Villa Siena Featured in New Book - Art of Celebration

Gilbert, AZ (Vocus) September 15, 2010

There?s no better way to mark a special occasion than having a party; just ask any of the internationally renowned event planners, designers, caterers, floral designers, photographers, lighting experts, musical entertainers, venue proprietors or other specialists featured in the 400+ page book Art of Celebration Southwest (Panache Partners). The exquisite collection is infused with hundreds of photos of the best creations of regionally-based companies like VILLA SIENA. Published by Brian Carabet and John Shand, the hardcover book is the sixth edition of a series that is being expanded throughout North America and Europe.

Intended for a global audience, the book invites readers to catch a glimpse of some of Texas?s, Nevada?s, Arizona?s, and Oklahoma?s hottest and most exclusive, talked-about galas?birthday bashes, bar and bat mitzvahs, weddings, fashion shows, product launches, film premieres, awards ceremonies, holiday gatherings and more?through unforgettable photographs accompanied by tips, quips and words of inspiration from the people who orchestrated them.

Art of Celebration Southwest is personified by Sabrina Porter?s creative philosophy: ?Authentic elegance and beauty isn?t defined by a single element. It?s achieved through layers of design. My goal is for a space to be cohesive where all the layers come together and work as a whole.? The book is ideal for those who love a good party, are captivated by the lifestyles of the famous or are looking for event planning ideas and tricks of the trade. It will inspire casual readers and industry professionals alike?anyone who wants to learn from the masters and see extravagant parties done right?Southwest style.

A Panache Partners publication, Art of Celebration Southwest will be available at Barnes & Noble, Borders and Amazon.com, among other chain and independent bookstores; it will be distributed by Independent Publishers Group. Panache Partners creates spectacular series and custom publications for discerning readers and specializes in coffee-table books showcasing luxury lifestyle subjects, including high-end interior design, custom home building, architecture, golf, wine, art, event planning and travel. For more information, visit Panache.com.

VILLA SIENA?s most talked-about engagements are showcased in 'Art of Celebration Southwest,' a fine book by Panache Partners. The 400+ page publication will be filled with hundreds of photos of the hottest, most exclusive events. Interesting editorial reveals the specialists? creative influences, processes and philosophies.

For more information on Villa Siena contact:

Sabrina Porter

Villa Siena

480-782-7218

sabrinap(at)villasiena(dot)cc

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Free Entertaining, Educational iPad Book for Kids Available Now; Chimps Should Be Chimps, Designed for Early Readers, Explores World of Chimpanzees

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) December 03, 2011

Lincoln Park Zoo?s Project ChimpCARE announced the release of a new children?s book for iPad?, Chimps Should Be Chimps, that can now be downloaded for free from the App StoreSM. ChimpCARE is an initiative aimed at heightening awareness about the welfare of chimpanzees across the United States.

Chimps Should Be Chimps is designed for early readers aged 3 ? 8 years and offers an interactive and engaging story that aims to educate and inform kids ? and their parents - about chimpanzees.

?Too often, first impressions about chimpanzees are formed by seeing them dressed in human clothes performing in movies or television shows,? said Steve Ross, PhD, founder of Project ChimpCARE. ?Unfortunately, recent research suggests that these impressions can be lasting and have detrimental consequences for this endangered species.?

Chimps Should Be Chimps provides kids, and their parents, with a different impression ? one that looks at life from a chimpanzee?s perspective. Through rhyming, lyrical prose, the story is told through the eyes of two chimpanzee characters: wise old Poe and his granddaughter Lulu who live amongst other chimpanzees at a local zoo.

The engaging story is highlighted with bright, colorful and playful illustrations which seem to come to life with the stroke of a finger on the iPad screen. This multisensory book includes the sounds of waterfalls, music and birds that help bring the characters to life.

The story highlights things that chimpanzees love to do including climbing and swinging in trees, fishing for termites, building nests and playing with other chimpanzees. The story also carefully conveys a message about things that do not make chimpanzees happy, such as being separated from their mother at an early age and being isolated from their peers so they can be used for performance in movies or circuses.

?The inspiration for the book came from trying to talk to my own kids about chimpanzees,? explained Ross. ?The story aims to relate how chimpanzees deserve to be free from these antiquated practices of being dressed up for human amusement. But perhaps just as importantly, it conveys to kids the importance of being yourself and believing in what comes naturally to you.?

Ross expresses hope that the children's book will not only reach a younger generation who will be active in changing the world to be a better place for wildlife, but it will give their parents, who might be reading along to them, a new perspective on these important issues.

Chimps Should be Chimps was created in partnership with Manning Productions. Learn more about this free iPad book, see illustrations, view the book trailer and get detailed behind the scenes interviews about the creation of this children?s app and the work of Project ChimpCARE by visiting http://www.chimpsshouldbechimps.com.

ABOUT CHICAGO?S LINCOLN PARK ZOO

Chicago?s Lincoln Park Zoo, a historic landmark founded in 1868, is dedicated to connecting people with nature by providing a free, family-oriented wildlife experience. A leader in conservation science both globally and locally, the zoo exemplifies the highest quality animal care and educational outreach. The not-for-profit zoo, managed by The Lincoln Park Zoological Society, is a member-supported organization and one of the nation?s only free, privately managed zoos. For more information, call 312 -742-2000 or visit http://www.lpzoo.org.

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Top 10 Reasons to Book a Destination Florida Beach Wedding at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

Destin, FL (PRWEB) December 01, 2011

With more than one out of four engagements in November and December, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, the #1 resort on Florida?s Emerald Coast, is well positioned to assist brides seeking a perfect Florida beach wedding.

In related news, Sandestin today announced it was named ?Best of Weddings Winner? by The Knot and awarded ?Best Resort? by Destin Magazine. With wedding bliss for many on the horizon, here are 10 timely reasons why this luxury beach resort in Florida continues to top the list of wedding destinations.

1.????Options from the Beach to the Bay. Sandestin has long been a favorite wedding destination for couples because it has the largest selection of wedding venues on Florida?s Emerald Coast from the beach to the bay including: the sugary-white beach, scenic lawns, elegant ballrooms, terraces on the bay, poolside receptions and so much more.

2.????Get married at one of the best places in the world - no passport required. Tunisia, Vietnam, Paris, Argentina, and?the Northwest Florida Gulf Coast? Absolutely! Northwest Florida was among the coveted ranks of these international dream destinations on the Frommer?s list of 12 Top Destinations in the World. Citing stunning beaches, nature trails, great restaurants, and a cozy, yet quirky, sense of community, Frommer?s makes a compelling case to include this vacation destination among the world?s best.

3.????Excellent value for the dollar. Accommodating a variety of tastes and budgets is the specialty of Sandestin?s on-site wedding and event mangers. Sandestin can customize menus to fit the need of every bride and groom. For military couples, making the budget work just got easier. Sandestin is offering a More Moments Military Package offering military couples more than $ 5,000 in savings. This package includes a host of complimentary items including the beach and Finz Loft venues, linens, dance floor, chairs, arbor, room for the #SandestinBride and groom and more.

4.????Ladies only! Shopping, spa, dining and nightlife. These are just a few luxuries brides and their closest family and friends can look forward to when having their wedding at Sandestin. And the best part is that brides can rest easy knowing their husbands-to-be will be having just as much fun out on The Links golf course with his friends.

5.????Fore! Brides and grooms alike need to take time to their self before the wedding day and enjoy some old fashioned fun and relaxation. With four championship golf courses, Sandestin makes this easy to do. Grooms can look forward to spending a fun and relaxing day with friends with no care in the world but deciding whose turn it is to buy the next round.

6.????Who needs an itinerary? The resort provides a central gathering place for families and friends to share the wedding day while enjoying the other luxurious amenities Sandestin has to offer. Beyond the beautiful beaches, Sandestin features four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, a full-service, 98-slip marina with an array of water sports, a fleet of bicycles, an action-packed Baytowne Adventure Zone features a zip line, ropes course, Eurobungy, rock wall, Adventure Landing playground and more. After a day of play, guests can even indulge at the Sandestin Day Spa and Salon featuring more than 50 professional services. Kids even golf for free after 12 noon with a paying adult at Baytowne Golf Club.

7.????Taking the cake! Sandestin?s expert culinary and pastry team goes above and beyond the highest expectations one could ask for. From a whimsical cupcake tower, to an elegant five-tiered bridal cake, Sandestin?s on-site pastry chefs are renowned for creating masterpieces.

8.????Attention to detail. Sandestin is esteemed for the experience and quality that the on-site wedding professionals are renowned for. The staff at Sandestin knows how important weddings are and can assist in creating a stress-free and memorable wedding and reception.

9.????Memories that last a lifetime. Thousands of couples have special memories from their time at Sandestin. For example, John and Rachel Watkins from Tulsa, Oklahoma made Sandestin a tradition after John proposed to Rachel last July at a church retreat held at Sandestin. The couple returned for their honeymoon and when asked what made Sandestin so special, they said, ?It?s the one trip we look forward to every year. Sandestin?s white, sandy beach is different than any other beach we have seen and it?s our favorite place to be on the resort.?

10.????Far from the average guestroom. Forgo the standard room with two double beds. Here, the majority of accommodations come in the form of studio, one-, two- and up to four-bedroom cottages and villas. High-rise condominiums, townhomes, villas, inn rooms or brand-name hotels. Most guest rooms include fully-equipped kitchens, living areas, whirlpool spa baths, laundry facilities and more. With nearly 1,400 accommodations serving up views of the beach, bay, fairways and village, Sandestin offers a variety of options.

For more information on Destin, Florida beach weddings visit Sandestin?s blog at http://www.weddingsatsandestin.com.

Brides are encouraged to save the date for Sandestin?s upcoming Modern Bridal Expo! on February 19, 2012 featuring more than fifty local vendors, giveaways and a fashion show at Sandestin Baytowne Conference Center. For more details on this very special event, visit http://www.floridamodernbride.com.

About Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort

The resort invites guests to a world of 2,400 acres and 30 charming neighborhoods featuring 1,400 Destin vacation rentals, condominiums, villas, townhomes and the best in Destin hotel accommodations. As a member of Visit South Walton, the resort features more than seven miles of beaches and pristine bay front, four championship golf courses, 15 world-class tennis courts, 19 swimming pools, a 98-slip marina, a fitness center and spa, meeting space and The Village of Baytowne Wharf, a pedestrian village with shopping, dining and nightlife.

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Sulaiman Sharif Exposes"50 Martial Arts Myths" in New Book for Martial Arts Teachers, Students and Enthusiasts

New York (Vocus) December 19, 2009

From the secrets of the Shaolin Temple to the tales of unstoppable one-touch death moves, myths and misconceptions about the martial arts have been perpetuated for centuries -- and proliferate today on Internet forums, among Ultimate Fighting Championship fans, and even at children?s karate classes. Now, Seni Gayong Black Warrior Sulaiman Sharif steps in to set the record straight with his surprising new book, ?50 Martial Arts Myths.? The 220-page, softcover book is available from Amazon.

?50 Martial Arts Myths? separates fact from fiction and reveals the true story of disciplined fighting skills. Readers will discover what a black belt really says about its wearer, learn why girls often make the best martial artists, find out why some of the softest martial arts forms pack the hardest punches -- and much, much more.

?As a teacher, and a teacher of teachers, for many years, I have found that I must first break through my students? misconceptions before they can develop a true appreciation for the world?s fighting systems,? said Sulaiman, the highest-ranking black belt in the Malay Warrior Art of Seni Gayong Int. USA. ?Only then can they begin to achieve their full potential in the martial arts.?

Commonly believed myths debunked by Sulaiman?s martial arts book include --

????The Shaolin Monastery is the origin of all martial arts;
????The West has no martial arts tradition of its own;
????Kung fu is the most popular martial art;
????If you?re good at sparring, you?re ready for fighting;
????Mixed martial arts is a modern invention that prioritizes bloodshed over skill;
????Top martial artists have to register their hands as weapons;
????Martial artists compete in secret death matches;
????Martial arts is the same as self-defense;
????Qi can?t really turn you into a better martial artist;
????Martial artists have to be subservient to their instructors;
????A true martial artist will never reveal his secrets.
Sulaiman is an expert to whom the world?s leading martial arts teachers turn when they seek guidance. A teacher?s teacher, he was personally selected by Silat Gayong?s founder, the late Dato? Meor Abdul Rahman, to propagate the fighting system around the world. He taught in Europe and the United States for two decades before returning to Malaysia after founding Gayong International USA, which he leads today. His 45 years of experience in the martial arts have allowed him to teach Silat Seni Gayong to martial artists from dozens of disciplines including krav maga, kung fu, tae kwon do and karate.

Leading martial arts authorities praise the book:

Ric Meyers, author of ?Great Martial Arts Movies,? editor of ?Inside Kung Fu? magazine, and member of the World Martial Arts Hall of Fame --

?As a student, fan, and now a professor of both martial arts as well as martial art movies, I'm pleased that Sulaiman Sharif has finally debunked the myths that many of my readers and students have long held dear. As I say to them: ?it's not win or lose, it's learn or not learn.? Read this entertaining, fascinating book to truly ?win.??

Guru Sean Stark, author and founder of Pencak Silat Pertempuran --

?It's great to see a book that addresses so many martial arts myths. Hopefully, those thinking of getting involved in the martial arts will read this book so they will be able to discern what is real from what is not.?

Bob Orlando, Kuntao-Silat instructor and author of ?Martial Arts America: A Western Approach to Eastern Arts? --

?Thoughtful, well-presented, and a fun read.?

Published by New Media Entertainment, Ltd., ?50 Martial Arts Myths? is available for $ 29.95 at Amazon.

NOTE TO MEDIA AND BLOGGERS: If you are interested in a review copy of ?50 Martial Arts Myths,? please contact Cathy Baradell at 972.235.3439 or cbaradell(at)ideagrove(dot)com.

About New Media Entertainment

New Media Entertainment, Ltd. is a New York City-based publishing and online media company. Its 2009 titles include ?99 Ways to Make Money from Your Photos,? by the editors of Photopreneur, and ?99 Ways to Make Money Using Twitter,? by the editors of Geekpreneur.

Contact:

Cathy Baradell????????

(972) 235-3439????

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Karma's Helpers is a New Book Meant for the Tea Party Movements: Insider Information- How to investigate and Expose Fraud

Austin, TX (PRWEB) August 24, 2010

We live in a complicated world where people do bad things to others for no explainable reason. Robb Hamic is the author and his experience as a sheriff's deputy, white-collar crimes detective, private investigator, personal and corporate intelligence specialist have given him a unique view into the way people treat each other. Robb's own life experiences have given him a unique view on society and some of his really negative experiences have lead Robb to think, "I wish I could speed up Karma" on a particular person, company or organization." Robb has met many people in life who have also been wronged for reasons such as: corrupt politician, bad government policy, inadequate governmental oversight, fraud, theft of public funds, improper fundraising, cheating spouse, bad relationship, bad business partners, embezzlement, theft, bad business competitor, sexual deviant, personal enemy, protective parent, etc. While people don't readily admit it, most of us believe or hope for Karma to come around.

That is where KARMA'S Helpers? come in. Robb has developed a peculiar playbook that can be used by anyone to evaluate a person in question, perform a detailed analysis of their problems and weaknesses, undertake a plan of action to expose their issues, make their problems evident to them (and everyone else), cause them problems and ...speed our little friend KARMA along.

Robb provides a unique perspective because he has used the techniques detailed in this book many, many times for various reasons. He has had unparalleled results and put some really bad people out of commission. Maybe you are reading this book out of curiosity or you may be one of Karma's Helpers. This book contains actual stories about getting even that are strange and unusual.

The Tea Party movement is an American socio-political movement that emerged in 2009 through a series of locally and nationally coordinated protests. The protests were partially in response to several Federal laws: the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,Federal Reserve Transparency Act and a series of health care reform bills.

There are several organizations working for the some of the same objectives for our country and the United States government: Fiscal Responsibility, Constitutionally Limited Government and Free Markets.

"I wrote this book with the Tea Party movements in mind. I believe that every citizen has the right and responsibility to verify politician's statements; and hold them accountable for their actions, choices and decisions," says veteran private investigator Robb Hamic. "Most people believe that investigation is hard and have a hard time getting their information published in a meaningful way on the Internet. Unless you have many years of experience it would be hard to get the job done to its fullest potential," he says.

Robb Hamic has many years of unique experience exposing people, corporations, politicians, state or governmental agencies and his efforts have led to many arrests, investigations, law/ regulatory changes and countless hours or news coverage on issues that he pursued. "What if you had the ability to work a case like a professional and present it to whomever to achieve a huge result? What if the truth could be clear?" This is a question that Hamic poses upon his potential readers. "I have done this work too many times and I have achieved innumerable success with my projects. He explains, "you can expose people in your own name or anonymously."

Karma's Helpers? was recently released and just in time for the mid-term elections. It is available on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble or through its website. In addition, Mr. Hamic is available for consultation or for a service that he calls "creating Karma" for clients who want his professional services. Contact Robb Hamic by e-mail or by his private telephone number. He is available for media inquiries and has live radio, television interview experience.

Robb Hamic?, CLET, CPOI - is a licensed Private Investigator who specializes in personal and corporate intelligence, privacy issues, surveillance, hidden asset location, domestic investigations, personal protection and marital infidelity investigations. He can find anyone anywhere and find all of his or her hidden secrets. For the past two years, he could be considered a "semi-professional blogger", in addition to his other professions. He has personally exposed many individuals/ entities who have later had to face criminal charges, tax fraud crimes, civil litigation, hidden asset recovery, news stories, public exposure to past actions and other repercussions for their actions.

Robb founded and built a successful private investigation, security and self-defense business that has employed up to one hundred full-time employees. He is a personal protection specialist and combines his skills as a self-defense trainer and security expert to protect people.

Robb is a former Sheriff's Deputy and Detective in Albuquerque New Mexico, who specialized in white-collar crimes, financial crimes and street crimes. He has undertaken many investigations to uncover what others have tried to hide. Law enforcement exposed him to the worst and sometimes best of human nature and behavior. He is proud to be an Army Veteran enlisted at age seventeen.

He publishes five nationally syndicated blogs and has been featured in several news publications, radio and television interviews. He has personal experience with being ripped off and has on occasion, had adversaries who had a story to tell (whether they knew it or not). These people led him to become one of Karma's Helpers?. He saw a trend starting in 2006 where a majority of his investigation clients came to him with some sort of problem involving deception that had a common theme: the clients wanted to expose the person who did them harm in one way or another. Robb himself was a victim of theft, embezzlement and general unethical business practices by people he thought he could trust. He initially created a "playbook" to expose their wrongs. He soon learned that many others had suffered his fate and needed help to stabilize their lives, get a plan together and get even. These same methods have worked time and time again.

Robb is a self-defense instructor, law enforcement and military trainer. He is a national-level instructor and travels internationally teaching Israeli Krav Maga, self-defense developed especially for women, corporate security and executive protection skills. His specialties are gun deployment and Israeli Combat Shooting? for stressful violent encounters. He is currently publishing a series of personal protection and corporate security DVD's. He is available locally, nationally and internationally for seminar or training opportunities.

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One Woman?s Inspirational Story of Love and Light Presented in New Book

Cocoa Beach, FL (PRWEB) December 29, 2011

Amelia?s Gift (published by Balboa Press) is a captivating story based on true events in the life of author Debra John. It is an inspirational love story on many levels, told through the eyes of the main character, Lisa Marie Anderson.

An ever-smiling optimist who never misses a meal, Lisa is the daughter of loving mother and housewife Amelia and her father Edward Anderson, a World War II and Korean combat veteran. The fourth of six children, Lisa relies on her positive outlook and sense of humor to cope with a father who abuses alcohol. When she later marries a man who also turns to alcohol after 20 years of marriage, her patience and humor are soon overshadowed.

Lisa?s life becomes entangled, yet hopeful, with a spirit-guided message from her mother, as well as ballroom dancing, Caribbean cruises, and meeting Alex, a guy who just can?t seem to find the right wristwatch.

?In writing this story, my wish is to provide hope and inspiration to anyone who is living with alcoholic parents or spouses,? explains John.

Amelia?s Gift presents an interesting case of how spiritual messages can play an important role in people?s everyday lives.

In addition to being easy to read, Amelia?s Gift includes real-life situations that readers can easily relate to, each embellished with humorous events sure to entertain.

About the Author

Born in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Debra John lives in Cocoa Beach, Florida. After 34 years as an executive secretary for the U.S. government, she is now fulfilling her dream of becoming a published author. An avid reader of books on romance and spirituality, she has combined both topics to create a unique story.

Balboa Press, a division Hay House, Inc. ? a leading provider in publishing products that specialize in self-help and the mind, body, and spirit genres. Through an alliance with indie book publishing leader Author Solutions, Inc., authors benefit from the leadership of Hay House Publishing and the speed-to-market advantages the self-publishing model. For more information, visit balboapress.com. To start publishing your book with Balboa Press, call 877-407-4847 today. For the latest, follow @balboapress on Twitter.

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