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December 20, 2006
U.S. POSTAL SERVICE: PRESIDENT BUSH SIGNS POSTAL LEGISLATION INTO LAW
PHOTO: President Bush today signed postal legislation into law that benefits residential and business customers by ensuring predictable price increases tied to the rate of inflation. With the President are (from left): Postmaster General John E. Potter, Sen. Thomas Carper (D-DE), Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA), Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), James Miller, Chairman, Postal Service Board of Governors, Rep. Danny Davis (D-IL), and Rep. John McHugh, (R-NY).
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:05 PM | View the original post
GlaxoSmithKline Completes Acquisition of CNS, Inc.
GSK adds innovative, high-growth Breathe Right and FiberChoice brands to Consumer Healthcare portfolio.
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 19 -- GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of CNS, Inc. (NASDAQ:CNXS) , the marketers of Breathe Right(R) nasal dilator strips and FiberChoice(R) dietary fiber supplements.
Commenting on the transaction, John Clarke, President, GSK Consumer Healthcare, said, "We are very pleased to welcome this outstanding business into the GSK Consumer Healthcare family. CNS is a well-managed company, and its brands fit with our growth strategy and are great additions to our portfolio. The opportunity for growth through geographic expansion and pipeline innovation makes this acquisition an exciting prospect."
Breathe Right strips are the leading nasal dilator strips worldwide, and FiberChoice is the fastest growing line of dietary fiber supplements in the United States. Both brands are supported by patents in the U.S. and key markets worldwide, and by scientific evidence for their product claims.
GlaxoSmithKline is one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:50 PM | View the original post
Chevrolet to Power Tony Stewart Racing in 2007 and Beyond
Photo: Chevrolet will power and sponsor Tony Stewart Racing's entries in the United States Auto Club (USAC) and the World of Outlaws Sprint Series for three years beginning in 2007 it was announced Monday, December 11, 2006 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, Indiana. (General Motors/Ron McQueeney)
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:45 PM | View the original post
Live From Your Cingular Phone, It's Saturday Night!
For the First Time, NBC Universal, Broadway Video Entertainment and Cingular Wireless Bring America's Longest Running TV Comedy to the Small Screen.
NBC Universal and Broadway Video Entertainment Team Up to Offer Cingular Customers Exclusive Access to 'Saturday Night Live' Mobile Content on Their Wireless Phones.
NEW YORK and ATLANTA, Dec. 19 -- Cingular customers no longer have to wait until Saturday night to enjoy what is undoubtedly the most influential sketch comedy show of all time. NBC Universal, Broadway Video Entertainment, and Cingular Wireless today announced the launch of Saturday Night Live (SNL) Mobile on Cingular handsets, marking the first time SNL content has been made available on the mobile phone.
Photo: Saturday Night Live video shorts, from current and past seasons, now available exclusively on Cingular phones.
Cingular Video subscribers can enjoy exclusive mobile access to Saturday Night Live content, including video clips from classic and current episodes, as well as original material produced especially for the mobile screen. Cingular customers can also purchase and download a diverse collection of SNL- themed ringtones and graphics -- both from current and classic seasons.
Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States. NBC has evolved into a diverse, international media company. In addition to the NBC Television Network and 14 NBC television stations, the company owns CNBC, operates MSNBC in partnership with Microsoft, and maintains interests in a number of programming services. Broadway Video Entertainment is one of New York's leading post-production services companies and a major independent producer of television and film entertainment.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:18 PM | View the original post
Serena Williams and Sania Mirza will play at the Sony Ericsson International in Bangalore
India’s largest WTA Tour Event will be held from February 12 - 18, 2007 at KSLTA, Bangalore.
Bangalore, India – After a successful second year of tennis sponsorship, Sony Ericsson increases its commitment to the sport by tying up with the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) to bring the Sony Ericsson International, a Sony Ericsson WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) Tour event, to Bangalore. With the title sponsorship of the tournament in India, Sony Ericsson aims to further popularise and promote the sport of tennis in India, as it has been doing worldwide through the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. KSLTA is pleased to announce confirmed participation from Serena Williams and Sania Mirza for the tournament. This will be Serena’s first appearance in India and the talented player is set to enthral the Indian audience with her exciting power tennis.
Announced today at a press conference in Bangalore, Sony Ericsson International will sit alongside the company’s other tennis commitments: the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, which culminates in the Sony Ericsson Championships in Madrid in November, the Tennis Masters Cup in Shanghai, also in November, and the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, to debut in March 2007.
According to Serena Williams, “I am very excited to be playing in the Sony Ericsson International in Bangalore, especially for the first time. Tennis as a sport has become more and more popular in India, and I hope many fans of all ages will come out and see us play. I always look forward to visiting a new country and playing in new good tournaments.”
Speaking at the press conference, Sania Mirza said, “Sony Ericsson has had a major impact on the WTA Tour. It has helped to make the sport cooler and more accessible because of its links with music, film and fashion. As a result tennis has broadened its appeal to new audiences. I look forward to the newly created Sony Ericsson International next February, in my country.”
Sony Ericsson is the global title sponsor of the Women's Tennis Association, and works with the Association to promote the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour in over 80 cities during the year.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:31 PM | View the original post
Sneak Peek: All-New Cadillac CTS Coming Soon : GlobalGiants.com
PHOTO: Detroit, Mich. -- General Motors Vice President Global Design Ed Welburn (left), and GM Vice Chairman Global Product Development Bob Lutz provide a sneak peek at the all-new 2008 Cadillac CTS, which will be fully revealed at Detroit's North American International Auto Show in January. The performance luxury sedan is scheduled to begin production in late-summer of 2007, with worldwide sales to follow in the fall. (General Motors Photo/John F. Martin).
View Larger Picture of All-New Cadillac CTS Sneak Peek
Cadillac's first-generation CTS built a strong record of success on many levels since its inception in 2002. Cadillac sold more than 60,000 copies in the U.S. in 2005, compared to roughly 38,000 in 2002, an increase of more than 50% over that period. There are roughly 275,000 CTS owners worldwide, and industry researchers say they are among the most satisfied in the automotive market. AutoPacific rated CTS as the top Entry Luxury Car in its annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards in 2006.
Cadillac is a division of General Motors (NYSE: GM). General Motors, the world's largest vehicle manufacturer, designs, builds and markets cars and trucks worldwide, and has been the global automotive sales leader since 1931. Cadillac products include the CTS sport sedan, SRX luxury crossover, STS performance luxury sedan, DTS large luxury sedan, XLR luxury roadster, Escalade full-size SUVs (Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT) and the high-performance V-Series (CTS-V, STS-V, XLR-V) three cars that go 0-60 in under 5 seconds. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:31 AM | View the original post
December 19, 2006
Chevy Silverado named 2007 Motor Trend Truck of the Year
Photo: 2007 Chevrolet Silverado accessorized with chrome grille, 20" wheels, tow hooks, roof mounted cross rails, tubular assist steps, bed rails, mirror covers and door handles. (United States)
DETROIT, Mich. - Today, Motor Trend magazine bestowed its prestigious "Truck of the Year" award on the all-new 2007 Chevy Silverado.
"We feel the new Silverado represents the best of the best in the competitive pickup truck segment," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "Years of work have gone into every element of this vehicle. It's great to receive this recognition from such a respected publication. It provides great reinforcement and encouragement for our entire Chevy team, and our employees from our design studios to engineering centers, and assembly plants to dealerships - this is a great win."
Photo: 2007 Silverado LT Instrument panel.
This is the third time since 1999 the Silverado has received this coveted award, making it the only three-time winner in the 18-year history of the award.
"This firmly establishes Silverado in the leadership position among all pickups," Peper added.
Chevrolet is America's No. 1-selling automotive brand. With the largest dealer network in the United States.
The all-new truck incorporates new exterior and interior designs, powertrain, chassis and safety systems. The fourth generation of the legendary small-block V-8 engine family is the power behind the new pickup, delivering segment-leading horsepower and fuel economy. This makes it the only full-size pickup with over 300 hp and a combined fuel economy rating of more than 20 mpg. Silverado also offers the widest range of truck configurations with three cab sizes, three bed lengths and two distinct interiors to fit every customer's needs.
Motor Trend Editor In Chief Angus MacKenzie praised the new Silverado for offering "...traditional values people want in a pick-up - it's rugged, durable and versatile, but it's also stylish and comfortable...and it's done a great job in maintaining the Silverado's reputation for value."
As the new truck hits the market, customers are responding. Silverado, already the top-selling Chevrolet model, saw its sales increase 18% in November over the same month last year, and that trend is expected to grow as the new trucks fully penetrate the market. This will keep Chevy's 4,100 dealers humming through the holiday season and into 2007.
The new truck is assembled with quality and pride by our United Auto Workers and Canadian Auto Workers partners at five North American locations: Fort Wayne, Indiana; Pontiac, Michigan; Flint, Michigan; Silao, Mexico and Oshawa, Ontario, Canada.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:19 PM | View the original post
MasterCard Launches the MasterCard(R) rePower(TM) Prepaid Load Network
InComm Successfully Processes First POS Transaction.
PURCHASE, N.Y., Dec. 19 -- MasterCard Worldwide and InComm today announced the successful completion of the first cardholder point of sale transaction using the MasterCard rePower Load Network. MasterCard rePower at the point of sale is a new service that allows consumers to add money to eligible MasterCard or Maestro branded prepaid cards at participating merchant locations. InComm will begin offering the solution to the 145,000 stores that comprise its retail distribution network.
MasterCard rePower allows MasterCard-branded prepaid cardholders to easily add money to their eligible prepaid accounts at participating retail locations, bringing a valuable service to the millions of financially "underserved" individuals in the United States. Prepaid cards have emerged as a key enabler of allowing those without a banking history -- a segment that research firm Celent estimates to be 14 million households -- to forge a relationship with a financial institution and better manage their money.
Eligible cardholders need only to present a participating merchant with an eligible MasterCard or Maestro-branded reloadable prepaid card, along with the money they wish to add. The merchant uses standard transaction codes and transmits the load amount. The transaction is processed in real-time over the MasterCard network, giving the cardholder immediate access to his or her money.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:01 PM | View the original post
Bayer Advanced(TM) Red Carpet of Roses Float to Showcase a Record 50 Varieties of Roses
RALEIGH, N.C. and PASADENA, Calif., Dec. 19 -- Bayer Advanced(TM), one of the largest lawn and garden brands in the United States and creator of some of the most effective rose care products for consumers, will showcase a record 50 varieties of roses, including celebrity roses and the 2007 All-America Rose Selections winners, on its Red Carpet of Roses float in the 118th Rose Parade(R) in Pasadena, Calif., on Monday, January 1, 2007.
Photo: Marilyn Monroe Celebrity Rose will be showcased on the 2007 Bayer Advanced Red Carpet of Roses Float.
Beginning December 26, 2006, design experts and hundreds of volunteers from Phoenix Decorating, the largest Rose Parade float builder, will begin the weeklong process of decorating the Bayer Advanced Red Carpet of Roses float with natural materials, as well as live roses named after such celebrities as Betty Boop, Bing Crosby, Queen Elizabeth, Amy Grant, Barbra Streisand, Paul McCartney, Cary Grant, Chris Evert, Della Reese, Dolly Parton, George Burns, John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Michelangelo, Pope John Paul II, Princess Diana, Ronald Reagan and even Santa Claus.
Bayer Advanced is a business group of Bayer CropScience LP and part of the Bayer AG family, a Fortune Global 500 company. The global headquarters of Bayer CropScience is located in Monheim, Germany.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:47 PM | View the original post
Napster Announces Winners of Digital Music Awards
'2006 Napster Awards' Honor Artists and Songs Played Most by Subscribers.
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 19 -- Napster(TM) (NASDAQ:NAPS) , the pioneer of digital music, today announced the winners of the "2006 Napster Awards," the first awards to honor artists and songs for accomplishments in digital music. In contrast to other music industry awards, the Napster Awards are determined by the actual listening behavior of music fans who subscribe to Napster's industry-leading subscription service and play over one billion songs each year. Presented to the artists and songs that enjoyed the highest number of plays in the service between December 1, 2005 and November 30, 2006, the Napster Awards illustrate that there is a significant difference between the music that sells the most and the music that's played the most when fans are in an unlimited access music subscription environment.
Photo: 2006 Napster Award.
Each Napster Award recipient will receive an impressive trophy featuring the infamous Napster Kitty(R).
The 2006 Napster Award for "Most-Played Artist" went to singer-songwriter Jack Johnson, whose mellow acoustic grooves were a huge hit among Napster's half a million subscribers who played his music more than any other artist's. The Napster Award for "Most-Played Song" went to the pop/punk single "Dance, Dance" from Chicago's Fall Out Boy. Punctuating the difference between sales figures and subscriber plays, Jack Johnson, Napster's most played artist, was not recognized by the 2006 Billboard Music Awards which track sales and radio airplay and "Dance, Dance," Napster's most played song, was not among the top 10 tracks sold on iTunes in 2006.
"The Napster Awards provide insight into how music fans behave when they can listen to an enormous variety of music away from restrictive radio playlists, limited retail shelf space and 30-second clip, buck a track digital stores," said Chris Gorog, chairman and CEO of Napster. "When consumers are given unlimited access to music and are freed from having to pay for each individual song in order to hear it, it's interesting to see how this freedom changes what they want to actually listen to. We congratulate all of the 2006 Napster Award winners, and look forward to continuing to honor the music Napster subscribers enjoy playing the most."
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:27 PM | View the original post
A Prescription From The Great Physician
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Dec. 19 -- Dieting and exercising are tried and true New Year's resolutions that are usually forgotten by February. Strive to be different this year by adopting extraordinary health resolutions such as eating more dark chocolate, sunbathing, taking a supplement that wards off major diseases and avoiding deadly emotions.
Photo: Book cover for The Great Physician's Rx for Women's Health. (Biblical Health Institute)
These are just a few tips suggested by New York Times best-selling author Jordan Rubin in his latest book, The Great Physician's Rx for Women's Health (Thomas Nelson publishers) with co-authors Nicki Rubin and Dr. Pancheta Wilson.
Written to address the specific health needs of women, the book offers natural ways to combat common concerns such as weight gain, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, estrogen dominance, menopause and more.
"Making some simple changes to your daily routine can reap enormous health benefits," says Rubin, whose books such as The Maker's Diet and The Great Physician's Rx for Health and Wellness have sold millions of copies worldwide.
Healthy resolutions for men and women to consider in 2007 include:
• Take one tablespoon of omega-3 cod liver oil every day to boost the
immune system, ward off major illnesses, and to promote healthier skin
and nails.
• Toss unhealthy corn oils and shortening and switch to cooking with
healthy fats such as coconut oil, butter and olive oil.
• Two ounces of organic dark chocolate a day packs a health punch with
antioxidants and bioflavenoids as well as the release of endorphins
that act as antidepressants.
• Get at least 15 minutes of direct sunlight a day. Our bodies derive
vitamin D from the sun, which is crucial for bone health, has cancer-
fighting properties and assists with blood cell formation.
• Reduce toxins from your environment. "Buy house plants to reduce
pollution indoors and water filters to remove chlorine and other
harmful chemicals from your water," suggests Rubin. "And throw our
household cleaners with harsh chemicals that can cause allergies and
irritation."
• Forgive yourself and others. "The stress of harboring deadly emotions
builds up toxins in the body," explains Rubin. "Write down anything a
person has done to offend you, and then ask God to help you forgive
that person."
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:08 PM | View the original post
One Million Miles in a Saab?
Get a New One from Saab - For Free.
Photo: Saab 9-3 SportCombi, MY 2007
DETROIT — Convinced of the jet-like performance and endurance of its products, Saab Automobile USA is announcing that it will offer a free new Saab to any U.S. customer who covers the distance of one million miles (or more) in a Saab that he or she originally purchased new. The new Saab will come with the 100,000 mile/5 years GM Powertrain limited warranty and 3 years/36,000 miles no-charge scheduled maintenance, standard with every model in the 2007 Saab Automobile USA portfolio.
Photo: Wisconsin resident and insurance salesman Peter Gilbert, left, and Saab USA General Manger Jay Spenchian, right, savor the moment as Gilbert's 1989 Saab 900 SPG, background, reaches the one million milestone at this year's North American Saab Owners Convention in Lake George, N.Y.
This announcement comes after Wisconsin resident and insurance salesman Peter Gilbert recently reached the one million milestone in a 1989 Edwardian Gray Saab 900 SPG, still with the original engine and turbo, at this year’s North American Saab Owners Convention in Lake George, N.Y. Saab Automobile USA General Manager Jay Spenchian was the very first to congratulate Gilbert and his 900 SPG on the occasion.
Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-7X automobiles for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:18 PM | View the original post
VOLVO CARS OF NORTH AMERICA: TOWER OF CARS
PHOTO: Spotlights lit up Chicago's first-ever tower of cars, a vertical showcase displaying seven Volvos in glass cases stacked on top of one another. The view from the glass tower will change and stay fresh as new Volvo models are displayed and lighting reflects the changes in the season. (PRNewsFoto/Volvo Cars of North America)
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:10 PM | View the original post
ACURA ADVANCED SPORTS CAR CONCEPT SKETCH
PHOTO: Acura Advanced Sports Car Concept Sketch. (PRNewsFoto/American Honda Motor Co., Inc.)
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:06 PM | View the original post
Cheverolet Releases Sneak Peek of 2008 Malibu
PHOTO: DETROIT, Mich. – General Motors offers a first look at the exterior of the next generation Chevrolet Malibu Monday, December 18, 2006. The 2008 Malibu will be unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. The new Malibu features a dual-port grille that represents the "new face of Chevrolet." The mid-size Malibu will have a more upscale look and feature more premium materials. GM will invest $208 million in its Fairfax, Kansas assembly plant to prepare for the production of the Malibu. (General Motors Handout Photo) (USA)
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:00 PM | View the original post
December 18, 2006
Citigroup, Mastercard, Cingular and Nokia team to pilot next generation mobile phone.
"tap & go(TM)" payment in New York City. Innovative Payment Trial to Use Near Field Communications Technology.
NEW YORK, NY - Citigroup, MasterCard Worldwide, Cingular Wireless and Nokia today announced a consumer technology trial of Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled mobile phones with MasterCard PayPass(TM) contactless payment capability in New York City. The goal of this trial is to evaluate the speed and convenience that "tap and go" payments made through mobile phones can provide to Citi credit cards and Cingular customers in the New York City area. The trial is expected to run three to six months.
Pre-selected Citi MasterCard cardholders with Cingular Wireless accounts are participating in the trial and will receive Nokia NFC-enabled mobile phones with MasterCard PayPass payment functionality. MasterCard PayPass is a "contactless" payment program that provides consumers with a fast and convenient way to pay.
"As a leader in innovative products and services, Citigroup continually looks for ways to make the lives of our customers easier," said Amy Radin, Chief Innovation Officer, Global Consumer Group, Citigroup. "We are confident that mobile phone technology with contactless payment will appeal to our customers' increasing demands for speed, convenience and security."
Cingular Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States. Citigroup (NYSE: C), the leading global financial services company, has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries. MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions and processes more than 16 billion payments each year. Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:30 PM | View the original post
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Argentina
Photo: Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (Argentina)
For more than 50 years, the name Chevrolet Corvette has been synonymous with the unique and spectacular experience of handling a sport automobile of first level and high performance. Chevrolet Corvette Z06 moves the soul of the fanatics of sport cars by its high performance during a daily trip as well as during a weekend in the circuit. After a great amount of important improvements in 2006, Chevrolet Corvette Argentina, 2007 model, now appears with numerous refinements.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:47 PM | View the original post
2007 Detroit Motor Show: Mitsubishi Motors to unveil "Prototype-X" concept
Next-generation high-performance 4WD sport sedan.
Tokyo, December 18, 2006 — Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) and Mitsubishi Motors North America Inc. (MMNA, based in Cypress California) will give the Mitsubishi Lancer compact sport sedan (U.S. market model) its global premiere and will also unveil the Prototype X concept for a next-generation high-performance 4WD sport sedan at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (the Detroit Motor Show). The 2007 NAIAS runs from January 7 to 21 at the Cobo Center in Detroit and opens to the general public on January 13.
Photo: Prototype X image sketch1
The Prototype-X concept car on show is an advance development model for the new Lancer Evolution due to be launched in the 2007 fiscal year. Embodying Mitsubishi Motors' trademark "fun to drive" qualities throughout, Prototype-X features styling based on the current Lancer but was developed to project a visibly higher performance image. The concept model is fitted with Mitsu-bishi's S-AWC*1 (Super All-Wheel Control) vehicle dynamics system that delivers the ultimate in four-wheel drive traction and handling control together with a new turbocharged MIVEC*2 engine with an aluminum cylinder block and a high performance 6-speed manual transmission.
Photo: Prototype X image sketch2
In addition to the Lancer and Prototype-X, Mitsubishi Motors will be featuring the Outlander sport utility vehicle, which was released in the U.S. market this October. Outlander is powered by a new high-performance 3-liter V6 MIVEC*2 engine together with a 6-speed automatic transmission to deliver strong acceleration and ample power at cruising speeds. The Raider pick-up, winner of the 2006 Baja 1000 (Stock Mini class), will also be showcased along with other local production models.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:39 PM | View the original post
Siemens Business Services takes over SAP operation for bauMax
Do-it-yourself specialists no longer do it themselves.
Photo: In the future Siemens Business Services will operate the SAP system for the bauMax do-it-yourself retail chain in seven countries. More than 7,000 bauMax employees use the system in Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia and Romania. The contract runs for eight years.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:46 PM | View the original post
GM leads in Venezuela
Photo: 2007 Chevrolet Spark (Venezuela)
GM Venezuela maintains a rate of solid advance in sales to end the year 2006 as the company leader of the national automotive market for 27 consecutive years.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:39 PM | View the original post
