Donovan McNabb will throw passes to Terrell Owens again – only this time on a basketball court in the new season of Spike TV's "Pros vs. Joes."  The special episode features current NFL stars who played college basketball, Owens (Tennessee-Chattanooga), McNabb (Syracuse), and Antonio Gates (Kent St.) against former NBA greats Hakeem Olajuwon, Kenny Smith and Rick Fox.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060322/NYW096LOGO )

Spike TV's "Pros vs. Joes" goes into production beginning March 9 in Los Angeles and premieres Wednesday, July 14 at 10:00 PM ET/PT. The new season, hosted by Michael Strahan and Jay Glazer, will consist of eight one-hour episodes.  (The episode with McNabb and Owens tapes Friday, March 12).  

The football stars showcased in the hit Spike TV original series include Warrick Dunn, Isaac Bruce, Derrick Brooks and Jeff Garcia. The basketball legends are Hakeem Olajuwon, Chris Mullin, Kenny Smith, Brent Barry, Isaiah Rider and Rick Fox.

"Pros vs. Joes" features regular guys competing against an array of popular sports legends from the last two decades. Similar to last season, there will be only one sport played in each episode featuring three skill competitions and a three-on-three game pitting the Pros against the Joes. The sports this season will be football (4 episodes) and basketball (4 episodes).

Utilizing their solid sports background and sterling track record of delivering high quality unscripted hits, A. Smith & Co. Productions' Arthur Smith, Kent Weed and Frank Sinton serve as executive producers of the new season of "Pros vs. Joes" along with Michael Yudin, president of MY Entertainment and Joe Townley, COO of MY Entertainment. The same team executive produced "Pros vs. Joes 4: All Stars."  Smith is CEO of A. Smith & Co. and helped launch the successful Fox Sports Net in the late 1990s as its head of programming and production.  Townley is a veteran of sports television production and previously served as executive producer at MSG Network.

Sharon Levy, Tim Duffy and Joe Weinstock are executives in charge of production for Spike TV.

About Spike TV

Spike TV is available in 98.6 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of Viacom ( VIA, VIA.B), MTV Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Spike TV's Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV's press site at http://www.spike.com/press.

About A. Smith & Co. Productions

Founded by Arthur Smith and Kent Weed in 2000, A. Smith & Co. Productions generates some of the most innovative, highly-rated and high quality unscripted programming for the domestic and international television marketplace. Since its launch the company has created over 1,000 hours of programming and developed and produced the number one show in America an astonishing 12 times and a top 5 show more than 50 times. The company's current production slate includes the Emmy® Awards-nominated hit show "Hell's Kitchen" as well as "Kitchen Nightmares with Chef Gordon Ramsay;" "Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura;" "Unsung; I Survived a Japanese Game Show;" "Crash Course;" the critically acclaimed documentary series "American Gangster;" and "UFC Countdown."  A Smith & Co.'s highly-rated programming and executive team have been nominated for several awards including a DGA Award, an NAACP Image Award and two Rose d'Or Awards which they won in 2009 for "I Survived a Japanese Game Show."

SOURCE Spike TV

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.spike.com

The African Development Foundation (ADF) is pleased to welcome the visit of Ghana Little League District Administrator Hugo Huppenbauer to the United States. Mr. Huppenbauer will attend the 25th Little League International Congress in Lexington, Kentucky, March 12-15, 2010.

"Hugo's visit to the US is another sign of the growth baseball continues to achieve in Ghana. It is significant for Ghana to have a place in the Little League International Congress," said ADF President and Founder George Ntim.

Mr. Huppenbauer is also the On-Field Director of the Ghana Baseball and Softball Association (GHABSA) as well as the program facilitator for the ADF.

GHABSA currently operates 4 Little Leagues and has over 1,500 children playing baseball, which includes Tee Ball programs for 5 to 8 year-olds in 12 schools.

The ADF is an international non-profit organization, created to garner goodwill and strengthen relationships between The United States and Africa through youth-oriented initiatives. Its outreach includes providing African youths with computer training, health-related resources, and recreational outlets.

For more information please contact:

Peter Watkins on behalf of ADF: peter@watkinsglobal.com -- 801-878-0808

SOURCE African Development Foundation

Back to top

The May 2, 2010 events of the UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon and FedEx Ground Pittsburgh Marathon Relay are completely sold out.  A limited number of spots remain in the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. To date, registration includes runners from nearly every state and more than a dozen foreign countries. The 2010 registration cap is 16,000 total runners -- a number which exceeds the 2009 record of 10,500 by more than fifty percent.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100308/DC66604LOGO)

Race director Patrice Matamoros comments, "We couldn't be more thrilled with this unprecedented runner demand. But this event isn't just for runners – we also need volunteers, bands and spectators. This is a great opportunity to showcase our City, and a course full of cheering fans, music and activity will make Pittsburgh shine in the eyes of our guests."

Volunteers, bands, and students interested in competing for cash prizes in the "Cheerathoner" competition are encouraged to register online at pittsburghmarathon.com.

Parents can register their children for the Saturday, May 1 running of the Kids Marathon 1-Mile Fun Run, presented by Trib Total Media. Every Kids Marathon runner receives an official time, a finisher's medal, a t-shirt and a goody bag, plus the whole family will enjoy the free GNC LiveWell Health & Fitness Expo, games and entertainment, and appearances by local and national celebrities.

Complete information for all races, volunteer registration, and registration for the Kids Marathon 1-Mile Fun Run and the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon is available at pittsburghmarathon.com.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Pittsburgh Marathon is a non-profit organization which promotes the love of long-distance running and enhances community involvement in fitness activities through high quality events open to a wide variety of ages and ability levels.  Marathon events will consistently serve the needs of its runners and sponsors; will engage and reward volunteers; will enhance the economic well-being of the Pittsburgh region; will partner with public and private entities to create the best possible event experience; and partner with appropriate charitable organizations to give back to the community.

OUR SPONSORS

Dick's Sporting Goods, UPMC Health Plan, FedEx Ground, Nike, UPMC Sports Medicine, GNC, Trib Total Media, KDKA TV, PA American Water, Rothman Gordon Attorneys, Sheetz, Dunkin Donuts, McKnight Realty Partners, Pittsburgh Volkswagen Dealers, NUGO, Verizon Wireless, Gatorade, GU, Omni Hotels William Penn, New Harvest, Shearers, Shapers, Spaghetti Warehouse, and Subway.

SOURCE Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.pittsburghmarathon.com

Fishermen and women alike are heading out to the fishing grounds with marked anticipation as the 2010 wild Alaska halibut and black cod (sablefish) season opens March 6, 2010. Catch limits for Alaska halibut and black cod are set at 40.3 million pounds and 24.9 million pounds, respectively.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100304/SF64709LOGO)

Alaska is home to over 75% of the wild Pacific halibut and over 70% of the wild black cod caught in the U.S.; in other words, we have plenty of it. Halibut is harvested exclusively in Alaska's pure, pristine waters with longline gear; black cod is harvested by longline and pots.

Alaska halibut and black cod, and in fact all seafood from Alaska, are wild and sustainable seafood choices. In fact, Alaska is the only state in the nation to have sustainability language written into its Constitution.

Chefs Welcome the Alaska Halibut and Black Cod Season

Renowned chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger will also be gearing up for the Alaska halibut and black cod season in their award winning restaurants Border Grill and Ciudad."Wild Alaska Halibut Veracruzana is one of our most popular dishes at Border Grill. Alaska halibut is one of our favorites because it sears well in the pan, cooks evenly without flaking, and doesn't overcook easily, which makes it a good choice for a party. Plus, it's sustainable!" note Mary Sue and Susan. Click here to download their recipe: Wild Alaska Halibut Veracruzana

The Too Hot Tamale Chefs add, "Wild and sustainable black cod is another fish from Alaska that we love to cook at the restaurant and at home. The texture is silky and rich, and the flavor is mild and slightly sweet and perfect for marinating. It makes the most wonderful grilled fish tacos, which we top with cucumber citrus salsa at Border Grill. At home, we'll simply sear it and serve with fresh herbs, capers, and a squeeze of lemon or lime juice."

Wild Alaska halibut and black cod are available fresh from now until mid-November, or frozen year-round. Visit www.alaskaseafood.org for more information and dozens of recipes.

For more than 50 years, Alaska has been dedicated to sustainable seafood. It's so essential to our way of life that our Constitution has a mandate that "fish ... be utilized, developed and maintained on the sustained yield principle." The seafood industry is Alaska's largest private sector employer. As a result, Alaskans understand the need to protect the fisheries and surrounding habitats for future generations. We're proud of our leadership in sustainable management which has led to an ever-replenishing supply of wild seafood for markets around the world. 

To help the world discover more about Alaska seafood, the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) works in the U.S. and in key overseas markets promoting Alaska seafood and offering seafood industry education.  ASMI is a partnership of the State of Alaska and the Alaska seafood industry. Our international marketing efforts are supported by the U.S.D.A. Foreign Agricultural Service through the Market Access Program. For more information, please visit www.alaskaseafood.org.

SOURCE Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.alaskaseafood.org/

The May 2, 2010 events of the UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon and FedEx Ground Pittsburgh Marathon Relay are completely sold out.  A limited number of spots remain in the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. To date, registration includes runners from nearly every state and more than a dozen foreign countries. The 2010 registration cap is 16,000 total runners -- a number which exceeds the 2009 record of 10,500 by more than fifty percent.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100308/DC66604LOGO)

Race director Patrice Matamoros comments, "We couldn't be more thrilled with this unprecedented runner demand. But this event isn't just for runners – we also need volunteers, bands and spectators. This is a great opportunity to showcase our City, and a course full of cheering fans, music and activity will make Pittsburgh shine in the eyes of our guests."

Volunteers, bands, and students interested in competing for cash prizes in the "Cheerathoner" competition are encouraged to register online at pittsburghmarathon.com.

Parents can register their children for the Saturday, May 1 running of the Kids Marathon 1-Mile Fun Run, presented by Trib Total Media. Every Kids Marathon runner receives an official time, a finisher's medal, a t-shirt and a goody bag, plus the whole family will enjoy the free GNC LiveWell Health & Fitness Expo, games and entertainment, and appearances by local and national celebrities.

Complete information for all races, volunteer registration, and registration for the Kids Marathon 1-Mile Fun Run and the Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon is available at pittsburghmarathon.com.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Pittsburgh Marathon is a non-profit organization which promotes the love of long-distance running and enhances community involvement in fitness activities through high quality events open to a wide variety of ages and ability levels.  Marathon events will consistently serve the needs of its runners and sponsors; will engage and reward volunteers; will enhance the economic well-being of the Pittsburgh region; will partner with public and private entities to create the best possible event experience; and partner with appropriate charitable organizations to give back to the community.

OUR SPONSORS

Dick's Sporting Goods, UPMC Health Plan, FedEx Ground, Nike, UPMC Sports Medicine, GNC, Trib Total Media, KDKA TV, PA American Water, Rothman Gordon Attorneys, Sheetz, Dunkin Donuts, McKnight Realty Partners, Pittsburgh Volkswagen Dealers, NUGO, Verizon Wireless, Gatorade, GU, Omni Hotels William Penn, New Harvest, Shearers, Shapers, Spaghetti Warehouse, and Subway.

SOURCE Dick's Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.pittsburghmarathon.com