Free News Articles, General Editorial

Tori Belle Cosmetics Cover Model Contest!

SEATTLE, Wash. -- In partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), Tori Belle Cosmetics is searching for the next bold, brave and confident model to grace the front cover of their magazine and other digital platforms totaling an audience of over 2.5 million per month and a prize package valued at $500.

Second and third place models will also be selected to be featured and receive a $300 and $100 prize package.

The finalists will be announced during Tori Belle Cosmetic's 3rd annual Party in Pink live streamed event on October 6th where ten will go on to compete for a place in the top three via audience votes. One vote is $1.

Voting will end October 16 and the winners will be announced October 20, 2022.

All entries are $5 and must be received by Monday October 3. 100% of entry fees and votes will be donated to the NBCF.

To Enter submit your photo at: https://www.toribellecosmetics.com/pages/party-in-pink-landing-page

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

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Free News Articles, Funding and Investment

Proteios Technology, Inc. Awarded $1.6 Million NIH SBIR Grant to Commercialize its Multivariate Cell Isolation Technology

SEATTLE, Wash. -- Proteios Technology, Inc. is pleased to announce it's received a $1.6 million SBIR Phase II grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to commercialize its multivariate (parallel) cell isolation technology. Grant funds will be used to extend Proteios' cell isolation kits to include up to 20 of the most common cell types currently used in cell therapy development.

Cell biology is complex. And conducting experiments on an isolated population of cells, rather than a heterogeneous mix, is a common approach to reduce experimental complexity. Cell isolation allows cell biologists to confidently attribute observed effects and responses to a particular cell type.

Specifically, Proteios' multivariate cell isolation technology provides high-performance, antibody- and magnetic bead-free isolation of cell types in fewer than 30 minutes. This is a big reduction in time compared to currently available methods, while meeting or exceeding cell yield, purity and viability.

Proprietary Proteios Chimeras will be designed and developed to bind to each of the 20 target cell types with high specificity and selectivity through a combination of robotic biological screening, Machine Learning (ML) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation.

Proteios will also incorporate Proteios Chimeras into its cGMP cell therapy manufacturing device - a bench prototype funded under contract by the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The device provides end-to-end manufacturing of cell therapies in a closed and fully-automated system with concise control over the multiple cell types that form the basis of cell therapy formulations. Proteios Chimeras will be a major component of consumables for the cGMP cell therapy manufacturing device.

"It's believed that the effectiveness of cellular therapeutics can be improved by the addition/removal of certain secondary cell types," Bob Snyder, Ph.D., co-founder and CEO of Proteios Technology, says. "Proteios' cell isolation technology will provide for the parallel enrichment and/or depletion of any cell type as new cell therapy formulations are investigated, reducing the vein-to-vein time and overall manufacturing cost."

Proteios is also preparing for the immediate commercial release of its research-scale recombinant protein purification kits which will provide a viable alternative to His Tag technology, unusable with about 20 percent of proteins of interest.

Initially, Proteios will launch two kits based on a proprietary affinity tag and a silica-based resin for:

1 - high-expressing proteins; and

2 - low-expressing proteins.

To learn more: https://www.proteios.com/

About Proteios Technology:

Proteios Technology is a leading provider of products and services dedicated to supporting the discovery of advanced therapeutics and their efficient manufacturing. Its innovative solutions support research at all levels from discovery and translational research to cGMP manufacturing and companion diagnostics. Its technologies enable the multivariate (parallel), tag-free isolation of any biological, including proteins/biopharmaceuticals, cell types, antibodies and viruses. Proteios' research-scale kits enable the discovery of new advanced therapeutics. And the inherent scalability of the technology allows the same methodology to be used in the manufacturing of advanced therapeutics and dramatically reduces the time required for process development.

Proteios is driven by the goal to lower the cost of healthcare and to provide advanced therapeutics to a larger patient population. It's located in the heart of Seattle and adjacent to some of the world's leading cell therapy research institutes - including the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle Children's Research Institute and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

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

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Construction and Building, Free News Articles, HVAC Heating and Cooling

Seattle Plumbing Company Commits to Transparency and Customer Peace of Mind

SEATTLE, Wash. -- Amid stories of plumbing contractors without the proper licensing doing subpar work, or even scamming customers, Trusted Plumbing & Heating in the Seattle area is more committed than ever to transparency, due diligence and customer care.

Unlicensed plumbing contractors often take shortcuts to get a job done as fast as possible so they can cram in as many jobs as they can to make money. Customers who hire these unlicensed plumbing contractors often find themselves out hundreds or even thousands of dollars, with their plumbing in disrepair, and little to no chance of getting a refund.

Trusted Plumbing understands the frustration of homeowners who experience this, and they've doubled down on their commitment to honesty and providing transparency for their customers. Their goal is to offer the best possible plumbing service in Seattle and throughout Western Washington, every one of their plumbing contractors is licensed, bonded and insured, and they never sacrifice quality for speed.

"We are upfront about our pricing," says Jim Cunningham, Owner of Trusted Plumbing & Heating, sharing that their cost for diagnostics is $89. "The $89 will be deducted off of any service performed. We've always strived to be the fairest company around. We're committed to getting the job done right the first time, and our customers appreciate that."

Trusted Plumbing & Heating provides plumbing and heating solutions throughout the Puget Sound region and are based in the Seattle area. They can be reached at (206) 208-0007 or online - https://www.trustedplumbingheating.com/

About Trusted Plumbing and Heating:

With over 35 years of experience in plumbing and 12 years of experience in heating and air conditioning, Jim Cunningham and his son James Cunningham built Trusted Plumbing & Heating's reputation as a trusted entity. This family owned and operated business is based out of King County, Washington with the purpose of providing customers with plumbing contractors and technicians that they can trust. Their technicians and plumbing contractors are experienced and trained to use the highest quality products to create a trustworthy, efficient and satisfying experience for all customers. All personnel are licensed, insured and bonded to work in Washington State and are experts in their respective fields.

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

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Construction and Building, Free News Articles, Home and Garden

Washington Siding Company Believes Homeowners Deserve Better Than ‘Free Estimates’

SEATTLE, Wash. -- Homeowners have been inundated in recent years with offers from contracting companies for "free estimates" for siding, roofing, window replacement, and any other home maintenance project they may need. But Builders Service Company in Washington is taking a different approach to helping folks improve their homes.

Often, companies that advertise free estimates don't offer the level of service and customization of price, materials, and timeline that homeowners need to get the most out of their home improvements. These free quotes usually entail a quick, impersonal and dubious price estimate that is likely to increase by up to 50% between when the quote is given and the service is booked, a bait-and-switch that many homeowners can no doubt relate to and find very frustrating.

But Builders Service Company does it differently. The Builders philosophy is that a home is the most important investment someone can make, and is worth much more than a free quote can properly assess. And while there is no cost to book a consultation with their home exterior experts, it's so much more than a free estimate. When Builders Service Company meets with a customer, they do so with the goal of providing the homeowner with everything they need to make the right decision for their home, from materials, to services, to timeline, to pricing information that will hold up to the changing markets.

"We take the time to truly understand the homeowner's needs, and what the best choice will be for them in terms of products, services, and project timeline," says Builders owner Mason Ruppel. "Your home deserves world-class materials that will stand the test of time and the highest quality service. When I meet with you, I'll make sure you get that, even if it takes four or five hours."

Builders Service Company offers personalized in-home consultations and custom design appointments for siding, roofing, windows, and other home contracting services.

About Builders Service Company:

Serving the Greater Pacific Northwest, Builders Service Company has been in business as a residential home improvement contractor since 1974, providing installation services and excellent products that will last a lifetime. Builders Service Company strives to provide the best workmanship and accuracy, professionalism, customer care, and affordability to all its customers, regardless of the project, to help clients invest meaningfully in their homes. They are the two-time recipients of the Golden Hammer Contractor Award from Alcoa Building Products, and are the designated Dealer of Distinction for Preservation Windows and Siding.

Learn more: https://www.buildersservicecompany.com/

MULTIMEDIA:

-Logo: https://www.buildersservicecompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/logo.png

-Image: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZwubtpNq10qA-9-bLdhqoG5hl2mmSuKg/view?usp=sharing

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

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved. ID:NEO2022

Business, Free News Articles

444 Discovers an Abundance of Functional Food at Alta Vista Botanical Gardens

SEATTLE, Wash. -- Danielle Keogh, co-founder, 444, LLC, a business passionate about the culinary art of functional beverage and expert mixology, continues a nationwide tour interviewing sustainable businesses within the food and beverage industry. While exploring the U.S.'s southwest, Keogh discovered Alta Vista Botanical Gardens (AVBG), a treasure trove of plant medicine.

Naomi Stein, vice president, AVBG, welcomed Keogh with open arms and applauds the devotion of Alta Vista's volunteer board members who have worked to create such a wonderful space.

"The functional ingredient movement is alive and well here," she says.

In 1999, the city of Vista, California opened this 14-acre property to the public with a mission to bring people, nature and art together and they're doing just that and more.

AVBG plans to celebrate Earth Day by offering the community a free event where they can connect with nature on an artistic level. Vic Moraga will be live on guitar, while children can conjure recycled art, and families can discover numerous gardens with functional ingredients.

Edible delights can be found throughout. The medicinal herb garden has aloe vera, white sage, horehound, ginkgo trees, chaste trees, jojoba trees, tabebuia trees and more.

In the culinary garden, herb adventurers will find a rich variety that includes everything from spearmint, the caper bush, fennel, lemon verbena and lemongrass to hops, oregano, Thai basil, several varieties of sage, ginger, bay leaf tree, rosemary and thyme.

The children's garden is an ideal place for the younger set to learn about rare fruit trees such as Cherimoya, Loquat, pomegranate, several varieties of banana and dragon fruit.

Nancy Jones, a retired elementary teacher, also known as "Farmer Jones," gives a monthly class for AVBG members and their children. She teaches them how to garden and also heads a cleanup group, Loser's Litter, where participants help to keep the community free of debris. Additionally, she'll be overseeing the Earth Day Festival.

Other functional food events are happening all over in California, Arizona, and New Mexico.

HERE'S A GOOD SAMPLING:

Who: Nancy Jones/Alta Vista Botanical Gardens
What: Earth Day Festival
Where: Vista, CA, 1270 Vale Terrace Drive Vista
When: Saturday, April 23, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Who: Rose Walker/Le Jardin Verde Garden
What: Tree Care
Where: Albuquerque, NM, 538 Utah St. NE
When: Saturday, April 23, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Who: Cole Daeschel/Cedar Grove Greenhouse, Nursery and Farm
What: Santa Fe Farmers' Markets | Santa Fe Railyard
Where: Santa Fe, NM, 1607 Paseo De Peralta
When: Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Who: Dirk Hermann/Planet Mushrooms
What: Calabasas Farmers' Market
Where: Calabasas, CA, 23504 Calabasas Rd
When: Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Who: Creation Family Farms
What: Brentwood Farmers Market
Where: Brentwood, CA, Oak St and, 1st St
When: Sundays from 9:00 a.m.to 1:00 p.m.

Who: Roberto Ramirez/Mountain Meadow Mushroom Farm
What: Free Mushroom Compost Pickup
Where: Escondido, CA, 26948 N Broadway
When: Every Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Two other options include a free 15-minute consultation with LA Garden Supply owner Leonard Song on how to grow sustainably indoors or discover delicious concoctions of plant medicine at the Realm of 52 Remedies in San Diego that will evoke your senses.

About 444 (4 Forty 4):

444, LLC is dedicated to discovering ways to learn, grow, and collaborate to capture healthy, exciting, unique options for beverages. By partnering with and supporting small businesses throughout the U.S. within the functional ingredients and sustainable farming sectors, 444 is committed to providing current information about the industry.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Anyone interested in sharing their or others' stories, can visit: https://444.farm/

Explore Midwest farmers at: https://444.farm/category/west-coast/

For more information about AVBG: https://444.farm/2022/04/10/alta-vista-botanical-gardens-vista-california/

MULTIMEDIA:

*VIDEO (YouTube) https://youtu.be/vjrhtk9jIVo

Video caption: Alta Vista Botanical Gardens | Earth Day 2022 | Vista, California.

Related link: https://444.farm/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Environment and Ecology, Free News Articles

444 Spotlights Movers and Shakers in the Sustainable Living Sector

SEATTLE, Wash. -- Danielle Keogh, co-founder, 444, LLC, launched a nationwide tour where she interviewed businesses within the functional ingredient sector. She says that Brandon Pitcher continues to carve the path for sustainable living. Among many, leading change agent in the Midwest, Pitcher, co-founder of Blue Circle Farms and founder of 5 Kingdoms Development, has dedicated his life's work to providing sustainability and renewability coaching. In 2010, he was the Green Entrepreneur of the year.

As the functional ingredient and sustainability movement continues to charge on in the Midwest, Pitcher is joined by agricultural solution-based companies, small-scale sustainable farmers, and organic merchants that have also stepped up to the plate to nurture the heart of America.

Several events are planned this spring to showcase Pitcher and other sustainability leaders and to feature some incredible, nutrient-dense foods. These events are scheduled to take place this spring in Colorado, Missouri, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio.

Pitcher has traveled to more than 50 countries and given more than 600 lectures on business, inspired by nature and societal development at Universities like MIT and Yale. Networking people and facilitating fun education to share big concepts is Pitcher's approach to making the world a better place.

He's hosting a series of 5 Kingdoms Dinners across the U.S., collaborating with prominent chefs like Donna Merton, and Farm Eats District Food Truck Eats. Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts will staff these events and Merton and Pitcher are in the process of creating a cookbook too.

5 Kingdoms' dinners are designed to educate and entertain people around a new type of diet.

"I guess you'd call it a different way of living and eating where bacteria, algae, plants, animals and fungus are present and representative of your local ecosystems," Pitcher says.

These events host roughly 100 to 200 people and it's an exciting way to enjoy music and mingle with artists. As opposed to shopping on Amazon, visiting local organic stores allows for unique opportunities to build relationships with like-minded individuals looking for natural ways to improve health. As a result, retail businesses have made strides to provide communities with organic, holistic ingredients.

He believes that "when it comes to our survival and functionality of nature," fungi are "probably the most important kingdom on earth."

Partaking in the remaining four kingdoms, algae, bacteria, plant and animal, can be equally enjoyable and boasts tremendous benefits. Unfortunately, according to "U.S. News," Americans consume ultra-processed foods at an extreme rate, putting people at a greater risk for chronic diseases. The common thought is that the poor 21st Century diet could "be the key driver of the obesity epidemic" (*see citation). It's crucial for society to do its part to support health beyond simply basic nutrition and to build up natural immune systems.

Who: Brandon Pitcher, Blue Circle Farms

What: 5 Kingdom Dinners

Where: Boulder, CO

When: May 21, 2022

Other movers and shakers include Nuka Anue who has two African Naturals stores in St. Louis, MO; and Eric Rose, owner of River Valley Market. African Naturals offers unique, high-quality holistic goods sourced mainly from Africa; and Rose farms most of his products and believes that people are growing more aware of functional mushrooms and their nutritional value.

AFRICAN NATURALS AND RIVER VALLEY MARKET EVENTS:

Who: Nuka Anue of Blue African Naturals

What: 31st Annual St. Louis African Arts Festival

Where: 2022 World's Fair Pavilion Forest Park, St. Louis, MO

When: Saturday, May 28, 2022, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, May 29, 2022, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and Monday, May 30, 2022, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Who: Eric Rose of River Valley Market

What: Spring Wine Stroll

Where: Chicago, Illinois

Choose from four routes:

https://www.lincolnsquare.org/spring-wine-stroll

When: Thursday, April 28, 2022, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

The Eastern Market in Detroit also hosts the following Midwest sustainable farmers: Carolyn Leadly and Jack VanDyke, Rising Pheasant Farms; Ron Stadler, Stadler Farms; Vincent Sanna, Give and Grow Mushrooms; and Bob Jentzen, Jentzen Farms. Location: 2934 Russell Street, every Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

OTHER FARMERS' MARKETS INCLUDE:

Who: Brandon and Jordan Krystowski, Erie Shore Seeds and Spores

What: The Lake Saint Louis Farmers and Artists Market

Where: 4040 Riverview Road, Peninsula, OH

When: Opens May 7, every Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Who: Chef John Gelineau, Mushroom Naturally

What: Countryside Farmers Market

Where: Meadows Circle Drive, St. Louis, MO

When: Every Saturday from 8:00 a.m.to 12:00 p.m.

Who: Nicola Macpherson, Ozark Forest Mushrooms

What: Tower Grove Farmers' Market

Where: 4256 Magnolia Ave, St. Louis, MO

When: Every Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Whether produce is grown organically or organically certified, more and more of the nation's farmers dedicate resources to providing the healthiest options to their local communities. Some farmers have weekly scheduled pick-ups, others offer deliveries, while most tend to post up at farmer's markets. As expected, the fees involved in establishing and maintaining the organic certification increase prices. Consequently, "organically certified" may not be available at every stand, but the majority of products meet the specifications.

About 444 (4 Forty 4)

444, LLC will incorporate the culinary art of functional beverage and expert mixology to manufacture functional beverage mixers. By partnering with and supporting small businesses throughout the U.S. within the functional ingredients and sustainable farming sectors, 444 is dedicated to providing current information about the industry.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Anyone interested in sharing their or others' stories, can visit: https://444.farm/

Explore Midwest farmers at: https://444.farm/category/mid-west

For more information about Brandon Pitcher: https://444.farm/2022/02/14/blue-circle-kokomo-indiana

MULTIMEDIA:

* VIDEO (YouTube) https://youtu.be/0WdoA07gDss

Video caption: Brandon Pitcher Co-Hosting 5 Kingdoms Dinner Boulder Colorado May 21, 2022

* LOGO 72dpi: https://444.farm/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/cropped-444-LOGO-1_12_221-2.png

CITATION:

* Preidt, R. (2021, October 15). Americans are eating more ultra-processed foods | health ... US News. Retrieved April 4, 2022, from https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2021-10-15/americans-are-eating-more-ultra-processed-foods

Related link: https://444.farm/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial

Tori Belle Cosmetics, Customers and Affiliates Give Over $10K in Cash Grants to Those in Need!

SEATTLE, Wash. -- When Laura Hunter invented Magnetic Eyeliner and started Tori Belle Cosmetics, she knew she had a winning product. What she didn't know was how many lives would be positively impacted when she opened the company up to independent sales Affiliates. With over a million happy customers and thousands of affiliates across the globe, the foundation of Tori Belle Cosmetics culture is giving back.

Tori Belle recently held its fourth benefit for National Organization for Women's Safety Awareness, NOWSA. The charity event included the TB's Got Talent Competition. Tori Belle affiliates and customers submitted variety, dance, and vocal audition tapes. Three winners, Stacey Edwards, Josh Holland and Darlene Tyler, were chosen by those who voted. All funds from the voting and donations went directly to funding NOWSA grants for families in need. In addition to the funds raised by the participants, Tori Belle Cosmetics donated a portion of proceeds and a lump sum to the total donation.

The goal of this event was to raise enough to give a grant to every person who was nominated (and eligible) and to exceed $100Kin total grants given through NOWSA. Both goals were met!

"It amazes me time and time again how our Tori Belle community steps up to help others in need. I couldn't be more proud or more committed to growing our charitable programs!" said Laura Hunter.

About LashLiner, Inc.

LashLiner, Inc., and wholly-owned subsidiary, Tori Belle Cosmetics, sell the original, patent pending eyeliner, invented by Laura Hunter under the brand name Magnetude™ magnetic mascara, magnetic eyeliner, magnetic lashes, and other cosmetics via independent affiliates and The LashLiner System, available at http://www.lashliner.com/. Tori Belle's Magnetude™ line is available via independent affiliates at http://www.toribellecosmetics.com/.

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

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial, Product Launches

Prolific inventor and beauty guru, Laura Hunter, has launched her newest invention, the Perfect Contour Beauty Sponge

SEATTLE, Wash. -- For many years, stars like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez have popularized the highlighted and contoured makeup look, but without access to a professional makeup artist, getting Kardashian perfect contour was nearly impossible. For most, the result was streaks of brown or white that just won't blend in. Tori Belle Cosmetics promises to have solved this problem.

Hunter is well known as an inventor and innovator in the beauty space with numerous patents pending and products launched over the past few years. She is the inventor of Magnetic Eyeliner and Lash Systems along with Lash Bling, Stackers, numerous packaging innovations and other innovative cosmetics. She was honored with both the BIG Innovation Award and Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for the Northwest in 2021. Her products have been featured in Glamour, Elle, Good Morning America, Refinery 29, ABC News and more.

With her newest invention, Hunter set out to make face contouring accessible to everyone in a way that is quick, convenient and foolproof. According to Hunter, her patent-pending Perfect Contour Beauty Sponge is expertly designed to help users contour confidently. Her new beauty tool is intended to sculpt and add dimension in all the right places to highlight the features. Simply position the sponge, stamp the pigment on, and blend to perfect the look. It works on all face shapes and sizes and all ten areas of the face.

Hunter says, "Now anyone can be a contour expert and get that super 'instagrammable' or 'TikTok' perfect contour look with the Perfect Contour Beauty Sponge."

About LashLiner, Inc.

LashLiner, Inc., and wholly-owned subsidiary, Tori Belle Cosmetics, sell the original, patent pending eyeliner, invented by Laura Hunter under the brand name Magnetude™ magnetic mascara, magnetic eyeliner, magnetic lashes, and other cosmetics via independent affiliates and The LashLiner System, available at https://www.lashliner.com/. Tori Belle's Magnetude™ line is available via independent affiliates at https://www.toribellecosmetics.com/.

MULTIMEDIA:

VIDEO (YouTube): https://youtu.be/QL21YCmH6xc

###

* Disclaimer: Mention of celebrity names does not claim or imply an endorsement.

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

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles

Former ‘American Pimp’ Turned Police Accountability Activist, Andre Taylor Revisits his Roots with ‘Many Shades of Dre’ Hip Hop Music and Video Project

SEATTLE, Wash. -- In what might appear to be a major contradiction of sorts, civic activist Andre Taylor is reflecting on his notoriously iconic, urban culture hustler past and bringing back his alter pimp ego, "Gorgeous Dre," with the release of his new music and video project, "Many Shades of Dre."

Always an outspoken figure, stemming back to his feature in the Hughes Brothers cult documentary film classic, "American Pimp," Taylor has garnered national mainstream accolades for his work and achievements on the frontline battle for police accountability, most recently concluding his appointment as a "street czar" consultant by the mayor of Seattle. "The Many Shades of Dre," an unapologetic exploration and dive back to his roots, is a multilayered music and video compilation, marking the evolution of Taylor from the mean streets to his former high-level executive suite.

Taylor has consistently brewed widespread controversy from both the left and right, with many questioning his ability to adeptly stride the road less traveled. From his street reign as a pimp, his transformation as a civil rights contender victoriously taking on the Seattle police department, to the appointment of his city position as "street czar," while battling and managing family loss and health issues, including a bout with Covid, Taylor continues to rise as an 21st century renaissance man and urban legend.

Married for 23 years, his wife, Dove, has stood by his side through it all, even sharing a kidney during a health scare when his failed. A true enigma of sorts, Taylor also boasts a son who graduated from Yale and a daughter who graduated from UCLA among his offspring!

There is a strong message in his perceived madness. His current single and video releases, "Like Me," "Knockin' Season" and "A Day in the Life" have amassed over six million views across social media platforms. With plans to drop a video with every track from the project, Taylor is determined to make his musical mark and reignite his street 'cred' and visibility.

When one is fully acquainted with the back story of Andre Taylor, it becomes clear that it takes more than salty opinions to deter him from his appointed mission to impact, enhance and save lives. With "Many Shades of Dre," Taylor makes no excuses for his illicit past, boldly recapturing and revisiting his pimp roots. On a musical voyage akin to what supporters are calling, "The Return of the American Pimp," Taylor makes peace with the fact that it is his maligned origins that paved the road to his rise as a venerated urban visionary.

Like Malcolm X, Andre Taylor rose from the gutter to achieve remarkable heights. His father was a pimp and his mother a prostitute. Following in their footsteps was perhaps predestined. A stint in prison saw him retiring from 'the game' before catapulting to pop culture fame in "American Pimp," the groundbreaking film that laid bare the subculture of pimping and pandering.

It was the tragic murder of his brother, Che Taylor, by Seattle police in 2016, that redirected his focus to civic activism. Taylor left Los Angeles for Seattle and founded the nonprofit organization, Not This Time. He began working with other families who had also experienced police related tragic losses and by 2018 had spearheaded the triumphant passing of I-940. An unprecedented initiative, I-940 makes it easier to criminally charge police officers believed to have wrongfully used deadly force.

Taylor has worked relentlessly on a grassroots level to secure recognition and justice for Seattle's marginalized communities. Not This Time received a city contract for a $100,000 contract to host a speaker series called 'Conversation with the Streets,' followed by a $150,000 contract positioning Taylor as the city's consulting 'street czar,' securing his expertise to de-escalate tensions and liaison the community and Capitol Hill.

"Not many can comprehend the depth of my life mission," cites Taylor, a man known for his gift of expression. "I can't stop to concern myself with continual explanation. When I was in the streets as a pimp, I was public enemy number one. Yet my activism and civic service had others perceiving me as a sellout. My life journey has challenged me to be true to myself and my God, no matter what."

"Like many successful artists, including Jay Z, 50 Cent and Snoop Dogg, my evolution didn't start pretty," notes Taylor. "With 'Many Shades of Dre' there will be no more whispering and speculation about my past deeds. I'm laying my life bare, all of it. The man I was is not the man I am today, but the man I was made me the man I am today. Music has always been one of my strongest passions because of its ability to heal through self-expression and I am blessed to embark on this new journey."

Check out the music and videos for "Many Shades of Dre" as well as the revelations of Andre Taylor on his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/AndreTaylor and experience "A Day in the Life" starring comedian Cory Holcomb, his wife Dove and his son, Cashanovas-kp.

Get involved with "Not This Time" at https://notthistime.global/.

Follow the many shades of Andre Taylor on Instagram at @realgorgeousdre.

Related link: https://notthistime.global/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Business, Free News Articles, General Editorial, Product Launches

3rdPlus Launches with Products and Services for Senior Living Communities Serving the Modern Elder

SEATTLE, Wash. -- 3rdPlus launches today with a mission to make aging better and help break societal and internalized ageist stereotypes by offering transformational services to support communities that serve today's modern elders.

With the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, it is essential to rethink how best to support senior living communities from dining and life enrichment practices to positive aging communications.

"The pandemic reinforces the relevance of what we have been working on for years in the Senior Living space," said Cynthia Thurlow Cruver, founder and principal of 3rdPlus. "We saw first hand how senior living communities were getting a bad rap on the best of days, and the ageist perception of our elders being portrayed as 'weak and vulnerable' was pushed to the forefront, which has made our services even more relevant."

Founded in 2012 as 3rdThird Marketing, with Culinary Coach added in 2017, the newly expanded company branded 3rdPlus, has added two additional divisions to its portfolio: Community Coach, and SparksPlus. 3rdPlus is led by Cynthia Thurlow Cruver, who has long held a passion to create a socially conscious company committed to positive aging by delivering revitalized brand messaging, focusing on health and wellness, and eliminating old-school practices that perpetuate ageism.

"We want to nurture and support the whole person by delivering products and services that today's modern seniors want and deserve," said Thurlow Cruver. "The new structure allows us to broaden our reach, provide transformational programming and services and positions us to help make aging better."

Growing the company to meet today's challenges led to a holistic approach across a broad spectrum of fields and disciplines. The newest of these concepts is SparksPlus. Born from the need to deliver quality, modern life enrichment activities with intellectually stimulating and engaging content, SparksPlus aims to bring college campus-like content into communities.

"Seniors living in communities want more than bingo and crafts. And we want to deliver on that by creating thought-provoking and enriching programs that engage all of the senses and support positive aging," shared Thurlow Cruver.

Dr. Kelly Tremblay, Ph.D., a former Professor of Neuroscience and contributor to the World Health Organization's World Report on Ageing and Health, is consulting with the 3rdPlus team to develop content for SparksPlus. "Thurlow's mission is inspiring. Not only is 3rdPlus trying to combat the negative stereotypes of aging by working with communities, but it's also offering plug-in-solutions for other areas like dining and life enrichment," Tremblay states.

Dr. Tremblay is excited to bring the scientific element into the fold. "As a neuroscientist who specializes in learning and plasticity of the aging brain, as well as an educator and advocate, I'm committed to lifelong learning," said Tremblay. "I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the new program and help identify speakers for SparksPlus."

Culinary Coach and Community Coach are two of the other innovative programs offered under the 3rdPlus umbrella.

Scott Daniels, Vice President of Culinary and Operations with Culinary Coach, who used to work at one of the nation's largest food contractors states, "I am now in a position where I can truly make a difference. By being able to help communities source fresh, quality, and locally produced foods, we empower our clients to differentiate with their dining. Our reason for being is to deliver delicious, aesthetically pleasing dining experiences to all senior living residents."

Community Coach provides ad hoc services and solutions to support operations, leadership, sales coaching, dietary programs and more. The backbone of the organization continues to be the award-winning 3rdThird Marketing, a full-service branding, marketing, and consulting agency that specializes in reaching the 55+ demographic with age-positive messaging.

"It is wonderful to watch a Washington LeadingAge member grow as they see the need in the market," said Pat Sylvia, Director of Education and Member Development at LeadingAge Washington. "I'm excited about the positive impact they can make in the aging services industry."

3rdPlus is a one-of-a-kind company with enhanced services to help senior living communities transform the resident experience. Founder and Principal Cynthia Thurlow-Cruver has worked in advertising for thirty years and the senior living industry for a decade. She has long held a passion to create a socially conscious company committed to positive aging. Her own family elders' aging journeys coupled with her deep love for healthy, organic food and her foray into restaurant ownership has only reinforced that mission.

Learn more about our mission: https://3rdplus.com/

View press kit and media materials: https://3rdplus.com/press-news/.

Watch the 3rdPlus explainer video and see how our constellation of products and services orbit one great notion: "Making Aging Better." https://vimeo.com/636548810

Related link: https://3rdplus.com/

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.