The Press Release Resource

New York, New York (MMD Newswire) July 9, 2009 — The heirs of Professor Curt Glaser, a noted art historian and Nazi victim, have rejected the recommendation of the British Spoliation Advisory Panel (SAP) not to return eight drawings held by the Courtauld Institute in London and sold by Glaser in Berlin in May, 1933, as he hastily left Germany after losing his position as Director of the Berlin State Art Library and losing his state owned apartment due to Nazi persecution.

Although the SAP report found that Glaser was a Nazi victim and that Nazi persecution caused the sale of his artworks at two May 1933 auctions in Berlin, the SAP concluded that Glaser’s claims to the artworks were “morally insufficient” to warrant their return. The SAP also concluded that Glaser had “mixed motives” for leaving Germany since he wrote to his good friend Edvard Munch that he was happy to unburden himself from his possessions and leave Germany with his new wife Maria Milch.

In a July 8, 2009 letter to the SAP the Glaser heirs criticized the decision and asked the SAP to reconsider it. They pointed out that the SAP had given too much weight to the Glaser letter to Munch and did not review the letter in its proper context. They point out that Glaser would not have to “unburden himself” of his belongings and leave Germany if he had not been a persecuted Jew and could have begun a new life in Germany with his new wife Maria (who was also from Berlin), if Germany had been a free country as opposed to a totalitarian country which persecuted its Jewish population.

The Glaser heirs also criticized the SAP report for not recommending the return of the artworks after the SAP reached the conclusion that the sale of the drawings was caused due to Nazi persecution. In their letter to the SAP requesting that it reconsider its decision they state “…having reached the factual determination that the loss of Glaser’s substantial art collection was ‘caused’ by Nazi persecution, the SAP does a sudden and inexplicable about-face and finds that Glaser has an ‘insufficient moral claim’ to entitle his heirs to the return of his property. This conclusion flies in the face of the determination that Glaser was a Nazi victim and lost his collection due to Nazi persecution.”

The Glaser heirs also found that the SAP did not give enough weight to prior German restitution decisions which found that Glaser was a Nazi Victim and was entitled to damages for the loss of his art collection. The German restitution decisions were made in the late 1950′s and awarded a small compensation of 7,100 German Marks for the loss of Glaser’s art collection, library and household items consisting of approximately 1,500 objects. The German 1950s compensation award amounted to just pennies on the dollar and is to be proportionally repaid when artworks are recovered, so that double compensation is avoided.

The SAP decision also failed to take the buyer, Count Antoine Seilern, to task for buying artworks from a persecuted Jew who had to flee Germany. Instead the SAP assessed no blame on either Count Seilern or the Courtauld Institute, even though Count Seilern was advised on the sale by a former colleague of Glaser who knew he was persecuted by the Nazis.

Commenting on the decision at the recent Prague Conference on Holocaust Looted Art, Olaf S. Ossman, an attorney and speaker at the conference called the SAP decision “tragic”. The SAP decision also flies in the face of statements made by Dr. Michael Eissenhauer, President of the German Federation of Museums, at the Berlin Conference “Taking Responsibility” that the Glaser case was “…unequivocal: he financed the flight of himself and his wife by auctioning his library, his domestic furnishings and parts of his art collection.” Mr. Eissenhauer then went on to say that the return of a Lovis Corinth painting by the Landesmuseum in Hannover (sold in the same May auctions as the Courtauld drawings) to the Glaser heirs was justified due to the distress sales which financed Glaser’s flight.

The Glaser heirs have now asked the SAP to reconsider its decision and, in light of the SAP’s finding that the sale of Glaser’s art collection was caused due to Nazi persecution, that the outcome of the report be changed to recommend that the Glaser artworks at the Courtauld Institute be returned.

For further information contact:

David J. Rowland, Esq.
Rowland & Associates
Two Park Ave., 19nth Floor
New York, N.Y. 10016
USA

Tel. 212-685-5509
Fax 212-685-8862

Email: davidjohnrowland@cs.com
Website: www.rowlandlaw.com

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ALBUQUERQUE, NM (MMD Newswire) July 14, 2009 — For 30 years, CSI Aviation Services, Inc. has provided air charter services for organizations all over the world. With access to hundreds of aircraft worldwide and 24/7/365 availability, CSI makes it easy to book any air charter travel requirement at a cost effective price.

CSI has found that customers are pleasantly surprised how affordable air charter can be and how accessible it is to obtain an air charter quote. “Booking travel with CSI is as easy as booking with a commercial airline by using our online request form,” said Melissa Juarez, CSI Marketing Coordinator “and requesting a quote is absolutely free.”

CSI has found many of their customers who explored other commercial travel options, returned to CSI indicating the overall cost savings was not as significant as expected with commercial airlines when factoring in the benefits of air charter. Benefits of air charter include preferred departure and arrival times, use of alternative airports, point to point transportation, direct control of passenger lists and significant time savings.

About CSI
CSI Aviation Services, Inc. (a.k.a. Charter Services), established in 1979, has grown to our present position as a diversified and reliable aviation services company. We deliver value in terms of industry experience, quality of service and price. Capabilities include worldwide passenger and cargo air charter, aircraft leasing and comprehensive aircraft management. We use a variety of certified air carriers, as agent for our customers, with commercial aircraft, executive jets and turboprops. CSI arranges air charter transportation for multi-national corporations, incentives and meetings, athletics and government agencies. Reach us 24/7/365.

Celebrating Our 30th Year

Contact Information:
Melissa N. Juarez, Marketing Coordinator, Nissenson@csiaviation.com or call 505.761.9000
For more information visit: http://www.airchartertravel.com

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SMITHTOWN, NY (MMD Newswire) July 9, 2009 — Millions of air travelers are faced with three setbacks when flying to their destinations: anxiety, stressed immune system and jet lag. This triple whammy can turn a vacation or business trip into a dreaded spiral of worry and exhaustion that can expose travelers to germs, stress and overall fatigue right at a time when they want to feel their best. But there’s hope for harried travelers. New Pre-Flight^TM travel drinks were developed as a natural alternative to over-the-counter and synthetic medications. Designed to help travelers boost their immunity, reduce stress and battle symptoms of jet lag. An easy-to-take 4 oz. fruit-flavored travel drink, Pre-Flight offers three individual formulas that provide powerful calming, antioxidant and energy boosting ingredients.

“Travelers must take precautions. They’re under a lot of stress and heavily exposed to germs,” says Dominick Lucido, developer of Pre-Flight travel drinks. “That’s a dangerous combination. The stress of traveling depletes nutrients that are essential to the immune system. This kind of exposure to crowds both on the ground and within the flight cabin must be addressed to ensure optimal health. Believe me, as an athlete and a professional, I’ve spent years flying all over the globe, so I made it my mission to search for a solution to combat the rigors of air travel, safely and naturally.”

As a result of partnering with a large vitamin manufacturer, Lucido developed Pre-Flight, a natural, hypoallergenic, nutritional travel drink. Pre-Flight’s three formulations: “Calm,” “Antioxidant” and “Jet Lag” can be taken in conjunction or taken separately as needed to help reduce stress, boost immunity and minimize jet lag.

“Calm” is Pre-Flight’s first line of defense and utilizes the holistic properties of chamomile and passion flower to deliver calming effects that can offset the physical and emotional stress many air travelers experience. Pre-Flight’s “Antioxidant” formula is fortified with vitamins such as A, C and E as well as essential minerals that help fight free radicals and optimize the body’s immune system to establish the strongest possible defense against germs. And, Pre-Flight’s “Jet Lag” drink is enhanced with powerful ‘fog-lifting’ nutrients and important botanical extracts to help air travelers arrive at their destination in peak mental and physical condition.

Each Pre-Flight travel drink delivers a specific benefit and comes in a convenient 4 oz. single-serve bottle that can be consumed before boarding or upon landing. Pre-Flight travel drinks can be purchased online and will be available soon at airport kiosks and through major retail chains. For further information and to order Pre-Flight travel drinks, visit: www.TakePreFlight.com.

Media contact: Bob Schmitt, 516-551-2177 or Dominick Lucido, 631-513-2234

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(MMD Newswire) July 9, 2009 — Chairman of the Board of a rapidly growing Resort Management Company speaks to state of the industry, the recession perception and the unique real estate opportunities that have emerged.

Within an economic downturn it’s inevitable that a self-fulfilling prophecy will emerge as negative numbers foster negative attitudes and thinking. But with crisis comes opportunity and in today’s real estate market, “this is an unprecedented time for the driven, aggressive and ambitious person in life to realize their real estate dreams,” states John Aylsworth, Chairman of the Board of Jet Luxury Resorts. “Now, more than ever, is the time to greatly upscale your lifestyle– Relocate. Upgrade. Travel. Real estate markets that used to be overpriced and ultra exclusive are now opening their doors and are accessible. And that applies to the world of travel as well.”

Jet Luxury Resorts, the premiere national Condo Hotel Resort Management Company, has reflected such positive and forward thinking in its business model- and the results are paying off. The upstart company offers an unprecedented opportunity in the hospitality industry by offering high end, luxurious rental product to consumers while shoring up condo hotel and fractional owners’ monthly rental revenue. “This is a great environment for Jet Luxury in that, we’re not a developer, we’re not putting millions into dirt. We’re a virtual property that has limitless opportunity. With the global meltdown of the economic market, luxury items that were once inaccessible are now readily available and Jet Luxury Resorts capitalizes on this situation by bringing rare, ultra affluent product to the general marketplace.” The resort management company recently added six new properties to their roster, including the St. Regis Aspen, the St. Regis New York and the Buena Vista Villas in Tulemar Beach, Costa Rica.

Mr. Aylsworth adds, “Jet Luxury is looking for the movers and shakers of the world. Our company reflects such thinking- to capitalize on the downturn to not only move forward, but to upgrade themselves for the rest of their life. In real estate, whether it’s transient or permanent, now, more than ever, is the time to seize the day.”

About Jet Luxury Resorts:
Jet Luxury Resorts is the premiere national 4 and 5 star condo-hotel management company that provides truly affordable luxury. Jet Luxury Resorts is able to offer exclusive, luxurious yet affordable inventory to the rental community through honest, lucrative and dedicated service to condo hotel and fractional owners. Jet Luxury is at nine hotels in five destinations worldwide including New York, NY, Aspen, CO, Las Vegas, NV, Tulemar Beach, Costa Rica and Honolulu, HI. Find out more at www.jetluxuryresorts.com.

If you’d like more information about this topic or to schedule an interview with Richard Brosal, President of Jet Luxury Resorts, please call Mercedes Shea at 877-538-7370 Ext. 132 or email Mercedes at mshea@jetluxuryresorts.com. Jet Luxury Resorts can be found on Twitter (Jetset9) and Facebook.

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United Kingdom (MMD Newswire) July 8, 2009 — With a £2,500 payment for the best painting, and a £1,000 prize for the best painting created en plein air, The Bath Prize (www.thebathprize.co.uk) is a new award that will recognize paintings created this summer in the World Heritage City of Bath.

Organized and sponsored by The Bath Gallery, the competition is open to both professional and amateur painters and has been designed to produce a multi-faceted portrait of a very special place.

To ensure that the whole of the City is covered, entrants will be required to produce at least one painting inspired by a specified location in the Georgian heart of the City, these locations will be allocated by ballot.

Artists will be encouraged to work on the streets, en plein air, but they can also sketch or photograph their subject and complete the work elsewhere. To recognise the significance of work created on the street, a special £1,000 award will be made by Future Bath Plus for the best picture largely completed in this way.

Artist’s may enter more than one painting but it is a condition of entering the competition that they submit at least one work inspired by the location allocated.

The competition was devised by Michael Porter of The Bath Gallery (www.hawkinsfineart.com). “Bath is a world-famous destination that has inspired artists and craftsmen for more than two thousand years,” he said. “The Bath Prize is an annual competition that will stimulate new work celebrating the glory of Bath, will recognise the best and will display as much of it as possible in the City that inspired it. We look forward to receiving and exhibiting a wide variety of new paintings.”

Andrew Cooper, City Centre Manager added, “Future Bath Plus has created an event panel to support new and burgeoning events that add to the vibrancy of the city centre. Seeing artists at work in the streets is an attraction to those who visit, live or work in the city and adds something different and unique to the overall experience.”

Entires for the competition close on August 24th and paintings must be received by September 7th. Full details and an entry form can be found at www.TheBathPrize.co.uk

Details from Michael Porter at The Bath Gallery, 7 Bridge Street, Bath BA2 4AS Telephone 01225 312 733 email Mike@hawkinsfineart.co.uk

Contacts for further information
David Collett 01125 312 773

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Michael Page: ThankYouGoodbye
August 4 – September 12, 2009
Artist Reception Friday August 7, 7-10pm
Varnish Fine Art
77 Natoma Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

ThankYouGoodbye from Michael Page and Varnish Fine Art: The final show from the current gallery location

San Francisco, CA (MMD Newswire) July 6, 2009 — Michael Page returns to Varnish with bolder brushstrokes and global themes in his new series of oil paintings titled ThankYouGoodbye. As with each series, Page begins every collection with a concept derived from our world today, but consciously moves away from any strict linear narrative. Page infuses each of his works with both serious issues and humor in the execution, and although he begins with a specific concept, there is always intriguing mystery. ThankYouGoodbye is also the last art exhibit at the current location of Varnish Fine Art.

ThankYouGoodbye is a cheery, blameless epitaph for our planet and ecosystem as we know it. Michael Page depicts global transformations rich in evolving life migrating with purpose into a possible new planetary age. Each painting in the series addresses ecological upheaval without political bent, revealing new earthly possibilities on a massive scale transformed far beyond the cause. Large numbers of evolved, crawling undersea plants, intermixing of tropical and arctic seas, ocean floors thrust skyward, and rays from a new horizon are part of our possible future from the vast imagination of an artist happy to have been there first.

Michael Page is one of the 200+ artists whom Varnish Fine Art has been proud to exhibit since opening in April 2003. A San Francisco agency, the Transbay Joint Powers Authority (TJPA), is eliminating at least 33 small, local businesses, including Varnish Fine Art, and numerous residences in order to demolish all properties and later resell land to fund their project. The TJPA is forcing Varnish, among the first tenants and years before the end of the lease, to vacate its nearly 100 year old building for demolition. This gallery and wine bar will have to vacate 77 Natoma Street, but the business’ owners hope to re-establish Varnish Fine Art at a new location soon.

*High-resolution images available upon request
Gallery Directors Jennifer Rogers and Kerri Stephens opened Varnish Fine Art on April 19, 2003. Beginning with the remains of a brewery built just after the 1906 earthquake, Rogers and Stephens designed and rebuilt the space, including a main gallery, mezzanine gallery and wine bar, combining gallery with community. Varnish Fine Art is a 21+ only venue.

Press Contact:
Jennifer Rogers
Varnish Fine Art
415-222-6131
q@varnishfineart.com

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SAN DIEGO, CALIF (MMD Newswire) July 1, 2009 — Nikon, Inc., the world’s most recognized professional camera manufacturer, has selected local photographer, Ed Masterson to be featured in the Summer edition of Nikon World-an honor bestowed to only 12 photographers annually. Nikon selects the 12 photographers from thousands worldwide based upon their creativity and unique approach to the photographic arts.

Nikon was first introduced to Masterson’s work through “Visions”, a collection of Masterson’s fine art photography. The book captures the unexpected beauty in everyday, mundane objects such as a fire hydrant or an asphalt patch. “When I look at a scene, I ask myself, ‘what am I not seeing?’-that’s what I want to capture,” Masterson states. It was this unusual approach to subject matter and mood that Nikon recognized.

As a successful commercial photographer and designer for over 30 years in San Diego, Masterson had never promoted his personal work until this year. “It is such an honor to be recognized by Nikon for my fine art,” Masterson says. “I am happy to share my non-commercial vision with Nikon World.”

Masterson, resides in Carmel Valley and is building upon this new found recognition by partnering with Kodak and Nikon for national exhibitions and auctions benefiting various charities close to Masterson’s heart.

To see more of Masterson’s creative work and learn about upcoming events please visit http://www.edmastersonphotography.com/

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About Ed Masterson
Ed Masterson is the president of Masterson Creative, a full service advertising agency specializing in high impact visual marketing for national and international companies http://www.mastersoncreative.com. He has been a photographer in San Diego for close to 40 years.

Media Contact
Alex Masterson
858-271-9940
amasterson@mastersoncreative.com

ALBUQUERQUE, NM (MMD Newswire) June 17, 2009 — As the nation’s oldest and largest air charter management company, CSI Aviation Services, Inc. (CSI) offers their customers more than just air charter services.

CSI customers are looking for additional travel accommodations to accompany their air charter experience. CSI arranges these services which include acting as agent on behalf of their customers to arrange hotel, catering and ground transportation in coordination with their air charter for a stress-free trip.

“We recently chartered a private jet to Orlando for a customer and ended up arranging their entire family vacation” said Marc Ramthun, Air Charter Consultant. “We took care of everything; ground transportation, catering, hotel reservations and theme park tickets. This made our customer’s vacation truly stress-free.” CSI brings the same commitment to excellence they are known for in aviation services to their additional travel management services.

About CSI

CSI Aviation Services, Inc. (a.k.a. Charter Services), established in 1979, has grown to our present position as a diversified and reliable aviation services company. We deliver value in terms of industry experience, quality of service and price. Capabilities include worldwide passenger and cargo air charter, aircraft leasing and comprehensive aircraft management. We use a variety of certified air carriers, as agent for our customers, with commercial aircraft, executive jets and turboprops. CSI arranges air charter transportation for multi-national corporations, incentives and meetings, athletics and government agencies. Reach us 24/7/365.

Celebrating Our 30th Year

Contact Information:

Melissa N. Juarez, Marketing Coordinator, Nissenson@csiaviation.com or call 505.761.9000

For more information visit: http://www.airchartertravel.com

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Kevin Peterson: Slumbody Loves You
June 23 – August 1, 2009
Opening Reception Friday June 26, 7-10pm
Varnish Fine Art
77 Natoma Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

Kevin Peterson sends a love note in Slumbody Loves You at Varnish Fine Art

San Francisco, CA (MMD Newswire) June 10, 2009 — Kevin Peterson’s Slumbody Loves You solo exhibit of oil paintings documents the importance of an American neighborhood community. Peterson shares his love of the neighborhood characters, interwoven lives and eventual destruction through gentrification and corporatization. The artist casts a spotlight on the individuals that comprise his and countless other small, lower income urban neighborhoods across the U.S. with his trademark dreamscape surrealist style.

“I would say more than anything, I paint what I love and I love what I paint,” says Kevin Peterson. Using a glaze technique, he carefully builds up layers of paint, allowing light to pass through and bounce back to the surface to give each piece its own “glow”. This process of layering allows for an exploration of ideaas and imagery that evolve on the canvas, becoming a window into the subconscious mind of the artist. In his most recent series of works, Slumbody Loves You, Peterson veers towards narrative, documenting the landscape and characters of his tight-knit urban neighborhood as they fight encroaching development and the inevitable gentrification and loss of culture that comes with it. When crafting his paintings, Peterson takes a cue from the Flemish Masters who he says “knew how to tell a story without shoving it down your throat.” The paintings that comprise Slumbody Loves You are allegorical in nature and take careful consideration to untangle which, given the dreamy and seductive atmosphere of the works, is a pleasure to do.

Kevin Peterson is an oil painter in his 20′s who works from his home in a San Diego neighborhood. He has shown extensively in the United States in solo and group exhibits. Slumbody Loves You is Varnish Fine Art’s first solo exhibit of Kevin Peterson’s artwork.

Press Contact:
Jennifer Rogers
Varnish Fine Art
415-222-6131
q@varnishfineart.com

*High-resolution images available upon request

Gallery Directors Jennifer Rogers and Kerri Stephens opened Varnish Fine Art on April 19, 2003. Beginning with the remains of a brewery built just after the 1906 earthquake, Rogers and Stephens designed and rebuilt the space, including a main gallery, mezzanine gallery and wine bar, combining gallery with community.

(MMDNewswire) June 8, 2009 — Begun in 2002, surrealist space artist Roger Ferragallo puzzled over how to display his massive painting “COSMIC TREE OF LIFE, 2.0″ (CTOL) measuring 546 million pixels because it required computer screen technology as large as 30 feet. Why such a work of scale comes from the artist’s belief that science and cosmology are revolutionizing our view of mankind and our relationship to the universe.

Fortunately, the University of California San Diego (UCSD) announced July 2008 the largest hi-resolution scientific computer screen in the world (HIPerSpace) measuring 31.8 feet in width. USCD invited Ferragallo in March 2009 to debut his hi-resolution mural on this huge screen. This timely collaboration between science and an artist exploring new ideas speaks to the exciting cross-discipline synergies happening in the world today. See HIPerSpace video demo: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awkGbvBz30I

Synchronous with Ferragallo’s HIPerSpace debut, Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) invited him in March 2009 to exhibit this latest version of CTOL 2.0 on their interactive global GIGAPAN project partnered with Google Earth, NASA Ames and National Geographic. This project invites hi-resolution photo panoramas (currently at 18,000) from around the world. Although not a photographic panorama, CTOL uniquely fit the hi-resolution, scale and visual criteria of GIGAPAN.

In the traditional annuls of gallery exhibition, CMU’s GIGAPAN represents, in the artist’s view, “a new paradigm for the display of photography and fine art painting”. GIGAPAN opens the CTOL mural to a ‘global audience’ (25,000 hits to date) with spectacular navigation tools provided by Google Earth allowing viewers to dynamically zoom and interact with the painting in real-time 24-7 (including ability to message the artist). See GIGAPAN demo: http://www.gigapan.org/viewGigapan.php?id=868

CTOL was newly released at version 2.0 and is a continuing work in progress looking to a 3.0 release in the near future. Ferragallo’s surreal painting renders hundreds of details–from the micro, molecular and terrestrial to star clusters and majestic galaxies. In his words, “I wish to convey the awe and wonder one feels when we view mankind’s intimate relationship with the vastness of quantum–micro–macro space and the universe beyond”. Web site and demo: http://www.ferragallo.com/tol_index.html

HIPerSpace information: http://www.calit2.net/newsroom/release.php?id=1332

CONTACT:
Roger Ferragallo
email: trecate@comcast.net
phone: 510-222-4334
jpg or tiff images available on request

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ALBUQUERQUE, NM (MMD Newswire) May 28, 2009 — As the nation’s oldest and largest air charter management company, CSI Aviation Services, Inc. (CSI) offers their customers more than just air charter services. CSI customers are looking for additional travel accommodations to accompany their air charter experience. CSI arranges these services which include acting as agent on behalf of their customers to arrange hotel, catering and ground transportation in coordination with their air charter for a stress-free trip.

“We recently chartered a private jet to Orlando for a customer and ended up arranging their entire family vacation” said Marc Ramthun, Air Charter Consultant. “We took care of everything; ground transportation, catering, hotel reservations and theme park tickets. This made our customer’s vacation truly stress-free.” CSI brings the same commitment to excellence they are known for in aviation services to their additional travel management services.

About CSI

CSI Aviation Services, Inc. (a.k.a. Charter Services), established in 1979, has grown to our present position as a diversified and reliable aviation services company. We deliver value in terms of industry experience, quality of service and price. Capabilities include worldwide passenger and cargo air charter, aircraft leasing and comprehensive aircraft management. We use a variety of certified air carriers, as agent for our customers, with commercial aircraft, executive jets and turboprops. CSI arranges air charter transportation for multi-national corporations, incentives and meetings, athletics and government agencies. Reach us 24/7/365.

Contact Information:
Melissa N. Juarez, Marketing Coordinator, Nissenson@csiaviation.com or call 505.761.9000
For more information visit: http://www.airchartertravel.com

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Vacationers can now save $3,000 with unique theme “Casa” rentals in Charleston, South Carolina and stay at “Casa Flamingo,” “Casa Banana”, “Casa Margarita” or “Casa Condo”.

(MMD Newswire) May 21, 2009 — The slowing economy has hurt the summer tourism business across the USA, leading many rental agencies to discount a number of family summer vacation beach rental properties. While this has no doubt hurt rental property owners and agencies, it has certainly been a boon to those seeking good deals on summer beach rentals.

At the Isle of Palms, South Carolina (near Charleston), from now through Labor Day, one owner has dropped over $3,000 from the price of weekly stays at his houses. These uniquely theme-decorated, beachside properties (known locally as the brightly neon colored Casas – Casa Flamingo, Casa Banana and Casa Margarita) normally rent for $12,000-$14,000 per week, but now they are available at between $9,200 -$10,400. Along with this savings, renters get to enjoy over 4,500+ square feet of living space (for 20 or more people), a large swimming pool, free wireless internet, a back porch with eye spy binoculars, seven plus cable ready-movie channel TVs, and one-of-a-kind rooms like the Congo, Love Shack, Dino Den, Cat House, King Tut, Monkey Business, Wild West, and Rock-n-Roll.

Rental property owners are hoping these good deals will convince vacationers that they should choose the relaxing, step-back-in-time 1950′s beach atmosphere that they find at places like the Isle of Palms over more expensive and exotic vacations that they might have chosen in earlier, more prosperous years. Agencies are counting on the daily outdoor live music, remember-when ice cream shops, and walk-in-with-your-flip-flops-on restaurants along the four block Isle of Palms Ocean Boulevard to be popular with those looking to spend time with their family and friends and save money at the same time.

Beach vacation values such as these are not limited to just larger properties. There are also good deals for those who search them out involving smaller accommodations. The same owner mentioned above offers an $800 discount on his three-bedroom Casa Condo(normally $3,300, now marked down to $2,500). This 1,500 square foot condominium sleeps 8 people and has all the amenities of the other Casas.

It is not uncommon for beach vacationers to be located in areas that offer extra attractions going well beyond the surf and turf scene. As an example, the Isle of Palms is only a 15 minutes drive from venerable Charleston, South Carolina. This Jewel of the South combines its 300-plus years of history with a host of shopping, eating, golfing, outdoor, and entertainment venues.

History lovers get to take in Fort Moultrie and Fort Sumter of Revolutionary and Civil War fame. Those favoring local cuisine can savor the shrimp and clams of Shem Creek, take a musical dinner cruise while floating by the Rainbow Row houses in Charleston harbor, or step out for a night on the town in one of the many French, Italian, or Asian fine dining establishments. Golfers have over 27 local courses to choose from, and downtown cobblestone King and Queen Streets teem with numerous custom boutiques. Those preferring the outdoors can choose among day long Eco Tours of the Barrier Islands, deep sea fishing excursions, and sight-seeing filled bicycle adventures. Charleston even offers the opportunity to see a minor league baseball team in action with its New York Yankee-affiliated Charleston River Dogs, as well as a host other museum, concert, and cultural events.

For further information on the Isle of Palms, Charleston, the Casas, and other nationwide rental opportunities, go to www.sccasa.com .

Media Contact:
Thomas Webber
864-284-4510

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(MMD Newswire) May 21, 2009 — With the first major driving holiday of the summer season approaching, the National Motorists Association — a national drivers rights group – has analyzed the laws across the country to determine the best and the worst states when it comes to exploiting the motoring public.

These state rankings were calculated using seventeen criteria related to specific traffic laws, enforcement practices, and the treatment of traffic ticket defendants. The rankings are designed to provide guidance to travelers who do not want their vacation ruined by speed traps, arcane laws or “kangaroo” traffic courts.

The state most likely to find its way into your wallet is New Jersey. With its toll roads, roadblocks, and speed traps, New Jersey has left almost no stone unturned when it comes to extracting cash from motorists. The state has also recently pushed through a red-light camera pilot project at a time when many states are banning the ticket cameras because they’ve proven to have a negative effect on traffic safety. Add in “driver responsibility” fees, which are ineffective and have a disproportionate effect on the poor, and you have the worst state in our rankings.

Here are the worst ten states:

1) New Jersey
2) Ohio
3) Maryland
4) Louisiana
5) New York
6) Illinois
7) Delaware
8) Virginia
9) Washington
10) Massachusetts

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the five states that treated motorists most fairly are Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska, and Kentucky. The complete list of rankings can be found on the National Motorists Association website at www.motorists.org/rankings.

Jim Baxter, President of the National Motorists Association, said “It is not exactly a well kept secret that many traffic laws, enforcement practices, and traffic courts are more about generating revenue and political posturing, than they are about traffic safety. During holidays, like the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, we’re bombarded with messages about intensified enforcement, ‘click it or ticket,’ and horrendous fines when in fact most vacation-related traffic accidents are caused my inattention, distraction and fatigue. However, these are accident causes that don’t generate much in the way of government revenue, so instead our highways are overrun with unmarked police cars and ticket cameras.”

Baxter went on to say “The long term solution to aligning legitimate public interests with government policies is to remove the money from traffic regulation, enforcement, and adjudication. Until that happens, the focus on revenue generation will continue to trump effective traffic regulation and ethical enforcement practices.”

With this in mind, motorists who will be traveling to unfamiliar areas during the holiday may want to check out the NMA’s National Speed Trap Exchange – a listing of speed traps across the country – at www.speedtrap.org.

Contact Information:
Jim Baxter, President
National Motorists Association
(608) 849-6000
nma@motorists.org
www.motorists.org

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Allen, TX (MMD Newswire) May 20, 2009 — Summer is almost here, and with it thoughts of trips to the beach, a national park or the ballpark. Even in this economy, you don’t have to give up your family vacation. Advance planning and careful organizing can make summertime travel affordable, even without running up a large credit card bill.

“This year, in particular, you can find good deals on travel and hotels,” says Heath Tudor, consumer liaison for RESQDEBT, a Dallas-based financial health management firm (www.resqdebt.com). “Many destinations and organizations are offering discounts and special packages to help cash-strapped families enjoy a summer trip. Oftentimes, outings close to home, such as a local sports team or amusement park, can also be the centerpiece for a getaway that won’t break the bank.”

The key, according to Tudor, is to plan your vacation now, and decide early what you want to do, where you want to go, how you will get there, where you will stay, and most important, how much you have to spend. “Be honest about how much you can afford,” says Tudor. “You want to have a great time with your family, but if you spend too much or put a lot of money on credit cards, the debt you come back with can tarnish the memory of a happy summer vacation.”

Here are some tips that RESQDEBT recommends:

Set a spending limit. Budgeting is key if you want to control your spending and still focus your attention on where you want to travel and what kind of trip you want to take. This year, even on a small budget may go farther than you realize. Lodging and airfare costs are down 8.5 and 7.7 percent this year, according to March figures from the U.S. Travel Association (www.tia.org/).

Also, if you know what you want to spend, you can start saving for your trip now. Putting aside a small amount each week in a “vacation account” will keep you from going into debt and help you avoid unnecessary credit spending.

Gather information. Find out everything you can about your travel destination. Go online and see if your destination has posted tips for visitors. Ask friends who have been there, and search online for blogs that have tips or reviews posted about your destination. Frommer’s is one of the best-selling travel guides, and it’s available online at www.frommers.com. Other great travel planning sites include: www.fodors.com and www.lonelyplanet.com. Also, all state tourism bureaus have Web sites.

What can you afford? Your budget will determine your travel plans. If you have a larger budget, you might consider flying to an exotic location or purchasing a vacation package deal. Many airlines and hotels are helping consumers with special deals and offers. Often times, timing your travel to fall during a certain day of the week or time of year can also shave dollars off your trip. However, if flying is not an option, you might consider driving to a campsite at a state or national park, or a city nearby that you’ve always wanted to explore. Or, you can plan a few days around attractions close to home, such as a major-league sports team or an amusement park.

Plan your itinerary carefully. You can go through a lot of money if you wander through an unfamiliar city without a plan. Decide what you want to see, where you want to eat and what you want to spend on souvenirs. Having a schedule will help you avoid spur of the moment purchases that can add up and throw off your budget.

Negotiate for the price you want. A few years ago, Websites like www.priceline.com were all the rage for budget-conscious travelers. Priceline, which lets you name your price and participating hotels and airlines either take if or leave it, is still a great way to negotiate a lower rate. Other sites that can help you round up the lowest-priced accommodations and fares include www.travelocity.com; www.expedia.com; www.cheaptickets.com and www.trip.com.

Cash is king. Credit is useful when you’re buying a house or car, but for a summer vacation, you want to avoid debt by paying cash wherever you can. Most major vacation spots have ATMs that let you take out cash. And, getting traveler’s checks in advance are a great way to limit your spending and stay within a pre-set budget.

“You want to come back from summer vacation with a file of smiling photos and happy memories – not a load of debt,” says RESQDEBT’s Tudor. “By planning, setting a budget and sticking to it can help make sure you do just that.”

About RESQDEBT

RESQDEBT is an Allen, Texas-based financial health management firm that educates consumers about living debt-free and helps them establish a path to fiscal well-being. RESQDEBT is a credit counseling alternative that provides debt settlement and negotiation services that can help consumers avoid debt consolidation or bankruptcy. Led by an executive team with more than 25 years of combined experience in helping consumers live debt-free, RESQDEBT has helped thousands regain and sustain financial stability. For more information, please visit www.resqdebt.com.

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ALBUQUERQUE, NM (MMD Newswire) May 12, 2009 — Air charter travel with CSI Aviation Services, Inc. (CSI) provides several benefits over commercial service. There are several factors that make air charter the most efficient solution for your corporate travel needs: how many people travel with you, when you travel, where you travel and whether you take long or short flights.

With air charter, travelers save on average 10 hours of overall travel time while enjoying the benefit of a travelling office not available on commercial flights. Air charter eliminates the hassle of ticket and security lines. Flights are direct and you choose your departure and arrival times. Passengers are able to meet and work on sensitive projects en route. A variety of services are available that add value to corporate flights, from in-flight catering to the use of satellite phones to stay connected.

CSI is the nation’s oldest and largest air charter management company of its kind and the company’s experience gives them a competitive edge in the air charter industry. Because CSI has long established relationships with several airlines, the company has access to over 5,000 aircraft, with an ability to support corporate travel requirements ranging from one person to groups of thousands requiring multiple aircraft.

About CSI
CSI Aviation Services, Inc. (a.k.a. Charter Services), established in 1979, has grown to our present position as a diversified and reliable aviation services company. We deliver value in terms of industry experience, quality of service and price. Capabilities include worldwide passenger and cargo air charter, aircraft leasing and comprehensive aircraft management. We use a variety of certified air carriers, as agent for our customers, with commercial aircraft, executive jets and turboprops. CSI arranges air charter transportation for multi-national corporations, incentives and meetings, athletics and government agencies. Reach us 24/7/365.

Contact Information:
Melissa N. Juarez, Marketing Coordinator, Nissenson@csiaviation.com or call 505.761.9000

For more information visit: http://www.airchartertravel.com

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Eminent Domain Awareness Group Show & Special Event
May 12 – June 20, 2009
Special Event Friday June 5, 7pm-Midnight
Varnish Fine Art
77 Natoma Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

San Francisco, CA (MMD Newswire) May 12, 2009 — Join us for an evening of spoken word, live music and art as we raise awareness about eminent domain in our neighborhood as part of the Eminent Domain Awareness group show. On Friday June 5th, 7pm-Midnight Varnish hopes to educate the community on the government’s abuse of eminent domain and the subsequent damage to businesses and resident families. This free admission awareness-raising event features spoken word by the legendary Dead Kennedys frontman and activist Jello Biafra, recent Vice Presidential candidate and former SF Board of Supervisors President Matt Gonzalez, newsman and Argonaut Editor Warren Hinckle, music by Burnt House and DJ Evil Justin, live screenprinting by Political Gridlock and The Firehouse, plus special surprise guest performers.

Few people know that a San Francisco agency, the Transbay Joint Powers Authority (TJPA), is eliminating 33 small, local businesses, including Varnish Fine Art, and numerous residences in order to demolish all properties and later resell the land. The TJPA is forcing Varnish, among the first tenants and years before the end of the lease, to vacate this September for an October 2009 demolition of its nearly 100 year old building. The future of Varnish has been robbed by the City. This gallery and wine bar will have to vacate 77 Natoma Street, but the owners hope that by raising awareness about this eminent domain threat they can stop its abuses on this and future San Francisco projects.

The Eminent Domain Awareness group show features some of the 200+ artists whom Varnish Fine Art has been proud to exhibit since opening in April 2003. In May of 2003, co-owners Jen Rogers and Kerri Stephens first learned about the TJPA’s neighborhood-devastating project in an SF Business Times article titled, “The Wrecking Ball is Swinging.” This is the final group show, but two solo exhibitions by painters Kevin Peterson and Michael Page will be displayed before the current location of Varnish Fine Art is demolished.

*High-resolution images available upon request
Gallery Directors Jennifer Rogers and Kerri Stephens opened Varnish Fine Art on April 19, 2003. Beginning with the remains of a brewery built just after the 1906 earthquake, Rogers and Stephens designed and rebuilt the space, including a main gallery, mezzanine gallery and wine bar, combining gallery with community. Varnish Fine Art is a 21+ only venue.

Press Contact:
Jennifer Rogers
Varnish Fine Art
415-222-6131
q@varnishfineart.com

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Contact Information
Smeetha Bhoumik
A2, Heera Panna Apt, Bhulabhai Desai Road,
Cumbala Hill, Mumbai 400 026

9821320836, e-mail : smeethabhoumik@gmail.com
Smeetha Bhoumik’s Kaleidoscope www.smeethabhoumik.net

Smeetha Bhoumik’s latest solo show at the NCPA art gallery in Nariman Point is a Perfect Peace

Mumbai (MMD Newswire) March 24, 2009 — ‘Light & Dark Juxtaposed’, Smeetha Bhoumik’s exhibition dedicated to peace will be showing at the NCPA Modern Art Gallery, right next to the Trident, “reflecting their courage, faith & resilience” beams the artist. The five day exhibition will be held during March 28 – April 1, 2009, between 10 am & 6pm.

This is her seventh solo exhibition and Smeetha Bhoumik is excited about it’s reach and potential. “It continues the enthusiasm to get together for peace” she says, “it has already received tremendous support from people across Mumbai. This is more than an exhibition, this is a festival of peace, and I find it so apt because I’m greatly inspired by the post-war Dada Art of the 1919 – 1923, an anti-war cultural movement which laid the ground work to abstract art & postmodernism, a starting point for performance art, avante-garde & Surrealism.”

“With this series I explore the pluralism of life – it’s exhilarating highs & devastating lows and every stop in between….using a variety of techniques, treatment and media. Thus polished, finished work share space with rough, crude, work-in-progress; neatly formed, polite pieces compete with unruly, unrepentant images. Oil & acrylic on canvas stand next to new age installations, video and collage”, says the excited artist.

Three short movies she has made are – Painting for Peace, Learning is Fun and Mumbai’s Missing Peepal.

The interactive element comprises a forum for peace, on-site painting events and NGO participation to make it all happen. The SMILE Foundation, AKANKSHA and Humanist Society of India are actively involved.
The mehndi art on canvas is a first of sorts.

PEACE is on everyone’s mind here…..

One of the best ways towards greater ‘peace’ is to involve the community in interesting peace initiatives, believes artist Smeetha Bhoumik, along with her supportive friends and neighbours at Heera Panna Apartment on Cumbala Hill, near Breach Candy. And this is exactly what took place in a colourful ‘Painting for Peace’ event on Sunday, March 15, ‘09 at the apartment complex.

People of all ages gathered on the ground floor lobby of their apartment to paint peace. Priti & Jayesh, coordinated the call for peace along with Meena, wife of the Secretary of the apartment complex, Mr. Mehra, an ardent enthusiast of community initiatives himself.

The ‘Paint for Peace’ event has created two large colourful canvasses reflecting the whole-hearted support & enthusiasm of everyone involved. From little Deeptanshu who’s all of three, to his granny who has decades to her credit, the participants were a bubbly, vibrant, innocent, enterprising lot, who believe in peace, first & foremost.

“The two paintings will be exhibited along with my works”, says artist Smeetha Bhoumik.

Smeetha Bhoumik’s Mumbai Action for Peace forum (MAP) is on-line at http://mumbaipeace.webs.com/

Smeetha Bhoumik’s short film on ‘peace’
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=454422628

Her Page on Indian Art News
http://indianartnews.ning.com/profile/SmeethaBhoumik

Her Special Recognition Award from Periodgallery.com, USA
http://www.periodgallery.com/gallery/detail.lasso?sort=title&search=smeetha%20bhoumik&skip=8

Smeetha Bhoumik in SMILE Foundation Newsletter
http://www.smilefoundationindia.org/Newsletter_3/infocus.html

Her work with CONCERN INDIA Foundation
http://www.concernindia.org/files/monsoon6.htm

Her Forthcoming Exhibition listed at kyakare.com
http://www.kyakare.com/event.php?id=15686

Her Work with IndianArtCollectors.com
http://www.indianartcollectors.com/art-work.php?aid=719

Her Portfolio at Absolutearts.com
http://www.absolutearts.com/portfolios/s/sbhoumik/

Her paintings at Kiptonart.com, USA
http://kiptonart.com/index.php?p=portfolio&uid=1294

Her work for Cancer Patient’s Aid Association
http://www.cpaaindia.org/activities/onlinecatalog.htm

About Smeetha Bhoumik

This is her seventh solo exhibition, with several group shows, number of international juried competitions to her credit and two Special Recognition Awards from Period Gallery, USA.

The Universe Series, 2006′ was a riot of excitement with magnificent, magical powers of constellations, galaxies, stars & supernovae depicted, ‘Mumbai Illumines – in fuchshia, blue & every other hue (2007), firmly grounded the artist to the ethos, pathos, glitter & glamour that’s Mumbai. The Imagination Series, 2008, explored areas of the mind & it’s ways, featuring the Gems of Imagination, Illumination & Ideas among others. Innocence (2005), Kaleidoscope of Creation (2004), Colours of India (2004) relive on canvas the excitement of travel, wonders of nature, warmth & beauty of people using figurative & abstract expression.

Smeetha Bhoumik can be reached at 9821320836 or on the web at www.smeethabhoumik.net

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VARNISH Fine Art
Press Contact:
Jennifer Rogers
415-222-6131
q@varnishfineart.com

Jennybird Alcantara: Treacherous Gardens
March 31 – May 9, 2009

Varnish Fine Art Opening Reception Friday April 3, 7-10pm
77 Natoma Street, San Francisco, CA 94105

Jennybird Alcantara enters a Treacherous Garden at Varnish Fine Art

San Francisco, CA (MMD Newswire) March 18, 2009 — Jennybird Alcantara’s Treacherous Gardens solo exhibit of paintings explores “the garden of the mind” and its vast, beautiful landscape filled with inherent pitfalls. Duality, water themes, dreams and nightmares figure prominently in this series of Alcantara’s detailed fantasies in oil and acrylic on panel.

“I have always been a daydreamer ,” says Jennybird, “and get many of my ideas during that state of semi-consciousness. My inspirations come from a wide variety of sources including fairytales and fables, mythology, the natural world and freaks of nature, melancholy…broken dolls and objects out of place.” With a narrative at its core, Alcantara’s minutely detailed paintings are filled with objects that possess un-borrowed symbolism contained within each piece and within the series. The artist’s love of animals and their instincts is seen and felt in her use of folklore and metaphor. Dual natures addressing the veils between human-animal, internal-external, and life-death embody the characters central to each painting. “I like to explore the complex interconnectedness of opposites as seen through the prism of myth, fable and fantasy. I use the symbolism of duality to explore the connection of life and death, as well as the relationship between the beauty and cruelness of nature, that of the natural world as well as human and animal nature.”-Jennybird Alcantara “Treacherous Gardens draws the viewer deeper into a world both strange and beautiful, guided by the generous hand of one of my favorite artists,” says Jennifer Rogers, co-owner of Varnish Fine Art.

Alcantara has shown extensively in California, and mounted 4 previous solo exhibitions prior to Treacherous Gardens at Varnish Fine Art. Transplanted to California from her birthplace in New York City, Jennybird Alcantara was encouraged early in life towards her thriving career as an artist. She received a degree from the San Francisco Arts Institute in the early ‘90′s, and remains living and working in San Francisco today.

*High-resolution images available upon request
Gallery Directors Jennifer Rogers and Kerri Stephens opened Varnish Fine Art on April 19, 2003. Beginning with the remains of a brewery built just after the 1906 earthquake, Rogers and Stephens designed and rebuilt the space, including a main gallery, mezzanine gallery and wine bar, combining gallery with community.

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