Outdoor Channel (Nasdaq: OUTD), America's leader in outdoor TV, cordially invites you to visit its booth (#500) at the sixth annual National Pheasant Fest, the premier event hosted by Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever habitat organizations.

National Pheasant Fest 2010 is a unique family trade show that focuses on wildlife conservation, upland game bird hunting, dog training and wildlife habitat management and restoration. In connection with the trade show, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever hold seminars on habitat improvement, pheasant hunting, shooting sports, wild game cooking, dog training and conservation. At the event, Outdoor Channel will participate in branded item giveaways and prize pack drawings.

This Land Is Your Land

Outdoor enthusiasts have long been the stewards of our natural heritage. Outdoor Channel understands the delicate balance between man, wildlife and the environment. That's why the cable network has partnered with over a dozen conservation organizations and causes – Pheasants Forever being one of them.

Outdoor Channel's presence at the event highlights its commitment to the spirit of conservation, emphasizing responsible hunting, fishing and habitat maintenance in all of its programming.

"Pheasant Forever Television" - Only on Outdoor Channel!

Five-time Emmy winner, Ron Schara, is the host and executive producer of "Pheasants Forever Television." A Pheasants Forever life member and life-long pheasant hunter, Schara has spent over three decades as a champion of the outdoors. With a storyteller's delivery, Schara is probably best known for his classic closing line, "Introduce a kid to the great outdoors." Joining Schara in hosting the show is his trusty black lab, Raven. The show also includes helpful tips for your hunting dog and improving your shotgun skills. Be sure to tune in as Ron and the crew visit Pheasants Forever members and pheasant and quail destinations across the continent. Check out www.OutdoorChannel.com/Shows/PheasantsForever.aspx for more information on the popular program, for more about host Ron Schara, to watch action-packed streaming videos or to view photos. And, don't miss Pheasants Forever Television's return to Outdoor Channel's line-up in the second half of 2010.

Daily Giveaways & Prizes

During Exhibit Hours - Booth #500

Outdoor Channel-branded merchandise will all be up for grabs to booth visitors. Also, sign up for the daily drawing to win the ultimate outdoors "prize pack."

Pheasant Fest Nuts & Bolts

The 2010 Pheasant Fest runs from February 26-28 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa. Open to the public, exhibit hours are: Friday, February 26 1 p.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, February 27 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, February 28 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.pheasantfest.org/.

SOURCE Outdoor Channel

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On tonight's "Inside MMA," Kenny and Bas sit down with a panel of three major contenders – each of whom will discuss their upcoming bouts.  Twenty-five year-old Dominick Cruz will fight WEC Champion Brian Bowles at WEC 47, Alan "The Talent" Belcher fights Patrick Cote at UFC 113 and Karen Darabedyan will fight Bart Palaszewski at WEC 47 in Columbus, Ohio on March 6.

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

The panel also reacts to some controversial comments recently made by Frank Mir regarding Brock Lesnar.

"I want to fight Lesnar," Mir said.  "I hate who he is as a person, I want to break his neck in the ring, I want him to be the first person that dies due to Octagon-related injuries."

And, Ron Kruck brings cameras into a special Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament.  

Don't miss this episode of "Inside MMA," Friday, February 26 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, King of the Cage, 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.

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/HDNet, facebook.com/HDNetFights and facebook.com/HDNetMovies and via Twitter at twitter.com/hdnet, twitter.com/hdnetfights and twitter.com/hdnetmovies.

SOURCE HDNet

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Centerplate, the largest hospitality provider to North America's premier convention centers and entertainment venues, announced today its support for the South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami Beach from February 25 to 28, 2010. The 10th annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival, which last year hosted over 50,000 guests, is a distinguished, open-air event showcasing the talents of the world's most renowned chefs and personalities including Rachel Ray, Bobby Flay and Anthony Bourdain. As part of its support, Centerplate will donate its kitchen and facility resources at the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) to celebrity chefs and Florida International University (FIU) students in preparation for the festival's marquee Perrier-Jouet BubbleQ event, a celebration of barbeque and champagne pairings. Centerplate will also build its own branded installation on the sand in the Grand Tasting Village, exhibiting Florida-flavored dishes from Centerplate's esteemed chefs, including MBCC Executive Chef Jonathan Barnett's menu that was showcased at the James Beard House last month.

Celebrity chefs like Emeril Lagasse, Todd English and Tony and Pat Neely will take over the gourmet kitchen at Centerplate's partner venue, the MBCC, teaming up with culinary students at FIU to execute menus for the popular Perrier-Jouet BubbleQ party on Friday, February 26. Because of Centerplate's expansive kitchen facility, this will be the first year that all participating chefs will be able to prepare their BubbleQ dishes under the same roof. Select BubbleQ dishes include Michelle Bernstein's Kobe Beef Short Rib Taco, Tim Love's Lamb Belly BLT and Emeril Lagasse's Creole Pulled Pork Sandwich with Spicy Coleslaw. Centerplate will also execute the set-up and delivery of each dish to BubbleQ's private beach location.

"Our partnership with Centerplate allows our students the opportunity for interaction with great role models like Executive Chef Jonathan Barnett," said Michael Moran, Chef-Instructor at Florida International University and Culinary Coordinator to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. "Being able to work together with Centerplate and their team in a state-of-the-art facility is an example of the hospitality industry at its best." FIU's School of Hospitality is a direct beneficiary of proceeds from the BubbleQ and the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, which to date has raised over $8 Million for the University.

At Centerplate's installation at the Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village on Saturday, February 27 and Sunday, February 28, Centerplate's local culinary talent including Jonathan Barnett and Marcia Brooks of the Miami Beach Convention Center, Orlando Morales and Dan Filarecki of Sun Life Stadium and Peter Koralewicz of the Bank Atlantic Center, will offer items from Barnett's menu at the James Beard Foundation's recent "Unconventional Chefs" dinner in New York City. Guests to Centerplate's booth will enjoy Chorizo-Spiced Duck with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Toasted Cornbread Croustade and Valencia Orange Glaze and Freshwater American Snapping Turtle Soup with Spinach, Rainwater Madeira and Yuca Crisp, both dishes that reflect Barnett's penchant for local flavors and techniques.

"We are proud to open our kitchen at the Miami Beach Convention Center to the chefs and students at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival," said Bob Balsam, General Manager at the Miami Beach Convention Center. "Centerplate has long given our facility a reputation for culinary excellence and we look forward to showing off the resources and menus that keep our guests raving."

"This is an amazing opportunity for Centerplate to showcase our culinary talent for an audience of the country's gourmet elite at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival," said Eric Bayne, Centerplate's General Manager at the Miami Beach Convention Center. "Chef Barnett's James Beard House menus show the level of expertise and service we offer our clients every day."

This announcement follows other recent Centerplate accomplishments, including acting as official food service partner to the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding as well as well as playing a significant role in hosting the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver during which the company expects to serve over 900,000 meals.

About Centerplate

Centerplate crafts and delivers "Craveable Experiences. Raveable Results." in 250 prominent sports, entertainment and convention venues across North America. Centerplate has provided services to 12 Super Bowls, 19 World Series, key events for the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, Art Basel Miami Beach, 15 official U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls and the largest plated dinner in history at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Centennial Celebration. Visit the company online at www.centerplate.com.

SOURCE Centerplate

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Adventure travel company Dolomite Mountains offers travelers the unique experience of mountain climbing a Via Ferrata.

Via Ferrata (or iron road) is a mountain route which is equipped with fixed cables, ladders, and bridges. The use of these allows otherwise isolated routes to be joined to create longer routes which are accessible to people with a wide range of climbing abilities. It is a different way of enjoying the sheer magnificence of the awesome Dolomite environment - travelers will be stopped in their tracks by amazing views and mountain situations.

Many Via Ferratas were originally built to aid movements of alpine military units during the First World War, and now (although they also exist in Germany, Austria, France and Switzerland) they represent one of the major attractions in the Dolomites. They are, in effect, a range of protected routes, comprised of fixed cables, ladders and even gorge-spanning bridges, which aid ascent to places normally reserved for expert rock climbers. Routes are graded according to difficulty.

Via Ferrata climbing is suitable for everyone not afraid of heights who want to experience the Dolomites in a different way. Cables and ladders aid even the non-expert climbers to do beautiful Via Ferratas. There are many Ferratas of different difficulties so everyone can do what suits best.

The first Via Ferratas were built in the Dolomite mountain region of Italy during the First World War, to aid the movement of mountain infantry. While in other regions the Via Ferratas were built for tourism, the ones in the Dolomites are mostly of historical origin. Probably the most unusual Via Ferrata in the eastern part of the Dolomites is VF Lagazuoi Tunnels. Fighting for control of Mount Lagazuoi in World War I, Austrian and Italian troops built a series of tunnels through the mountains. The aim of each side was to tunnel close to the enemy and detonate explosives to destroy their fortifications. Some of the tunnels have been restored, with a Via Ferrata following the route of one of these. It is now possible to descend into the mountain by following the VF Lagazuoi Tunnels route.

"It is a different way of enjoying the sheer magnificence of this awesome mountain environment in which you will be stopped in your tracks by amazing views and mountain situations. You can experience the Via Ferrata even if you are new to it. To make this fascinating 'game' even safer, we supply simple mountaineering equipment such as a harness, helmet, some rope and a few karabiners," comments Agustina Lagos Marmol, Founder of Dolomite Mountains. "Your guide will teach you how to use the equipment and give you hints on climbing techniques in complete security. Trips are adapted to clients' abilities and our local guides will show not only the beauty of the mountains but the history of the area though the Via Ferrata as they were built during WWI."

Around 1850, English mountaineers began to appear in the Ladin valleys. Their journeys took them several days on foot and their destinations were the imposing rock faces and peaks of the Dolomites. From 1870 onwards, train connections and large hotels attracted the nobility who, without exerting themselves too much, could restore themselves with the pure mountain air and the alpenglow. The inhabitants of the Dolomite valleys found themselves at the service of the guests in various ways: as hotel personnel, as mountain guides and in other roles. Some of them soon started their own businesses and, around 1900, began to teach new winter sports to their guests. After 1945, tourism became the most important business sector in the Dolomites.

A tourist mecca, the Dolomites are famous for skiing in the winter months and mountain climbing, daily excursions, climbing and Base Jumping, as well as paragliding and hang gliding in summer and late spring/early autumn. Free climbing has been a tradition in the Dolomites since 1887, when 17-year-old Georg Winkler soloed the first ascent of the pinnacle Die Vajoletturme.

To learn more about Dolomite Mountains and the unique adventures they offer, please visit: http://dolomitemountains.com or call (347) 826-6271

For over fifteen years the staff at Dolomite Mountains has been providing the ultimate active experience and crafting adventures to help travelers uncover, with style, the region's true spirit. Adventure opportunities include hiking, biking, skiing, climbing and experiencing the thrills of a Via Ferrata. The only local company in the Dolomites specializing and providing unique experiences in adventure travel, Dolomite Mountains seeks to provide every adventurer with the experience of a lifetime.

For more information, visit: http://dolomitemountains.com or call (347) 826-6271

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

SOURCE Dolomite Mountains

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Volkswagen Motorsport is proud to announce Arie Ouimet of Plymouth, Massachusetts as their 2010 Karting Qualifier award winner.  Ouimet competed against thirty karters for the top prize—a $45,000 scholarship towards the 2010 Jetta TDI Cup season.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100225/DE60517 )

"The skill level of our karters through the selection process proved to be extremely competitive and Arie should be proud of his performance that led to him earning the top prize," states Dennis McCormack, Program Director of the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup.  "I am proud of Arie for his accomplishments through the qualifiers and final selection event and look forward to the first race at Virginia International Raceway in April."

Ouimet competed in the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Karting Qualifiers where he became one of thirty karting finalists to move on to the final driver selection event of the 2010 season.  The final selection event was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, where over 40 drivers came out to compete for the coveted 25 positions of the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup driver field.  Drivers were instructed in multiple sessions including mentoring from professional driving instructors, media training, sponsorship development, fitness assessment, Volkswagen brand familiarization, autocross and karting courses, and track time in a Jetta TDI Cup car.  After three days of the selection process, Ouimet was chosen as the top finalist from the karting program and was awarded the $45,000 scholarship.

"Arie was the most consistent and improved driver through our selection process," said Ryan Arciero, Volkswagen Factory Driver and VW Jetta TDI Cup Driving Instructor  "Arie ended the three days at the top of our scoring sheets and proved he deserves the scholarship.  He was up against seasoned drivers from various facets of racing and managed to earn the top karting position after rigorous testing throughout the final driver selection event."

The final 25 drivers that will compete in the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup will be heading to Virginia International Raceway in April for races 1 and 2 of the season.  Drivers will compete in ten road course races throughout North America in identical, factory-prepared and maintained clean diesel Jetta TDIs.  In addition to more than $50,000 in prize money at stake during the season, the series champion receives Volkswagen factory career advancement support with a value up to $100,000. Each driver competing in the series also earns a Pro Racing license from the SCCA at the conclusion of the season.

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Schedule

Round 1 & 2 April 23 – 25 Virginia International Raceway (Alton, VA)

Round 3 May 8 - 9 New Jersey Motorsports Park (Millville, NJ)

Round 4 June 5 – 6 Miller Motorsports Park (Tooele, UT)

Round 5 June 18 – 20 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (Lexington, OH)

Round 6 July 30 – Aug. 1 Autobahn Country Club (Joliet, IL)

Round 7 & 8 Aug. 20 – 22 Road America (Elkhart Lake, WI)

Round 9 & 10 Sept. 24 – 26 Autodromo AMOZOC (Puebla, Mexico)

To learn more about the 2010 Jetta TDI Cup, please visit www.volkswagenjettacup.com.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Golf, GTI, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Eos, Passat, Passat Wagon, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2010 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.

SCCA Pro Racing

A wholly owned subsidiary of Sports Car Club of America, Inc., SCCA Pro Racing Ltd. is a leading sanctioning body for motorsports events in the United States. A member of the Automobile Competition Committee of the United States (ACCUS), SCCA Pro Racing operates and sanctions the SCCA World Challenge Championships, the SCCA Playboy Mazda MX-5 Cup and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup and provides sanctioning and various operational services for other racing series. For more information, please visit www.sccapro.com.

SOURCE Volkswagen Motorsport

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Centerplate, the largest hospitality provider to North America's premier convention centers and entertainment venues, announced today its support for the South Beach Wine & Food Festival in Miami Beach from February 25 to 28, 2010. The 10th annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival, which last year hosted over 50,000 guests, is a distinguished, open-air event showcasing the talents of the world's most renowned chefs and personalities including Rachel Ray, Bobby Flay and Anthony Bourdain. As part of its support, Centerplate will donate its kitchen and facility resources at the Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) to celebrity chefs and Florida International University (FIU) students in preparation for the festival's marquee Perrier-Jouet BubbleQ event, a celebration of barbeque and champagne pairings. Centerplate will also build its own branded installation on the sand in the Grand Tasting Village, exhibiting Florida-flavored dishes from Centerplate's esteemed chefs, including MBCC Executive Chef Jonathan Barnett's menu that was showcased at the James Beard House last month.

Celebrity chefs like Emeril Lagasse, Todd English and Tony and Pat Neely will take over the gourmet kitchen at Centerplate's partner venue, the MBCC, teaming up with culinary students at FIU to execute menus for the popular Perrier-Jouet BubbleQ party on Friday, February 26. Because of Centerplate's expansive kitchen facility, this will be the first year that all participating chefs will be able to prepare their BubbleQ dishes under the same roof. Select BubbleQ dishes include Michelle Bernstein's Kobe Beef Short Rib Taco, Tim Love's Lamb Belly BLT and Emeril Lagasse's Creole Pulled Pork Sandwich with Spicy Coleslaw. Centerplate will also execute the set-up and delivery of each dish to BubbleQ's private beach location.

"Our partnership with Centerplate allows our students the opportunity for interaction with great role models like Executive Chef Jonathan Barnett," said Michael Moran, Chef-Instructor at Florida International University and Culinary Coordinator to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. "Being able to work together with Centerplate and their team in a state-of-the-art facility is an example of the hospitality industry at its best." FIU's School of Hospitality is a direct beneficiary of proceeds from the BubbleQ and the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, which to date has raised over $8 Million for the University.

At Centerplate's installation at the Whole Foods Market Grand Tasting Village on Saturday, February 27 and Sunday, February 28, Centerplate's local culinary talent including Jonathan Barnett and Marcia Brooks of the Miami Beach Convention Center, Orlando Morales and Dan Filarecki of Sun Life Stadium and Peter Koralewicz of the Bank Atlantic Center, will offer items from Barnett's menu at the James Beard Foundation's recent "Unconventional Chefs" dinner in New York City. Guests to Centerplate's booth will enjoy Chorizo-Spiced Duck with Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Toasted Cornbread Croustade and Valencia Orange Glaze and Freshwater American Snapping Turtle Soup with Spinach, Rainwater Madeira and Yuca Crisp, both dishes that reflect Barnett's penchant for local flavors and techniques.

"We are proud to open our kitchen at the Miami Beach Convention Center to the chefs and students at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival," said Bob Balsam, General Manager at the Miami Beach Convention Center. "Centerplate has long given our facility a reputation for culinary excellence and we look forward to showing off the resources and menus that keep our guests raving."

"This is an amazing opportunity for Centerplate to showcase our culinary talent for an audience of the country's gourmet elite at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival," said Eric Bayne, Centerplate's General Manager at the Miami Beach Convention Center. "Chef Barnett's James Beard House menus show the level of expertise and service we offer our clients every day."

This announcement follows other recent Centerplate accomplishments, including acting as official food service partner to the U.S. Ski Team and U.S. Snowboarding as well as well as playing a significant role in hosting the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver during which the company expects to serve over 900,000 meals.

About Centerplate

Centerplate crafts and delivers "Craveable Experiences. Raveable Results." in 250 prominent sports, entertainment and convention venues across North America. Centerplate has provided services to 12 Super Bowls, 19 World Series, key events for the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, the South Beach Wine and Food Festival, Art Basel Miami Beach, 15 official U.S. Presidential Inaugural Balls and the largest plated dinner in history at the Alpha Kappa Alpha Centennial Celebration. Visit the company online at www.centerplate.com.

SOURCE Centerplate

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http://www.centerplate.com

Manduka (www.manduka.com), the world's leader in high performance yoga gear, announced today the debut of the eQua Hot Yoga Towel—the newest addition to the Manduka eQua Towel Collection. For those that prefer their yoga hot, the eQua Hot Yoga Towel is the ultimate solution to sweat management—allowing the user to perfect their poses instead of dealing with a perspiring distraction from their practice.

Developed in response to the common problem of excessive puddling during a sweaty yoga session, the Hot Yoga Towel is created with ultra soft, double knit microfiber—that remains super gentle on the skin but tough against toxins. Outperforming ordinary cotton or polyester towels, when spread over the yoga mat the Hot Yoga Towel forms a plush, sweat-trapping barrier and slip-resistant, hygienic foundation—absorbing the maximum amount of moisture while keeping yogi's mat clean and dry.

"We know how distracting perspiration can be during a high intensity yoga session," said Manduka CEO, Sky Meltzer.  "So to assist the yogis that are heating up their practice, we wanted to offer a high quality product that allows the user to enjoy their practice without the diversion of slipping and sliding on their mat. The eQua Hot Yoga Towel is the perfect solution—not only is it super absorbent, but it also provides a hygienic barrier—keeping bacteria away from the user and off their mat."

Made to fit most yoga mats and user styles, the Manduka eQua Hot Yoga Towel is 72 " x 26.5" and is available in Candy (pink), Olive (green) and Scuba (blue). Able to withstand countless washings, the eQua Hot Yoga Towel is both machine washable and dryable—sweat it out, toss it in the wash and start your practice all over again. Whether you glow, perspire, sweat or seep—Manduka's eQua Hot Yoga towel has your mat and your mind covered.

Like all of the towels in the Manduka eQua Towel collection, the Hot Yoga Towel is created according to fair labor production standards.  For more information, please visit: www.manduka.com or become a facebook fan at: http://www.facebook.com/MandukaYoga

About Manduka

Founded in 1997, Manduka was built on the simple idea that a better yoga mat can make a world of difference. Manduka strives to support and enrich the yoga community by providing premium quality mats and products while respecting employees, customers, materials, and the environment. Created for and by yoga enthusiasts, Manduka's technical and purpose-driven product designs meet and often exceed the distinct needs of all practitioners. Today Manduka's products, which include yoga mats, towels, yoga straps, water bottles, and bags, are sold in more than 35 countries around the world. Not only focusing on superior design, Manduka also promotes their ethos of quality, thoughtfulness and sustainability in all realms of their business.

SOURCE Manduka

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The following event advisory was issued by The Los Angeles Firecracker Run Committee, Inc. (LACFRC, Inc.):

WHAT:  The 32nd Annual LA Chinatown Firecracker 5K/10K Run, Bike Ride, and Nite 'N Day Festival

WHO:   Special Guests include:

• KTLA's Ginger Chan
• Tennis star Michael Chang
• Actor James Hong (Balls of Fury, The Day the Earth Stood Still)
• District 1 Councilman Ed Reyes
• State Senator Carol Liu
• Los Angeles Laker Girls
• 2010 Miss LA Chinatown Court
• Radio Sponsors:  JACK-FM (KCBS-FM 93.1) and AMP Radio (KAMP-FM 97.1)

WHERE:  Chinatown Central Plaza

943 N. Broadway

Los Angeles, CA 90012

WHEN:  Saturday, February 27

9 AM - 40KM (20Mi) /75KM (45 Mi) Bike Ride

11 AM - 4 PM - Circle Painting

10 AM - 10 PM - Nite 'n Day Festival

Sunday, February 28

7:30 AM - Opening Ceremonies

8 AM - 5K Run Start

8:30 AM - 10K Run Start

9 AM - 5K Awards Presentation

9:45 AM - 1K Kiddie Run

10 AM - 10K Awards Presentation

12 PM - 4 PM - Nite 'n Day Festival

DETAILS:  The Firecracker Run is the largest Chinese New Year 5K/10K run in the nation, and one of the oldest 10K runs in California.  Opening ceremonies for the main event start on Sunday, 2/28 at 7:30 AM, and will feature an "East Meets West" theme with all of the cultural events that make our race unique (Lion Dancers, the lighting of 100,000 firecrackers) as well as the LA Laker Girls leading warm ups.  This year's 5K/10K route is also new, and includes a section that cuts through the Dodger Stadium backlot.

WEBSITE:  http://firecracker10k.org/

Photos:  http://www.kimandphilphoto.com/slideshows/firecracker/

Video:  http://firecracker10k.org/gallery.php

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/firecracker10k

SOURCE The Los Angeles Firecracker Run Committee, Inc. (LACFRC, Inc.)

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The Quaker State motor oil under the hood of the No. 48 Lowe's/KOBALT Tools Chevrolet helped Jimmie Johnson earn his first victory of the 2010 Sprint Cup season. Jimmie Johnson took the No. 48 Impala to Victory Lane at Auto Club Speedway for the fourth time in the last six races at the Fontana, Calif. track.  The four-time defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) champion started seventh and led eight times during the 250-lap race for a total of 101 laps.

"Auto Club Speedway is one of the most demanding tracks on a race engine," says Jeff Andrews, director of engine operations for Hendrick Motorsports.  "With Quaker State motor oil under the hood, we can do our absolute best, and knowing the motor oil will hold up in the most stressful conditions allows us to push the motor oil as far as we can."

The win was the 48th career victory for Johnson and his fifth victory at the track closest to his hometown, El Cajon, Calif.  The victory also vaulted him 23 positions in the standings to 12th after two races of the 36-race 2010 season.

The Quaker State-Hendrick relationship has grown over the years into a championship-winning technical team, which has now helped Johnson start 2010 with tremendous confidence as he eyes his fifth straight NSCS championship.  Quaker State engineers work diligently with Hendrick Motorsports throughout the season to analyze and adjust the motor oil formulations provided in order to maximize on-track success.

Quaker State has enjoyed an unprecedented level of success under the hood of Hendrick Motorsports car. With 14 years and more than seven million on track miles, Quaker State's technical relationship with Hendrick Motorsports has resulted in an unparalleled number of racing triumphs, including 141 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series wins, 101 poles and eight NSCS championships.

"The No. 48 crew never ceases to amaze us, and the entire Quaker State team is honored to be a part of another momentous victory," said Luis Guimaraes, general manager, Americas, Shell Lubricants. "All of us at Quaker State would like to congratulate Jimmie Johnson and everyone who was a part of the No. 48 car's success in capturing the first win of the 2010 season."

The complete lineup of durable Quaker State motor oils are formulated to deliver outstanding friction-related wear protection to help engines deliver optimal performance in any driving condition. For additional information, please visit www.QuakerState.com.

About Quaker State

Quaker State brand products are manufactured by Shell Lubricants.  The term 'Shell Lubricants' collectively refers to the companies of Royal Dutch Shell plc that are engaged in the lubricants business. Shell Lubricants companies lead the lubricants industry, supplying 13% of global lubricants volume. The companies manufacture and blend products for use in applications ranging from consumer motor oil and food processing oils to heavy industrial lubricants and commercial transport oils. The Shell Lubricants portfolio of top-quality brands includes Pennzoil®, Quaker State®, FormulaShell®, Shell TELLUS®, Shell CASSIDA®, Shell RIMULA®, Shell ROTELLA® T, Shell SPIRAX®,  a portfolio of leading car care brands and Jiffy Lube® lubrication services.

aKline & Company, "Competitive Intelligence for the Global Lubricants Industry, 2008 – 2018."

SOURCE Quaker State

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http://www.QuakerState.com

The National Rifle Association (NRA) is pleased to announce this year's Annual Meetings and Exhibits to be held at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, North Carolina from May 14-May 16.

Members of the news media are welcome to cover this year's event.  For press credentials, please call NRA Public Affairs at (703) 267-3820. Credentials will be available for pick-up in the Press Office starting Thursday, May 13. Television crews and still photographers should bring necessary equipment and lenses (sports lenses) to cover events from platforms at a distance from the stage. (Please note: Due to limited staff availability, all foreign media requests will be handled as time and resources allow.  We apologize for this inconvenience.)

This year's Annual Meetings and Exhibits will have an estimated 70,000 attendees, putting this on target to be one of the largest and finest in NRA's 139-year history. Leading firearm manufacturers will display the firearm industry's latest and greatest products. Various hunting and shooting accessories and an extensive private collection displayed by NRA-affiliated gun collector clubs will fill acres of convention space. With approximately 400 exhibits, there is guaranteed to be something for everyone.

Back by popular demand, NRA's Celebration of American Values Leadership Forum will take place Friday, May 14, from 12:30-4:00 p.m. and NRA's Celebration of American Values Freedom Event will take place Saturday, May 15, at 7:30 p.m. Confirmed speakers for these exclusive events will be released at a later date.

NRA's Annual Meetings and Exhibits provide a safe and fun atmosphere the whole family can enjoy. The ever-popular air gun range is a top attention-grabber -- both for participants and observers.  NRA offers diverse presentations throughout the three-day convention, including methods of concealed carry; hunting in Africa; Firearms Law; the Grassroots Workshop; and Refuse to Be a Victim® seminars. Also, if you're interested in sightseeing, tours are being offered on Friday, May 14 and Sunday, May 16.

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group.  Four million members strong, NRA continues its mission to uphold Second Amendment rights and to advocate enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime.  The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the military.

SOURCE National Rifle Association

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The following is a statement from Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Chairman and CEO, Magic Johnson Enterprises:

"I would like to salute Linda Johnson Rice and the Johnson family for pioneering the iconic brand of the Johnson Publishing Company, which we have all come to love and respect. Ebony and Jet have been permanent fixtures on coffee tables in African-American homes for many years. Recently, an affiliate of Magic Johnson Enterprises and Johnson Publishing Company were in advanced discussions to do business together, but unfortunately we were unable to reach a definitive agreement. We will continue to look for opportunities to invest in African-American media."

SOURCE Magic Johnson Enterprises

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.johnsondevelopmentcorp.com

Connectyx Technologies Holdings Group Inc. (OTC Pink Sheets: CTYX) is pleased to announce that the Company's MedFlash® will be the sole sponsor of the Darryl Strawberry Foundation for Autism event being held at the New York Islanders® game on March 6, 2010 at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Connectyx is selling a package which includes two tickets to the New York Islanders-Bruins game on March 6th, meeting Darryl Strawberry, former New York Mets® All Star Outfielder in person prior to the game, a signed picture of Darryl Strawberry, and two MedFlash® personal health managers. This package retails for $250, but Connectyx will be selling this package at a discounted price of $119. Current ticket holders have the option to purchase this package without the tickets for $55.00.

A portion of the proceeds generated from the MedFlash® sponsored event on March 6th will be donated to the Darryl Strawberry Foundation (DSF) for Autism. The mission of DSF is to ensure quality of life for individuals affected by autism through the development of programs that focus on special education, socialization, and independent skills training in a structured learning and caring environment.

"We are excited about the opportunity to promote our MedFlash® with Darryl Strawberry," stated Ronn Schuman, President and CEO of Connectyx Technologies Holdings Group, Inc. "This event will not only generate a tremendous amount of exposure to our MedFlash® but will help generate proceeds for the Darryl Strawberry Foundation for Autism."

To purchase a package to the MedFlash® sponsored event and to meet Darryl Strawberry, please visit: www.medflash.com/ds or call (888) 696- 3346

About Connectyx Technologies Holdings Group Inc.

Connectyx provides unique products for the healthcare market including, MedFlash, the electronic Personal Health Manager (PHM). Compatible with Google Health and Microsoft's Health Vault, The MedFlash PHM is an easy to use Personal Health and Lifestyle Manager that is accessible using a powerful web portal suite.  The MedFlash PHM also features a 24/7/365 call center, a USB flash drive and our (soon to be released) smart phone applications. The MedFlash PHM provides member benefits including instant access to your Emergency Medical Profile and Personal Health Record in the event of an accident or a medical emergency. Whether traveling, at work, or at home, First Responders have an invaluable advantage when they have access to this time critical information. Far more than just an emergency flash drive, The MedFlash PHM can be accessed on any computer, securely and with complete privacy.

MedFlash members have the ability to arrive at their Doctors' offices with their paperwork pre-printed and ready to go. Prescriptions, Insurance information and advance directives are available at a moment's notice through the MedFlash PHM for the physician's reference. Those are just a few of the time saving and risk mitigation features the MedFlash PHM provides. Connectyx products are developed with the needs of Patients, Families, Doctors and First Responders in mind. For more information, please visit our websites at: www.connectyx.com and www.medflash.com

Safe Harbor Act:

This release includes forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involves risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the impact of competitive products, the ability to meet customer demand, the ability to manage growth, acquisitions of technology, equipment, or human resources, the effect of economic business conditions, and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel. The Company is not obligated to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this communication.

SOURCE Connectyx Technologies Holdings Group Inc.

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http://www.connectyx.com

The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) and Discovery Education announce a new partnership creating the It's 21. Just Pass initiative.  Designed to reinforce the message that the legal drinking age is 21 and challenge high school students' knowledge about the laws and consequences of underage drinking, It's 21. Just Pass has launched in 21 cities across the country.

The central component of this effort is the It's 21. Just Pass challenge which targets high school students and features:

• A quiz which challenges students' current knowledge while providing critical information about the laws and consequences related to underage drinking;
• A drawing to award one $5,000 scholarship (students become eligible by taking a short online quiz); and an assembly featuring an NFL player, awarded to the school with the highest challenge participation levels.

In addition, the It's 21. Just Pass online video forum encourages students to create short videos about the dangers and consequences of underage drinking for a chance to win two tickets to an area NFL game.

"WSWA is committed to community programs that address underage access to alcohol," said Craig Wolf, President and CEO, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America. "By partnering with the NFLPA and Discovery Education, we've leveraged high-profile sports personalities and a very credible educational resource to help us develop an innovative campaign that demonstrates our ongoing commitment to become an industry leader in social responsibility."

"The NFLPA proudly supports all of its players in their community service endeavors," said George Atallah, NFLPA Assistant Executive Director External Affairs. "Ventures like 'It's 21. Just Pass' give these player role models an invaluable platform to spread a positive message."

"Discovery Education is committed to empowering educators with the tools and resources that engage students in learning each and every day – whether those lessons are about the solar system or the consequences of underage drinking," said Mary Rollins, Vice President of Education Partnerships, Discovery Education.  "We are pleased to partner with WSWA and NFLPA on the It's 21. Just Pass initiative, and look forward to collaborating on this joint mission to educate teachers, parents and students about the dangers of underage drinking."

To learn more about It's 21. Just Pass, visit www.its21justpass.com.

About the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America

The Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) is the national trade organization representing the wholesale tier of the wine and spirits industry.  It is dedicated to advancing the interests and independence of wholesale distributors and/or brokers of wine and/or spirits.  WSWA members operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.  These American businesses distribute 70 percent of all wines and spirits sold in the U.S., and are privately-held, family-owned operations that deliver consumer choice, product integrity and promote responsible consumption.

About the NFL Players Association

The National Football League Players Association is the exclusive collective bargaining agent for all players employed by clubs of the National Football League, and is governed by a volunteer board of active NFL players elected by their teammates on each team.  Founded in 1956, the Association works to ensure that the rights and interests of NFL players are protected.  The NFLPA negotiates benefits, working conditions, minimum salaries, and the salary cap/free agency system with NFL management; provides legal representation for players in disputes with clubs and the NFL; and certifies player agents and administers a program to register financial advisors.  In addition, the NFLPA strives to be a valuable resource and to maximize player opportunities on and off the field through membership programs and community activities.  The NFLPA founded and owns a separate for-profit marketing and licensing company called NFL PLAYERS.

About Discovery Education

Discovery Communications ( DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) revolutionized television with Discovery Channel and is now transforming classrooms through Discovery Education.  Powered by the number one nonfiction media company in the world, Discovery Education combines scientifically proven, standards-based digital media and a dynamic user community in order to empower teachers to improve student achievement.  Already, more than half of all U.S. schools access Discovery Education digital services.  Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.

SOURCE Discovery Education; NFL Players Association; Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.its21justpass.com
http://www.discoveryeducation.com
http://www.wswa.org
http://www.nflplayers.com

Results from a national media study among 1,090 Americans revealed that Tiger Woods' apology for his extramarital affairs was ranked second among other celebrity apologies in 2009 and 2010.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071204/NYTU133LOGO )

The results were based on a series of studies that were conducted by HCD Research using its MediaCurves.com® website during 2009-2010. The studies were conducted among Americans who ranked various celebrity apologies on a scale based on levels of sincerity. Respondents ranked celebrities who were featured in news stories that were tested by MediaCurves.com® in 2009 and 2010. To view detailed results go to: www.mediacurves.com.

Chris Brown's apology for assaulting Rihanna scored a 17.2 with regard to the change in perceived sincerity levels, compared to Woods' apology, which scored a 7.9 with regard to the change in perceived sincerity levels. Additionally, men and women rated the sincerity of Woods' apology similarly after viewing the press conference, with 61% of women reporting that it was sincere and 58% of men reporting that it was sincere.

Among the findings:

The scores below indicate the percent change in celebrities' sincerity scores based on a scale of 1-7 before and after respondents viewed the apologies. Higher scores indicate higher levels of perceived sincerity. Positive scores indicate an increase in perceived sincerity and negative scores indicate a decrease in perceived sincerity.

    
    
                                  SINCERITY
    Chris Brown apologizing for assaulting Rihanna          17.2
    Tiger Woods apologizing for his affairs                  7.9
    David Letterman's sex scandal confession                 4.3
    Governor Mark Sanford apologizing for his affair         3.2
    David Letterman apologizing for Palin joke              -2.3
    Jaimee Grubbs apologizing to Tiger Woods' wife          -5.9
    John Mayer Apologizing for Playboy Interview           -13.6

Do you think that Tiger Woods' apology was sincere?

    
    
                                        Men                  Women
    Yes                                 58%                   61%
    No                                  42%                   39%

While viewing the video, participants indicated their perceived levels of sincerity by moving their mouse from left to right on a continuum. The responses were recorded in quarter-second intervals and reported in the form of curves. The participants were also asked to respond to post-viewing questions.

HCD Research is a marketing and communications research company headquartered in Flemington, NJ.  The company's services include traditional and web-based research.  For additional information on HCD Research, access the company's web site at www.hcdi.net or call HCD Research at 908-788-9393. MediaCurves.com® (www.mediacurves.com) is a media measurement website that provides the media and general public with a venue to view Americans' perceptions of popular and controversial media events and advertisements.

SOURCE HCD Research, Inc.

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http://www.hcdi.net

Master Domingo Colon, a Tai Chi instructor from Bronxville in Westchester, New York, has created a new and exciting Tai Chi Program for kids.

Whereas most people believe Tai Chi is for adults only, Master Colon wants anyone of any age to be able to benefit from this ancient Chinese health system.

Tai Chi's ability to improve concentration, focus, self-esteem, confidence, and discipline is exactly what many children need.

Of course, Tai Chi will also provide the various health benefits that have made this art world-famous, including increased strength, flexibility, coordination, deeper breathing, and improved circulation.

Master Colon has long realized that children were often being overlooked by most Tai Chi instructors. Because most teachers of Tai Chi begin their own studies as adults, it was usually viewed as simply something that children could not absorb.

Unlike these other instructors, Master Colon began his own study of Tai Chi while only 15 years old. While he was taught just as all other adults were at the time, he realized even then that this was an amazing art that anyone could learn.

"It has been my goal for some years to provide an alternative healthy and fun pastime for children who may not have the desire or temperament to participate in the usual school team sport and fitness activities," says Master Colon.

"I believe children should be introduced to a healthy lifestyle that will guide them through their entire lives, rather than wait until they become seniors and are already experiencing many physical (and psychological) difficulties to learn healthy habits.

"Many of the ills experienced today could have been easily avoided if people had been exposed to this valuable information in enjoyable and fun ways while still children."

With a background of over 45 years of Tai Chi experience and working with many children in specialized settings (such as St. Mary's Children's Rehabilitation Hospital, the Linden Hill School, Grayson Foundation, Pelham Arts Center, Andrus Children's Center, the Lincoln Academy, and many others), Master Colon designed this unique program specifically for children ages 8-11 years old.

An Open House is scheduled for March 2, 2010 at 5:30 pm to allow parents and children to experience this unique class. This free event will take place at the Tai Chi School of Westchester, 27 Milburn Street, Bronxville, New York.

Please call (914) 337 3339 or visit http://www.taichischool.com for additional information.

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

SOURCE Tai Chi School of Westchester

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DASH FOR DAD, the premier prostate cancer race series in the U.S., is a heartfelt tight-knit community event that brings together athletes, cancer survivors, physicians, caregivers, family members and friends.  Proceeds from each 10K race are used to provide free prostate cancer testing for men in the local community of the event.  

ZERO – The Project to End Prostate Cancer with sponsors from across the country has grown the DASH FOR DAD and its partner races – the Great Prostate Cancer Challenge – to include 11 cities and an expected 5,000 runners competing in 2010.

The DASH FOR DAD or partnering Great Prostate Cancer Challenge 5K will be held in the following cities during September, known as "National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month":

• Baltimore, MD
• Buffalo, NY
• Columbus, OH
• Harrisburg, PA
• Indianapolis, IN
• Kansas City, MO
• Long Island, NY
• Memphis, TN
• Nashville, TN
• Orlando, FL
• Washington, DC metro area (Alexandria, VA)

Since the national race series began in 2008, more than $1 million has been raised to promote prostate cancer awareness, early detection and research.  Many runners create teams and collect monetary pledges from family and friends to boost funding for local prostate cancer services.

"DASH FOR DAD elevates prostate cancer awareness to a broader nationwide level," said ZERO's CEO Skip Lockwood.  "We all know someone who is impacted by this most commonly diagnosed cancer among men, striking one in every six. That's why we must do all that we can to put an end to this horrible disease."

SOURCE ZERO - The Project to End Prostate Cancer

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http://www.zerocancer.org

Dave Stockton will never forget the feeling of victory at Kiawah Island as the Captain of the 1991 Ryder Cup.  Even then, Dave knew that team member Paul Azinger had the makings of a great Captain as well.  Seventeen years later, Stockton's prediction would come true as Paul Azinger and his team brought victory once again to the United States at Valhalla Golf Club in 2008.  In similar fashion, both Captains had to overcome past losses and had underdog status going into their respective events.  

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091007/LA89260LOGO)

The climate for Azinger though was different as the nation grappled with financial collapse and a win would have a great deal of meaning for both the world of golf and the country.  "It was a win of all wins and our Country needed it," said Dave Stockton, PGA Champion. "Azinger is the best captain the U.S. Ryder Cup Team has ever had."  

Stockton and Azinger are no strangers to overcoming great odds, though.  The camaraderie between them grew even stronger and became one that went far beyond the Ryder Cup and the game of golf.  When Azinger was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and underwent intense chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Stockton made his home available to Paul and his family. Dave faced his own health scare this past December when two blood clots to the lungs required emergency care and hospitalization.

Being men of great integrity, it is of no surprise that both Stockton and Azinger grew up around golf.  Golf breeds persistence, character and the opportunity to overcome challenges.  Stockton is the son of a Club Pro and Azinger started to play the game at the young age of 5.  The values and short game skills that it takes to be a champion are something Dave is now mentoring for PGA, Champions Tour and LPGA Tour players such as Phil Mickelson and J.B. Holmes.  Even good friend Azinger, who recently joined the Champions Tour, will likely be seeking a few tips from Dave.  Upon the release of Dave's Putt To Win DVD a few years ago, Paul said of Stockton, "Dave Stockton is not only a great putter, but also a great teacher of putting. I always wished I could spend more time with Dave on the proper techniques of putting."

Paul Azinger will get his chance when the two reunite for Stockton's Charity event, the 3rd Annual Stater Bros. Charities Dave Stockton Heroes Challenge at the Victoria Club in Riverside on March 1, 2010.  The Tournament is limited to 132 players who will compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place and includes ten of Stockton's friends from the PGA and LPGA Tour and six Medal of Honor Recipients.

About Dave Stockton, Honorary Tournament Chairman:  Stockton's resume in golf makes him one of the most accomplished PGA Golf Professionals. Dave Stockton turned professional in 1964 and joined the PGA Champions Tour after serving as Captain for the victorious Ryder Cup team in 1991 at Kiawah Island.  He accrued 14 Champions Tour victories, including the U.S. Senior Open and twice winning the Ford Senior Players Championship. Stockton also claims 11 PGA Tour victories (winning the PGA Championship in both 1970 & 1976). He became well known in the 1970's and 80's for doing up to 90 corporate outings a year and was crowned "King of Corporate Outings" as a result.    In 2008, Stockton served as the Assistant Captain to another victorious Ryder Cup team at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.  Dave has recently become a highly sought after short game instructor to the PGA, Champions Tour, and LPGA Tour along with his sons David Jr.  and Ron.  Players in their stable this year include Phil Mickelson, J.B. Holmes, Billy Mayfair, Morgan Pressel, Yani Tseng,  Mikaela Parmlid and Fred Funk.

About Stater Bros. Charities: In 2008, Stater Bros. established Stater Bros. Charities, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  The purpose of Stater Bros. Charities is to give back to the communities Stater Bros. Markets is privileged to serve.  Since its creation two years ago, Stater Bros. Charities has provided funding to countless local organizations and causes that benefit hunger relief, children's welfare, education for both youth and adults, services for the elderly and care for our Nation's Veterans.  

SOURCE Stater Bros. Charities

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CoolSystems Inc., makers of Game Ready®, a leading cold and compression therapy system designed to speed recovery from injury or surgery, today announced that it has received the Frost & Sullivan 2010 Product Differentiation Excellence Award for the cold therapy market as part of the firm's recent U.S. Braces and Supports Market research report. Frost & Sullivan presented the award to Game Ready after extensive independent industry research and third-party studies showed that the Game Ready's unique combination of cold therapy and active pneumatic compression has made it a gold standard for cold therapy for individuals who are healing from injury or surgery. Frost and Sullivan is a global research and consulting firm with a research practice focused on medical devices.

"Game Ready clearly stands out in the cold therapy market because it takes injury recovery to a higher level with the combination of active pneumatic compression and circumferential cold therapy in one convenient system," said Aarti Shetty, an industry analyst at Frost & Sullivan. "As a result, Game Ready has evolved as a strong name in the cold therapy market with this quality product that has quickly become the gold standard of treatment."

Unlike more conventional cold therapy solutions, the Game Ready System offers the added benefit of active pneumatic compression from form-fitting anatomic wraps to help limit swelling, control edema, increase blood flow and delivery of oxygen to the injured area and encourage acceleration of the healing process. "Our research indicates Game Ready has been able to achieve significantly improved results over cold packs and other cold therapy devices available in the market," added Shetty. "As a result, Game Ready is a one-stop shop for all pain management requirements for the average patient and the elite athlete alike."

These benefits have made Game Ready the injury treatment system of choice for thousands of prominent orthopedic clinics, athletic trainers and physical therapy centers. The Game Ready System is a vital component in post-surgical recovery and injury rehabilitation for tens of thousands of patients every year. In addition, numerous colleges, university and high school athletic programs and several teams in nearly every professional sport use the Game Ready System, including the NFL, NBA, and NHL. In addition, organizations such as the U.S. Soccer Federation, the U.S. Olympic Committee, and military operational forces including the U.S. Army Special Operations and the U.S. Navy SEALs use the Game Ready System to help individuals maintain peak performance.  

"We are honored to accept this Product Differentiation Excellence Award from Frost & Sullivan," said Russ Harrison, Game Ready's president and CEO. "While the award was unanticipated, we believe that having Frost & Sullivan recognize Game Ready further validates what our patients, prescribing physicians and physical therapists have been saying for years: The Game Ready System goes above and beyond traditional cold therapy to speed healing and improve patient comfort."

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages almost 50 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 40 offices on six continents.  To join our Growth Partnership, please visit http://www.frost.com.

About Game Ready

Based in Alameda, Calif., CoolSystems Inc., makers of Game Ready®, manufactures and markets pneumatic cryotherapy systems for both people and animals. The systems provide intermittent or cyclical compression while simultaneously delivering dry, adjustable cold therapy when applied to the affected area. The system can be operated with minimal training, and with its patented ergonomic wraps, adjustable temperature and compression levels, and its portable design, can be incorporated into a multitude of treatment protocols. For public information, please visit www.gameready.com.

SOURCE Game Ready

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http://www.gameready.com
http://www.frost.com

According to the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute, U.S. bobsled Capt. Steve Holcomb may do more than just bring home gold at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.  The story of how Holcomb went from going blind due to a degenerative eye condition called Keratoconus to having his vision restored with a breakthrough new medical procedure called C3-R is raising global awareness of the C3-R treatment.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100218/LA57563)

"Keratoconus can be a devastating condition, and it affects millions of people worldwide," says Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler of Beverly Hills, California, pioneer of the C3-R treatment.  "Keratoconus can take away from people the ability to read, to drive a car, and to just live a normal life.  When Steve first came to my office he was facing having to leave his sport because he could no longer see well enough to drive his bobsled downhill."

Holcomb's coaches and the USOC weren't ready to give up on their best driver.  They researched C3-R, then a relatively new procedure, and thought it was the best chance to save Holcomb's eyesight.  The USOC and the USA Bobsled and Skeleton Federation took the exceptional step of paying for Holcomb to have the treatment.

"Previously, the only treatment for severe Keratoconus was a cornea transplant," says Dr. Boxer Wachler.  "This is why C3-R is being seen as such a breakthrough.  C3-R is non-surgical.  It uses vitamin applications and light to strengthen the cornea. C3-R can cure the disease without the need for a cornea transplant.  The treatment only takes 30 minutes and can be done in a doctor's office."  

Dr. Boxer Wachler has successfully treated numerous Keratoconus patients with C3-R over the last six years.  Still, though, the global standard for the treatment of severe Keratoconus is a cornea transplant, an invasive surgery that is painful and carries the risk of rejection.

"It can be hard to get doctors to switch to a new procedure, especially one so radically different," says Dr. Boxer Wachler. "But now that is dramatically changing because of Steve.  Steve's story is making doctors and patients all over the world aware of C3-R."

Shortly after having his Keratoconus cured with C3-R and receiving insertable contacts to further improve his vision, Holcomb won the World Bobsled Championship -- the first U.S. medal in bobsled in 50 years.  Now, he is the USA's best hope for a gold medal in Bobsled at the  Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.

The news coverage of Holcomb's story, from legally blind to World Champion, has had an incredible surprise effect in raising awareness of C3-R.  Since the Olympic games began, the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute has been flooded with phone calls, emails, and letters from eye surgeons and patients all over the world wanting to know more about the C3-R treatment.  

"If this keeps up we are going to have to rename the procedure Holcomb C3-R," says Dr. Boxer Wachler.  "It's been an absolute miracle.  Steve's personal story has helped so many people by raising awareness of this new treatment."

About Dr. Brian Boxer Wachler:

Dr. Brian S. Boxer Wachler, MD is a world-renowned ophthalmologist, nationally and internationally admired for his expertise in Keratoconus treatments, LASIK and other vision correction procedures.  Dr. Boxer Wachler was named as one of "America's Top Doctors" by Castle Connolly this year.  He founded the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute in Beverly Hills, California to further research into new vision correction procedures and provide patients with the most advanced vision care treatments. He has served on the Board of Medical Directors of a non-profit Keratoconus Foundation and was Chairman of the Communications Committee for the Internal Society of Refractive Surgery. Because of his expertise, he is routinely invited to lecture worldwide on the latest advances in Keratoconus treatments, safety in refractive surgery, and other new refractive surgery innovations.  He has published over 65 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in his field and is widely regarded as one of the world's best eye surgeons.

For media inquiries, please contact Tyler Barnett at 323.937.1951 or tyler@tylerbarnettpr.com. More information about C3-R can be found at www.KeratoconusInserts.com.

SOURCE Boxer Wachler Vision Institute

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http://www.KeratoconusInserts.com

To "tip-off" a new year, Jay Williams, current ESPN College Basketball Analyst and Duke Basketball Legend is holding a press conference announcing the re-launch of Rising Stars Youth Foundation -- an organization that helped develop several NCAA and NBA stars. The press conference will take place at Hudson Terrace (621 West 46th Street) in New York City, Monday, February 22nd at 5:00PM. Jay will announce how the foundation is evolving and provide information about Rising Stars Youth Foundation Gala in April, which will help raise funds to support the organization's new direction.

Following the press conference, Jay has invited the media and foundation supporters to join him for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. This event is presented by Absolut Vodka and Sports Movements, "The True Value Of Sports."  

Basketball was the sport that motivated and inspired Jay to achieve his goals. During his three-year career at Duke University, Jay led the Blue Devils to the 2001 NCAA National Championship and received NABC Player of the Year honors. In 2002, he earned both the Naismith Award and Wooden Award as College Basketball's Player of the Year, and more importantly, graduated with a degree in Sociology. Jay was the second overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft. Jay continues his passion for basketball off the court as the newest face and voice of ESPN's college basketball team.

Jay knows that basketball is not the means that motivates all individuals to attain their goals. However, he is certain everyone must understand the value of education in pursuing their dreams.

About Rising Stars Youth Foundation:

Rising Stars Youth Foundation is a non-profit organization that promotes education, provides life skills, and academic and athletic support programs for children. The organization's primary objective is to lay the foundation for success in the minds and hearts of every child they reach.  Rising Stars Youth Foundation presents today's children with an educational model to develop leadership skills, responsibility, and accountability, which prepares them to make important choices and decisions regarding their personal lives, education and conduct. Rising Stars believes the foundation "Makes the world a better place by making a difference in the life of a child." For more information visit http://www.jaywillrisingstars.org/

SOURCE Rising Stars Youth Foundation

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http://www.jaywillrisingstars.org

WADL TV 38.2 has partnered with Universal Sports in a network first presenting Universal Sports at the Vancouver Olympic Games, delivering five hours of live daily news and information through five newly-created studio shows, as well as continuous news and results updates throughout the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Universal Sports at the Vancouver Games started on Friday, February 12th, and will continue until the Closing Ceremony on Sunday, February 28, 2010.

WADL TV 38.2 will provide a daily five-hour news and information block beginning at 10 AM.  WADL TV 38.2 Olympic coverage also includes continuous studio news updates every 30 minutes, as well as a live, up-to-date Olympic results ticker.  The format is geared to supplying viewers with an in-depth, daily dose of Olympic news and information, including interviews, results and analysis, as well as constant information and direction on where to view NBC's multiplatform coverage of the Games, whether on broadcast, cable, video-on-demand, internet or wireless platforms.  

WADL TV 38.2 partnerships with Universal Sports will offer ongoing, daily Winter Olympics news to help an already savvy audience stay on top of what is happening in Vancouver and direct fans to more of their favorite Olympic events.

For more Information contact; Denise Dody Johnson Director of Marketing and Public Relations

586-790-3838 or email; dody@wadldetroit.com

SOURCE WADL TV

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MyTarp.com, an online superstore that sells tarps, offers the largest selection of poly tarps available on the internet.

Better than plastic at providing a waterproof covering, poly tarps are resistant to rips, tears and mildew. Poly tarps can also stand up to the elements with superior cold weather performance, flexibility and built-in UV protection.

The varieties of poly tarps available include economy poly tarps in blue, brown and brown green colors. Economy poly tarps are ideal for landscaping, camping or any other places where tarps are needed as a temporary or short-term solution.

MyTarp.com's heavy-duty poly tarps include silver, white, and special purpose flame retardant and yard poly tarps. Heavy-duty white tarps are normally used for roofing, woodpiles, trailer and RV covers. A super heavy-duty silver black poly tarp is a great choice for tent walls, equipment covers or anywhere a durable, long-term solution is needed.

All of MyTarp.com's poly tarps feature rope reinforcements along the sides and rust resistant grommets on four corners and along all sides. Poly tarps come in a variety of strengths and colors, as well as a multitude of sizes. Most stock tarps ship within one to three business days, and can be ordered in cases at a discounted rate. Some of the tarps are imported, while many others are Made in USA.

"Since we manufacture tarps, we are able to provide any custom size of poly tarp in a variety of weights made to the customer's specifications. We can provide a personal quote within one business day on all custom ordered poly tarps," said Steve Gao, Customer Service Manager of MyTarp.com (http://www.mytarp.com).

About MyTarp.com: MyTarp.com (http://www.mytarp.com) is a leading online retailer and manufacturer of pre-fabricated and custom canvas tarps, vinyl tarps, and poly tarps in addition to their product line of screens, covers and shades. The company is dedicated to providing its customers with top-quality products at low prices and personalized customer service.

SOURCE MyTarp.com

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Online tarp superstore, MyTarp.com, has further expanded its blue tarp selection with a variety of new product choices. MyTarp.com's blue tarp inventory includes both economical blue poly tarps, as well as sturdy blue vinyl tarps. With blue vinyl tarps available in 10 oz, 18 oz, and 22 oz options, MyTarp.com offers the widest selection of quality blue tarps online. The complete inventory is available at: http://www.mytarp.com/blue-tarps.aspx.

MyTarp.com's blue tarp inventory not only includes two types of fabric choices, but also a variety of sizes. Blue tarp products are available in sizes as small as 5x7 to as large as 100x100. Prices start as low as $1.39 for a 5x7 blue tarp -- a full 72% below MSRP.

"If our customers cannot find the right size blue tarp for their application, we will custom make a tarp designed specifically to their specifications at a price that is lower than most standard off-the-shelf tarps from other retailers," said Steve Gao, Customer Service Manager of MyTarp.com (http://www.mytarp.com).

All blue tarps manufactured by MyTarp.com are produced from high quality 8 x 8 or 10 x 8 weave count waterproof and mildew resistant material that is UV treated on both sides. MyTarp.com's rust resistant grommets and heat sealed seams are designed for long lasting use in rugged outdoor environments.

As the leading tarp distributor and manufacturer for consumers and industrial use, MyTarp also offers a 70% discount on blue tarp case purchases. Cases of 40 blue tarps start at just $51.49.

Blue tarps are typically used for construction, landscaping, woodpiles, camping, and other temporary outdoor uses. In addition to blue tarps, MyTarp.com offers a full line of tarps and tarp materials for all applications including hay tarps, truck tarps, pool covers, baseball field covers, and more.

About MyTarp.com: MyTarp.com (http://www.mytarp.com) is a leading online retailer and manufacturer of pre-fabricated and custom canvas tarps, vinyl tarps, and poly tarps in addition to their product line of screens, covers and shades. The company is dedicated to providing its customers with top-quality products at low prices and personalized customer service.

SOURCE MyTarp.com

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St. Andrews Country Club of Boca Raton completes a $1.2M extensive Reclaimed Water Project with Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department (PBC Water), providing re-useable, sustainable irrigation to maintain the Club's two championship 18-hole courses, 15 Har-Tru® tennis courts and extensive landscaping around the Club and community common areas.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100218/DC57077)

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091110/SACCLOGO)

Water shortages in South Florida are chronic and worsening and the South Florida Water Management District has imposed restrictions which limit the amount of water used for irrigation.  Residences and business are only permitted to water general landscaping twice a week during specified hours while the threat of additional restrictions remains constant, especially in the sun drenched summer months.

Roy Schwedelson, President, Board of Governors, St. Andrews Country Club affirmed, "Implementation of reclaimed water throughout St. Andrews ensures the availability of irrigation water, especially facing the prospect of even harsher use restrictions being imposed in the future. Reclaimed water, which is freely useable regardless of other watering restrictions, also enables us to help our community and our neighbors by conserving water."

The Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department is the leading supplier of reclaimed water in South Florida.  PBC Water filters and disinfects effluent wastewater until it meets stringent federal and state standards, and this type of reclaimed water is safely used for irrigation throughout the country.  PBC Water and Caulfield and Wheeler, Inc. together designed a plan to connect to the existing PBC Water pipeline which formerly terminated near south Linton Boulevard and west of Jog Road.  The new pipeline runs south within an existing utility easement along the existing canal until bridging across to enter St. Andrews Country Club.  At this juncture the water discharges into an existing lake near the 12th green of the Palmer Course.  

"St. Andrews Country Club is committed to conserving water by using reclaimed water wherever possible as part of our continued efforts to ensure and maintain Platinum level standards while protecting the value of the Club and Member's property," stated Craig D. Martin, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. "This is just another example of how we are working towards Green Operations throughout our facilities as much as possible."

Al Prince, Greens Committee Chairman and Governor at St. Andrews Country Club, who spearheaded the Reclaimed Water Project mentioned, "Our golf courses will benefit since the turf can absorb relatively large amounts of nitrogen and other nutrients often found in recycled water while maintaining a consistent lake level throughout the property." He went on to thank George Kervern, St. Andrews Country Club Golf Course Maintenance Director, for his efforts in ensuring the project was completed on budget and in a timely fashion.

About St. Andrews Country Club

St. Andrews Country Club is a resident-only club, ranked 15th by the Platinum Clubs of America and is internationally recognized for magnificent estate residences. The Club features superior amenities, two 18-hole championship golf courses, including an Arnold Palmer Signature Design®, 15 lighted Har-Tru® tennis courts, a state-of-art spa and fitness center and a 125,000 square foot Clubhouse in the center of it all. The Clubhouse provides unequalled culinary delights, a year-round social calendar and offers spectacular views of the lakes, fountains, fairways and manicured greens. St. Andrews has played host to numerous PGA golf exhibitions led by touring pros such as Phil Mickelson, Arnold Palmer, John Daly and Rocco Mediate, and is the home course to LPGA Touring Professional, Morgan Pressel. www.standrewscc.com.

SOURCE St. Andrews Country Club

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About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 91 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with  83,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) and Vodafone (Nasdaq and LSE: VOD).  For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless

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Bodog announce their odds for the forthcoming Tiger Woods press conference on 19th Fabruary 2009.

    Elin to be present at the press conference:
    Yes 8/11 No Evs

    Which word will he use the most (from these 3):    Number of 'Sorry's
    Sorry      5/4                                     5 or under: 10/11
    Family     6/4                                     Over 5:     10/11
    Apologise  5/2

    Will he mention any of these:
    Ashamed Evs
    Nike                       6/4
    Car                        4/1
    Addiction                  6/1
    Demons                    12/1
    Retirement                16/1
    Gambling                  25/1
    Sex                       25/1
    Get In The Hole          100/1
    "I like hot chicks, OK!" 150/1

Others on request

For further information please call Ed Pownall, BodogBrand's International Press Office, on +44-7825-064776

SOURCE BodogBrand.com

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Mobis Transportation today announced the grand openings of Bikestation Claremont and Bikestation Covina on Wednesday, February 24, 8:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m., and invites the public to join for ribbon cutting ceremonies, a group bike ride, and open houses with food, drinks, music, giveaways and fun. Located on the same Metrolink line, Bikestation Claremont and Bikestation Covina represent the first bicycle and alternative transportation center network in the country, a significant step for alternative transportation and an indication that Los Angeles leads the way in these developments. Bikestation Covina is a secure bike module that provides safe indoor bike parking and a bicycle repair valet service. Bikestation Claremont provides a variety of amenities that make bicycling more secure and convenient, including secure bicycle parking, restrooms, retail accessory sales, and bike repair and rental services.

Everyone is invited to attend the grand openings beginning at Bikestation Claremont at 8:00 a.m. at the Claremont Depot, 200 West 1st St. The Grand Opening ceremony will begin at 8:30 and visitors are then invited to join a group bike ride at 10:00 a.m. to the Bikestation Covina grand opening. Alternatively, guests can take the Metrolink to Bikestation Covina. Bikestation Covina's grand opening will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Covina Metrolink station, 600 North Citrus Avenue. All bike riders and VIPs will receive a free lunch at Nick's Taste of Texas compliments of the City of Covina. The indie band Artichoke will perform.

The public is invited to come to the grand opening and sign up for Bikestation membership; memberships are also currently available at www.bikestation.com. Bikestation Covina and Bikestation Claremont will feature membership specials and promotions at the grand opening so plan to sign up at the event!

Sponsors of the grand opening events include: the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (METRO), Metrolink, Caltrans, JAX Bicycle Center, Covina Valley Cyclery, Foothill Transit, Euro Cafe, The Last Drop Cafe, Claremont Senior Bike Club, the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition, GU Energy Labs, and more.

Further event details are available at: www.bikestation.com.

About Mobis Transportation/Bikestation

Mobis Transportation/Bikestation is a consulting, development and management firm that helps clients develop sustainable bicycle and other alternative multimodal transportation infrastructure systems from inception through construction, operations and maintenance. It was founded with the goal to reduce traffic congestion and vehicular emissions, improve access to mass transit and offer meaningful mobility choices. Mobis helps clients make the most of every transportation and development dollar by leveraging those investments -- bringing them more customers for less. With over 13 years experience and deep operational expertise, Mobis stands apart as one of the world's leading experts in making multimodal transportation a reality. Mobis operates a network of innovative transportation facilities through Bikestation, CityWheels and City BikeShare brands. Bikestation creates the only turnkey ecosystem for bicyclists and bicycling. Bikestation facilities offer secure bicycle parking and related services to make cyclists' lives easier, including repair services, equipment and accessory sales, restrooms and showers. Mobis/Bikestation has headquarters in Long Beach, Calif. More information on Bikestation can be found at www.mobisinc.com and www.bikestation.com or by calling at 562-733-0106.

SOURCE Mobis Transportation/Bikestation

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NetSuite Inc. ( NYSE: N), a leading vendor of cloud computing business management software suites, was a key supporter of the quest to return the America's Cup sailing trophy to the United States after a fifteen-year absence. For the third straight America's Cup competition season and the eighth year running, NetSuite is providing an integrated business solution to premier sailing team BMW Oracle Racing. BMW Oracle Racing uses NetSuite's powerful solution for accounting, expense and payables management, international tax compliance, reporting, employee records, and multi-currency management. BMW Oracle Racing defeated Alinghi and Societe Nautique de Geneve for the 33rd America's Cup in Valencia, Spain, which ended on Sunday, February 14, 2010. For more information on NetSuite and BMW Oracle Racing, please visit www.netsuite.com/BMWOracleRacing.

BMW Oracle Racing's groundbreaking USA trimaran craft is fast, nimble, smooth, and innovative – just like NetSuite's industry-leading enterprise platform. Since 2003 and the 31st America's Cup season, NetSuite has been a vital component of BMW Oracle Racing's globe-spanning on-shore operations. BMW Oracle Racing uses NetSuite to manage its international, multi-currency financial operations everywhere from the construction yard to the shakedown course. NetSuite easily coordinates accounts and payables in each of BMW Oracle Racing's three locations—Washington State, Valencia, Spain and New Zealand. NetSuite helps BMW Oracle Racing get the most out of its lean operational staff, enabling the team to focus on capturing the world's most prestigious sailing trophy.

BMW Oracle Racing uses NetSuite to manage multi-currency transactions with true global reach and instant accessibility, without the need for expensive servers or dedicated IT staff. All of the team's income and invoices are processed through NetSuite, which serves as the single authority for financial analysis, as well as the master records of all race team equipment and personnel, right up through race day.

"NetSuite is proud to have been part of the victorious BMW Oracle Racing team," said Zach Nelson, CEO of NetSuite. "We look forward to keeping BMW Oracle Racing on the cutting edge of technology as they move to defend the Cup."

NOTE: NetSuite and the NetSuite logo are registered service marks of NetSuite Inc.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090924/SF81218LOGO-b)

SOURCE NetSuite Inc.

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Union Square Sports and Entertainment (USSE) (Pink Sheets: UCRP) announced that it served as the exclusive hospitality group for 50 VIP guests at Super Bowl XLIV, which took place in Miami on Sunday, February 7th, 2010.

The hospitality experience USSE produced included a game day experience, pre and post game events and overall entertainment for the day. In addition, USSE executed all logistical requirements and the scheduling of events inclusive of police escorts.

"Our experience in the sports and entertainment space, combined with our strong relationships in the Miami market, make us well suited to deliver a once in a lifetime experience for our clients and their guests," said Shawn Garrity, President of USSE.

About USSE Corp.

USSE Corp. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Union Square Sports and Entertainment (USSE) is a NY based company that provides strategic and creative marketing and sales solutions from idea conceptualization to implementation. Services include Intellectual Property Development (focused on integrating sports, music, entertainment and fashion to connect brands, fans and media); Creative and Branding Support; Event Production and Fulfillment; Sponsorship, Activation and Advertising Sales; Strategic Consulting; Television and Radio Production. For more information, visit www.ussportsent.com.

SOURCE Union Square Sports and Entertainment

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World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), often recognized for its ownership of the Ironman Triathlon, has selected Ketchum Sports & Entertainment (KSE) as its global public relations agency of record, beginning this month.

Ketchum will work across the WTC portfolio, which includes Ironman, Ironman 70.3, IronKids, and Iron Girl, to strengthen each brand's global presence by building incremental consumer and trade awareness in the traditional and social media space. The team also will support WTC's strategic corporate initiatives, including expansion of domestic and international events and the brand's licensed products. Some well-known Ironman partners include Timex, Ford Motor Co., PowerBar, Foster Grant and K-Swiss.

"We were impressed with Ketchum's proven track record in achieving results that impact the business of sports on a national and global scale," said WTC Chief Executive Officer and President Ben Fertic. 

Last year, more than 125,000 people participated in Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events around the world. In 2010, the World Triathlon Corporation will hold 66 Ironman and Ironman 70.3 events, up from 56 in 2009. Entering its seventh year, the Iron Girl series will host a record 12 events, having grown each year since beginning in 2004 with just two races. More than 60,000 women have completed Iron Girl events since the program's inception.   

WTC also has sparked an exponential surge in youth triathlons and just announced six new IronKids events this year in the Philippines for youth ages 6 to 14. In 2009, the IronKids brand launched with eight events plus a national championship in the U.S.  IronKids will see further growth in 2010 with 12 events in the U.S. as well as events throughout Asia Pacific and Europe.

"Our business model has changed significantly in the last year and we were looking for an agency partner to help build a global communications strategy and act as a driving force in key regions of the world," said Blair LaHaye, director of communications, WTC. "Ketchum's extensive network and wide range of capabilities serve as the right match to support our ongoing growth."

"Ketchum is looking forward to a winning partnership with WTC, and we're enthusiastic about working with a truly dynamic brand that is leading the endurance sports industry worldwide," said Ann Wool, partner and managing director of Ketchum Sports & Entertainment. "Our teams are a great match, and we look forward to activating the expertise of our global Sports & Entertainment Network to grow the Ironman, Iron Girl and IronKids brands."

About Ketchum

A communications innovator, Ketchum ranks among the largest global communications consultancies and leads the industry in the U.K. and continental Europe as Ketchum Pleon. With five global practices – Brand Marketing, Corporate, Healthcare, Food and Nutrition, and Technology – and specialty capabilities that include Access Communications (high- and consumer-tech PR), Concentric Communications (experiential marketing, events and meetings), MMG (clinical trial recruitment), Ketchum Global Research Network, Ketchum Sports & Entertainment, and Ketchum Pleon Change (change management and workplace communications), Ketchum leverages its marketing and corporate communication expertise to build brands and reputations for clients. For more information on Ketchum, a unit of Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC), visit www.ketchum.com.

SOURCE Ketchum

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International Soccer Star F.C., the American made soccer club behind the One Shot One Dream reality show will be holding the largest nationwide tryouts in United States history for an international traveling amateur team. Tryouts span across the country, stopping in twenty cities and thirteen states in search of the next International Soccer Star. The first round of tryouts will be held in April. The selected players will then be flown to Los Angeles for the second round of tryouts in June. After the second round tryout the team will be chosen and will stay in a three week residency, where they will be trained and prepared before their two week long trip to Europe in July.

The groundbreaking concept has exploded onto the soccer scene with a large grassroots following on Facebook, going from 892 fans to over 6,300 fans in just one month.  In its first three successful seasons International Soccer Star has had fifteen players offered trials and eight players offered contracts with professional European clubs.

"This is a movement ... players and fans of the game want to be part of something that will change U.S. soccer," voiced Esad Pepic, club president.

"Many academy and college coaches don't like us because we are challenging the system of player development in the U.S. A system that should see the top U.S. players playing in Europe and not in college," said co-owner of E.D. United, Dominic Fratantaro. The tryouts expect to attract thousands of young hopefuls from across the country that will have their climb to soccer stardom recorded in detail by One Shot One Dream, the reality soccer show following the team.

Hopefuls can register on the official site iSoccerStar.com to register and tryout and they can become a fan of One Shot One Dream on Facebook to get all the latest updates.

SOURCE E.D. United, Inc.

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http://www.oneshotonedream.com
http://www.isoccerstar.com

"TNA iMPACT!," Spike TV's highly-rated two-hour weekly series, is moving from Thursday nights to Monday nights beginning Monday, March 8 (9:00-11:00pm ET/PT), it was announced today by TNA President Dixie Carter and legendary pop culture icon Hulk Hogan at a press conference at the "TNA iMPACT! Zone" at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida.

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

"TNA iMPACT!" will air live on March 8, with subsequent telecasts live every other week.  The series features many of the biggest names in wrestling including Hogan, Ric Flair, Mick Foley and Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, as well as the hottest young talent in the industry: TNA World Heavyweight Champion "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, "The Samoan Submission Machine" Samoa Joe and "The Blueprint" Matt Morgan.

The first-ever Monday live "TNA iMPACT" broadcast on Spike TV, ran as a special head-to-head against WWE RAW on Monday, January 4, 2010, and drew a franchise-record 2.2 million viewers.  The two wrestling companies have not broadcast head-to-head weekly since the "Monday Night Wars" in the late 1990s between WWE and WCW.

"On January 4, wrestling fans showed us they're ready for a new professional wrestling alternative on Monday nights and we're answering that call.  Bringing 'iMPACT!' to Mondays is our most exciting move yet in a year that's already been filled with huge milestones for TNA," said Carter.

"Monday nights are now officially the best night of the week to be a fan of professional wrestling," Hogan said.  "My mantra has been 'change is coming' since partnering with Dixie Carter and TNA Wrestling.  This change is great for the business and all fans of professional wrestling will benefit because of it."

"'TNA iMPACT!' has emerged as one of cable's top performers with young men," said  Spike TV President Kevin Kay.  "With NFL Football off the television schedule and with 'TNA iMPACT's' expanding roster of top wrestling talent, we see this as an opportunity to tap into the millions of wrestling fans on Monday nights."

Since its founding in 2002, Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling has become the world's fastest-growing professional wrestling company, currently airing in over 120 countries worldwide.

About TNA Wrestling

"Cross The Line" to TNA Wrestling.  TNA Wrestling is the most innovative experience in professional wrestling today.  Join the TNA World Heavyweight Champion "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, Hulk Hogan, Olympic Gold Medalist Kurt Angle, Sting, Mick Foley, "The Samoan Submission Machine" Samoa Joe, "The Blueprint" Matt Morgan, the lovely and lethal TNA Knockouts and the no-limits X-Division inside the ring on "TNA iMPACT!" Monday nights (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) beginning March 8 on Spike TV.

TNA Entertainment, LLC is a privately held company headquartered in Nashville, TN.

About Spike TV

Spike TV is available in 98.6 million homes and is a division of MTV Networks. A unit of Viacom ( VIA, VIA.B), MTV Networks is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV's Internet address is 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

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Tough Mudder (www.ToughMudder.com) announced today the toughest one-day endurance event on the planet. Launching in various locations across the U.S., Tough Mudder is now accepting applicants for its first event -- Tough Mudder NY & PA -- on Sunday, May 2, 2010 at Bear Creek Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania, just a short drive from the Metropolitan New York and Philadelphia areas. This is not your average mud run or spirit-crushing road race. Tough Mudder is a 7-mile obstacle course designed by British Special Forces to test all-round toughness, strength, stamina, fitness, camaraderie and mental grit.

Starting with a Braveheart March, participants will charge into battle with 3500 fellow Tough Mudders -- battle cries are essential -- and will proceed through 17 separate sets of obstacles, each designed to test strength in a very different way. Aptly named Death March, Sweaty Yeti, Ball Shrink, and Swamp Stomp, obstacles force participants to brave freezing cold water, wade through thick mud, tackle underwater tunnels, finesse high ropes, and scramble through multiple cargo nets before finally jumping through a ring of fire to earn the right to be called a Tough Mudder.

Participants are encouraged to leave their traditional running attire at home. Costumes, tattoos and mullets are encouraged. No tattoo, no problem, Tough Mudder will also be offering free tattoos of its "bad-ass" logo to all finishers who truly want to commemorate their epic achievement. A medal ceremony will honor the fastest finishers for men, women and Veterans (over 45). Best Costumes and Best Mullets will also be recognized. Free head shaves will be provided to those interested in competing in this category. Although there are no monetary prizes at Tough Mudder, the top 5% of all finishers will be given free entry to the World's Toughest Mudder to be held in 2011, and will be first in line for the Dogfish Head Brewery (www.dogfish.com) post-party that will feature live music, BBQ and beer!

"Move over Ironman, as a former British Counter Terrorist Officer I am very pleased to announce a completely new category of adventure racing that promises to challenge even the toughest of men and women on multiple levels," said Will Dean, Harvard MBA and founder of Tough Mudder. "For those who have no idea what to expect, we like to think of Tough Mudder as Burning Man meets Ironman, with everything UK Special Forces Training has to offer thrown in to the mix. We look forward to changing the way Americans think of endurance racing and having a lot of fun with this event!"

Tough Mudder is a proud supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). To help its cause and to support the needs of severely injured service men and women, Tough Mudder is offering a special discount to participants who see competing in a Tough Mudder as an opportunity to raise funds for the WWP.

Additional Tough Mudder events have been planned for 2010 in Bear Valley Mountain Resort in Northern CA and Buffalo Creek MX near Austin, TX. For additional information on Tough Mudder please see the website at www.ToughMudder.com.

Follow Tough Mudder on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ToughMudder.

SOURCE Tough Mudder

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Cash4Gold (www.Cash4Gold.com), the trusted industry leader in mail-in gold buying, has announced a sponsorship of RCL Motorsports' Grand Prix West Hydroplane racing team for the 2010 season.  Cash4Gold will be supporting the Grand Prix West Hydroplane team as they race some of the fastest piston-engine boats in hydroplane racing. 

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090727/LA52238LOGO-a )

"We are proud to work with a top-notch organization like RCL Motorsports," said Cash4Gold CEO Jeff Aronson.  "As Cash4Gold continues its international expansion, we will also continue to build our sports sponsorship portfolio.  We look forward to working with their team, drivers and fans."

Fans of hydroplane racing are encouraged to request a free Refiner's Return Pak from Cash4Gold by visiting www.Cash4Gold.com/hydro99 or by calling 1-800-713-6135.  With the current high price of gold, it's a great time for consumers to send in any unwanted or broken gold jewelry that is sitting in their dressers.  Cash4Gold offers an easy and secure service allowing consumers to sell their used items without leaving the comfort of their own homes.

During 2009, Cash4Gold undertook international expansion by launching its convenient mail-in gold buying service to consumers in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands.  The company looks forward to further European expansion during 2010 and beyond.

About Cash4Gold

Cash4Gold is the world's leading mail-in purchaser of gold, silver and platinum. Cash4Gold has completed more than 900,000 customer transactions since its launch in 2007.  For more information, connect with Cash4Gold on Facebook and Twitter.

About RCL Motorsports

RCL Motorsports is a client of veteran motorsport marketing and activation agency, Mackey Marketing Group.  For more information on RCL Motorsports visit their website at www.gpwracing.com

SOURCE Cash4Gold

RELATED LINKS
http://www.cash4gold.com

For just 48 hours beginning February 16, fans of the "most exciting two minutes in sports" can get a great deal on Hyatt Regency Louisville's "Race For the Roses" package from April 29 – May 1, 2010.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100212/AQ54322)

For just $699 per night, guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations for three nights at Hyatt Regency Louisville during the Kentucky Derby. But hurry, this special price is only available for 48 hours starting at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, February 16 and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17. All times are Eastern Standard Time.

Details of Hyatt Regency Louisville's "Race for the Roses" package include:

• Deluxe accommodations for two people with a champagne welcome arrival
• Access to the hotel's exclusive Derby Club, a refreshing, self-serve oasis providing the ideal setting for casual social gatherings that features a deluxe continental breakfast each morning, refreshments throughout the day and gourmet hors d'oeuvres with a top-shelf premium bar offered each night.
• Upgraded amenities in each guestroom throughout the weekend including racing forms and programs for the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby the evening before each race
• Special gift to commemorate the Kentucky Derby
• 30,000 Gold Passport points, Hyatt's frequent guest program

Hyatt Regency Louisville recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, including guest rooms and all public areas. With stunning views of the Louisville skyline, each guestroom is stylishly appointed with signature Hyatt Grand Bed™ with ultra-plush pillows, a granite bath, Portico bath products and an ergonomic work area.

Hyatt Regency Louisville's "Race for the Roses" 48 hour sale is valid from 2/16/10 at 12:01 a.m. to 2/17/10 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Reservations are subject to availability and must be made in advance. Minimum three-night stay required. Tickets to the Kentucky Derby are not included. Guests must request offer code 48DRBY at time of reservation. Full pre-payment must be made at time of booking. For a full set of terms and conditions, please visit www.hyatt.com.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a proud heritage of making guests feel more than welcome. Thousands of members of the Hyatt family in 45 countries strive to make a difference in the lives of the guests they encounter every day by providing authentic hospitality. The company's subsidiaries manage, franchise, own and develop hotels and resorts under the Hyatt®, Park Hyatt®, Andaz™, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt Place® and Hyatt Summerfield Suites™ brand names and have locations under development on five continents. Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Inc., a Hyatt Hotels Corporation subsidiary, develops and operates vacation ownership properties under the Hyatt Vacation Club® brand. As of December 31, 2009, the company's worldwide portfolio consisted of 424 properties. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

SOURCE Hyatt Regency Louisville

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http://www.hyatt.com

A giant trading card of Los Angeles Lakers All-Star Kobe Bryant unveiled today by Panini America set the Guinness Record for World's Largest Signed Game-Used Jersey Card.  Bryant was at the NBA All-Star Jam Session to autograph the card, which includes a 15-inch-by-15-inch swatch of an official jersey he wore in a game. The card measured 7 feet high by 4 feet, 11 inches wide.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100213/NE54750 )

Panini America, (www.paniniamerica.net), a subsidiary of The Panini Group, the leading global publisher of sports and entertainment collectables, is the exclusive trading card partner of the NBA. This week Panini launched Adrenalyn with a national mobile tour that starts in Dallas during All-Star festivities.

Adrenalyn is an interactive trading card game, geared to children ages 6 to 11, that brings together the excitement of the NBA with the thrill of collecting a 450-card set featuring NBA stars Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade and NBA rookies Tyreke Evans, Blake Griffin, and Brandon Jennings, among many others.  

The front of each Adrenalyn card features an offensive, defensive, and overall rating so kids can play the game using the Adrenalyn game board. The unique authorization code on the back of each card allows kids to upload their cards online to a virtual collector's album and play the game at www.paniniadrenalyn.com, a safe and secure site. Adrenalyn cards, collector's kits and starter sets are available at all major retail stores including Wal-Mart, Target, Toys "R" Us, Kmart, and The Dollar Store, and online at NBAStore.com and at the NBA Store in New York City.

About Panini

The Panini Group, established almost 50 years ago in Modena, Italy has subsidiaries throughout Europe, Latin America and the United States.  Panini is the world leader in officially licensed collectables and is the leading multi-national publisher of comics, children's magazines and Manga in Europe and Latin America. Panini has distribution channels in more than 100 countries and employs a staff of over 800. For more information visit us at www.paniniamerica.net or www.paninigroup.com.

SOURCE Panini America

RELATED LINKS
http://www.paniniamerica.net

Basketball fans will have a chance to meet a NASA astronaut and touch a 3-billion-year-old moon rock when the NASA Launch Pad exhibit lands at the NBA All Star Jam Session at the Dallas Convention Center Feb. 12-13. The exhibit will be open Feb. 12, 4:00 to 10:00 p.m. and Feb. 13, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081007/38461LOGO)

On Saturday, Feb. 13 from noon to 1 p.m., NASA astronaut and STS-129 Mission Specialist Robert Satcher will be signing autographs at the exhibit. Satcher will also present an NBA All Star jersey he carried to space during his mission.

At the exhibit, fans will have a chance to touch a moon rock collected by Astronaut Jack Schmitt during the Apollo 17 mission in December 1972. Apollo 17 was the sixth and final lunar landing mission of the Apollo program.

Visitors can also experience a variety of hands-on, interactive displays to learn about the importance of science and technology in human space exploration and how NASA technology improves their daily lives. NASA's humanoid robot, Robonaut, and NASA's official mascot, Cosmo, will make appearances.

Models of the space shuttle and Saturn V rocket and a Mars rover will be on display. Visitors will have the chance to make their very own space video and photo to take home.

For more information about the NBA All Star Jam Session, visit:

http://www.nba.com/jamsession

For more information about NASA and its programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov

SOURCE NASA

RELATED LINKS
http://www.nasa.gov

For just 48 hours beginning February 16, fans of the "most exciting two minutes in sports" can get a great deal on Hyatt Regency Louisville's "Race For the Roses" package from April 29 – May 1, 2010.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100212/AQ54322)

For just $699 per night, guests can enjoy luxurious accommodations for three nights at Hyatt Regency Louisville during the Kentucky Derby. But hurry, this special price is only available for 48 hours starting at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, February 16 and ending at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, February 17. All times are Eastern Standard Time.

Details of Hyatt Regency Louisville's "Race for the Roses" package include:

• Deluxe accommodations for two people with a champagne welcome arrival
• Access to the hotel's exclusive Derby Club, a refreshing, self-serve oasis providing the ideal setting for casual social gatherings that features a deluxe continental breakfast each morning, refreshments throughout the day and gourmet hors d'oeuvres with a top-shelf premium bar offered each night.
• Upgraded amenities in each guestroom throughout the weekend including racing forms and programs for the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby the evening before each race
• Special gift to commemorate the Kentucky Derby
• 30,000 Gold Passport points, Hyatt's frequent guest program

Hyatt Regency Louisville recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, including guest rooms and all public areas. With stunning views of the Louisville skyline, each guestroom is stylishly appointed with signature Hyatt Grand Bed™ with ultra-plush pillows, a granite bath, Portico bath products and an ergonomic work area.

Hyatt Regency Louisville's "Race for the Roses" 48 hour sale is valid from 2/16/10 at 12:01 a.m. to 2/17/10 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Reservations are subject to availability and must be made in advance. Minimum three-night stay required. Tickets to the Kentucky Derby are not included. Guests must request offer code 48DRBY at time of reservation. Full pre-payment must be made at time of booking. For a full set of terms and conditions, please visit www.hyatt.com.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a proud heritage of making guests feel more than welcome. Thousands of members of the Hyatt family in 45 countries strive to make a difference in the lives of the guests they encounter every day by providing authentic hospitality. The company's subsidiaries manage, franchise, own and develop hotels and resorts under the Hyatt®, Park Hyatt®, Andaz™, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt Place® and Hyatt Summerfield Suites™ brand names and have locations under development on five continents. Hyatt Vacation Ownership, Inc., a Hyatt Hotels Corporation subsidiary, develops and operates vacation ownership properties under the Hyatt Vacation Club® brand. As of December 31, 2009, the company's worldwide portfolio consisted of 424 properties. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

SOURCE Hyatt Regency Louisville

RELATED LINKS
http://www.hyatt.com

Panasonic, a worldwide leader in high definition technology and the Official Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Audio and Visual Equipment category for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, has been selected to provide its 152-inch Plasma Display Panel to NBC during the network's studio coverage of the Vancouver Winter Games from Vancouver, February 12-28.  The announcement was made today by Randy Raddatz, Vice President, Sourcing and Production Logistics, NBC Olympics and Andrew Nelkin, President, Panasonic Professional Display Company.

According to the agreement, Panasonic will provide NBC with a 152-inch Plasma Display – the world's largest Plasma Display – as well as technical and engineering support.  The Plasma Display will be used in NBC's Broadcast Studio providing high definition images from the competitions to enhance NBC's studio coverage of the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games.

"As a worldwide Olympic partner, Panasonic is honored to be able to provide NBC with our 152-inch Plasma Display for their coverage of the Vancouver Winter Games," said Nelkin.  "Our 152-inch Plasma is the world's largest Plasma Display Panel and is the perfect technology on which to show all of the exciting, fast-paced action and stunning imagery of the Olympic Winter Games."

"Panasonic has clearly established themselves as the leader in large scale, quality plasma display panels," said Raddatz.  "NBC is pleased to work with a worldwide Olympic partner to help enhance our Vancouver studio.  The 152-inch display is truly a world class technological achievement."

Panasonic's 152-inch Plasma Display features a revolutionary new display panel that Panasonic developed with its new super-efficient quadruple luminous efficiency. The 152-inch Plasma delivers dynamic, overwhelming image quality with an 8.84 million pixel resolution (2,160 x 4,096) -- more than four times the 1080p HD specification (1,080 x 1,920) -- also known as 2K x 4K.  The ultra large panel has a screen size equivalent to nine 50-inch Plasma Displays with an effective viewing area of 11.2 feet (or 3.425 m) in width x 5.9 feet (or 1.805 m) in height.  Featuring true-to-life color reproduction capability and quick response to moving images, the ultra-large Plasma display renders clear, crisp, spectacular images unrivalled by any other.

About NBC Olympics

NBC has broadcast 11 Olympics, the most Olympics broadcast by any network. NBC surpassed ABC's 10 Olympics with the 2008 Beijing Games, the most watched television event in U.S. history with 215 million viewers.

The 2010 Vancouver Games mark the sixth of an unprecedented seven consecutive Olympic broadcasts by NBC Sports. The impressive streak began with the 2000 Sydney Games and continues through the 2012 London Games. NBC has broadcast eight of the last 10 Olympic Games, both summer and winter; Vancouver will mark the ninth out of the last 11.

About Panasonic

Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of 7.77 trillion yen (US$78.4 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2009. The company's shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE: PC) stock exchanges. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand, visit the company's website at http://panasonic.net.

Panasonic is proud to support the Olympic Movement—aimed at promoting world peace through sports—as an Official Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Audio and Visual Equipment category for more than 20 years since The Olympic Partner (TOP) Program commenced for the Calgary Olympic Winter Games in 1988.  Under the slogan of "Sharing the Passion," Panasonic will contribute to the success of the Olympic Games through its technology. In 2007 Panasonic renewed the partnership with the International Olympic Committee through to the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. For more information please visit http://panasonic.net/olympic/.

SOURCE Panasonic

RELATED LINKS
http://www.panasonic.com

Everything is bigger in Texas, including the World's Largest Boating Event, AquaPalooza, which will bring its Signature Event to Lake Travis this summer. Sea Ray has announced that Ambassador-level dealer Sail & Ski Center of Austin, Lakeway and San Antonio will host the largest and most exciting of all annual AquaPalooza celebrations on July 31, 2010.

"We're proud to have been chosen to host the 2010 AquaPalooza Signature Event. It's a great opportunity to show the world what Lake Travis has to offer," said Buzz Watkins, co-owner of Sail & Ski. "We're pleased with the community support that helped convince organizers to choose Lake Travis for this family-friendly event. The nature of such a large undertaking has outgrown the capabilities and resources of the host dealer. This is going to be a complete community effort."

Sea Ray officials agreed, while also being quick to recognize Sail & Ski's importance in the selection process. "The critical factor is community acceptance and involvement," said Rob Noyes, vice president of marketing for Sea Ray. "But without a dealer like Sail & Ski, which was just ranked the No. 1 dealer in North America by Boating Industry magazine, you're not even considered for AquaPalooza."

Lake Travis is a gem among Texas lakes, with approximately 19,000 acres of crystal clear water and 250 miles of shoreline with countless unspoiled coves and creeks to explore. Just a short drive from both Austin and San Antonio, it offers 15 marinas and 11 public boat ramps, as well as numerous powerboat, houseboat and PWC rental facilities. The Signature Event will be held at The Reserve at Lake Travis, a new waterfront resort between the Pace Bend and Point Venture areas of the lake.  The Reserve encompasses one of the nicest and most pristine points of land on Lake Travis, which will be perfect for an on-water event of this magnitude, Noyes explained.  When completed, The Reserve's facilities will include a world class marina restaurant and equestrian center, making it one of the premier home and boating resort areas in the Southwest.  

For those who can't make it to Lake Travis, Sea Ray dealerships around the world will transform more than 100 additional locations into official AquaPalooza event sites, making it easy for boaters to both get to, and to enjoy the family fun. Most of the events will take place during the last two weekends in July. "Our dealers do an outstanding job of coordinating the AquaPalooza events in their areas," said Noyes.

In 2009, the fourth annual AquaPalooza attracted approximately 15,000 boats and 84,000 guests to 123 events from New York to California, and from Austria to Australia. Since its inception in 2006, the multi-location celebration has grown bigger each year. "It won't be easy to top the 2009 Signature Event, which featured a concert by country superstar Alan Jackson and national coverage on CMT, but we think the Lake Travis community, Sail & Ski and Sea Ray are up to the task," said Noyes. "As always, the event will be open to all boaters, not just Sea Ray owners. AquaPalooza is about sun and fun, great music, and togetherness on the water with family and friends."

Mark your calendars now for the most anticipated on-water boating bash of the summer. For a list of events throughout the U.S. and Canada, please visit www.aquapalooza.com. This list is updated frequently, so be certain to visit the site often.

ABOUT SEA RAY
Founded in 1959, Sea Ray is the world's largest manufacturer of superior quality pleasure boats. Sea Ray is headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., and operates as part of the Boat Group division of Brunswick Corporation. With more than 40 models ranging from 17 to 61 feet, Sea Ray makes a boat for every lifestyle — each built with a unique commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and excellence throughout. Additional information about Sea Ray is available at www.searay.com.

ABOUT BRUNSWICK

Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., Brunswick Corporation endeavors to instill Genuine Ingenuity™ in all its leading consumer brands, including Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Attwood marine parts and accessories; Land 'N' Sea, Kellogg Marine, Diversified Marine and Benrock parts and accessories distributors; Arvor, Bayliner, Bermuda, Boston Whaler, Cabo Yachts, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Hatteras, Lowe, Lund, Meridian, Ornvik, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Sealine, Triton, Trophy, Uttern and Valiant boats; Life Fitness and Hammer Strength fitness equipment; Brunswick bowling centers, equipment and consumer products; Brunswick billiards tables and foosball tables. For more information, visit www.brunswick.com.

SOURCE Sea Ray

RELATED LINKS
http://www.brunswick.com
http://www.aquapalooza.com
http://www.searay.com

Sea Ray Boats announced the launch of its national initiative to get more women into boating at the Miami International Boat Show with a little help from friend Suze Orman. America's top financial expert took delivery of a new Sea Ray 280 Sundeck® from MarineMax and spoke about women and boating before sitting down to sign copies of her best-selling book, "Women & Money." As part of Suze's ownership experience, she will be automatically enrolled in Women on Water®, a program designed by MarineMax over 10 years ago to build confidence when commanding a vessel and to foster camaraderie among women in the boating community.

"Ever since I moved to Florida, it has always been a dream of mine to wake up at sunrise, make a big mug of coffee, and head out on my boat to welcome the day with the dolphins," said Orman prior to the Miami event. "That is what I call perfection."

The Emmy Award-winning television host, author, magazine and online columnist, writer/producer, and motivational speaker plans to use her boat to enhance both her personal and professional life. She will share her experiences aboard her Sea Ray on Facebook and Twitter, and through her "Keeping Afloat Financial Tips," which will be shot from the deck of her boat and posted on www.suzeorman.com.

Sea Ray is excited to have Orman as part of its boating family and hopes that her contributions will move more ladies to become hands-on boaters. "We couldn't ask for a better boating friend," said Rob Noyes, vice president of marketing for Sea Ray. "Suze's excitement and encouragement, and her desire to command her own boat, are a shining example to boaters everywhere, both male and female."

These courses are designed to help women take the helm and learn the ropes, literally, in a safe and relaxed environment. The small group sessions run from four to five hours and are split into two parts: a classroom section covering boat parts and terminology, knot tying, rules of the road, navigation, boating safety, and emergency procedures; and a water section covering hands-on boat operation, docking practice, anchoring, line handling, and VHF radio operation.

While the classes are sure to be popular among the spouses of current boaters and new-to-boating customers, the benefit to all women should not be overlooked. "For women to be powerful in their own lives, they have to understand the flow of money, the ups and downs of the financial tides. They have to be the masters of their own financial destiny," says Orman. "The same is true for every activity a woman wants to conquer. There is nothing as powerful as being the captain of your own ship, to not be dependent on anyone other than your own resources and abilities."

Generally organized by skill level and type of boat engine(s), the courses are designed and presented in a relaxed atmosphere meant to build confidence by presenting information in an active, fun, and supportive manner.

"For women such as myself that want to master being on the water in their own boat, there is no greater program than Women on Water®," says Orman. "Women have camaraderie among themselves that they never let anyone sink. We have a tendency to become each other's life preservers. This program brings women together in a way to make us stronger as a group, as well as to become stronger in our own lives, as we dive deep into our unlimited possibilities of power that keep us afloat."

Classes such as Women on Water® will be offered at Sea Ray dealerships across the country. Women who are interested in participating in the program are encouraged to stop by their local dealer or visit www.searay.com for additional information. .

Women on Water® is a federally registered trademark of MarineMax.

ABOUT SEA RAY
Founded in 1959, Sea Ray is the world's largest manufacturer of superior quality pleasure boats. Sea Ray is headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., and operates as part of the Boat Group division of Brunswick Corporation. With more than 40 models ranging from 17 to 61 feet, Sea Ray makes a boat for every lifestyle — each built with a unique commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and excellence throughout. Additional information about Sea Ray is available at www.searay.com.

ABOUT BRUNSWICK

Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., Brunswick Corporation endeavors to instill Genuine Ingenuity™ in all its leading consumer brands, including Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Attwood marine parts and accessories; Land 'N' Sea, Kellogg Marine, Diversified Marine and Benrock parts and accessories distributors; Arvor, Bayliner, Bermuda, Boston Whaler, Cabo Yachts, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris, Hatteras, Lowe, Lund, Meridian, Ornvik, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Sealine, Triton, Trophy, Uttern and Valiant boats; Life Fitness and Hammer Strength fitness equipment; Brunswick bowling centers, equipment and consumer products; Brunswick billiards tables and foosball tables. For more information, visit www.brunswick.com.

ABOUT MARINEMAX

Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, MarineMax is the nation's largest recreational boat and yacht retailer.  Focused on premium brands, such as Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Meridian, Cabo, Hatteras, Azimut Yachts and Grady White, MarineMax sells new and used recreational boats and related marine products and provides yacht brokerage services.  MarineMax currently has 55 retail locations and operates within Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Tennessee and Texas.  MarineMax is a New York Stock Exchange-listed company.

SOURCE Sea Ray

RELATED LINKS
http://www.searay.com
http://www.brunswick.com
http://www.suzeorman.com

Baseball fans with visual impairments will benefit from the implementation of functional improvements to MLB.com, the official Web site of Major League Baseball, and all 30 individual Club sites as a result of a joint collaboration between MLB Advanced Media, LP (MLBAM), the American Council of the Blind, Bay State Council of the Blind and California Council of the Blind. All three organizations applaud this fan initiative taken by MLBAM.

"MLBAM has undertaken groundbreaking work to make its web sites accessible and has assumed a strong leadership position among sports, media and entertainment properties in doing so," said Mitch Pomerantz, President of the American Council of the Blind. "We certainly urge similar sites to make this level of commitment in following MLBAM's lead."

As part of its initiative, MLB.com launched an accessible media center for its MLB.com Gameday Audio™ subscribers, offering features such as volume control, ability to choose the home or away feed and access to archived games. Additionally, MLB.com has ensured that fans with visual impairments can continue to participate in the annual online voting programs associated with the All-Star Game and will be providing an accessibility page on its site detailing information on accessibility, usability tips and customer service resources. As it continues to deliver technological innovations for following baseball games, MLB.com will make additional accessibility enhancements available to fans with visual impairments.

Brian Charlson, a Boston baseball fan and Director of Computer Training Services at the Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton, Massachusetts, described how MLB.com's accessibility efforts have improved his enjoyment of the game: "As a member of the blind community, the kind of changes MLB.com was willing to make on its web sites keeps me coming back for more. It shows how much can be done when people with disabilities find willing partners. For example, with the changes in Gameday Audio, I find myself enjoying switching back and forth between the home and away broadcasters the same way my sighted friends do. And knowing my votes were counted in this year's All-Star balloting made listening to the game much more meaningful. I'm excited about what MLB.com has done and about its commitment to further improvements."

MLB.com utilized guidelines issued by the Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI) of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). The web content accessibility guidelines are of particular benefit to blind baseball fans who use a screen reader, through which information on a page is read aloud, or magnification technology on their computers and who rely on a keyboard instead of a mouse.

About MLBAM

Established in June 2000 following a unanimous vote by the 30 Major League Baseball club owners to centralize all of Baseball's Internet operations, MLB Advanced Media LP (MLBAM) is the interactive media and internet company of Major League Baseball. MLBAM manages the official league site, www.MLB.com, and each of the 30 individual Club sites to create the most comprehensive Major League Baseball resource on the Internet. MLB.com offers fans the most complete baseball information and interactivity on the web, including up-to-date statistics, game previews and summaries, extensive historical information, online ticket sales, baseball merchandise, authenticated memorabilia and collectibles, fantasy games, live full-game video webcasts and on-demand highlights, live and archived audio broadcasts of every game, Gameday pitch-by-pitch application, around-the-clock hosted and specialty video programming and complete blogging capabilities. MLB.com offers more live events on the Internet than any other website in the world.

About the American Council of the Blind (ACB), Bay State Council of the Blind (BSCB) and the California Council of the Blind (CCB)

The American Council of the Blind is a national consumer-based advocacy organization working on behalf of blind and visually impaired Americans throughout the country, with members organized through seventy state and special interest affiliates. The Bay State and California Councils are the Massachusetts and California affiliates of the ACB.  The ACB, BSCB and CCB are dedicated to improving the quality of life, equality of opportunity and independence of all people who have visual impairments. Their members and affiliated organizations have a long history of commitment to the advancement of policies and programs which will enhance independence for people who are blind and visually impaired.  Many members of ACB, BSCB and CCB are baseball fans.  More information about the organizations can be found by visiting ACB's website, BSCB's website, and CCB's website.

SOURCE MLB.com

RELATED LINKS
http://www.MLB.com

Aflac, primary sponsor of Carl Edwards and the No. 99 Aflac Ford Fusion, is putting race fans in the driver's seat for the 2010 NASCAR season with the re-launch of its Aflac Racing Web site (www.aflacracing.com). Visitors to the site will find an innovative, one-of-a-kind online experience that delivers the action and excitement of a NASCAR race from the viewpoint of the No. 99 Aflac Ford Fusion. Interactive and informative features allow fans to learn more about NASCAR, driver Carl Edwards and the No. 99 Aflac Racing Team, and Aflac's products and services.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090422/CL03654LOGO )

The web site is unlike any other in NASCAR, in that visitors' experience from start to finish is a dynamic and highly-animated depiction of driving a real stock car. As the home page loads, anticipation builds with the sounds of revving engines and smoke from a tachometer. Once inside the site, users are behind the wheel of the No. 99 Aflac Ford Fusion which is alive with shaking and rumbling. Every gauge on the in-car dashboard controls navigation around the site. Fans can access interactive multimedia, and review season stats and other exclusive Aflac Racing content that will keep them informed of and engaged with Edwards and his crew throughout the season.

"The new Aflac Racing Web site truly gives race fans an insider's look at what life is like behind the wheel for the No. 99 Race Team," said Edwards. "It helps to bring the thrill of NASCAR from the track to your computer in a fun way – without the danger."

In addition to serving as a haven for exclusive Carl Edwards and No. 99 Race Team content, the site intends to provide users with a deeper understanding of Aflac and its products and services by using racing as the educational tool. For example, the site features an interactive race map whereby visitors can learn more about Aflac while taking a cruise around the track. By turn four, fans will have a more solid understanding of how Aflac can protect them and their families by paying cash benefits if they get hurt or sick.

"The sport of NASCAR is undoubtedly one of the most powerful marketing tools available to our company today," said Keith Farley, Motorsports Marketing Manager at Aflac. "Knowing that we can engage race fans through a fun, interactive site that delivers the excitement of NASCAR while also providing an opportunity to drive an understanding of our company is a win-win."

Put yourself in the driver's seat by visiting AflacRacing.com to learn more about Aflac, Carl Edwards and the Aflac Racing Team.

About Aflac

When a policyholder gets sick or hurt, Aflac pays cash benefits fast.  For 55 years, Aflac insurance policies have given policyholders the opportunity to focus on recovery, not financial stress. In the United States, Aflac is the number one provider of guaranteed-renewable insurance.  In Japan, Aflac is the number one insurance company in terms of individual insurance policies in force. Aflac insurance products provide protection to more than 50 million people worldwide. Aflac has been recognized by Ethisphere magazine as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for three consecutive years and was also named by the Reputation Institute as the Most Reputable Company in the Global Insurance Industry for two consecutive years. In 2010, Fortune magazine recognized Aflac as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America for the twelfth consecutive year. Fortune magazine also ranked Aflac No. 1 on its global list of the Most Admired Companies in the Life and Health Insurance category. Aflac was also named by Forbes magazine as America's Best-Managed Company in the Insurance category. Aflac Incorporated is a Fortune 500 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AFL. To find out more about Aflac, visit aflac.com.

About Roush Fenway Racing

Roush Fenway Racing is NASCAR's largest team operating eight motorsports teams.  Four in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with drivers Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and David Ragan; and four in the Nationwide Series with Edwards, Ricky Stenhouse, Jr., Colin Braun, and Paul Menard.  For more information on any of the Roush Fenway Racing teams, log onto www.RoushFenway.com.  Become a fan of Roush Fenway Racing on Facebook by going to http://www.facebook.com/roushfenway.  And for sponsorship inquiries please contact Robin Johnson at 704.720.4645.

SOURCE Aflac

RELATED LINKS
http://www.aflac.com

ESPN Deportes and Degree Men premiered its first documentary-style soccer show entitled Frente al Reto. The much anticipated original series captures the extraordinary stories of eight Mexican soccer stars as they take on the challenge to represent their national team in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.  Frente al Reto will air every Monday for eight consecutive weeks on ESPN Deportes at 8:30 p.m. ET. The program will debut in Latin America March 14, 2010.    

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080515/CLTH144LOGO )

Produced by ESPN Deportes, in collaboration with Walton Isaacson, Frente al Reto is the network's first major step in the content development arena, outside of studio shows.   Narrated by renowned GOYA award nominated actor Jose Maria 'Chema' Yazpik of Mexico ("Solo Quiero Caminar," "Beverly Hills Chihuahua"), Frente al Reto gives viewers an inside look at the life of young Mexican soccer stars, including Andres Guardado (Deportivo La Coruna), Jonny Magallon (Club Deportivo de Guadalajara), Giovanni Dos Santos (Galatasaray), Omar Arellano (Club Deportivo de Guadalajara), Efrain Juarez (Pumas), Guillermo Ochoa (Club America), Jesus Corona  (Cruz Azul) of Mexico's National Soccer Team and Jose "Gringo" Torres (Pachuca) of the U.S. National Soccer Team.  Using player interviews, testimony from historians, journalists and from a long line of teammates, trainers, coaches, friends and family, the documentary takes the viewers face-to-face with the dreams, fears and challenges these players must face for the love of the game.  

"We are incredibly excited and proud to bring these stories to our fans," said Juan Alfonso, vice president, marketing and content development, ESPN International.  "Our goal with Frente al Reto is to show viewers that their idols are more than just a face on a television screen and a player on the field.  These are people with everyday challenges, insecurities and an enormous set of expectations on their shoulders."  

Degree Men, presenting sponsor and official antiperspirant and deodorant of Mexico's National Soccer Team, worked closely with ESPN Deportes during pre-production to seamlessly weave in Degree Men's product performance messaging and bring to life the essence of the brand's campaign theme, "Siempre Enfrenta El Reto" (Always Take on the Challenge).  From providing challenge-related questions for the player interviews, to helping create the series' title, the series brings to life the challenge and high intensity moments to illustrate the performance of Degree Men. The common theme of every episode of Frente al Reto is perseverance, on or off the field.  This was created to parallel the brand message of Degree Men --- knowing that no matter what challenges men face, Degree Men won't let them down. The brand also leveraged its relationship with Andres Guardado to feature him as one of the superstars in the series and will air five commercials during each half-hour episode.

"We are pleased with the outcome of Frente al Reto and hope soccer fans will enjoy watching the series as much as we enjoyed creating it," said Jay Mathew, marketing director for Degree Men.  "The content of the series represents the essence of the Degree Men brand and showcases how our product performs during the most intense situations on and off the field.  Not only is our message a perfect fit for this series, it also gave players much to think and talk about in each episode as they prepared to face the biggest challenge of their careers."

"Walton Isaacson is proud to be partnering with ESPN Deportes to share the untold stories that help bring Frente al Reto to life," says Cory Isaacson, Co-founder, Walton Isaacson. "From the beginning, our concept was to help reveal a more dynamic look at the challenges the biggest players in the sport experience while trying to realize their dreams. Thanks to our partner Degree Men, these rich stories and the show format provide an amazing backdrop to the immense anticipation leading up to the World Cup this summer."   

In addition to television exposure, Degree Men's branding will extend to radio, as well as online on www.frentealreto.com, a microsite exclusively created for the series. Mindshare, Degree Men's media agency of record, managed the media planning.      

"We are excited to have Degree Men as the presenting sponsor of the Frente al Reto series," said John Fitzgerald, vice president, multimedia sales, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Audio. "Frente al Reto is an example of how an advertiser's brand essence can be woven into a program while maintaining journalistic integrity and fan entertainment. Our collaboration with Degree Men and Walton Isaacson has created a series that soccer fans will love."

Frente al Reto was brought to life with the highest production standards in Spanish-language television.  The level of equipment used -- from cameras, to color correction, to sound design -- is unprecedented for the network.  An ESPN Deportes and Walton Isaacson crew traveled for several months to England, Holland, Mexico, Spain, Turkey and the United States to shoot the players and conduct over 100 interviews. The show premiered Monday, February 8 featuring Andres Guardado, who is also the spokesperson for Degree Men. Schedule for remaining episodes as follows:  

Monday, Feb. 15 (8:30 p.m.) - Omar Arellano, Forward, Guadalajara and Mexico's National Soccer Team

Monday, Feb. 22 (8:30 p.m.) - Guillermo Ochoa, Goalkeeper, Club America and Mexico's National Soccer Team

Monday, March 1 (8:30 p.m.) - Johnny Magallon, Defender, Club Deportivo Guadalajara and Mexico's National Soccer Team

Monday, March 8 (8:30 p.m.) - Jesus Corona, Goalkeeper, Cruz Azul and Mexico's National Soccer Team

Monday, March 15 (8:30 p.m.) - Giovanni Dos Santos, Attacking Midfielder, Galatasaray and Mexico's National Soccer Team

Monday, March 22 (8:30 p.m.) - Efrain Juarez, Defender, UNAM Pumas and Mexico's National Soccer Team

Monday, March 29 (8:30 p.m.) - Jose Francisco Torres, Midfielder, Pachuca and U.S.A. National Soccer Team

To Tweet this release:  http://bit.ly/afAGYr   |  Access to photos

SOURCE ESPN Deportes

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http://espnmediazone3.com/rs/?c=391&k=656ad0dde9

The Service Employees International Union, the nation's largest healthcare union, is raising questions about the safety of food being provided to athletes at the Vancouver Winter Olympics by Sodexo, a global food service contractor based in France who served contaminated meat at a camp in Virginia sickening more than two dozen boy scouts.

The union is calling on Sodexo to provide greater transparency about the origin of the food they will be serving athletes, including: disclosing the primary supplier of the food that they will serve to athletes and whether those companies have had problems with contaminated food; whether the food will come from a "cook and chill" facility or will be cooked and served on-site; and to make the steps they are taking to ensure food safety easily available to the public.

Each of these issues present areas of concern for athletes. For example, "cook and chill" means the food is cooked elsewhere and shipped frozen to kitchens to be reheated.  Because of this method, health code violations at the "cook and chill" facility can mean problems with the end product. Sodexo recently chose to stop using its "cook-chill" facility in Tennessee, which provided meals for U.S. Marines. In March 2007, the cook-chill facility came under scrutiny by the Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture for a rodent problem at the facility. According to the inspection report, there were "mouse droppings in corners," "droppings all around edge of warehouse," and dead mice in multiple locations. The USDA found a total of 79 records of food safety noncompliance at the facility between December 2005 and September 2009.

Companies like Sodexo -- which purchase food in bulk from wholesale suppliers -- rely in part on the broken U.S. inspection system to safeguard the food they serve to their clients. But there are serious concerns about whether that system is up to the task. According to experts who study food safety, such as the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), "The food safety system in America is broken. Foods regulated by the Food and Drug Administration have caused serious national outbreaks sickening thousands."  In fact, CSPI reports four separate pieces of food safety legislation in the current Congress intended to address problems in the nation's food supply.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports an estimated 76 million cases of foodborne disease occur each year in the United States, including an estimated 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths each year. Contamination comes from three primary sources -- production, processing, shipping and handling. While Sodexo touts its quality assurance program, Sodexo has a record of using food from suppliers -- such as Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation, a meat processor and distributor that owns major beef-distributor Beef Packers, Inc. -- who have been the subject of major national food recalls including two recalls in 2009 for more than 826,000 pounds of beef feared contaminated with salmonella Newport and the 2007 recall of one million pounds of ground beef thought to be  contaminated with a toxic form of E. coli bacteria that seriously sickened dozens of people, including a 10 year girl who became so ill she may have needed a kidney transplant.

Even in cases where the food supply itself is safe, there still can be problems with how contractors handle and prepare the food. Sodexo also has a troubling record when it comes to handling and storing food that covers a wide range of facilities, including elementary schools, universities, military bases, and even Boy Scout camps.  The result of  these two issues, purchasing food from suppliers with a record of selling tainted food, coupled with their record of handling food, has already caused many to become ill. For example:

• In July 2009, Sodexo served meat contaminated with E. Coli to Boy Scouts in Goshen, Virginia, sickening at least 25 people who attended camp there. According to the Washington Post, one Scout was hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a complication that can occur when the E. coli toxin enters the bloodstream which can lead to kidney failure.
• In February 2009, an article in Suffolk University's student newspaper reported that Sodexo had failed health inspections but had not notified students. Violations included failure to store chicken and tuna salad at the appropriate temperatures.  A few weeks later, a Suffolk student found a bug in his sandwich. Students organized a forum called "Sodexo Needs to Go" to discuss the incidents with Student Government. Sodexo held several meetings and weekly "office hours" with students after the incidents to help rebuild trust.
• On June 29, 2007, Sodexo agreed to a voluntary USDA recall of 2,768 pounds of "ready-to-eat" chicken products contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes that were produced by Sodexo at a cook-chill facility it leases in Tennessee. The potentially tainted products were produced on April 25, 2007, just three weeks after Sodexo had written the Tennessee Dept. of Agriculture to assure regulators that its previous problem concerning rodents had been resolved. Some of the tainted chicken was sent to two Marine bases on the West Coast: Camp Pendleton and the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. An additional seven cases of chicken products were shipped to the Northwest Correctional Complex, a state prison located in Tiptonville, Tennessee.
• In Berks County, Pennsylvania, several students at the Birdsboro Elementary Center became sick after the Sodexo-run cafeteria served them milk they said had an unusual taste. According to the district superintendent, the children said they had either a sore throat or stomach ache, due to a sanitizer used to clean milk containers having leaked into the milk itself. "Some kids just didn't feel well," said School Board President Kevin F. McCullough of the December 2008 incident. "The milk did not taste right to the kids." At John McDonogh Senior High School in New Orleans -- another Sodexo school cafeteria -- students became ill after drinking tainted orange juice that was later found to have mold on the container. New Orleans College Prep was also served spoiled milk. Sodexo claimed it was not expired, and had the vendor pick it up and bring fresh milk.

SOURCE Service Employees International Union

RELATED LINKS
http://www.seiu.org

No fitness enthusiast would even consider beginning to exercise without the right footwear. And the actual surface for the workout is equally important...which is where Venture Products, LLC's Shock Athletic™ lineup of portable fitness mats and interlocking gym flooring comes in.

Whether for yoga, Pilates, resistance training, or basic stretching, Shock Athletic products offer a broad range of sizes and styles that provide a solution for just about everyone. And they're ideal for use in a health club or at home.

"Whenever you work out, you want to be on a top-quality mat to maximize your results," explains Steve Fischer of Venture Products. "Let's face it; everyone wants to be safe and comfortable while they work out."

In addition to exceptional cushioning and stability, the Shock Athletic lineup offers yet another benefit to athletes -- Microban® antimicrobial zinc technology which is infused into the mats during the first stages of production.  As a result, Microban protection inhibits the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria, mold, and mildew during the full lifespan of the product.

"By their very nature, health facilities and home gyms alike are prone to breeding bacteria," Fischer adds.  "This can be scary stuff, so it just makes sense to utilize Microban antimicrobial technology to provide our customers the cleanest fitness flooring possible."

Shock Athletic products are available at The Sports Authority nationwide, as well as online at www.venture-products.com.

Microban antimicrobial technologies can be incorporated into a broad range of materials. Venture's products that feature Microban protection are made from EVA (Ethyl Vinyl Acetate) Foam and do not contain any type of lead, paint or latex.

Microban® is a registered trademark of Microban Products Company.

Established in 2004, Venture Products, LLC manufactures and markets an extensive lineup of mats and flooring products, including fitness mats and flooring (ideal for use during yoga and Pilates training, or with various types of exercise equipment), anti-fatigue flooring (perfect for home workshops and garages), and children's play mats, along with a range of peripheral products.  Microban® antimicrobial technology is incorporated into many of the company's on-floor solutions and related offerings, which are available under the brands Best-Step™, Funplay™, Organized by Design™, Safety 1st® and Shock Athletic™.

Headquartered in Fairfield, NJ, Venture Products also has business locations in California and Hong Kong. Additional information on the company and its products is available by contacting info@venture-products.com or by visiting www.venture-products.com

SOURCE Venture Products, LLC

RELATED LINKS
http://www.venture-products.com

Catch Dat Brees, a fine art limited edition featuring and personally signed by Super Bowl XLIV MVP Drew Brees with the famous Warner Bros. Looney Tunes characters, is raising funds for The Brees Dream Foundation for their ongoing efforts in Louisiana. This limited edition is available only this season at CatchDatBrees.com.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100209/LA52361)

Drew Brees, the first football player to be featured with the Looney Tunes, joins an elite group of sports legends including Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, Wayne Gretzky, and Derek Jeter who have all been featured in a Warner Bros. animation limited edition.

"I am honored to be the first football player to be featured in a Warner Bros. animated fine art lithograph and cel," said Drew Brees. "I love this art and I'm excited for my son to see his Dad throwing a pass to Bugs Bunny."

The art depicts Drew completing the pass to Bugs Bunny for this colorfully captured moment in sports. Notice that Daffy Duck has just finished turning the 50-yard line into the "5000" yard line. "Bugs Bunny is wearing Billy Miller's number since Billy caught the pass that put us over 5,000 yards," said Drew. "This could not have been accomplished without my teammates, coaches, fans, and of course, the great city of New Orleans."

"I get to play a fun role in this piece as I'm immortalized as the one and only Bugs Bunny," said Billy Miller. "Catching the pass that put Drew over the 5,000 yards mark means a lot to me and helping him raise funds for The Brees Dream Foundation, our team, and the city really brings it all home."

Catch Dat Brees is the first animated Warner Bros. sports limited edition to feature an athlete in nearly a decade. The art was created using the traditional process of animation, is hand-drawn and hand-painted, making this art truly exceptional. Each numbered limited edition is personally signed by Drew Brees, custom framed, and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. Visit CatchDatBrees.com for more on this limited edition only available this season.

SOURCE Broadman Fine Arts, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.CatchDatBrees.com

Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new and used car information, today reports a huge surge in new-car Web traffic for the heavily advertised Hyundai Sonata during Super Bowl XLIV on Sunday, February 7.  In addition, kbb.com saw a significant lift in new-car traffic for the Honda Accord Crosstour and Kia Sorento following the airing of their respective new-vehicle ads during Super Bowl Sunday.

For the second year in a row, the new-car model most advertised by Hyundai during the Super Bowl garnered the largest increase in Web traffic to kbb.com that day (among models advertised during the Super Bowl).  This year, Hyundai advertised the all-new Sonata multiple times on Super Bowl Sunday and subsequently experienced a massive 91 percent increase in traffic to the new Sonata on kbb.com.  Last year during Super Bowl XLIII on February 1, 2009, Hyundai premiered spots for the Genesis and saw an 82 percent increase in traffic to the model that day.

Other big auto-related Super Bowl XLIV ad traffic winners for this year were the Honda Accord Crosstour with a 66 percent increase in traffic on kbb.com, and the all-new Kia Sorento with a 47 percent increase.

In addition, a kbb.com homepage quick poll asked car shoppers to vote for their favorite Super Bowl car ad, and consumers chose the Dodge Charger "Man's Last Stand" spot as their favorite at 24 percent, closely followed by the Audi A3 TDI "Green Police" ad at 21 percent.  Rounding out the top five choices were the Hyundai "10 Years/Favre" ad at 17 percent, the Volkswagen "Punch Dub" spot at 16 percent and the Kia Sorento "Joyride" ad at 10 percent.

"The latest kbb.com traffic data shows that big-budget ad buys really can pay off when you have engaging product and a creative, eye-catching spot to capture football fans' attention during the big game," said James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.  "The Saints may have taken home the Vince Lombardi trophy, but Hyundai captured the big win this year in terms of new-car interest increasing from their ads.  It's impressive when a car commercial can compel someone to take their eyes away from the big game to research a new-car online, and we know informed car shoppers come to Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com to get the most timely and trustworthy vehicle values and information."

For the purposes of this data, traffic increase is defined as the percent change when comparing Sunday, February 7, 2010 (Super Bowl XLIV Sunday) with the previous Sunday, January 31, 2010.  The quick poll asking car shoppers to vote for their favorite Super Bowl car ad was featured on the homepage of Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com from February 7-9, 2010, and had 201 respondents.

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)

Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company's top-rated Web site, www.kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book® Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book® Official Guide. According to the C.A. Walker Research Solutions, Inc. - 2009 Spring Automotive Web Site Usefulness Study, kbb.com is the most useful automotive information Web site among new and used vehicle shoppers, and half of online vehicle shoppers visit kbb.com. Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com also is a W3 Gold Award winner, sanctioned by the International Academy of Visual Arts. Kbb.com is a leading provider of new car prices, used car Blue Book Values, car reviews, new cars for sale, used cars for sale, and car dealer locations.

SOURCE Kelley Blue Book

RELATED LINKS
http://www.kbb.com

As golf's greatest athletes and world-renowned celebrities prepare to tee off for the first rounds of the legendary 72-hole PGA TOUR golf championship, AT&T* today announced its lineup of activities to commemorate 25 years as the title sponsor of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.  

Leading up to this year's tournament, AT&T has paid tribute to the historical event on AT&T Fanzone through 25 days of stories, photos and more highlighting the past quarter century of the Pro-Am. And continuing the anniversary celebrations, AT&T is enhancing the tournament experience for golf fans on-site with activities and services offered throughout the course.

At the tournament, guests can stop by the Grand Entrance where they can win 25th anniversary prizes, take a commemorative event photo and participate in golf-related trivia at the AT&T Fan Zone Truck. Fans can also rent wireless caddies delivered by AT&T and follow the tournament on a BlackBerry® Bold™ 9000 smartphone.

AT&T Wi-Fi service will be available at the AT&T Digital Clubhouse – located at the Triangle on Pebble Beach Golf Links, where holes 6, 8 and 14 meet – customers can log on to AT&T Wi-Fi for a fast, reliable online connection using the netbooks on display. For more information on AT&T Wi-Fi, visit www.attwifi.com.

While there, fans are also invited to participate in the GolfTec "Longest Drive" contest for a chance to win a free driver. Guests can also watch the tournament from two outdoor patio decks, and can interact with a variety of AT&T products and services, including AT&T U-verse(SM) TV, the latest netbooks and BlackBerry smartphones, unique apps, and AT&T Voicemail to Text, a service that converts voicemail messages to email or text messages on your computer or AT&T mobile phone.

Additionally, at both the AT&T Digital Clubhouse, at the Triangle, and at the AT&T Experience Tent, which is located on the 18th hole on Pebble Beach Golf Links, BlackBerry® Bold™ 9700 smartphones will be available for fans to place free phone calls and test drive AT&T's Wi-Fi and 3G networks.  A concierge team will also be on-hand to help tournament-goers discover all things locally around the Monterey Peninsula using YELLOWPAGES.COM and YPmobile. Online and with the free downloadable YPmobile application, fans can find everything from the nearest place to get private golf lessons, to the best user-reviewed sports bar and grill outside of the course. Users can even discover, plan and share post-tournament activities with friends with the free app, available for a variety of wireless devices, including the iPhone, BlackBerry, Palm and Android handsets.

"Over the past 25 years, we've watched these legendary teams demonstrate great competition as AT&T and other organizations have banded together to help the Monterey Peninsula Foundation raise and donate more than $66 million to well-deserving local charities," said Gail Torreano, senior vice president, AT&T Sponsorships. "We're excited to keep that tradition alive while providing even more game-enhancing entertainment, products and services here on-site."

On the Web, fans can get the latest updates on the tournament – now and throughout the event – by following @ShareATT, @ATTGolf and @TechnologyTour on Twitter; at AT&T Fan Zone and through the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and AT&T Facebook pages.

AT&T earlier invited fans to join in on the celebration by entering the AT&T "Great Pairs" sweepstakes for the chance to win netbooks, wireless devices and commemorative Pro-Am gear. Fans are encouraged to enter daily through Feb. 10, 2010  just by registering at www.att.net/attpb or via mail**. On Feb. 18, 2010, 25 winners will be selected at random to win a variety of prizes. Five grand prize winners will receive a netbook and 10 winners will receive a Pebble Beach Prize Pack from AT&T, which includes AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am commemorative gear. Another 10 winners will be awarded a wireless handset.

For full rules and more information on the AT&T "Great Pairs" Sweepstakes, please visit:  www.att.net/attpb.

*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.

**AT&T is a proud sponsor of the AT&T "Great Pairs" Sweepstakes. Project Support Team is the administrator of this sweepstakes. For more information regarding rules and entry, please visit: www.att.net/attpb. To receive one entry via mail, hand-print your name, address, zip code, daytime phone number (with area code) and date of birth on a plain 3" x 5" piece of paper and mail your entry in a #10 envelope with proper postage affixed to be received by 2/17/10 to: AT&T Pebble Beach Celebrating Great Pairs Sweepstakes, c/o The Marketing Arm, 1999 Bryan Street, Suite 1800, Dallas, TX 75201.

Largest Wi-Fi network claim based on non-municipal company and owned and operated hotspots. A Wi-Fi enabled device required.  Other restrictions apply.  See www.attwifi.com for additional services, details and locations. Wi-Fi access not included with AT&T WorldNet service.

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, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. 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.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited.

© 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.

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.att.com

Don Schumacher announced today that Sears, Roebuck and Co.'s iconic brand DieHard will be the primary sponsor of the Dodge Funny Car driven by Matt Hagan in the 2010 NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100209/CG52115)

The DieHard brand has been marketed by Sears since 1967. To help promote the DieHard battery chargers, portable power and inverters, Don Schumacher Racing will campaign the DieHard Dodge Funny Car, with associate sponsorship from shelor.com, in the 2010 NHRA series.

"We at DSR are proud to welcome DieHard into our family of outstanding supporters of our team," said Schumacher, DSR team owner. "The brand has been synonymous with automobile racing for 43 years, and we expect to continue to add to DieHard's long list of racing accomplishments during the 2010 NHRA season."

"The agreement between DieHard, one of the most trusted names in the automotive industry, and Don Schumacher Racing is a perfect match," said Erik Rosenstrauch, general manager of DieHard brand business unit. "Our involvement with one of the premier racing teams in NHRA further enables us to drive our business and engage consumers about the excitement behind DieHard."

"Wow," said 27-year-old Hagan, in his second year with DSR and no longer a rookie after his first full NHRA season in which he landed in two final rounds in 2009 and qualified No. 1 twice. "It's awesome to have DieHard on the side of the Funny Car I'll be driving for DSR in 2010. They've been around longer than I have and their racing reputation speaks for itself. I'll do all I can to maintain their outstanding racing tradition this season."

Crew chief Tommy DeLago will continue to tune the DieHard Dodge in 2010, as the 23-event season begins in Pomona, Calif., Feb. 11-14.

DieHard recently launch the all-new DieHard.com, which includes a help center, battery selector, maintenance guide and a series of videos documenting DieHard's performance inside the DieHard Torture Labs.

About the DieHard brand

Introduced in 1967, Sears designed the DieHard to produce 35 percent more usable starting power than other similar batteries. Featuring a revolutionary tough, thin-walled case of translucent polypropylene plastic, which was 50 percent thinner than conventional black rubber-type battery enclosures, the design's extra room meant bigger plates, more acid and extra starting power. Consumers consistently rate DieHard as "most trusted," "dependable," "performs in extreme conditions" by overwhelming margins, according to a 2009 Battery Brand Tracker Survey.

About Don Schumacher Racing

Don Schumacher Racing, headquartered in Brownsburg, Ind., consists of six professional NHRA teams: the U.S. Army Top Fuel dragster driven by seven-time world champion Tony Schumacher; the FRAM dragster of Cory McClenathan, and the Matco Tools dragster of Antron Brown. The Funny Car teams are the NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge driven by Ron Capps, the Valvoline/Mail Terminal Services Dodge piloted by Jack Beckman, and the DieHard Dodge driven by Matt Hagan. Since 1998, Don Schumacher Racing teams have won 136 national events in 260 final rounds, and eight world championships. More information may be found on http://www.shoeracing.com.

SOURCE Sears, Roebuck and Co.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.sears.com

With less than a week to go before the Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (Feb. 12 – 28), consumers around the globe are excited to see athletes compete in everything from figure skating to ice hockey to cross-country skiing and even new events like snowboarding. The games are full of excitement and thrill, but traveling to Vancouver is a challenge for most consumers.

This does not mean you cannot have your own Winter Olympic experience at home. In fact, leading research firm Nielsen Media reported that the Beijing Olympics were the most watched games ever with 4.7 billion viewers. The opening ceremonies, alone, garnered more than 34 million viewers in the United States. Only coming every four years, the Winter Olympics is an excellent opportunity for consumers to enjoy a low cost entertainment experience.

"There are a lot of inexpensive ways to bring the excitement of the Olympics into your own home," says Jenny Realo, executive vice president of CareOne Services. "It all starts with planning, budgeting and a bit of creativity for your family and friends."

Here are some unique money-saving ideas to obtain the Olympic spirit in the warmth of your living room from Realo.

• Gather with friends and neighbors for an Olympic opening or closing ceremony party. Share the excitement of the games with a close group of family, friends or neighbors. If you live in a community or apartment complex, encourage management to host a viewing party in your local club house. You can also rotate viewing parties for Olympic events between your family and friends.
• How about a game of Olympic trivia? Check out sites like Topendsports.com to find fascinating facts about the Olympians and the games themselves. Want to guess what Vancouver's Olympic mascots are? How many athletes have won medals at both the winter and summer Olympic Games?
• Experience the world through a potluck dinner during the ceremonies. Food is a big part of any celebration. Before a viewing party, invite guests to bring an ethnic food representing one of the many of the countries participating in the Winter Olympic Games. You all save by spending less on food and experience some new cuisine. Don't know where to start? Visit Epicurious.com and check out their "Around the World in 80 dishes."
• Hold your own hometown Olympic event. Whether it's blocking off the street for a wagon-pulling race or setting up an obstacle course in the front yard for an eggs-on-spoons challenge, plan for an exciting afternoon of competitive sports to get your family and neighborhood in the winning spirit. Before your hometown Olympic Games, hold an arts and crafts evening at a central location for children to create their versions of the gold, silver and bronze medals using old household items.
• Become a virtual Olympic Athlete. Purchase the official Vancouver 2010™ video game, available on most game systems and experience the excitement of Olympic sports like a true gold medalist. No game system? No worries. Visit Olympic.org and play for prizes online.  
• Follow the Winter Olympic Games online.There a several great online sites that will offer full coverage of the Games. These include the official site, Vancouver2010.com and social media channels, such as Facebook and Twitter.

Of course, watching the Olympics can inspire you to want to travel this winter. Generally, it costs less to travel in the winter because there is less demand. CareOne financial coach Suzanne Cramer says there are a few things you can do to reduce travel expenses

• Go local.  Instead of spending money on an expensive ski resort or any other far away winter destination, search for things to do that are local. There may be a drive-to destination within a few hours of your home that you can make into a day trip or short weekend getaway. Check the National Ski Area Association for a list of resorts in your region at Nsaa.org.
• Check promotions on the local conventions and visitor's bureau Web site or other promotional sites for deals. If you want to visit a specific resort or destination, the local visitor's bureau, local hotels and other local venues may offer special packages or deals targeted at travels to their city.
• Try to travel during the week, instead of during the weekends. Hotels and resorts will most likely offer specials during the weekdays because the weekends will be busier. If you can get a head start on your vacation, take it.
• Do your research and compare amenities and prices. Sign up for travel Web site e-mails, such as kayak.com and expedia.com, which often send great last minute trips. Also, if you're traveling as a family, look into what amenities you'll have to pay for and which ones your hotel or resort offer for free.
• Travel with friends. Book trips with friends who may want to travel as well. You could possibly save on renting certain equipment or even your lodging arrangements.

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For more ways to save money year round and tips to pay down debt, visit www.careonecredit.com.

About CareOne Services

CareOne Services was formed in 2002 to provide consumers with multiple solutions to complex money problems. CareOne Services Inc. boasts a unique Financial Fitness Center that examines each consumer's individual financial situation and develops a personalized solution to help the consumer get out of debt and strengthen his or her financial footing.

CareOne Services has helped millions of customers successfully overcome financial instability and continued giving them the confidence to manage their money successfully. CareOne takes a holistic approach in assisting customers to manage their debt, looking at an individual's situation and creating a solution that is achievable and works. CareOne does not offer to change or improve an individual's credit score.  CareOne goes beyond providing the standard debt payment programs, helping consumers address day-to-day life issues that are the result of being in debt along with free educational tools online.

SOURCE CareOne Services

RELATED LINKS
http://www.careonecredit.com

Nickelodeon President Cyma Zarghami announced today that Nickelodeon will join the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama, in her nationwide Let's Move www.LetsMove.gov campaign to solve the problem of childhood obesity in this generation.   Nickelodeon will offer its resources and research to the campaign, including kid and family-targeted PSAs featuring the First Lady, and special programming events on its channels and websites. 

"Nickelodeon is honored to work together with the First Lady and to be part of the Let's Move campaign to stop the rise of childhood obesity," Zarghami said.  "This is an issue we have been addressing for many years and we are pleased to offer our resources and research expertise about kids and families."

For almost seven years, Nickelodeon has empowered kids with resources, tools and the information they need to live healthier lifestyles, and has committed millions of dollars and air time to health and wellness messaging through its "Let's Just Play" pro-social campaign and grants program. Nickelodeon's involvement in Let's Move will augment the campaign's goal to increase healthy schools and kids' physical activity, improve the accessibility and affordability of healthy foods, and empower consumers to make healthier choices in their lives. 

Nickelodeon has a legacy of addressing important issues to kids including health and wellness.  Its "Let's Just Play" campaign has motivated more than one million kids to get out and play during Nick's annual Worldwide Day of Play, and 500,000 kids to pledge to live healthier lifestyles through its Let's Just Play Go Healthy Challenge.  Along with partners such as Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the NFL, The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, William J. Clinton Foundation, American Heart Association and thousands of local schools and community-based organizations, Nickelodeon hosts thousands of health and wellness-themed events annually around the world. 

Additionally, Nickelodeon has awarded approximately $3 million in grants to schools and after-school programs to help create and expand opportunities for physical play.  Nickelodeon and "Let's Just Play" have been recognized by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, CTPAA, Kaiser Family Foundation, Institute of Medicine and the Federal Trade Commission as an example of how media can make a positive impact on kids' lives. 

Nickelodeon, now in its 30th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books, magazines and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in almost 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 15 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. ( VIA, VIA.B).

SOURCE Nickelodeon

RELATED LINKS
http://www.nickpress.com

iCrossing, a global digital marketing agency (http://news.icrossing.com) announced today the launch of destination Web sites for Vail Resorts' properties including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado, and Heavenly in California and Nevada.

Last year, iCrossing launched www.snow.com, an entry point for all five of the Vail Resorts mountain resorts. The site won the OMMA Award for "Best Travel Web Site."

Like snow.com, each individual Vail Resorts site was built from the ground up for search visibility and usability based on extensive research into the online behavior and needs of Vail Resorts' customers.

The creative design and copy, developed by iCrossing, reflects the uniqueness of each resort brand through tone and style, and helps the user book a ski vacation that is just right for them, whether they are looking for a resort with the most family-friendly activities or the best apres ski spots.

A large part of the project was the development by iCrossing of a planning and buying process that now enables users to research and customize individual vacation purchases, like lift tickets, or put together customized vacation packages according to their specific criteria, such as price range, number of children, etc. As vacation planning is rarely an impulse purchase, users can save their settings and revisit at a later time.

Although each site's look and feel is unique, they all include common tools to make exploring each site more efficient for users. All of the sites feature simple navigation to videos, current ski conditions and live Web cams. The site architectures were designed to be built on a common platform to greatly increase efficiency in maintaining and updating the sites and eliminate redundancies in vendor contracts for data feeds.

"All of the Vail Resorts sites demonstrate how research and search insights inform creative and technology to drive experiences that are useful, usable and desirable and help build truly connected brands," said Stephen Thompson, executive vice president/executive creative director, iCrossing. "By listening to your audience and understanding how they think, speak, seek, and behave, you can create online experiences that connect on a more personal level."

"Different skiers want different adventures," said Matthew Windt, senior manager, online marketing & E-Commerce, Vail Resorts. "Our goal with each site is to match travelers to their ideal getaway with a fun, interactive online experience."

About iCrossing

iCrossing is a global digital marketing agency that combines talent and technology to help world-class brands find and connect with their customers. The company blends best-in-class digital marketing services — including paid search, search engine optimization, Web development, social media, mobile, research and analytics — to create integrated digital marketing programs that engage consumers and drive ROI. iCrossing's client base includes such recognized brands as Epson America, Toyota, Travelocity and 40 Fortune 500 companies, including The Coca-Cola Company and Office Depot. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, the company has 550 employees in 12 offices in the U.S. and Europe.

About Vail Resorts

Vail Resorts, Inc. 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, Wyo. The Company's subsidiary RockResorts, a luxury resort hotel company, manages 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 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.

SOURCE iCrossing

RELATED LINKS
http://www.icrossing.com

Results of a national study conducted among Super Bowl viewers last night revealed that the Budweiser Bull ad was selected as the number one ad of Super Bowl XLIV. To view the winning Super Bowl ads go to: www.mediacurves.com

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20071204/NYTU133LOGO )

The study was conducted by HCD Research using its mediacurves.com web site, during February 7-8, among thousands of Americans over the age of 18. To view the rankings and results for all of this year's Super Bowl ads, go to www.mediacurves.com.

In addition to the winning ad of Super Bowl XLIV, HCD Research announced the winning ads in the following categories:

Ad Testing Methodology

During the game, the Super Bowl ads will be inserted into an on-line survey and sent to thousands of study participants.  Participants will answer questions regarding their perceptions of the ads using various parameters, including breakthrough, emotion, memorability and involvement. They will also utilize an on-line dial testing system to indicate their levels of interest as they watch the ads. 

The interest levels will be analyzed in the form of curves to determine which commercials had the highest sustained levels of interest. The curves will be used as part of a metric to calculate and rank the advertisements. The metric will also include a measurement for emotions and an index for "word of mouth" impact of the ads.

HCD Research is a communications research company headquartered in Flemington, NJ.  The company's services include traditional and web-based marketing and communications research.  For additional information on HCD Research, access the company's web site at www.hcdi.net or call HCD Research at 908-788-9393.  

SOURCE HCD Research, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.mediacurves.com
http://www.hcdi.net

Doritos tortilla chips – the bold, intense snack brand within PepsiCo's Frito-Lay division – today announced that its consumer-created Doritos commercial, "Underdog," which aired for the first time nationally during yesterday's Super Bowl XLIV broadcast, placed second in USA TODAY's annual consumer-ranked Super Bowl Ad Meter.  This is the fourth year in a row a consumer-created Doritos ad has ranked in the top five and the first time Doritos aired four ads during the Super Bowl.  Now, Doritos is paying the talented creator a $600,000 prize for proving that when given the opportunity, amateurs truly can compete with the pros.  

Nationwide consumer votes put "Casket," "House Rules," "Snack Attack Samurai" and "Underdog" in the Super Bowl spotlight, from six finalist ads in the fourth annual Doritos "Crash the Super Bowl" program.

For taking the No. 2 spot, Joshua Svoboda, creator of "Underdog" will receive $600,000.

"What a testament of power to the people," said Rudy Wilson, vice president, marketing, Frito-Lay.  "Doritos fans have shown us that they have the passion and creativity to compete with seasoned professionals in any industry, and they literally just gave Madison Avenue a run for its money, so we're giving them the payout they deserve. We knew Joshua had it in him and we are so proud and thrilled to hand over $600,000 to help him set off to pursue his dreams."

Last year, two unemployed brothers from Batesville, Indiana received $1 million from the Doritos brand for trumping the Madison Avenue-made commercials and ranking number one in the USA TODAY Ad Meter with their homemade Doritos commercial that they created for less than $2,000.  It was a bold move that changed the brothers' lives forever and kick-started their now-thriving careers in film and television.

Always passionate about filmmaking, 24-year-old Svoboda knew it was his time to shine when he heard about Doritos "Crash the Super Bowl." A native of Raleigh, NC, Svoboda entered the contest for a chance to take one of the top three Ad Meter spots and turn his childhood dreams into reality.  Over the course of three days and working with a shoestring budget of $200, Joshua cast a friend's untrained dog as the star of his commercial. The spot takes place in a park in which "man's best friend" turns the tables on an obnoxious snacker who refuses to share his Doritos chips.  

This year, all six Crash the Super Bowl finalists received $25,000 and a trip to the Super Bowl.  Grand prizes were based on how each of the winning Doritos ads ranked on the USA TODAY Ad Meter:

• $1 million awarded for an ad that scores number one on the Ad Meter
• $600,000 awarded for an ad that scores number two on the Ad Meter
• $400,000 awarded for an ad that scores number three on the Ad Meter

If consumer-created Doritos ads swept all top-three rankings of the USA TODAY Ad Meter, an additional $1 million bonus was promised to each top-three placer for a total prize giveaway of $5 million.

The USA TODAY Super Bowl Ad Meter tracks the second-by-second responses of a panel of viewers to ads during the national broadcast of the Super Bowl and ranks them favorite to least favorite.  Created in 1989, USA TODAY's Ad Meter has been regarded as the most influential Super Bowl ad rating in the advertising industry.

Crash the Super Bowl is one of many ways the Doritos brand continues to turn control over to consumers.  The brand's commitment to fan-empowerment began with the Doritos "Crash the Super Bowl" program, which started in 2007 and has turned the brand's Super Bowl advertising over to its fans every year.  In addition, the brand has put consumers in control through a variety of other exciting opportunities, including the Doritos "X-13D Flavor Experiment," where consumers had a chance to name a new mysterious flavor of chips; "THE QUEST," which engaged fans in a multi-faceted online and real-world adventure of challenges; and "Doritos Late Night," which provided Doritos fans ground-breaking virtual musical performances by blink-182 and Big Boi through the power of augmented reality technology where fans could enjoy and control the performances in the palm of their hand.  

Frito-Lay North America is the $12 billion convenient foods business unit of PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP), which is headquartered in Purchase, NY.  In addition to Frito-Lay, PepsiCo business units include Pepsi-Cola, Quaker Foods, Gatorade and Tropicana. Learn more about Frito-Lay at the corporate Web site, www.fritolay.com, the Snack Chat blog, http://www.snacks.com/ and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/fritolay.

PepsiCo offers the world's largest portfolio of billion-dollar food and beverage brands, including 18 different product lines that each generate more than $1 billion in annual retail sales.  Our main businesses – Frito-Lay, Quaker, Pepsi-Cola, Tropicana and Gatorade – also make hundreds of other nourishing, tasty foods and drinks that bring joy to our consumers in over 200 countries.  With more than $43 billion in 2008 revenues, PepsiCo employs 198,000 people who are united by our unique commitment to sustainable growth, called Performance with Purpose.  By dedicating ourselves to offering a broad array of choices for healthy, convenient and fun nourishment, reducing our environmental impact, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace culture, PepsiCo balances strong financial returns with giving back to our communities worldwide.  For more information, please visit www.pepsico.com.

SOURCE Frito-Lay North America

RELATED LINKS
http://www.fritolay.com

Kris Freeman is back in the hunt for an Olympic medal in Vancouver after being named today to the U.S. ski team following a disappointing finish at the 2006 Games in Torino, Italy.  Freeman, who is expected to compete in up to five events at the 2010 Games in February, suffers from type 1 diabetes, a form of the disease where the body does not produce insulin needed to regulate blood sugar.  Freeman is sponsored by Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly), which makes the insulin that he depends on as a life-saving treatment.

Freeman is expected to compete for a medal in as many as five Olympic events spanning the breadth of the Vancouver Games, including the 15 km freestyle, the individual sprint, the 30 km pursuit, the team sprint, and the 50 km mass start classic.  Bill Koch won a silver medal in cross-country skiing in the 1976 Innsbruck Games in Austria, the only American to have medaled in the sport.

A key marker on Freeman's comeback trail is how he is now treated for type 1 diabetes.  To compete in the 2010 Games, Freeman will wear a small device, called an insulin pump, which provides an adjustable supply of insulin to help manage his diabetes even while racing.  

Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2000 at age 19, Freeman was told he would never be able to compete as an Olympian because of his diabetes.

"I'm motivated to win for my country and myself, but to also prove to detractors that it's possible to compete against the world's best cross-country skiers, even with type 1 diabetes," said Freeman.

Freeman's return to elite competition is even more anticipated after he contracted the flu during the 2006 Games and underwent surgery in both legs last spring to alleviate debilitating pain caused by a rare muscle disorder called compartment syndrome.

Off the snow, Freeman focuses on diabetes education. He travels for sponsor Eli Lilly and Company to children's diabetes camps across the U.S. to speak to campers about their disease. To date, he has met with more than 3,000 youngsters nationwide.

"I have a blast meeting the campers, but more importantly, I want them to see that a person with diabetes can do almost anything he or she puts his mind to, including competing in the Olympics," said Freeman.

In competition, Freeman is a 13-time U.S. National cross-country champion and recently had his best finish at the 2009 World Championships and the best U.S. finish in any cross-country event in more than two decades. He came in fourth in November's World Cup 15 km classic in Kuusamo, Finland.

At the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City, Freeman placed 22nd in the 15 km classic and 14th in the 30 km pursuit. He also logged the sixth fastest time overall in the 4 x 10 km team relay, helping the U.S. team secure fifth place — the best Olympic finish for the U.S. cross-country team in history. In 2003, Freeman finished sixth and fifth in two consecutive World Cups, and finished 22nd in the 15 km classic at the 2006 Winter Games in Torino, Italy.

For more information about Freeman's work with Lilly, please visit www.lillydiabetes.com. For the full 2010 U.S. Olympic cross-country event schedule visit www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-cross-country-skiing.

About Lilly Diabetes

For more than 85 years, Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) has been a worldwide leader in pioneering industry-leading solutions to support people living with and treating diabetes. Lilly introduced the world's first commercial insulin in 1923, and remains at the forefront of medical and delivery device innovation to manage diabetes. Lilly is also committed to providing solutions beyond therapy -- practical tools, education and support programs to help overcome barriers to success along the diabetes journey. At Lilly, the journey of each person living with or treating diabetes inspires ours. For more information, visit www.lillydiabetes.com.

About Eli Lilly and Company

Eli Lilly and Company, a leading innovation-driven company, is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers -- through medicines and information -- for some of the world's most urgent medical needs. Information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com.

SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company

RELATED LINKS
http://www.lillydiabetes.com
http://www.lilly.com

Not everyone participating in this year's Super Bowl is a football player. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have fielded their best players to help prepare for a safe and secure Super Bowl XLIV.  These pros include ATF K-9 explosives detection teams that have been deployed to Miami from around the country.  The K-9 teams are working side-by-side with other federal, state and local law-enforcement officers to keep the football teams and fans safe throughout this event.

"The K-9 teams that are here in Miami for the Super Bowl are the best of the best," said Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Miami Field Division.  "Like the football teams that will be playing in the Super Bowl, these handlers and their K-9 partners have been training and preparing all year for this event," Barrera further stated.  "We are proud to say that the only thing the fans have to worry about is whether their team wins or loses."  

One of the K-9 teams working in Miami is ATF Canine Handler Sergeant Kirk Markham and his black Labrador retriever, "Mokey."  Sergeant Markham and ATF K-9 Mokey have been partners for six years and are detailed to Miami from the Fulton County Sheriff's Office.  This is their fourth trip to the Super Bowl.  Sergeant Markham and Mokey routinely work together in criminal investigations and at high profile security events where their expertise is needed detecting the presence of explosives, firearms and ammunition.  Word has circulated in the law enforcement community about how adept Mokey is at detecting shell casings, weapons, and other evidence.  Many investigators from other agencies in Fulton County regularly request the assistance of Mokey and Sgt. Markham at major crime scenes.  They were called to assist at this year's Super Bowl to help locate any type of explosive, which may be in close proximity to the Sun Life Stadium or any other venues relating to the big game.  

ATF has used its explosives detecting canines at other special events including the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, the Presidential Inauguration, the G-8, the World Series, NASCAR, the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics and of course, the Super Bowls.  

ATF's program, which began in 1986, uses only Labrador retrievers.  The dogs are supplied by the Guiding Eyes for the Blind, the Guide Dog Foundation, and Canine Companions for Independence.  These specialty canines attend a 10-week training program with their handlers that are conducted at the ATF Canine Training Center in Front Royal, Va.  Upon completion of this course, the canines are trained to detect a variety of explosive compounds and materials that could be used in an explosive device.  The canines can also detect firearms and ammunition and are used in the more traditional protective search and sweep operations.  Once the canine and the handler complete the ATF basic training course, they begin their field work and continue to train on a daily basis.  

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

RELATED LINKS
http://www.atf.gov

So how is New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees celebrating his heroic play in Super Bowl XLIV?  In the frenzied moments just after his team claimed the National Football League championship Sunday night in South Florida, he stood in front of a TV camera and shouted five words that have become an almost iconic reaction to milestone achievements: "I'm going to Disney World!"

Brees's pronouncement, part of the production for one of TV's most enduring and celebrated commercials, was captured after the Saints' 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts – a game during which he earned the MVP honor, completing a Super Bowl record-tying 32 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns.  He was 16-for-17 in the second half, twice leading the Saints from behind.  It added up to be a catalyst for the Saints' first Super Bowl celebration in team history.

On Monday (Feb. 8), Brees was to go to the place where millions of vacationers celebrate their personal milestone moments – Walt Disney World Resort.  He was to be joined in the Magic Kingdom by NFL Youth Football players, who will participate with the Saints star in a Super Bowl celebration parade down Main Street, U.S.A.

This latest commercial is the 42nd of a series that began in 1987 following Super Bowl XXI.  The first "I'm going to Disney World" commercial, featuring New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms, was regarded as a groundbreaking concept – a produced national commercial involving a current event, airing on major networks within hours of its conclusion.  Brees joins a lineup of people from sports and beyond who have celebrated milestone accomplishments in "I'm going to Disney World" commercials.

SOURCE Walt Disney Parks and Resorts

"Support Tebow's Super Bowl Ad," the Facebook campaign launched by Americans United for Life Action in partnership with LifeNews.com, now boasts more than 200,000 people and is growing every second. This effort was started to demonstrate support for Focus on the Family's Super Bowl commercial featuring college football superstar Tim Tebow and his family.  

"The attempt by the National Organization for Women and NARAL Pro-Choice America to prevent Tebow's commercial from airing tomorrow is out of step with mainstream Americans," said Dr. Charmaine Yoest, President of Americans United for Life Action, "200,000 of whom took the time to join us on Facebook to show their support."

Click here to interact with this Facebook campaign: http://www.facebook.com/TebowSuperBowlAd

Source: Americans United for Life Action is the activist arm of Americans United for Life, the first national pro-life organization.

SOURCE Americans United for Life Action

Not everyone participating in this year's Super Bowl is a football player. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have fielded their best players to help prepare for a safe and secure Super Bowl XLIV.  These pros include ATF K-9 explosives detection teams that have been deployed to Miami from around the country.  The K-9 teams are working side-by-side with other federal, state and local law-enforcement officers to keep the football teams and fans safe throughout this event.

"The K-9 teams that are here in Miami for the Super Bowl are the best of the best," said Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Miami Field Division.  "Like the football teams that will be playing in the Super Bowl, these handlers and their K-9 partners have been training and preparing all year for this event,"  Barrera further stated.  "We are proud to say that the only thing the fans have to worry about is whether their team wins or loses."  

One of the teams working in Miami is ATF Special Agent Canine Handler Doug Lambert and his partner, "Ostermann", a four-year-old black Labrador retriever.  SACH Lambert and K-9 Ostermann are based in Denver, Colorado and will assist at this year's Super Bowl to help locate any type of explosive, which may be in close proximity to the stadium or any other venue relating to the big game.  Their 'routine' work will include criminal investigations and other events where their expertise is needed, detecting the presence of explosives, firearms and ammunition.

ATF has used its explosives detecting canines at other special events including the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, the Presidential Inauguration, the G-8, the World Series, NASCAR, the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics and of course, the Super Bowls.  

ATF's program, which began in 1986, uses only Labrador retrievers.  The dogs are supplied by the Guiding Eyes for the Blind, the Guide Dog Foundation, and Canine Companions for Independence.  These specialty canines attend a 10-week training program with their handlers that are conducted at the ATF Canine Training Center in Front Royal, Va.  Upon completion of this course, the canines are trained to detect a variety of explosive compounds and materials that could be used in an explosive device.  The canines can also detect firearms and ammunition and are used in the more traditional protective search and sweep operations.  Once the canine and the handler complete the ATF basic training course, they begin their field work and continue to train on a daily basis.  

Contact: Carlos Baixauli                                                                                          

Office: (305) 597-4800                                                                                                    

Cell:     (305) 423-5183                                                                                  

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

RELATED LINKS
http://www.atf.gov

Not everyone participating in this year's Super Bowl is a football player. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have fielded their best players to help prepare for a safe and secure Super Bowl XLIV.  These pros include ATF K-9 explosives detection teams that have been deployed to Miami from around the country.  The K-9 teams are working side-by-side with other federal, state and local law-enforcement officers to keep the football teams and fans safe throughout this event.

"The K-9 teams that are here in Miami for the Super Bowl are the best of the best," said Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Miami Field Division.  "Like the football teams that will be playing in the Super Bowl, these handlers and their K-9 partners have been training and preparing all year for this event,"  Barrera further stated.  "We are proud to say that the only thing the fans have to worry about is whether their team wins or loses."  

One of the K-9 teams working in Miami is ATF Special Agent Canine Handler Rich Clabeaux and his partner "Archie", a 7 year old black Labrador retriever.  SACH Clabeaux and Archie are based in Falls Church, Va.  They routinely work together in criminal investigations and at high profile security events where their expertise is needed detecting the presence of explosives, firearms and ammunition.  They were called to assist at this year's Super Bowl to help locate any type of explosive, which may be in close proximity to the Sun Life Stadium or any other venues relating to the big game.

ATF has used its explosives detecting canines at other special events including the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, the Presidential Inauguration, the G-8, the World Series, NASCAR, the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics and of course, the Super Bowls.  

ATF's program, which began in 1986, uses only Labrador Retrievers.  The dogs are supplied by the Guiding Eyes for the Blind, the Guide Dog Foundation, and Canine Companions for Independence.  These specialty canines attend a 10-week training program with their handlers that are conducted at the ATF Canine Training Center in Front Royal, Va.  Upon completion of this course, the canines are trained to detect a variety of explosive compounds and materials that could be used in an explosive device.  The canines can also detect firearms and ammunition and are used in the more traditional protective search and sweep operations.  Once the canine and the handler complete the ATF basic training course, they begin their field work and continue to train on a daily basis.  

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

RELATED LINKS
http://www.atf.gov

Not everyone participating in this year's Super Bowl is a football player. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have fielded their best players to help prepare for a safe and secure Super Bowl XLIV.  These pros include ATF K-9 explosives detection teams that have been deployed to Miami from around the country.  The K-9 teams are working side-by-side with other federal, state and local law-enforcement officers to keep the football teams and fans safe throughout this event.

"The K-9 teams that are here in Miami for the Super Bowl are the best of the best," said Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Miami Field Division.  "Like the football teams that will be playing in the Super Bowl, these handlers and their K-9 partners have been training and preparing all year for this event,"  Barrera further stated.  "We are proud to say that the only thing the fans have to worry about is whether their team wins or loses."

One of the K-9 teams working in Miami is ATF Special Agent Canine Handler Karen Findlay and her black Labrador retriever, "Peggy".  Karen Findlay, an ATF special agent of 23 years and K-9 partner, Peggy, are detailed to Miami from ATF's Nashville Field Division.  They routinely work together in criminal investigations and at high profile security events where their expertise is needed detecting the presence of explosives, firearms and ammunition.  They were called to assist at this year's Super Bowl to help locate any type of explosive, which may be in close proximity to the Sun Life Stadium or any other venues relating to the big game.

ATF has used its explosives detecting canines at other special events including the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, the Presidential Inauguration, the G-8, the World Series, NASCAR, the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics and of course, the Super Bowls.

ATF's program, which began in 1986, uses only Labrador retrievers.  The dogs are supplied by the Guiding Eyes for the Blind, the Guide Dog Foundation, and Canine Companions for Independence.  These specialty canines attend a 10-week training program with their handlers that are conducted at the ATF Canine Training Center in Front Royal, Va.  Upon completion of this course, the canines are trained to detect a variety of explosive compounds and materials that could be used in an explosive device.  The canines can also detect firearms and ammunition and are used in the more traditional protective search and sweep operations.  Once the canine and the handler complete the ATF basic training course, they begin their field work and continue to train on a daily basis.

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

RELATED LINKS
http://www.atf.gov

Not everyone participating in this year's Super Bowl is a football player. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have fielded their best players to help prepare for a safe and secure Super Bowl XLIV.  These pros include ATF K-9 explosives detection teams that have been deployed to Miami from around the country.  The K-9 teams are working side-by-side with other federal, state and local law-enforcement officers to keep the football teams and fans safe throughout this event.

"The K-9 teams that are here in Miami for the Super Bowl are the best of the best," said Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Miami Field Division.  "Like the football teams that will be playing in the Super Bowl, these handlers and their K-9 partners have been training and preparing all year for this event,"  Barrera further stated.  "We are proud to say that the only thing the fans have to worry about is whether their team wins or loses."  

One of the K-9 teams working in Miami is ATF Special Agent Canine Handler Rich Clabeaux and his partner "Archie", a 7 year old black Labrador retriever.  SACH Clabeaux and Archie are based in Falls Church, Va.  They routinely work together in criminal investigations and at high profile security events where their expertise is needed detecting the presence of explosives, firearms and ammunition.  They were called to assist at this year's Super Bowl to help locate any type of explosive, which may be in close proximity to the Sun Life Stadium or any other venues relating to the big game.

ATF has used its explosives detecting canines at other special events including the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, the Presidential Inauguration, the G-8, the World Series, NASCAR, the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics and of course, the Super Bowls.  

ATF's program, which began in 1986, uses only Labrador Retrievers.  The dogs are supplied by the Guiding Eyes for the Blind, the Guide Dog Foundation, and Canine Companions for Independence.  These specialty canines attend a 10-week training program with their handlers that are conducted at the ATF Canine Training Center in Front Royal, Va.  Upon completion of this course, the canines are trained to detect a variety of explosive compounds and materials that could be used in an explosive device.  The canines can also detect firearms and ammunition and are used in the more traditional protective search and sweep operations.  Once the canine and the handler complete the ATF basic training course, they begin their field work and continue to train on a daily basis.  

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

RELATED LINKS
http://www.atf.gov

Hanon McKendry and Mindscape at Hanon McKendry invite Super Bowl ad fans and armchair critics to vote for their favorite Super Bowl commercials during the big game on Sun., Feb. 7 at www.superadbowl.com.  The game kicks off at 6:25 EST, and voting begins at the end of the first quarter.

As votes are cast, results will be immediately tabulated and posted so visitors to www.superadbowl.com will be able to see how their picks compare to those of Super Bowl ad fans around the world.

"Super Bowl advertising is big entertainment, and everyone wants to voice their opinion," said Bill McKendry, founder and chief creative officer at Hanon McKendry.  "We wanted to give average viewers a place to weigh in, in real time, on the ads they think hit the mark."

The Hanon McKendry-Mindscape at Hanon McKendry Super Bowl advertising poll, conducted annually by Harris Interactive, consistently shows that the ads are a significant draw on game day. This year's poll results, released on January 26, show that over 57 percent of U.S. adults who plan to tune in to Super Bowl XLIV will do so as much or more for the commercials as for the game.  Of those who watch the commercials, 35 percent say they're more likely to visit an advertiser's website after seeing a Super Bowl ad, and a full 48 percent of online U.S. adults who watch the ads say they are at least somewhat likely to discuss them on a social networking site.

"As more and more Super Bowl advertisers maximize interactive opportunities, viewers are getting in the game and watching with their laptops by their sides," observed Pete Brand, co-founder of Mindscape at Hanon McKendry, Hanon McKendry's interactive division.  "Superadbowl.com gives those interactive viewers a place to go, immediately, and be part of the action."

Visitors to www.superadbowl.com will be able to cast their votes for one favorite commercial from each quarter.  Voting will open at the end of the first quarter and will remain open through February 9.

The Firms

Hanon McKendry is a national brand consulting and advertising firm that excels at helping clients shift perceptions beyond what their brands offer to what their brands mean.  Nearly 80 percent of the firm's annual revenues are derived from major initiatives to launch, relaunch or restage brands. Hanon McKendry has worked extensively with high-profile corporate clients including Rayovac Batteries, Rubbermaid Home Products, Wilsonart and Zondervan (a division of Harper/Collins Publishing).  The firm has also earned national recognition for its cause and issue-based campaigns and brand development for clients such as the Alliance Defense Fund, Salvation Army, National Arbor Day Foundation, World Vision, Young Life, Focus on the Family and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum.  Hanon McKendry is a Gravity Six Alliance partner.             www.hanon-mckendry.com / www.gravitysix.com

Mindscape at Hanon McKendry is Hanon McKendry's interactive division.  A web success company, Mindscape creates powerful, user-friendly websites and web marketing programs on the proprietary WEBTRAIN platform to provide consistent investment return for over 500 clients.  Mindscape understands the critical components of effective marketing strategies, web design, app development and social media, also providing marketing services that help companies understand target consumers and their shopping behaviors.  With award-winning service, state-of-the-industry technology, and reliable, measurable results, the firm and its platform enjoy a remarkable 99 percent client retention rate.  www.mindscape-hm.com.

SOURCE Hanon McKendry

RELATED LINKS
http://www.hanon-mckendry.com

HealthSport, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: HSPO), the preeminent formulator and developer of edible, multi-layer film strips that deliver drug and dietary supplement actives through buccal and sublingual absorption as well as oral ingestion, announced today that the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property has approved HealthSport's patent application relating to its bi-layer edible film strip technology.  

The patent issuance opens the door for sales and distribution into Mexico, and is expected to accelerate HealthSport's move into the international marketplace.  The Mexican market for OTC drugs is larger than that of China and is a natural next step into international sales and distribution of HealthSport's products.  

The issuance of the Mexican patent also strengthens HealthSports's commitment to develop products based on it's next-generation drug delivery technology.

"We have long recognized the unique value that our film strip technology can provide to consumers through a number of different products, and the recently issued Mexican patent reinforces this belief, further demonstrating the proprietary nature of our technology," stated Kevin Taheri, CEO of HealthSport.  

HealthSport currently has seven additional patent applications pending in the U.S. and several other countries.

About HealthSport, Inc.

HealthSport, Inc. (www.healthsportinc.com) is a fully integrated developer, manufacturer and marketer of unique and proprietary branded and private label edible film strip nutritional supplement and over-the-counter drug products.  HealthSport's wholly-owned subsidiary, InnoZen, Inc. (www.innozen.com), is the preeminent formulator, developer and manufacturer of edible film strips that deliver drug or dietary supplement actives through buccal (between the cheek and gum) absorption as well as normal ingestion. InnoZen's proprietary edible film strip delivery technology is superior to any other competitive, edible film strips currently available on the market.  InnoZen has five patents pending and has developed numerous trade secrets which it incorporates in the development and manufacturing process of its edible film strip products.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company's SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

SOURCE HealthSport, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.healthsportinc.com
http://www.innozen.com

Atlanta teen golf prodigy, Mariah Stackhouse, can now say sometimes dreams do come true.  The 15-year-old golf phenom was surprised today by her favorite golfer, top LPGA player, Christina Kim, who showed up at her North Clayton High School to personally invite her to compete in the first-ever Mojo 6 (www.themojo6.com), a unique golf tournament being held in Jamaica, April 15-16, 2010.  Stackhouse, believed to be the youngest player ever to win the Georgia Women's Amateur Championship in its 80-year history, will compete against the world's leading female golfers, including Christina Kim, Suzann Pettersen and Paula Creamer.

Stackhouse, who has been playing golf since she was two, has already been compared by many familiar with the game as being the "next Tiger Woods."  Stackhouse also was the 2007 Atlanta Junior Golf Grand Champion and won the 2007 Georgia State Golf Association (GSGA) Girls Championship; and two years ago, scored a 65 in a Southeastern Junior Tour event.  

"I'm thrilled to surprise Mariah with the invitation to compete against the world's best female golfers at The Mojo 6," said Christina Kim.  "The Mojo 6 is poised to start a new era in golf.  It was already exciting to participate because of the new format being unveiled.  Now, with the addition of Mariah, it'll truly be a special event.  She's already quite a golfing talent, and is a fantastic representative of the future of women's golf.  I'm sure she has a long career ahead of her, and I can't wait to see her in action at The Mojo 6."

Creators of The Mojo 6, Joy Stephenson & Olympic champion Ed Moses offered Stackhouse one of the tournaments highly coveted sixteen (16) spots, stating "When we launched Mojo last year, we wanted it to be about more than creating compelling content, we wanted to create a platform to inspire people to reach for their dreams, and help others do the same.  Inviting Mariah to join The Mojo 6 is certainly part of that mission, and we can't wait to see her play Raceway Golf."  

Stackhouse and 15 top LPGA golfers will be the first to play Raceway Golf ™ airing on CBS on May 1st and 2nd.  Raceway Golf is a new, innovative golf format introduced by Mojo designed to draw out the competitive personalities of LPGA pros through intense showdowns. At The Mojo 6 this spring, the participants will battle Raceway Golf style as they try to knock each other out of the running for the $1 million purse. (*note: Ms. Stackhouse's winnings, as an amateur, will be donated to charity).  

"It's an honor for Mariah to be invited to compete against some of the world's top female golfers," said Ken Stackhouse, Ms. Stackhouse's father and primary coach.  "When the Mojo team contacted us with this idea, the hardest part was not to tell Mariah before the surprise!  We just always tell her to do the best she can, and we're looking forward to going to Jamaica this spring to give Mariah the opportunity to play with the sport's best athletes."

Played over two days, this LPGA sanctioned tournament pits 16 players against each other to battle out a series of six-hole matches to crown a winner. "Mojo is working closely with the government of Jamaica, through its Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture, and Ministry of Tourism, as well as with the LPGA, to make Raceway Golf  exciting for the golfing world as well as those who may not have watched golf in the past," noted Mojo co-founder and president, Joy Stephenson.

Mojo will package The Mojo 6 in Jamaica for broadcast with additional original content that is not typically aired in conjunction with a professional sporting event.  Additional coverage is set to include in-depth interviews with players highlighting what it takes to be among the world's best female athletes, performances by some of Jamaica's and the Caribbean's best-known entertainers, and exclusive "behind the scenes" footage of what it takes to stage an international golf event.  

As with all Mojo Marketing & Media properties, The Mojo 6 in Jamaica, and all future The Mojo 6 tournaments, will include activities designed to increase awareness about the importance of charitable giving.  Since no two markets are identical, this element of each The Mojo 6 tournament will reflect the unique character, needs and opportunities for charity involvement of its host market.  

Additional footage and information about The Mojo 6 is available at www.themojo6.com including  a roundtable discussion about the event featuring Paula Creamer, Christina Kim and Suzann Pettersen.

About Mojo Marketing & Media

Mojo Marketing & Media is the first and only entertainment company whose mission is to encourage people to fully develop their personal social conscience, take action and get involved in making a positive difference in the lives of others. Mojo is deliberately structured as a for-profit company and is managed to maximize profitability to enhance its ability to help others.  Mojo derives its operating revenues entirely independent of any funds donated to the charitable causes it showcases and 100 percent of the funds donated to a charity go to that charity.  Based in Burbank, CA, Mojo is committed to sustainably managing its operations to protect the environment.  To learn more about Mojo Marketing & Media or any of its projects, visit www.mojomarketingandmedia.com or www.themojo6.com.

About the Ladies Professional Golf Association

The LPGA was founded in 1950 and today boasts a membership comprised of world-class LPGA Tour professionals and more than 1,300 dedicated Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP).  Players on the LPGA Tour, who represent more than 25 countries, compete globally showcasing the very best of women's professional golf.  LPGA T&CP members directly impact the growth of the game though teaching, coaching and management positions, and oversee programs aimed at increasing the involvement of women, girls and youth in golf.  The LPGA's Vision is to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the best golf professionals in the world.  Its Mission is to be a leader in the world of sports, to promote economic empowerment for all members, and to serve as role models on and off the course.  The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla.  For more information on the LPGA, log on to www.LPGA.com.

SOURCE Mojo Marketing & Media

RELATED LINKS
http://www.themojo6.com/
http://www.LPGA.com

Vail Resorts has launched a new web site LindseyisEpic.com which gives ski racing fans an in-depth, behind-the-scenes account of Lindsey Vonn, the world's fastest female skier and Vail, Colorado's hometown hero. Having just clinched the World Cup title in the Super-G event with a resounding victory in St. Moritz last weekend, Vonn currently leads the women's World Cup overall standings.

LindseyisEpic.com provides the most detailed background and insider's view of Vonn's endeavors this ski season including more than 20 webisodes and interviews with Vonn chronicling her successful ski career and season to date on the World Cup circuit. The weekly webisodes give fans an insightful perspective on Vonn's dedication and drive to becoming a World Champion from preparing and training for World Cup events in her hometown Vail to pre-season ski fitness sessions in the gym and World Cup race footage as well other unique surprises about Lindsey, including being an owner of three cows and a goat. This week's webisode, for example, highlights the extremely close friendship between Vonn and fellow World Cup skier, Maria Riesch from Germany who is currently in second place in World Cup overall standings. There's even a one-hour interactive show on the site, "Epic Kids: Live with Lindsey!", in which Vonn takes questions from kids in a live audience as well as those from around the world submitted via video on You Tube and posted on Facebook.

LindseyisEpic.com also features recent news, Vonn's biography, upcoming races as well as additional anecdotal interviews about Vonn's favorite spots in Vail, her experience on The Tonight Show and her famous banana bread recipe. New webisodes will be added every week through March, and the site will continue to be updated throughout the ski season with race results and other interesting trivia and information about this amazing winter athlete. Visitors are encouraged to leave Lindsey a message on the site to wish her luck this season and can follow Vonn up-to-the-minute via Twitter feeds, @LindseyIsEpic and @lindseyvonn, as well as on Facebook.

"LindseyisEpic.com truly gives ski fans across the world an exclusive vantage point of Lindsey's epic quest this ski season and I encourage everyone visit the site, bookmark it and show their support for America's most successful female skier," said Rob Katz, chairman and chief executive officer of Vail Resorts. "LindseyisEpic.com does an amazing job illustrating Vonn's achievements as well as her passion for skiing which personifies the ideals of Vail Resorts. We could not be prouder to support our hometown hero and be by her side on her road to Vancouver."  

Vail Mountain has supported Vonn throughout her career and Vonn represents all of the Company's five world-class resorts–Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly and the Epic Season Pass. 

At just 25, Vonn's career thus far can only be described as "epic". Named "America's Best Woman Skier Ever" on the February 8, 2010 cover of Sports Illustrated Magazine, Vonn is truly unique in being one of only a handful of racers who compete in five disciplines: Downhill, Super G, Giant Slalom, Slalom and Super Combined. Vonn is the only American woman to have won two World Cup Overall titles, which she achieved consecutively in the 2008 and 2009 winter seasons. She has made the World Cup podium 60 times, the most of any U.S. female, including 31 victories. In the 2009 winter season, she achieved a record nine World Cup wins in a single season (and already has done the same so far this season). She holds the World Cup Overall and Downhill titles (2008 and 2009), the World Cup Super G title (2009 and 2010) and four World Championships medals: Gold in Downhill and Super G (2009) and silver in Downhill and Super G (2007).

Vonn competed in both the 2002 and 2006 Olympic Winter Games. At the 2006 Winter Games in Torino, Italy, she overcame a horrendous crash in a training run prior to the Downhill event, but went on to compete while injured, finishing in eighth place in the Downhill and seventh in the Super G. Vonn's courageous performance earned her the U.S. Olympic Committee's "Olympic Spirit" award.

While she was born in Burnsville, Minn. in 1984, Vonn considers Vail her "hometown" as she and her family commuted to Vail for training for several years before finally moving there permanently in the late 90s to further her racing career. Lindsey spent her formative years on Vail Mountain, honing her racing skills in all alpine disciplines with the Ski & Snowboard Club of Vail, then went on to achieve success in major U.S. and international events such as the Junior Olympics, Junior Worlds, NorAms and Europa Cup before entering the International Ski Federation (FIS) World Cup circuit.

When she's not rigorously training or garnering medals, Vonn makes a beeline for Vail's legendary Back Bowls to free ski and in the off season enjoys playing tennis (she is an enthusiastic fan of Roger Federer) and cycling. She and former teammate/Olympian Thomas Vonn married in September 2007. When they're not traveling on the road, the Vonns will be making their home at the Arrabelle at Vail Square, A RockResort in Vail, Colo.

About Vail Resorts

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 of 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, Wyo. 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 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.

SOURCE Vail Resorts, Inc.

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

The Florida Chapter of the Club Manager's Association of America today announced they have raised $425,000 in Haiti relief aid under their We Care Program. Approximately eighty-five percent of the funds will directly benefit over 600 South Florida Haitian country club employees and their families who have been adversely affected by the earthquake. The remaining funds will be allocated to a yet to be determined national organization assisting Haiti.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091110/SACCLOGO)

Craig Martin, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager, St. Andrews Country Club in Boca Raton, coordinated efforts of the participating forty-one members in the Florida Chapter and encouraged them to reach out to their country club membership and employees for donations to each clubs' internal Haiti Relief We Care account as well as the national CMAA Club Foundation.  As part of the We Care Program, Haitian employees of participating clubs requesting help can use the We Care funds donated to their club for medical care, water and food, shelter and travel expenses to quickly provide financial support and resources to their loved ones back in Haiti to help them get back on their feet and rebuild their lives.

Kevin Carroll, President-elect of the CMAA and Chief Operating Officer and General Manager, Loxahatchee Club, stated, "The Florida Chapter of the CMAA came together to provide financial assistance to our Haitian employees so they can help their families find secure, safe housing and medical assistance.  This chapter is also ensuring these Haitian employees receive emotional support to help them cope with the recent natural disaster that changed their lives forever." Carroll went on to add, "We continue to be proud of the ongoing efforts of our CMAA members as they work together to give back to the community."

Larry Savvides, General Manager and Chief Operating Officer, Woodfield Country Club, and Michael Gibson, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager, Old Marsh Country Club, coordinated a bounty of food, water and medical supplies which were picked up daily at each club for one week courtesy of Cheney Brothers, C-B-I. All material goods south of Okeechobee Blvd. were donated to Food for the Poor in Boca Raton and to Palm Beach County Haiti Relief, Inc., the agency founded by Riviera Beach Mayor Thomas Masters.

If you would like to contribute to the CMAA Club Foundation Haiti Relief Aid, please send checks to: The Club Foundation, Haiti Relief Aid, P.O. Box 1919, Merrifield, VA 22116-1919.

About the Club Managers Association of America

The Club Managers Association of America is the professional Association for managers of membership clubs. CMAA has close to 7,000 members across all classifications. Manager members run more than 3,000 country, golf, city, athletic, faculty, yacht, town and military clubs. The objectives of the Association are to promote and advance friendly relations among persons connected with the management of clubs and other associations of similar character; to encourage the education and advancement of members; and to assist club officers and members, through their managers, to secure the utmost in efficient and successful operations.

About St. Andrews Country Club:

St. Andrews Country Club of Boca Raton, a resident-only Platinum Club of America, is internationally recognized for magnificent estate residences, superior amenities, two 18-hole championship golf courses, including an Arnold Palmer Signature Design, 15 lighted Har-Tru tennis courts, a state-of-art spa and fitness center and a 125,000 square foot Clubhouse in the center of it all. The Clubhouse provides unequalled culinary delights, a year-round social calendar and offers spectacular views of the lakes, fountains, fairways and manicured greens. St. Andrews has played host to numerous PGA golf exhibitions led by touring pros such as Phil Mickelson, Arnold Palmer, John Daly and Rocco Mediate, and is the home course to LPGA Touring Professional Morgan Pressel. For more information on St. Andrews, please visit www.standrewscc.com.

SOURCE St. Andrews Country Club

RELATED LINKS
http://www.standrewscc.com

Gray Television, Inc. ("Gray," "we" or "us") ( GTN) assists the University of Kentucky men's basketball team make a slam dunk in its effort to help victims of January's devastating earthquake in Haiti.  The effort even scored a high-five for the team from President Barack Obama.

With the help of four Gray Television stations and less than 48 hours to plan and execute it, the basketball team raised more than a million dollars during the "Hoops for Haiti" fundraising telethon on January 17.  Produced and aired by Gray's WKYT-TV in Lexington, Ky., the telethon also aired on three additional Gray television stations: WYMT-TV in Hazard, Ky.; WBKO-TV in Bowling Green, Ky.; and WSAZ-TV in Huntington, W.V.

"The people and the fans of Kentucky, this state of Kentucky and the people all over this nation called in," UK head coach John Calipari said on the telethon. "I don't know what to say. It's emotional. We just spent a day and all you people did it. I just want to thank you. Thank you, Kentucky."

During the four-and-a-half hour telethon, Coach Calipari and WKYT-TV's on-air staff talked with other University of Kentucky coaches, current and former players, local and national celebrities, the collegiate coaching community, and local and national business leaders.  With current Kentucky basketball players answering phones, callers donated more than $501,000. With matching funds and auctions, the "Hoops for Haiti" effort raised more than $1,300,000.

Celebrities like actress Ashley Judd, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and country star Taylor Swift participated by volunteering to auction various items on eBay. The bid for a dinner for six at Coach Calipari's home with Judd – an avid Wildcat fan -- went for $98,100.

"This is not about me or my team or the university," Calipari said. "This is everybody. The people answering phones, the people from WKYT-TV who offered their time, all you guys. It's just a great, great thing."

To express his admiration and thanks for the "Hoops for Haiti" telethon, President Obama personally called Coach Calipari and the Kentucky basketball team on January 26. "I just want to let you guys know that I am very, very proud of what you guys did," the President told the team.  "It shows a lot of character, and I hope that carries over."

Gray Television, Inc.

Gray Television, Inc. is a television broadcast company headquartered in Atlanta, GA.  We currently operate 36 television stations serving 30 markets.  Each of the stations are affiliated with either CBS (17 stations), NBC (10 stations), ABC (8 stations) or FOX (1 station).  In addition, we currently operate 39 digital second channels including 1 ABC, 4 Fox, 7 CW, 18 MyNetworkTV, 2 Universal Sports Network affiliates and 7 local news/weather channels in certain of our existing markets.  

Web site:  www.gray.tv

SOURCE Gray Television, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.gray.tv

With the Big Game approaching, many football fans across the country are preparing for viewing parties, and the non-stop eating that comes with them. But favorite football foods like pizza, wings and nachos can trigger heartburn, which can end the evening long before the last touchdown. Even those who take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), sometimes also called acid reducers, a class of drugs that treat frequent heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can experience what is known as "breakthrough heartburn." "Dr. Gourmet," Timothy S. Harlan, M.D., a board-certified Internist and gourmet chef, shares his secrets for putting a healthy twist on the typical big game fare and for keeping heartburn at bay.

"More than 60 million American adults suffer from heartburn and acid reflux, which can interfere with enjoying the foods they love," says Dr. Harlan. "What's worse, most patients who take a PPI to treat frequent heartburn still experience symptoms, and many are confused over how to treat it."

According to a recent survey commissioned by GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, more than one in four (27%) adults who suffer from heartburn has taken a PPI to treat their heartburn. Among them, 81% report experiencing breakthrough heartburn.  While 86% of PPI patients who report experiencing breakthrough heartburn are taking steps to treat it, they are trying many options, including: taking an over-the-counter antacid such as TUMS (45%); avoiding certain foods (35%); eating smaller meals (17%); and even taking an extra dose of their PPI (7%).  For consumers using acid reducers, including PPIs and H2s, TUMS® is a safe and effective means of relieving breakthrough heartburn.

"The good news for PPI patients is that there are easy things they can do to relieve heartburn and still indulge in tailgating or snacking in front of the TV during the year's biggest game," says Dr. Harlan.

Dr. Harlan offers the following tips for avoiding heartburn during the big game:

• Limit heartburn causing foods. Acidic, fried and fatty foods that are among the most popular items served at football parties can trigger heartburn. Alcoholic, caffeinated and carbonated beverages can also cause indigestion.

• Substitute favorite foods with healthier versions. Instead of Buffalo wings, try ginger chicken satay with peanut sauce, which has 50% less calories and four times less fat. For other party favorites like artichoke and spinach dip, substitute ingredients like mayonnaise with reduced fat cream cheese and low fat mozzarella.  

• Slow down. Eating too fast can also trigger heartburn, so take your time and pace yourself.

• Don't overdo it. Just because it's the biggest game of the year does not give you license to overindulge. Savor a few bites of your favorite game time snacks instead of downing the whole buffet.

• Be prepared. Have TUMS on hand in case heartburn strikes. As the number one antacid America relies on, TUMS is the first line of defense against heartburn, providing fast relief with the added benefit of calcium. Nothing is faster for heartburn relief.

For more information on heartburn, visit www.TUMS.com, and for more information about eating healthy, visit www.drgourmet.com.

Survey Methodology

The TUMS Breakthrough Heartburn Survey was conducted online by Harris Interactive on behalf of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare from January 8-12 and 19-21, 2010, among 527 and 716 adults, respectively, who have taken a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) to treat heartburn.  This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

About Timothy S. Harlan, aka "Dr. Gourmet"

Motivated by what Dr. Harlan saw as a lack of knowledge in the medical field about healthy eating, Dr. Harlan has built a unique career combining his two passions of medicine and healthy eating. As a practicing, board-certified Internist, a former restaurant owner and chef, Dr. Harlan has always been passionate about food, and while still in medical school noticed a lack of knowledge in the medical field about eating healthy and eating well. Neither patients nor health care providers understood much about a healthful diet. He is the author of It's Hearty Fare, a food manual for patients with cardiovascular disease, and Hand on Heart, a collection of healthy recipes. Dr. Harlan has been an on-air consultant to the TV Food Network show Cooking Thin, and is also a host on the DIY network show, AskDIY, with segments airing on the DIY network as well as in syndication. In 2002, The Dr. Gourmet Show, which aired on regional public television, won an Emmy® award.

About GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare

GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare is one of the world's largest over-the-counter consumer healthcare products companies. Its more than 30 well-known brands include the leading smoking cessation products, Nicorette® and NicoDerm®, as well as many medicine cabinet staples, alli®, Aquafresh®, Sensodyne®, and TUMS®, which are trademarks owned by and/or licensed to GlaxoSmithKline Group of Companies.

About GlaxoSmithKline

GlaxoSmithKline – one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.

SOURCE GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare

RELATED LINKS
http://www.tums.com
http://www.drgourmet.com