April 21, 2009
Powwow: World's Largest Gathering of Native Americans
Hundreds of Thousands of People to Celebrate Music, Art and Culture.
Photo: More than 3,000 Native American dancers dressed in colorful outfits adorned with feathers, bells, jingles and fringes enter the University of New Mexico University Arena (known as "The PIT") as part of the "Grand Entry" for the world's largest gathering of Native American and indigenous people at the 26th Annual Gathering of Nations held in Albuquerque, NM between April 23 and 25, 2009.
The world's largest gathering of Native American and indigenous people will take place in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA, between April 23 and 25, 2009 at The 26th Annual Gathering of Nations, the most prominent Native American powwow in the world. The event will be held at the University of New Mexico's University Arena (known locally as "The Pit") and will host more than 150,000 people and more than 500 tribes from throughout the United States and around the world celebrating their culture and traditions.
The Gathering of Nations' three-day event will include 36 different indigenous bands performing in an amphitheatre. The musical genres include country, reggae, rhythm and blues, hip-hop, rock 'n' roll, and more. In addition, more than 3,000 Native American singers and dancers will be entertaining a capacity crowd, and more than 600 Native American artisans, craftsmen and traders will be displaying and selling their work.
As part of the Gathering of Nations, a young Native American woman will be crowned Miss Indian World and represent all native and indigenous peoples as a cultural goodwill ambassador. Twenty-six Native American women representing their different tribes and traditions will compete for the title in the areas of tribal knowledge, dancing ability, and personality assessment.
The "Grand Entry" begins at noon on Friday, April 24 with more than 3,000 Native American dancers dressed in colorful outfits adorned with feathers, bells, jingles, and fringes enter the arena to the sounds of hundreds of drums beating simultaneously.
Source: Gathering of Nations
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 11:49 AM | Link to this Post
April 17, 2009
Smarter, Faster Rail Systems are In Demand: IBM
According to a study released today by IBM (NYSE:IBM) , increasing demand on rail systems in the U.S. and around the world will dramatically strain existing rail infrastructure. The study, "The Smarter Railroad," analyzes new approaches to modernize and build high-speed rail networks globally, such as those announced today by President Obama.
Findings from the report indicate that the top key challenges in the development of better rail systems, cited by the world's leading global rail executives, were capacity and congestion; operational efficiency and reliability; structural and competitive issues; and safety and security. The report also highlights emerging technologies that will help rail companies better instrument, analyze and manage rail networks and equipment in real-time.
"The global rail industry in 2009 and beyond will struggle to meet the increasing demand for freight and passenger transportation, while aging systems and infrastructure complicate the problem," says Keith Dierkx, Director, IBM Global Rail Programs. "However, rail companies around the world are starting to apply new technologies that will help them build high-speed rail systems that more efficiently move people, are more cost effective, and make more intelligent use of all rail assets, from tracks to trains. IBM is already working with railroads to build these smarter systems around the world."
Data indicates that US$300 billion will be spent globally to upgrade, expand and initiate railway networks during the next five years. These investments are designed to build a new rail infrastructure that can meet dramatically increasing rail capacity demand over the next two decades. Even meeting current demand requires that nearly 40 cents on every revenue dollar is spent maintaining the rail system.
IBM developed this report to help governments and railroad companies better understand and address the challenges facing both passenger and freight rail systems. Building these modern railroad systems requires information to be shared across the rail network and among many different stakeholders, including the rail company, shippers, car owners, travel agents, municipalities, intermodal carriers and customers.
IBM says that it is building intelligent transportation systems around the world to help cities manage traffic congestion, improve urban environmental conditions and increase economic competitiveness. These systems leverage business consulting, advanced transportation analytics, Research, supercomputing and new sensor networks. These projects include smart transportation initiatives in China, The Netherlands, Stockholm, Brisbane, Singapore, Dublin, London and other locations around the world.
According to IBM, its smart rail projects involve software and services designed to collect and analyze data gathered from devices on trains, tracks, stations and other assets to improve the speed, safety, and reliability of rail service. IBM adds that, for example, Netherlands Railways, one of the busiest national railway networks in Europe, is using IBM software to manage more than 5,000 trains in the Netherlands through a network of 390 stations and 2,800 kilometers of track.
"The smart transportation system improves the on-time performance for more than one million passengers each day by more accurately matching the number of trains in service to expected user traffic. Netherlands Railways has been able to improve its operating efficiency by as much as six percent, netting the railway a cost savings of over euro 20 million annually," IBM explains.
Source: IBM
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 1:32 PM | Link to this Post
November 23, 2008
Saint-Gobain Specialty Glass Adds Sparkle to NYC's TKTS Booth on Father Duffy Square
Photo: The TKTS ticket booth, a mainstay for bargain-conscious theater fans since 1973, recently opened its upgraded structure made entirely of glass supplied by Saint-Gobain, the world's largest producer of building materials.
Headquartered in Paris, Saint-Gobain has more than 210,000 employees throughout the world, including 25,000 in the U.S. and Canada. In addition to its leadership in glass for architectural products, the company is the world's largest supplier of building materials and is a major manufacturer of high-performance materials and glass containers.
The new TKTS ticket booth on Father Duffy Square in New York City has finally opened its portholes after several years of design and construction. The new booth -- a striking glass structure in the heart of New York's theatre district -- was officially declared open by New York City Mayor Bloomberg at a gathering of celebrities and city officials on October 16th.
Huge pieces of ultra-clear Saint-Gobain Diamant Glass envelope and protect the futuristic white ticket pod. The glass steps above it are claret red in the shadow of the surrounding buildings but turn brighter as the midday sun reflects off the colored interlayer.
As Saint-Gobain itself describes, "At night, when the booth's light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are switched on, the whole structure glows like a 'magical ruby'. Transformed from its temporary scaffold and sheeting appearance into a gleaming all-glass sculpture by Perkins Eastman architects, the booth is rapidly becoming a landmark for locals and visitors alike. The booth is already attracting throngs of weary walkers -- happy to make the short climb up the 27 glass steps to absorb a unique view of New York."
The amphitheater will be able to accommodate more than one thousand visitors as they wait for tickets, eat their lunch or just sit and watch the hustle and bustle of the Times Square district. It will also likely serve as a space for many photo shoots, weddings and film sets.
The steps comprise three-layers of Saint-Gobain Diamant ultra-clear glass, laminated with a red interlayer and surface treated for slip-resistance. The one-and-a-half inch steps are designed for maximum durability.
The ultra-clear walls structurally support the steps, serving as a balustrade and protecting the administration pod inside.
All of the glass panels were developed and manufactured at Saint-Gobain's Eckelt Glas factory in Austria.
Source: Saint-Gobain
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 1:34 AM | Link to this Post
August 12, 2008
Branson cautions Obama and McCain against American Airlines British Airways Link-Up
Sir Richard Branson, the President of Virgin Atlantic Airways, has written to both US Presidential candidates warning that a proposed alliance between British Airways and American Airlines would severely damage competition on major transatlantic routes and leave consumers worse off.
In his letter to Senators Barack Obama and John McCain, Sir Richard says that "airlines everywhere are struggling with the current price of oil, but the solution to their problems should not lie in an anti-competitive agreement, which will inevitably lead to less competition and higher fares."
BA and American Airlines, who together with Iberia would have nearly half of all takeoff and landing slots at London's Heathrow airport, are expected to file an application this week for permission to fix prices and timetables, and share revenues and frequent flyer details, on their route networks.
The two airlines have tried twice before to gain permission to bring together their operations and, on both occasions, every regulator that examined the alliance raised serious concerns about the anti-competitive nature of the proposal.
Senator Obama represents Illinois, a state where many workers are employed by American Airlines at Chicago O'Hare airport.
Photo: Sir Richard Branson spins at the 2007 Virgin Mobile USA Art Auction in New York City.
Sir Richard writes in the letter: "BA and AA will argue that their alliance is now acceptable because the competitive environment has changed with the Open Skies accord on UK-US routes. This is a complete red herring. Open Skies (which is only a temporary accord as it may be unwound in 2010) has not significantly increased competition on UK/London-US routes." Open Skies hasn't reduced ticket prices, either.
Against the background of high oil prices, Sir Richard writes: "Neither is the current economic slowdown a justification for waiving through any application. The job of the regulators is to assess the long-term impact of the alliance on competition, not to provide special protection from the immediate challenges of the economic cycle, with which every other airline has to deal with."
The key issue for the competition authorities is the market dominance that a combined BA/AA will have in individual markets. There are six Heathrow routes on which BA and AA overlap and where competition would be reduced.
BA/AA would have dominant market shares on the following routes to and from Heathrow in terms of capacity:
• JFK - 63%
• Chicago - 66%
• Boston - 82%
• Miami - 72%
• Los Angeles - 49%
• Dallas Fort Worth - 100%
In the letter Sir Richard explained that "BA/AA would have a combination of high frequencies and a transatlantic network that could not be replicated by any other airline/alliance, and which would make it impossible for other carriers to compete for time-sensitive corporate or business travelers."
Sir Richard also highlighted the fact that Heathrow being full, another major airport is limiting access: "We now have a similar situation at New York airports, with government imposed restrictions. The Heathrow-New York JFK route is by far the most important transatlantic market, accounting for over 25% of the total Heathrow/US market."
Virgin Atlantic will be launching a major lobbying and advertising campaign in due course telling the regulators and the consumers that "BA/AA and Iberia alliance is dangerous and it should be blocked".
Source: Virgin Atlantic Airways
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 11:36 PM | Link to this Post
August 6, 2008
Haier's 'Making the World a Home' Experience Center Opens in Beijing Ahead of the Beijing Games
Haier, the world's fourth largest white goods manufacturer and the official white goods sponsor of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, today opens the Haier "Making the World a Home" Experience Center in Chaoyang Park, Beijing. The Experience Center will be open to the public for the duration of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, where visitors will experience Haier's vision of the future of home appliances and its "U-Home" technology.
Photo: Haier's "Making the World a Home" Experience Center in Chaoyang Park, Beijing will be open to the public for the duration of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
The Experience Center, located at the south entrance of Chaoyang Park, Beijing, will allow visitors to experience 16 hours of a person's life in the future showcasing Haier's solutions to ease the life of the user from morning to evening. At home in the morning, while the consumer is exercising, his jogging machine will monitor his pulse rate or energy consumed. When leaving home, "U-Home" technology will automatically shut down lights to save energy and start the security system. In the office, Haier brings wireless interactive devices, making the office environment more clear and efficient. On the way home after work, the user can check the content of his refrigerator on his mobile phone and make a detour to the store accordingly. Finally, at home in the evening, the intelligent bed will recognize when the user has finished his day, and will shut down the lights, the television and close the curtains.
The bubble shaped building also serves as a giant screen where evening light shows will introduce Haier's history, Olympic sponsorship, and efforts for environmental protection. The entertainment area of the Experience Center will offer virtual sport games that will allow visitors to test Haier's technology while playing.
Haier's technology, named "U-Home" for "Ubiquitous Home", will accompany users in every step of their day-to-day life, keep them connected to the world when at home and to home when outside. Haier "U-Home" equipped home appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners or washing machines use the internet, mobile communication and fixed telephone networks to allow users to communicate with their home appliances anytime anywhere to control them and retrieve information remotely.
Photo: Haier service staff make a daily check on Haier washing machines installed in the Olympic Village laundry, Beijing China.
"Haier's Experience Center matches the excellence of Haier's products and services offered to athletes, journalists, visitors and staff in the Olympic venues. Haier has provided the Beijing Olympic Games with state of the art appliances in terms of energy efficiency and environmental protection. At the Experience Center, visitors from around the world will enjoy a taste of the future imagined by Haier," said Mr. WU Shouzhang, Vice President of the Chinese Olympic Committee (COC).
"The Olympic Spirit advocates mutual understanding, friendship, unity and the spirit of fair competition, and stands for harmonious, free, healthy and active lifestyles. By means of household appliances in line with the Olympic spirit, Haier 'Making the World a Home' Experience Center endows the visitor with a harmonious and joyful 16 hours life experience," said Haier Group SVP Mr. ZHOU Yunjie.
Founded in Qingdao, Shandong province, China, in 1984, Haier Group is the world's fourth largest white goods manufacturer. Haier is one of the best known Chinese brands in the world, with distribution in over 160 countries.
Source: Haier Group
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 11:48 AM | Link to this Post
Empire State Building Celebrates Countries Competing in the 2008 Beijing Olympics
World-Famous Icon Displays Flags of the World With Its Iconic Tower Lights.
The Empire State Building (ESB) announced today that it will celebrate the countries competing in this year's Olympics by lighting each of the four sides of its famed tower -- north, south, east and west -- the colors of participating countries' flags each night throughout the summer games. This marks the first time ESB has split the tower's sides with four separate country's lights in its history.
For the 17 nights of the games, the monumental lightings will honor the top 66 countries participating in the Olympics, based on the number of athletes attending from each country.
"The Empire State Building is honoring the athletes that have trained and worked their entire lives to make it to this international stage of competition where unity, athleticism and sportsmanship are revered," said James Connors, General Manager for the Empire State Building. "We are proud that the Empire State Building can be a part of this international celebration and hope that its tower lights are another source of pride for the athletes and their countries taking part in the summer games."
For 17 straight nights, the ESB electricians will be working around the clock to change the 182 floodlights that will make the world-famous ESB tower glow in each country's colors. A typical color change takes six electricians, six hours; the country lightings will require a team of electricians, each dedicated to one side of the building -- north, south, east or west -- to change the lights. Each team will manually fit the colored plastic gels over the floodlights to create the appropriate color combination for that day's four countries being honored.
In the spirit of unity and teamwork, the ESB is also working with each country's Consulate to spread the news, and giving citizens from each respected country a chance to experience the national pride that goes along with having their national colors lit up prominently on the Empire State Building and in the New York City skyline.
Empire State Building Country Lighting Schedule:
• Colors are listed from bottom to top.
August 8, 2008 (Friday)
North: Red, White, Blue - France
West: Red, Blue, White - Great Britain
South: Red, Red, Green - Portugal
East: Green, White, Orange - India
August 9, 2008 (Saturday)
North: Red, White, Blue - Czech Republic
West: Red, Blue, White - Russia
South: Red, White, Green - Italy
East: Green, White, Green - Nigeria
August 10, 2008 (Sunday)
North: Red, White, Blue - Chinese Taipei
West: Red, Red, White - Poland
South: Red, White, Green - Mexico
East: Green, White, Red - Hungary
August 11, 2008 (Monday)
North: Blue, White, Red - Croatia
West: White, Red, White - Japan
South: Green, Yellow, Green - South Africa
East: Black, White, Red - Egypt
August 12, 2008 (Tuesday)
North: Blue, White, Red - Netherlands
West: Blue, Red, White - New Zealand
South: Green, Yellow, Blue - Brazil
East: Red, Yellow, Blue - Romania
August 13, 2008 (Wednesday)
North: Blue, White, Red - Cuba
West: Blue, Red, White - Slovenia
South: Yellow, Yellow, Blue - Ukraine
East: Red, Yellow, Red - Spain
August 14, 2008 (Thursday)
North: Red, White, Red - Denmark
West: Blue, Red, White - Australia
South: Blue, Yellow, Blue - Kazakhstan
East: Yellow, Red, Black - Germany
August 15, 2008 (Friday)
North: Red, White, Red - Austria
West: Red, Green, White - Belarus
South: Blue, Yellow, Blue - Sweden
East: White, Blue, Red - South Korea
August 16, 2008 (Saturday)
North: Red, White, Red - Canada
West: Red, Green, White - Bulgaria
South: Blue, White, Blue - Greece
East: White, Blue, Red - Serbia
[The final list will be available on August 9, 2008]
In 1976, colored lighting was first introduced in the Empire State Building as the tower was lit in red, white and blue to celebrate the American Bicentennial. The Empire State Building's tower lights are internationally recognized and are illuminated to commemorate holidays, events and causes that are of importance to New Yorkers, Americans and citizens of the world.
Soaring 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan, the Empire State Building is the "World's Most Famous Office Building." With new investments in infrastructure, public areas and amenities, the Empire State Building has attracted first-rate tenants in a diverse array of industries from around the world.
Source: Empire State Building
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 5:16 AM | Link to this Post
July 30, 2008
Siemens Velaro High-Speed Trains in Beijing
Five Siemens Velaro trains are to start running between the two Olympic sports venues from August 1 onwards. China Rail ordered a total of 60 Velaro trains. Three of them have been built in Krefeld in Germany, while the other 57 units are being built at Tangshan Locomotive & Rolling Stock Works in Tangshan. The above two pictures show the Velaro CN on the high-speed route near Beijing.
The Velaro high-speed train is fast, economical and safe for the environment. The Velaro is considered the most successful high-speed train in the world. By 2008, over 160 trains based on this platform will be operating all over the world, including the ICE 3 in Germany, the Velaro E in Spain, the Velaro CN in China and the Velaro RUS in Russia. According to Siemens, not only does the Velaro minimize operating and maintenance costs, but emissions are also extremely low in relation to the high transport capacity. In addition, low energy consumption and the use of environmentally friendly materials help save valuable natural resources. The Velaro is also the fastest series-produced train in the world. In September 2006, the Velaro reached the world record speed of 404 km/h.
Source: Siemens AG
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 12:48 PM | Link to this Post
July 26, 2008
French Airline L'Avion Purchased by British Airways
To Be Integrated With New Transatlantic Subsidiary OpenSkies.
British Airways announced yesterday (July 25, 2008) that it has completed the purchase of French airline L'Avion, which will be integrated with British Airways' new subsidiary OpenSkies. This agreement was initially announced on July 2, 2008. Full integration of L'Avion with OpenSkies is slated for early 2009.
OpenSkies recently launched daily flights between Paris Orly Airport and New York John F. Kennedy Airport. L'Avion operates two Boeing 757 aircraft between Paris Orly and Newark Airport. The combined airline will operate up to three daily flights between Paris Orly and the New York area using Boeing 757 aircraft.
"We are very pleased about the completion of this deal and excited to begin the integration process," said Dale Moss, Managing Director of OpenSkies. "This is an ideal combination of two companies that share a focus on delivering an unparalleled experience on the transatlantic journey. With L'Avion providing increased access to Paris-Orly, greater scale and a deep and talented employee base -- coupled with the backing of British Airways -- we will present an even stronger and more vibrant competitive choice across the Atlantic."
"Together, our combined companies will offer a compelling premium value proposition for travelers on the New York - Paris route," said Marc Rochet, Chief Executive Officer of L'Avion. "Our two airlines are a natural fit, with a collective commitment to providing memorable customer service on each and every flight. We look forward to working closely with our OpenSkies colleagues as we continue to build a premier transatlantic airline."
Upon integration of the two airlines, customers can expect to experience benefits that will further improve the Paris - New York offering, including an increased schedule and BA Executive Club privileges. OpenSkies and L'Avion currently operate a codeshare with L'Avion selling seats on OpenSkies flights.
L'Avion has accommodated more than 65,000 customers since its start on January 3rd, 2007. L'Avion is the first French airline that offers all business class service at affordable prices to travelers. L'Avion operates two Boeing 757-200 with 90 Business Class seats only. L'Avion flies between Paris-Orly and New York- Newark twice daily, 5 times a week.
With no more than 82 passengers on each flight, OpenSkies features three cabins: BIZ, a business class service featuring the only fully lie-flat beds on the Paris - New York route; PREM+, a completely new service category featuring reclining seats with a 52" pitch; and ECONOMY, featuring a cabin containing only thirty seats.
OpenSkies will initially fly between Paris - Orly Airport and New York - JFK Airport. Other European destinations being considered for the airline include Amsterdam, Brussels, Frankfurt and Milan. The airline will offer guests innovative features onboard, including lie-flat beds in business class, personal entertainment units with 50+ hours of programming, and fresh and healthy meal service. Backed by British Airways, OpenSkies is the first airline created as a result of the Open Skies agreement, which allows airlines to fly between any U.S. and E.U. destination.
Source: OpenSkies
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 2:20 PM | Link to this Post
July 25, 2008
Mobile map usage growing much faster than online map usage: comScore
comScore M:Metrics Reports Mobile Map Use Grows 82 Percent in United States, 49 Percent in Europe.
As families hit the road this summer, more will be turning to the mobile device for turn-by-turn directions.
Photo: Nokia 6110 Navigator
The use of mobile maps is increasingly popular in the United States and Europe, with 8 percent of American mobile subscribers and 3 percent of European subscribers accessing maps from the mobile phone in the three-month period ending May 2008, this was reported today by comScore, Inc. (NASDAQ:SCOR) , a leader in measuring the digital world. This represents a growth rate of 82 percent and 49 percent in the number of users, respectively. According to the comScore M:Metrics Benchmark Study, the iPhone is the leading device used to access maps in the United States, and in Europe, the device trails the Nokia N95 and N70.
"The mobile phone as a personal navigation device makes tremendous sense," observed Mark Donovan, senior analyst, comScore. "With the influx of devices, such as the iPhone with GPS, entering the market, Nokia's purchase of NAVTEQ and the growing popularity of downloadable navigation applications, you don't need a map to see where this sector is going."
According to comScore, 73 percent of mobile subscribers accessing maps are doing so via the browser in the U.S., and in Europe, 57 percent. Less than a third of Americans and Europeans are using a downloaded application, which allows even feature phones, with less computing power and often smaller screens, to better render graphic-rich maps and directions. Despite the ubiquity of SMS usage in Europe, the penetration of consumers accessing maps and directions via SMS is 24 percent; only one percentage point higher than it is in the United States.
Photo: Nokia N95 with GPS
The vast majority of mobile map users are seeking driving directions, even in Europe, where public transportation and non-vehicular options are more popular.
While mobile access to maps has surged, online access to maps using the PC shows more modest gains in the United States and Western Europe. In the United Kingdom, which posted the highest growth in mobile access to maps at 72 percent, online access via the PC dipped from 45 percent penetration in May 2007 to 41 percent in May 2008. In the U.S., the increase in the number of users accessing maps from a mobile device far outpaced the increase in the number of people who accessed maps via the PC.
Acquired by comScore, Inc. in May 2008, M:Metrics is an authoritative source of data on mobile usage. Using its proprietary on-device metering technology and one of the world's largest monthly surveys of mobile users, M:Metrics provides data on actual mobile content consumption by applying trusted media measurement methodologies to the mobile market. According to comScore, M:Metrics services are used by more than 180 clients, including global leaders in the mobile, advertising, technology and consumer goods industries such as Verizon, Vodafone, Microsoft, RIM, FOX, CBS, BBC, BMW, Samsung, Palm, Qualcomm, Ericsson, O&M, and JWT.
Source: comScore, Inc.
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 1:46 AM | Link to this Post
June 1, 2008
Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09: Fan Pier Boston is U.S. Stopover Venue
Photo © Oskar Kihlborg. Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006
Photo © Oskar Kihlborg. Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006
Photo © Oskar Kihlborg. Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006
The Volvo Ocean Race has confirmed Fan Pier in Boston as the sole North American stopover when the race visits the US East Coast port city in April-May 2009.
Spanning some 37,000 nautical miles, stopping in 11 ports around the world and taking nine months to complete, the Volvo Ocean Race is the world's premier global race for professional racing crews.
Agreement between race organizers to bring the race to Fan Pier has been backed by the city of Boston and has been made possible by the efforts of the local developer Joe Fallon, who is working closely with city officials to ensure a successful, world-class event at the coveted waterfront location - Fan Pier.
The entire stopover facility including berthing for the seven-boat fleet, race village, entertainment complex and haul-out area will be accommodated on a five-acre Volvo Ocean Race zone within the development site.
Two weeks of festivals and local events are planned for the beginning of May 2009, to celebrate the arrival and departure of the Volvo Ocean Race, Boston's maritime history and the sport of sailing.
The Fallon Company is owner and developer of the large-scale, 21-acre Fan Pier site. Fallon's plans for the area include a five-star hotel, offices, designer boutiques, restaurants and luxury condominiums with 360-degree views of the Boston skyline and harbour.
Fan Pier also brings to life new public parks, a Harbor Walk, a state-of-the-art marina and the internationally acclaimed Institute of Contemporary Art. It is a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly area, and as the newest neighborhood in the city of Boston is the ideal spot to welcome the Volvo Ocean Race to Boston.
The visit of the Volvo race, Fallon says, will bring heightened awareness to Boston's waterfront, Fan Pier, extreme ocean racing and the sport of sailing in general. "I'm extremely proud and excited that Fan Pier and the city of Boston will join world-class ports like Rio de Janeiro, Cape Town, Singapore and Stockholm as hosts of the 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race," Fallon said.
"Fan Pier represents the best of Boston's ability to bring new global events with international audiences to historic Boston Harbour," said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. "We believe this race will showcase Boston and the waterfront as a global destination to residents and tourists alike."
Photo: © Oskar Kihlborg. Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006
Photo: © Rick Tomlinson. Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006
Boston is the only North American port stopover for the 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race. PUMA, which headquarters its North American operations in the greater Boston area, has entered the race with their boat il mostro representing the U.S. The boat is skippered by Ken Read who has strong ties to the greater Boston area.
At the completion of its stopover at Fan Pier, the re-start of the race continues onto its next port stopover, Galway, Ireland.
The Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 will be the 10th running of this ocean marathon. Starting from Alicante in Spain, on 4 October 2008, it will, for the first time, take in Kochi, India, Singapore and Qingdao, China before finishing in St Petersburg, Russia.
Source: Volvo Ocean Race, Volvo Car Corporation
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 3:36 AM | Link to this Post
April 18, 2008
Low Crime, Safe Streets and Manageability Making New York City Ideal Destination for Global Visitors: NYC & Company
Photo: NYC's Marketing and Tourism Chief Launches Communications Campaign in Milan, Italy, with Special Preview of Metropolitan Museum's Newest Exhibition.
NYC & Company, New York City's official marketing, tourism and partnership organization, has released its first-quarter visitor projections, showing an estimated one million more visitors came to the City compared to a year ago, and while here, they spent more money than the previous year. As the America's safest large City, New York City continues to benefit from lower crime, safer streets and better manageability. An estimated 9.5 million tourists visited the City between January 1 and March 31, up from a forecasted 8.5 million during the same quarter a year ago. Visitor spending also climbed to a forecasted $6.3 billion total in the first quarter compared to an estimated $5.6 billion during the same period a year ago. The City expects that approximately 19% of total visitors -- or about 1.8 million -- will come from international markets, with spending expected to be 20% above forecasts from the same quarter last year.
Photo : Tourist Couple in City with Map, New York City, New York, USA.
Photo : International Visitors: Man Taking Woman's Picture in City Park, New York City, New York, USA.
"New York City is operating on all cylinders, making the destination appealing to visitors from around the globe," said NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta. "The City, under the leadership of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, is in the midst of an extraordinary moment in time: our neighborhoods are cleaner and safer than ever before, and our arts and cultural institutions are more vibrant than ever. The weak dollar also continues to attract international visitors from around the globe -- a segment that accounts for more than 50% of total visitor spending."
NYC & Company has taken a global approach to marketing New York City by focusing on key international markets in order to position the City to capture its maximum share of international travelers -- visitors who stay longer and spend more. Since the merger of NYC & Company in 2006 with NYC Marketing and NYC Big Events, and the commitment by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg to provide additional funds to expand the City's global reach, NYC & Company has opened 10 new offices, bringing the total to 17.
Representatives on behalf of New York City are in the following locations: United Kingdom (London), Germany (Munich), France (Paris), Italy (Milan), Ireland (Dublin), Argentina (Buenos Aires), Mexico (Mexico City), Spain (Madrid), Benelux (Amsterdam), Scandinavia/Finland (Stockholm), Russia (Moscow), China (Shanghai), Korea (Seoul), Japan (Tokyo), Brazil (Sao Paulo), Canada (Toronto) and Australia (Sydney).
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 3:07 AM | Link to this Post
March 24, 2008
New Jersey Tourism's Spring Advertising Campaign: "You Have Arrived"
As Travelers Plan Spring and Summer Itineraries, Multifaceted Campaign Uses Popular GPS Imagery to Spotlight New Jersey's "Great Destinations in Any Direction"
New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism debuts the state's new multifaceted Spring advertising campaign today March 24. Two compelling new television commercials take center stage in a media mix featuring radio, billboards and the Internet. The 30-second TV spots go beyond simply suggesting a visit to the Garden State -- they draw viewers in by highlighting New Jersey's signature attractions as well as a sampling of the state's artistic, cultural and historic destinations.
The campaign, which features images of GPS navigation screens and the familiar "you have arrived" broadcast voice-overs, capture New Jersey's range of experiences -- from bicycling to birdwatching, from starfish to spa treatments.
NJ Tourism Spring TV Commercial
According to the New Jersey Division of Travel & Tourism, viewers will see historic venues such as Red Bank's revitalized Count Basie Theatre, exciting dining and nightlife, and families bonding over Wildwood's exhilarating rides and nostalgic "Doo Wop" culture. New Jersey's great destinations will be splashed across the Eastern seaboard -- from Toronto, Ontario to Roanoke, Virginia, and from Cincinnati, Ohio to Long Island, New York. Drivers will see billboard images of the state's diverse tourism gems -- as colorful GPS screens -- along major thoroughfares. Web surfers can explore online through Internet advertising. And radio listeners will hear "mini itineraries," perfect for a quick getaway. " |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 11:13 PM | Link to this Post
March 19, 2008
Boeing Delivers First 777-200LR for a U.S. Carrier to Delta Air Lines
Boeing has delivered the first widebody 777-200LR (longer range) airplane for a U.S. carrier to Delta Air Lines. The airplane was revealed and then dedicated by the airline's management in honor of Delta employees, 150 of whom attended the delivery ceremony at Boeing Field.
The airplane is the first of eight Boeing 777-200LRs ordered by Delta Air Lines, enhancing the airline's ability to connect customers and cargo between virtually any two cities around the globe, nonstop. The aircraft entered scheduled service March 8 flying between Atlanta and Los Angeles, and on March 9 from Atlanta to Tokyo.
In tribute to employees and to the original "Spirit of Delta" -- a Boeing 767-200 given to the airline in 1982 by employees, retirees and friends -- the new Boeing 777-200LR, Ship 7101, is called "The Delta Spirit" in gratitude to the many accomplishments of Delta's employees worldwide. The aircraft was officially dedicated to Delta employees in a celebration March 6 in Atlanta. |GlobalGiants.com|
Source: The Boeing Company
Edited & Posted by Editor | 12:40 AM | Link to this Post
March 9, 2008
A320 SelectOne Engine Test Flights
As part of Airbus' commitment to offering its customers the most eco-efficient aircraft and also to driving down aircraft related maintenance costs, the Airbus A320 test aircraft successfully performed the first in a series of test flights on 26th February.
An A320 performed the first test flight with International Aero Engine's new fuel-efficient SelectOne™ powerplant, which is designed for lower CO2 emissions and longer on-wing time
A series of test flights will validate the SelectOne™ engine's performance and handling characteristics, leading to its certification and availability on the A319, A320 and A321. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 9:39 AM | Link to this Post
January 28, 2008
Siemens Light Rail USA : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: The Siemens low-floor tram S70 in Houston, driving on the Red Line between South Park and Ride and the university of Houston-Downtown. January 23, 2008.
Photo: The Siemens low-floor tram SD660 in Portland, driving on the Westside Line between Beaverton Creek and Merlo Road. January 24, 2008.
Edited & Posted by Editor | 10:28 AM | Link to this Post
January 1, 2008
RIOTUR BRAZIL NEW YEAR
Photo: Last night's New Year celebrations are thought to be one of the biggest ever seen in the iconic Brazilian city, with over 2 million people observing the long-standing tradition of dressing in white, heading to the city's beaches and jumping over seven successive waves, with music provided by the drummers from Rio's top samba schools. Brazil's New Year's Eve party is only rivalled by the Carnival, with over 593,000 tourists descending on the country and spending over US$ 429 million. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 12:15 PM | Link to this Post
December 28, 2007
California Visitor's Guide Features Inspiration Section
Take a fresh, new look at the beauty and diversity of the Golden State -- and the California lifestyle -- in the newly redesigned 2008 California Official State Visitor's Guide and Travel Planner. The annual guide includes an expanded "inspiration" section, which incorporates large, compelling photos to illustrate more than a dozen feature articles showcasing the California experience. Produced by the California Travel and Tourism Commission (CTTC), and distributed around the world, the entire guide is designed to connect with visitors on an emotional level, motivating them to plan a trip to California. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 9:06 AM | Link to this Post
December 17, 2007
Virgin America Teams Up With The Lakers
Photo: Actress Jessica Alba sits with Cash Warren as they watch the Golden State Warriors play the Los Angeles Lakers in their NBA basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2007, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill).
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 17 -- Virgin America is now a "Sponsor of the Los Angeles Lakers" for all of the superstar team's 41 2007-08 home games. Fans seated in Virgin America's courtside seats will get the "celeb treatment" with Virgin America gift bags and VIP service during selected games from Virgin America's courtside "flight attendants."
Launched in August 2007, Virgin America flies to San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Las Vegas, San Diego (starting Feb. 12, 2008) and Seattle (starting March 18, 2008). |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 9:27 AM | Link to this Post
November 13, 2007
Raymond N. Bickson, CEO, Taj Hotels, Named Corporate Hotelier of the World by HOTELS Magazine
MUMBAI, India, Nov. 13 -- Raymond N. Bickson, managing director and CEO of Mumbai-based Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, has been named 2007 Corporate Hotelier of The World by HOTELS magazine. The award, determined by votes cast by the magazine's 62,000 readers in 170 countries, was presented yesterday during a reception at The Pierre in New York.
Bickson, whose hospitality career spans more than 30 years and four continents, joined Taj Hotels in January 2003 to oversee all luxury property operations. In July 2003, he was named managing director and chief executive officer of The Indian Hotels Company Limited, a division of India's Tata Group, with responsibility for all Taj Hotels management and operations of its hospitality and travel subsidiary companies. An American national, Bickson attended the Ecole Hoteliere Lausanne and advanced management program at Harvard Business School.
Established in 1903, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is one of Asia's largest and finest group of hotels, comprising 59 hotels in 41 locations across India with an additional 18 international hotels in the Maldives, Mauritius, Malaysia, Australia, UK, USA, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Africa and the Middle East. Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house.
HOTELS magazine is a monthly business publication published by Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 11:19 AM | Link to this Post
November 12, 2007
Maybach Landaulet Study -- Chauffeured Saloon with Folding Roof for pampered rear-seat Passengers
In the open-top Maybach landaulet, the roof of this sparkling white one-off study can be opened fully at the rear, while the chauffeur's compartment remains completely enclosed. The passengers are then able to enjoy the clear, blue sky above. Seated in opulent armchairs upholstered in white leather, they are treated to a majestic open-air experience.
In technical terms the Landaulet study is based on the Maybach 62 S - a powerful series-produced chauffeured saloon. When requested by the passengers, the chauffeur operates a switch in the centre console. The roof then opens electro-hydraulically and is gently deposited on the parcel shelf in the rear, together with its integral rear window of single-layer safety glass. Opening and closing the roof takes 16 seconds. The chauffeur is able to enclose the folded roof with a fitted leather cover, which both conceals the roof mechanism from view.
Photo: Part of the landaulet's appeal lay in design features clearly reminiscent of coach construction: Daimler taxicab 1897.
The study is designed as a chauffeured vehicle and features a partition. The upper section of the partition is a glass panel which the passengers can render opaque at the touch of a button, thanks to a liquid crystal membrane embedded in the glass. Two ultra-modern automatic climate control systems, whose parameters have been adapted to the Landaulet study, ensure that open-air travel remains a pleasure even under adverse climatic conditions. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by Editor | 8:45 AM | Link to this Post
