The donated items, which include pinball machines, jukeboxes, vintage soda machines and much more, are worth an estimated $85,000 in total value making it one of the largest donations PPM has received, according to Michael Schiess, museum founder and co-director. “Richard Foos’s generous donation is extremely important for us as it fills a gap in our collection with some very rare William’s wood rails like Country Club, 4 Roses and 3D,” said Schiess.

PPM is excited about the donation because it allows them to further their goal of keeping the history and culture of pinball in the public’s eye. “What our museum is trying to do is make these items available to the public and encourage other people to do the same,” said Schiess. “Too many times items are getting bought and held by a single owner without the public getting a chance to appreciate the machines. This is an important donation in keeping the American heritage of pinball public.”

More than half of the items donated to PPM are pinball machines. These machines include: Apollo, Be Bop, 4 Horsemen, Blue Skies, Daisy May, Harbor Lites, Lovely Lucy, Magic Clock and San Francisco. “We’re going to restore some of the items and hopefully have them on display in time for our Pacific Pinball Exposition 6 in September,” said Schiess.

Foos, a Los Angeles native, co-founded Rhino Records, a record label that sold greatest hits collections of previously released recordings, in 1973. The company was later sold to Time Warner. Foos, a limitless philanthropist has always made it a point to donate his time, wealth and possessions to better the community. At Rhino, Foos gave employees paid time off to perform community service, encouraged employees to mentor disadvantaged youth and at one point donated two percent of Rhino’s pretax profits to combat AIDS, homelessness and other problems. From 1991 to 2001, the company gave an estimated $2 million to various community-based charities. In the years since, Foos has donated a substantial amount to charities that address poverty and education issues. Today, Foos sits on the board of Rock the Classroom, which offers music programs in Los Angeles inner-city elementary schools.

Pacific Pinball Museum, 1510 Webster St., Alameda, CA.

Learn more about PPM at: http://www.pacificpinball.org .

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

The Office of Jefferson County Judge was awarded $45,000 from the Facilities for Underdeveloped Neighborhoods (FUN Park) Grant Program administered by the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism and the Outdoor Recreation Grants Program. Designated to assist rural areas in developing basic neighborhood outdoor recreation facilities, the funding is made available by two sources, the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Grant & Trust Fund (NCRGTF). The ribbon cutting signifies the beginning of the construction of an accessible pavilion, basketball court, and playground. The ceremony will start the event at 10 a.m.

Judge Holcomb’s Office was also awarded a $292,000 grant from FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security’s Fire Prevention & Safety Grant Program. Judge Holcomb partnered with the volunteer fire departments of the JCMAA and OEM to increase public awareness of fire safety through a smoke alarm campaign. The project consists of door-to-door distribution of smoke alarms as well as home safety inspections conducted by the volunteer fire fighters. $25,000 has gone directly to the departments to compensate their volunteers for their time and mileage expenses.

Fire Extinguisher Sales & Services will have “live fire” fire extinguisher safety demonstrations. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors will be given to attendees (as long as supplies last).

The event is sponsored by Jefferson County Judge Mike Holcomb, the Jefferson County Mutual Aid Association, and the Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management.

Food and refreshments will be provided.

Sulphur Springs Park is located on Sulphur Springs Road (Highway 54) across the street from the Watson Chapel Volunteer Fire Department Station 1.

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

“Teaching English Abroad” is the perfect gift for a recent graduate or someone about to graduate.

“It’s unfortunate, but the current job market in the U.S. and Europe is grim. As a result, many graduates are finding that they have to move in with their parents or take jobs out of their field that pay less – what many consider ‘underemployed,’” explains Goodwin. “Teaching abroad is the ideal alternative – people save money while exploring the world. It’s an ideal situation.”

Many view this to be the bible of teaching English in South Korea.

“It’s written for anyone who wants to take control of their career and life. I did it and I’m anxious to share what I learned with others. It’s a combination of self-help and how-to rolled into one,” adds Goodwin.

“Teaching English Abroad” will show people how to step away from a 40-hour work week and to expand their horizons while helping others. It’s chock full of budget tables and tracks to show people how they can save a little or a lot.

The book is comprised of 10 chapters: My Early Mistakes; A Visit to Korea Rising from the Ashes; Facets of My Life in Korea; Being an Educator; The Savings Mantra; More on Budgeting; Newcomers Ahoy; On the Basics of Learning and Teaching; Traveling in Korea; and Why Do you Need a Financial Education?

These chapters are filled with practical and proven tips that include general financial advice, teaching tips, traveler tips and more. The book will also alleviate any anxieties that people may have about teaching in South Korea.

Readers will learn how to find and apply for the trustworthy private and public schools that are currently hiring English teachers in South Korea. Foolproof tips likely lead to hiring.

And, readers who decide to pursue this career opportunity will get the experience of teaching; have free time to enjoy the country and live a stress-free and adventurous life; and have freedom to explore and live on their own. Basically, teachers who work in South Korea are getting paid to travel the world and to see some of the most exotic locations out there while still making enough money to pay off debt and live comfortably.

The first two chapters of “Teaching English Abroad: A Financial Prayer Answered” are free to download. If readers want more, they can simply name their price at: http://www.iteachenglishabroad.com/books/
or they can order the e-book and audio book combination for a flat fee of $19.95.

About the Author:

Jonathan A. Goodwin is a graduate of San Diego University. He taught in South Korea for three years. He earned the title and position of faculty manager, a title that is synonymous with “Headmaster.” He was in charge of all operations at a top-ranked private academy in South Korea; he knows what it takes to get hired and how to make it as a teacher in South Korea.

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

In 1982, both the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island were in need of significant restoration when President Ronald Reagan asked Lee Iacocca, Chairman of the Chrysler Corporation, to lead a fundraising effort dedicated to their preservation.

For three decades, the Foundation has worked together with the National Park Service to restore the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Renovations to the Statue of Liberty have included rebuilding its interior structural support as well as the installation of a Statue of Liberty Museum in the statue’s base. At Ellis Island, the Foundation created the Ellis Island Immigration Museum as well as theaters, libraries, exhibits, and an oral history recording studio. The museum has helped educate more than 40 million visitors since it opened in 1990, and its American Family Immigration History Center allows online visitors to search archives of passenger records and ships’ manifests.

“You can’t know who you are unless you know where you came from,” said Stephen A. Briganti, Foundation President. “At ellisisland.org, we help you begin your journey of discovery into your past.”

“The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are at the heart of what it means to be an American,” said Callista Gingrich, President of the Gingrich Foundation. “The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation has been working for 30 years to save important pieces of our history for future generations.”

To date, the Foundation has raised over $600 million. Its support continues to come from the private sector and from the generosity of individual Americans.

The Gingrich Foundation is a domestic non-profit corporation founded by Callista and Newt Gingrich to support charitable purposes.

Support the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation today: https://www.ellisisland.org/membership/donation.asp .

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

“Restaurants Recommended” is a guide to more than 600 restaurants in 40-plus cities around the U.S. Cities include: New York; Las Vegas; San Francisco; Chicago; Seattle; and more. Reviews are based on the 2011 positive recommendations of local, national and international food and travel critics.

“The cities were chosen based on size and popularity as business or leisure destinations,” says Gonderil. “And, readers can trust these reviews to be more reliable than the run-of-the-mill blogs because they are written by industry experts. Their opinions are unsolicited and based on repeated, anonymous visits.”

This restaurant guide includes many lists such as: “2011 Best Restaurants;” “2011 Best New Restaurants;” and “Hot Restaurants.”

So, whether you are a business or leisure traveler, there is truly something for everyone in this guide. It incorporates a wide range of dining styles, pricing, types of cuisine and decor.

“Restaurants Recommended” is approximately 175 pages. It is available in paperback for $9.00 or in a Kindle version for $7.00 at www.restaurantsrecommended.com . This same website also serves to complement the book and will be updated frequently.

“It’s more of a living, breathing document,” explains Gonderil.

About the Author:

Gonderil has a long history working as a market research executive. She has lived and worked in New York; Chicago; Los Angeles; and Miami and has traveled to countless cities throughout the U.S. It was while visiting these cities that she developed a personal interest in the arts and food, culminating in the release of “Restaurants Recommended.”

Copyright © 2012 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

Advance discount tickets for this Sacramento New Year’s Eve party may be purchased in several ways: (1) at www.PGuild.com , (2) by calling 916-786-5858, and (3) in person at the Hilton Hotel Arden West, 2200 Harvard Street, Sacramento, CA 95815. Also, those booking a room may buy a New Year’s Eve hotel package that includes a hotel room and party tickets by calling 800-445-8667. Various New Year’s romance package deals are also available.

“This is a huge singles New Year’s Eve party. Many eligible bachelors and bachelorettes attend. That’s what makes this event different from other New Year’s parties,” explained Phil Seyer, director of Professionals Guild. “Every hotel in Sacramento throws a New Year’s party, But we are the only Sacramento organization that offers the entire first floor of a major hotel for singles.”

Seyer added: “New Year’s is often a happy time for couples, but not for singles. We change that by helping singles to find each other. Many arrive single, but leave hand-in-hand as a couple. Couples are also welcome on this special evening.”

“Some husbands call and ask, with tongue in cheek, ‘Do I have to divorce my wife to come to this party?’” explained Seyer. “But then they add, ‘I’m just kidding. My wife loves your events, because singles know how to party!’”

This Sacramento New Year’s Eve party includes three dance floors, two live bands, the Groove Thang Band and The Hits, as well as DJ Ron Davis.

DJ Ron Davis of www.SacDJ.com invites party guests to send him song requests by text messages and plays a variety of popular dance tunes. Mr. Davis is a musician so he also picks up his horn and plays along with some of the traditional dance tunes.

Both The Hits band and the Groove Thang band play dance music from the 60′s to current songs. The bands and DJs are playing dance music simultaneously in separate ballroom so party goers can move from room to room for a different experience.

Everywhere one goes in the hotel, a party is happening and one has access to the entire hotel with one party ticket. Other areas include a blackjack and craps gaming room, a restaurant, and a 10 by 10 photo booth with a beautiful backdrop managed by De’Boraha of Flash-foto.

“De’Boraha has worked our parties for the past 3 years and her photo booth has been a huge success,” said Seyer. “She knows how to pose people so they really look their best.” Hundreds of De’Boraha’s New Year’s Eve photos are available for viewing at www.ProGuildSocial.com.”

Guests may take photos and upload them to www.ProGuildSocial.com – a free online social network. Members of ProGuildSocial then vote online. The winner will get a $50 gift card.

Professional people from all walks of life attend this event. “It’s a wonderful mix of people of all ages 21 up,” said Seyer.

Regarding dress, Seyer explained, “Men should take this opportunity to wear their best outfits. The ladies will be dressed up and they appreciate it when men follow suit and men dress nicely. Some men even wear a Tux or a beautiful tie along with a suit or sports coat. Some men like to be less formal and wear a dress shirt and slacks. That’s fine, but no casual attire is appropriate for this elegant New Year’s Eve party.”

For more information, call the Professionals Guild at: 916-786-5858. For dinner and room reservations, call the Hilton Hotel at 800-445-8667.

Professionals Guild is also sponsoring a contest for a free room, dinner and New Year’s Eve party at Hilton. To enter the contest, one need only click the like button at http://www.facebook.com/NewYearsEveSacramento and send an email to professionalsguild -at- gmail.com .

Another Professionals Guild Event is coming soon after New Year’s: an Un-valentines party for singles at the Hilton on February 3, 2012.

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

Up until now you can only film the action away from you using extreme cameras. The Quik Pod DSLR can be used with all cameras including Go Pro and Contour and any other photo device that has a standard tripod fitting. Not limited to underwater use it is sturdy, lightweight and the perfect travel gadget to allow the photographer to be included in the action. Use underwater, on land or even while hang gliding.

Developed by Fromm Works Inc., this invention allows the photographer to be included and properly centered in photos and videos taken during extreme sports or at gatherings. The user simply holds the extended Quik Pod DSLR with a camera attached and properly framed photos or videos are captured without anyone’s assistance. The camera is activated by self-timer, video mode or optionally by remote control.

There are models for all cameras including DSLR, iPhones, point and shoot, and Android phones. All Quik Pod versions include a handy self-image mirror to line yourself up. All adapt to tabletop tripod use with leg adapters. Includes carry bag, hiking clip and wrist strap. Featured on the Tonight Show, CNN, Today Show and Oprah.

Prices for the Quik Pod start at $19.95. Available online at www.quikpod.com , Amazon, B&H Photo, J&R Computer World, Adorama and in Canada at Henrys.

Protected by U.S. Patent 7,684,694.

Press photos can be downloaded at http://www.quikpod.com/Press.asp .

About Fromm Works, Inc.:

Fromm Works, Inc. is an invention and design company that has marketed nearly fifty successful commercial products. Company President Wayne Fromm is an inventor and entrepreneur with a number of patented inventions to his credit including such hits as “Disney’s The Beauty and the Beast Talk ‘N View Mirror,” “Crayola’s Color and Show Projector” and “Nestle’s Nesquik Magic Milkshake Maker.”

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

Advance discount tickets for this Bay Area New Year’s Eve party may be purchased at www.PGuild.com .

“It’s a New Year’s Eve party for singles, but we find that couples enjoy this special New Year’s Eve party, too,” says Phil Seyer director of Professionals Guild. “Couples tell me: ‘We love your Professionals Guild events because singles know how to party!’”

“Singles add a special energy that makes our party truly unique,” Seyer added.

“The Marriott is offering a ‘screaming-deal’ on New Year’s Eve,” said Seyer, a deluxe room is $89; to get that rate, call 800-228-9290 and mention Professionals Guild.”

New Year’s Eve Party tickets must be purchased separately. Advance discount tickets are $65 and $75 at the door. This party includes optional VIP reserved seating, a live band, the Floorshakers, DJ, Mike Westerman, Casino Gaming, two free drinks, free bar snacks, a big balloon drop at midnight and a champagne toast followed by continued mingling and dancing. Free casino gaming includes roulette, blackjack, and an easy-to-play big wheel spin. Hundreds of dollars in prizes will be awarded.

A professional photographer is available with an attractive backdrop and pictures can be printed immediately. A photo contest also adds to the fun. People can also take pictures with their cell phones or other cameras and upload them to www.ProGuildSocial.com — a free online social network. Members of ProGuildSocial.com then vote online. The winner is awarded a $50 gift card.

A diverse mix of adults of all ages attend this event. Most are 25 years old and up with many in their 30′s, 40′s and 50′s, some younger, some older. The minimum age is 18. No underage drinking of alcohol will be permitted. This rule is strictly enforced. Dress code: semi-formal to formal. Men are encouraged to be a prince for the evening. Tux and suite and tie recommended but not required. Most ladies will be in beautiful cocktail dresses or evening gowns. No casual attire, please.

For more information, call the Professionals Guild at: 925-888-4392. For dinner and room reservations call the San Ramon Marriott at: 800-228-9290.

Professionals Guild is also sponsoring a contest for a free room and New Year’s Eve party at the San Ramon Marriott. To enter the contest, one need only click the like button at www.Facebook.com/newyearseveparty and send an email to “professionalsguild -at- gmail .com.”

Another Professionals Guild Event is coming soon after New Year’s: an Un-valentines party for singles at Zio Fraedo’s Italian Restaurant in Pleasant Hill, Calif.

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

E. J. Schanfarber, president and CEO commented, “We benefitted from a high repeat guest factor that has allowed us to build a solid business. We owe a good part of the uptick in visits to the completion of major construction projects and renovations undertaken in the past three years at all of our properties that have upgraded the travel experience for our guests.”

The improvements also have prompted recognition from the industry. Divi Resorts Group received the prestigious 2011 Pinnacle Award from industry partner Resort Condominiums International (RCI), the timeshare industry’s leading vacation exchange company. Recipients of the award for exceptional performance were a select few chosen by RCI from among its 3,700 affiliate resorts.

Earlier this year, the Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach property earned the Trip Advisor Award of Excellence, an honor given to hotels that consistently rank highly with guests. Trip Advisor is a leading online travel resource that provides user-generated feedback on hotels and destinations. Improvements at the Divi Aruba Phoenix property included the addition of 200 all suite accommodations in four new towers, new grounds, amenities and restaurants.

The company also converted Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort, its St. Croix (USVI) property, to an all-inclusive destination, distinguishing itself as the only all-inclusive resort on the island. The changeover, done in January, prompted an immediate increase in bookings that was sustained throughout the entire first half of the year.

In addition, Divi Resorts Group upped its marketing push to the bridal market with a range of romance packages at its St. Maarten and select Aruba properties.

“We’re engaging with our guests during their stay as well as through social media channels to better understand their needs,” says Schanfarber. “In response we are consistently upgrading our portfolio of product. We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive reaction from both our guests and our industry partners.”

About Divi Resorts:

Divi Resorts is the vacation expert of the Caribbean with a collection of ten premium resorts on five stunning Caribbean islands. With vacation stays as well as full and fractional ownership, the resorts provide myriad vacation pleasures from relaxing on white sand beaches and indulging in spa services to embarking on scuba diving adventures and perfecting one’s golf swing. For more information on Divi Resorts call 1.800.367.3484, or visit http://www.diviresorts.com . The Divi Resorts logo is the Service Mark of Divi Hotels, Inc.; its use represents the group of resort companies owned by the registrant or operating under the registrant’s Divi Resorts brand.

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.

Many consultants were contacted in conjunction with this plan. Nothing was to get in our way. Peter Blacksberg, the president of Riverside Cemetery, a Jewish cemetery in Saddlebrook, New Jersey, was contacted for advice. We were told to get a letter from the closest living relatives going back to Houdini’s death, and to have insurance in case anyone was hurt doing the repairs. This was done. A high profile New York lawyer, Gary Pillersdorf, was contacted for advice and to bail us out in case we got arrested. We had all our ducks in a row. There had been some contention between the Society of American Magicians and the cemetery as to ownership of the grave. We decided not to contact them, to avoid any new problems with this project. We did try to contact the cemetery in the past but to no avail.

In the 1970′s The Society of American Magicians made a lightweight cast of an original bust now owned by the Museum of the City of New York. Houdini’s wife donated the original to that museum. The lightweight copy was on loan to magicians Dorothy Dietrich and Dick Brookz, owners of New York City’s Magic Towne House, who had it on display. The magicians currently run the nonprofit Houdini Museum in Scranton PA. The Society of American Magicians asked them to return the replica in 1979 and it was soon misplaced. For the sake of posterity, the two magicians secretly made a mold of the bust and put that in storage. In the past year they made five trial composition busts and finally three statuary cement busts. The best one destined to be installed at Houdini’s grave site. Another will be unveiled this year at the annual historic Houdini Seance on Halloween at The Houdini Museum. This event is free and open to the public by reservation.

A secret group called the “Houdini Commandos” was then formed. They were Dorothy Dietrich; Dick Brookz; Steve Moore, retired escape artist; along with Dean Allen, contractor; Tracy Bullaro, helper; Cathy Moore, helper; and Ron Chicken, videographer. The stealth plan was to get in and out unnoticed in one day.

Everything was ready. Diamond bits, drills, a powerful vacuum system, a generator (no electricity at the grave), special cements and epoxies, a way to safely transport the bust, etc. On several of the planned days flooding rains ensued and dates were changed. Everyone had to be available on the same day, which was almost impossible. Finally the day came. On September 27, 2011 everyone arrived by caravan at 10 a.m. and the work began. Each person had their assignments. Part way into the project a cemetery caretaker and watchman inquired what we were doing. Dorothy explained and tried to distract him with various papers, etc., as we continued working. He said we would have to stop until he called his boss. A long, almost non-ending phone conversation followed, and the issue of insurance came up. Our insurance agent faxed a letter and we were given the go ahead. Because of the lost time and other problems – such as a powerful construction cement drying too rapidly, having to drill it out and rushing to a local hardware store last minute for more – we did not finish until 7 p.m. The watchman had now become our supporter and allowed the cemetery to stay open an extra 3 hours.

This project has cost The Houdini Museum close to $10,000, but it sorely needed to be done. Houdini, in his lifetime, had paid for the fixing of dozens of magicians graves that were in disrepair. This was only fitting payback. Kudos have come in to the Houdini Museum from historians and magicians from all over the world.

For more information and links to hi res pictures go to: http://houdini.org/houdinibust.html .

Copyright © 2011 Neotrope® News Network – all rights reserved.