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December 14, 2006
Mazda to Debut Ryuga Design Concept and New Tribute SUV at 2007 North American International Auto Show
IRVINE, Calif., Dec. 13 -- Mazda North American Operations will unveil an all-new concept car, Ryuga, and its all-new Tribute SUV Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. All attending media are invited to the company's formal unveiling on the Mazda show stand at 10:15 A.M. on Monday, Jan. 8, 2007.
Ryuga builds on Mazda's concept of flow. Nagare -- Japanese for "flow" -- debuted at the recent Los Angeles Auto Show and introduced the company's new design future. Ryuga -- Japanese for "gracious flow," and the next generation of this exciting concept -- will reflect a higher level of sophistication achieved through the use of rich fabrics, engineered fits and hidden details. Ryuga is elegant and refined, but with spirit and edge, portraying unique Japanese beauty.
"Ryuga is Zoom-Zoom defined," said Laurens van den Acker, Mazda's global design director. "It combines vibrance, confidence, fun and youth all in one ingenious package."
Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:45 PM | View the original post
Smilebox and Hallmark Partner to Deliver Photo Expressions
REDMOND, Wash., Dec. 13 -- Smilebox, Inc., the photo expressions service, today announced a distribution and content partnership with Hallmark Cards, Inc. With the holidays quickly approaching, this partnership will enable customers to access an online catalog of seasonal e- cards, animated scrapbooks, slide shows and interactive postcards that can be customized with their own photos, messages, music and backgrounds. The new photo expressions service marks the first time that consumers can integrate their personal photos with Hallmark online content.
PHOTO: A popular holiday slideshow designed by Hallmark for the Smilebox service. Hoops & Yoyo, Hallmark's popular characters, throw snow balls which turn into the user's photos.
"Greeting cards, whether traditional paper or electronic, help fulfill an enduring need for people to maintain connections with one another," said Steve Ruschill, marketing technology manager at Hallmark. "Smilebox's digital services, combined with Hallmark's creative excellence, provide a new holiday greeting solution for family and friends."
The new photo expressions service, delivered via the Smilebox(TM) platform, utilizes a complete new line of creative content developed by Hallmark's creative staff of writers and designers. Much of the content is developed around popular Hallmark intellectual properties such as the Hoops & Yoyo characters.
The Hallmark Smilebox service is now live and can be downloaded free of charge at http://www.hallmark.com/smilebox. Consumers can email the basic version of a design to family and friends for free with a short ad, purchase the premium version for a one-time fee of $0.99 or $1.99, or subscribe to Club Smilebox for $4.99/month or $39.99/ year and get unlimited premium designs.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:37 PM | View the original post
MANHATTAN RECORDS: EMI MUSIC MARKETING DIANA ROSS
Diana Ross Presents 'I Love You,' a New Studio Album.
NEW YORK, Dec. 13 -- For her new studio album, Diana Ross has drawn inspiration from romantic songs that have touched her heart through the years, and she has dedicated the album to this most powerful universal emotion: love. "I Love You," to be released by Manhattan/EMI in CD and deluxe CD/DVD packages and digitally on January 16, presents 14 songs personally selected for the album by Diana Ross in appreciation of their timeless, classic expressions of love and romance, including a brand new song, "I Love You" a gentle ballad that captures the emotion of romance.
PHOTO: Diana Ross "I Love You" cover art image; Manhattan Records/EMI Music Marketing.
Recorded at multiple studios in Southern California, New York and London, "I Love You" features soaring orchestral arrangements to accompany the broad range and sensitivity of Ms. Ross' vocals, one of the world's most cherished musical instruments. The best players and singers from Los Angeles, New York and London were involved with the new album, and Ms. Ross attended every session, from the initial demos to tracking, overdubs and mixing. "When I was in the studio, sharing these songs, I was filled with strong emotion," says Ms. Ross. "These songs, these singers, these musicians and all my fans are a gift of love to me."
The CD's package includes stunning photos by Herb Ritts, Randee St. Nicholas and Douglas Kirkland and a letter to fans from Ms. Ross, who executive produced "I Love You." The package also contains notes from the album's co-executive producer, Marylata E. Jacob, a Grammy-nominated music supervisor and producer whose professional relationship with Ms. Ross spans 22 years, Peter Asher, who produced nine of the album's tracks, and who has collaborated with Ms. Ross on many of her most cherished recordings, and the producer of five of the album's tracks, Steve Tyrell, has produced many recordings with Ms. Ross including "Big Bad Love" with Ray Charles, and in 2005 produced her duet with Rod Stewart, "I've Got A Crush On You," the lead single from Stewart's "Thanks For The Memory: The Great American Songbook I." "I Love You"'s deluxe edition adds a DVD with a photo gallery and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the new album.
Beginning and closing with Harry Nilsson's "Remember," the song that inspired Ms. Ross' vision for her new album, "I Love You" takes the listener on a vibrant journey through many of music's most timeless and recognizable affirmations of love. All of the songs chosen for the album are important and meaningful to Ms. Ross, from the sweet bounce of "More Today Than Yesterday," to the sultry allure of "I Want You," a song first recorded by Marvin Gaye that was co-written by Ms. Ross' brother, T-Boy Ross.
"We wanted to create the quintessential album to be played at celebrations of love and life: weddings, family gatherings, intimate moments," explains Marylata Jacob. "'I Love You' is Diana's personal offering to honor these celebrations of love, from the glance of your first true love, through the joy of children, and love everlasting."
Says Peter Asher, who returns to working with Diana having produced her 1991 hit album, "The Force Behind The Power," "I am proud that not only have Diana and I remained friends for 41 years, but that I have again been given the opportunity to work with her extraordinary voice in the studio. Her contribution in the studio was very significant, above and beyond her singing -- itself seemingly unchanged by the passing years in its emotional intensity and brilliance, yet having gained a certain wisdom and clarity that makes you believe every word she sings. On this record she tells us an eternal story, and does so with ineffable brilliance and accuracy."
The Songs:
"Remember" by Harry Nilsson inspired the album and its concept as Ms. Ross listened to it while reminiscing over her family's photo albums. Its dreaminess conjures up memories of love and present feelings. Ms. Ross feels a connection to Nilsson's work, as she has often performed songs from Nilsson's acclaimed musical, "The Point," in concert.
"More Today Than Yesterday" is a classic first performed by Spiral Starecase in the mid-1960s. Destined to be an audience favorite at Ms. Ross' concerts, the song is also one of her favorites. Ms. Ross' fun and bouncy new recording of the song is an inspired tribute to the joy of everlasting love.
"I Want You," first recorded by Marvin Gaye in 1974, was co-written by Ms. Ross' beloved brother, T-Boy Ross, with Leon Ware. Ms. Ross delivers a smoldering, sultry take on this track that honors the original while making it wholly her own.
"I Love You (That's All That Really Matters)" is a new original song, a gorgeous, heartfelt ballad. The writer, Fred White, has been touring with Ms. Ross as a back-up singer for six years. His experience of her live persona and vocal range inspired this song, written specifically with Ms. Ross in mind. Ms. Ross fell in love with the song, saying, "To be loved for who you are is the deepest expression of the purest love, wholly selfless and spiritual."
"What About Love" was written for Oprah Winfrey's stage production of "The Color Purple." The composers are Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. Ms. Ross' relationship with Brenda Russell and her great friendship with Oprah inspired Ross' interest in the soundtrack, and she selected this powerful and moving song of love.
"The Look of Love" -- Ms. Ross captures all of its romance and anticipation. This classic song was written by two of the finest song writers of all time, Hal David and Burt Bacharach.
"Lovely Day" has a groove and a simple lyric that has universal appeal. "This song makes me dance," Ms. Ross says. "Everyone wants a lovely day." Written by Bill Withers.
"Take My Breath Away" is the decade's quintessential love song. Ms. Ross adds her own signature style to it with her new recording. The original recording is by Berlin.
"Only You" -- A new version decidedly Ms. Ross. Growing up in Detroit, listening to records while slow dancing under a single source of light was as close to heaven as it could get for Diana Ross, her own personal experience of young love.
"To Be Loved" was written by the legendary Berry Gordy, Jr. and was originally recorded by Jackie Wilson in 1958. It is the ultimate declaration of love, and Ms. Ross deftly balances the emotion of the song's sensitive lyrics with an upbeat and boundless delivery.
"I Will" -- Paul McCartney's simplicity of lyric and song melody made it a welcomed song for the heart of "I Love You." Ms. Ross' sweet vocals and Peter Asher's long history with the Beatles brought a lovely perspective of range and depth to the new recording.
"This Magic Moment," originally recorded by the Drifters, is made brand new with Ms. Ross' rendition. With its calypso-leaning arrangement and backing vocals, Ms. Ross' new version really pops.
"You Are So Beautiful" -- The song was chosen for its universal message of love and kindness. "It reaches out and speaks not only to lovers, but to relationships of all kinds, mother to child, child to grandparent, sister to sister, friend to friend," says Ms. Ross.
"Always And Forever" was written by famed songwriter Rod Temperton and originally recorded by Heatwave. Ms. Ross brings her brilliant sensitivity and gorgeous vocal delivery to the timeless love song for a magical contemporary classic.
Closing the new album's romantic journey is a reprise of the song that started it all, "Remember."
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:28 PM | View the original post
GM's Hottest Designs and Entertainment's Big Names to Cruise a Runway on the Riverfront
GM Style Celebration.
Photo: General Motors Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner poses with the award-winning Camaro concept after announcing GM will build an all-new production version of the Chevrolet Camaro in August 2006 in Traverse City, Mich. The sport coupe will be nearly identical to this Camaro concept that was introduced at the North American International Auto Show earlier this year. Production will begin at the end of 2008 and the Camaro will go on sale in the first quarter of 2009. (General Motors Photo/John F. Martin) (United States)
DETROIT – Each January, the automotive world turns its attention to Detroit and the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). This year, the worlds of fashion and celebrity will also look to Detroit when General Motors hosts a celebration of automotive design in the shadow of the company’s world headquarters to kick off NAIAS media activities.
Photo: 2007 Saturn Sky Red Line will be showcased at the North American International Auto Show 2007.
Named “GM Style,” an exclusive event is planned for Saturday, Jan. 6, 2007 . In addition to a number of famous GM vehicles -- some never before seen in North America -- GM is also inviting some of the hottest names in entertainment to join the vehicles for a walk – or drive – down the runway.
GM is finalizing the celebrity line-up. Currently confirmed are:
Cheryl Hines – Emmy-nominated actress from HBO’s hit comedy “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
Vivica A. Fox – Star of numerous films and television series, including the most-recent edition of “Dancing With The Stars”
Petra Nemcova – One of the world’s top supermodels and a regular in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues
Danny Masterson – Best-known for his role on “That 70’s Show,” Masterson will be the evening’s guest DJ
Rachel Zoe – This “stylist to the stars” will prep all the celebrities at GM Style.
“This event is a tribute to style and a celebration of GM’s design renaissance,” said Ed Welburn, global vice president, GM Design. “GM Style will bring Detroit a unique intersection of the worlds of fashion, automotive design and entertainment. Like Paris to the fashion industry and Los Angeles to entertainment, Detroit is the epicenter of auto design. GM's vehicles will take their rightful place on the runway along side some of today's top names in fashions and entertainment."
GM will construct a pavilion just east of the Renaissance Center on the Detroit River to host this salute to style. The pavilion, the first of its kind, will be longer than a football field, climate controlled and able to accommodate a runway for cars and stars.
“The GM Style event will be like none other at the North American International Auto Show,” said Mike Jackson, GM North America vice president, marketing and advertising. “Not to be eclipsed by the star power in the room, Style’s pristine fleet of GM vehicles will captivate the audience with the world debut of a concept vehicle.”
The first-ever GM Style will showcase 17 GM vehicles. Additional details on the event as well as a full list of vehicles will be unveiled at a later date. Confirmed already are:
2006 Camaro Concept – Unveiled to rave reviews from around the world last January, the award-winning Chevrolet Camaro Concept combines dramatic design and exciting performance. A thoroughly modern interpretation of the classic sport coupe, the Chevrolet Camaro Concept recaptures the spirit of one of the most popular sport coupes of all time and redefines the Camaro for new generations of fans.
1951 Buick LeSabre Concept -- One of the most famous concept cars of all time, the Buick LeSabre concept was designed under supervision of GM Design Icon Harley J. Earl. The car took styling cues from jet fighter planes, and Earl personally drove the car for years. Among a myriad of technologies revolutionary at the time, the LeSabre concept could raise its own convertible top if it began raining when the owner was away from the car. Under the watchful eye of Welburn, GM recently restored this automotive icon at their Design Center in Warren , Mich. , the same facility where the vehicle was created.
2006 Pontiac Solstice Weekend Club Racer Concept – A Detroit debut, GM Performance Division built the Solstice Weekend Club Racer concept to showcase how a racing version of the car might be configured. With a custom bronze paint job, power for the car comes from a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine rated at 325 horsepower.
2006 Saab Aero X Concept – Another Detroit debut, the Saab Aero X concept harnesses the power of Saab's aviation and Scandinavian roots to make a unique statement in performance car design. Saab Aero X adopts a cockpit canopy, just as you would see on a jet aircraft. It offers the Aero X pilot full 180 degree vision. The Aero X concept, powered by a 400 hp BioPower engine using 100 percent ethanol fuel, made its world premiere at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show and its North American debut at the 2006 New York Auto Show.
2007 Saturn Sky Red Line – After being unveiled at the 2006 New York Auto Show, the Saturn Sky Red Line went on to critical acclaim and is now reaching Saturn retailers. The Saturn Sky Red Line boasts one of the most powerful engines (260 hp/260 foot-pounds of torque) GM has ever produced based on its size (2L). Its 0 to 60 mph time is just over five seconds, and Edmunds.com called it “the most interesting blend of style and performance.”
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:05 AM | View the original post
