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December 12, 2006
The mystery 'PERFECT CRIME' celebrates its 8,000th Performance
Photo: "Perfect Crime" -- an "Urban Legend" (New York Times), "One of the Biggest hits Off-Broadway" (Fox) -- celebrates its 8,000th Performance. Pictured: Catherine Russell as Margaret Thorne Brent and David Butler as W. Harrison Brent. Russell who has played in all but four performances -- 4,700 consecutive -- will celebrate her 8,000th on Dec. 17, breaking multiple performance records. This murder-mystery plays in the Snapple Theater Center, New York's first corporate-sponsored Off-Broadway theater.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:56 PM | View the original post
DURACELL SANTA RECEIVES LETTERS
PHOTO: Santa receives letters from North Pole postman, Curt Haase in North Pole, Alaska in November 2006. The city of North Pole, the official mail stop for thousands of "Dear Santa" letters, Santa Claus and Duracell, the official battery of North Pole, have partnered on a unique analysis of these letters to determine what really tops kids' wish lists this year.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:49 PM | View the original post
December 11, 2006
Saks Fifth Avenue Logo Gets a Makeover
NEW YORK, Dec. 11 -- As part of the overall revitalization of Saks Fifth Avenue, one of America's most familiar and enduring icons of style and commerce, the Saks logo has been updated for the 21st century. The new look will be unveiled officially in January, 2007 and will appear in advertising, on shopping bags and in a wide array of other merchandise and marketing materials.
"Our customers can count on us as a consistent source of fashion, style and quality," said Steve Sadove, CEO, Saks Incorporated. "The updated logo gives us a modern look that is sure to resonate with our customers and contribute to the resurgence of Saks Fifth Avenue."
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:50 PM | View the original post
NVIDIA Named Most Respected Public Fabless Semiconductor Company by FSA
SANTA CLARA, Calif., Dec. 11 -- NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) , the worldwide leader in programmable graphics processor technologies, today announced that the Fabless Semiconductor Association (FSA) presented the Company with the "Most Respected Public Fabless Company" award during the annual FSA Awards Dinner on Thursday, December 7, 2006 in Santa Clara, Calif.
Photo: NVIDIA Corporate Headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif.
The industry's "Most Respected Public Fabless Company" award is designed to identify the company garnering the most respect in the industry in terms of its products, vision, and future opportunities. On-line voting took place to allow members of the semiconductor industry, including semiconductor companies and partners, to cast a ballot for the public fabless companies they most respect.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:45 PM | View the original post
MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA 2008 LANCER
PHOTO: Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) will introduce, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, the all-new, 2008 Lancer compact sport sedan. The new-generation Lancer models arrive in Mitsubishi dealerships in early 2007.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:12 PM | View the original post
Cadillac Escalade Wins Prestigious Online Acclaim
DETROIT , Mich. – Today, the luxury automotive and lifestyle website AutoSpies.com named the Cadillac Escalade ESV as its choice for “2007 Luxury SUV of the Year.”
"Because of its high standards for excellence, Cadillac is especially grateful to receive this recognition from AutoSpies.com," said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. "The 2007 Escalade ESV is the product of tremendous efforts by our team to enhance and extend its appeal in every way. We're very proud to have those efforts recognized by AutoSpies.com."
Photo: Actress Mischa Barton walks the runway alongside the 2007 Cadillac Escalade at the 5th Annual General Motors TEN fashion show held in February 2006 in Hollywood, CA. (General Motors Photo) (United States)
In the marketplace, the all-new 2007 Escalade is winning new owners as it collects awards. Through November, year-to-date sales of Escalade have already surpassed sales for the entire 2005 calendar year. Sales of the most-popular of its three models, the standard-wheelbase Escalade, are up 25.5% through November.
Escalade was cited by AutoSpies.com for its design presence and enhancements in quality, fuel economy and interior luxury. Based in San Diego, Calif., AutoSpies.com is an innovative online “insider’s guide” to luxury automobiles and lifestyle.
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.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:59 AM | View the original post
December 10, 2006
NEWSWEEK COVER: DECEMBER 18, 2006 ISSUE
PHOTO: The December 18 issue of Newsweek (on newsstands Monday, December 11), "The World Of The Nativity" looks at the first-century foundations of family values and how Jesus's influence changed them from broadening the definition of "family," to establishing celibacy as a cornerstone of faith. Plus: Bush's Iraq Dilemma; CNBC's new cool style; the NBA's new basketball; The Boomer Files Hall of Fame; Sylvester Stallone discusses "Rocky Balboa"; and David Ansen's holiday reviews and top 10 film picks for 2006. (PRNewsFoto/NEWSWEEK)
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:00 PM | View the original post
BONGO LINE OF APPAREL AT KOHLS DEPARTMENT STORES
PHOTO: Bongo spokesperson and Hollywood "It" girl Kristin Cavallari takes time out of a holiday jaunt to The Big Apple to meet and greet fans at the brand new Kohl's department store in nearby Jersey City, N.J.
Cavallari, who is best known for her role on the MTV hit reality series "Laguna Beach," stars in ads for the Bongo line of apparel, footwear and accessories, which is available at Kohl's.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:34 PM | View the original post
December 9, 2006
WildBlue Announces Successful Launch of WildBlue-1
Satellite Will More Than Triple WildBlue's Customer Capacity for High Speed Internet Service via Satellite.
DENVER, Dec. 8 -- WildBlue Communications announced that its Ka-band spot beam satellite, WildBlue-1 was successfully launched this evening at 5:08 p.m. EST from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana. WildBlue provides high-speed Internet connectivity via satellite to homes and small businesses in communities where terrestrial broadband access is either limited or unavailable.
WildBlue-1 was successfully launched into orbit aboard Arianespace's Ariane 5 vehicle .
WildBlue Communications, Inc. was established to provide broadband access to consumers and small offices in rural areas and small cities in the United States.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:48 PM | View the original post
Weyerhaeuser Provides Update on Wood Products Market
FEDERAL WAY, Wash., -- Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE:WY) has announced that challenging market conditions necessitate further actions, which could include closures, curtailments and restricted operating postures at softwood lumber, engineered lumber and structural panels operations across North America.
Downtime and restricted operating postures have already been undertaken at about 70 percent of Weyerhaeuser residential wood products facilities. These curtailments have led to significant fourth quarter production decreases across all product lines.
"Demand for wood products is very weak," said Steven R. Rogel, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "We continue to analyze our operating postures and portfolio and expect additional capacity adjustments in the near term.
Weyerhaeuser Company, one of the world's largest integrated forest products companies, was incorporated in 1900. In 2005, sales were $22.6 billion. It has offices or operations in 18 countries, with customers worldwide. Weyerhaeuser is principally engaged in the growing and harvesting of timber; the manufacture, distribution and sale of forest products; and real estate construction, development and related activities.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:16 PM | View the original post
December 8, 2006
TRW ASYMMETRIC AIRBAG AND STEERING WHEEL SYSTEM
PHOTO: TRW's next-generation asymmetric airbag and steering wheel system features a non-rotating airbag that assists in providing enhanced crash protection while allowing automotive designers to add more convenience and aesthetic features to the steering wheel itself.
With 2005 sales of $12.6 billion, TRW Automotive ranks among the world's leading automotive suppliers. Headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, the Company, through its subsidiaries, employs approximately 63,000 people in 26 countries. TRW Automotive products include integrated vehicle control and driver assist systems, braking systems, steering systems, suspension systems, occupant safety systems (seat belts and airbags), electronics, engine components, fastening systems and aftermarket replacement parts and services.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:17 PM | View the original post
December 7, 2006
THE CHICAGO SPIRE
PHOTO: On Dec. 8, 2006, Shelbourne Development Group, Inc. will file for final design approval with the City of Chicago to build "The Chicago Spire," a 2,000-foot tall tower designed by Santiago Calatrava. The Chicago Spire will be the tallest residential building in the world.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:26 PM | View the original post
Coty Inc. Partners With Gwen Stefani and Her L.A.M.B. Brand to Develop and Market Signature Fragrances
NEW YORK, Dec. 6 -- Coty Inc., the world's largest fragrance company, announced today the signing of a global licensing agreement with Gwen Stefani, the Grammy-winning recording artist, to develop and market a line of fragrances for her fashion and accessories brand, L.A.M.B.
PHOTO: GWEN STEFANI WITH COTY INC. EXECUTIVES: R to L: Bernd Beetz, CEO, Coty Inc., Gwen Stefani, Michele Scannavini, president, Coty Prestige, Catherine Walsh, senior vice president, American Fragrances, Coty Prestige.
The partnership is the first foray by the multi-talented singer and fashion designer into the fragrance market. The yet-to-be-named fragrance, which will debut Fall 2007, will reflect the unique blend of verve, style and vivacity of L.A.M.B. fashions and accessories.
Coty was created in Paris in 1904 by Francois Coty who is credited with founding the modern fragrance industry. Coty Inc. delivers innovative products to consumers in 91 markets worldwide.
Today, Coty Inc. is the world's largest fragrance company and a recognized leader in global beauty with annual net sales of $2.9 billion. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, passion, innovation and creativity, Coty Inc. has developed an unrivaled portfolio of 40 designer, celebrity and lifestyle brands.
The Coty Prestige brand portfolio is distributed in prestige and ultra-prestige stores and includes designer brands -- Calvin Klein, Cerruti, Chloe, Jette Joop, Jil Sander, JOOP!, Kenneth Cole, Marc Jacobs, Nikos, Vera Wang and Vivienne Westwood; celebrity brands -- Desperate Housewives, Jennifer Lopez and Sarah Jessica Parker; and lifestyle brands -- Chopard, Davidoff, Lancaster, Nautica and Phat Farm.
The Coty Beauty brand portfolio is more widely distributed and includes designer brand -- Pierre Cardin*; celebrity brands -- Celine Dion, David and Victoria Beckham, Isabella Rossellini, mary-kateandashley and Shania Twain; and lifestyle brands -- adidas, Aspen, Astor, Calgon, Chupa Chups, Esprit, Exclamation, Jovan, Miss Sixty, Miss Sporty, Rimmel, Stetson, the healing garden and Vanilla Fields.
L.A.M.B., an acronym for "Love Angel Music Baby," was created and launched by Gwen Stefani in 2003. Since its initial conception, the women's apparel and accessory brand has quickly become recognized as one of the leading, young designer labels in the marketplace.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:18 PM | View the original post
The Concession Golf Club & Residences
Golf Digest: Best New Private Course of the Year 2006.
BRADENTON, Fla., Dec. 6 -- Golf Digest magazine has named The Concession Golf Club and Residences "Best New Private Course of the Year 2006."
The Concession Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus in association with Tony Jacklin, opened on January 23, 2006. This 18-hole par 72 course is set on 520 acres of ruggedly pristine land dotted with massive oaks and majestic pines. It totals 7470 yards from the tips of the back tees and runs three miles from tip to tip. A 23-acre practice area is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout from the Northern Ohio sand that was trucked in for the bunkers which are hand- raked daily to the over $1 million dollars spent moving mature trees to strategic spots along the course. It is one of only two clubs in the country that has the Advanced Aer system under all 18 greens guaranteeing tournament- quality play conditions all year.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:28 PM | View the original post
PANASONIC INTRODUCES ITS FIRST CONSUMER HIGH DEFINITION CAMCORDERS
PHOTO: Figure skater Marni Halasa performs a dance routine for media testing Panasonic's two new 3CCD High Definition AVCHD camcorders unveiled at an ice rink in New York, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2006. Panasonic held a press conference and series of demonstrations to introduce its first consumer High Definition camcorders they say will keep pace with the continued evolution in video toward larger TV screens and higher definition video content. (Feature Photo Service)
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:18 PM | View the original post
GHOST TOWN 'THE MOVIE'
PHOTO: Ghost Town "The Movie": Dean Teaster director/writer as "Digger the Undertaker", Bill McKinney as "Victor Burnett", Renee O'Connor as "Little Jack", and Anthony Hornus as "Captain Ketner". Copywrite 2006, Ghost Town "The Movie" L.L.C. Photo by Tammy Stephens Teaster.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:10 PM | View the original post
December 6, 2006
Boeing, Lufthansa Announce Order for 747-8 Intercontinental
First airline order for 747-8 passenger version.
New technologies to bring efficiency, environmental benefits to Lufthansa fleet.
SEATTLE, Dec. 06, 2006 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] and Deutsche Lufthansa AG today announced the carrier ordered 20 747-8 Intercontinental jetliners plus 20 purchase rights. Lufthansa is the first airline to place an order for the passenger version of the fuel-efficient airplane.
The Lufthansa order, with a total average list-price value of $5.5 billion, is scheduled for delivery beginning in 2010. This order is a primary component of the airline's plan to modernize its fleet and increase environmental stewardship.
"Lufthansa operates one of the youngest and most environmentally friendly fleets in the world," said Scott Carson, president and chief executive officer, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 747-8 will use state-of-the-art technology innovations from the 787 Dreamliner to significantly increase the capabilities of Lufthansa's fleet. This airplane improves upon the economics of the 747-400, while greatly enhancing fuel efficiency, reducing emissions and noise. We are thrilled that this world-class airline has chosen this world-class airplane."
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:10 PM | View the original post
Discovery Channel Announces Ground-Breaking 11-Part Television Event
PLANET EARTH, the Ultimate Portrait of our Planet in High-Definition.
Award-winning Actress and Conservationist Sigourney Weaver to Narrate.
SILVER SPRING, Md., Dec. 5 -- Award-winning actress and conservationist Sigourney Weaver joins Discovery Channel as narrator of the breathtaking look at our world, PLANET EARTH, premiering on the Discovery Channel on Sunday, March 25, 2007 at 8 PM ET/PT. PLANET EARTH will amaze viewers with never-before-seen animal behaviors, startling views of locations captured by cameras for the first time, and unprecedented high definition production techniques. More than five years in the making, PLANET EARTH redefines blue-chip natural history filmmaking and continues the Discovery mission of providing the highest quality programming in the world. PLANET EARTH airs on consecutive Sundays from March 25 through April 22, 2007.
PHOTO: Award-winning actress and conservationist Sigourney Weaver narrates Discovery Channel's epic high definition series PLANET EARTH, premiering Sun, March 25, 2007.
"The PLANET EARTH series is like a wonderful ride through our world," said Weaver. "Whatever fascinates you the most...whether it be caves or deep sea, deserts or mountains, you're in for such a treat. The camera work is so extraordinary and it's as if you're an animal living in that world...you become part of that world."
The series takes viewers from the mightiest mountain ranges to the deepest waters to the last true wilderness areas, all using cutting-edge filming methods such as the Cineflex heligimble aerial photography system, a highly stable camera attached to a helicopter that captures distant objects and creatures in close-up.
Spectacular animal scenes in PLANET EARTH include the first footage of the rarely seen snow leopard hunting in the Himalayas; lions hunting and killing elephants in the middle of the night; and the Blue Bird of Paradise performing a mating ritual, captured for the first time on film.
Bank of America is the presenting sponsor of the PLANET EARTH series.
Discovery Communications, Inc., is the leading global real-world media company. Discovery has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in 170 countries and territories.
70 camera operators spent over 2,000 days in the field visiting more than 200 locations to document nature's greatest spectacles. Locations filmed for the first time include the Gobi Desert covered in snow; unique access to the Arctic island of Kong Karls Land -- home to the world's highest densities of polar bears; and the first high-quality aerial sequences of Mount Everest.
Best known for her film roles, Sigourney Weaver is an active conservationist. She serves as honorary chair to the board of trustees of The Dian Fosse Gorilla Fund and recently drew international attention during a United Nations press conference on the threat to ocean habitat posed by deep sea trawling.
PLANET EARTH is produced for Discovery Channel by the BBC. Alastair Fothergill is the executive producer for the BBC. Maureen Lemire is the executive producer for Discovery Channel. Discovery Channel and the BBC also created the award-winning natural history series BLUE PLANET.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:42 PM | View the original post
Sony Ericsson’s new Z310 mirror-finish clamshell phone
It color codes your contacts.
New Sony Ericsson Z310. Announced today, this stand-out phone has a flawless, polished finish. The front icon display is integrated into the design, hidden discretely beneath the surface until a message or call is received. There are even eye-catching coloured light effects that can be assigned to contacts in the phonebook; so you can know at a glance who is calling.
“This stylish clamshell phone is one you won’t want to live without. Not only does it boast good looks and a vibrant colour, it also provides must-have features for this type of everyday phone: VGA camera, MP3 Music Ringtones & Bluetooth connectivity,” says Steve Walker, Head of Product Marketing at Sony Ericsson. “The fresh look is also complimented by some innovative design features, normally only seen on more advanced phones.”
Adding to the striking design is a series of novel light effects that serve to both personalise the phone & allow the user to ‘colour code’ their contacts. Simply assign a coloured light to your frequent callers and you will know instantly whether its work trying to reach you, your best friend fixing a date, or your mother calling to invite you to Sunday lunch! It is even possible to set the look and feel of the menu & screen display to match the time of day; a bright theme during the daytime and something more relaxing or subtle at night.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:25 PM | View the original post
Honda Accord Coupe Concept to Debut at North American International Auto Show
TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 5 -- A bold new look for the next-generation Honda Accord Coupe will be unveiled at the January 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced today.
The Accord Coupe Concept will convey exterior styling cues and design features that provide a first look at the direction the next-generation Accord will take and it promises to set a new benchmark for Accord and for the segment. The Accord is Honda's best selling model in North America, and this vehicle's debut at NAIAS will mark the first time an Accord concept car has ever been shown at a major auto show.
Car and Driver magazine recently named the current-generation 2007 Honda Accord as one of the winners of its prestigious and highly competitive annual "10Best Cars" award. The Accord has achieved "10Best" status 21 times in the 25 years that Car and Driver editors have been conducting the competition, more than any other vehicle in the award's history.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:27 PM | View the original post
