Next to Super Bowl XLIV™ itself, Gridiron XII will be the hottest game in town! The biggest match-up won't just take place on the football field.  It will also happen on the basketball court.

Gridiron Celebrity Hoops XII -- celebrating its twelfth year -- is uniquely positioned as the first and only celebrity basketball game to have become sanctioned by the National Football League. Now, independently produced exclusively by Jam Sports & Entertainment, LLC., this un-matched fan-favorite experience has become one of the most anticipated events during the Big Game weekend. It's where NFL players, streetballers, champion boxers, professional wrestlers, models, and other celebrities get together for a high-profile game of hoops to highlight the importance of "fostering hope, fostering care, and inspiring infinite possibilities" for abused, abandoned, and neglected children from Juli's Kids Motivated to Succeed.

The star-studded event provides NFL athletes the opportunity to turn their attention off the field, and onto important children's issues by raising awareness and funds for youths in foster care.  

The event takes place on South Beach at Miami Beach High School's Basketball Arena on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. This memorable day for the family features free autographs and photographs, an explosive slam dunk contest, great entertainment, food, fun, music, and laughter.

"We want the diverse communities of the Miami area to feel invited and welcomed to our event! Our goal is to offer football fans of all ages a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness the best of both worlds -- their favorite football heroes play in a competitive game of basketball, all for a notable and worthy cause that I am extremely passionate about," says event creator and executive producer, Juli M. Jordan, who was placed for adoption at the age of 3. "Super Bowl is the most celebrated sporting event and we are proud that Gridiron Celebrity Hoops remains the premiere charity basketball game that captures the pageantry of this amazing weekend."

Tickets are on sale now. $20 for General Admission and $250 for the VIP Reserved Floor Seats that give the fan the privilege of sitting courtside with the players and having backstage access (limited quantity).  Tickets can be purchased online at www.footballhoops.com and at the door on the day of event. For more information visit the website or call 301-868-8856.

Past participants include: Terrell Owens, Ray Lewis, Vince Young, Jason Taylor, Tony Gonzalez, Deion Sanders, Jerome Bettis, Emmitt Smith, Darnell Dockett, Darren Sproles, Mario Williams, Carmen Electra, Kendra Wilkinson, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, Bow Wow, Daddy Yankee, Nick Cannon, Jermaine Dupri, R. Kelly, Rocsi, Melyssa Ford, Vida Guerra, Ne-Yo, Big Tigger, Wyclef Jean, Boris Kodjoe, Winky Wright, Floyd Mayweather, Roy Jones, Jr. & many other great names!

For press credentials, email media@footballhoops.com or contact 301-868-8856.  

SOURCE Juli's Kids Motivated to Succeed

RELATED LINKS
http://www.footballhoops.com

The Sun-Herald recently noted that Major League Baseball star Aaron Boone is featured during the month of January on 'Sharing Miracles' – a 30-minute public affairs television program that tells the compelling and inspirational stories of real patients.

Sharing Miracles airs every week on more than 300 television stations nationwide. It is sponsored by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).

Aaron Boone is best known for an eleventh-inning, game-winning home run in the seventh game of the 2003 American League Championship Series, where he clinched the series for the New York Yankees over the Boston Red Sox.

However, Boone says the at-bat most meaningful to him is one that almost never happened - his first time at home plate following open-heart surgery.

While in college, Boone had been diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve, a congenital heart defect that required yearly check-ups, but no treatment. But in March 2009 Boone was told he needed open-heart surgery to correct his defect.

After successfully undergoing the procedure, Boone focused on his recovery and rehabilitation. That September - just seven months after being told that he needed open-heart surgery to live - Boone accomplished the unlikely and returned to baseball, playing first base for the Houston Astros in a game against the Chicago Cubs at historic Wrigley Field.

In this month's episode of Sharing Miracles, Boone explains what his experience taught him: "When it comes to dealing with an illness or a medical condition, you have to persevere ... That fight makes you stronger," Boone says.

To find the broadcast show listing for your area, or to watch the episode at any time online, visit the Sharing Miracles website.

SOURCE Sharing Miracles

RELATED LINKS
http://www.sharingmiracles.com/

The Vegas-to-Vermont Virtual Challenge is set to begin anew from Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on January 20, 2010.  Boomers age 50+ will walk, run, bike, row and ski their way 600-plus miles in the online contest to the finish in Vermont on March 4.  While doing so, participants will tone their tummies and condition their cores. And will have multiple chances to win tremendous prizes along the way.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090918/NE78286LOGO )

Participants compete online – via the honor system – to log their exercise routines for a given day. As players' exercise times accumulate, they move along a map towards their final destination – Cabot, Vermont. As they progress they build "snowmen" – their snowmen growing larger as they grow fitter. The more progress participants make, coinciding with the minutes of exercise they log, the better their chances – your chances! – in the random prize drawings.

As an extra incentive to help motivate boomers and get them moving, Cabot Creamery has stocked The Las Vegas To Fabulous Vermont Virtual Challenge (V2V) with loads of great prizes that contestants can win along the way.  Players can win random prizes, including: a special VIP guided tour of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum; healthy Cabot products; fitness gear from Concept2; a trip to Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa, and the Grand Prize: a Ski Vacation-for-Two at Smuggler's Notch Resort. To enroll in the Vegas-to-Vermont Virtual Challenge, please visit: www.cabotcheese.coop/vegas_to_vermont/

To help keep contestants fueled during the long trip to the Green Mountain state, Cabot's Consumer Lifestyle Commentator Candace Karu, an avid runner and fitness expert, created two "rockstar" recipes.  "I've run over 200 road races, in Sydney and Shanghai, Israel and Iceland, and if there is one thing I've learned, it's that you have to eat properly if you want to make the most of your exercise routine.  Having nothing in your stomach can be as bad as feeling bloated from a carbohydrate overload.  That's why it's important to eat a nutritious meal packed with key elements like vitamins and protein."  

Try these healthy recipes, then find more on Cabot's website at cabotcheese.coop/recipes.

ABOUT CABOT CREAMERY COOPERATIVE

Cabot Creamery Cooperative has been in continuous operation in Vermont since 1919, and we make a full line of cheeses, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, and butter. Best known as makers of "The World's Best Cheddar," Cabot is owned by 1200 dairy farm families located throughout New England and upstate New York. For additional information on Cabot Creamery, visit http://www.cabotcheese.coop

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Candace Karu: https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=89013

SOURCE Cabot Creamery Cooperative

RELATED LINKS
http://www.cabotcheese.com

The Tennis Channel and Slamdance have chosen Unicorn Media's Media-as-a-Service™ solution to power their popular online video broadcasts, beginning with the Australian Open, the first of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments held each year, and the Slamdance Film Festival. With online web viewing constantly on the rise, both companies were looking for solutions that provide an optimal viewing experience, syndication solutions to any screen, and the ability to provide real-time insight into content consumption and end user behavior.

The Media-as-a-Service™ solution gives media content owners such as Tennis Channel and Slamdance the ability to easily upload, manage, syndicate, distribute, monetize and analyze their on-demand or live video content, in a single, easy-to-use interface. Unicorn Media's Smart Syndication™ technology simplifies the distribution of that content to any Internet-connected device, i.e. iPhones, TiVo DVRs, Roku boxes, game consoles, Macs, PCs and more. Real-time analytics round out the service offering by giving content owners the unmatched ability to provide insight into content consumption and end user behavior.

Through its relationship with the Tennis Channel, Unicorn's Media-as-a-Service™ solution will allow audiences worldwide to view top tennis tournaments and events online at the highest quality possible, beginning with The Australian Open, January 18–31.  More than just a television network, Tennis Channel adds to its unparalleled coverage through its web site, www.tennischannel.com. With online content that cannot be found anywhere else, the site offers everything from live and archived videos to columns from veteran reporter Steve Flink and podcasts from tennis historian Bud Collins.

"Unicorn provides Tennischannel.com visitors with a clearer video picture and more streamlined point of entry," said Robyn Miller, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Tennis Channel.  "We're excited that they'll cover all of our on-demand video needs this year, from Grand Slam footage to year-round interviews, highlights, show extras and informational content.  This is a tremendous asset for our Web site."

As the preeminent organization whose sole mission is to nurture, support and showcase truly independent works, Slamdance Film Festival will run concurrently with the Sundance Film Festival, January 21-28, 2010 in Park City, Utah. Slamdance still lives by its mantra: "By Filmmakers, For Filmmakers." Slamdance has established a unique reputation for premiering new films by first-time writers and directors working within the creative confines of limited budgets.   

According to Peter Baxter, President and Co-Founder of Slamdance, "We instantly recognized the superior quality Unicorn Media brings to the relationship and wanted to provide that to our community.  Unicorn not only makes a meaningful effort to reach out and embrace independent artists and filmmaking, but backs it up by delivering the optimal solution our artists need to compete with the very best."  Adds Baxter, "With Unicorn you're not dealing with a monolith – their direct, turnkey approach ensures you know exactly who you are dealing with throughout the process -- you do not have to reach out to numerous third party vendors to get the job done."

According to David Rice, Chief Strategy Officer for Unicorn Media, "Slamdance and Tennis Channel are perfect examples of companies who have struggled with providing their viewers with a high-quality viewing experience. While it might be simple to find a player to implement on your site, it has been impossible to find a single vendor that does it all -- from media management to syndication to monetization to analytics. Unicorn Media is that solution."

About Slamdance

Founded in 1995 by a group of independent artists, Slamdance serves as a showcase for the discovery of new and emerging filmmakers and is dedicated to the nurturing and development of new independent artists and their cinematic vision.  With its renowned Slamdance Film Festival as its core, Slamdance has expanded its ventures to include the popular Slamdance.com website, writing competitions for features, shorts, teleplays and horror scripts; the Anarchy Online Short Film Competition; and a $99 Special short film production project.

For more information visit www.slamdance.com.

About Tennis Channel

Tennis Channel (www.tennischannel.com) is the only 24-hour, television-based multimedia destination dedicated to both the professional sport and tennis lifestyle.  A hybrid of comprehensive sports, health, fitness, pop culture, entertainment, lifestyle and travel programming, the network is home to every aspect of the wide-ranging, worldwide tennis community.  It also has the most concentrated single-sport coverage in television, with telecast rights to the US Open, Wimbledon, Roland Garros (French Open), Australian Open, Olympus US Open Series, ATP Masters Series, top-tier Sony Ericsson WTA Tour championship competitions, Davis Cup and Fed Cup by BNP Paribas, and Hyundai Hopman Cup.  Tennis Channel is carried by nine of the top 10 MSOs, Verizon FiOS TV, and has a national footprint via DIRECTV and DISH Network.

About Unicorn Media Inc.

Unicorn Media, Inc. has developed an innovative Media-as-a-Service™ solution that changes the way content owners deliver their valuable video assets online. Unicorn delivers a comprehensive suite of services to upload, manage, syndicate, analyze and monetize live or on-demand media content to any Internet-connected device. Leveraging a globally distributed software platform and proprietary API, Unicorn Media has developed a Smart Syndication Technology™ that empowers customers to deliver high-quality video content, cut costs, accelerate time-to-market, reduce complexity and gain a competitive analytical advantage - all through a single vendor. Founded by Limelight Networks founding CEO, Bill Rinehart, and headquartered in Tempe, AZ, Unicorn Media, Inc. has offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and London. Unicorn Media is a privately held, self-funded company. For additional information, please visit: http://www.unicornmedia.com.

SOURCE Unicorn Media, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.unicornmedia.com

In a nod to its products that help millions of motorists reach their destinations on a daily basis, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (NYSE: GT) today announced the three medal winners of the Goodyear 'Get there' Award, a recognition program designed to honor those most responsible for helping American athletes achieve their dream of competing on the world's greatest stage in Vancouver.  The program highlights the often little-known stories of those people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to help America's athletes achieve their goals.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050204/GTLOGO)

Goodyear's selection panel included World and Olympic Champion Bonnie Blair.  The three medal award winners were selected from among 15 individual honorees representing each major winter sport discipline and recognized for their extraordinary efforts to help the athletes excel.

"I'm proud to be able to help shine a light on the incredible dedication and often behind-the-scenes contributions made by parents, coaches, teachers, spouses and others who make it possible for athletes like me to succeed on the world's greatest stage," said Blair, the United States' most decorated Winter Olympian, holding a record five gold medals and a bronze medal as well as 10 World Cup titles, 66 World Cup races, and 9 World Records earned during her legendary career.  "The stories of the 15 individuals being recognized with the Goodyear 'Get there' Award, and the hundreds of other people like them, shows just how essential their support and encouragement is in helping athletes achieve their goals."

"Goodyear is committed to developing best-in-class innovations and breakthrough technologies that help consumers reach their destinations...or 'Get there,'" said Scott Rogers, Chief Marketing Officer, Goodyear.  "What better embodiment of that philosophy than to honor those unsung heroes who have helped American athletes 'Get there' to the ultimate athletic stage."

The three medal winners, selected by a Goodyear panel spearheaded by Blair, will be presented with the special Goodyear 'Get there' Award and include:

Frances Bradley, Philadelphia, PA, for her support of bobsledder Michael Bradley

When Michael Bradley was 12 years old, Frances Bradley signed her son up for a youth bobsled program while vacationing in Lake Placid, New York.  The intent of the program was to get young athletes into a training regime to help develop their talents enough to get them on a track to a career competing at the highest levels.  For a span of three years Frances Bradley drove her son five hours each way from Philadelphia to Lake Placid to train. Thanks to his mother's dedication and commitment to getting Michael to training every weekend, Michael's bobsled career began to take off – he secured multiple medals in competition and showed his coaches his potential through competition and his training.  With Michael developing into a serious competitor, Frances and the rest of the family dedicated their time, money and energy into seeing his dreams play out.  At age 15, Michael began spending his winters in Lake Placid to train, giving his mother 10 hours of her life back each weekend; but it was his mother's extreme dedication to her son's dreams that enabled Michael to be ready for his shot at a medal.

Paul Marchese, West Coxsackie, NY, for his support of speed skater Trevor Marsicano

As a boy battling with depression in middle school, Trevor Marsicano used to get teased and bullied for being shy and having no confidence.  With the help and support of his parents, Trevor made big changes in his life in an attempt to turn his life around.  Among the changes: switching to home schooling and switching from playing ice hockey to focusing on speed skating.  It was through speed skating that Trevor met Coach Paul Marchese.  It was Paul who told Trevor that his talent and drive could make him an athlete worthy of a shot at competing on the world's biggest stage, giving him confidence…something Trevor never had before.  In December 2004 during a World Junior Championship short track qualifier event, Trevor suffered a severe laceration to his leg from the skate of a competitor who had fallen in front of him. Trevor lost half the blood in his body and underwent two hours of emergency surgery, was unable to skate for three months thereafter and did not fully recover until almost a year later.  With the strong support and help from Paul, Trevor was able to regain top form and successfully switch to Long-Track, where he not only made the team for the junior world championships, but won the 3,000 meter race and overall bronze medal.  Perhaps the most interesting fact about the relationship between Trevor and Paul…

Trevor trains in Milwaukee and Paul is based in upstate New York.  They stay in constant communication via phone and e-mail, trying not to let the distance affect their success on the ice. Paul's dedication has given Trevor a legitimate shot to medal in Vancouver.

Buzz Smith, Cape Coral, FL, for his support of curler Jason Smith

Buzz Smith has played an instrumental role in the life and development of Jason Smith, having raised his grandson since he was a young child in Minnesota. Buzz was retired by the time Jason turned five and was able to dedicate the time necessary to coach Jason in many sports, including youth baseball. But it would turn out that it was Buzz opening the doors of the Chisholm Curling Club after school each day for Jason and his close friend John Shuster to try the sport that would strike a chord in both boys.  Both Smith and Shuster credit Buzz's dedication to helping them become better curlers and understand the importance of practicing as a major reason why they made the 2010 curling team. Jason refers to Buzz as his best friend and when his grandfather moved to Florida several years ago from northern Minnesota, Jason soon followed and found a job in construction so he could maintain his friendship with his grandfather. Now in his late 70s, Buzz is still Jason's biggest supporter.

"Our panel found it difficult to select just three winners from among the stories we read, as each individual showed an outstanding commitment to helping America's aspiring athletes 'Get there,'" added Rogers.  "In addition to honoring the three winners, Goodyear is thanking all 15 honorees for their dedication and outstanding support by helping them 'Get there' with an award of a free set of top-of-the-line Goodyear high technology tires."

The 12 other Goodyear 'Get there' Award honorees include:

• Tom Steitz from Steamboat Springs, CO for his support of Nordic combined athlete Todd Lodwick and the USA Nordic Combined Skiing Team
• The Andover Outing Club and Eastern Ski Jumping in memory of Marianne Fairall -from Andover, MA - for their support of ski jumper Nick Fairall
• Bill & Cyndi Ligety from Park City, UT for their support of alpine skier Ted Ligety
• Erik Flora from Anchorage, AK for his support of cross-country skier Kikkan Randall
• Don Cook from Boston, MA for his support of freestyle skier Emily Cook
• Frank Carroll from Los Angeles, CA for his support of figure skater Evan Lysacek
• Bill Ruggiero from Harper Woods, MN for his support of ice hockey player Angela Ruggiero
• Jae Su Chun from Draper, UT for his support of USA Short Track
• Ted Uhlaender from Aurora, CO for his support of skeleton competitor Katie Uhlaender
• Jesse White from Carlsbad, CA, for his support of snowboarder Shaun White
• Ron Rossi from Lake Placid, NY for his support of USA Luge
• Per Nilsson from Lake Placid, NY for his support of biathlete Tim Burke

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs approximately 71,000 people and manufactures its products in more than 60 facilities in 25 countries around the world.  For more information about Goodyear, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.

SOURCE The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

RELATED LINKS
http://www.goodyear.com/corporate

Want to get your game on under the sun in luxury with pro football's best players of 2009? You better hurry. A new luxury travel site currently in beta test is promoting itself by raffling off a three day, two night weekend for two in Miami, including two tickets to the January 31 game.

One winner will be chosen to win airfare; two nights at the exclusive Intercontinental Miami Hotel capped off by a day at the January 31 pro football all star game.

It's free to enter at www.besthotelpackagesite.com . But the drawing is this Saturday so enter now.

Best Hotel Package Site sells exclusive, time sensitive deals to luxury hotels tailored to your lifestyle. The site is currently in beta test mode and is using sweepstakes to promote itself to new users. By registering on the site you will be informed of upcoming deals and sweepstakes.

About The Sweepstakes

A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. Starts at 12:00 a.m. CT on 1/13/10 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. CT on 1/22/10. Open to legal residents of any 1 of the 48 contiguous U.S. or D.C. aged 21 years or older. Void where prohibited and in Alaska and Hawaii. Winner must travel on dates specified by Sponsor from an airport chosen by Sponsor. ARV of the grand prize: $4,000. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries. Subject to Official Rules. Sponsor: Best Hotel Packages, http://www.besthotelpackagesite.com/contact-us.

Contact:  Deborah Schneider or Wilson Standish 312-280-8700

SOURCE Best Hotel Package Site

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http://www.besthotelpackagesite.com

• Ford's new 2011 Mustang GT Glass Roof Coupe with an all-new 5.0-liter V-8 under the hood will be the Official Pace Car for the 52nd Daytona 500 on Feb. 14, the first time in 40 years a Ford vehicle has paced this prestigious race

• The Race Red Mustang will be auctioned prior to the race at the 39th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction on Jan. 23; all proceeds from the car over MSRP will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)

• The Mustang pace car features a special Daytona 500 paint scheme, a Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers, unique painted wheels and a special interior treatment, including lit sill plates  

Ford's new 2011 Mustang GT will serve as the Official Pace Car at this year's 52nd Daytona 500, the first time in 40 years a Ford vehicle has paced NASCAR's biggest and most prestigious race.

Under the hood of the Mustang GT Glass Roof Coupe will be Ford's all-new 5.0-liter V-8, which will be available to customers in dealer showrooms this spring.

"This is the resurgence of Ford, and pacing the field at the Daytona 500 is a great opportunity to showcase all of the technology that the new 2011 Mustang 5.0 brings to deliver 412 horsepower and projected unsurpassed highway mileage of 25 mpg," said Mark Fields, president, The Americas.  

Before the new Ford Mustang takes to the track, one lucky enthusiast will have the rare opportunity to own the pace car pony and help a deserving charity at the same time.  

The Race Red Mustang, which carries a special Daytona 500 striped paint scheme, will be auctioned at the 39th Annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction on Jan. 23 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, in Scottsdale, Ariz. The event will be televised live on the SPEED

channel. All proceeds from the car over MSRP will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), a leader in research leading to a cure for Type 1 diabetes.  

"Over the past three years, Ford is proud to have raised more than $2 million for JDRF through the sales of vehicles at Barrett-Jackson," said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports. "This year, one lucky bidder will not only experience the thrill of seeing his or her 2011 Mustang pacing the Daytona 500 in front of 43 of the world's greatest race car drivers, but will contribute toward finding a cure for juvenile diabetes at the same time."

According to Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson, while many collectors have experienced the thrill of buying pace vehicles and historic racers on the Barrett-Jackson auction block, buying a pace car before it hits the track has never happened before at the famed auction house.  

"It would be a thrill to own this early VIN, one-of-one 2011 Mustang GT Glass Roof Coupe Daytona 500 Pace Car and watch it lead the famous race in February," he said. "And knowing that you helped an amazing organization like JDRF would make it even better."

This is the first time in four decades that a Ford Motor Company vehicle will pace the Daytona 500. The last time was in 1970 when the Ford Torino GT convertible had the honors.  

In addition to the special paint, the Mustang pace car features a Brembo brake package, Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers, unique 19-inch painted wheels, summer-only tires and a special interior treatment, including lit sill plates. It also carries an early VIN and will be among the first 2011 Mustang GT 5.0-liter V-8s made available for sale to the public.

2011 Ford Mustang GT: Heritage, high technology and horsepower

The all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine is the next chapter in the development of the world-class Mustang powertrain portfolio, delivering the performance and fun-to-drive factor that enthusiasts want, while improving fuel economy.  

The modern 5.0-liter four-valve Twin Independent Variable Camshaft Timing V-8 engine in the new Mustang GT will deliver 412 horsepower and 390 ft.-lb of torque. At the same time, fuel economy is projected to be better than the previous model and unsurpassed in the segment. For 2011, the new Mustang GT adds specially tuned Electric Power Assist Steering, 11.5-inch front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes, and an enhanced suspension featuring an improved rear lower control arm and stiffened rear stabilizer bushings.  

A Brembo brake package upgrade – featuring larger rotors and calipers from the Ford Shelby GT500® Mustang – will be available for serious enthusiasts. Unique 19-inch wheels and summer performance tires also will be offered.  

The new Mustang GT also offers drivers new convenience technologies, including:  

• Standard message center
• Integrated blind spot mirrors
• MyKey™ programmable vehicle key

From the signature 5.0 fender badges to the new engine cover, Mustang GT honors and continues the proud heritage of its predecessors. The speedometer increases to 160 mph, and the tachometer redline advances from 6,500 to 7,000 rpm.  

Three vibrant new colors are being added for 2011; along with Race Red, these include Yellow Blaze Tri-Coat and Ingot Silver.  

About Ford Motor Company ( F)

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 200,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company

RELATED LINKS
http://www.ford.com

Motus Motorcycles has been working secretly with Katech Engines to develop the world's first direct-injected V4 engine. Named the KMV4, the engine is an advanced, high performance powertrain designed for Motus MST motorcycles. Now undergoing extensive durability testing, the KMV4 is also the first American V4 ever built for a production vehicle.

Alabama-based Motus will compete with foreign manufacturers currently dominating the popular sport touring segment. Sport tourers blend the two largest motorcycle segments, sport bikes and tourers, by combining comfort and performance. To be competitive in the performance oriented world of sport touring, Motus determined that a proprietary engine would be needed.

"To create the ultimate sport tourer, we had to either work around the shortcomings of available engines or develop a purpose built engine for our application," said Brian Case, Vice President / Design Director at Motus.

Domestically made street bikes are all currently powered by v-twin engines, which did not meet performance or efficiency targets for the MST concept. "The domestic motorcycle market is dominated by air-cooled v-twins, but to be successful in the long term, the MST has to present clear improvements over existing technology and not be another 'me too' product," said Case.

After a global search and lengthy discovery process, Michigan-based Katech Engines emerged as the clear choice to help Motus design and build the KMV4.

"When researching quality engine builders, Katech was identified as a powerhouse of engine durability, engineering, and manufacturing," said Lee Conn, President of Motus. "Katech has over fifty endurance racing championships, experience developing new engines for OEM's, and access to the most advanced engineering and prototyping technologies. We couldn't be happier with our decision to retain Katech for the KMV4."

"Katech is thrilled to finally announce our involvement with Motus," said Fritz Kayl, co-founder of Katech. "The KMV4 is an exciting project that fits well within our capabilities and experience. We incorporated technology from our race programs to increase durability, performance, and efficiency. We are ahead of schedule and are refining the KMV4 into the most reliable motorcycle engine made," said Fritz Kayl.

"We didn't focus on maximum horsepower; we focused on heightening the rider experience. To us, that means tons of torque over a wide RPM range, low vibes, high efficiency and bulletproof durability. Enter the KMV4, a liquid cooled V4 with DI," said Case.

KMV4 specs and images at http://www.motusmotorcycles.com/press/presskit/2010/2010jan.zip

About Motus Motorcycles

Motus is a privately held company developing the first V4-powered American sport touring motorcycle. MST series motorcycles, including the MST-01 and premium MST-R, are next generation sport touring motorcycles engineered for optimum rider and passenger comfort for extended, spirited journeys, and use quality components for responsive handling.

For information, please visit www.motusmotorcycles.com

About Katech, Inc.

Since 1977, Katech has been designing, developing and manufacturing engines with a focus on precision, innovation, and durability leading to over 50 championships in American Le Mans (ALMS), NASCAR®, SCCA SPEED World Challenge, and International Motor Sports Association (IMSA). Katech's legacy of durability has led to multiple wins in the 12 Hours of Sebring, 24 Hours of Daytona and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Katech "firsts" include: 1st ALMS Green Challenge winner, 1st E85-powered Corvette, 1st 500 ci small block without block modification, 1st LS7-powered Camaro, 1st modern GM V16, 1st V8 turbocharged win in Grand Prix Hydroplane, 1st V8 turbocharged Win In Class 1 Offshore Racing, 1st 200 MPH Truck In FIA Group II, Class 9, and now, the creation of the first direct injected (DI) V4.

For information, please visit www.katechengines.com

SOURCE Motus Motorcycles

RELATED LINKS
http://www.motusmotorcycles.com

New Era Cap Co., manufacturer of the official cap of Major League Baseball, has announced a partnership with PONY (Protect Our Nation's Youth) Baseball and Softball organization.  Headquartered in Washington, PA, the PONY Corporation operates 3,500 leagues across 10 different age groups in the US and also represents leagues in 25 international countries.  Under the terms of the agreement, New Era will become the official on-field cap of PONY, outfitting nearly 500,000 players and coaches across United States this spring.

"PONY Baseball and Softball is excited to partner with New Era Cap, the leading cap manufacturer in our games," stated Abraham Key, President and CEO of PONY Baseball and Softball. "New Era and PONY believe in providing an exceptional baseball and softball experience for our young participants."

In addition to becoming the official on-field cap, New Era will also support two of PONY's biggest events in 2010.  The National Youth Baseball Championship occurring in August, as well as the "Champions Game" scheduled to take place prior to the MLB All Star Home Run Derby in Anaheim, CA.  

The "Champions Game" will represent players from PONY's newly formed Champions League for special needs children.  The game will be played on-field at Angel Stadium with members of the league playing side-by-side with able bodied youth.  All of the players will receive special recognition.  As a sponsor of the game, New Era will receive on-field signage along with the PONY logo, an official patch on the player jerseys and branding on the champion's medals and t-shirts.  

"New Era prides itself on providing premium headwear products and we are thrilled to team up with a great youth organization like PONY," said Gerry Matos, Senior VP of Marketing. "Events like the National Youth Baseball Championship and the Champions Game lets every kid feel like a major leaguer.  We are proud to be a part of such a worthy effort."  

About New Era Cap

Founded in 1920, New Era Cap Company, Inc., the leading headwear manufacturer and creator of New Era Apparel, brings to market products that transcend time, culture, sport and fashion. Producing more than 35 million caps per year, New Era is the exclusive manufacturer and marketer of the official on-field cap worn by every Major League Baseball team and their Minor League affiliates and maintaining agreements with other licensed entities. On the street, New Era is known as the Originator of the True Fitted for its signature cap style, the 59FIFTY. The Company is headquartered in Buffalo, New York and operates facilities in Alabama, Canada, Europe, Japan and Hong Kong. New Era Cap is a Participating Company (PC) of the Fair Labor Association.

For more information, please visit: http://www.pony.org

SOURCE New Era Cap Co.

RELATED LINKS
http://neweracap.com

ViewCast Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: VCST), a developer of industry-leading solutions for the transformation, management and delivery of digital media over IP and mobile networks, today announced that TVTI Video Technologies Inc. has selected ViewCast's award-winning Osprey® 700e HD video capture cards to underpin the company's video analytics solutions and services for professional sports teams. With high performance Osprey 700e HD cards at the heart of TVTI's HD video infrastructure, coaches and scouts are afforded a high resolution view of player and team performance mechanics.

"TVTI clients such as the New York Yankees rely on our video analytics technology to help them improve team performance and assess competitors' weaknesses," said Mark Watson, founder of TVTI. "Ultimately, the value that we provide to our clients begins at the video capture stage. Osprey 700e cards equip us with the performance and reliability that we need to satisfy our world champion clientele, while providing the configuration and management flexibility that we need to drive cost and resource efficiencies across our systems."

TVTI offers a range of customizable video analytics solutions and services tailored for the professional athletics market, all of which are designed to provide coaches with quick, easy access to video clips. Clients have the option to implement onsite video systems or call on TVTI for remotely-managed video scouting services. For onsite implementations, a TVTI multi-angle video/data capture system enables a home team to simultaneously record, archive and playback up to four independent angles of video. The offsite TVTI video scouting service is managed from TVTI's Oregon headquarters, where every MLB and NHL game played on a given day is recorded, edited and indexed, and made available to clients.

"The professional athletics market is yielding some of the most exciting, innovative applications of video capture and streaming technology in the industry, and TVTI and its clients are at the forefront of this trend," said ViewCast President and CEO Dave Stoner. "ViewCast's advanced HD capture and streaming solutions are the ideal fit for any athletics organization seeking a high performance, high throughput video platform to efficiently deliver content to coaches, players, and fans."

TVTI has deployed numerous Osprey 700e-equipped video/data capture systems into the field for use onsite at clients' home games, with great results. The New York Yankees are using a TVTI system to record and archive four angles of every pitch in HD. Using four Dell® Precision workstations equipped with Osprey 700e HD cards, the Yankees' video production team records approximately 300 pitches per game, yielding 1200 raw HD AVI files for each home game. The video files are later compressed, organized, and archived for rapid retrieval.

Back at TVTI headquarters, racks of Osprey 700e-equipped Dell Precision workstations are employed to record MLB and NHL game feeds throughout the day. TVTI software tools are used to segment these feeds into individual 'event' files and synchronize these files with player-specific statistical data provided by third-party partners. The video is then distributed to clients, who will use it to analyze their competitors in the days preceding a game.

Renowned for their performance, reliability and management versatility, Osprey 700e HD cards enable advanced capabilities such as dual SD/HD support with seamless on-the-fly signal switching, and the ability to feed multiple encoders (RealVideo®, Windows Media®, Adobe® Flash® and MPEG-4) at the same time in any combination. The Osprey 700e HD card provides TVTI with the bandwidth required to deliver up to 1080i video resolution via a high-speed PCI Express® bus, and also features configurable archiving capabilities that help simplify post-processing workflows for TVTI's video scouting service.

More information about ViewCast's video capture and streaming solutions is available at www.viewcast.com.

About TVTI Video Technologies Inc.

TVTI Video Technologies Inc. is a leading provider of video analytics technology for Major League Baseball (MLB) and National Hockey League (NHL) teams, with clients that include the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Penguins. With nearly one hundred percent penetration in the MLB market and a fast growing presence in the NHL, TVTI has differentiated itself on the strength of its easy to use, end-to-end video analytics solutions and services.

About ViewCast

ViewCast's award-winning solutions simplify the complex workflows required for the Web-based streaming of news, sports, music and other video content to computers and mobile devices, empowering broadcasters, businesses and governments to easily and effectively reach and expand their audiences. With more than 350,000 video capture cards deployed globally, ViewCast sets the standard in the streaming media industry. ViewCast Niagara® streaming appliances, Osprey® video capture cards, and Niagara SCX® encoding and management software provide the highly reliable technology required to deliver the multi-platform experiences driving today's digital media market.

ViewCast, Osprey, Niagara and Niagara SCX are trademarks or registered trademarks of ViewCast Corporation or its subsidiaries.

SOURCE ViewCast Corporation

RELATED LINKS
http://www.viewcast.com

At a reception earlier this evening hosted by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) in celebration of the opening of the Clark County Shooting Park (CCSP), members of the Clark County Commission were honored with a handcrafted flintlock Pennsylvania rifle for their leadership in developing the shooting park. Presenting the award to the Commission was Robert Scott, chairman of the Board of Governors of the NSSF, and Steve Sanetti, president of the NSSF.

"We are here to celebrate the opening of the Clark County Shooting Park and to express our sincere appreciation to the Clark County Commission for its leadership, vision and dedication to developing a world-class shooting facility where sportsmen and women, hunters, target shooters and firearms enthusiasts can participate in the shooting sports," said Scott.

NSSF also recognized the important role Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and the rest of the state's congressional delegation played in securing the federal assistance necessary to make the park a reality.

The CCSP, which opened last month, includes a pistol and rifle range, trap and skeet fields and a 4,400-square-foot education center.

The reception coincides with the opening tomorrow of the 32nd annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show.  In his remarks Scott noted how pleased members of the industry were that the SHOT Show has returned to Las Vegas and the importance of the city to the success of the SHOT Show.  "Las Vegas has long been considered the home of SHOT Show -- now the 22nd largest trade show in North America -- and the destination of choice for our more than 55,000 exhibitors and attendees."

Accepting the rifle on behalf of the commission was Commissioner Tom Collins.  "We are honored to be recognized by the National Shooting Sports Foundation for developing the Clark County Shooting Park," said Commissioner Collins. "We built the park because Nevadans enjoy participating in and respect America's hunting and shooting sports heritage and our firearms freedoms. In view of that heritage, and of the economic impact of the SHOT Show, we are pleased to welcome the show back to Las Vegas and look forward to having it here in the years to come."

The Shooting Park is located in the District "B" that is represented by Commissioner Collins who is a life member of the National Rifle Association (NRA), a member of the Boy Scouts Area Council and the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

About NSSF

The National Shooting Sports Foundation is the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry. Its mission is to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports. Formed in 1961, NSSF has a membership of more than 5,200 of America's leading manufacturers, distributors, firearms retailers, shooting ranges, sportsmen's organizations and publishers. For more information, log on to www.nssf.org.

SOURCE National Shooting Sports Foundation

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

Soles4Souls Inc. (www.giveshoes.org) announced today that they would team up with global athletic brand, PUMA, to raise funds to help send more than 1,000,000 pairs of shoes to the Haiti victims.  

Beginning January 16, PUMA and Soles4Souls will encourage consumers to donate funds at any one of the PUMA Stores across the US.  Individuals will have the opportunity to donate $1, $5, or $10 to support the effort.  Consumers can visit www.puma.com for store locations.  PUMA will also be collecting gently worn shoes at their US offices in Westford and Boston to be used in the relief effort.    

"As we struggle to comprehend the magnitude of this disaster, it's easy to forget how important basic necessities – such as shoes – will be in the ongoing rescue and rebuilding efforts," said Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. "We appreciate the quick response from our amazing friends at PUMA.  Their support will help the victims in this area begin to rebuild their lives."

The death toll from Tuesday's quake continues to rise, and survivors and rescuers are facing dire health conditions including stifling heat, lack of clean water, broken glass and raw sewage.  

For more information on how to get involved and donate to the victims in Haiti, visit www.giveshoes.org.

About Soles4Souls®

Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from warehouses of footwear companies and the closets of people like you.  We distribute these shoes, free of charge, to people in need around the world. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 7 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes (currently distributing one pair every 9 seconds). The shoes have been distributed in 125 countries, including Haiti, Kenya, Nepal and the United States. Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.

SOURCE Soles4Souls Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.giveshoes.org

From the first ski jump to the last triple Axel, America will have more ways to enjoy NBC Universal's world-class coverage of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver with all three AT&T* screens — the TV, the PC and the mobile phone.

"The Olympic Winter Games is always a must-see event that draws in people to watch the world's best athletes and most prestigious competitions, and AT&T offers the only way to see NBC's coverage of the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games live on all three screens," said Dan York, executive vice president of content and programming, AT&T Converged Services. "We're proud to deliver around-the-clock Games content to more consumers in more places."

"NBCU's coverage of the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games provides viewers with a unique multiscreen opportunity to watch the competitive action from Vancouver," said Henry Ahn, Executive Vice President, TV Networks Distribution, NBC Universal. "We're thrilled to partner with AT&T to deliver the Games to millions of fans across all screens and platforms."

AT&T's three-screen 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games content choices, in agreement with NBC, will include:

Wireless

• Around-the-clock and live competition Vancouver Olympic Winter Games coverage, via the NBC Olympics 2Go channel with both AT&T Mobile TV and MobiTV, beginning Feb. 12. AT&T is the only mobile phone carrier that will deliver live video coverage from the Vancouver Games.
• Top stories, videos, polls and photos through AT&T mobile Web browsers and through the NBC Olympics Mobile Web site.

AT&T U-verse(SM) TV

• Complete broadcast coverage on the networks of NBC Universal.
• NBC Olympics on-demand content including a wrap-up of the best events of the day as well as on-demand access to 5 unique events and 15 highlight segments each day. Additional on-demand content will include Vancouver previews and more.
• Separate from the agreement with NBC Universal, U-verse TV customers will have access to Team USA On Demand videos — several of which are exclusive and produced for AT&T — and will include interviews and features of U.S. Olympic Team athletes as they train for and compete in various sports.

Broadband

• Online access to Vancouver Olympic Winter Games content at NBCOlympics.com for U-verse TV customers.
• Downloadable interactive widgets from NBCOlympics.com that allow consumers to view the latest news, photos and videos; track medals for the top five countries in medal counts; view a programming schedule of Vancouver Olympic Winter Games events; and help them find their local broadcast station covering the Games by entering their zip code online.  
• Separate from the agreement with NBC Universal, fans can enjoy access to Team USA On Demand videos, interviews and features of U.S. Olympic Team athletes on att.net/TeamUSA.  

The 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games is the latest example of AT&T delivering compelling and converged content across the three screens at the center of consumers' lives: the TV, PC and mobile phone. AT&T, proud sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Team, has a unique set of integrated services and networks to provide content in every genre across devices, making it easy for an audience of millions to enjoy and follow their favorite programming whenever and wherever they choose.

For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit http://www.att.com.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. AT&T offers the best wireless coverage worldwide. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse(SM) and AT&T | DIRECTV(SM) brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T's Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and advertising sales. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE® magazine's list of the World's Most Admired Companies.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.  This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at www.facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.

© 2010 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. 3G service not available in all areas. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies.

AT&T U-verse services are provided by AT&T local telephone companies. Geographic and service restrictions apply to AT&T U-verse. Call or go to www.uverse.att.com to see if you qualify.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.att.com

Subaru of America, Inc. will once again host Master the Mountain.  Each winter season, the Subaru Master the Mountain team travels to ski resorts across the country bringing music, giveaways, and free activities for people to enjoy.  This will be the company's 15th year bringing the event to ski slopes throughout the United States. Since Subaru owners enjoy the outdoors and activities such as skiing, the company hosts the event to promote a safe and fun-filled snow riding experience for all.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080325/SUBARULOGO )

"Subaru has a long history of hosting events with which our customers identify," said Tim Mahoney, senior vice president and CMO for Subaru of America, Inc. "Master the Mountain remains a terrific fit for our company and vehicle owners."

Skiers will have the opportunity to demo the latest Nordica skis, hone their skills with free mini ski and snowboard sessions (must have prior skiing and boarding experience), pick-up complimentary skiing tips in the Subaru learning lane, enjoy behind the scenes mountain tours and watch avalanche rescue demonstrations.  

Enthusiasts can check out the competition footage from the Subaru Freeskiing World Tour, The Northface Masters of Snowboarding tour stops, and the latest film from MSP Films, In Deep: The Skiing Experience, all in the Subaru Master the Mountain tent.

Below are locations of Subaru Master the Mountain events according to geographic location:

California

– February 27–28, 2010, Kirkwood, Calif.

– March 6–7, 2010, Kirkwood, Calif.

– March 6–7, 2010, Mountain High, Calif.

Colorado

– January 16–17, 2010, Telluride, Colo.

– January 30–31, 2010, Crested Butte, Colo.

– February 6–7, 2010, Telluride, Colo.

– February 27–28, 2010, Durango, Colo.

– February 20–21, 2010, Crested Butte, Colo.

– March 27–28, 2010, Loveland, Colo.

New Mexico

– February 20–21, 2010, Taos, N.M.

Pennsylvania

– February 27–28, 2010, Hidden Valley, Pa.

– March 5–6, 2010, Jack Frost Big Boulder, Pa.

Utah

– January 23–24, 2010, Snowbird, Utah

– March 20–21, 2010, Snowbird, Utah

Washington

– February 13–14, 2010, Crystal Mountain, Wash.

West Virginia

– January 23–24, 2010, Snowshoe, W.Va.

– February 20–21, 2010, Snowshoe, W.Va.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of approximately 600 dealers across the United States.  Subaru boasts the most fuel efficient line-up of all-wheel drive products sold in the market today based on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy standards.  All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.

SOURCE Subaru of America, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.subaru.com

The national awards continue to pile up for the Resorts of Tullymore & St. Ives. The resort's $6 million clubhouse is the 2009 winner in Golf Inc. magazine's annual competition for the best facility among daily fee clubs in America.

The Stanwood club in northwest Michigan shared top honors with The Ritz Carlton Golf Club at Dove Mountain in Marana, Ariz., which won the competition for private clubs. Moon Valley Golf Club in Phoenix, Ariz., was judged best in the remodel/renovations category.

"We are pleased to honor these outstanding clubhouses," said Katina Cavagnaro, publisher of Golf Inc. "The quality of the entries was exceptionally high."

Tullymore's 30,000-square-foot clubhouse was designed by Michigan architect James D. Nordlie, the principal of the Archiventure Group based in Denver, Colo. The soaring cut stone, wood, and glass clubhouse features a sweeping front verandah with a stone fire pit and is built on a slope above the 18th hole on the Tullymore course. It opened on July 4, 2008.

Nordlie praised the Tullymore ownership for giving him and his design team the freedom to properly execute their design.

"The Tullymore clubhouse represents an engaged client that empowered the design team to create an appropriate traditional clubhouse design based on a blended strong exterior statement with a classic interior ambience and attention to detailing," he said. "The result was a properly sized and graceful building statement that respected the environment and golf designer's intent, and was executed on schedule and under budget."

The Tullymore course, designed by nationally acclaimed architect Jim Engh of Colorado, is highly decorated with numerous national and state awards. Among the latest, was it selection as the best golf resort in Michigan by Golf World magazine. It is ranked No. 15 on Golf Digest magazine's list of the Top 100 public and resort courses in America.

The prestigious rankings are the product of the inspired three-year ownership of Peter J. Ministrelli and his nephews, Ronald, Richard, and Robert Marino. The group also bought and are refurbishing the nearby St. Ives golf club and its adjacent 44-suite inn.

The Tullymore clubhouse is the centerpiece of the $50 million the family developers have already committed to creating a vibrant, upscale recreational residential community at the resort, west of Mt. Pleasant.

For more information, visit www.tullymoregolf.com.

SOURCE Resorts of Tullymore & St. Ives

RELATED LINKS
http://www.tullymoregolf.com

DuBose Entertainment and BET Networks will give viewers an unprecedented look into the life of Michael Vick, with a new original docu-series THE MICHAEL VICK PROJECT.  The series premiering on Tuesday, February 2 at 10:00 p.m.*, produced by DuBose Entertainment, MV7 Productions and Category 5 Entertainment, will follow the iconic and polarizing professional football player as he journeys on the road to redemption -- in both his personal and professional life.  The cameras will not only capture the NFL star's return to football after a two-year prison sentence stemming from his association with a dog fighting ring, but will also focus on much of his life prior to that turning point.  Viewers will be given an unfiltered and personal experience of Vick as he restores his past and starts fresh for the future -- not only for himself, but for his family and fiancee, Kijafa. 

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070716/BETNETWORKSLOGO )

"It's our hope that this documentary series will serve as means towards Michael Vick's search for his own personal truth and how the choices he made ultimately changed his life," said James DuBose, CEO, DuBose Entertainment. "Mike's life may be unique, but his story is one that could be told ten times over by young men who find themselves faced with trials and tribulations. His truth has come by way of bad choices. His triumph will come by way of his commitment to change."

"Michael Vick's story is about second chances and we are excited to have the opportunity to tell his complete story," said Loretha Jones, President, Original Programming, BET Networks.  "What happened to Michael is endemic of what is happening to young Black men today.  Michael could be anyone's brother, father, uncle or son. It is our hope that this project will give viewers a glimpse of how he is rebuilding his life and moving forward as a human being and not just another sports figure."

After a difficult childhood, Vick's athletic gifts led him to become the 2001 #1 draft pick and the highest paid player in the NFL at that time.  However, misguided decisions cost him his lucrative contract, his freedom and much more.  Once released from prison, Vick found himself bankrupt and disconnected from his loved ones who had stood by him through thick and thin. He also discovered that the society that had once revered him was now split down the middle.  Now, having signed a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, Vick is back on track to repair his troubled past by reclaiming a prominent place in the NFL and revitalizing his badly damaged image in the community by becoming a spokesperson for the Humane Society.  The series, both serious in tone and nature, will create a gripping, poignant and intimate look inside the world of one of the most dynamic players in NFL history.

"I am not doing this documentary to show people that I'm back and unchanged by the experiences of the last few years," said Vick.  "I'm allowing the cameras to see the truth -- the good, the bad and the ugly results of my decisions -- with the sincere hope that it will positively affect others' lives and prevent someone out there from making the same mistakes I did."

Category 5's Brian Sher, who produced T.I.'s "Road To Redemption" and who works with Vick in his off the field endeavors met with Dubose and Vick to discuss the documentary.  Once they agreed on a true rendering of Vick's life, they agreed that BET would be the natural fit for such a project. The series will be executive produced by DuBose Entertainment, Michael Vick's MV7 Productions and Brian Sher's Category 5 Entertainment.

For up-to-the-minute information, footage and photos on THE MICHAEL VICK PROJECT, please visit www.bet.com.

*All times ET/PT

About BET Networks

BET Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. ( VIA, VIA.B), is the nation's leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 98 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET Mobile, which provides ringtones, games and video content for wireless devices; and BET International, which operates BET in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

SOURCE BET Networks

RELATED LINKS
http://www.bet.com

Spike TV presents the world television premiere of the award-winning documentary, "Facing Ali," Monday, February 15 (9:00-11:00pm ET/PT). Produced by Derik Murray (Legends of Hockey), Network Entertainment and Lionsgate in association with Spike TV, the film is directed by Pete McCormack (Uganda Rising) and delves into the fascinating life of boxing legend Muhammad Ali in and out of the ring through the eyes of those who fought him.

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

"Facing Ali" showcases ten of Muhammad Ali's acclaimed rivals, from Joe Frazier to George Foreman, paying tribute to perhaps the world's most beloved and inspiring athlete. Three-time world heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali defeated almost every top fighter of the golden age of boxing and symbolized the sport for generations of fans. Now, many of his legendary opponents share the life-changing experience of facing Ali in the ring, and the profound lasting effect it had on their lives.

From the moment he captured the gold at the 1960 Summer Olympics, the fighter who first came to prominence as Cassius Clay electrified the world and transformed the sport. Charismatic, articulate, and often controversial, he became an influential figure of the burgeoning civil rights movement and a hero to millions around the world. Along with his prodigious talent, Ali was a master showman and a brilliant strategist as he often was so successful in getting inside his opponents' head.

With exclusive interviews and vintage footage, "Facing Ali" recreates his most unforgettable rivalries, and recounts his triumphs, tragedies and unstoppable spirit.

Appearances in "Facing Ali" include Muhammad Ali, George Chuvalo, Sir Henry Cooper, George Foreman, Joe Frazier, Larry Holmes, Ron Lyle, Ken Norton, Earnie Shavers, Leon Spinks, and Ernie Terrell.

"Facing Ali" first appeared in theaters in the summer of 2009 and was recently named one of the 15 films in the Documentary Feature category for the upcoming 82nd Academy Awards®. It also won the award for Most Popular Film in the Documentary category at the Vancouver International Film Festival.

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.

SOURCE Spike TV

RELATED LINKS
http://www.spike.com

R Martin Limited, retailer and distributor of electric bikes and mobility scooters, will begin donating $25 to the Save the Children organization for each electric bike purchased beginning January 14, 2010. Save the Children has launched a relief effort to assist families and children in Haiti.

For the next month, R Martin will send $25 to the relief fund for each electric bike or EVD electric motorcycle purchase. The products can be purchased online at http://www.electricbikedistributor.com.

"The devastation in Haiti reminds us of how fortunate we are," said Randall Schleier, Sales Director for R Martin Limited. "We believe that Save the Children will put the contributions to work in the most effective way to help those impacted by the devastating earthquake," continued Mr. Schleier.

About Save the Children

Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating real and lasting change for children in need in the United States and around the world. It is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, comprising 27 national Save the Children organizations working in more than 100 countries to ensure the well-being of children.

About R Martin Limited

Headquartered in Austin, TX, R Martin Limited offers several models of plug-in electric bicycles, electric mobility scooters and electric mopeds under the trademarked R Martin label as well as models from other OEM brands. Electric bike styles include mountain, folding, step-through scooter, and cruisers. Customers may purchase direct from the warehouse with nationwide delivery at http://www.electricbikedistributor.com/. Information about our mobility scooters and lift chairs can be found at http://www.rmartinmobilityscooter.com.

http://www.ereleases.com/pr/2010-R-Martin-Limited.jpg

This release was issued through eReleases(TM).  For more information, visit http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE R Martin Limited

RELATED LINKS
http://www.electricbikedistributor.com

Last April, extreme angler and biologist Jeremy Wade searched the world for legendary and flesh-eating freshwater fish with the debut of RIVER MONSTERS on Animal Planet, pulling in monster-sized ratings. From tiny piranha that can tear apart humans in the Amazon to large killer catfish in India that feed on dead bodies, Jeremy has seen it all ... Or has he?  The first season last spring pulled in an average of more than a million households (1.05M) across its seven premiere episodes, making it the best-performing series in network history.  The series averaged more than 1.4M P2+ viewers.

Now, viewers will take a dive into another terrific seven episodes as RIVER MONSTERS returns for a new season on Sunday, April 18, at 10 PM (ET/PT) on Animal Planet.  Jeremy travels to southeast Asia to track what's thought to be the largest freshwater fish – the giant freshwater stingray. Also known locally as the "wish you were dead" fish, this UFO-shaped marine monstrosity is said to measure about 16-feet long and seven feet across and is approximately 1,300 pounds. But what's really killer is that its got an 18-inch barbed, bayonet-like tail that could whip extremely painful venom through an unfortunate passerby – though that doesn't stop Jeremy on a hunt for this mysterious monster.

Jeremy's adventures will continue to take him all over the world to solve freshwater fish mysteries in such locations as The Congo, Thailand, South Africa and even Florida to try to capture some amazing creatures and tell their tales. There's the freshwater fish that can grow as long as a whale, a species of shark that lives in fresh water 100 miles from the sea, and a fish with teeth as big as a lion's as well as other creatures and moments captured on film for the first time.

"People want to believe there's something out there, lurking in the remote corners of the world, right on the muddy bottom of the lake where we swim or in our own backyards," notes Marjorie Kaplan, president and general manager of Animal Planet Media.  "The creatures Jeremy finds in RIVER MONSTERS are so deeply satisfying -- primordial nature incarnate.  It's a quest for near- mythic creatures and a detective story with all the pleasures of a narrative. But it's even better because it's real. The monsters are real, and Jeremy Wade is an authentic guide."

But what would stop Jeremy's quest to solve these enigmas?  Viewers must tune in each week to find out if there's any mission he's not willing to take. This season, expect to be reeled in as Jeremy tries to prove the authenticity of Alaska's native legendary monster that's fabled to drag people from their boats into an icy grave. Ride along as Jeremy "wades" through the Zambezi River for the bull shark, travels to southeast Asia for the giant snakehead and to the Congo River for the goliath tiger fish.

"Freshwater is probably the last frontier of wildlife filmmaking," adds Wade. "Even big-budget film expeditions to rainforests and mountains regularly miss the spectacular underwater inhabitants. So even in the 21st century, there are genuine mysteries to be solved and discoveries to be made in rivers and ultimately shown to the outside world.  'Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it's not fish they are after' wrote renowned American literary master Henry David Thoreau.  In a sense, this is true of all the viewers who have tuned in to RIVER MONSTERS.  It's the adventure...the thrill...the extreme risk...and the 'moment of discovery' that people crave."

RIVER MONSTERS is a production of Icon Films for Animal Planet.  Harry and Laura Marshall are the executive producers for Icon Films, and Lisa Lucas is the executive producer for Animal Planet.  Charlie Foley is vice president of development for Animal Planet.  Season one of RIVER MONSTERS is available for purchase at AnimalPlanetStore.com.

Animal Planet Media (APM), a multi-media business unit of Discovery Communications, is the world's only entertainment brand that immerses viewers in the full range of life in the animal kingdom with rich, deep content via multiple platforms and offers animal lovers and pet owners access to a centralized online, television and mobile community for immersive, engaging, high-quality entertainment, information and enrichment.  APM consists of the Animal Planet television network, available in more than 96 million homes in the US; online assets www.animalplanet.com, the ultimate online destination for all things animal; the 24/7 broadband channel, Animal Planet Beyond; Petfinder.com, the #1 pet-related Web property globally that facilitates pet adoption; and other media platforms including a robust Video-on-Demand (VOD) service; mobile content; and merchandising extensions.

SOURCE Animal Planet

RELATED LINKS
http://www.animalplanet.com

Oakley, Inc. today announced the release of a new Global Collection of products designed to honor Oakley's global team of athletes participating in the Winter Olympics. As part of this rare array, a special edition sunglass and snow goggle carry custom Oakley art to salute the nations that will send their best to Canada in February 2010. Apparel designs and accessories in the collection are accented with graphics that recognize the heritage of the hosting province, and a limited edition timepiece is part of the unparalleled line of collectibles.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100114/LA37650-a)

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100114/LA37650-b)

"This special collection pays tribute to an event that unites the world in the fellowship of athletic competition," said Oakley CEO Colin Baden. "Many athletes in Vancouver will rely on Oakley innovations as they strive for Gold, and the new Global Collection will fuel the excitement and shared pride of watching these athletes exceed all limits. Oakley art turns these special editions into keepsakes and collectibles, mementos that let fans carry the memories of this thrilling chapter in sports history," Baden concluded.

The collection includes a uniquely rendered edition of Oakley's popular Crowbar® goggle. The new Global Crowbar Snow Goggle features bold graphics that depict flags of nations. It comes with a matching Microclear® bag for lens cleaning and goggle storage, as well as a strap patch that combines the company icon with a national flag in one of 11 optional country designs: Austria, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Russia, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA. With its moisture-wicking comfort and superior protection against impact and UV, Crowbar Snow is the choice of world-class athletes. (Please note that this special edition goggle will be distributed in a limited release of only 400 units. It is not available via Oakley.com but can be purchased at Oakley stores and other select retail locations now.)

The eyewear rendition in the new collection, Oakley's Global Fuel Cell is highlighted with a flags-of-nations motif in the letters of the company logo. The sunglass comes with a matching Microclear bag for lens cleaning and frame storage. Oakley Fuel Cell is a streetwise design, a look of authenticity with confident contours of comfortably lightweight O Matter® frame material. This edition features the glare-cutting performance of Oakley HDPolarized lenses with the clarity and protection of High Definition Optics® (HDO®). (This special edition eyewear is available at Oakley stores and via Oakley.com now.)

In addition to graphical expressions of the flags-of-nations motif that honors our global team of athletes, the new Oakley Global Apparel Collection features a Canadian Maple Leaf and stylized totem art. The original Oakley design salutes the country and province hosting the games, and pays tribute to its history and heritage. Hoodies and tees for men and women comprise the collection. (These apparel items are available at Oakley stores and via Oakley.com now.)

Accessories in the Global Collection include caps, a beanie, a backpack and an umbrella, as well as a commemorative pin. Each of these carries totem graphics that signify it as a collectible edition. A serialized allotment of the company's Warrant™ timepiece has been styled with the totem motif, and just 100 units will be available. (Please note that the special edition timepiece is available only in Canada, and was released in December 2009. The accessories are available at Oakley stores and via Oakley.com now.)

For items in the Oakley Global Collection that will be available online, visit Oakley.com for more information.

About Oakley, Inc.

Established in 1975 and headquartered in Southern California, Oakley is one of the leading sports brands in the world. The holder of more than 600 patents, Oakley is continually seeking problems, solving them with inventions and wrapping those inventions in art. This philosophy has made Oakley one of the most iconic and inimitable brands on the market, with innovations that world-class athletes around the globe depend on to compete at the highest level possible. Oakley is famed for its insuperable lens technologies such as High Definition Optics® (HDO®) which is incorporated into all Oakley sun and prescription eyewear, and goggles. Oakley has extended its leadership position as the world's leading sports eyewear brand into apparel, footwear and accessories collections. Laser focused on the consumer, Oakley has both men's and women's product lines that target Sports Performance, Active and Lifestyle consumers. Oakley is a subsidiary of Luxottica Group (NYSE: LUX; MTA: LUX). Additional information is available at www.oakley.com.

SOURCE Oakley, Inc.

- "A Memorable Experience" Says Boss Sir Alex Ferguson

English Premier League champions Manchester United have described their training camp at ASPIRE as a great success, with manager Sir Alex Ferguson calling the visit "a memorable experience."

    (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100113/374098-a )

    (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100113/374098-b )

The Reds had decided to escape from the snow and ice that has gripped the UK, and most of Europe, for nearly a fortnight and take advantage of the blue skies and warm sunshine of Doha. During their stay, they also took advantage of some of the state-of-the-art facilities available to them at ASPIRE.

United held several training sessions on the outdoor football pitches - a mixture of stretching and running exercises, ball work, formation play and practice matches. Their session on Wednesday morning was open to the public and attracted a large number of visitors from the very young to the not so young.

ASPIRE's gym was also put to use, with the players being put through their paces under the watchful eye of Sir Alex and his coaching assistants.

Sir Alex also found time to meet and talk to ASPIRE's own football coaches, giving them an insight into his thoughts on tactics and methods. ASPIRE's Head Football Coach, Michael Browne, said: "We all found Sir Alex's comments informative and interesting. It was a very useful exercise."

After their final, and probably most strenuous, work-out at ASPIRE, the players were invited on a short tour of the academy, were presented with mementos of their visit, and signed shirts were exchanged.

Sir Alex signed ASPIRE's Wall of Fame (as did Michael Owen) and then commented in the Visitors' Book:

"On behalf of all my players and staff, may we thank you for such a memorable experience. ASPIRE's complex is without question the best I have ever seen. Not only that, the operation is so well managed that it has made our stay very easy and relaxed. We hope that this journey is not our last here and that it will initiate a true bond between Manchester United F. C. and our friends at ASPIRE and in Qatar."

He then publicly thanked the officials of ASPIRE for making their stay both possible and so enjoyable - and reiterated his hope that the visit would mark the beginning of a good relationship between the club and ASPIRE.

Notes to Editors:

Created in 2004, the ASPIRE Academy for Sports Excellence in Doha has the dual aims of identifying and transforming promising student athletes into world-renowned champions across a wide range of sports and to act as a beacon to draw sporting culture into the centre of life in Qatar and the surrounding region.

The Academy is distinguished by a philosophy which aims to develop the student as a whole, providing them with full academic, social and sporting development.

Unrivalled facilities, housed in and around the world's largest purpose built indoor sports dome, ensure the Academy's reputation as one of the foremost sporting and educational institutions in the entire international community, enticing an ever-increasing number of visitors and users, from sporting legends to global political leaders.

Every aspect of the development of elite athletes is catered for by one indoor and seven outdoor football pitches, athletics tracks, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, diving pool, combat arenas, gymnastics arena, specially fitness weight rooms, lecture halls, dormitories to accommodate what will eventually become 1,000 students, a medical centre and many more facilities.

Launched in 2007, the ASPIRE Football Dreams project has annually tests over 600.000 young footballers from all over the world including Asia, South America and Africa as part of the largest ever talent search within the sport.

The ASPIRE ACTIVE initiative is a community engagement program spread across the country ensuring that thousands of the nation's residents have accessible and advanced health and fitness activities as routine aspects of their lives. Each social group is catered for by tailor-made classes and programs.

ASPIRE Media Information

For All media enquiries (Arabic and English) and high resolution images contact:

Hassan Esbaiss E: hassan.esbaiss@aspire.qa M: +974-521-9545

SOURCE Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence

This Friday, HDNet's "Inside MMA" is LIVE from Iowa City, home of the Iowa Hawkeyes, to preview one of the biggest NCAA wrestling duals of the year between two college powerhouses – the #1 ranked University of Iowa and #3 Oklahoma State.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080324/HDNETLOGO)

HDNet has also arranged an hour-long "meet and greet" with Kenny Rice, Bas Rutten and Guy Mezger.  Fans can meet the stars of "Inside MMA" from 6:00 to 7:00 pm CT on Friday, January 15 at the University of Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame building, located at 2425 Prairie Meadow Drive in Iowa City.

The "Inside MMA" roundtable for Friday night will feature Dan Gable, former Iowa Wrestling Coach and National Wrestling Hall of Fame Inductee, former UFC Champion Pat Miletich, Scott Casber, of TakedownRadio.com; and HDNet Fights President, Guy Mezger.  

Also on Friday, Ron Kruck goes in-depth and on-location to look at the storied wrestling programs at both Iowa and OSU - in addition to a visit to the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Don't miss the LIVE panel this week as Kenny and Bas discuss the history of these legendary college wrestling programs – and, hear from Randy Couture on how he transitioned from All-American wrestler at OSU to MMA star.

Don't miss this special LIVE episode of "Inside MMA," tomorrow, January 15 at 9:00 p.m. only on HDNet.

About HDNet

HDNet (www.hd.net) is the independent network with unique and provocative content that appeals to men of all ages and is delivered in true high definition.

HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including television's only HD news feature programs "HDNet World Report," and the Emmy Award winning "Dan Rather Reports," featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather.  Only HDNet goes beyond the headlines to deliver real news that is redefining the way we look at our world.  HDNet News is provocative, sometimes controversial and always relevant  - telling the important stories of our time in-depth, with attitude and with independence.

HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring five regular season games from the Premiere Season of the United Football League.  HDNet also features the best of Mixed Martial Arts with its Friday night series, "HDNet Fights" (www.hdnetfights.com).  "HDNet Fights" works with leading MMA promoters including DREAM, Sengoku, XFC, M-1, K-1, K-1 Max, MFC, Adrenaline and more.  HDNet produces more live Mixed Martial Arts events than any other network and HDNet's "Inside MMA" is the hottest Mixed Martial Arts program on television, giving MMA fans their weekly fix for everything MMA.

HDNet also delivers the world's largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series.  The HDNet Concert Series features leading artists and bands including Coldplay, Gwen Stefani, John Mayer and more.  HDNet also features revealing lifestyle programming featuring "Art Mann Presents," "New York Confessions," "Deadline" and "Get Out!"  HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries as part of the InFocus series.  "NASA on HDNet" presents all live shuttle launches through 2010.  

Only HDNet Movies (www.hdnetmovies.com) delivers exclusive Sneak Previews of new movies before they hit theaters.  The HDNet Movies Sneak Preview series features top Hollywood stars in critically acclaimed performances including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joaquin Phoenix, Demi Moore, Michael Caine, Tom Hanks, Vera Farmiga, Parker Posey, Brian Cox, Matthew Broderick, Brittany Snow, Eric Bana, John Malkovich, Emily Blunt, Robin Williams, Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger.

Upcoming Sneak Preview films include "District 13:  Ultimatum."

In addition to being the exclusive home of Sneak Previews, HDNet Movies viewers enjoy the best films from the classics of the 1950s-1970s, to favorite films from the 1980s and 1990s, to recently released theatrical films.

HDNet Movies offers subscribers a premium movie viewing experience in true HD, and more original movies shot entirely in HD than any other network.

Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available on AT&T, Charter Communications, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Mediacom, Verizon FiOS and more than 40 NCTC cable affiliated companies. 

The HDNet networks can be followed via Facebook at facebook.com/HDNet1, facebook.com/HDNetFights and facebook.com/HDNetMovies and via Twitter at twitter.com/hdnet, twitter.com/hdnetfights and, twitter.com/hdnetmovies.

SOURCE HDNet

RELATED LINKS
http://www.hd.net

Image Source, the world's leading producer of royalty free stock imagery, announces a prize draw for customers to win a pair of tickets to Cape Town, South Africa for the World Cup.

Customers purchasing any product directly from imagesource.com from the 1st January to the 31st March will be automatically entered into a prize draw to win flights, tickets and accommodation to Cape Town, South Africa. To tie in with the launch of the new Image Source Cross-Media product, customers will additionally gain an extra 10 bonus entries with each purchase of a Cross-Media Pack containing matched still images and motion clips, a special bonus which is exclusive to customers purchasing via imagesource.com as opposed to through an Image Source distributor.

The winner, to be drawn on the 19th April 2010, will be flown with a companion from London to Cape Town, where they will be accommodated in a top hotel. Once in Cape Town, they will receive two pairs of Category 1 seated tickets to a Round 16 and Quarter Final match at the new Cape Town Green Point Stadium.

Christina Vaughan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Image Source comments "this is an incredible opportunity for one of our customers and companion to go and see one of the biggest sporting events in the world. With South Africa hosting the football tournament, the winners will not only enjoy attending the matches but also the spectacular setting of Cape Town and the magnificent views of Table Mountain, making it an incredible once in a lifetime experience."

About Image Source

Image Source is the world's leading producer of premium royalty free stock imagery. Headquartered in London, UK, with regional offices in New York, the company also supplies imagery through over 150 partners worldwide. This strong international sales network enabled the company to win the Queen's Award for Enterprise in the International Trade Category in 2005. Image Source has also been shortlisted by The Sunday Times Best Employers Guide 2008 as 'One to Watch' and is in The Guardian's 2008 book of Britain's Top Employers. The company is also accredited with ISO 9001 and achieved a place on the 2008 Media Momentum Top 50, a list of the fastest growing digital media companies in the UK. http://www.imagesource.com

For more information please email pr@imagesource.com http//www.imagesource.com

SOURCE Image Source

West Coast Bank presents the Oregon State University 2010 Football Recruiting Dinner on February 3, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. The Oregon Convention Center will host Beavers fans, coaches and former student-athletes at this much-anticipated annual event marking the first public discussion allowed by the NCAA for coaches to comment on this year's recruiting class.

The "Voice of the Beavers" Mike Parker hosts this entertaining evening that begins with a social and silent auction. For more information, contact the Beaver Athletic Student Fund at 541.737.2370.

West Coast Bancorp, (Nasdaq: WCBO), is a Northwest bank holding company with $2.6 billion in assets, operating 65 locations in Oregon and Washington. The Company combines the sophisticated products and expertise of larger banks with the local decision making, market knowledge and customer service of a community bank.  For more information, visit the Company's web site at www.wcb.com.

SOURCE West Coast Bank

RELATED LINKS
http://www.wcb.com

Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation (Nasdaq: BGFV), a leading sporting goods retailer, today reported sales results for the fiscal 2009 fourth quarter and full year ended January 3, 2010.

For the fiscal 2009 fourth quarter, net sales were $237.6 million, compared to net sales of $219.6 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. Same store sales increased 0.1% for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009.  The Company's merchandise margins increased 88 basis points during the fourth quarter compared to the same period last year.

For the fiscal 2009 full year, net sales increased $30.8 million, or 3.6%, to $895.5 million from $864.7 million for the fiscal 2008 full year. Same store sales decreased 0.6% for the fiscal 2009 full year.

As a result of the fiscal year calendar, the fiscal 2009 fourth quarter included 14 weeks and the fiscal 2009 full year included 53 weeks, compared to 13 weeks and 52 weeks for the respective reporting periods in the prior year.  For purposes of reporting same store sales comparisons to the prior year, the Company uses comparable 14-week and 53-week periods.

For the fiscal 2009 fourth quarter, the Company expects to realize earnings per diluted share in the range of $0.28 to $0.30, which is within the Company's previously issued guidance range and compares to earnings per diluted share in the prior year period of $0.17.  Updated earnings guidance for the fiscal 2009 fourth quarter includes a net nonrecurring pre-tax charge of approximately $0.9 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, which reflects the establishment of a reserve for a previously disclosed lawsuit, offset by the proceeds received from the settlement of a class action lawsuit relating to credit card fees.

For the fiscal 2009 full year, the Company expects to realize earnings per diluted share in the range of $1.00 to $1.02, which is an increase of over 50% compared to earnings per diluted share of $0.64 in the prior year.  Updated earnings guidance for the fiscal 2009 full year includes the net nonrecurring pre-tax charge of approximately $0.9 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, relating to legal matters.

"We are pleased to deliver our third consecutive quarter of positive same store sales growth together with a substantial earnings increase over the prior year," said Steven G. Miller, the Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.  "Although our fourth quarter sales were slightly softer than plan, our merchandise margins exceeded our expectations, increasing 88 basis points for the quarter.  We experienced strength in our hard goods and footwear categories, which comped positively in the low single digit range for the quarter.  The primary factor in our softer than expected sales was the performance of our winter product categories, which comped negatively in the high single digit range for the quarter as most of our markets experienced unfavorable winter weather comparisons to the prior year.  This led to our apparel category, which is heavily influenced by the sale of winter products, being down mid-single digits for the quarter."

Mr. Miller continued, "During the fourth quarter, we continued to successfully manage expenses and inventories.  We also further strengthened our balance sheet, as our positive cash flow allowed us to reduce borrowings under our credit facility by 43% to $55.0 million at year-end from $96.5 million at the end of last year."

The Company expects to issue earnings results for the fiscal 2009 fourth quarter and full year, as well as provide guidance for fiscal 2010, by the first week of March.

About Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation

Big 5 is a leading sporting goods retailer in the western United States, operating 384 stores in 11 states under the "Big 5 Sporting Goods" name.  Big 5 provides a full-line product offering in a traditional sporting goods store format that averages 11,000 square feet.  Big 5's product mix includes athletic shoes, apparel and accessories, as well as a broad selection of outdoor and athletic equipment for team sports, fitness, camping, hunting, fishing, tennis, golf, snowboarding and in-line skating.

Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this release are forward-looking and made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause Big 5's actual results in current or future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. Those risks and uncertainties include, among other things, continued or worsening weakness in the consumer spending environment and the U.S. financial and credit markets, the competitive environment in the sporting goods industry in general and in Big 5's specific market areas, inflation, product availability and growth opportunities, seasonal fluctuations, weather conditions, changes in cost of goods, operating expense fluctuations, disruption in product flow, changes in interest rates, credit availability, higher costs associated with current and new sources of credit resulting from uncertainty in financial markets and economic conditions in general. Those and other risks and uncertainties are more fully described in Big 5's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2008 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 27, 2009. Big 5 conducts its business in a highly competitive and rapidly changing environment. Accordingly, new risk factors may arise. It is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor to assess the impact of all such risk factors on Big 5's business or the extent to which any individual risk factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Big 5 undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by it or on its behalf.

SOURCE Big 5 Sporting Goods Corporation

Retrofitness, the can't-be-duplicated 1980s-themed fitness chain, has made a bold resolution for 2010 and it's kicking off in Atlanta.

The New Jersey-based fitness franchisor said it will open a 14,200 square-foot club in Smyrna by March, the first of a projected 15 to 20 Atlanta-area locations to open within 24 months. Retrofitness already has 54 locations open in eight states with 80 more clubs in various stages of development.

Expanding to Atlanta is part of a major initiative to grow the Retrofitness brand across the United States by opening locations in select major markets, said Mark Mele, vice president of franchise sales. Retrofitness plans to open 100 gyms in each of the next three years, extending south and west from its East Coast roots.

"We are very excited to introduce Retrofitness to the Atlanta fitness market," said Mele. "Atlanta is a high-energy, vibrant city and we believe consumers will embrace Retrofitness because nothing like it exists in the market today."

The growth of Retrofitness is fueled by its appeal to Gen Xers and everyone else, drawn by its fun, exciting '80s atmosphere, retro color schemes, classic '80s music and "RetroTheatres" that show film classics like Ferris Bueller's Day Off on screens up to 20 feet wide while customers put in their cardio workouts. Customers get it all for an affordable $19.99 monthly membership rate that is guaranteed to never increase.

"We believe a first-class, high-service fitness concept with a low monthly cost is needed in the Atlanta market," Retrofitness founder and CEO Eric Casaburi said. "We believe members will benefit greatly from our services."

The Smyrna Retrofitness will be company-owned and have a staff of between 10 and 20 employees. Retrofitness will open two to three more company-owned gyms in the area as part of its "'hybrid" growth strategy for new markets, which involves first opening one or several company-owned, flagship clubs with the full intent of later selling them to a qualified franchisee, oftentimes along with additional territories in the market. 

SOURCE Retrofitness

Research shows that what's good for the heart and cardiovascular system is also good for the brain, according to the Alzheimer's Association. The "Run for the Memory" team has been braving cold temperatures to get in shape for the Boston Marathon(R) on April 19, and team organizers are encouraging others to keep in shape as well.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100112/DC36305LOGO)

"There's no question that keeping physically, mentally and socially active may help delay the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms," said James Wessler, President & CEO Alzheimer's Association Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter. "The runners on our official Run for the Memory team not only raise money to fight this disease, they are also setting high standards for a healthy lifestyle."

The Run for the Memory team, coached by experienced marathoner Rich Schilder of Belmont, holds training runs and informational seminars year 'round. They invite the public to join them on a Saturday run, or attend a seminar to learn more about nutrition and fitness issues. The team's schedule and information can be found at www.alz.org/MANH.

Alzheimer's strikes every 70 seconds, with some 5.3 million Americans now living with the fatal disease.  Although most prevalent with those over age 65, the disease can occur significantly younger. There are limited treatments and no cure.  The Alzheimer's Association is the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer's research - with the help of programs like Run for the Memory. Since its inception, the Run for the Memory Team has raised more than $1.1 million. Members compete in marathons in New York City, Chicago and Boston, half-marathons, triathlons, and relay races. The program is growing. Run for the Memory is adding two new races to the existing calendar this year, including the Run 2 Remember on May 30, 2010 and participation in the Max Performance triathlon series.

The Alzheimer's Association, MA/NH provides support groups, professional training, educational programs for families, care consultation and 24/7 Helpline at 1.800.272.3900 as well as research funding.  Information on the Run for the Memory Team and other programs is at www.alz.org/MANH.

Team Members for Boston:

Erin Alcott: Upton, MA

Jon Ashner: Waban, MA

Jennifer Beale: Littleton, MA

Michael Bonfonti: Londonderry, NH

Ed Cederholm: Weymouth, MA

Louise Corliss: Wayland, MA

Paul Crocetti: Watertown, MA

Vincent Devoe: Pompano Beach, FL

Anne Donohue-Rolfe: Somerville, MA

Jessica Dunn: Jamaica Plain, MA

Dale Granger Eckert: Newburyport, MA

Dale Eckert: Newburyport, MA

Judith Flynn: Hingham, MA

Leslie Garrett: Boston, MA

Brian Hsia: New York, NY

Peter Jarvis: Milton, MA

Maureen Lamie: Quincy, MA

Jane Lizotte: Shrewsbury, MA

Michael McGrail: Mashpee, MA

Kelly Mullen: Tampa, FL

Erika Mullen: Somerville, MA

Brenna Newfell: Brookline, MA

Matthew O'Connor: Hopkinton, MA

Michael O'Connor: Melrose, MA

Patricia Reske: Westborough, MA

Cathleen Roughan: Pepperell, MA

Emilie Schwager: San Diego, CA

Edmund Taglieri: Arlington, MA

Charlie Vanasse: Westfield, MA

John Yahres: East Longmeadow, MA

SOURCE Alzheimer's Association MA/NH Chapter

RELATED LINKS
http://www.alz.org/MANH

In a historic feat of incredible skill and athleticism, the famous Flying Caceres trapeze troupe succeeded in catching the highly elusive quadruple somersault during the opening week of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Barnum's FUNundrum! in Tampa, Fla.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100111/NY35715-a )

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100111/NY35715-b )

Seemingly impossible, extremely dangerous, and as rare as a three-minute mile, the quadruple somersault has only been completed three times in Ringling Bros. 140-year history. Flyer, Ivo Silva, Jr. and catcher, Daniel Simard, join an elite group of individuals to successfully execute this tremendous challenge. Ivo completed four full revolutions, traveling high in the air at more than 80 mph, and connected with Daniel with incredible precision to finish "the Quad." In order to successfully accomplish this extreme act, perfect timing and positioning are required otherwise both catcher and flyer could suffer disastrous consequences.

"I can't believe it has happened. I am just very happy. I want to do it again," gushed trapeze flyer Ivo Silva, Jr. Asked if he thought he could replicate this amazing feat, Ivo replied with a confident "Yes."

Ivo and Daniel had been practicing for nearly seven months to hit the quadruple somersault, "A very short amount of time for this accomplishment considering that this normally takes hundreds and hundreds of attempts," explained troupe leader George Caceres.

"The quad means everything. It is the pinnacle of the flying trapeze. This is the reward," said catcher Daniel Simard. "We had been knocking at the door for quite some time. History has been made and I am excited to be a part of it."

It has been more than a quarter century since audiences have seen a completed quadruple somersault at The Greatest Show On Earth. The last time was in 1982 by the Flying Vazquez. In Barnum's FUNundrum!, which celebrates the legacy and 200th anniversary of the birth of P.T. Barnum, the Greatest Showman On Earth, audiences throughout this two-year tour have the unique opportunity to witness Ivo and Daniel try to duplicate this amazing achievement on any given night.

"This feat is yet another demonstration that Ringling Bros. is The Greatest Show On Earth!" said Nicole Feld, the third generation of the Feld family to produce Ringling Bros. "Whether it is the Flying Caceres Trapeze troupe, Puyang Chinese acrobatic troupe, the Mongolian body bending contortionists or the Cuban hand balancers, the undeniable athleticism of our performers is unparalleled."

"P.T. Barnum presented audiences with feats and acts never-before-seen, pushing the limits and making history," added Alana Feld, who is co-producing this historical 140th Edition with her sister Nicole. "I am very excited to be part of a show 200 years in the making that provides our audiences with thrills like the attempt at the quadruple somersault, every night."

For more information, visit Ringling.com.

About Feld Entertainment, Inc. - Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create unforgettable memories, with over 30 million people in attendance at our shows annually. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 65 countries and on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Feld Motor Sports, Disney On Ice, and DisneyLive!

SOURCE Feld Entertainment, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.ringling.com

David Carruthers, the former Director and CEO of BetonSports, a large illegal offshore sports wagering business, was sentenced to 33 months in prison, Acting U.S. Attorney Michael W. Reap for the Eastern District of Missouri announced today.

This sentencing concludes a lengthy investigative and prosecution effort by several law enforcement agencies, including the IRS and the FBI. Mr. Carruthers was the first major defendant in the case to plead guilty and he had agreed to testify against his co-defendants if necessary.

Carruthers, a citizen of the United Kingdom, was hired by BetonSports Founder, Gary Kaplan, in approximately June 2000, as CEO of BetonSports.com, an existing sportsbook organization based in Costa Rica. In July, 2004, David Carruthers began serving as a Director of BetonSports, PLC.

"The prosecution and conviction of Carruthers is significant to the Government's efforts at enforcement of U.S. laws against offshore Internet and telephone sports wagering businesses, because Carruthers was both a foreign national and a top executive of BetOnSports," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven E. Holtshouser. "Previously, executives, owners and investors believed that they were immune from the reach of U.S. law enforcement; even their business plans were directly aimed at the U.S. market. Both the conviction of, and sentence handed down against Mr. Carruthers should send a message to any foreign business conducting illegal activities in the United States, that geography does not render it untouchable."

"Illegal internet gaming operations continue to be areas of concern for IRS," said Toni Weirauch, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. "With our law enforcement partners, IRS will continue to play an enforcement role in the illegal gaming industry and other illegal offshore activity."

"The successful investigation and prosecution of this case not only put this group of criminals in prison but can indirectly help solve other computer-related crimes," said Roland J. Corvington, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the St. Louis Division. "Some of the millions of dollars previously forfeited from this case have already been granted to RCCEEG, a regional computer crimes task force, which provides local law enforcement free technical and legal assistance to investigate such cases as child predators on-line."

Carruthers, 52, appeared today for sentencing before U.S. District Judge Carol E. Jackson.

Reap commended the work on the case by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation and the Chesterfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven E. Holtshouser, Steven Muchnick and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Birmingham handled the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Justice

RELATED LINKS
http://www.justice.gov

Experience the visual wonderment of the creation and exhibition of snow art. The Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships return to Breckenridge for the 20th year from January 26-31, 2010.

Thirteen teams from around the globe have been invited to compete from seven countries including Canada (two teams), China, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Mexico, Russia and the USA. The United States teams invited include Alaska, Colorado (Breckenridge and Loveland), Idaho, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Snow Sculpting is attended annually by more than 30,000 people of all ages from across the USA and the world.

Each year, four-person teams are assigned 12-foot-tall, 20-ton blocks of machine-made Colorado snow. These teams work within a five-day period to create their sculptures. From these blocks of snow, the teams often craft enormous pieces of whimsy, although some deliver powerful political or social commentary.

The finished pieces are achieved after a total of 65 intense hours of work without the use of power tools, internal support structures or colorants - just the ingenuity of the sculptors and a medium that lends itself, if only temporarily, to the persuasion of hand tools.

When the sculptures are finished on Saturday, January 30, a panel of well-known artists and patrons of the arts serve as judges. Awards are presented to the first, second and third place sculptures on Sunday, January 31. Awards are also given for People's Choice, Kids' Choice and Artists' Choice. There are no cash prizes; the artists instead revel in the reward of hard work, forged friendships, freedom of artistic expression and the satisfaction of long hours of preparation that lead to the event.

No one would have guessed 20 years ago that the first International Snow Sculpture Championships in Breckenridge would have grown into the renowned world-class event it is today, and that the founders of the event would still be passionately sculpting for Team Breckenridge 20 years later.

Featured Lodging Package during Snow Sculptures: Ski Free, Stay Free

Plan a ski adventure to Breckenridge during the International Snow Sculpture Championships. Book three nights of lodging and three days of adult lift tickets and receive FREE an additional night of lodging and an additional day of adult skiing. Prices start at only $128 per person, per night. Package offered January 5 - February 10, 2010.

Call the Breckenridge Resort Chamber at 877-593-5260 or visit gobreck.com for more information on the 2010 Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships and January lodging packages in Breckenridge.

SOURCE Breckenridge Resort Chamber

RELATED LINKS
http://www.gobreck.com

WFN: World Fishing Network, North America's only 24-hour fishing lifestyle network and Bass Champs, Inc., today announced a two-year marketing partnership which will provide WFN with extensive visibility at more than 30 Skeeter Bass Champs fishing tournaments annually and, in turn, make WFN and WFN HD the new home for the popular Skeeter Bass Champs television show.

WFN will become the presenting sponsor of more than 60 Skeeter Bass Champs events during the next two years and will also work in tandem with Bass Champs and its sponsors to create promotions, contests and sweepstakes for anglers.

Skeeter Bass Champs television show captures the reality of tournament fishing by highlighting the trials, struggles and rewards that anglers tackle throughout a tournament. It offers winning techniques, hot locations and new product highlights and has become one of the most popular fishing shows because viewers get to see real anglers, like themselves, during real competitions. The show has been shot in high-definition since its inception in 2002.

About WFN: World Fishing Network

WFN: World Fishing Network is the only 24/7 television network dedicated to all segments of fishing with programming that covers instruction, tips, tournaments, travel, food, boating, outdoor lifestyle and more. WFN's wide-ranging programming lineup includes a selection of the best international series and the most diverse species coverage of any outdoor network. WFN also delivers the beauty of fishing in stunning High Definition with WFN HD, a separate network that delivers 100 percent High Definition programming 24/7.

Originally launched in December 2005, today WFN and WFN HD are available in more than 20 million households through North American cable, satellite and telecommunications distributors. In the U.S., distributors include; AT&T U-Verse, Charter Communications, Comcast, DISH Network, Verizon FiOS, and more. For more information visit www.WFN.TV.

About Bass Champs, Inc.

Bass Champs, Inc., based in Fort Worth, Tex., is the only grass roots fishing organization in the USA that provides amateur anglers with guaranteed paybacks, professionally hosted events, national media attention and national television exposure. Bass Champs, founded in 1997, has hosted more than 650 events for more than 200,000 anglers worldwide and has awarded in excess of $25 million in cash prizes. For more information, visit www.basschamps.com.

SOURCE WFN: World Fishing Network

RELATED LINKS
http://www.WFN.TV

SparkPeople.com, the most active weight loss and fitness website in America, is pleased to announce several publishing milestones for The Spark, a new book from Hay House written by SparkPeople Founder and CEO Chris Downie. For the week ending January 2, The Spark was the #1 self-help book and the only weight-loss book on The Wall Street Journal Best-Selling Books List in the Hardcover Nonfiction category, in which The Spark was ranked 7th overall. The Spark ranked #1 in sales of all Hardcover Nonfiction weight-loss books tracked by BookScan (the authoritative sales data provider for the publishing industry and the basis for the Wall Street Journal bestseller lists), outselling its nearest competitor by more than two-to-one.

In addition, The Spark has ranked #1 among all books - paperback and hardcover, fiction and non-fiction -- on walmart.com's daily Top 50 New Releases list since the book was published on December 29. Just prior to publication, The Spark hit #1 on the pre-orders lists of amazon.com, bn.com, and walmart.com.

SparkPeople.com, which is free to join, is America's second-largest consumer health website after WebMD based on comScore's page views engagement metric. SparkPeople averages over four million unique visitors, 12 million visits and 100 million page views a month. With members in more than 100 countries, SparkPeople, an employee-owned company whose only outside investor is AOL Co-Founder Steve Case, is experiencing viral growth. It is attracting 175,000 new members a month with its breakthrough formula that combines goal setting, nutrition, exercise, motivation, and social networking within America's largest weight loss and fitness online community. SparkPeople members have been featured by numerous national media outlets, including The Today Show, Entertainment Tonight, People and Good Housekeeping, which has an excerpt of The Spark in its February issue, on newsstands next week.

"We believe the strong sales of The Spark reflect the passion of the SparkPeople community and the fact that, like SparkPeople, the book is fundamentally different from other approaches to weight loss," said Downie. "Of all the major weight loss books this season, The Spark is virtually the only one that is not just about what to eat. The Spark provides the most effective, medically proven and flexible meal plan for losing weight available anywhere. But we all know that just knowing what to eat means nothing if you can't stay motivated. And it just won't stick if it's too hard to incorporate into our real lives."

Downie continued, "As The Spark explains, by blending the science of nutrition and fitness with the science of motivation with the power of online social networking, SparkPeople is reinventing weight loss in America and sparking countless lives. Millions of people are freeing themselves from the over-promising, all-or-nothing, unsustainable diets that set them up for failure and yo-yo weight swings. They are embracing a weight-loss and healthy lifestyle system that breeds confidence, success and momentum by starting with manageable changes, makes weight loss fun and energizing, and turns it into a springboard for achieving other goals that change lives, not just waistlines.

"I couldn't be more grateful to our members for helping make The Spark a #1 bestseller, and even more importantly, for making such a positive difference in one another's lives every day," Downie concluded. "These milestones belong to them and the amazing 25 employees who have made SparkPeople the quiet phenomenon in American weight loss."

The Spark includes:

• A 28-day program that distills the most effective, medically accepted nutrition and fitness practices from SparkPeople into an innovative four-stage, four-week program available only in the book
• The 27 "secrets to success" that thousands of successful SparkPeople members have used to reach their goals
• SparkPeople member success stories that offer an honest and inspiring look at weight-loss - with all of its ups and downs - from those who have lost anywhere from 2 to 200 pounds
• A fully illustrated workout program created by SparkPeople's certified fitness trainer, Coach Nicole
• A stunning 16-page color insert featuring before-and-after photos and the stories of some of SparkPeople's dedicated members
• A step-by-step, mix-and-match food plan that teaches how to combine foods into delicious recipes that don't prompt feelings of hunger or deprivation
• The story of Downie's personal struggle with severe social anxiety, which he overcame in his 20s by accidentally discovering what evolved into the cornerstones of the SparkPeople system

To obtain a copy of The Spark or supporting BookScan data, or for all other inquiries, please contact SparkPeople.com.

SOURCE SparkPeople.com

The Colorado Tourism Office's (CTO) "Snow at First Sight" campaign, which began on October 12 with a global search for three people who have never experienced snow before, has concluded with the selection of three winners. Hailing from Atlanta, Australia and Hawaii, the three finalists are set to begin their Colorado adventure on January 11, 2010 where they will blog on www.SnowAtFirstSight.com about their experiences and post regular updates on social networks including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Flickr.

          Ruchu Adhikary, 25, from Melbourne, Australia is an avid
          outdoor sports enthusiast and has tried many extreme sports
          including skydiving, but this is her first chance to try her
          hand at snow sports.  "I love to travel and try new things but
          have never had the opportunity to experience snow before. I
          can't wait for this adventure to begin and to see where it
          takes me."

          Trevor Allison, 21, from Atlanta, GA has dreamed of living in
          Colorado all his life and now he's finally getting his
          opportunity.  "For years I've wanted to come to Colorado to
          experience snowboarding.  I've skate boarded, wake boarded and
          now I finally get the chance to hit the slopes. I'm couldn't
          be more stoked."

          Deena Bright, 30, from the Hawaiian island Kailua, Oahu, is a
          health and exercise nut and has always been interested in
          Colorado and its outdoor sports and healthful lifestyle. "I'm
          so excited to be an ambassador for Colorado and its winter
          season and look forward to participating in the many
          adventures that are headed my way."

During their winter adventure, the finalists will travel across Colorado, enjoying a variety of winter activities and working with local experts to learn how to ski, snowboard, snowmobile, snowshoe and more. The participants will also dine at some of the state's notable restaurants, mingle at the hottest apres-ski spots, experience spas and hot springs and enjoying other vacation pursuits that are popular with Colorado visitors.

"The Snow at First Sight campaign will reveal Colorado's incredible winter season through the eyes of those who have never experienced snow," said Kim McNulty, director of the Colorado Tourism Office. "This is an excellent opportunity to use the popularity of social media to showcase Colorado's destinations and wide variety of winter activities. Through the postings of our winners, ski enthusiasts and travelers of all interests will be inspired to visit Colorado."

To follow the three winners, visit www.SnowAtFirstSight.com; follow them at @SnowAt1stSight on Twitter.com; on Facebook at www.facebook.com/snowatfirstsight; on YouTube at www.youtube.com/visitcolorado; or on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/visitcolorado.

The winners will be visiting destinations including Denver, Breckenridge, Georgetown, Black Hawk/Central City, Winter Park, Keystone, Snowmass, Steamboat, Beaver Creek, Vail, Copper Mountain, Ouray, Grand Junction, Crested Butte, Durango, Colorado Springs, Canon City, Salida, Buena Vista, Estes Park, Fort Collins and Boulder.

ABOUT COLORADO

Colorado is a four-season destination offering unparalleled adventure and recreational pursuits, a thriving arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, flavorful cuisine, and 26 renowned ski areas and resorts. The state's breathtaking scenic landscape boasts natural hot springs, the headwaters of four major rivers, many peaceful lakes and reservoirs, 10 national parks and monuments, and 54 mountain peaks that top 14,000 feet. For more information or a copy of the Colorado Official State Vacation Guide, call 1-800-COLORADO or visit http://www.COLORADO.com. Media are invited to visit the Colorado Media Room at http://www.COLORADO.com/mediaroom for story ideas, press releases/press kits, as well as high-resolution, downloadable photos and video for editorial use.

    Contact:  Caitlin Sullivan / 970-372-6571, csullivan@mmgmardiks.com
              Roland Alonzi /212-219-7560, ext. 6765, ralonzi@mmgmardiks.com

SOURCE Colorado Tourism Office

RELATED LINKS
http://www.colorado.com/
http://www.snowatfirstsight.com/

Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) today reported certain ski season metrics for the comparative periods from the beginning of the ski season through January 6, 2010, and for the prior year period through January 7, 2009, with both periods including the holiday period through the first Wednesday after New Year's Day. The data mentioned in this release is interim period data and subject to fiscal quarter end review and adjustments.

Highlights

• Season to date total lift ticket revenue through January 6, 2010, including an allocated portion of season pass revenue for each applicable period, was down approximately 0.4% compared to the prior year season to date period ended January 7, 2009.
• Season to date total skier visits for the Company's five mountain resorts were down approximately 2.7% for the season to date period through January 6, 2010, compared to the prior year season to date period ended January 7, 2009.

Commenting on the ski season metrics season to date, Rob Katz, Chief Executive Officer said, "We are pleased with our early season metrics, particularly given the current state of the economy and since snowfall came late to our Colorado resorts this year. Below average snowfall at our Colorado resorts leading up to the holiday season limited the amount of terrain open, which negatively impacted skier visits, including pass visits, during the early season and the beginning of the holiday season. Fortunately, recent winter storms brought significant snowfall to our resorts, which allowed us to open the vast majority of our lift serviced terrain at our five resorts. For example, Vail Mountain on December 18, 2009, had only 19 of its lifts and 28% of its terrain open, whereas Vail Mountain now has 30 lifts open and 95% of its terrain open, including all of the Back Bowls and Blue Sky Basin. While skier visits were down 2.7%, our total lift ticket revenue was essentially flat, reflecting the stability of our operating model, even during periods of more challenging conditions, as season pass revenue was up despite lower visitation from season pass holders during this period. Ski school and retail/rental revenue declined only 0.6% and 0.8%, respectively, in line with total lift ticket revenue, despite the higher visitation decline, partly reflecting improvement from a number of our newly launched programs. Dining revenue tracked more closely to the decline in total skier visits, with improvements from our new initiatives more than offset by the lack of facilities being open in the early season with limited terrain available. As of December 31, 2009, our lodging booking trend remained consistent with what we reported as of November 30, 2009. As evidenced by our mountain metric results to date, we continue to believe these booking trends are much more of a reflection of a shorter booking window than necessarily an indication of lower future visitation."

Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the leading mountain resort operator in the United States. The Company's subsidiaries operate the mountain resort properties at the Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone mountain resorts in Colorado, the Heavenly Ski Resort in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada and the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Company's subsidiary, RockResorts, a luxury resort hotel company, manages casually elegant properties across the United States and the Caribbean. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estate planning, development and construction subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Resorts, Inc. is a publicly held company traded on the New York Stock Exchange ( MTN). The Vail Resorts company website is www.vailresorts.com and consumer website is www.snow.com.

Statements in this press release, other than statements of historical information, are forward looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to prolonged downturn in general economic conditions, including continued adverse affects on the overall travel and leisure related industries; unfavorable weather conditions or natural disasters; adverse events that occur during our peak operating periods combined with the seasonality of our business; competition in our mountain and lodging businesses; our ability to grow our resort and real estate operations; our ability to successfully complete real estate development projects and achieve the anticipated financial benefits from such projects; further adverse changes in real estate markets; continued volatility in credit markets; our ability to obtain financing on terms acceptable to us to finance our real estate development, capital expenditures and growth strategy; our reliance on government permits or approvals for our use of Federal land or to make operational improvements; adverse consequences of current or future legal claims; our ability to hire and retain a sufficient seasonal workforce; willingness of our guests to travel due to terrorism, the uncertainty of military conflicts or outbreaks of contagious diseases, and the cost and availability of travel options; negative publicity or unauthorized use of our trademarks which diminishes the value of our brands; our ability to integrate and successfully operate future acquisitions; and implications arising from new Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")/governmental legislation, rulings or interpretations.

SOURCE Vail Resorts, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.snow.com
http://www.vailresorts.com

Whitman Publishing, LLC, publishers of the popular College Football Vault series, will release "The University of Alabama National Championship Football Vault," the company announced today. The book will retail for $49.95 and is available for pre-order today -- while quantities last -- at book retailers, WhitmanBooks.com and CollegeVaultBooks.com.

The Vault chronicles the complete story of the Crimson Tide's 13th National Championship including the exciting victory over The University of Texas in the stadium where Alabama won its first national title 84 years ago.

The 144-page keepsake edition takes you through each of the games in the 2008 and 2009 season that together represent 'Bama's return to national prominence under head coach Nick Saban.

It will also be available at Books-A-Million, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, and Barnes & Noble, as well as other book outlets.

Produced in collaboration with the University of Alabama Athletic Department, the National Championship Vault includes full-color action photographs, recaps, statistics and memorabilia from the school's archives. Tucked away in sleeves and pockets throughout the book are amazing replicas waiting to be discovered by Tide fans everywhere, including game tickets and program covers from each game.

All of this and more await you in The University of Alabama National Championship Football Vault.

Atlanta-based Whitman Publishing are innovative publishers of antique, collectible and sports publications -- on the Web at WhitmanBooks.com.

SOURCE Whitman Publishing, LLC

RELATED LINKS
http://www.WhitmanBooks.com

Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE: FL), the New York-based specialty athletic retailer, today announced a change to its organizational structure, steps taken to improve its corporate efficiency and updates to its 2009 real estate plans. The Company will change its organizational structure by consolidating the management team that oversees its Lady Foot Locker business with the team that currently manages the Foot Locker U.S., Kids Foot Locker and Footaction businesses. Effective with this change, Richard A. Johnson will become President and Chief Executive Officer of Foot Locker U.S., Footaction, Kids Foot Locker and Lady Foot Locker. Richard Johnson is moving from his position as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company's successful Foot Locker Europe operation, effective immediately.

"We expect the consolidation of our Foot Locker businesses under the direction of one management team to help us clarify our Foot Locker family of brands position in the retail marketplace," stated Ken C. Hicks, President and Chief Executive Officer of Foot Locker, Inc. "It will allow us to sharpen our focus on the female consumer, as we look to improve the coordination of our women's merchandise assortments and marketing strategies across each of our Foot Locker brands. This move is a component of a new, comprehensive strategic plan that we expect to complete and announce early in our 2010 fiscal year."

As a result of this divisional reorganization, as well as some corporate staff reductions taken to improve corporate efficiency, the Company expects its financial results in 2010 to be enhanced by annual expense savings of approximately $10 million. An after-tax charge of $3 million, or $0.02 per share, is expected to be recorded during the fourth quarter of 2009 to reflect the costs associated with the elimination of approximately 120 home office and field management positions.

The Company is completing its real estate actions for fiscal 2009, working in partnership with its landlords. For the full year, the Company currently estimates that it will open 37 new stores, close 190 under-productive stores, and remodel or relocate 160 stores. As a result, 117 stores are expected to be closed during the fourth quarter, a large percentage of which are Foot Locker and Lady Foot Locker stores in the United States.

Mr. Hicks continued, "The work we are doing to strengthen our brand positioning, coupled with steps we are taking to streamline corporate staff functions and enhance our real estate portfolio, is designed to make us a more efficient organization, bolster our already strong financial position and, most importantly, enhance our competitive strength and leadership position now and for the long term."

"I am very pleased to promote Dick Johnson to his new position as President and Chief Executive Officer of Foot Locker U.S./Lady Foot Locker/Kids Foot Locker/Footaction. He has been a very strong leader of our successful Foot Locker Europe operation over the past three years and will be a strong addition to our U.S. management team. Lewis P. Kimble has been promoted to succeed Dick Johnson as President and Chief Executive of Foot Locker Europe. Lew has done an outstanding job over the past four years as Managing Director of our Foot Locker Asia/Pacific division, during which time this business achieved record levels of sales and profits."

Foot Locker, Inc. is a specialty athletic retailer that operates approximately 3,600 stores in 21 countries in North America, Europe and Australia. Through its Foot Locker, Footaction, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker and Champs Sports retail stores, as well as its direct-to-customer channel Footlocker.com/Eastbay/CCS, the Company is the leading provider of athletic footwear and apparel.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, which address activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, but not limited to, such things as future capital expenditures, expansion, strategic plans, dividend payments, stock repurchases, growth of the Company's business and operations, including future cash flows, revenues and earnings, and other such matters are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on many assumptions and factors detailed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the effects of currency fluctuations, customer demand, fashion trends, competitive market forces, uncertainties related to the effect of competitive products and pricing, customer acceptance of the Company's merchandise mix and retail locations, the Company's reliance on a few key vendors for a majority of its merchandise purchases (including a significant portion from one key vendor), unseasonable weather, further deterioration of global financial markets, economic conditions worldwide, any changes in business, political and economic conditions due to the threat of future terrorist activities in the United States or in other parts of the world and related U.S. military action overseas, the ability of the Company to execute its business plans effectively with regard to each of its business units, risks associated with foreign global sourcing, including political instability, changes in import regulations, and disruptions to transportation services and distribution. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could produce significantly different results. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

SOURCE Foot Locker, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.footlocker-inc.com

David Carruthers, the former Director and CEO of BetonSports, a large illegal offshore sports wagering business, was sentenced to 33 months in prison, Acting U.S. Attorney Michael W. Reap for the Eastern District of Missouri announced today.

This sentencing concludes a lengthy investigative and prosecution effort by several law enforcement agencies, including the IRS and the FBI. Mr. Carruthers was the first major defendant in the case to plead guilty and he had agreed to testify against his co-defendants if necessary.

Carruthers, a citizen of the United Kingdom, was hired by BetonSports Founder, Gary Kaplan, in approximately June 2000, as CEO of BetonSports.com, an existing sportsbook organization based in Costa Rica. In July, 2004, David Carruthers began serving as a Director of BetonSports, PLC.

"The prosecution and conviction of Carruthers is significant to the Government's efforts at enforcement of U.S. laws against offshore Internet and telephone sports wagering businesses, because Carruthers was both a foreign national and a top executive of BetOnSports," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven E. Holtshouser. "Previously, executives, owners and investors believed that they were immune from the reach of U.S. law enforcement; even their business plans were directly aimed at the U.S. market. Both the conviction of, and sentence handed down against Mr. Carruthers should send a message to any foreign business conducting illegal activities in the United States, that geography does not render it untouchable."

"Illegal internet gaming operations continue to be areas of concern for IRS," said Toni Weirauch, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. "With our law enforcement partners, IRS will continue to play an enforcement role in the illegal gaming industry and other illegal offshore activity."

"The successful investigation and prosecution of this case not only put this group of criminals in prison but can indirectly help solve other computer-related crimes," said Roland J. Corvington, FBI Special Agent in Charge of the St. Louis Division. "Some of the millions of dollars previously forfeited from this case have already been granted to RCCEEG, a regional computer crimes task force, which provides local law enforcement free technical and legal assistance to investigate such cases as child predators on-line."

Carruthers, 52, appeared today for sentencing before U.S. District Judge Carol E. Jackson.

Reap commended the work on the case by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation and the Chesterfield Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven E. Holtshouser, Steven Muchnick and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Birmingham handled the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Justice

RELATED LINKS
http://www.justice.gov