Advertising and Marketing, Business, Free News Articles

FlexCare Launches Rebrand Strategy to Emphasize Digital Health Solutions

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Exciting things are happening at FlexCare which is why they recently launched a rebranding campaign to help get the word out. As of June 15, the company logo changed slightly to reflect the company's strength, capabilities, growth and emphasis on providing Digital Health solutions to the marketplace.

"Through research, market analysis and conversations with our clients and broker partners, we feel rebranding FlexCare better demonstrates our growth objectives, product expansion and development of new relationships," Lee Shoemake, Principal, FlexCare, says. "This also allows us to be more competitive and to increase potential for our clients."

Digital Health is one of the fastest-growing industries in the nation and FlexCare is working to ensure it stays on trend. Partners and clients will continue to enjoy benefits such as healthcare cost savings, reduced absenteeism, increased productivity and access to care - anytime, anywhere.

Changes to their products, online system, website, social media profiles and their new visual brand signature will occur seamlessly. Existing clients should expect business as usual. There will be no changes to the company's commitment to professionalism and their expertise. Projects will continue to be executed with precision and dedication.

Using its proprietary, online administrative system and app, FlexCare offers multiple benefits - bundled or unbundled - and provides easy administration for employers and accessibility for members.

"As we implement these changes, we'd like to thank our loyal clients and partners for the confidence they have placed in FlexCare," Shoemake says. "Without them, this would not be possible."

FlexCare looks forward to embracing their new brand and showcasing their many services including: Telemedicine, Caregiver/Companion Support, TeleDentistry, Behavioral Health, Dermatology, Telespine and other valuable programs.

About FlexCare

FlexCare, LLC is a leading digital provider of online and on-demand healthcare delivery services to private and public employers, associations, brokers, school systems and more. By using Digital Health services instead of more expensive urgent care and ER visits, FlexCare cuts unnecessary costs and keeps members smiling (instead of waiting).

For more information, visit: http://flexcare.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlexCarePlus
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flexcare-telemedicine/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/FlexCarePlus
Instagram: https://instagram.com/FlexCarePlus

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0618s2p-flexcare-new-300dpi.jpg

Related link: http://flexcare.com/

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Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, General Editorial

Confidence Therapist and Authentic Dating Strategist Shares 3 Reasons Why Settling Right Now Might Be Beneficial to Your Love Life

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Confidence therapist and authentic dating strategist Kimmy Seltzer, founder of Charisma Quotient LLC, explains why settling might be best right now. There was a time when you swept left on someone who was a vegetarian. Perhaps it was a deal breaker that the guy you started dating wasn't a great texter so you break it off saying you want someone who communicates better.

And all the while, your loved ones are telling you that you should never settle.

Then the pandemic hits, the world is in disarray and you are quarantined for months. Suddenly, you are left with a different perspective and value things you ignored before. You decide in the end that maybe you should settle.

Settling refers to letting go of things that are important to who you are and what you believe in. But what if what is important to you and what you believe in changes and shifts?

Three reasons why settling right now might be beneficial to your love life.

Beyond Shiny Objects

In your life before, there were many choices and a lot of distractions. You might have gotten distracted by things without paying attention to what is really important. By settling in, you are now forced to look at things with deeper meaning and value.

Cherish What You Have

You might have taken a lot for granted. The "disposable" mentality has shifted to being grateful for things you see in potential partners. You can take the time now to notice positive qualities to strengthen the connection.

Working Through Things

Things that used to be a big deal might not be now. Instead, you can let little things go and focus on communicating the valuable things in a relationship.

Seltzer explains, "By settling, you are not giving up who you are but rather shifting your perspective with what is important to you currently. Ultimately, this could provide an opportunity to create deeper and more meaningful connections with someone special."

Kimmy Seltzer is a Confidence Therapist and Authentic Dating Strategist implementing targeted style, emotional and social intelligence to your life. Kimmy also hosts "The Charisma Quotient" Podcast.

For more information, visit: https://www.kimmyseltzer.com

Kimmy Seltzers' Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1269595477

*VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/VmPWgJJ43ZA

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0616s2p-Kimmy-Seltzer-300dpi.jpg

Related link: https://www.kimmyseltzer.com/

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Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Product Launches

Rising Pop Artist Farrah Mechael Dropping Summertime EP ‘Lies’

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The second EP release, "Lies," from buzzing pop newcomer Farrah Mechael, is dropping on all major digital retailers and streaming services June 19 - just in time for the summer.

Featuring production and writing from Andre "Dre Bombay" Harris, Don Parma, Devrim Karaoglu, Ant Clemons and the Mechael sisters - Farrah and Tamara - the EP delivers a fresh fusion of pop with hip-hop and dance sensibilities. "Lies" offers a remaster of Farrah's previously released pop and hip-hop single "That Way" featuring Mackned along with 5 new tracks including "Carefully" - a sensual summer pop track highlighted by a bassy dance beat.

Farrah Mechael has been gaining attention with her performances at iHeart Radio's Wango Tango in Los Angeles in 2018 and Detroit Summer Jamz in 2019 and with her dedication to community building and mental health activism on her growing online platform.

She is ready to change the world with her message and music commonly stating, "I truly do believe the world needs change. And if we don't change it, who will?"

Being a classically trained opera singer, as well as having performed Jazz and Gospel sets at many prestigious events such as Obama's Inauguration Ceremony in Detroit, Farrah uses her unique voice and background to blend many different genres and styles into her own music. She incorporates both her roots - being a Chaldean woman growing up in metro Detroit - and her current experience working out of Los Angeles into her newest release.

"Lies" includes a Detroit rap-inspired track "Ice Pack," the title track "Lies" - which serves a Middle Eastern vibe, and "What Do You Want," "I'm In Love," and "Carefully" all of which call back to the pop roots of her debut release "Farrah Please" while moving forward with west coast dance influences.

"Lies" is currently available for preorder on digital retailers and will be available for digital purchase and streaming on June 19, 2020.

Farrah can be found on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/farrahmechael or her website https://www.farrahmechael.com/ which contains contact and newsletter subscription forms.

Her music can be heard on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/6RZRM6i4lpRuRBCLvFFKiV as well as Apple Music, Tidal, YouTube and Soundcloud.

IMAGE LINKS FOR MEDIA:
[1] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0615s2p-mnecahel-lies-300dpi.jpg
[2] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0615s2p-Farrah-Mechael-300dpi.jpg

Related link: https://www.farrahmechael.com/

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Business, Education and Schools, Free News Articles, General Editorial

Drag Queen Story Hour Hosts World Pride Party 2020 via Livestream, a Celebration of Diverse Stories for Kids Across the Globe

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Drag Queen Story Hour announced its inaugural global pride celebration "Drag Queen Story Hour World Pride Party 2020," to be held Saturday, June 27, 2020, at 1 p.m. EDT (10 a.m. PDT / 6 p.m. BST / 7 p.m. CEST) as a livestream. Timed to coincide with the observance of LGBTQ Pride in several cities across the globe, this will be the first time that drag queen and drag king storytellers from across North America, Europe, and Asia will join together in a single event to read children's books, sing songs, and perform kid-friendly drag numbers.

Drag Queen Story Hour has recently shifted its programs online to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, hosting several readings via livestream each month in partnership with its 50+ local chapters. As an organization that promotes social justice through cultural literacy, DQSH is committed to anti-racism and uplifting Black queer and trans voices. DQSH board member Black Benatar notes, "Pride commemorates legacies of diverse LGBTQ activism, marked by events like the 1969 Stonewall uprising, led by queer and transgender people of color. We stand in solidarity with the urgent work of the Movement for Black Lives, and are deeply committed to using the tools of storytelling and drag performance to support children in becoming anti-racist leaders and building a more just world."

This year's Drag Queen Story Hour Pride 2020 will feature readings of children's books highlighting diverse characters and themes, as well as lip-sync performances and sing-a-longs to children's songs. Kids and families are also encouraged to dress up in their own fabulous costumes for the event, and post drawings of their own drag characters to social media before the event using the hashtag #drawadragqueen.

Drag Queen Story Hour Pride 2020 will feature drag performers from around the world, including: Miss Shameless and Lady Busty from DQSH Sweden; Kobra D and Jossue from DQSH Mexico; Kaey and Antina from DQSH Berlin; Didi and Dallas King from DQSH Denmark; Bonjour JohnJ from DQSH Tokyo; Black Benatar from DQSH San Francisco Bay Area; Lil Miss Hot Mess from DQSH Los Angeles; and Cholula Lemon from DQSH New York City. The party will be emceed by Harmonica Sunbeam, from the DQSH New York City and New Jersey chapters. The event will primarily be held in English, with some readings also being conducted by DQSH chapters in their local languages.

Tickets begin at $15 per family, via Eventbrite: http://dqshpride2020.eventbrite.com.

About Drag Queen Story Hour:

Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) is just what it sounds like - drag queens, drag kings, and other fabulous drag performers reading stories to children in libraries, schools, bookstores, and online. Through local and livestream programming, Drag Queen Story Hour offers a range of glamorous educational programs that encourage kids to read diverse books, express their best selves through the power of dress-up, and become bright lights of change in their communities. Founded in 2015 by Michelle Tea and Radar Productions in San Francisco, California, Drag Queen Story Hour has grown into a worldwide network with events happening in cities big and small, from Anchorage to Atlanta, Miami to Mexico City, and California's Central Valley to Central Hong Kong.

More information: https://www.dragqueenstoryhour.org/

SOCIAL MEDIA:
DQSH Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dragqueenstoryhour/
DQSH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragqueenstoryhour/

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0612s2p-harmonica-sunbeam-300dpi.jpg
Caption: Harmonica Sunbeam, Drag Queen Story Hour NYC (credit: Jose Ramon Photography)

Related link: https://www.dragqueenstoryhour.org/

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Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial

Los Angeles based civil rights advocacy institution, Brotherhood Crusade President and CEO weighs in on nationwide protests, calls for everyone to join the fight for change

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The Brotherhood Crusade, a Los Angeles based, 52 year old civil rights institution, announced a statement today by President and CEO, Charisse Bremond Weaver, who weighed in on the recent protests in Los Angeles and across the country regarding police brutality and people of color.

Bremond Weaver stated, "Institutionalized racism, unfortunately, is our American story. We need everyone in this fight for change. As we continue this journey together, it is critical that we tell a story that African Americans are having a crisis of humanity at every level. It will not be enough to just protest for the thousands of African Americans who have been murdered by law enforcement in Los Angeles and across the United States."

Brotherhood Crusade, a grassroots organization, provides programs and services to answer the unmet needs of low-income, underserved, under-represented and disenfranchised individuals. The institution's mission is to help individuals overcome the barriers that deter their pursuit of success in life and facilitate opportunities for a better quality of life by effectuating improved health & wellness, facilitating academic success, promoting personal, social & economic growth, providing access to artistic excellence & cultural awareness, increasing financial literacy and building community agencies & institutions.

Bremond Weaver continued, "For decades, data has been telling a story that my people (African Americans) are experiencing a level of death, trauma and disproportionate impact that all of us should be alarmed. It is not acceptable that African Americans are the hardest hit by COVID-19 merely because of a refusal to rectify and reverse centuries of social inequity and disinvestment. African Americans remain at the bottom of every socio- economic indicator including unemployment, underemployment, housing stability and homelessness. Indeed, the fact that we are 8% of the population in Los Angeles County and comprise 33% of the homeless population is literally a crime against humanity. Not to mention the disproportionate demographic of African Americans impacted by the school-to-prison pipeline."

Brotherhood Crusade works to ensure all black and brown Americans have equitable access to human & social services and continually improves their quality of life.

Bremond Weaver continued, "The protests around this city, county and country represent the truth of the African American experience. It represents that we can't protest without bringing in the National Guard. We can't protest without LAPD using rubber bullets, tear gas and their batons. Clearly, there is an urgent need to continue to tell the story that we are a forgotten race, aggressively raise awareness around the issue, mobilize African Americans and our allies, invest the appropriate resources in our community, build competencies and supportive infrastructure within African American communities, and facilitate meaningful policy and systems change to eradicate structurally and institutionally racist systems."

In the 52 years since its founding, Brotherhood Crusade has provided human and social services to more than 100,000 South Los Angeles residents annually. These services include educational enrichment & academic assistance services, arts & drama appreciation, at-risk youth prevention programs, health education, life & social skills training, domestic violence assistance, character development, appreciation of diversity training, employment readiness, post-employment services, counseling, financial education, health screening, health education, access to cultural and artistic excellence, core capacity training for minority-led organization, recreational services, homeless services, and the provision of emergency food, clothing, and shelter.

Recently, with the coronavirus epidemic, The Brotherhood Crusade COVID-19 Community Rapid Response Fund was developed to help youth, young adults and families in this critical time to assist them with basic living, academic and household needs to assist our students while they are away from their schools and the organization's YouthSource Center, which provides training, access to technology and several internships, apprenticeships and job opportunities for its youth.

Bremond Weaver added, "To this end, we all have the power to be part of the solution. Have a conversation with a young African American youth to lift up their voice and to share that we see them, we hear them and we love them. We will be in this fight until institutional racism no longer exists. We will no longer be on the winds of change, we will be the wind!"

About Brotherhood Crusade

The Brotherhood Crusade was founded in 1968. The organization's principal mission is to champion equality and equity by removing and/or helping individuals overcome the barriers that deter their pursuit of success in life and facilitate opportunities for a better quality of life by effectuating improved health & wellness, facilitating academic success, promoting personal, social & economic growth, providing access to artistic excellence & cultural awareness, increasing financial literacy and building community agencies & institutions. The Brotherhood Crusade has a history of building alliances with other organizations, corporations and foundations of goodwill that are committed to and understand the tremendous need for helping our community and people grow and prosper.

Learn more at: https://brotherhoodcrusade.org/

Charisse Bremond Weaver is available for interviews. Best contact is via email at jeanine@jcec.com

Follow on social media:
* https://www.instagram.com/bhcrusade/
* https://www.facebook.com/BCrusade/
* https://twitter.com/BCrusade

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0603s2p-cb-weaver-300dpi.jpg
*Photo caption: Charisse Bremond Weaver, President and CEO, The Brotherhood Crusade

Related link: https://brotherhoodcrusade.org/

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Business, Free News Articles

Connecting with Customers in a COVID World

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Today, small businesses struggle to find their stride of maintaining relevance during a pandemic. One local Los Angeles entrepreneur - Kim Ashley, founder of Kim Ashley Design - found a meaningful way to connect with her customers.

Ashley has built a successful online business selling her signature stackable gold bead bracelets, chokers and link chains to clients across the nation. "I wanted to find a way to address COVID-19 that struck a positive helpful note for my customers," says Ashley. "I wanted to say be safe by gifting them something useful. It's not about sales right now, it's about reaching out. As a female entrepreneur I've always been focused on empowering women and now more than ever we need to come together to create that spark."

Ashley settled on an easy to carry hand sanitizer pen and sent it to every customer as a gift. There was no purchase involved. "I loved getting my pen!" stated Julia Martinez, a customer. "It was something unexpected and thoughtful. I think new habits are going to stick with all of us and hand hygiene is probably top of the list. This pen is great, I carry it just like sunglasses always there in my side pocket."

As small businesses, the engine of the American jobs machine, find courage and commitment to come back to life, they must create new customer connections. This language between business and patron has to say both we understand the world we are coming back to and we have not forgotten the world we came from just 9 weeks ago. Offering gestures of support during this time will go a long way to strengthen ties between re-starting the American economy boldly.

Kim Ashley Design sells handcrafted stackable gold bead jewelry adorned with gemstones. She lives and works in Los Angeles and her product is American made.

To learn more, please visit:
* https://www.kimashleydesign.com/
* https://www.instagram.com/kimashleydesign/
* https://www.facebook.com/kimashleydesign/

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kim Ashley
info@kimashleydesign.com
310-910-9781

IMAGE LINKS FOR MEDIA:
[1] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0603s2p-kim-ashley-design-diamonds-300dpi.jpg
[2] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0603s2p-kim-ashley-design-pen-300dpi.jpg

Related link: https://www.kimashleydesign.com/

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Business, e-Commerce, Free News Articles

Launch Program Helps Companies Start Selling Direct to Consumers in China Via Cross Border E-Commerce

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- ABC Showcase USA, a leading provider of cross border e-commerce services, international trade and logistics fulfillment, established in 2018, announced expansion of a comprehensive solution to help U.S. companies sell directly to consumers in China and S.E. Asia.

Cross border e-commerce is dramatically transforming the way foreign brands penetrate the Chinese market. In 2019 more than $200 billion dollars in commerce was transacted through cross border e-commerce in China and more than 600 million active online consumers are expected by 2023. Perhaps even more exciting, U.S. companies can start selling their products in China without needing to first commit to costly regulatory approvals, re-labeling or modifications.

The rise of cross border e-commerce has brought with it an unprecedented opportunity for American companies to tap sales directly from Chinese consumers. Even with the specter of protracted trade friction between the United States and China, cross border e-commerce offers U.S. brand holders a sensible work around to sell their products in China avoiding high tariffs.

New-to-export companies can begin selling their brands direct to consumers in China including in highly regulated product categories such as health supplements, beauty products, pet food, and packaged foods with no need to directly ship their inventory overseas and thus bypassing a traditional stocking distributor. The Chinese government has recently lowered duties on most consumer goods sold through cross border sales to 9.2 %. Coupled with the expanded Chinese individual personal exemption, consumers can now import up to 5000 RMB($720.00) duty free.

The team at Showcase USA has simplified the cross-border e-commerce process to offer companies a customizable solution to help quickly launch their products rapidly in China. Since the start of 2018, Showcase USA has managed the successful launch of U.S. apparel, beauty, packaged foods, supplements, and innovative consumer goods on Kaola.com and other leading cross border platforms. According to Mark Matsumoto, company co-founder," The expansion of cross border e-commerce has been a game changer for U.S. companies hoping to reach the vast China consumer market. We have developed a turn-key selling model that reduces risk and gives companies assurance dealing with a U.S. based company."

Leveraging the backbone of ABC Depot Logistics who established the 3PL and procurement arm for Netease/Kaola in North America, the ABC Showcase USA model provides brand holders a simple method to manage all aspects of the cross-border process selling on leading platforms including, Kaola.com, Pinduoduo, WeChat and others.

The ABC Showcase USA Store Program provides brand holders the following bundled support:
* Platform authorization and launch within 30 Days
* Product registrations with China Customs
* Translated product listings on ABC Showcase USA Storefront
* Management of inventory and logistics from Los Angeles or New Jersey Warehouse
* Payment collection from Chinese consumers
* Coordination of platform promotion, including facilitation of in-country social media campaigns and participation in live streaming events.
* 24/7 customer service support in China

California based companies can inquire about opportunities to leverage the California Export ICEP Program that may fully subsidize participation in the ABC Showcase USA Pilot Program - a 6-month trial to on board and start selling products on three of the leading cross border e-commerce platforms.

Don't miss your chance to leverage the biggest online shopping day in the world: Singles' Day on 11/11 which is expected to exceed $60 billion dollars. U.S. companies who take advantage of the program offered by ABC Showcase USA can actively participate in Singles' Day and other important online sales incentive days in Fall/Winter 2020.

About ABC Depot Logistics/Showcase USA

Founded in 2005 as a leading provider of end-to-end logistics solutions, combing air freight, ocean freight, warehousing, road rail, express packages and e-commerce services. Having established a strong reputation in the global logistics industry, ABC Depot was enlisted by Netease/Kaola in 2015 to establish a 3PL operation and procurement office in North America. ABC Depot has played a key role helping Kaola.com become the leading cross border e-commerce platform in China. The launch of ABC Showcase USA in 2018 offered brand holders the first affordable and comprehensive cross border e-commerce sales and support solution.

To learn more about the ABC Showcase USA Cross Border Solution visit: https://showcaseusastore.com/

*VIDEO (Vimeo):
https://vimeo.com/317687888

*LOGO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0603-showcase-usa-store-300dpi.jpg

Related link: https://showcaseusastore.com/

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Business, Free News Articles, Product Launches, Software

iMobie Releases AnyUnlock to Remove Various iPhone Locks Instantly and Securely, Allowing Users to Freely Enjoy iPhone Again

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- iMobie, a tech company who is devoted to making digital life easy & efficient for global users, announced a new product release: AnyUnlock - iPhone Password Unlocker! It can unlock various passwords for iOS devices securely and quickly, including Apple ID, screen passcode, Screen Time passcode, and even encrypted iTunes backup, with the highest success rate.

"Forgetting passwords on iPhone is really troublesome, which keeps users from enjoying iPhone services," said Frank Kong, CEO of iMobie. "Given that, through trial and error for months, our professional technical team has achieved it, and developed AnyUnlock to help all iOS users remove various locks of passcodes, like Apple ID, screen passcode, etc. Better still, it can find and export all the passwords saved on iOS devices, like WiFi passwords, Email passwords, etc. No need to worry about forgetting passwords again."

Unlock iPhone Passwords with AnyUnlock: https://www.imobie.com/anyunlock/iphone-password-unlocker.htm

Highlight Features of AnyUnlock:

Unlock Apple ID to Enjoy iPhone Again

It is unable to download apps/songs/podcasts or change Apple IDs if users forgot the Apple ID password. AnyUnlock is able to securely remove it, so users can enjoy new songs, apps, etc. again, and never worry about the device being locked or wiped remotely.

Remove All Screen Locks with No Tech Skills

With reliable decryption technology, AnyUnlock can remove all screen locks: Touch ID, Face ID, and 4/6-digit passcode, etc. No technical skills will be needed. After unlocking, the device will be upgraded to the latest version so they can enjoy the new iOS features.

Bypass Screen Time / Restrictions Passcode

Forgot Screen Time/Restriction passcode? AnyUnlock enables users to unlock the passcode in 3 simple steps. What's better, AnyUnlock can recover the passcode for devices running below iOS 13.

Remove iTunes/Finder Backup Encryption with Ease

Thanks to the industry-leading technology, AnyUnlock can turn off backup encryption in iTunes/Finder, so users can back up their iPhone freely with no password restrictions. It also retrieves the backup password in iTunes/Finder, with no damage to the backup files.

Remember All The Passwords in 1 Safe Place

AnyUnlock can safely check Wi-Fi passwords, Email passwords, app passwords and more saved on iOS devices. Users can view and export them as CSV format for different password managers, like 1Passsword, Dashlane, Chrome, etc. No worries about forgetting passwords anymore.

Download AnyUnlock to unlock iPhone passwords: https://www.imobie.com/anyunlock/iphone-password-unlocker.htm

Disclaimer:
AnyUnlock is designed to help iPhone/iPad/iPod touch users unlock forgotten iOS passwords on their own devices. It is for personal use only. Any misuse of AnyUnlock for commercial or illegal purposes is strictly forbidden.

Compatibility and Price:

AnyUnlock is fully compatible with Windows and Mac, and available from $35.99. Choose AnyUnlock plan here: https://www.imobie.com/anyunlock/buy-iphone-password-unlocker.htm

About iMobie:

iMobie Inc. is an advanced software developer dedicated to making the digital life simpler for all iOS and Android users worldwide. Information: https://www.imobie.com

*IMAGE link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0526s2p-imobie-anyunlock-300dpi.jpg

Related link: https://www.imobie.com/

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Business, Entertainment, Fine Art and Artists, Free News Articles

Images of an Artist’s Performance from One Month Before the Pandemic Become Increasingly Relevant as Places Re-open and Fates Unfold

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- An American artist, Ayzay Ukwuoma, presents new images from an art performance he had done less than one month before the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today's practice of social distancing, currently makes the performance impossible to do. But, the images of his "Idea Sale," performed in France, only weeks before the pandemic began are striking, as they reveal a sentiment of trust needed for us to continue to exchange our ideas.

Just a few short weeks before countries closed their borders, an American artist arrived in France and visited the Biennale de Lyon to perform a sell outdoors. Ayzay Ukwuoma, a Los Angeles-based artist, held an "Idea Sale" outside of the three sites where the biennale was active on that afternoon; Usine Fagor, L'Institut d'art Contemporain, and macLYON.

In front of the large gatherings, the artist carefully retrieved 50 light bulbs of varying sizes from a large suitcase, and laid them atop a pair of blue and red rugs, to form the make-shift composition of a flag with lights as stars. Poignantly, on that weekend, which also featured the city of Lyon's Festival of Lights, he took a light bulb in his hand, raised it in the air in a forwarding motion, gesturing to the passersby. Shortly after, he extended another, and then another. Ayzay Ukwuoma had begun his "Idea Sale."

The artist stated that the materials surrounding him in the performance spoke of the position of someone foreign or outside on many levels, "between two countries, and between two languages, in-between, and between the street and in the building." He further stated that the piece was about trust, needed for dialogue to occur.

Resonating with a wink at the artist David Hammons who did another kind of sale in New York City many decades ago, Ukwuoma placed his lightbulbs on the rugs with care. He would explain that each bulb came with a price tag on which a verb was printed with a translation on each side-one in French, and the other in English, referencing actions exchanged between strangers on both sides of a dialogue.

Now that access to space is limited and stifled out of necessity, the "Idea Sale," performed less than one month before the pandemic alludes to relevant subtleties within negotiations that occur each time strangers meet.

"We all come with baggage," the artist comments. "I may bring the common cold, or I may bring the cure for a cold that is uncommon," he says, poetically addressing the unknown value that we each carry into shared spaces. In the balance, we must stay open to each other, even when places are closed.

To learn more visit: http://www.ayzay.com/ideasale

For more content:
Instagram: @ayzayukwuoma
https://www.instagram.com/ayzayukwuoma

About Ayzay Ukwuoma:

Ayzay Ukwuoma is an American multidisciplinary artist working in paint, text, installations, and performance. Often relating to displacement and connectivity, his works include components of spatial intervention, plays on sign systems, and representations of language in codified forms, such as hand-written Morse or binary code-0's and 1's. He is an MFA graduate of CalArts and has a Master's degree in Information Systems and Technology from George Washington University.

IMAGE LINKS FOR MEDIA:
[1] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0527s2p-Ukwuoma-idea-sale-300dpi.jpg
Photo caption: Ayzay Ukwuoma performing "Idea Sale" in France, one month before the Pandemic.

[2] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0527s2p-Ukwuoma-patrol-300dpi.jpg

Related link: http://www.ayzay.com/

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Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Product Launches

Gabriele Ciampi’s New Release – She Walks in Beauty – Musically Transforms Lord Byron’s Poem into Message of Hope

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- With lyrics inspired by famed poet, Lord Byron, Gabriele Ciampi's, "She Walks in Beauty" was composed and orchestrated by him to pay tribute to the heroes on the frontline of the current pandemic. This eloquent music video serves as a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel with the promise of a return to normal. The video and song will be released, worldwide, on May 15 by Universal Music Group.

Ciampi, a globally-acclaimed musician, was struck by how Byron's poem could be musically translated into a pandemic metaphor.

"Byron writes about how a woman's beauty is in harmony with the natural forces of light and dark, much like the opposing forces society is currently dealing with - the daily uncertainty balanced by the future of hope," he says.

The darkness of the night represents uncertainty and the fear of a terrible, unknown disease. But, when the woman's gaze lights up and she smiles again, it's the hope of returning to normality.

Ciampi, who typically composes and orchestrates, plays piano in this new release too. And, it's original orchestration and arrangement was all done while he was in quarantine.

Video footage epitomizes how this tragedy escalated and affected people across the world, with a focus on Italy, China and the United States. Moving images include Pope Francis' prayer in the deserted square; coffins in the mass grave on New York City's Hart Island; a nurse collapsing on her computer keyboard; the procession of military trucks through Bergamo loaded with dead bodies; and many others. And then - a light of hope.

A baby is born to a recovered patient who leaves the hospital to the applause of nurses, and tricolor arrows crisscross the sky like musical notes on the score of this hymn which is dedicated to frontline heroes.

"Generously lending her voice to this project is my friend Teura, an Italian singer," Ciampi says. "Teura is an artist and single mother of two young daughters living in the Italian countryside province of Ostia. She supplements her income as an artist and supports her family by operating a small cafe which was closed because of the pandemic. She represents the many single mothers in Italy currently trying to overcome the insecurity of supporting a family while not able to make a living."

Watch the music video, "She Walks in Beauty," here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi_7FNUIW8YnlSFdWAl6ahw

About Gabriele Ciampi

Ciampi has received many accolades throughout his career. He was the first Italian to perform at The White House at the invitation of former first lady, Michelle Obama; he received the "Italian Excellence" medal, granted by the Senate of the Republic of Italy; and the Green Card for Extraordinary Ability, issued by the U.S. government. In 2016, the Vatican invited him to to play for Pope Francis at the Auditorium Parco della Musica in Rome. He's also a Grammy Awards' voting member.

For more information about the artist: https://www.gabrieleciampi.com/

IMAGE LINKS FOR MEDIA:
[1] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0515s2p-Gabriele-Ciampi-300dpi.jpg
Photo caption: Gabriele Ciampi, producer of "She Walks in Beauty."

[2] https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0515s2p-walks-in-beauty-300dpi.jpg
Photo caption: "She Walks in Beauty"

Related link: https://www.gabrieleciampi.com/

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