Consumer Tips

Monday, November 16, 2009
For Immediate Release

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced that the online Retirement Estimator, available at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator, now can provide immediate and personalized benefit estimates to people who have enrolled in Medicare but have not yet filed for Social Security benefits.

TubaChristmas 2009 will be hosted by The Kansas City Symphony on Friday, December 4. This event will be one of 240 TubaChristmas concerts presented around the United States in tribute to the late artist/teacher William J. Bell, born on Christmas Day 1902. The TubaChristmas ensemble performs traditional Christmas carols and songs, many of which were arranged by noted American composer Alec Wilder, who ironically died on Christmas Eve, 1980. The memories of Bell and Wilder are celebrated in the annual performances of TubaChristmas groups around the nation.

(KANSAS CITY) – The Kansas City Symphony marks the beginning of the holiday season with Handel’s Messiah on Thanksgiving weekend. The Kansas City Symphony and Chorus join with the Independence Messiah Choir for this mosaic of the scriptures, which remains Handel’s most famous work. With over 400 musicians on stage, it is one of the most triumphant choral pieces ever written. Messiah is best known for its familiar “Hallelujah” chorus.

For more information contact:
Adam MacDonald
(913) 371-3674
amacdonald@unitedway-wyco.org

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Have you been looking for affordable, one-of-a-kind art for those special people on your holiday gift list? Look no further! Visit the upcoming free art showcase, Art and Soul of the Community, to do your shopping for gifts from local artists while supporting a vital piece of our community’s soul, United Way of Wyandotte County.

7 Tips To Get The Most From An Expensive Kansas City Personal Trainer

Hectic lifestyles combined with fast-food and television mean that people are eating unhealthy and not getting enough exercise to burn off excess calories. Many people just aren’t motivated to learn an exercise routine and stick to it. That’s why hiring a Kansas City personal trainer who can help you develop a customized fitness program might be the best choice.

“A séance for piano and orchestra" -- ghosts of music's past weave through the three movement concerto

(Kansas City) - The Kansas City Symphony will present the world premiere of Lost Souls - A Piano Concerto by Israeli composer Avner Dorman on November 20-22. Lost Souls tell the haunting story of a séance summoning ghosts of concertos past, ending in an exorcism. Praised by Gramophone Magazine as “a fresh, young voice, worth following,” Avner Dorman is a rising star composer whose orchestral works were recently performed by the New York Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

KANSAS CITY SYMPHONY HOSTS
KENNEDY CENTER PRESIDENT MICHAEL KAISER FOR FREE COMMUNITY ARTS CONVERSATION ON NOVEMBER 18

Kennedy Center President Michael M. Kaiser to Travel to all 50 States, Puerto Rico and Washington, D.C., to address the challenges facing non-profit performing arts organizations today

10 Metabolism Myths Busted By Your Kansas City Personal Trainer

Answer 3 Questions:

* Ever notice how some people just eat everything they can but don’t gain a single pound.

Kri Chay, a Kansas City personal trainer and owner of Sexy Back Boot Camps has teamed up with Belton Lubas of Seattle, WA with Strong and Sexy Boot Camps, Sophin Sarin of Des Moines, IA with Twork It Out Fitness Boot Camps and Val Fujii of Folsom, CA with Superwomen Boot Camp to form a nationwide charity boot camp to raise funds to assist the thousands of victims of the recent Philippines and American Samoa disasters.

6 SHOCKING LIES FROM YOUR KANSAS CITY PERSONAL TRAINER

Before I get myself in trouble within my industry and open myself up to more controversy than I already have, let me begin by saying there are many Kansas City personal trainers who are extremely good at what they do and I have been fortunate to work with many of them and learn a whole heck of a lot. On the other hand it is a wonder where some got their certifications, and why their personalities are as dry as desert sand.

Combat The Holiday Weight Gain With A Kansas City Boot Camp!

Men and women throughout Kansas City are searching for the best way to lose weight. Hundreds and even thousands of these hard-working men and women do not see the results they are looking for. The reoccurring problem is that people who want to lose weight try their hardest, but do not really know how to shed the pounds. They try fad diets and workout in the gym without a trainer trying desperately to sculpt their bodies into that ideal image they have been dreaming of. If you are one of these people, then you might consider a local Kansas City Boot Camp. These programs generally are a foolproof way to shed the fat in the shortest amount of time!

KCDealsoftheDay.com, a leading provider of online, printable and mobile coupons and sales alerts, recently surpassed 5,000 consumers in the KC Metro who rely on its services to save them hundreds of dollars each month.

Every year at Halloween, children envision ghosts, goblins, and the possibility of amassing a treasure trove of candy. On the other hand, concerned parents worry about their children’s safety during this yearly candy-gathering ritual.

A revitalized lakehomes Magazine arrives in homes this coming November, after three months of planning and research, featuring a new dedication to journalistic integrity, thoughtful reporting and brilliant design. In a market of general interest publications lakehomes stands apart, building a strong relationship with some of Kansas City’s most affluent through a common passion for the finer celebrations of life.

Research Centers Will Develop Innovative Ways to Help Americans
Plan for a Secure Retirement

NEWS RELEASE
For imediate release
October 5, 2009

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced the establishment of a new Financial Literacy Research Consortium (FLRC), made up of research centers at Boston College, the RAND Corporation, and the University of Wisconsin. The FLRC, supported through five-year cooperative agreements, will develop innovative materials and programs to help Americans plan for a secure retirement.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Dr. Frank Jimenez
Integrity Chiropractic and Wellness
13200 W. 95th St.
Lenexa, KS 66215
(913) 888-2066
www.integrity-chiropractic.com

Chiropractic Effective Treatment of Headaches, Says American Chiropractic Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 24th, 2009. The Kansas City BBQ Society's Great American BBQ Tour will make a stop at Backyard Bash BBQ Headquarters in Parkville, Missouri on September 30th, 2009 from 4pm - 7pm. The tour, which travels to the nation's top BBQ competitions and food events, chooses several retail BBQ locations to stop at, as well. The event is free and open to the public.

Kansas City Restaurant savings at www.KCDealsoftheDay.com

Kansas City, MO --MOGfise LLC ANNOUNCES KCDealsoftheDay.com.

Kansas City restaurants are serving up a huge side of savings and www.kcdealsoftheday brings the savings directly to the consumer.

September 1, 2009
Contact: KStaxaide@gmail.com

AARP Tax-Aide Kansas is looking for volunteers to do tax counseling. Each year from February 1 through April 15, AARP Tax-Aide volunteers prepare (free of charge) federal, state and local tax returns for low- and middle -income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and older. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. You don’t need to be an AARP member or be a retiree to volunteer (or to receive assistance from AARP Tax-Aide volunteers).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Laurie Todd, laurie@staytc.com
913-284-1863
Web site: www.staytc.com

StaytheCourse

StaytheCourse, in partnership with the American Heart Association and the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Nursing, will launch Choose to Move, a 12-week research study program designed specifically to help women meet their healthier living goals. The program’s components include a physical work-up, light exercise, nutritional coaching and online support.

Matsu Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi in Westport has joined the KC Deals of the Day mobile campaign that is saving Kansas City consumers money at fine restaurants in the KC metro. Consumers text KCSAVE to 41411 or visit www.freemobilemenus.com and receive daily text messages on their cell phone regarding sales, bargains and deals from local restaurants.

Get Hip to the Flower Fundamentals: How to be the Savviest, Most Sophisticated Gift Giver of All Time: 8/24/09 KANSAS CITY, MO – At one time or another, most everyone has experienced the near indescribable joy of receiving flowers. But how much do we really know about sending great floral gifts? According to recent research by The Michael Cohen Group, both women and men want to know more about buying flowers with confidence. To deliver abundant floral know-how, the Society of American Florists (SAF) teamed up with floral and interior designer Rebecca Cole, author of Flower Power and co-host of Discovery Channel's Surprise by Design. Together, they developed the Flower Fundamentals, helping people to become the savviest, most sophisticated floral gift givers they can be. “It's easy to become a connoisseur of flowers and plants,” Cole said. “And, like knowing about fine wines or great foods, knowing even the basics about flowers will help people feel more self-assured throughout their lives, from gift-giving to weddings to entertaining.” Introducing The Hip Giver's Guide SAF and Cole created Flower Fundamentals: The Hip Giver's Guide, a month-by-month resource to flowers that are in style, a library of flower and plant varieties, holiday tips and advice, fresh floral research and much, much more. The Hip Giver's Guide is ideal for those who want tips on how to choose a local florist, read up on popular varieties of flowers, get design ideas and more. What Hip Givers Know The Michael Cohen Group research reveals just how much people love to give and receive flowers. Ninety-two percent of women can remember the last time they received flowers, and 97 percent of men and women recall the last time they gave a floral gift. The hundreds of women and men surveyed described a gift of flowers as unlike any other because flowers create lasting memories and make people – both givers and receivers – feel cared about and special. The fleeting nature of flowers also encourages people to appreciate flowers when they are beautiful and vibrant. “With a gift of flowers, you know that someone is thinking of you right now, this very minute,” Cole said. “It's the memory of the gift and the emotions that last forever.” What Hip Givers Said  88% say flowers can change your mood for the better  99% agree that a person who gives flowers is thoughtful  89% believe that someone who gives flowers is sophisticated  83% would like to receive flowers when they are not expecting them What Hip Givers Don't Know While the majority of floral gifts are purchased from a local florist shop, the top five things gift givers don't know about their neighborhood florist include:  They are design professionals with the artistic ability to create different looks to suit different occasions Many local shops offer several convenient means of ordering, including phone lines and Web sites accessible 24 hours a day  Shop owners are connected with thousands of other local florists across the country and internationally, and can ensure your customized arrangement is sent on time to just about anywhere  Even the smallest of community florists has access to a wide variety of fresh flowers and plants on a daily basis Local florists offer a variety of customer service extras, including how-to workshops, rewards programs, reminder services and more. “Let your florist be your personal gift consultant,” Cole said. “Tap into their knowledge to learn more about flowers, or let them simply make you look good. It's up to you.” Log on to www.aboutflowers.com/hipguide.htm to become one of the savviest, most sophisticated and perfect gift givers of all time. Background The independent research, including focus groups and a nationwide survey of 800 consumers, was conducted by The Michael Cohen Group of New York City (January 2005).

Jeremy Franklin Offers Tips for Getting the Best Value For Your Budget

Kansas City, Mo. August 18, 2009 -- There is plenty of chatter right now about the popular "Cash For Clunkers" program. The program has prompted many people to take advantage of a government rebate and purchase a new car. But, is Cash For Clunkers the right program for everyone who needs to examine their vehicle options? There are still excellent options in pre-owned cars and trucks that do not put the buyer in a position of adding a major monthly expense to their budget. Jeremy Franklin offers tips for getting the best value for your budget.

Be a fan of thrills and skills:

Help send me "Over the Edge!"

Local Kansas City Motivational Fitness Guru and personal trainer Kri Chay has committed to take on the opportunity of a lifetime. He will be rappelling down a local Kansas City skyscraper called The Clubhouse on Friday August 28, 2009 so that Special Olympics athletes in our area can train, compete and enjoy a lifetime of their own exciting memories.

From its beginnings as a group of friends looking to earn and save money on their children’s outgrown clothing, Just Between Friends consignment sale has become an anticipated event on local back-to-school shopping calendars.

This is it! Your chance to boost your knowledge at an all-day intensive event featuring world-class traders. Take your skills to the next level with specific technical strategies...learn how to develop a methodical risk management plan... get tips from the experts and much more.

Local blood cancer survivor Rachael Leisy knows first-hand the importance of Gap's Give & Get program benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). She participated in the spring campaign. Rachael and her family knew that taking advantage of the Give & Get program's 30% discount, they would also be contributing to LLS' blood cancer research efforts, research that helps others like Rachael -- research that fights the number one cancer among children.

Kansas City, Mo July 24, 2009 -- Many consumers are stretching smaller budgets these days. For some that may mean changing plans about buying a new car and making an investment in a pre-owned vehicle. Automotive sales volume is below 1986 levels but used vehicle purchases continue to rise from month-to-month. "Consumers need to make sure they shop wisely," said Jeremy Franklin of Jeremy Franklin's Used Car Network in Kansas City. "The good news is there are great bargains available on high quality, reliable transportation."

(Kansas City, MO) July, 2009 – If you are a Kansas City homeowner or are looking to become a Kansas City homeowner, owning a home can be rewarding and challenging at the same time. Over the lifetime of owning a home a number of important “green” home decisions most likely will arise. When important “green” home decisions do arise; where do you start, how do you proceed and who do you go to for advice and assistance? Wouldn’t it be great if there was a “green” real estate expert who had a broad range of “green” real estate and construction experience and a unique skill set that could consult and advise with Kansas City homeowners to provide solutions to most any important “green” home decision?

Selfstoragefinders.com is an online self storage directory which launched in April of 2008. The site offers a unique way to connect prospective renters and owners. Prior to Selfstoragefinders.com a prospective renter would have to search for storage units in the phone book, leaving them looking at outdated data and high prices. Selfstoragefinders.com eliminates these problems by offering renters the ability to find multiple storage facilities quickly and easily. The displayed results benefit both prospective tenants and owners.