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January 18, 2007
Sony Rings in the New Year With an Array of Digital Cameras : GlobalGiants.com
SAN DIEGO, Jan. 17 -- Sony is ringing in the New Year with four additions to its Cyber-shot(R) digital camera line: the DSC-W55, DSC-W35, DSC-S700 and DSC-S650 models.
The slim, compact DSC-W55 and DSC-W35 models will sport 7.2-megapixel imagers and precision Carl Zeiss(R) Vario-Tessar lenses. They combine traditional, eye-level viewfinders with large LCD screens for easy framing and viewing of photos. The W55 camera will make a splash in Caribbean blue, pale pink, elegant black and sleek silver with a 2.5-inch LCD screen wrapped in a metal body, and the W35 camera will shimmer in silver with a two-inch screen. [GlobalGiants.com]
The new DSC-S700 and DSC-S650 cameras will also feature 7.2-megapixel imagers, and will shine in classic silver. The former model will house a 2.4-inch LCD wrapped in a metal body and the latter a two-inch screen.
All four new models feature 3x optical zoom capability, blur-reduction technologies (ISO), and substantial internal memory for shooting without a media card. Their storage capacities can be expanded further with optional 8GB Memory Stick Duo(TM) or Memory Stick PRO Duo(TM) flash media cards for the W-series models and 4 GB Duo media cards for the S-series models.
"Now that digital cameras are personal items, it's common to have more than one camera per household," said Phil Lubell, director of marketing for digital cameras at Sony Electronics. "Our new models are solid performers that will be easy for novices to digital photography to use and at the same time meet the needs of more advanced users."
Capture the Mood
High sensitivity is featured on all of the cameras to reduce the chances of taking blurry photos, especially in low light situations. With settings up to ISO1000, you can shoot at higher shutter speeds to capture the candles on a birthday cake or the city lights without using a flash.
On the W-series cameras, Sony's Clear RAW(TM) noise reduction technology helps reduce picture noise common to low-light exposures. Sony's AF Illuminator also facilitates these models' ability to shoot well in low light. A special light is thrown on subjects before taking a shot so that the camera's imager can better detect contrast. The end result is well-focused, clear pictures, even in low light.
Shoot At The Speed of Life
These new models feature quick start-up, fast shot-to-shot times, and long battery life -- up to 380 shots on a full charge of the W55 and W35 cameras' Lithium ion battery, and 460 shots on a full charge of the S700 and S650 models' optional, rechargeable AA batteries. The cameras' sophisticated auto-exposure and auto-focus features work fast so you get the picture right the first time.
No More Guesswork
All models incorporate a function guide and resolution guide. When menu icons are selected, a simple text explanation is displayed on the LCD screen. This function guide is readily-accessible through a convenient mode dial. The resolution guide is helpful when deciding on the best resolution for prints. When you select the resolution in the menu, a pop-up screen provides the ideal print size for that particular setting. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:35 PM | View the original post
MAC Cosmetics celebrates Raquel Welch as its Newest Beauty Icon : GlobalGiants.com
NEW YORK, Jan. 17 -- M-A-C Cosmetics, the leading brand of professional cosmetics and makeup artist brand of choice, has named Raquel Welch, award-winning actress and screen siren, its fourth M-A-C Beauty Icon. Ms. Welch, well-known for her own artistry skills, and M-A-C Cosmetics closely collaborated on a colour collection available at M-A-C locations worldwide, February 2007.
M-A-C (Make-up Art Cosmetics), the leading professional cosmetics brand, was created in Toronto, Canada in 1984 and is now sold in over 60 countries worldwide. M-A-C Cosmetics supports the special needs of professional makeup artists that meet the demanding lighting and studio conditions under which the pros work. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:29 PM | View the original post
Tony Stewart at O'Reilly Chili Bowl Midget Nationals : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Two-time NASCAR Nextel Cup champion Tony Stewart wins the 50-lap O'Reilly Chili Bowl Midget Nationals championship event Saturday, January 13, 2007 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:23 PM | View the original post
January 17, 2007
REFRESHED 2008 FORD FIVE HUNDRED GETS A DOSE OF EMOTION : GlobalGiants.com
DEARBORN, MI -- What at first glance may look like a simple design tweak is really a whole lot more. The 2008 Ford Five Hundred has gone through a major facelift, and the company says there's plenty that's new under its skin, as well.
With more than 500 updates, Ford's flagship full-size sedan boasts more power, a smoother transmission, a quieter and more refined interior, more standard safety features, and a new Fusion-like look.
"We knew we had a great package to begin with," said chief designer Richard Woolley. "What we wanted was to appeal more to a customer's emotional side. When you see it coming you know what it is, even from a distance."
Introduced at this week's North American International Auto Show, the Five Hundred's most notable change is the front end. Replacing the original grill is Ford's new three-bar grill which was first introduced on the Fusion and Edge. Ford's designers have also taken visual weight off the front end by lowering the hood.
The Five Hundred's new, more horizontal look continues in the rear with new tail lamps and dual chrome-tipped exhaust.
"With a Fusion-inspired appearance, the Five Hundred is really going to stand out on the road," Ford's president and CEO Alan Mullaly told auto show reporters. "The overall impression inside and out is upscale." [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:54 PM | View the original post
January 16, 2007
FORD RACING: BP-FORD STARTS NEW SEASON WITH PROVEN CHAMPIONSHIP PACKAGE : GlobalGiants.com
PHOTO: Ford Focus RS WRC 2007
Reigning world rally champion BP-Ford will launch the defence of its 2006 title on the legendary Rallye Monte Carlo (18 - 21 January) in France next week with a proven winning squad. The team which lifted the FIA World Rally Championship manufacturers' title will begin 2007 with the same core structure firmly in place.
The driver line-up of Marcus Grönholm and Timo Rautiainen and team-mates Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen, who spurred the team to its most successful season ever with eight victories en route to the title, remains unchanged. The Focus RS WRC will also begin the new campaign in the same specification that it ended the 2006 season. However, development of the car continues and upgrades are expected as the season unfolds.
The Focus RS WRC will display a new color scheme for 2007 and a new team logo has been designed to take the team into the future. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:15 PM | View the original post
January 15, 2007
First Boeing Next-Generation 737-700ER Rolls Out of Factory : GlobalGiants.com
PHOTO: SEATTLE -- The first Boeing Next-Generation 737-700ER (Extended Range) completed final assembly and rolled out of the Renton, Wash., manufacturing facility. The airplane receives a painted livery and goes through preflight testing before delivery to launch customer ANA (All Nippon Airways) in early 2007. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:07 PM | View the original post
GM’S NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW INTRODUCTIONS : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: 2008 Chevrolet Equinox Sport
DETROIT – From a sleek, electrically powered concept vehicle that makes trips to the gas station a rarity, to a modern, top-down twist on one of America’s favorite muscle cars, design and technology dominate the General Motors exhibit at the 2007 North American International Auto Show, which opened to the public on Jan. 13.
Photo: Pontiac G6 GXP
To show off this year’s stunning new production and concept vehicles, the all-new, 121,000-square-foot GM exhibit space – the show’s largest – has been transformed into an art gallery-type setting that complements each of GM’s eight vehicle brands and showcases GM’s intention to reinvent the automobile with technologies that save fuel, reduce emissions and promote energy independence.
Photo: Chevrolet HHR Premiere Edition -- Chevrolet debuts the HHR Premiere Edition at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The HHR Premiere Edition features 17" black chrome wheels, black chrome exterior package, a special Cappuccino Frost Metallic exterior color and a special Ebony/Gray two-tone interior. The HHR Premiere Edition will begin production early in the first quarter of 2007.
Photo: 2008 Pontiac Torrent GXP
Photo: 2008 Pontiac G6 GXP.R Race Car
Here is the complete list of GM vehicle introductions for Detroit :
• All-new 2008 Cadillac CTS (world debut)
• All-new 2008 Chevrolet Malibu (world debut)
• Chevrolet Volt concept (world debut)
• Chevrolet Camaro convertible concept (world debut)
• Chevrolet Equinox Sport
• Chevrolet HHR Premiere Edition
• Pontiac G6 GXP
• Pontiac Torrent GXP
• Pontiac GXP.R race car
• Saab BioPower Hybrid concept
Four vehicles make their world debut in Detroit : the Chevrolet Camaro convertible concept, Chevrolet Volt concept, 2008 Chevrolet Malibu and the 2008 Cadillac CTS. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:31 PM | View the original post
January 14, 2007
Renault Products January 2007 : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet Exception: Renault announces the Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet Exception special series, a stylish yet sportslike model with distinguished features such as two-tone leather upholstery, satin chrome roof arch and 17" aluminium wheels. On top of the rich equipment list of the Dynamique trim version, it adds an anti-turbulence net screen and rear parking assistance as standard fittings. Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet Exception is being released in January 2007.
Photo: Cycle Renault Volga - MTB
Photo: Cycles Renault Sport Zapping
Photo: Renault Clio Renault Sport 2.0 16 V. Launched in June 1990 in France, Clio is a best-seller in its segment. Clio II, which went on sale in June 2001, was restyled in step with Renault’s new visual identity, launched with Vel Satis. Its safety and comfort features, unrivalled at this level of the range, make the compact Clio all the hallmarks of a grand tourer.
Photo: Kangoo Express: Kangoo Express has rapidly become the leader on the French and European LCV markets since its launch in November 1997. With its convivial design, ease of driving, excellent loading volume/overall length ratio, practical interior layout and low ownership costs, it quickly became popular with small businesses and self-employed people. It has also been a success as a fleet vehicle. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:35 PM | View the original post
January 13, 2007
NAIAS Charity Preview: Bill Ford And Wife Lisa
Photo: Detroit, MI — Bill Ford, Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company, and wife Lisa, at the North American International Auto Show Charity Preview, in Detroit, MI, Friday, January 12, 2007. Image Credit: NAIAS.
|GlobalGiants.Com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:57 PM | View the original post
Detroit Auto Show: Wagoner, Mulally and LaSorda Kick-Off Auto Show Gala : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: General Motors Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner (l to r), Ford Motor Co. President and CEO Alan Mulally, and Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda pose for photographers backstage while waiting to be introduced at the black tie Charity Preview of the North American International Auto Show Friday, January 12, 2007 in Detroit, Michigan. (General Motors Photo/John F. Martin) [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:09 PM | View the original post
Detroit Auto Show: Alan Mulally and Rick Wagoner at the black tie Charity Preview : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Ford Motor Co. President and CEO Alan Mulally and General Motors Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner at the black tie Charity Preview of the North American International Auto Show Friday, January 12, 2007 in Detroit, Michigan. The show opens to the public Saturday morning. (General Motors Photo/John F. Martin) [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:05 PM | View the original post
Detroit Auto Show: Wagoner, Mulally, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, and LeSorda : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: General Motors Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner (l to r), Ford Motor Co. President and CEO Alan Mulally, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and Chrysler Group President and CEO Tom LaSorda pose for photographers backstage while waiting to be introduced at the black tie Charity Preview of the North American International Auto Show Friday, January 12, 2007 in Detroit, Michigan. The show opens to the public Saturday morning. (General Motors Photo/John F. Martin) [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:02 PM | View the original post
Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper receives award for the Chevrolet Camaro : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper (center) receives the Best of Show award for the Chevrolet Camaro from The Detroit News Editor & Publisher David Butler (left) and Editorial Page Editor Nolan Finley at the Detroit Economic Club Luncheon, in conjunction with the North American International Auto Show Friday, January 12, 2007 in Detroit, Michigan. (General Motors Photo/John F. Martin) [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:57 PM | View the original post
Black Tie Charity Preview of NAIAS : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: General Motors Vice Chairman Bob Lutz talks with his wife Denise in front of the new Chevrolet Malibu at the black tie Charity Preview of the North American International Auto Show Friday, January 12, 2007 in Detroit, Michigan. The show opens to the public Saturday morning. (General Motors Photo/John F. Martin)
Photo: Fara Majid (left), of Detroit, takes a picture of her brother Elias Majid in front of the Saab AeroX concept in the General Motors exhibit at the black tie Charity Preview of the North American International Auto Show Friday, January 12, 2007 in Detroit, Michigan. The show opens to the public Saturday morning. (General Motors Photo/John F. Martin) [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:49 PM | View the original post
All-New 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country Minivans Raise the Bar for the Minivan Segment : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Chrysler Group President Tom Lasorda, unveiled the all-new 2008 Chrysler Town & Country (pictured) and Dodge Grand Caravan for media at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:41 PM | View the original post
Jeep Trailhawk: Chrysler Group Design Spreads its Wings for its Rugged, Iconic Jeep Brand : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Detroit -- Trevor Creed, Senior Vice President - Design, Chrysler Group, unveiled the Jeep Trailhawk Concept at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. Jeep Trailhawk concept merges the spectrum of the Jeep brand by combining the core off-road features of the all-new four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with the refined sophistication of an all-new on-road open-air concept vehicle, providing a unique and fresh expression for Jeep. Built off the all-new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited platform, Jeep Trailhawk is a more refined highway cruiser without sacrificing any of Jeep's legendary off-road capabilities.
The Jeep Trailhawk concept merges the spectrum of the Jeep brand by combining the core off-road features of the new body-on-frame four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with the refined sophistication of an all-new on-road open-air concept vehicle, providing a unique and fresh expression for Jeep. Built off the new Wrangler platform, the Jeep Trailhawk is a more refined highway cruiser without sacrificing any of Jeep’s legendary off-road capabilities. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:26 PM | View the original post
2008 Dodge Magnum Lineup Packs Powerful Punch : GlobalGiants.com
Photo: Detroit -- Chrysler Group introduced the new 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 here at the 2007 North American International Auto Show. The 2008 Dodge Magnum SRT8 is more menacing than ever with a completely redesigned hood, grille, front fascia and functional performance hood scoop. Equipped with a 425-horsepower HEMI V-8 engine, the Dodge Magnum SRT8 goes from 0-60 mph in about 5 seconds.
The newly restyled 2008 Dodge Magnum lineup — including SRT8, R/T, SXT and SE models — continues the boldly-styled theme of American muscle, with its unique profile, exceptional versatility, HEMI power, fuel-saving cylinder deactivation and rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive performance. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:22 PM | View the original post
All-new 2008 Dodge Avenger : GlobalGiants.com
Providing Style, Performance and Value Price in Crowded Mid-size Segment.
Chrysler Group introduced the all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger (production version) during the vehicle's world debut at the North American International Auto Show. Avenger brings Dodge Charger heritage to the mid-size car segment. With a starting U.S. MSRP of $18,895, Avenger is priced $1,605 below the outgoing Stratus with $985 more content, including standard side-curtain and side-seat mounted air bags, theft alarm and Chill Zone(TM) beverage cooler. Avenger is powered by three available powertrains, a standard 2.4-liter World Engine, a 2.7-liter V-6 with Flex Fuel (FFV) capability and a 3.5-liter V-6 coupled with a new six-speed transmission that delivers performance that rivals the best in the class. Avenger will start arriving in dealerships in the first quarter of 2007. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:58 PM | View the original post
DaimlerChrysler Donates Dodge Ram 3500 and GEM Electric Vehicle to Its Hometown Heroes – Detroit’s Firefighters : GlobalGiants.com
DaimlerChrysler Corporation Fund donates $25,000 to aid disabled firefighters.
Photo: Auburn Hills, Mich. -- Chrysler Group President and Chief Executive Officer Tom LaSorda, right, presents Detroit city and Fire Department officials a check for $25,000 for Detroit Firefighter's Benevolent Fund and a Chrysler Gem and Dodge 3500 Heavy Duty Pickup for the Detroit Fire Department at the DaimlerChrysler Firehouse. Officials pictured with LaSorda are, from left, Tyrome Scott, Detroit Fire Commissioner, Anthony Adams, Detroit Deputy Mayor and James Montgomery, president of the Detroit Firemen's Fund. DaimlerChrysler annually entertains media and auto industry guests during the North American International Auto Show. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:54 PM | View the original post
January 12, 2007
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces Unfurls Its Flag in Boston : GlobalGiants.com
Assumes Ownership of 80-Year-Old Landmark Hotel on Arlington Street.
Taj Boston Brings Over 100 Years of Worldwide Commitment to Elegant Accommodations and Unrivaled Service.
BOSTON, Jan. 11 -- At noon today, Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, with 76 luxury hotels worldwide, unfurled its distinctive white-and- gold flag over the 15 Arlington Street entrance to the 80-year-old classic Beaux Arts hotel facing the Boston Public Garden.
PHOTO: (From left to right): Raymond Bickson, managing director and CEO, Indian Hotels Company Ltd, which operates Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces; Pat Moscaritolo, president and CEO of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau; Franz Zeller, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces; and David Gibbons, Taj Boston general manager.
The 273-room hotel officially became the Taj Boston at the ceremonial handover. Attending were Taj Hotels CEO Raymond Bickson, General Manager David Gibbons, numerous business, hospitality and neighborhood representatives, and a large contingent of the hotel's employees.
Acquired for $170 million last November from Millennium Partners in New York, the landmark property is Taj Hotels' second U.S. hotel and is part of the India-based company's highly selective global expansion plan. In 2005, Taj Hotels entered into a lease agreement to operate and manage The Pierre, the luxurious landmark hotel on New York's Fifth Avenue.
With a legacy dating back to the launch of its landmark hotel, the Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in Mumbai, in 1903, the Taj portfolio worldwide today encompasses luxury and business hotels, and distinctive leisure resorts, including the award winning Taj Exotica Resort & Spa at Mauritius and the Maldives, 51 Buckingham Gate in London, and Blue, Woolloomooloo Bay in Sydney, amongst others.
Taj Hotels also manages a portfolio of some of the finest authentic palace hotels in the world. These include the magnificent Umaid Bhawan Palace in Jodhpur, recipient of the World Monuments Fund's 2006 Hadrian Award for architectural restoration, and selected by the editors of Robb Report Luxury Hotels 2006 as one of the world's 100 most exceptional hotels, The Taj Lake Palace in Udaipur was rated 10th in The Top 100 Travel+Leisure's annual Readers' Poll - World's Best Awards 2006, and the Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, rated among the Top 50 in Asia.
In 2006, Taj Hotels announced the launch of four new luxury projects: The Taj Exotica Golf Resort & Spa (Opening 2008) in Doha, Qatar; the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa (Opening 2008) on the Palm Jumeirah Crescent in Dubai; the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa (Opening 2009) in Phuket, Thailand and a Taj Luxury Hotel (Opening 2008) in Cape Town, South Africa.
Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is part of the Tata Group, India's premier business house. [GlobalGiants.com]
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:53 PM | View the original post
