mushroom Meringues: Groovy mushroom-shaped Meringues sprinkled with intense magical flavors.

Mama Cass: A Big Mama meringue, 10 times the size, 100 times the taste.

Dazed and Infused: One-of-a-kind, bite-sized meringues uniquely topped with a rockin’ treat and infused with flavored buttercream or ganache.

Carmel Clouds: Coconut macaroon cookies made with a delicate foundation of French meringue, rolled and baked in snow-white powdered sugar.

Inna-Gadda-Divinity: Divinity candy, a traditional Southern delicacy, is reinvented with swirling blue Pacific waves and gummy candy whale tails.

Rock-Tails: Mini meringue “shots” with a subtle essence of “spirits” make this a truly unique meringue “loaded” with smooth flavors and no alcohol.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox Public Relations
Carmel, CA 93923
(831) 747-7455
marci@chatterboxpublicrelations.com
http://www.montereymeringues.com

Technology

ESI BIO – A Division of BioTime, Inc. Announces New UK Distribution Agreement with 2B

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ESI BIO,the stem cell products division of BioTime Inc.,announces that its cGMP and research grade stem cell lines,reagents and cell matrix products will now be available in the UK and Ireland through 2BScientific Ltd.

Alameda, CA, January 15,2015 – ESI BIO,the stem cell products division of BioTime Inc.,announces that its cGMP and research grade stem cell lines,reagents and cell matrix products will now be available in the UK and Ireland through 2BScientific Ltd.

ESI BIO’s (esibio.com) research products are used by stem cell researchers around the world and include clinical and research grade human embryonic stem cells from ES Cell International (ESI) and HyStem® hyaluronan-based hydrogel extracellular matrices. ESI BIO also provides unique PureStem® Embryonic Progenitors, antibodies and small molecules for stem cell differentiation and reprogramming.

Jeffrey Janus, CEO at ESI BIO commented, “We are pleased to hear that 2BScientific would like to be our distributor in the UK market and we expect that we can build a strong partnership in the future.” James Bernard, CEO of 2BScientific added, “2BScientific is excited to have signed a distribution agreement with ESI BIO to sell all of their stem cell products and services in the United Kingdom and Ireland. We are excited to offer their cell lines and supporting products for stem cell researchers.”

About ESI BIO
ESI BIO – A Division of BioTime, Inc., is a unique research reagent organization which markets and distributes stem cell related research products provided by BioTime and its subsidiary companies. Many of these products can be provided as a research grade or clinical grade, including ES Cell International’s human embryonic stem cell lines and HyStem® hyaluronan-based hydrogels produced under conditions designed to be compliant with principles of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), making them suitable for use in clinical research and regenerative medicine. ESI BIO’s portfolio includes PureStem® human embryonic progenitors, antibodies, and small molecules for stem cell differentiation and reprogramming. ESI BIO’s mission is to develop innovative research products that help translate scientific discoveries to the clinic. ESI BIO facilities are located in La Jolla and Alameda, California, with a third location in Singapore. Learn more at www.esibio.com

About 2B Scientific
2B Scientific is a specialist distributor of immunological reagents to the UK life science market. 2B Scientific takes a novel approach to life science reagents distribution and provides a wide range of products including antibodies, PCR and flow cytometry reagents, apoptosis assays, proteins and life science consumables. Learn more at www.2BScientific.com

Contact:
Dr. Farjad Ahmed
2B Scientific Ltd
Cherwell Innovation Centre
77 Heyford Park
Upper Heyford
OXON OX255HD
+44 (0)1869 238033
info@2BScientific.com
http://www.2BScientific.com

Entertainment

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa Launches New Year Pin It To Win It Contest

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On our to-do list for the New Year is to enjoy more of the beauty available to us on the central coast!

Monterey, CA, December 31, 2014 – On our to-do list for the New Year is to enjoy more of the beauty available to us on the central coast! From hiking and whale watching, to lazy days at the beach there is always something adventurous to do! We want to know….what activities would you love to do when visiting the area? Post your ideas in our new Pin-It-To-Win-It contest for the chance to win a two-night stay and a visit to Marilyn Monroe Spas at Hyatt Regency Monterey!

To enter the contest simply:

Pin It To Win It!

a. On our to-do list for the New Year is to enjoy more of the beauty available to us on the central coast! From hiking and whale watching, to lazy days at the beach there is always something adventurous to do! We want to know….what activities would you love to do when visiting the area?

b. Follow us on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/montereyhyatt/

c. Create A Board Titled: Fun On The Central Coast

d. Add a minimum of 5 pictures of fun Monterey County activities with the hashtag #FunStayAtHyattRegencyMonterey

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

f. One lucky winner will receive a two-night stay at Hyatt Regency Monterey and a spa day at Marilyn Monroe Spas!

g. Winner will be announced February 5th!!

*Contest runs from January 1st- January 30th

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

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

Entertainment

Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa Announces Wine, Dine and Jazz 2015!

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Enjoy Three Winemaker Dinners and One Finale Event With Palette-Enticing Small Bites, Award Winning Local Wines, Monterey Meringues and SWINGIN’ jazz!

Monterey, CA, December 28, 2015 – “Wine, Dine and Jazz at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa” salutes the education program of the Monterey Jazz Festival – the oldest continuously running annual jazz festival in the world!

Throughout 2015, enjoy local wines, tasty bites, special jazz inspired desserts from Monterey Meringues and swingin’ jazz as the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa showcases Monterey Jazz Festival (MJF) traveling clinicians together with some of our “home grown” student musical protégés of all ages!

Save the dates for Wine, Dine and Jazz Winemakers Dinners:
• Wednesday, March 11th featuring Scheid Wines
• Thursday, May 14th featuring Twisted Roots Wines
• Thursday July 16th featuring Cima Collina Wines
• Support a great cause – music education for our youth – while enjoying a four course meal from our new TusCA Ristorante chef Steve Johnson paired with local wines! 20% of all ticket sales will benefit Monterey Jazz Festival a 501(c)(3)non-profit arts education organization. We celebrate the legacy of jazz and expand the boundaries of and opportunities to experience jazz through the creative production of performances and educational programs. To learn more about Monterey Jazz Festival please visit montereyjazzfestival.org.

• Join the team at the Hyatt Regency Monterey as well as our jazz director David Morwood to listen to the sounds of the best student musical protégés of all ages.
• Events begin at 6:00 p.m. with a reception and live jazz.
• 6:30 p.m. attendees will sit down for a four course dinner.
• Dessert is provided by Monterey Meringues and will be served during the live jazz performance. At each event meet the creators of Monterey Meringues, Leigh Zimmerman and Domenick Allen. Monterey Meringues has re-invented the Classic French Meringue and given them musically inspired names to shine a light on music education. They will be creating unique jazz inspired Meringues especially for Wine. Dine. Jazz. Monterey Meringues are hand crafted with the highest quality Natural Ingredients. They use no Additives or Preservatives, and they are Gluten, Dairy, Cholesterol, GMO, and Fat-Free.

• Events take place at TusCA Ristorante at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa located at 1 Old Golf Course Road in Monterey.
• Cost is $85 per person inclusive.
• Space is limited to 50 attendees
Tickets are available on Eventbrite at https://hyattmontereywinedinejazz2015.eventbrite.com
Don’t miss out on our 2015 grand finale of Wine, Dine and Jazz!
• Saturday, October 22nd
• 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Sip wines from Scheid Vineyards, Twisted Roots Wines and Cima Collina Wines
• Savor small bites from the culinary team at TusCA Ristorante
• Dessert bar from Monterey Meringues.
• Listen to the sounds of the David Morwood jazz band featuring MJF clinicians, special guests, and “young phenoms” from the education program jamming and swinging’ together!
• Support Monterey Jazz Festival a 501(c)(3)non-profit arts education organization. We celebrate the legacy of jazz and expand the boundaries of and opportunities to experience jazz through the creative production of performances and educational programs. To learn more about Monterey Jazz Festival please visit montereyjazzfestival.org.
• Event to take place at TusCA Ristorante at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa at 1 Old Golf Course Road in Monterey.
• Cost is $55.00 per person inclusive
• A portion of everything raised that evening will benefit the Monterey Jazz Festival
Tickets are available on https://hyattmontereywinedinejazz2015.eventbrite.com

Background on the weekly jazz program at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa:
Our newly designed Fireplace Lounge features live jazz every weekend, with many of the finest jazz musicians from far and wide. Bar menu, signature cocktails, drink and dinner specials, free parking, never a cover, adjacent TusCA Ristorante full menu restaurant featuring local, fresh organic produce and sustainable seafood as well as sizzling steaks; the Monterey Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa has been named the number one spot on the central coast to hear live jazz! Sit by our huge indoor fireplace, with a panoramic view of the old Del Monte golf course – said to be the oldest golf course west of the Mississippi – and enjoy jazz standards, swing, Bossa nova, samba, and BeBop – music for drinking, dining, dancing, and just plain relaxing and listening! Our jazz director and drummer-in-residence now going on 17 years is Dr. David Morwood (yes, it’s true, our house drummer is a board certified plastic surgeon!). Morwood has been honored by the world wide jazz writers association for hosting the late night Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa jazz jam sessions after the annual Jazz Festival, and for operating on children with cleft lips and palates in developing countries every year our guests that are able to grab a seat in the Fireplace Lounge during the late night jazz jam sessions have listened up close and personal to such jazz legends as Wynton Marsalis, Percy Heath, George Benson, Branford Marsalis, Roberta Gamborini, Ray Drummond, and members of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Stop by and enjoy live jazz, a glass of award winning Monterey County wine and great appetizers and wood fired pizzas. Swing, Baby Swing!! All jazz events at the Fireplace Lounge at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa at 1 Old Golf Course Road in Monterey are complimentary. Jazz times are 7:00 pm Friday and Saturday.

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

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

Art

Holman Ranch Launches its Inaugural Sip n Chat Series For 2015 at Holman Ranch Tasting Room

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Do you love wine? Do you love learning new things? What would you think about learning more about wine? Holman Ranch Tasting Room launches its Inagural Sip n Chat Series for 2015.

Carmel Valley, CA, December 24, 2014 — Do you love wine? Do you love learning new things? What would you think about learning more about wine? Holman Ranch Tasting Room launches its Inagural Sip n Chat Series for 2015.

Classes are structured to allow each person an opportunity to learn, taste, and enjoy. Holman Ranch will feature a different topic for each class. At each event, every guest will be greeted with glass of wine, enjoy a tasting of three to four additional wines, educational materials, and some light snacks. The class will be taught by a Holman Ranch expert and/or wine educator. At the end of each class, you will be able to order or purchase the featured wines at a 15% discount. Registration is required for each class.

2015 Sip n Chat Dates:
• February 26th
o Balance: The Elements of Wine (Components for Making a Premium Wine)acidity, body, fruit, oak, sweetness, tannin

• May 21st
o The History of Wine – An hour long journey through the origins of our favorite beverage

• September 24th
o From Vine to Glass: Path of wine from the vineyard through production, to bottling

• November 12th
o Detecting Flawed Wines – Learn What traits make great wine great and bad wine bad.

Time: 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: Holman Ranch Tasting Room 19 E. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA

Reservations are required for all classes and the cost for each event is $25 per person.

Classes are $10 for wine club members. This includes the class, wine tasting, small bites, and meeting, learning from a Holman Ranch winemaker. A portion of the class proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer Association. To make reservations call 831-659-2640 or email info@holmanranch.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sports

SAFE International Launches Ottawa Women’s Self Defense Parties – Ottawa, ON Self Defense

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SAFE International™ is the leading provider of mobile self-defense/personal protection training in Ottawa, Canada.

Ottawa, ON, December 23, 2014 (via Straight Line PR) — SAFE International ™ is the leading provider of mobile self-defense/personal protection training in Ottawa, Canada. SAFE International has taught more than 190,000 clients in the private, corporate and high school environments since 1994. SAFE International self defense Ottawa is expanding its seminar options to include women’s self defense parties in Ottawa, ON.

SAFE International quickly realized that women had completely different concerns, fears, and needs than males. Chris Roberts, Managing Director of SAFE International listened to their concerns and tailored something that was not only educational, but also met their personal fears. Men have no idea what women go through on an everyday basis from the stares and comments to the physical gestures and advances.

One of the reasons that SAFE International enjoys teaching women’s self defense Ottawa, is how receptive women are to the skills that the SAFE International instructors provide. SAFE International teaches self defense concepts, rather than techniques. This allows women to learn in a much shorter time.

SAFE International always covers Awareness and Avoidance strategies which are based on one’s daily routines. We examine what an attacker looks for, what an attacker wants and doesn’t want in confrontation. One of the biggest topics we explore is how most people are too polite, even when their intuition is telling them the complete opposite. We cover the most common distraction techniques an attacker will use to gain an advantage. We then move on to verbal strategies in the event that avoidance is no longer possible. Rather than just teaching to yell at a potential attacker, we cover a few verbal strategies based on the aggressor and the scenario. The third step is addressing the physical aspect of Ottawa women’s self defense. We begin with the advantages of adopting a passive stance rather than an aggressive stance. We only teach gross motor strikes due to the adrenal rush one gets when they are in a highly stressful state such as an attack scenario. We teach a philosophy of “Attack the Attacker” which reverses one from being the Prey, to that of being the Predator.

Another philosophy is to attack the head if all avoidance and verbal strategies have failed. This is only 30 minutes into the physical training and you can see how the self-defense concepts are very effective. The self defense drills increase with intensity as the participants gain more confidence. This is very important, as you don’t want to terrify your clients right from the start. It is important to build rapport with your students and the results will be seen as the drills progress. The following YouTube video shows how much can be learned in only 30 minutes of women’s self defense instruction.

Forget Tupperware Parties!
Invite 6 to 8 of your friends for a few hours of fun, education and potentially life- saving instruction. Plan a meal, bbq, snacks, maybe some dessert! Be prepared for a unique Ottawa Women’s Self Defense experience! What has made SAFE International so popular is their unique method of teaching with humour and sharing of anecdotes. Get to experience their simulated attacks in scenario specific situations such as at the front door, the kitchen, the car, etc.

About SAFE International:
SAFE International has taught more than 190,000 clients including mothers, fathers, daughters, police officers, seniors, and people with disabilities. To contact SAFE International and Chris Roberts to schedule your Women’s Self Defense party, you can visit their main site at www.ottawaselfdefense.biz

You can also reach Chris Roberts toll free at 1-800-465-5972 or by email at chrisroberts@safeinternational.biz

Contact:
Chris Roberts
SAFE International™
Ottawa, ON
1 800 465-5972
http://www.safeinternational.biz

Sports

SAFE International Self Defense Launches Ottawa Self Defense Website

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Ottawa Self Defense, SAFE International Self Defense Experts launch Ottawa Self Defense at ottawaselfdefense.biz.

Ottawa, Canada, December 21, 2014 – (Straight Line PR) – Ottawa Self Defense, SAFE International Self Defense Experts launch Ottawa Self Defense at www.ottawaselfdefense.biz. SAFE International is the leading provider of mobile self-defense training in Ottawa, Canada and has expanded internationally with a goal to teach 500,000 people by 2020! SAFE International Self Defense Ottawa is a self-defense service for those living in the Ottawa, Canada area.

Twenty five percent of women will be assaulted during their lifetime and the highest risk group is teenage women. This is an alarming fact especially since over forty seven percent of crime is unreported. Women will know their attacker up to 75 percent of the time according to studies. Women lead busy lives and need easy to remember tactics that work in real-life situations. They also need training that fits into their busy schedules. SAFE International’s instructors understand the challenges that women face and offer classes, group seminars and private lessons to fit into anyone’s schedule.

Workplace violence is on the rise. Company and organizational leaders have become increasingly concerned about protecting themselves and their staff. SAFE International Ottawa can address these needs by providing seminars tailored to specific job needs in any service industry ranging from real estate to health care to sales employees. Self-protection is a necessity but it is now a form of insurance that will make your business more profitable and your employees more confident and secure.

SAFE International http://www.ottawaselfdefense.biz has traditionally focused on self-defense instruction for high school students across Canada. It offers 1, 3, 4 or 5 hour courses which can be taught over consecutive days or all in one day depending upon the school/ organization’s needs. They offer high school seminars customized to the class needs and expectations. Each session may include, discussion, role-playing and a practical physical component. Their high school course covers the 3R’s of Recognize, React, and Respond. These are real-world tactics that can be used by anyone against violent and stressful attacks.

SAFE International has become Canada’s most popular high school course for both boys and girls due to the fact that they don’t teach martial arts, but rather a practical approach to personal safety with an emphasis on detecting and defusing potentially dangerous situations. All our instructors are certified through SAFE International and have a unique ability to reach the students in an effective and memorable manner.

Contact SAFE International Self Defense Ottawa by going to their website at www.ottawaselfdefense.biz, by calling them toll free at 1-800-465-5972, or by email at info@safeinternational.biz

Contact:
Chris Roberts
SAFE International
22 Spruce St.
Ingleside, ON K0C 1M0
1-800-465-5972
http://www.safeinternational.biz

Entertainment

Powerful Child Abuse Prevention Tools are Just a Click Away

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Local non-profit RAACE launches new website to help parents protect children from sexual abuse

Baltimore, MD, December 19, 2014 – The number of children and teens who are sexually abused in the U.S. remains at epidemic levels– 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 7 boys are sexually abused by age 18. Even worse, over 90% of offenders are someone the child knows and trusts. To combat this epidemic, Maryland-based non-profit Race Against Abuse of Children Everywhere (RAACE) has launched a new website that provides a wealth of information and educational materials to help families protect children against the often-silent epidemic of child sexual abuse.

RAACE, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has been working for more than 10 years to help educate families about the dangers of child sexual abuse and what they can do to prevent the victimization of their children. The new website provides families with quick, easy access to a wide range of free, age-appropriate educational materials, including the organization’s in-depth Power of Prevention Guide Book.

According to RAACE founder, Kenneth Smith, “Education and awareness are the first critical steps toward preventing child sexual abuse. Our new site is a great resource that anyone can use to learn how to prevent child sexual abuse, what signs to look for if you suspect your child is being abused, and what each of us can do to shine a light on the epidemic of abuse and help end it.”

In addition to all the education materials available, the new site also offers ways to connect with other RAACE supporters, including a special community site where people can ask questions, share experiences, and take part in forums focused on topics related to child sexual abuse prevention and the issues that abuse survivors may face. The site also makes it easy to find RAACE events that are part of the organization’s Prevention Tour. During the tour, RAACE staff travel around the state to family-friendly events and use RAACE’s two-story, carnival-style “Big Wheel” to catch the attention of event-goers and teach them how they can help prevent child sexual abuse.

“As a community, we have the potential to make a dramatic and positive impact on children and families,” adds Smith. “We’re able to do this work thanks to the support of our RAACE Fans. And it’s even easier to support RAACE now that we’re part of the Network for Good.”

Contact: Brad Brickel
410-893-1001
brad.brickel@raace.org

For more information about RAACE and its ongoing work to end the epidemic of child sexual abuse, visit www.raace.org.

Contact:
Dina Wasmer
Incite Creative, Inc.
P.O. Box 95
Cockeysville, MD 21030
410-366-9479
info@incitecreativeinc.com
http://www.incitecreativeinc.com

Entertainment

Carmel Valley Wine Experience Includes 9 Wineries and Tasting Rooms on a 12-Mile Scenic Stretch of Carmel Valley Road in Monterey California

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Carmel Valley Wine Experience Offers Cellar Passes Just in Time For the Holidays and New Year.

Carmel Valley, CA, December 18, 2014 – Compared to the sizeable California wine region in Napa, the Carmel Valley appellation is a mere pinprick on the state’s oenological map. Lacking the notoriety and sheer volume of the famous valley to the north, Carmel Valley has evolved into a destination hot spot of its own — only for different reasons.

California’s 13th oldest appellation (designated in 1983) the Carmel Valley boasts oak-studded hillsides bathed in sunlight, an abundance of open space split by a meandering river, and a charming village with character and characters. With just 300 acres under vine, the Carmel Valley AVA retains its charm and genuineness, deserving consideration from wine lovers who desire a less-hectic, more-hospitable wine tasting destination.

A tour along a 12-mile scenic stretch of Carmel Valley Road in Monterey County reveals wineries, tasting rooms, art galleries, amazing foods and thousands of acres of parkland. Absent is the traffic, crowds and expensive restaurants familiar to massive wine regions that find themselves dog-eared in travel guides. The Carmel Valley Wine Experience is a collective of Carmel Valley tasting rooms that offer resources and insight to travelers as well as unique access and member benefits to visitors that so wish it.

The Carmel Valley Wine Experience highlights the valley’s wine tasting opportunities, while embracing its slow pace of life, leisure activities such as hiking and golf, as well as the boutiques, galleries and bevy of fine restaurants and cafes. The special quality that allows Carmel Valley to transcend the ordinary is evident in the Carmel Valley wineries and tasting rooms. The rugged Carmel Valley begins at the mouth of the Carmel River and the dramatic valley runs in a southeastern direction along the river. Dominated by red Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as Burgundian grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The tasting rooms also feature wines from throughout Monterey County, including the Arroyo Seco and famed Santa Lucia Highlands.

Most of the valley’s tasting rooms are just a short stroll from each other, allowing visitors to take a wine tour on foot. For those who don’t want to drive at all, Monterey-Salinas Transit Bus 24, called the Grapevine Express, stops at many of the wineries. It departs from the Monterey Transit Plaza, located across from the Cooper-Molera Adobe in Old Monterey.

While often lively, Carmel Valley’s tasting rooms provide a warm, personal interaction with tasting hosts and often the winemakers themselves. It’s all part of the Carmel Valley Wine Experience. Drink it all in soon.

Carmel Valley Wine Experience Cellar Pass:
· $50.00 per pass.
· A Cellar Pass gives its holder eight (8) tickets, each ticket good for the opportunity to taste at any member wineries.
· Good for a single standard flight per winery, the holder has 12 months (from purchase) to visit members’ tasting rooms.
· Additional discounts of up to 10% applied to Cellar Pass holder’s purchases.
· The Cellar Pass makes a perfect holiday gift.
· Available online and at www.cvwineexperience.com/purchasepass or at Carmel Valley Wine Experience members tasting rooms.
· Redeem your receipt for your Pass at member wineries – Bernardus or Holman Ranch)
· With your Cellar Pass enjoy complimentary corkage at Will’s Fargo Steakhouse + Bar on member bottles by showing the Cellar Pass.

Carmel Valley Wine Experience Background:
Organized by the Carmel Valley Chamber of Commerce, visit www.cvwineexperience.com to learn more about the collective of tasting rooms that make of the Carmel Valley Wine Experience as well as events, membership and general visitation information. Connect via facebook at /carmelvalleywineexperience

Wine Experience Members:
Bernardus
5 W Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
www.bernardus.com  |  831-298-8021  |   11am – 5pm, Daily

Chesebro Wines
19 E Carmel Valley Road, Suite D, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
www.chesebrowines.com  |  831-659-2125  |  2pm – 6pm, Thurs & Fri : 1pm – 6pm, Sat & Sun

Cima Collina
19 E Carmel Valley Road, Suite A, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
www.cimacollina.com  |  831-620-0645  |  Noon – 6pm, Daily

Coastview Vineyard
Opening Soon in the Carmel Valley

Holman Ranch
19 E Carmel Valley Road, Suite C, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
www.holmanranch.com  |  831-659-2640  |  11am – 6pm, Daily

Idle Hour
9 Del Fino Place, Ste 101 Carmel Valley, CA, 93924
www.idlehourwinery.com | 831-298-7526 | 11am – 5pm, Thurs-Sun

Joullian Vineyards
2 Village Drive, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
www.joullian.com  |  831-659-8100  |  11am – 5pm, Daily

Mercy Vineyards
40 W Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
www.mercywines.com  |  831-659-4321  |  1pm – 5pm, Thurs – Sun

Parsonage
19 E Carmel Valley Road, Suite B, Carmel Valley, CA 93924
www.parsonagewine.com  |  831-659-7322  |  11am – 5pm, Daily

Contact Info:
· www.cvwineexperience.com
· https://www.facebook.com/CarmelValleyWineExperience

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

Entertainment

Monterey Symphony Announces Spring 2015 Concerts

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Tickets on Sale for Charismatic Glow: February 20-22, 2015

Monterey, CA, December 15, 2014 — The 69th season of the Monterey Symphony continues into Spring 2015 with a brilliant range of classical performances sure to astound you! International guest artists will perform colorful works with the Monterey Symphony orchestra on the stages of Sherwood Hall in Salinas and Sunset Center in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Mini-series subscriptions are still available for the remaining four concerts in Spring 2015, along with a three-concert FlexPass that allows you to choose concerts up to the day of the event subject to availability.

Mini-series subscribers are assured the best seats available, free ticket exchanges, and VIP privileges. Celebrate this colorful season with the Monterey Symphony, along with the 10th Anniversary of Music Director and Conductor Max Bragado-Darman.

The Spring 2015 repertoire blooms with Spanish pianist, Joaquin Achúcarro, in February, and Icelandic violinist, Judith Ingolfsson, in March. The fifth concert in April, Majestic Realm, alludes to the nostalgia felt for our homeland, with what is certain to be a spectacular performance by violist Roberto Díaz, President of the Curtis Institute of Music and former principal violist of the Philadelphia Orchestra. The season closes in May with a flamboyant, all orchestral grand finale, Invitation to Dance. Without question, The Colors of Music has something for everyone. (Schedule and details below)

Photo of Joaquin Achúcarro, guest pianist of February concert “Charismatic Glow”
Concert III: Charismatic Glow

* February 20, 21, 22, 2015
* Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody is an immensely popular work, featuring the acclaimed talents of Achúcarro, and promises to be a performance not to miss. Dvorák’s Symphony No. 7 is considered by many to be one of the finest examples from the golden age of the symphony.

* Max Bragado-Darman, conductor
* Joaquin Achúcarro, piano
* Giménez: Prelude to La Boda de Luis Alonso
* Rachmaninoff: Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43 featuring Joaquin Achúcarro, internationally acclaimed pianist from Spain
* Dvorák: Symphony No. 7 in D Minor, Op. 70
* Concert Sponsored By:

Joaquin Achúcarro, guest pianist:
Described as “one of the greats” by ABC in Madrid and “the consummate artist” by the Chicago Sun-Times, internationally acclaimed Spanish pianist Joaquín Achúcarro has performed recitals in 60 countries and has played with over 200 orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, La Scala of Milan, London Symphony, London Philharmonic, Philarmonia, Chicago Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, RIAS Berlin, Sydney Symphony, Tokyo Philharmonic, Tokyo Symphony, National de France, Hallé, City of Birmingham, Royal Scottish, RTA Ireland, Western Australia, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Sta Cecilia Roma, RAI, Arena de Verona, Orchestra Verdi, and the National Orchestras of Spain, Chile, Mexico, Colombia and Venezuela, among many others. He has performed under an impressive list of 342 of the world´s greatest conductors, such as Abbado, Boult, Chailly, Mehta, Menuhin, Ozawa and Rattle.

Born in Bilbao, Spain, Achúcarro studied in Madrid, Paris, Vienna, and Salzburg.

His international career was launched with his victory in England at the 1959 Liverpool International Competition and subsequent debut with the London Symphony, and from that time, he has maintained an uninterrupted concert schedule. Since 1989, Achúcarro has held the specially endowed Joel Estes Tate Chair in piano at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, adjusting his teaching periods to his busy performance schedule. He is also a Professor at the Summer International Courses of the Accademia Musicale Chigiana in Siena, Italy.

He has received Spain’s highest honors in the arts including the Premio Nacional de Música, the Gold Medal of Fine Arts, and the Great Cross of Civil Merit honoring his lifetime achievement. He was also named “Artist for Peace 2000” by UNESCO and “Beloved Son” by the city of Bilbao, and received the “Universal Basque” awarded by the Basque Government.
Source: http://joaquinachucarro.wordpress.com

The Facts:
Fridays at 7:30 p.m. ($20; all seats general admission) at Sherwood Hall, 940 N Main St, Salinas, CA 93906

Saturdays at 8 p.m. ($29-$79) and Sundays at 3 p.m. ($29-$79) at Sunset Center, San Carlos Street at 9th Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

Pre-Concert Lecture Series: All concerts will feature a free pre-concert lecture at the concert hall one hour prior to the performance. These lectures, provided by Dr. Todd Samra, offer intriguing facts and historical context about the composers and the pieces to be performed, which greatly enhance the concert-going experience. To learn more about Dr. Samra, visit: http://www.montereysymphony.org/?attachment_id=3832

To purchase tickets or a mini-series subscription, call 831-646-8511 or visit http://www.montereysymphony.org/current-season/ for season details.

Enjoy the best of harmony for your ears, and flavor for your palate, with the Monterey Symphony Supper Club! Share your love of classical music with fellow patrons over three-course dinners and hand-selected wines. Local restaurants that are hosting the Monterey Symphony Supper Club this season include: Vesuvio, Portobello’s, Andre’s Bouchée, Il Fornaio, La Dolce Vita, Gino’s, and Anton & Michel. For reservations, call 831.646.8511 or visit http://www.montereysymphony.org/special-events
Upcoming Spring 2015 Concerts:

Concert IV: Ethereal Skies
* March 20, 21, 22, 2015
* Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto will be spectacular with Ingolfsson and Maestro Max interpreting one of the most romantically beautiful violin concertos. Sibelius’ Symphony No. 5 is a challenging work from one of history’s finest symphonic composers, and Carl Maria von Weber’s Overture is simply delightful.
* Max Bragado-Darman, conductor
* Judith Ingolfsson, violin
* Weber: Abu Hassan Overture
* Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35 featuring Judith Ingolfsson, internationally acclaimed violinist from Iceland
* Sibelius: Symphony No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 82
* Concert Sponsored By:

Concert V: Majestic Realm
* April 17, 18, 19, 2015
* William Walton was a master British composer whose works reflect a level of complexity in melody, meter, and form that enthralls both listeners and musicians alike. Johann Strauss, the Viennese waltz king, and Prokofiev, the Russian master, are also featured.
* Max Bragado-Darman, conductor
* Roberto Díaz, viola
* J. Strauss: Overture to the Gypsy Baron
* Walton: Concerto for Viola featuring Roberto Díaz, President of the Curtis Institute of Music
* Prokofiev: Symphony No. 7 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 131
* Concert Sponsored By:

Concert VI: Invitation to Dance
*  May 15, 16, 17, 2015
*  The work on this program that will surprise and thrill is the Ginastera, which may incline our audiences to not sit still…with encore appearances by Weber, Dvorák, and Rachmaninoff, featuring stylized dances of immense beauty and energy.

* Max Bragado-Darman, conductor
* Weber: Invitation to the Dance, Op. 65
* Rachmaninoff: Symphonic Dances, Op. 45
* Dvorák: Slavonic Dances, Op. 46, Nos. 1, 3, 8
* Ginastera: Four Dances from Estancia, Op. 8a
* Concert Sponsored By:

Contact the Monterey Symphony Box Office at 831-646-8511 or email ticketing@montereysymphony.org to purchase tickets or for more information regarding discounted group, student and military rates.

Monterey Symphony, Photo by DMT Imaging

The mission of the Monterey Symphony is to engage, educate and excite our community through the performance and continual discovery of symphonic music.

The Monterey Symphony, under the artistic leadership of Music Director & Conductor Max Bragado-Darman, is the only fully professional, full-season orchestra serving the communities of the Monterey Bay, Salinas, Salinas Valley, Big Sur, and San Benito County. It provides triple performances of a six-concert subscription series at Carmel’s Sunset Theater and Salinas’s Sherwood Hall, as well as youth education programs that include visits to classrooms by musicians and culminate in full-orchestra concerts for schoolchildren.

The Monterey Symphony is a nonprofit, public benefit corporation, supported in part through the fundraising efforts of the Friends of the Monterey Symphony, and through grants from The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation, The Harden Foundation, The Robert and Virginia Stanton Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, The Todd Lueders Fund for the Arts of the Community Foundation for Monterey County, The Community Foundation for Monterey County, The Berkshire Foundation, The Monterey Peninsula Foundation, The Pebble Beach Company Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Arts Council of Monterey County, The S.T.A.R. Foundation, The Hind Foundation, Upjohn California Fund, and many other generous foundations and individual donors.

For additional information, please call 831-646-8511 or visit our web site: www.montereysymphony.org.

Contact:
Lindsey Little
Monterey Symphony
2560 Garden Road, Suite 101
Monterey, CA 93940
831-646-8511
llittle@montereysymphony.org
http://www.montereysymphony.org