With the close of the Winter Games, competitors across the country are now gearing up for a new kind of Games.  The ultimate bragging rights are about to be bestowed upon a select few individuals who prove they have what it takes to be an ultimate challenger. Jose Cuervo, the world's best-selling tequila, today announced the launch of CuervoGames, the brand's largest experiential marketing campaign in more than a decade. Through CuervoGames, the brand will take over cities nationwide and give local residents a chance to compete in a set of physical challenges, with each local winning team heading to Las Vegas for the national finals.  

CuervoGames, through a series of live, interactive experiences, is designed to challenge adults of legal drinking age who think they have the clout to carve their own story into Cuervo history. Each of these trials—the Waterfall Climb, the Agave Air Walk, the Tumbler, the Barrel Roll and cocktail mix-off — will highlight the brand's rich Mexican heritage.  

"With Vancouver now behind us, athletes around the country are refocusing their attention from the Winter Games to CuervoGames," said Julia Mancuso, three-time U.S. Olympic medalist skier.  While I finish my ski season, adults across the country now have the opportunity to be part of Cuervo history."

"Jose Cuervo is an iconic brand built on more than two centuries of tequila-making," said Ami-Lynn Bakshi, Vice President, Tequila Marketing, Diageo. "We're excited to invite consumers to not only be a part of our story, but to create their own. CuervoGames is the ultimate opportunity to battle for their place in Cuervo history—it will gauge their guts, their wits and their skills."

The inaugural CuervoGames will kick off in Tempe, AZ on April 3 and travel to 20 cities in all throughout 2010 including: Dallas, San Diego, Denver, Minneapolis and Chicago, culminating in an epic finale in Las Vegas. In select markets, participants will also have the opportunity to compete against a 'Cuervo Contender,' a well-known local celebrity or former professional athlete who will form his or her own team with local residents.

To participate in the CuervoGames, teams of four can register immediately on Facebook (www.facebook.com/cuervo) and increase their chances of selection by gathering votes from friends. The three teams on Facebook that have accumulated the highest number of votes will progress to the regional finals. Teams may also register as walk-ons throughout the day of the event at the CuervoGames location. All team members must be present to register and only the first 20 teams will be eligible. Walk-on teams will participate in a preliminary round with the top-scoring team progressing to the regional finals that evening.

CuervoGames will live on-line on the Facebook page as well as Jose Cuervo's website (www.josecuervo.com). Each city's finals event will be streamed live on Justin.TV, where hundreds of thousands of viewers will be able to interact with the on-site crowd through innovative technologies.

Whether enjoying the spirit or offerings of Jose Cuervo please remember to do so responsibly.

About Jose Cuervo

Jose Cuervo is the largest producer of tequila throughout Mexico and around the world. The Jose Cuervo portfolio of tequilas includes Jose Cuervo Especial Gold, the number one tequila worldwide, Jose Cuervo Especial Silver, Jose Cuervo Black Medallion, Jose Cuervo Tradicional, Jose Cuervo Platino, Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia, Jose Cuervo Golden Margaritas, Authentic Jose Cuervo Margaritas and Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix. For more information, visit www.josecuervo.com.

About DIAGEO

Jose Cuervo Tequilas are imported and marketed in the United States by Diageo North America, a subsidiary of Diageo plc. Diageo (Dee-AH-Gee-O) is the world's leading premium drinks business with an outstanding collection of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, wines and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Smirnoff, J&B, Baileys, Cuervo, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Beaulieu Vineyard and Sterling Vineyards wines. Diageo is a global company, trading in more than 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE). For more information about Diageo, its people, brands and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com. For our global resource that promotes responsible drinking through the sharing of best practice tools, information and initiatives, visit DRINKiQ.com.

When enjoying its products, Diageo reminds its adult consumers to drink responsibly.  As the world's largest spirits, wine and beer company, Diageo is committed to social responsibility and the responsible marketing of its brands.  The Diageo Marketing Code is one of the most stringent in the industry.  Diageo is a founding member and major supporter of The Century Council, a not-for-profit organization whose programs are designed to combat drunk driving and underage drinking.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere, responsibly.

    
    
    Media Contacts:
    
    Elizabeth Balduino                   Greg Leonard
    Taylor                               Diageo
    212-714-5726                         646-223-2111
    ebalduino@taylorpr.com               greg.leonard@diageo.com

SOURCE Diageo

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The Chinese Patent Office granted a new patent for the innovative Totobobo mask. Considering the increasing difficulties in acquiring a Chinese patent, this comes as a major achievement. The potential sale of Totobobo masks will greatly increase now that the Chinese market has opened to this innovative product.

Sharon Li, Dream Lab One's managing director, believes that "the new patent, along with the rest of our IP portfolio, opens up new opportunity for licensing business."

This development comes as no surprise, though, given the exceptional performance of the Totobobo mask that has so far won the trust of customers from 35 countries, from the United States to Mexico to Mongolia, as far north as Russia and as far south as New Zealand.

Demand for the Totobobo mask is believed to be very high among China's health-conscious and rapidly expending middle class. Despite great efforts to clear the air, air pollution remains a serious challenge. The recent sandstorm swept across 16 provinces in China is a stern wake-up call. Experts warn air pollution will remain to be a problem for years to come. According to the World Bank, 16 out of the 20 most polluted cities in the world are in China. Time Magazine reports: "Linfen has the worst air in China" because of the large quantities of coal being burnt daily. Like Linfen, airborne contaminants abound in Chinese cities, renowned for their smog, soot, and overall poor air quality. Before the air is cleaned, many users can benefit from the protection of Totobobo mask, namely:

• cyclists  and motorcyclists
• traffic policeman
• tollgate staff
• students and children
• asthmatics and hay fever patients

The Totobobo mask's creator, Francis Chu, welcomes the recognition: "China is an important manufacturing base as well as the biggest market for respirators. This is an important patent today and will become more important in the future."

This development is good news for Chinese consumers, since the reusable Totobobo mask is both economical and effective for reducing the risk of respiratory disease.

About Totobobo

Totobobo is the world's first customizable respirator mask designed to fit both children and adult. The highly effective mask is exceptionally comfortable. At 20 grams, Totobobo is by far the lightest reusable respiratory mask on the market. Sales have hit 35 countries since the launch in 2008. Totobobo is a product of Dream Lab One Pte. Ltd. The masks are available at http://www.totobobo.com.

Image urls:

http://totobobo.com/images/develotour-1.jpg

http://totobobo.com/images/reusable_mask3.gif

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

SOURCE Dream Lab One Pte. Ltd.

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8000inc has acquired the Time Velocity Group which includes a technology company, advertising agency and design and fashion house in a cash transaction

MANASSAS, VA, March 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - As 8000inc expands and brings businesses with great potential into the group, the next target was to provide a start to finish business solution to manage all facets of the business. That target was the Acquisition of TVGS UK Limited (www.timevelocitygroup.com). TVGS is a multifaceted company that can deliver the solutions 8000inc requires for Brand8000 and the technology demand from the group's subsidiaries. TVGS has worked alongside 8000inc since the very beginning, heading up their brand, design and development of 8000inc's previous acquisitions. The company boasts a full technology team which develops back end solutions for some of the UK's blue chip companies, an advertising division, which manages and whole host of clients advertising budgets for print and online solutions and a design team which developed the 8000inc Brand 8000 and the AAAB clothing collection. TVGS also hosts and manages the UK's Corporate hub website www.corporatehub.co.uk for company formations and ancillary products tapping into the 300,000 companies which require services, such as the registration of a UK company and formation, design packages to suit business start ups, Marketing, PR, accountancy, Virtual office solutions, speed business networking, banking and I.T solutions.

Thomas Kelly, CEO 8000inc, said, "The Acquisition of the Time Velocity Group (TVGS) has been of strategic importance, putting us ahead in the market by bringing a full suite of corporate services to our proposition, and enabling the group to manage its own requirements in-house. As 8000inc continues to grow on a daily basis, TVGS has been aiding us to manage this process and expansion. Thus we felt it was of great importance to bring our supplier in-house. We can now react quicker if we have a product to launch or advertising campaign which needs to be addressed. Our overheads are reduced by having this company as part of the group. But what excites me the most is TVGS's product - Corporate hub and its grip on the 300,000 companies that are formed in the UK alone every year, TVGS works with them from the ground up developing their presence in the marketplace, and becoming their partner as their company grows offering them a full range of company products. This creates its own market and will identify future acquisition targets for the Group. Not only have we just cut our overheads and now have a large constant revenue stream coming into the group, but we also have the process that now identifies the future subsidiaries. Simply, TVGS will feed the 8000inc machine 24/7."

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected on the basis of such forward-looking statements. The words "estimate," "project," "intends," "expects," "believes," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are made based on management's beliefs, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, management pursuant to the "safe-harbour" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For a more complete description of these and other risk factors that may affect the future performance of 8000 Inc. see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB and its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made and the Company undertakes no obligation to disclose any revision to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

SOURCE 8000inc

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Aiming to be the first person ever with Brachial Plexus Palsy to climb Mt. Everest and all of the Seven Summits (the highest mountain on each continent around the world), Paul Fejtek along with his wife Denise are getting closer to realizing their dreams while seeing to it that the dreams of others are fulfilled as well.  What started as a small group of supportive friends and family has turned into much broader participation by many in an initiative known as the Everybody to Everest Challenge.  These individuals are about to set off on an exciting charity trek to the Everest Base Camp in the Himalayas, which will coincide with Paul & Denise's attempt to reach the 29,029 foot summit of the earth's highest peak.  All members of the team have been training for their high-altitude adventure to Nepal at the same time raising funds for the Challenged Athletes Foundation, an organization who provides grants for prosthetic limbs and specialized equipment enabling those with physical disabilities the opportunity to pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. So far, the Everybody to Everest participants have raised over $80,000 towards their ultimate goal of $290,290 ($10 for every foot in elevation to the summit of Mt. Everest).

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100329/LA77564)

"I remember as a child trying to figure out how to tie my shoes or button my shirt with one hand or play sports with all of the other kids - it was a real challenge," Paul recalls. "And now I'm about to attempt climbing the highest mountain in the world with my wife by my side and 23 friends pushing themselves up to Base Camp at 17,500 feet (a significant accomplishment in itself) while everybody is doing something incredibly worthwhile for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. The whole thing is just so exhilarating, surreal, and something for which I am quite proud," says Paul.

Paul lives in Orange County, California where his is a Managing Director of Hunter Wise Financial Group, LLC, http://www.hunterwise.com, a specialized investment bank providing corporate financing, merger, acquisition, divestiture and advisory services.  Paul wholeheartedly believes that courage, creativity, and perseverance are the magical ingredients that can help each and every one of us overcome any adversity standing in the way of our dreams, whatever they may be.

The Challenged Athletes Foundation was founded in 1997 and has raised more than $25 million and has provided in excess of 4,500 grants to deserving athletes including among others, U.S. Paralympians and American soldiers wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.  To learn more about the Everybody to Everest Challenge or to make a donation on behalf of Paul & Denise or one of the team members, please visit: http://www.everybodytoeverest.com.

SOURCE Hunter Wise Securities, LLC

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HDNet will feature exclusive live coverage of "Mark Burnett Presents: King of the Cage - Legacy," LIVE from Reno, Nevada this Friday, March 26 at 10:00 p.m. ET.

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

The broadcast will open with a bang as Quinn Mulhern (9-1) meets Koffi Adzitso (10-4) for the vacant Welterweight title.  Mulhern put himself into title contention with a TKO of UFC veteran Rich Clementi on HDNet last February.  With 16 of their 19 combined wins coming decisively by KO, TKO, or submission, this fight promises to be epic.

In the second title fight of the evening, Tony "Kryptonite" Lopez (18-2) returns to HDNet to defend his Heavyweight title against Tony Johnson.  Lopez is looking to continue his 16-fight winning streak, the second longest active winning streak in the sport.  Tony Johnson is an undefeated heavyweight prospect from American Top Team.  He is a former collegiate wrestler and football player with an amazing combination of power and speed that is rare among heavyweight fighters.  

In the main event of the evening, Heavyweights collide as veteran Mike Kyle (15-7-1), winner of five of his last six fights, meets "Bully Beatdown" star Jon Murphy (5-3). Kyle is looking to establish himself as the number one contender in the Heavyweight division.

The broadcast also marks the MMA broadcast debut of former WWE Diva, Playboy Cover girl, and current "Celebrity Apprentice" contestant Maria Kanellis. She will join "The Voice" Michael Schiavello and Jason "Mayhem" Miller to form what promises to be one of the most dynamic and entertaining broadcast teams in all of sports.

"This broadcast promises to deliver both in and out of the cage," said Andrew Simon, CEO of HDNet Fights. "These fights will not disappoint as HDNet continues to introduce fight fans to the stars of 'King of the Cage' through the storytelling of Mark Burnett. Plus, the addition of Maria Kanellis to our already outstanding broadcast team will make them the best in the sport."

Rounding out the main card is a Heavyweight fight between Nick Gaston (5-2) and Mike Guidry (4-4) and a Middleweight bout between Tim Means (8-2) and veteran Jaime Jara (25-7).  A swing fight in the Lightweight division featuring Dustin Akbari (4-1) versus Jack Montgomery (7-7) will air if time permits.

HDNet's live coverage starts at 10:00 p.m. ET.

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 and Verizon FiOS. 

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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Gilbert Arenas, a 28-year-old member of the NBA's Washington Wizards, was sentenced today in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to an 18-month suspended prison term and placed on two years of probation for a felony charge of Carrying a Pistol Without a License, announced U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen Jr. and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Chief Cathy L. Lanier. Arenas received the sentence this afternoon before Judge Robert Morin, who also ordered that Arenas spend 30 days in a halfway house as a condition of his probation, complete 400 hours of community service, and pay a fine of $5,000. The sentence stems from Arenas' decision to bring four handguns into the Verizon Center in December of 2009 as part of an ongoing dispute with fellow teammate Javaris Crittenton.

According to the information provided to the Court by the United States, the dispute between Arenas and Crittenton stemmed from an argument the teammates had on a plane two days earlier in December 2009. During the argument, Arenas and Crittenton threatened to shoot one another. Although Arenas maintains that the statements he made during this exchange were made in jest, Crittenton and other witnesses took the threats seriously. On December 21, Arenas arrived at the Verizon Center, carried four handguns into the locker room, placed the handguns on Crittenton's chair, and left a note stating "Pick 1." When Crittenton saw the handguns and the note, he responded to this perceived threat by pulling out his own handgun, surprising Arenas, and creating a tense situation in the locker room that caused other members of the Wizards organization to flee the locker room. Eventually, both Arenas and Crittenton put their weapons away.

In the hours and days following this confrontation, Arenas provided conflicting accounts regarding when, how and why he brought the handguns into the Wizards' locker room. Further, he attempted to conceal the fact that he and Crittenton had a confrontation, and went so far as to suggest to Crittenton that Crittenton should deny possessing a handgun in the locker room during the confrontation.

Arenas, who has a prior misdemeanor conviction for violating handgun possession laws in the State of California, pled guilty in this case to a felony charge of Carrying a Pistol Without a License on January 15, 2010.

"The citizens of the District of Columbia and this United States Attorney's Office have made it clear that illegal possession of handguns in our city is not acceptable," said U.S. Attorney Machen. "Put simply, carrying weapons unlawfully in the District of Columbia will not be tolerated and will have consequences. Mr. Arenas is now a convicted felon, which should serve as a reminder that those who illegally possess firearms in the city, no matter who they are, will be held accountable."

In announcing today's sentence, U.S. Attorney Machen and MPD Chief Lanier praised the work of MPD Detectives Robbie Saunders, Timothy Smith, and Joseph Oh, Officer Jeff Janczyk, and Sergeant James Black of MPD's Intelligence Branch. He also acknowledged the efforts of members of his own staff including Investigators Christopher Brophy and Larry Grasso, Paralegal Kalisha Johnson-Clark, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh, who is handling the investigation and prosecution of this matter.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Justice

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NASCAR Nationwide Series drivers are salivating at the thought of winning the BUBBA burger 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Richmond International Raceway on April 30.  America's Premier Short Track and America's favorite, BUBBA burger®, has announced that next month's NASCAR Nationwide Series race will officially be titled the BUBBA burger 250. Additionally, BUBBA burger® is now the Official Burger of Richmond International Raceway and our delicious BUBBA burgers® will be served from a number of branded locations during the race weekend.

The BUBBA burger 250 will be on Friday, April 30 at 7:30pm EDT on ESPN2®.  This will be an old-school, shootout "under the lights," featuring all of the full-time Nationwide Series drivers.  "We're so excited to add BUBBA burger® to the NASCAR Nationwide Series entitlement for our Spring NASCAR Doubleheader Weekend," said track president Doug Fritz. "BUBBA burger® is an outstanding company with—as I can attest—really great products. They are a great addition to our exciting opening weekend at Richmond International Raceway."

"BUBBA burger® is proud to partner with Richmond International Raceway to host the NASCAR Nationwide Series race now known as the BUBBA burger 250 at Richmond International Raceway," said CEO/President of BUBBA burger®, Billy Morris. "The nationally televised BUBBA burger® 250 will help to expand the awareness of what is already the number one-selling branded frozen burger in the United States."

BUBBA burgers® will also be served at branded locations at the Darlington, Daytona, Homestead and Talladega tracks.

BUBBA Foods, LLC features a variety of burgers including: the Original, Reduced Fat, Certified Angus, Sweet Onion, Jalapeno, Minis (BUBBA sliders) and the brand new Turkey BUBBA burger®.  They can be found in your local grocer's freezer section.  Our BUBBA bacon® is also available at your favorite grocer!

Tickets and information are available by logging on to www.rir.com or calling 866-455-RACE(7223).

About BUBBA burger®:

The BUBBA burger® is America's #1 selling branded frozen burger. The BUBBA burger® is made from only 100% USDA Choice Chuck and contains NO trimmings and NO fillers. The BUBBA burger® is designed to be cooked frozen, straight to the grill or skillet.  Remember, Bubba says, "You'll Never Bite A Burger Better Than A Bubba!"

For more information on BUBBA burger® visit our website at www.bubba-burger.com or check out The Official BUBBA burger Fan Page on Facebook®.

SOURCE BUBBA Foods, LLC

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BBVA Compass will be the lead sponsor of "Soccer Aces" in the U.S., which will conduct a casting in Houston of talented soccer players for the first ever international reality show dedicated to the most popular sport in the world. Soccer legends, Zinedine Zidane and Enzo Francescolli, are actively demonstrating their support for the "Soccer Aces" program – encouraging players from around the world to take a shot at the big leagues. The new reality TV program is an initiative that seeks to discover young talented players from around the world who dream of becoming future soccer stars. The show also provides a second chance to older, more experienced players who have not been able to break into the professional arena.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100325/DA77143)

The casting for the show will take place April 10 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm at Houston Baptist University (HBU). Applicants, who are selected on the first day, will participate in a second casting, where a panel of judges will individually review their soccer skills. After this second round, the panel will issue a report on behalf of "Soccer Aces" with the names of the pre-selected players from the U.S. casting. The castings are being promoted through GolTV, the nation's only bilingual channel delivering the most sought-after international soccer coverage, and Terra.com, the leading digital original content producer for the U.S. Hispanic market.

"Soccer Aces" in Spain will then review this report and determine who will be offered the opportunity to travel to Europe for a final casting. Selected final contestants will become members of La Academia – the "Soccer Aces" training program – located in Spain. The winner of La Academia will be awarded the opportunity to try out for a professional European team in The BBVA League in Spain. The reality show will be telecast in the U.S. by GolTV in May.

While attending La Academia, finalists will live and train together as if they were actual members of a professional soccer team. Focused on a player's dedication, effort, and ability to overcome obstacles, this innovative program promotes both soccer values and principles of good sportsmanship. In other words, this is a quest to find new soccer talent who is able to combine quality technical skills with leadership qualities and a spirit for teamwork.

Contestants will be supported by an international, professional staff made up of a coach, psychologists, nutritionists, and trainers from across the world of soccer. This team of professional staff will supervise, monitor and evaluate the performance and development of all players.

To participate, players must be at least 18 years old and register at www.socceracestv.com

ABOUT BBVA COMPASS

BBVA Compass is a Sunbelt-based financial institution that operates 724 branches including 387 in Texas, 92 in Alabama, 65 in California, 77 in Arizona, 45 in Florida, 36 in Colorado and 22 in New Mexico. BBVA Compass is the 15th largest U.S. commercial bank based on deposit market share and ranks among the largest banks in Texas (4th), Alabama (3rd) and Arizona (5th). Additional information concerning BBVA Compass can be found on our website www.bbvacompass.com.

BBVA Compass is a subsidiary of Compass Bancshares, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of BBVA (NYSE: BBVA) (MAD: BBVA). BBVA is a financial services group with more than $785 billion in total assets, 48 million clients, 7,600 branches and approximately 104,000 employees in more than 30 countries. BBVA ranks among the top 20 largest financial institutions in the world based on market capitalization and 20th in Global Finance magazine's list of the "World's 50 Safest Banks" for 2009. BBVA provides its customers around the world with a full range of financial services, including commercial and wholesale banking, retail banking services, consumer loans, mortgages, credit cards, securities brokerage, wealth management, pension plan management and insurance. The BBVA Group maintains a leadership position in Spain, Mexico, Latin America and the Sunbelt Region of the United States as well as operations in China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Editor's Note:

BBVA Compass is a trade name of Compass Bank and a trademark of Compass Bancshares, Inc.

SOURCE BBVA Compass

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Arno Niemand, longtime proponent of women's wrestling, announced today that he will continue to sponsor wrestler Marcie Van Dusen through 2010.  A 2008 Olympian, Ms. Van Dusen will lead a Women's Wrestling Technique Tour around the U.S., making its first stop in Oklahoma City on March 27, during the 2010 Girls Folkstyle National Championship. Mr. Niemand's former company, Body Bar Inc., will support this sponsorship by providing Body Bar products and Body Bar DVDs throughout the year.

"It has been a pleasure working with Ms. Van Dusen, so it was an easy decision to continue the sponsorship," commented Arno Niemand, supporter of women's wrestling and previous owner and chairman of Body Bar Inc.  "We have had success with previous clinics so we added three more locations. Marcie is a professional and enthusiastic spokesperson for the growing women's wrestling industry."

"Arno Niemand and Marcie Van Dusen have been an integral part of the success of the U.S. Women's program," said Terry Steiner, national team coach for the USA Wrestling Women's Wrestling program. "Marcie developed her wrestling skills and mentality through USA Wrestling's development structure, largely because of the efforts and support of Arno and Body Bar Inc. Now Marcie is ready to give back to the youth of women's wrestling by helping educate its youth.  This is a win for all involved."

"Women's wrestling is growing and these young women now have opportunities to be trained and mentored by women who have walked in their shoes," commented Ms. Van Dusen. "I'm honored to be a part of this movement and grateful to Mr. Niemand for his continued support of women's wrestling."

About Arno Niemand

Mr. Niemand is a graduate of Cornell and was later inducted into the Cornell Hall of Distinguished Wrestling Alumni. He went on to earn his MBA in 1958 from the Darden School of Business, University of Virginia. Mr. Niemand has continued to support wrestling, and in 2008 received the FILA Gold Star, the highest award given to an individual by the world governing body of wrestling. In 2009, he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

As previous owner and chairman of Body Bar Inc., Niemand has sponsored the USA Wrestling Women's National Team since 2003.

Body Bar products can be purchased online through www.bodybar.com.

SOURCE Arno Niemand

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IRWIN® Tools, a world-class manufacturer and marketer of a broad line of professional hand tools and power tool accessories, today announced it will be the primary sponsor of veteran Top Fuel driver Doug Herbert for 2010 National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) races taking place at zMax Dragway, just outside of Charlotte, NC.

Herbert, a fan and media favorite, will first showcase the famous blue and yellow colors of IRWIN Tools on his "Top Fuel" dragster this weekend during the inaugural NHRA 4-Wide Nationals. He will return to zMax behind the wheel of the 8,000 horsepower IRWIN car during the NHRA Carolina Nationals taking place September 16-19, 2010.

IRWIN Tools has built a reputation for best-in-class products through a relentless dedication to identifying the needs of professional tradesmen on the job. From a strategic marketing and event sponsorship standpoint, the NHRA is very attractive for the IRWIN HANSON® brand of Taps, Dies, and Extractors, which are primarily targeted at automotive technicians and car enthusiasts. Research indicates that an extremely high percentage of NHRA fans are employed in trade professions, and many perform automotive repair and maintenance, both personally and professionally. The high frequency of tool users in the NHRA fan base, combined with IRWIN's passionate focus on honoring the significant contributions of those who use their hands to build and maintain the world around us, make the partnership between IRWIN and the NHRA a natural fit. This will be the first NHRA sponsorship for IRWIN, which has been a mainstay in the world of NASCAR since 2003.

"Our team is really excited to kick off this program with IRWIN Tools," said Herbert, a 10-time winner in the NHRA. "This is IRWIN's first venture into NHRA, so we want to make them proud. IRWIN has a great history of winning in motorsports, so our hope is to continue that tradition. IRWIN's tools are simply the best, and I am proud to be going to zMax Dragway this weekend to fight for the win with the IRWIN colors on our dragster."

Herbert, who qualified third for last year's Carolina Nationals, has raced Top Fuel in the NHRA since 1991, and has been in 27 career final rounds and captured 10 victories. He is also the founder of B.R.A.K.E.S., a non-profit organization he started in honor of his two sons who were killed in a tragic automobile accident in January of 2008. The charity works to educate teenage drivers and their parents about the importance of safe and responsible driving.

The NHRA, which was founded in 1951, is one of the most popular forms of motorsports, reaching millions of fans each year. The 23-event NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series allows fans to get up-close and personal with the drivers and teams, which is something you don't see in other avenues of motorsports.

"The fan access to the drivers and pit crews in the NHRA is very unique, especially in comparison to other professional sports," said Neil Eibeler, president of IRWIN Tools. "We are thrilled to be able to offer this racing experience with driver Doug Herbert to the professional tradesmen who need tools that work as hard as they do, and depend on our tools to stand up on the job. Doug is a wonderful ambassador for the IRWIN brand."

About IRWIN Tools

IRWIN Tools manufactures and distributes a broad line of hand tools and power tool accessories including VISE-GRIP® pliers and wrenches, MARATHON® saw blades, QUICK-GRIP® clamping tools, SPEEDBOR® wood drilling bits, STRAIT-LINE® marking tools, UNIBIT® step drill bits, and HANSON® taps and dies. IRWIN Tools is a part of Newell Rubbermaid's global portfolio of brands. For more information, call 1-800-GO-IRWIN or visit www.irwin.com.

About IRWIN HANSON

IRWIN® HANSON® has been manufacturing High Carbon Steel threading tools for over 100 years, and has long been a trusted brand with a strong professional user base. With the recent introduction of the Performance Threading System™, IRWIN brought one of the only innovations to the tap and die category in the past century. While continuing to provide the high thread quality that professionals expect and trust from the IRWIN HANSON brand, the Performance Threading System includes revolutionary threading tools that are easier to use than ever before, with self-aligning taps and dies, and drive tools that require less tools when threading. For more information, call 1-800-GO-IRWIN or visit www.irwin.com.

SOURCE IRWIN Tools

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Outdoor Channel (Nasdaq: OUTD), America's leader in Outdoor TV, today unveiled its action-packed programming schedule for the second quarter (Q2) of 2010. Covering prominent outdoor themes and featuring the biggest on-air personalities in the outdoor industry, Outdoor Channel leads the popular outdoor genre with world class programming.

This spring, the network unveils a compelling new show and new episodes for three returning hit series, emphasizing Outdoor Channel's commitment to best-in-class content. New on Outdoor Channel's schedule, is The Baja Unlimited, a behind the scenes look at SCORE's famed Baja desert racing series. Returning favorites with new episodes include "Savage Wild," "Step Outside" and "Archer's Choice."

"This season's best-in-class programming schedule speaks to our loyal viewers through original content, authentic adventures and expert talent. We're infusing our lineup with a new show, adding new episodes to our popular returning series and illustrating our commitment to producing the highest quality content in the outdoor segment," said Tom Hornish, COO. "As the preeminent source for hunting, fishing, shooting and adventure entertainment, Outdoor Channel - combined with OutdoorChannel.com - serves as the epicenter of the outdoor lifestyle."

New Series:

The Baja Unlimited – Debuts Monday, March 29th at 7:30 p.m. ET

"The Baja Unlimited " is a new series that gives viewers a behind the scenes look at SCORE's Baja-based races, as fans, support staff and racers come together from all walks of life to be part of the Baja racing experience. The series is sure to satisfy even the most casual adventure-seeking viewers, who will be instantly intrigued by the spectacle of off-road racing in the Baja. Upcoming series include "The Score Off-Road Desert Racing Series", featuring 6 world class events, including the sport's most prestigious race, the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 and "The Tecate SCORE Baja 1000", the granddaddy of all desert races.

Returning Favorites:

Savage Wild – New Season Debuts Saturday, April 3rd at 10 p.m. ET

Armed with only his wits, the most rudimentary tools and devices, and zero armor, predatory master Manny Puig will guide viewers through some of the murkiest waters and most dangerous places on earth. "Savage Wild" is a heart-stopping half hour that will make you think twice before going below the surface. This season viewers will experience incredible new adventures and locations - from the open sea, where Manny interacts with huge mako and blue sharks to other mysterious and dangerous worlds that few would dare trespass. In one adrenaline pumping episode, Manny is bitten by a very large western diamondback rattlesnake and rushed to the emergency room in Texas!

Step Outside – New Season Debuts Sunday, April 4th at 2:30 p.m. ET

These days, the future of outdoor heritage and how to assure the importance and practice of hunting and fishing for the next generation is among the list of hot topics for outdoor enthusiasts. Produced in partnership with the National Shooting Sports Foundation, "Step Outside" is a program that encourages sportsmen and sportswomen to introduce family, friends and special guests to traditional outdoor pursuits. "Step Outside" is co-hosted by Doug Painter and Kelly Gotch.

Archer's Choice – New Season Debuts Sunday, April 4th at 12-noon ET

Go behind the scenes with the longest running hunting couple on TV: Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo. Learn what makes them tick, and see why since the 90's Ralph and Vicki have been branded "America's Favorite Hunting Couple." Viewers get an inside look at the couple's unique relationship and incredible bowhunting adventures. This season, travel with the couple to remote locations as they stalk deer, moose, musk ox, black bear and more!

Outdoor Channel is available to viewers in high definition (HD). Outdoor Channel HD captures the sights, sounds and thrill of the network's popular programming with razor-sharp precision in widescreen format. As the only full-time network in the outdoor genre to offer a dedicated high definition simulcast, Outdoor Channel HD is committed to becoming 100 percent native HD by July 2010.

Outdoor Channel also has a dynamic, genre-leading website. OutdoorChannel.com, which was revamped in January, is the most comprehensive source of online entertainment and information for outdoor enthusiasts. It houses an extensive video library with a state-of-the-art video player; information on individual programs, hosts, and upcoming episodes; an interactive community section that allows users to connect with other fans; and social media functionality -- all just a click away.

For the full Q2 programming schedule, please visit: http://outdoorchannel.com/Schedule.aspx. Check local listings or log on to www.OutdoorChannel.com to find Outdoor Channel in your area.

About Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.

Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. (  OUTD) owns and operates Outdoor Channel, America's leader in outdoor TV, and Winnercomm Inc., an Emmy Award winning production and interactive company. Outdoor Channel offers programming that captures the excitement of hunting, fishing, shooting, off-road motorsports, adventure and the Western lifestyle and can be viewed on multiple platforms including high definition, video-on-demand, as well as on a dynamic broadband website. Winnercomm Inc. is one of America's largest and highest quality producers of live sporting events and sports series for cable and broadcast television. Winnercomm also owns and operates the patented Skycam and CableCam aerial camera systems which provide dramatic overhead camera angles for major sports events, including college and NFL football. For more information please visit www.outdoorchannel.com.

SOURCE Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc.

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US Soccer Corporation dba San Diego Boca FC announced today that the club has entered into a partnership with GetGear.org to collect new and used sports gear for soccer programs serving children in need at home and abroad. 

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100325/LA76882LOGO)

San Diego Boca FC NPSL season begins on Saturday, April 3rd, 2010 at 7pm against Real San Jose (NPSL) and an exhibition match this coming Sunday, March 28th against the Mexican All-Stars at the Helix High Soccer Stadium with a 3:45pm kickoff (www.sdboca.com). Dozens of vendors will be participating, offering the latest in soccer apparel, equipment, and concessions. GetGear.org will be collecting soccer gear donations at the entrance and inside the Stadium from 2pm to 4pm. 

Souheil Jawad, San Diego Boca FC COO stated, "We are very excited to be partnering and working with GetGear.org by providing sporting goods and soccer gear to children in need. We hope every Boca fan will drop off some soccer gear at this Sunday's Exhibition match to help children in need."

For years, when Jacob and Amaya Dennis, now 12 and 10 years old, traveled to exotic destinations with their parents, they connected with the local kids by playing the most popular sport in the world – soccer. So, although they didn't speak the local languages, they were able to make friends with children in Madagascar, Tanzania, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Turkey, Egypt and a host of other countries.

It was the children who first noted to their parents, David and Linda, that their new friends rarely had 'real' sporting equipment. They often played in bare feet and sometimes had to make do with balls crafted out of plastic bags and tape. So, after giving local children their own balls before heading home from vacation, they decided there must be something more they could do. So was born GetGear.org, a non-profit organization founded by the Dennis family in Santa Cruz, California to help level the global playing field.

To date the organization has collected and delivered used gear to children in Guatemala, California, Kenya and Mexico. Recently, a number of important programs in South Africa have requested gear in advance of the 2010 World Cup being held there. Many of the children playing soccer in these organizations have lost parents to AIDS and soccer is helping to keep them off the streets.

GetGear.org President and Co-Founder David Dennis said, "Every program with which we work has a special story and now working with San Diego Boca FC the mission continues. One program in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya,  http://www.mysakenya.org, serves 18,000 kids, but every eight teams shares only one set of uniforms. The players in the league have to perform community service in order to earn additional points in their league standings, so the whole community benefits not just the players. We're not only helping overseas, though. We've recently outfitted a Middle School in Oakland, California and have a delivery on the way to a school in San Diego. No matter the program, the players learn teamwork, communication, perseverance and how to deal with failure. Something as simple as a soccer team with proper gear can make a huge difference in a child's life." 

About GetGear.org

GetGear.org is a non-profit corporation founded by children to level the global playing field by providing sporting goods to children in need.

About San Diego Boca FC

San Diego Boca FC was founded in 2009 to promote and develop professional and youth soccer in the San Diego Community and across the United States. The team was named after the storied soccer club Boca Jrs. out of Argentina founded in 1905, where Diego Maradona played during the beginning of his amazing soccer career. San Diego Boca FC will carry the tradition that Boca Jrs. established by promoting and building its club from a grass roots level, developing the young stars of tomorrow.

San Diego Boca FC is a member of the 34-team National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). For more league information please visit www.npsl.info  

For additional San Diego Boca FC team information, contact San Diego Boca FC and visit www.SDBoca.com or email info@sdboca.com

http://www.twitter.com/sdboca 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Diego-Boca-Soccer/239294928077

SOURCE US Soccer Corp / San Diego Boca FC

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The Ultimate Fighting Championship® and Spike TV, a division of MTVN Entertainment Group, a unit of Viacom ( VIA, VIA.B), have joined forces in a new digital partnership and announced today the launch of UltimateFighter.com.  The ad-supported website will feature every episode, every fight and every fighter from all 10 seasons of "The Ultimate Fighter," which premiered on Spike in January 2005. The launch of UltimateFighter.com marks the first time that complete UFC fights are available on the Web for free in an ad-supported model and it is the first vertical website launched for a Spike TV series.  Both UFC.com and Spike.com will redirect all traffic related to "The Ultimate Fighter" to the new site.

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

"UltimateFighter.com gives fight fans a place to go to for anything and everything about 'The Ultimate Fighter,' the show that opened up our sport to the mainstream and became the proving ground for some of the biggest names in the UFC," said Dana White, UFC president.  

"The TUF website is a brilliant addition to our portfolio of deep, engaging vertical properties within the MTVN Entertainment Group," said Erik Flannigan, executive vice president, digital media, MTVN Entertainment Group. "The UFC and Spike are powerful and collaborative partners on air and we are thrilled to be doing the same across digital platforms.  For millions of fans, UltimateFighter.com unlocks what they have long been searching for on the web: the fights that launched the careers of their favorite fighters."

"The Ultimate Fighter" alumni include Rashad Evans, Forrest Griffin, Matt Serra, Diego Sanchez, Michael Bisping, Nate Diaz, Kenny Florian, Roy Nelson and Kimbo Slice.

UltimateFighter.com unlocks a video-rich experience that UFC fans have been waiting for, with over 1000 clips, full episodes and other video assets from all 10 seasons of "The Ultimate Fighter."  Every knockout, submission and fight finish from the series can be viewed through the site's annotated video player, which houses all 231 complete fights that aired on TUF.  That number includes the full fight cards of all ten season finales.

For the new season, the site will offer an unprecedented amount of original programming from "The Ultimate Fighter 11: Team Liddell vs. Team Ortiz," with in-depth editorial coverage, video exclusives, even fights that didn't make it to air in their entirety.  The site is also the new home of "The Aftermath," the web-only show that breaks down and discusses every episode of the series with the fighters themselves.  "The Aftermath" is hosted by "Ultimate Fighter" season 1 finalist Stephan Bonnar, and Dana White will again be the first guest on the premiere episode which is sponsored by The Marines.

The site also features direct integration with social networks, connecting fans to the real-time discussion going on about the series and the UFC via Twitter, as well as content sharing and community building around "The Ultimate Fighter" on Facebook.

Spike TV is the television home of the UFC, the premier mixed martial organization in the world, featuring such highly rated series as "The Ultimate Fighter," "UFC Primetime," "UFC Fight Night," "UFC Unleashed," "UFC Countdown," "Ultimate Knockouts," among others.

Burger King, the Marines and TapouT are sponsors for the new UltimateFighter.com.  

About The Ultimate Fighting Championship®

The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the world's leading professional mixed martial arts organization and offers the premier series of MMA sports events.  Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, and headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., UFC produces over twelve live pay-per-view events annually that are distributed residentially through North American cable and satellite providers including iNDEMAND Networks, DIRECTV, DISH Network, TVN Entertainment, Shaw Pay-Per-View, Bell ExpressVU, Viewers Choice, SaskTel Max™ and via the Internet worldwide on Yahoo! Sports, and commercially through Joe Hand Promotions in the U.S. and Canadastar in Canada.  In addition to its North American distribution, UFC programming is distributed in over 100 countries and territories throughout the world.  For more information, or current UFC fight news, visit ufc.com or uk.ufc.com or ufcespanol.com.

Ultimate Fighting Championship, Ultimate Fighting, UFC, The Ultimate Fighter®, Submission®, As Real As It Gets®, Zuffa™, The Octagon™ and the eight-sided competition mat and cage design are registered trademarks, trademarks, trade dress or service marks owned exclusively by Zuffa, LLC in the United States and other jurisdictions. All other marks referenced herein may be the property of Zuffa, LLC or other respective owners.

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

SOURCE Spike TV

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NASCAR Nationwide Series drivers are salivating at the thought of winning the BUBBA burger 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Richmond International Raceway on April 30.  America's Premier Short Track and America's favorite, BUBBA burger®, has announced that next month's NASCAR Nationwide Series race will officially be titled the BUBBA burger 250. Additionally, BUBBA burger® is now the Official Burger of Richmond International Raceway and our delicious BUBBA burgers® will be served from a number of branded locations during the race weekend.

The BUBBA burger 250 will be on Friday, April 30 at 7:30pm EDT on ESPN2®.  This will be an old-school, shootout "under the lights," featuring all of the full-time Nationwide Series drivers.  "We're so excited to add BUBBA burger® to the NASCAR Nationwide Series entitlement for our Spring NASCAR Doubleheader Weekend," said track president Doug Fritz. "BUBBA burger® is an outstanding company with—as I can attest—really great products. They are a great addition to our exciting opening weekend at Richmond International Raceway."

"BUBBA burger® is proud to partner with Richmond International Raceway to host the NASCAR Nationwide Series race now known as the BUBBA burger 250 at Richmond International Raceway," said CEO/President of BUBBA burger®, Billy Morris. "The nationally televised BUBBA burger® 250 will help to expand the awareness of what is already the number one-selling branded frozen burger in the United States."

BUBBA burgers® will also be served at branded locations at the Darlington, Daytona, Homestead and Talladega tracks.

BUBBA Foods, LLC features a variety of burgers including: the Original, Reduced Fat, Certified Angus, Sweet Onion, Jalapeno, Minis (BUBBA sliders) and the brand new Turkey BUBBA burger®.  They can be found in your local grocer's freezer section.  Our BUBBA bacon® is also available at your favorite grocer!

Tickets and information are available by logging on to www.rir.com or calling 866-455-RACE(7223).

About BUBBA burger®:

The BUBBA burger® is America's #1 selling branded frozen burger. The BUBBA burger® is made from only 100% USDA Choice Chuck and contains NO trimmings and NO fillers. The BUBBA burger® is designed to be cooked frozen, straight to the grill or skillet.  Remember, Bubba says, "You'll Never Bite A Burger Better Than A Bubba!"

For more information on BUBBA burger® visit our website at www.bubba-burger.com or check out The Official BUBBA burger Fan Page on Facebook®.

SOURCE BUBBA Foods, LLC

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Today the Michigan legislature saddled up and passed a compromise version of the Right to Ride legislation. With concurrence, the measure now gallops to Governor Granholm. SB 578 and HB 4610 are tie-barred legislation to protect public access, use and enjoyment of state owned land in Michigan. The bills received overwhelming bi-partisan support in both the Michigan House of Representatives and State Senate.

"Riders come from all over to enjoy Michigan's scenic trails," Senator Brown said. "This is no time to turn away tourists, or to turn our backs on years of tradition in which people of all ages explore our wondrous public lands on horseback. This legislation will bring much-needed transparency and accountability to trail access decision making."

Together, Senate Bill 578, sponsored by Senator Cameron Brown (R-Fawn River Twp.), and House Bill 4610 sponsored by Representative Tim Moore (R-Farwell), give the equestrians a deserved voice through the Equine Trailways Advisory Sub-committee (ETAS). This new advisor group created within the legislation will work with the new Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) to develop a comprehensive statewide trail network for all recreational trail use, which will increase ridership and tourism spending in Michigan. Representative Moore stated that "Tourism and recreation are a strong part of our local economy and Michigan can't afford to chase that business away.  We should be working to expand these types of opportunities in our state, not limit them."

"As President of the Back Country Horsemen of Michigan (BCHM) - Pigeon River & Beyond chapter, the hard work over the past two years and tremendous bi-partisan support has made me humble and proud to stand alongside my members and team up to pass this legislation," says Dick Kleinhardt. "The loss of trail access in recent years is a travesty for Michigan," added Kleinhardt. BCHM represents 330 members and supports the interests of an estimated 80,000 recreational horseback riders in the state of Michigan.

The legislation lays out a timeline for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to review specific access restrictions by pack and saddle animals previously imposed by the DNR in State Forests. The process begins with a review of the controversial restriction of trail access to riders in the Pigeon River Country State Forest imposed by the DNR in May of 2008.

CONTACT: Dick Kleinhardt, President BCHM, Ph: (989) 424-1172

SOURCE Back Country Horsemen of Michigan

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Texas Governor Rick Perry and Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert will welcome riders to Texas for Wounded Warrior Project's Soldier Ride. Over 30 servicemen and women injured in Iraq and Afghanistan will be biking across the state from March 24 to 27.  

Soldier Ride is a program of Wounded Warrior Project that provides key rehabilitation opportunities for wounded warriors and raises public awareness for those that have been severely injured during the current conflicts. All participants with a disability or missing a limb or limbs are provided the adaptive equipment customized to their individual needs.

"Our mission of honoring and empowering wounded warriors is profoundly assisted when the community gets involved," said Steve Nardizzi, Wounded Warrior Project Executive Director.  "We are honored and grateful that Governor Perry and Mayor Leppert have chosen to honor our warriors and help raise the public's awareness of their needs and accomplishments."

Governor Perry will speak at the Austin kick-off event which will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 25 at the South Steps of the Texas State Capitol.  The celebration will also include comments from a wounded warrior and a performance of patriotic songs by the University of Texas Brass Ensemble.  

"No one knows the challenges facing veterans better than someone who has shared the experience," said Texas Governor Rick Perry. "So I commend the members of Wounded Warrior Project for not just telling our wounded veterans they matter, but showing them with deliberate action. I consider it a privilege to join with communities across Texas in saluting these inspirational riders."

The public will have an opportunity to join the riders in Dallas on Saturday, March 27 for the first registered ride, beginning at 10:00 a.m. from the Dallas VA Medical Center. Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert will address all the riders at 9:45 a.m.  

For more information, visit http://sr.woundedwarriorproject.org/.

About Wounded Warrior Project

The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower wounded warriors.  Its purpose is to raise awareness and to enlist the public's aid for the needs of severely injured service members, to help severely injured men and women aid and assist each other, and to

provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. WWP is a national, apolitical organization headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. To get involved and learn more, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project

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Joseph Abboud®, the celebrated American clothing brand, today announced a three-year partnership with the National Football League's New York Giants to be their nationally recognized official designer apparel partner.  The announcement is an historic "first" not only for both brands but also for their respective industries.  The partnership marks the first time a national professional sports team and a designer apparel company have collaborated on a marketing program of such importance and scale.  The relationship will enhance both brands' national visibility and underscores Joseph Abboud's strategy to reinforce its American heritage and appeal to its core consumers' interest in sports.  Later this year, Joseph Abboud® and the Giants will celebrate their ground-breaking collaboration with a dramatic launch featuring players, legends and coaches at the Giants' soon-to-open New Meadowlands Stadium, which is the largest privately financed stadium in U.S. history.

"Today's announcement marks a significant occasion for us as a global brand," said Marty Staff, President and CEO of JA Apparel Corp., the parent company for Joseph Abboud.  "Joseph Abboud has a long-standing tradition of celebrating America we manufacture all of our suiting in our New Bedford, MA factory.  By joining forces with one of the National Football League's most iconic teams, the New York Giants, this partnership further reinforces our connection to America through the country's beloved pastime of football."

According to Steve Tisch, Chairman and EVP of the New York Giants, "Seldom do you have the opportunity to align two iconic brands in a partnership this unique."

"We are proud to announce this innovative partnership with Joseph Abboud.  We look forward to a great relationship for years to come," continued John K. Mara, President and CEO of the New York Giants.

The Partnership Program will also include the following marketing opportunities at the New York Giants' new stadium:

• Dedicated Joseph Abboud® luxury suite where targeted clients, VIPs and opinion leaders will be entertained for all games and events, and broadcast using social media.
• Pregame Joseph Abboud® branding on all suite-level HD monitors.  
• Access to Giants' database of 160,000+ fans for direct brand communication and exposure.
• Introduction, presentation, and education of Joseph Abboud® apparel to New York Giants Rookies during mini camp.
• Use of Giants' new stadium and facilities for Joseph Abboud® private events, such as  "Made to Measure" activities, hosted for fellow Giants luxury box holders, corporate sponsors, season ticket holders, and Giants' corporate staff and players.

"Joseph Abboud has been strategic in all of its partnerships but one thing remains consistent, we always make sure we are reaching our target audience," Staff continued.  "One thing we know is that the Joseph Abboud customer likes sports.  I cannot think of a better way of achieving this goal than aligning our brand with the New York Giants."

According to Staff, the Giants deal is a natural progression of Joseph Abboud's already significant presence in the world of American professional sports.  Currently, Joseph Abboud® dresses over 30 head coaches in the NFL, including New York Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin, and the same number in the NBA Coaches Association, as well as commentators at Fox Sports, CBS Sports, MLB Network and Showtime's Inside the NFL. On-air personalities Terry Bradshaw, Jimmy Johnson, Michael Strahan, Howie Long, Curt Menafee, Jay Glazer and James Brown all wear Joseph Abboud® apparel, which is produced exclusively in the U.S. at the company's factory in New Bedford, MA. In addition, the brand has a long history of dressing athletes, including Shaun O'Hara, Justin Tuck, Kevin Boss, Ottis Anderson, Allan Houston and John Starks.

About JA Apparel Corp.

The Joseph Abboud Brand embodies sophisticated American style for traditional menswear.  The Joseph Abboud brand instills confidence through tailored collections and unique sportswear that are crafted from the world's finest fabrics and defined by superior fit, exceptional quality and remarkable luxurious style.  Since 2004, the Company has made a successful transition from men's suit designer to global lifestyle brand.  Joseph Abboud can now outfit a man in style throughout his entire life, thanks to lines of clothing for men and boys and a growing collection of casual wear.  In addition, the Company has an expanding universe of products ranging from luggage to footwear to eyewear to home furnishings.  Abboud brand names include Joseph Abboud, JOE Joseph Abboud, Joseph Abboud BOYS, and Joseph Abboud Home.  www.josephabboud.com

About New York Giants

A cornerstone franchise of the National Football League, the New York Football Giants began play in 1925.  With seven championships, including a victory over the 18-0 New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII at the conclusion of the 2007 season, and with more than 600 victories, the Giants are considered one of sports' all-time great franchises.  Headquartered at the TIMEX Performance Center in East Rutherford, N.J., the Giants enter their 86th season of play this fall.  www.giants.com

SOURCE JA Apparel Corp.

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In the next stage of its evolution from sports drink to sports performance innovator, The Gatorade Company, a division of PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP), will launch G Series Pro – a new variant of its recently launched G Series – through a distribution alliance with GNC, the nation's premier specialist retailer of nutritional products for the active consumer.  

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100323/AQ75075A-a)

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100323/AQ75075A-b)

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100323/AQ75075A-c)

G Series Pro was originally developed by The Gatorade Sports Science Institute to meet the needs of professional and aspiring professional athletes.  As the performance pinnacle of the Gatorade sports performance range, G Series Pro until now has only been available in locker rooms and specialized training facilities.  G Series Pro will be available beginning May 1 to a broader segment of elite athletes.  The range will be distributed initially through an exclusive co-marketing and co-distribution collaboration with GNC and its network of nearly 5,500 outlets nationwide.

"Make no mistake, Gatorade is all about the athlete," says Sarah Robb O'Hagan, chief marketing officer of Gatorade.  "Our 2010 product range focuses on the intersection between the insights of pro athletes and the advantages of our peerless scientific approach to product development.  G Series premiered on the Super Bowl sidelines, where we promoted the 'before, during, and after' system of sports performance, and G Series Pro raises the bar even higher.  Up to now, we have kept these products in the locker room, but the compatibility between G Series Pro athletes and GNC customers persuaded us this is a product line of genuine interest to those looking to go pro."

"The Gatorade brand has enormous credibility with GNC's sports nutrition customers, and the G Series Pro line will be a valuable addition to GNC's sport performance product line-up," said Joe Fortunato, chief executive officer, GNC.  "We have the right retail presence and marketing muscle to drive G Series Pro through our nearly 5,500 U.S. stores."

Gatorade is uniquely placed to capitalize on this growth through its distinctive heritage in the category, whole-hearted commitment to understanding the needs of the athlete and ruthless focus on science-based innovation.  

"We recognize different needs of specialized and distinct groups of athletes across the spectrum of the whole category," said Massimo d'Amore, CEO of PepsiCo Americas Beverages.  "G Series Pro is a manifestation of this insight – the elite athlete, with his or her particular nutrient requirements, needs a highly customized product.  G Series Pro is such a product, made available through premium distribution channels such as GNC.  A pioneer and leader in its field, GNC is a company that has been responsible for contributing to the success of major sports nutrition products in the marketplace for more 75 years."

For more information about Gatorade products, please visit www.gatorade.com. 

ABOUT GATORADE

The Gatorade Company, a division of PepsiCo (NYSE: PEP), provides sports performance innovations designed to meet the needs of athletes at all competitive levels and across a broad range of sports. Gatorade Thirst Quencher® is backed by more than 40 years of research and is scientifically formulated and athletically proven to quench thirst, replace fluids and electrolytes, and provide carbohydrate energy to enhance athletic performance. The company's product portfolio is built around the G Series™, a 1-2-3 approach to athlete nutrition and hydration before (Gatorade Prime 01™), during (Gatorade® Perform 02 and G2® Perform 02), and after (Gatorade Recover 03™) training or competition. For more information, please visit www.gatorade.com.

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.

ABOUT GNC

GNC, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., a leading global specialty retailer of nutritional products including vitamin, mineral, herbal and other specialty supplements and sports nutrition, diet and energy products.  As of December 31, 2009, GNC has more than 6,900 locations, of which more than 5,400 retail locations are in the United States (including 909 franchise and 1,869 Rite Aid franchise store-within-a-store locations) and franchise operations in 47 countries. The Company -- which is dedicated to helping consumers Live Well -- also offers products and product information online at www.gnc.com.

SOURCE The Gatorade Company

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- TAG Heuer and Tesla Motors Embark on "Odyssey of Pioneers" World Tour

TAG Heuer today kicked off a celebration if its 150th anniversary at an invitation-only event for more than 600 guests, honoring actor and climate change activist Leonardo DiCaprio for his dedication to saving the environment. DiCaprio has an ongoing partnership with the company that benefits the NRDC and Green Cross International.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:

http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/tagheuer/42906/

The evening - dedicated to the pioneering spirit of innovation - also served as the launch for the Odyssey of Pioneers - a unique travelling roadshow that will showcase TAG Heuer's finest timepieces of past, present and future in 15 cities, between March and October 2010.

As an Olympic flame, the tour will be lead by the new TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster, an exclusive model introduced by electric carmaker Tesla Motors at the Geneva Motor Show in early March 2010. This one-of-a-kind collector's car incorporates the defining TAG Heuer avant-garde design elements, and celebrates the core values of both brands: innovation, precision, prestige and performance.

Starting in Basel, "The Odyssey of Pioneers" will be the first round-the-world tour by a zero-emission GT car: 37,000 km/24,000 miles; six-months; 15 stops; 18 watches on show, one record to be scored.

Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of Tesla Motors, was at the wheel of the new vehicle when it made its grand entry on stage. "The engineers of both brands have worked hand-in-hand, convinced that performance-driven technology - whether on the wrist or on the road - must be part of any sustainable development," Musk said.

The night also served as the premiere of the Grand Carrera Pendulum, a 2010 concept watch that turns an immutable principle of mechanical watchmaking on its head - it is the first movement without a hairspring. Jean-Christophe Babin, president and CEO of TAG Heuer, explained how it works : "In the regulation system, we simply replaced the traditional hairspring with magnetic fields. TAG Heuer invented the oscillating pinion in 1887; the Mikrograph, the first counter that was accurate to a 100th of a second; and the V4, with its belt-driven transmission system. Now, we are introducing another major innovation, and another example of the pioneering spirit that has imbued us for a century and a half."

"Mastering time, this has been our challenge since 1860," said TAG Heuer Honorary Chairman Jack Heuer as he opened the celebration.

In his remarks, Leonardo DiCaprio - wearing the new Carrera 1887 - discussed his pride in being an ambassador for the company : "I am excited to be here to celebrate TAG's 150th birthday," said DiCaprio. "I am proud to be associated with a company that not only has a rich and storied history, but also understand the importance of doing good in the world. Our partnership, which enables people to buy a quality timepiece and help save the planet at the same time, is a model I hope other brands will follow."

At dawn on Friday, April 19, the TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster left Basel to carry out its task of taking 150 years of heritage around the world and write a new page in this wonderful story.

For further information concerning the products, please consult our press corner: http://presscorner.tagheuer.com/

To chart the Odyssey in real time and read about the drivers and events, please visit: http://www.odyssey.tagheuer.com and http://www.teslamotors.com/odyssey

In 2010, TAG Heuer proudly celebrates 150 years of pioneering Swiss watchmaking. Founded in Saint-Imier in 1860 by Edouard Heuer, TAG Heuer has set many major milestones of high-end watchmaking, especially in the field of chronographs and ultimate precision. Today, one of the largest and most desired brands in the luxury watch industry, the Swiss legend draws upon its active engagement in the world of sports to create the most accurate timing instruments and watches in the world. TAG Heuer is the first watchmaker to master luxury chronographs with an unsurpassed precision of 1/10th, 1/100th and 1/1,000th of a second. From the Olympic Games in the 1920s to its role as official timekeeper to within 1/10,000th of a second for the legendary Indy 500, TAG Heuer, in a constant quest for innovation, excellence, performance and prestige, continues to aim ever higher. This is reflected in its quarter-century partnership with F1 team Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, its 7-year partnership with 2008 Formula 1 World Champion, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, and his new teammate , 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button. TAG Heuer, more than ever, epitomizes prestige and performance through active partnerships with Hollywood icon Leonardo DiCaprio and Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, LPGA star Suzann Pettersen and WTA tennis champion Maria Sharapova. TAG Heuer is a privileged member of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH), the most exclusive club in the Swiss watchmaking industry. The newest addition to the TAG Heuer legacy is the Calibre 1887, an in-house, Swiss manufactured, integrated column-wheel chronograph movement that pays tribute to the original Heuer oscillating pinion of 1887, one of the brand's first patents and a major benchmark in modern watchmaking. From March through October 2010, TAG Heuer's revolutionary and ecologically conscious "Odyssey of Pioneers" exhibit, the first-ever round-the-world trip in a 100% electric car designed specifically by Tesla Motors for TAG Heuer, will showcase in Olympic flame fashion the brand's past, present and future collections across 15 key cities of the world.

SOURCE TAG Heuer SA

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Open registration for the 2010 Bank of America Chicago Marathon officially closed today as 45,000 participants have signed up in record time to complete the 26.2-mile race. The capacity was met in 51 days, closing a full month ahead of 2009's record pace. A limited number of entries remain available through affiliated charities and tour groups for the October 10 race.

(Logo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090122/CLTH018LOGO )

"The enthusiasm displayed for this race from runners around the world is one of the primary reasons we are so pleased  to continue leading this 33-year tradition," said Bank of America Chicago and Illinois Market President Tim Maloney. "It is an honor to provide such a unique opportunity for the determined, passionate and driven individuals who register as well as setting a global stage upon which the color and vibrancy of  this great city can be displayed."

More than 85 of the race's affiliated charities have entries remaining for participants still looking for a way into this year's field. By registering through a charity, runners simultaneously become members of a fundraising effort that annually generates $10 million for more than 120 charitable causes. Interested individuals can visit chicagomarathon.com for details regarding late registration options through affiliated charitable organizations.

"This record rate of registration illustrates the growing popularity of the sport and our race in particular based on our 33-year tradition, but we are also hearing excitement for the historic date of 10/10/10 which adds a unique thrill this year," said Executive Race Director Carey Pinkowski. "The demand that remains to get into this race will be a tremendous benefit to our charity partners and has the capacity to break our record of $10 million dollars in total funds raised."

Chicago Marathon hopefuls living outside the U.S. also have the option to secure an entry via a number of tour operators offering travel packages that include registration to the 2010 race. All information regarding these offerings is available at chicagomarathon.com.

A member of the World Marathon Majors, the 2010 Bank of America Chicago Marathon will start and finish in Chicago's Grant Park beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 10, welcoming runners from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. As a result, it generates more than $140 million in economic impact to the city, according to an academic study, and more than $10 million for charities. In advance of the race, a two-day Health & Fitness Expo will be held at McCormick Place on Friday, October 8 and Saturday, October 9. More information on the race, remaining registration options and how to get involved is available at chicagomarathon.com.

www.chicagomarathon.com

SOURCE Bank of America

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With a score of 17-13, Team Lake Nona sealed their second successive victory over Team Isleworth and third overall win in the seventh annual Tavistock Cup.

Lake Nona brought a two-point lead into the final day of the interclub competition between Isleworth Golf & Country Club and Lake Nona Golf & Country Club. Combined with their two-point advantage during Round 1, Team Lake Nona conquered Team Isleworth on their home turf and tied the Tavistock Cup series 3-3-1.

Team Isleworth's Nick O'Hern claimed the low medalist for Day Two posting a score of -7 (65). He took home the Payne Stewart Salver Award and the $300,000 prize. Team Lake Nona's Graeme McDowell was runner-up with a score of (-5) 67.

Team Lake Nona's Retief Goosen claimed the closest to the pin challenge on Hole #2, Team Isleworth's Robert Allenby on Hole #5, Team Isleworth's J.B. Holmes on Hole #11 and Team Lake Nona's Ben Curtis on Hole #15.

Team Lake Nona's lineup included captain Ernie Els, Ben Curtis, Ross Fisher, Retief Goosen, Peter Hanson, Trevor Immelman, Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter, Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson.

Team Isleworth featured captain Mark O'Meara, Robert Allenby, Stuart Appleby, Arjun Atwal, John Cook, Brian Davis, J.B. Holmes, Charles Howell III, Lee Janzen and Nick O'Hern.

Next year's Tavistock Cup will be played at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club March 14 and 15, 2011.  

ABOUT TAVISTOCK GROUP

Tavistock Group is an international private investment company founded by Joe Lewis. The company provides creative capital structured for each investment opportunity and looks to deploy between $25 million to $1 billion behind established businesses which benefit from its capital, flexibility, management expertise and global network of resources.

With investments in 175 companies across 15 countries, Tavistock Group's investment portfolio includes: life sciences (Kalypsys, Ambrx), sports teams (Tottenham Hotspur) and sporting events (Tavistock Cup, Isleworth Collegiate Invitational), manufacturing and distribution (KangaROOS, Gottex), oil, gas and energy (BayCorp, Pampa Energia), financial services, restaurants (Freeb!rds World Burrito, Mitchells & Butlers plc, Zed451), commercial properties (Tamar Capital, Bulgarian Property Development), private luxury residential properties (Isleworth Golf & Country Club, Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, Old Fort Bay), resort properties (Albany, Harmony Cove) and master-planned real estate developments (Lake Nona, New Providence Development Company).

Generally, Tavistock Group invests for the long-term and focuses on improving all aspects of its investments, striving to generate strong returns and achieve excellence in every industry in which it competes.

For more information on Tavistock Group, visit www.tavistock.com.

SOURCE Tavistock Group

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To register for a Press Badge, please e-mail cmerydith@executivesclub.org.

For additional information, please visit The Executives' Club of Chicago's Web site at www.executivesclub.org.

About The Executives' Club of Chicago

The Executives' Club of Chicago (ECC) is a business forum for thought leadership, education and best business practices.  Founded in 1911, the ECC is one of the oldest and most prestigious business organizations in the Midwest.  The Club serves the community by providing information and resources needed to establish effective global partnerships, enhance intellectual exchange, develop future diverse business leaders and promote Chicago as a world class business center.  

SOURCE The Executives' Club of Chicago

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Comcast Hometown Network (CHN) http://comcasthometown.com/, Comcast's regional cable network covering Northern and Central California, today announced that it will televise 40 LIVE minor league baseball games from the California League as part of its Comcast Hometown Sports (CHS) programming.  The games will be available on Channel 104 to all Comcast digital cable customers throughout Northern and Central California.  The telecasts will begin on Monday, April 12th at 7:00 p.m. when the defending California League Champion San Jose Giants host the Visalia Rawhide (see complete schedule below).  All of the Comcast Hometown Network games will originate LIVE from either Banner Island Ballpark (home of the Stockton Ports www.stocktonports.com) or San Jose Municipal Stadium (home of the San Jose Giants http://sjgiants.com/).  

"Comcast Hometown Network is thrilled to double our coverage of California League baseball this year to 40 games," said Jeff Giles, Director of Comcast Hometown Network. "The exciting brand of baseball played by the California League teams is a key ingredient for Comcast Hometown Network as we provide compelling, community-based regional programming to Northern and Central California."

Play-by-play duties for the games originating from Stockton's Banner Island Ballpark will be handled by Stockton Ports radio announcer Zack Bayrouty.  For games originating from San Jose Municipal Stadium, San Jose Giants radio announcer Joe Ritzo will handle play-by-play.  Dan Dibley of sports radio station KNBR 680-AM will provide analysis.  

The LIVE games will be replayed several times on Comcast Hometown Network (Channel 104), and will also be available any time of the day or night via Comcast's popular ON DEMAND platform http://www.fancast.com/ondemand, which is free to Comcast digital customers.  To view California League baseball games ON DEMAND, Comcast Digital Cable customers can tune to Channel 1 on their Digital Cable lineup or press the ON DEMAND button on their remote control, then click on the "Get Local" section, then click on "Local Sports."

The California League is a Class A Advanced minor baseball league which operates throughout the state of California.  Comprised of 10 teams that are affiliated with Major League Baseball teams such as the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland Athletics, the California League is divided into a Northern Division and a Southern Division.  The Southern Division features five teams from the sprawling metropolitan areas of Southern California, and the Northern Division features four teams in California's growing Central Valley as well the San Jose Giants in the Bay Area.

Following is Comcast Hometown Network's tentative 2010 California League baseball telecast schedule:

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

About Comcast Hometown Network

Comcast Hometown Network (CHN) is a regional cable network produced by Comcast and available in the San Francisco Bay Area and Central California on Digital Channel 104.  Available to more than 1.8 million homes in Northern and Central California as a part of Comcast's commitment to the communities that it serves, Comcast Hometown Network is a 24/7 channel that includes original regional programming, Comcast Hometown Sports (CHS), and unique local content that you can't get anywhere else.

About Comcast

Comcast Corporation ( CMCSA, CMCSK) (www.comcast.com) is one of the nation's leading providers of entertainment, information and communication products and services.  With 23.6 million cable customers, 15.9 million high-speed Internet customers, and 7.6 million Comcast Digital Voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of cable systems and in the delivery of programming content.

Comcast's content networks and investments include E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, Golf Channel, VERSUS, G4, PBS KIDS Sprout, TV One, ten sports networks operated by Comcast Sports Group and Comcast Interactive Media, which develops and operates Comcast's Internet businesses, including Comcast.net (www.comcast.net).  Comcast also has a majority ownership in Comcast-Spectacor, whose major holdings include the Philadelphia Flyers NHL hockey team, the Philadelphia 76ers NBA basketball team and two large multipurpose arenas in Philadelphia.

Comcast's California Region, based in Livermore, California, serves more than 2.3 million customers in Northern and Central California.  Comcast employs more than 7,000 local residents across the region.

SOURCE Comcast Hometown Network

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The countdown is over and the excitement begins as home security alarm provider Monitronics arrives in Las Vegas to exhibit at the ISC West security industry tradeshow. There's a buzz around Monitronics' booth because of the arrival of two NFL greats: Deion Sanders on March 24 and Michael Strahan March 25. Each will make an appearance to sign autographs, visit with fans, and Sanders will attend an exclusive VIP reception the 24th.

With these players and a huge, 1,500 square foot, two-story booth at #10064, Monitronics is thinking bigger than life for ISC West. It's all about showcasing their comprehensive dealer program—they have the know-how and expertise to help dealers win big.

"We've got the tools and the training to assist our dealers to be successful and we want to share our plans with ISC attendees," said Steve Baker, Vice President of Sales and Dealer Development.  

The Monitronics Authorized Dealer Program has five exceptional elements that are designed to empower dealers to stake their territory and make the most of their business: stability, flexibility, branding, training, and alliance. During ISC West, Monitronics is focusing on one element in particular: Alliance. With this element, dealers are never in competition with corporate—they can keep or sell their own accounts and Monitronics only works through them to gain accounts. It's something that differentiates Monitronics and sets them apart as an industry thought leader.

For more information about the Monitronics Authorized Dealer Program, stop by booth #10064 at ISC West or visit www.monitronics.net.

ISC West serves the entire security distribution channel while providing a forum for new technologies, innovations, and product solutions. ISC West has been recognized as one of the Fastest 50 growing tradeshows in North America by leading industry publication Tradeshow Week. Sponsored by the Security Industry Association (SIA), ISC West serves over 23,000 security professionals every year.

Founded in 1994, Monitronics International is one of the nation's largest, fastest-growing alarm monitoring companies. Headquartered in Dallas, they provide monitored security system services to more than 700,000 residential customers and commercial clients through their network of nationwide, independent authorized dealers.

At the heart of their operations is the Monitronics central station, which has consistently met or exceeded all UL, National Fire Protection Association, and Central Station Alarm Association standards. With millions invested in their monitoring technology, they can provide reliable, uninterrupted security monitoring service.

For more information, or to schedule an interview with Steve Baker, please call Leah Shafer at 972-243-7443 x3029 or e-mail lshafer@monitronics.com.

SOURCE Monitronics

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Grassroots Environmental Education, a non-profit environmental health organization, today released a report comparing the relative costs of maintaining a typical high school football field using a conventional (chemical) program and a natural (organic) program over a five-year period. The report, prepared for members of the New York State legislature, concludes that the annual cost of maintaining a field using natural products and techniques can be as much as 25% lower than the cost of conventional programs using chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

"It can take a few seasons to undo the damage caused by chemical management programs, revitalize the soil biology and let nature do its work," says the report's principal author, Charles ("Chip") Osborne, a nationally recognized natural turf expert who serves as a consultant to many New York school districts. "But once we get the soil biology working for us, we can see some dramatic and significant cost reductions fairly quickly."

The emerging science that links exposure to turf pesticides with human health problems, including potential interference with normal brain development in children, has increased the demand for non-chemical turf management solutions for schools, and has spurred lawmakers in Albany to consider legislation to ban the use of chemical pesticides on school grounds. One obstacle commonly cited by chemical management proponents is the purported higher cost of a natural turf program.

"The natural turf industry has come a long way in the past few years with a new generation of products and technologies that have reduced costs and improved outcomes," says Doug Wood, Associate Director of Grassroots and the report's co-author. "We felt it was time to put an end to this myth that parents and school officials need to choose between children's health and increased maintenance costs. Now the choice for organics is clear."

Bolstering the cause for proponents of natural turf care, a new environmental survey of schools in suburban Westchester County reveals that 88% of the school systems in the county currently maintain their grounds without pesticides. This year on Long Island, thirty-one school districts joined together in a cooperative bid for natural turf maintenance services.

"We've all known the dangers of pesticides for a long time, but until now, there hasn't been a clear choice for schools facing economic challenges," says Assemblyman Steve Englebright, co-sponsor of the legislation. "Now, thanks to cutting-edge technology and good old-fashioned biology, we can accomplish both goals at the same time. This is great news for schools across the state."

The report includes cost factors for fertilization, aeration, over-seeding and irrigation for both programs. The conventional program includes additional costs for purchasing and applying typical herbicides and insecticides, while the natural program includes costs for compost topdressing and natural soil amendments. Costs for the natural program are slightly higher in the first two years of the comparative report, then drop significantly in years three and beyond.

The complete report is available from the Grassroots web site:

www.grassrootsinfo.org/turfcomparisonreport.pdf

About Grassroots Environmental Education:

Grassroots Environmental Education, founded in 2000, is a registered 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the relationship between environmental exposures and human health risks. More at www.grassrootsinfo.org.

SOURCE Grassroots Environmental Education

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CBSSports.com, in partnership with CBS Sports and the NCAA, today released traffic statistics for NCAA March Madness on Demand (mmod.ncaa.com) for the first day of the first round of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship. In total, there were 3.4 million hours of live streaming video and audio consumed, over 20% growth versus 2009 figures, by 3 million unique visitors to the NCAA March Madness on Demand video players. Both figures represent the largest single day of traffic for a live sport event on the Internet.

Additionally, the NCAA March Madness on Demand "Boss Button" was clicked over 1.7 million times on the first day the first round of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship. The "Boss Button", which was redesigned for the 2010 tournament, hides the live video action on the screen and silences the audio, replacing it with a "business-like" image. The 2010 Boss Button was designed by cartoonist Scott Adams, creator of the Dilbert comic. Click here to view the 2010 Boss Button (http://images.cbssports.com/images/info/ir/2010/2010bossbutton.jpg).

NCAA March Madness on Demand traffic figures through Thursday, March 18

• 3.4 million total hours of live streaming video and audio consumed

• 3 million unique visitors to the NCAA March Madness on Demand video players

• 1.7 million clicks of the "Boss Button" – over 60% of the total clicks of the Boss Button for the entire 2009 tournament. (2.77 million)

• The most watched game from 3/18 was the double-overtime Florida vs. BYU game with 521k hours of streaming video and audio. That's +50% over 2009's most watched game from the first day of the first round (Washington vs. Mississippi State) which had 348k hours of streaming.

• The most watched hour yesterday was 2:00-2:59 p.m. ET with 533k streaming hours (16% of the total for the day). It peaked at 2:45 p.m. with 147k streaming hours between 2:45 and 2:59 p.m. ET.

"NCAA March Madness on Demand continues to regularly exceed our expectations," said Sean McManus, President, CBS News and Sports. "It is the perfect combination of programming and the Internet. Our ability to successfully develop the product alongside steady growth in streaming programming for the Internet and wireless content provides many options and truly maximizes the Network's NCAA bundled rights agreement."

"The continuing evolution of NCAA March Madness on Demand gives our fans even more reasons to stay connected to the tournament on a daily basis," said Greg Shaheen, NCAA senior vice president for basketball and business strategies.  "Tremendous first round games, enhanced features in the MMOD player and solid early traffic numbers all point towards an exciting few weeks to come."

"With a number of thrilling finishes yesterday, there was little doubt we would set another new record as March Madness on Demand provided millions of fans with the ability to follow all the action," said Jason Kint, Senior Vice President and General Manager, CBSSports.com.

As was the case in 2009, CBSSports.com has again provided a standard video player in addition to offering viewers the ability to upgrade to a high-quality video player delivering an enhanced video stream. New for 2010, both NCAA March Madness on Demand video players provide viewers the ability to show statistical overlays on top of live video action, displaying tournament and game leaders in categories such as points, assists, rebounds, and 3-pointers.

In 2010, CBSSports.com has once again distributed NCAA March Madness on Demand across the Internet with its Developer Platform, allowing sites to link directly into the MMOD video player. The network of sites participating in the NCAA March Madness on Demand Developer Platform in 2010 include popular news, entertainment, sports and social media sites such as CNN.com, ESPN.com and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/ncaamarchmadnessondemand); CBS Interactive properties including TV.com, CBS.com, CNET.com and GameSpot.com; as well as other partners across the CBS Audience Network and sites for CBS television and radio stations and affiliates.

NCAA March Madness on Demand is the Emmy award-winning video player that provides live streaming video and audio of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship. MMOD shows live video all 63 games, from the first round of the tournament through the semifinal and final games of the Men's Final Four® making it the only major sporting event that is broadcast live and in its entirety for free on the Internet. In addition to live video, NCAA March Madness on Demand also provides live audio from the Westwood One radio broadcasts of the entire NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship.

In 2010, free access to NCAA March Madness on Demand is made possible by presenting sponsors and NCAA Corporate Champions AT&T, Capital One and Coca-Cola.

• Click here to view an image of the 2010 NCAA March Madness on Demand video player (http://images.cbssports.com/images/info/ir/2010/2010mmodstandard.jpg)

• Click here to view an image of the 2010 NCAA March Madness on Demand high-quality video player (http://images.cbssports.com/images/info/ir/2010/2010mmodhq.jpg)

• Click here to view the official logo for 2010 NCAA March Madness on Demand (http://images.cbssports.com/images/info/ir/2010/2010mmodlogo.jpg)

• Click here to view the Boss Button for 2010 NCAA March Madness on Demand (http://images.cbssports.com/images/info/ir/2010/2010bossbutton.jpg)

Facebook® is a registered trademark of Facebook Inc.

About CBS Interactive

CBS Interactive, a division of CBS Corporation, is the best online content network for information and entertainment.  With 200 million people visiting its properties each month, it is a top 10 Web property globally and a top 5 Web property in the U.S. in terms of unique video viewers.  Its portfolio of leading brands, which include CNET, CBS.com, CBSSports.com, GameSpot, TV.com, BNET, CBS RADIO, and Last.fm, span popular categories such as technology, entertainment, sports, news and business.  

Follow CBS Interactive on Twitter: www.twitter.com/cbsitweets.

More information about CBS and its businesses is available at www.cbscorporation.com.

About the NCAA

The NCAA is a membership-led nonprofit association of colleges and universities committed to supporting academic and athletic opportunities for more than 400,000 student-athletes at more than 1,000 member colleges and universities. Each year, more than 54,000 student-athletes compete in NCAA championships in Divisions I, II and III sports. Visit www.ncaa.org and www.ncaa.com for more details about the Association, its goals and members and corporate partnerships that help support programs for student-athletes.  The NCAA is proud to have the following elite companies as official Corporate Champions-AT&T, Capital One and Coca-Cola-and the following elite companies as official Corporate Partners-Enterprise, The Hartford, Hershey's, LG, Lowe's, Planters, State Farm and UPS.

NCAA, Final Four, and March Madness are trademarks owned or licensed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

SOURCE CBSSports.com

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Pairings Drawn for 2010 Tavistock Cup

ORLANDO, Fla., March 20, 2010 /PRNewswire/ - The Tavistock Cup finalized the pairings for its matches in the unique team competition that returns to Isleworth Golf & Country Club March 22 and 23. The seventh annual Tavistock Cup will feature a formidable contest between the 10 best golf professionals at Isleworth and their counterparts at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club.

Mark O'Meara returns as captain for Team Isleworth and is joined by teammates Robert Allenby, Stuart Appleby, Arjun Atwal, John Cook, Brian Davis, J.B. Holmes, Charles Howell III, Lee Janzen and Nick O'Hern.

Ernie Els once again leads Team Lake Nona, which includes Ben Curtis, Ross Fisher, Retief Goosen, Peter Hanson, Trevor Immelman, Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter, Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson.

Round 1 will be a Fourball Medal Match Play format. Within the fourball, the two-person team with the lowest 18-hole better ball total will win the match. Each win is worth 2 points, a tie is worth 1 point, and a loss is worth 0 points. In total, there will be 10 points awarded for Round 1.

2010 TAVISTOCK CUP DRAW

Day 1 Fourball Medal Match Play

                         LAKE NONA               ISLEWORTH
    Match 1              Ernie Els          vs.  Robert Allenby
                         Trevor Immelman         Stuart Appleby

    Match 2              Ben Curtis         vs.  John Cook
                         Ross Fisher             Mark O'Meara

    Match 3              Peter Hanson       vs.  Arjun Atwal
                         Graeme McDowell         Lee Janzen

    Match 4              Retief Goosen      vs.  Brian Davis
                         Henrik Stenson          Charles Howell III

    Match 5              Ian Poulter        vs.  J.B. Holmes
                         Justin Rose             Nick O'Hern

Round 2 will be a Fourball Singles Medal Match Play format. Each player in the group plays an 18-hole stroke play singles match against each of the opposing two players; therefore, each player plays two singles matches. A win is worth 1 point, a tie is worth a 1/2 point, and a loss is worth 0 points. In total, there will be 20 points awarded for Round 2. As a result, it will take 15 1/2 points to win the Tavistock Cup and be crowned World Golf and Country Club Champion.

    Day 2 Fourball Singles Medal Match Play

                         LAKE NONA               ISLEWORTH
    Match 1              Ernie Els          vs.  Brian Davis
                         Ernie Els          vs.  Nick O'Hern
                         Graeme McDowell    vs.  Brian Davis
                         Graeme McDowell    vs.  Nick O'Hern

    Match 2              Ben Curtis         vs.  Stuart Appleby
                         Ben Curtis         vs.  Mark O'Meara
                         Justin Rose        vs.  Stuart Appleby
                         Justin Rose        vs.  Mark O'Meara

    Match 3              Retief Goosen      vs.  John Cook
                         Retief Goosen      vs.  Charles Howell III
                         Trevor Immelman    vs.  John Cook
                         Trevor Immelman    vs.  Charles Howell III

    Match 4              Ross Fisher        vs.  Arjun Atwal
                         Ross Fisher        vs.  Lee Janzen
                         Peter Hanson       vs.  Arjun Atwal
                         Peter Hanson       vs.  Lee Janzen

    Match 5              Ian Poulter        vs.  Robert Allenby
                         Ian Poulter        vs.  J.B. Holmes
                         Henrik Stenson     vs.  Robert Allenby
                         Henrik Stenson     vs.  J.B. Holmes

The team competition within Tavistock Cup will include exciting hole-in- one prizes, including Audi cars, Air Nautique boats, Audemars Piguet timepieces and Orlando Magic season tickets.

The Tavistock Cup will be televised live on the Golf Channel in the U.S., Canada and Japan and to more than 40 countries around the world through international affiliates. TavistockCup.com will also feature real-time live scoring of the matches.

ABOUT TAVISTOCK GROUP

Tavistock Group is an international private investment company founded by Joe Lewis. The company provides creative capital structured for each investment opportunity and looks to deploy between $25 million to $1 billion behind established businesses which benefit from its capital, flexibility, management expertise and global network of resources. With investments in 175 companies across 15 countries, Tavistock Group's investment portfolio includes: life sciences (Kalypsys, Ambrx), sports teams (Tottenham Hotspur) and sporting events (Tavistock Cup, Isleworth Collegiate Invitational), manufacturing and distribution (KangaROOS, Gottex), oil, gas and energy (BayCorp, Pampa Energia), financial services, restaurants (Freeb!rds World Burrito, Mitchells & Butlers plc, Zed451), commercial properties (Tamar Capital, Bulgarian Property Development), private luxury residential properties (Isleworth Golf & Country Club, Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, Old Fort Bay), resort properties (Albany, Harmony Cove) and master-planned real estate developments (Lake Nona, New Providence Development Company). Generally, Tavistock Group invests for the long-term and focuses on improving all aspects of its investments, striving to generate strong returns and achieve excellence in every industry in which it competes. For more information on Tavistock Group, visit www.tavistock.com.

SOURCE Tavistock Group

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Since first coming off the assembly line 45 years ago, Mustang has always been known for its sheer power and speed.  Now you can add another element to that reputation -- best-in-class fuel economy.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100321/DE74042 )

One year after the Ford Fusion Hybrid, America's most fuel-efficient mid-sized sedan, successfully eclipsed 1,000 miles on a single tank of gas, Ford will put its new 2011 Mustang V-6 on a similar quest as it attempts to run 1,000 laps on a single tank of gas at Bristol Motor Speedway on June 23, and they're inviting consumers to be involved.

A team of Ford engineers and celebrities will attempt to prove Mustang's ranking as the most fuel-efficient pony car to date by circling the half-mile NASCAR bullring at least 1,000 times – more than 500 miles – and highlight the 3.7L V-6 model's best-in-class 31 mpg.

Fans can be involved in the Mustang 1,000-Lap Challenge by entering a national sweepstakes in which they will guess the total number of complete laps that Mustang will complete during the Challenge.  Ford has designed a specific website for fans, who can register their guess at www.Mustang1000LapChallenge.com between March 21 and June 23, 2010.  

The grand prize winner will be randomly selected from all those who correctly guess the number of laps completed during the Challenge and will take home a 2011 Mustang V-6 coupe.

"We all know how much fun it is to drive Mustang, but in today's market it's also about fuel economy," said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports.  "By going 1,000 laps or more on one of NASCAR's most popular tracks, we expect to show that when it comes to Mustang, you can be mean and green."

The Mustang 1,000-Lap Challenge will begin the morning of Wednesday, June 23 with a team of Ford test drivers continuously circling the track billed as "the world's fastest half-mile" until the vehicle runs out of fuel with a goal of surpassing 1,000-lap mark.

"To go at least 1,000 laps at Bristol means we'll be going twice as far as the NASCAR drivers do during their races, and we'll be doing it without a pit stop," said Fritz Wilke, Mustang Brand Manager.

The V-6 Mustang will be no stranger to Bristol by then, having been selected to serve as pace car for this weekend's Food City 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event.

This event is a follow-up to last year's challenge in which Ford NASCAR driver Carl Edwards participated in driving the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid a total of 1,445 miles (an average of 81.5 mpg) on a single tank of gas around Washington, D.C.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 198,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford's products, please visit www.ford.com.

SOURCE Ford Motor Company

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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 and Verizon FiOS.  

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.

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

SOURCE HDNet

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The countdown is over and the excitement begins as home security alarm provider Monitronics arrives in Las Vegas to exhibit at the ISC West security industry tradeshow. There's a buzz around Monitronics' booth because of the arrival of two NFL greats: Deion Sanders on March 24 and Michael Strahan March 25. Each will make an appearance to sign autographs, visit with fans, and Sanders will attend an exclusive VIP reception the 24th.

With these players and a huge, 1,500 square foot, two-story booth at #10064, Monitronics is thinking bigger than life for ISC West. It's all about showcasing their comprehensive dealer program—they have the know-how and expertise to help dealers win big.

"We've got the tools and the training to assist our dealers to be successful and we want to share our plans with ISC attendees," said Steve Baker, Vice President of Sales and Dealer Development.  

The Monitronics Authorized Dealer Program has five exceptional elements that are designed to empower dealers to stake their territory and make the most of their business: stability, flexibility, branding, training, and alliance. During ISC West, Monitronics is focusing on one element in particular: Alliance. With this element, dealers are never in competition with corporate—they can keep or sell their own accounts and Monitronics only works through them to gain accounts. It's something that differentiates Monitronics and sets them apart as an industry thought leader.

For more information about the Monitronics Authorized Dealer Program, stop by booth #10064 at ISC West or visit www.monitronics.net.

ISC West serves the entire security distribution channel while providing a forum for new technologies, innovations, and product solutions. ISC West has been recognized as one of the Fastest 50 growing tradeshows in North America by leading industry publication Tradeshow Week. Sponsored by the Security Industry Association (SIA), ISC West serves over 23,000 security professionals every year.

Founded in 1994, Monitronics International is one of the nation's largest, fastest-growing alarm monitoring companies. Headquartered in Dallas, they provide monitored security system services to more than 700,000 residential customers and commercial clients through their network of nationwide, independent authorized dealers.

At the heart of their operations is the Monitronics central station, which has consistently met or exceeded all UL, National Fire Protection Association, and Central Station Alarm Association standards. With millions invested in their monitoring technology, they can provide reliable, uninterrupted security monitoring service.

For more information, or to schedule an interview with Steve Baker, please call Leah Shafer at 972-243-7443 x3029 or e-mail lshafer@monitronics.com.

SOURCE Monitronics

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Audi is returning for its second year as a key sponsor at the prestigious Tavistock Cup golf tournament between 10-man teams of professional golfers from the Isleworth Golf & Country Club and Lake Nona Golf & Country Club in central Florida.

The Tavistock Cup is an officially sanctioned PGA Tour event between two of the finest golf communities in the US – Isleworth and Lake Nona. The Tavistock Cup is one of the most sought after tickets in sports as the invitation-only, no ropes gallery is limited to approximately 4,000 invited guests. The 2009 Tavistock Cup marked the first year of Audi involvement. This year's event is scheduled for March 22-23 when it will be televised live on the Golf Channel.

Among the highlights of the Audi sponsorship is the commitment to award an Audi R8 sports car to any golfer who sinks a hole in one during the competition. The remaining nine members of that team will win Audi A5 Cabriolets. Eight Audi models will be available for test drives during the event. Last year, more than 200 people at the Tavistock Cup took Audi test drives. Audi of America and Classic Audi of Orlando are leading the sponsorship and ride & drive opportunity at the Tavistock Cup.

PGA golfers on the Isleworth team are: Robert Allenby, Stuart Appleby, Ajun Atwal, John Cook, Brian Davis, J.B. Holmes, Charles Howell III, Lee Janzen, Nick O'Hearn and Mark O'Meara. PGA golfers on the Lake Nona team are: Ben Curtis, Ernie Els, Ross Fisher, Retief Goosen, Peter Hanson, Trevor Immelman, Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter, Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson.

The Tavistock Cup is more than just an elite golf challenge. Since its 2004 inception, the Tavistock Cup has donated more than $4.5 million to support community organizations.

For more information on the Tavistock Cup, please visit www.tavistockcup.com.

In addition to sponsoring the Tavistock Cup this year, Audi is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the quattro Cup. The international amateur golfing series has attracted more than 1 million players. The quattro Cup world finale will take place in Sardinia.

ABOUT AUDI

Audi of America, Inc. and its 270 U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. During 2009 Audi outsold all other luxury brands in Europe, while in the U.S. market Audi posted the largest market share gain of any luxury automotive brand. Over the next few years, AUDI AG expects to spend nearly $2 billion annually on new products and technology. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.

SOURCE Audi of America, Inc.

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 Hooters of Orlando Airport General Manager, Jeff Spraker, and 15 others will be running and biking across the city of Orlando in support of the Tom Valentine Fund and Operation Homefront.  The 15 mile run will begin at the Hooters of Orlando Airport, located at 7222 Augusta National Drive, at 8 AM where the team will take off and head to their destination, the Hooters of Casselberry, located at 2699 Cassel Creek Blvd.  The team will be running with an oversized American Flag, in honor of Tom Valentine and the military.

"This is the 2nd year we have raised money for the Tom Valentine Fund, and I thought we could take it a step further," stated Spraker.  "The men and woman of our armed forces have given us the freedoms that we have been able to enjoy today and for that we all are privileged to carry the American Flag to represent our support in their honor."

The Valentine Fund was established by Hooters and Operation Homefront in honor of fallen hero SOCS Thomas J. Valentine.  The fund will support the families of Special Forces service members and other military families.

Thomas J. Valentine, a Navy SEAL troop chief, was killed during a training exercise Feb. 13, 2008.  He left behind his wife, Christina, a 16-year member of the Hooters family, and two young children.  In honor of his sacrifice, Hooters established a fund in Valentine's name through Operation Homefront.  

Hooters of America, Inc. is the franchisor and operator of over 460 Hooters restaurants in 42 states and 28 foreign countries.  The first Hooters opened in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida.  Hooters is well-known for its brand of food and fun, featuring a casual beach-theme atmosphere, a menu that features seafood, sandwiches and Hooters nearly world famous chicken wings, and service provided by the All-American cheerleaders, the Hooters Girls.  For more information about Hooters visit www.hooters.com.  

SOURCE Hooters of America, Inc.

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Aqua Sphere, the leader in high-end, innovative swim products, dares to see who will go the distance -- men or women?

As the sponsors of the Swim Challenge, Aqua Sphere, the company that promotes comfort and long-lasting performance in the water, has thrown down the gauntlet in an effort to raise funds and awareness for breast and prostate cancer and, in the process, determine who rules the pool.

Beginning April 1 through November 30, swimmers of all abilities can sign-up and sign on to http://www.swimchallenge.org each day to log their hours (not their laps) in the water. Whether they like it smooth or rough, on their backs or their stomachs -- it's not the stroke that matters but who will outlast their competition.

The Swim Challenge website will track the total time, men vs. women, via a "leader meter" posted on the website and created as a widget so that competitors can keep tabs on their counterparts. The site will also allow swimmers to individually track their personal progress in the pool, encouraging them to swim longer each day.

A $35,000 donation will be split between the Prostate Cancer Foundation (men) and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (women); allocations will be determined by the cumulative hours swum by each gender.

"Regardless who wins, they both win," says Olivier Laguette, Director of Marketing for Aqua Sphere. "We've all been personally affected by cancer in some way or another, but instead of simply writing a check, we wanted to do something fun that would promote a healthy lifestyle as well as some healthy competition -- and a little bit of gender wars seemed appropriate."

Aqua Sphere, the originator of the "swim mask," is widely known for their line of comfortable aquatic eyewear, including the popular Seal and Vista masks and the Kaiman and Kayenne goggles. Designed for form and function, swimmers can simply fit the frames to their face and forget about them while they enjoy swimming for time, distance, exercise or just fun.

For more information on the Swim Challenge, visit us on the web at http://www.swimchallenge.org or join the Swim Challenge Facebook fan site. Twitter users can also follow swim_challenge for the latest updates.

Swim Challenge Logo: http://www.ereleases.com/pr/SwimChallenge.jpg

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

SOURCE Aqua Sphere

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HDNet will feature exclusive coverage of "HDNet Fights: DREAM 13" early Monday morning, March 22 at 3:00 a.m. ET, LIVE from the Yokohama Arena in Japan.

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

MMA heavyweight "The Babyface Assassin" Josh Barnett (24-5) returns to the ring for the first time since the cancellation of his fight with Fedor Emelianenko.  Barnett makes his DREAM debut against K-1 veteran Siala "Mighty Mo" Siligia.  Barnett was widely considered one of the top heavyweights in the world prior to a conflict over a pre-fight drug test mandated by the California State Athletic Commission.

The main event of the evening features DREAM Featherweight champion Bibiano Fernandes (7-2) defending his title versus Joachim Hansen (19-8-1). Fernandes is on a six-fight win streak, while Hansen is making is featherweight debut after an epic pair of fights with DREAM Lightweight champion Shinya Aoki.

Also on the card, boxing and MMA sensation KJ Noons (7-2) squares off against Andre "Dida" Almade (6-3-1).

"Only on HDNet will you see the return of Josh Barnett and KJ Noons to MMA action," said Andrew Simon CEO of HDNet Fights.  "These two were among the best in their weight classes before their hiatuses – Barnett was a top 5 Heavyweight and KJ was the last guy to stop Nick Diaz!  Also, Fernandes v Hansen should be classic."

In other action, the newly belted "Super Hulk" Ikuhisa Minowa (44-30-8) returns to action versus Jimmy Ambriz. Minowa is riding a three-fight win streak, including his most recent victory versus Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou.

Plus:  Katsunori Kikuno (12-2-2) vs. Kuniyoshi Hironaka (16-6), Ryo Chonan (16-10) vs. Andrews Nakahara (2-1), and Cole Escovedo (15-4) brings a four-fight win streak into his fight with WEC and PRIDE veteran Yoshiro Maeda (26-7-2)

The announce team for the event is "The Voice" Michael Schiavello and Frank Trigg.

HDNet's live coverage of "HDNet Fights: DREAM 13" starts early morning Monday, March 22, 3:00 a.m. ET/12:00 a.m. PT.  HDNet will air an encore presentation of the event on Saturday, March 27 at 11:00 p.m. ET.

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 and Verizon FiOS.

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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The USA Track and Field National Masters Indoor Championships are set to be held in Boston March 26-28 with perhaps the best field ever -- including 47 new world champions coming to Boston from the World Masters Championships held earlier this month in Canada.  

Entered for the first time in an indoor masters meet is Willie Banks, 54, the beloved two-time Olympian (1984, 88) and former world triple jump record holder, of Carlsbad, California.  Banks is PRESIDENT of the U.S. OLYMPIANS, the 6000 past and present Americans who've competed in summer and winter Olympics. He'll compete in the high jump against current World Champion and American record holder Bruce McBarnette.  He and all the athletes are available for media interviews at the meet.  Banks will be available at the opening of the meet's running finals (3 p.m. Friday), following his own high jump (11:15 a.m. Saturday), and throughout the meet.

Finals begin 3 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at Boston's Reggie Lewis Track, 1350 Tremont Street.  "The message and mission of masters track is lifetime fitness and health through ongoing training and competition," say Banks and other athletes.

Also entered: Two-time Sullivan Award Finalist, Philippa Raschker, 63, is in ten events. Raschker was the first-ever masters athlete in any sport to be a Finalist -- one of the top five athletes-- for the Sullivan Award for America's top amateur athlete, and she's done it twice in the past five years – other finalists included Lebron James, Apolo Anton Ohno, Michael Phelps, and Tim Tebow.  She won seven Golds, plus two silvers and a bronze, at this month's World Championships. Raschker, of Marietta, Georgia, has set more than 200 U.S. and world records.

Also entered: Nolan Shaheed, jazz musician/trumpeter who's played with Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Phil Collins, Anita Baker and Natalie Cole – and in January set a new indoor world record in the M60 mile; and Kathryn Martin, 55, a BENGAY Athlete of the Year and Nike TV ad star who won gold in four distance races at Kamloops.

Over 800 competitors ages 30 to 96 are entered in the meet at Boston's Reggie Lewis Track, 1350 Tremont Street. Finals are 3-6 p.m. Friday, 9-5 Saturday, and 9:30-2 Sunday. Spectators are free.

Top New England entrants include M50 Everad Samuels of Boston (60, 200), a national champion and world record holder; M65 Roger Pierce of Essex, Mass (60, 200, 400), who holds national and world masters titles; W70 Barbara Jordan of South Burlington, Vt. (60, 60 hurdles, long jump, triple jump), with many national titles and American records; W75 Mary Harada of West Newbury, Mass. (mile, 3000), also with national titles and world and American distance records; and W75 Flo Meiler of Shelbourne, Vt. (60, 60 hurdles, 200, high jump, pole vault, long jump, triple jump, shot put, weight throw, pentathlon, who holds two world records).

Oldest entrants are Leland McPhie, 96, of San Diego and Frank Levine, 95, of suburban Philadelphia. The oldest woman is Betty Jarvis, 94, of Aberdeen, N.C.

SOURCE Robert Weiner Associates

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TPC Sawgrass offers anxious golfers the chance to Play Before The Players Play at Northeast Florida's eminent golf and spa destination. This year, linksmen get a shot to sink a putt on the famed 17th hole before any of the PGA TOUR players have the chance during THE PLAYERS on May 3-9, 2010. Packages are available now through April 11, 2010, starting at $433*/night/golfer. (www.PGATOURExperiences.com)

TPC Sawgrass

"Play Before The Players Play" Stay and Play Package – Starting at $433/night*

Now – April 11, 2010

• Three-nights accommodations at the Sawgrass Marriott
• Two rounds of golf on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course (forecaddie included)
• One round on Dye's Valley Course  -  Practice balls  -  TPC Sawgrass welcome gift

*Rates based on a three-night stay. Rates are per person, based on double occupancy. Taxes included. Rates subject to change. Please call for details.

TPC Sawgrass golfers play the very same course the PGA TOUR's best play during THE PLAYERS Championship, which takes its spot once again in the FedEx Cup, May 3-9, 2010. Personal forecaddies included in each round help golfers closely replicate the experience of being a professional golfer at THE PLAYERS by bringing them into the history and heritage of TPC Sawgrass and providing all the traditional services.

Golfers looking to brush up on swing technique have access to the TOUR Academy's highly personalized, first-class golf instruction incorporating a variety of cutting-edge instructional tools, including a TaylorMade MATT System, Swing Analysis and TrackMan Launch Monitor. Golfers warm up with a round on Dye's Valley Course at TPC Sawgrass, the "Cinderella" course, often lost in the shadows of its more famous sister. Shorter in length, but just as challenging and compelling, Dye's Valley was named among Golf Magazine's "Top 10 PGA Courses You Can Play."

Year round, TPC Sawgrass guests are invited to experience the courses, the renowned TOUR Academy practice facility and America's largest golf clubhouse featuring an array of upscale dining, storyteller tours and one of Golf World's "100 Best Golf Shops." The Sawgrass Marriott is situated along the Atlantic Coast between Jacksonville and historic St. Augustine.

To Play Before The Players Play at TPC Sawgrass, call PGA TOUR Experiences at 888-421-8555 or visit www.pgatourexperiences.com.

SOURCE TPC Sawgrass

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For sport fishermen, there's nothing like spending a day on the water, casting a line or two. Coming a close second is sharing their fishing tales with friends and family. Now, a website makes it easy for anglers to share stories - and make money doing it.

Launched in fall 2009, WorldsFishermen.com is designed to connect fishermen from across the world. "All they have to do is tell the fishing world what they're catching," said Jason Pitcock, site owner/president. The site already has a substantial following, with members from about 15 countries. "Our goal," Pitcock said, "is to be the largest and most widely used fishing website on the 'net."

Topics of recent posts run the gamut from bass and ice fishing to fishing licenses. And the members are passionate about the sport. "Fishing is not my hobby," writes one member. "It is my obsession. I have been fishing since I was 10 months old." The members, too, range from weekend anglers to professional outdoor writers.

Site membership is free, and members are encouraged to join numerous fishing networks on the site. Members can search for a favorite fishing network, topic or member. They also can upload images to share with fellow fishermen and send private direct messages to one another on the site.

Pitcock said the site has a micro-blogging format similar to that of Twitter. He explained that micro-blogging consists of short stories, answers, or responses limited to a certain number of characters. At WorldsFishermen.com, posts are limited to 300 characters.

"We also give the average fisherman the ability to run his or her own fishing website, or network," said Pitcock. He said the network topic is the owner's choice - it could be a favorite local fishing hole, fishing reports, a state/location or any type of fishing - from fly to deep-sea.

The cost to run a fishing network at WorldsFishermen.com is $1.99 a month or $23 a year. Site owners can generate revenue by selling banner advertisements, fishing directory listings and more. Owners who initiate a network business directory set up their own business listing prices; members who publish business listings in a network pay the network owner directly.

With the purchase of each website/fishing network the user receives a dedicated sub-URL (WorldsFishermen.com/yoursite) and an admin portal for uploading content. For example, Pitcock said, http://www.worldsfishermen.com/wisconsin focuses on Wisconsin fishing reports.

For more information, visit http://www.WorldsFishermen.com/ or call 1-866-608-7163.

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

SOURCE WorldsFishermen.com

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Engaged couples who like the idea of having an exotic destination wedding, but don't want to travel far to get there will find Doral Golf Resort & Spa, a Marriott Resort, the perfect warm weather location to tie the knot. Positioned on 650 tropical acres, couples will find this serene resort in Miami the ideal escape for their nuptials, without traveling too far from home.

And better yet, for a limited time, couples may also register for their honeymoon. Forget waffle makers and the fondue pots; let your guests giving you something that you really want…a free honeymoon.  The more your friends and family give, the more Marriott gives to you, giving you an additional $100 when your registry contribution reaches $1,000. Your friends and family will also receive 20 Marriott Rewards® points for every dollar they contribute to your registry.

Learn more about this unbeatable offer at www.marriottregistry.com.

The Miami, Florida wedding resort boasts your choice of indoor and outdoor wedding event space, overlooking the Spa Garden or famed Blue Monster golf course. Certified Wedding Planners are available to coordinate every aspect of your special day and help you put together everything from spa packages for you and your bridesmaids, to golf outings for the groomsmen.

For more information or to book your wedding at Doral Golf Resort & Spa, visit www.doralweddings.com.

Doral Golf Resort & Spa, A Marriott Resort

This golf resort and spa challenges players of all skill levels on five championship 18-hole courses. A modern selection of treatments inspired by European design welcomes you at Doral's spa. Dive into a world of fun at the Blue Lagoon, presenting family-friendly Miami resort recreation complete with cascading waterfalls, a 150 foot waterslide and The Nickelodeon Getaway experience offered at the hotel on weekends. Six delectable restaurants, unsurpassed accommodations, and over 100,000 square feet of innovative event space combine to create a legendary experience.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 800-713-6725 or visit http://marriott.com/miadl.

SOURCE Doral Golf Resort & Spa, A Marriott Resort

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Rawlings Sporting Goods® announced today its annual Rawlings Preseason All-American and All-Region Teams to recognize the top 400 high school baseball athletes in the U.S., while also showcasing their abilities to collegiate and professional scouts. In partnership with Perfect Game USA, the world's largest scouting report service, Rawlings is devoted to distinguishing "THE FINEST IN THE FIELD" with the these two prestigious awards.

Mike Thompson, Rawlings Senior Vice-President, Marketing, said, "These selected athletes are being recognized for their skill, athleticism, and dedication to their game which allows them to perform to the highest level of game play. With more than 240,000 high school athletes in the nation, these players represent the very best in their class."

The Rawlings Preseason All-Region 1st Team recognizes 400 players from eight regions around the U.S. Each of the regions will form a 50-man roster, complete with catchers, pitchers, infielders and outfielders.

In addition, the top 150 of the 400 athletes will be named to the Rawlings Preseason All-American Team. All 150 award recipients will be named to one of three teams, each including a 50-man roster.

"Rawlings and Perfect Game USA are synonymous with the game of baseball and these preseason awards allow us to reward these elite athletes for their hard work and contribution to the game," said Thompson.

"To receive the Rawlings Preseason All-American or All-Region Award is a tremendous achievement for these high school athletes," said Jerry Ford, President, Perfect Game USA. "We're proud to partner with Rawlings to recognize their talent as they prepare for their careers playing collegiate or professional baseball."

To view the complete list of winners, please visit www.perfectgame.org.