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DETROIT — Move over fossil fuel – that’s just so passé – or that’s the message as the UK ’s most high-profile and best-known businessman Sir Richard Branson takes delivery of a Saab 9-5 BioPower.
Sir Richard’s switch to his Saab flex-fuel car, which runs on the eco-friendly and renewable fuel source bioethanol E85 (made from plant products such as wheat and grain), reinforces the Virgin boss’ unwavering commitment to fighting one of the biggest challenges of our times – that of global warming.
Speaking today as he took the keys of his new Saab, Sir Richard said: “I am convinced that biofuels are the way forward, both for the car and aviation industries, which is a vision we share with Saab. Now we need to extend that vision to others. It’s high-time that flex-fuel cars, such as the Saab 9-5 BioPower, are given the same concessions in the UK as other green cars, like for example, exemption from London’s Congestion Charge.”
Earlier this year, the Virgin Group announced that all profits and equity realizations over the next 10 years from the group’s worldwide transport companies, including Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Trains in the UK , would be invested in the renewable energy sector.
Saab is a division of General Motors Corp. Saab Automobile USA is the importer and/or distributor of the Saab 9-3, 9-5 and the 9-7X SUV for Saab Automobile AB, Sweden .
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:29 PM | View the original post
PHOTO: John Remington (left) of Target challenged David Blaine to Spectacular Thanksgiving Mission in Times Square to begin on Tuesday, November 21.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:06 AM | View the original post
PHOTO: Beijing - The fascinating long distance drive from Paris to Beijing ends successfully. The 36 E-Class cars after reaching Beijing in 25 days, on a 14,000km journey through 2 continents and 9 countries.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:02 AM | View the original post
Soccer Legend Ronaldinho to Unveil Global Signature Collection.
The Ronaldinho Signature Collection, Nike's first signature soccer compilation, reflects the legendary Brazilian's insight on and off the pitch in both footwear and equipment.
BARCELONA, Spain – Nike yesterday unveiled the new Ronaldinho signature collection to celebrate one of the best and most inspiring football players of all time. This collection is the result of a long-term collaboration between Nike and Ronaldinho which honours the player on and off the football pitch. Working with Ronaldinho to gain insights into his life, personality and the way he plays his game, Nike developed products to the player’s specifications.
Ronaldinho's signature collection is Nike's first signature line ever introduced with a soccer athlete, joining the ranks of Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and LeBron James.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:08 PM | View the original post
Photo: Mitsubishi Motors Corp.'s ''i'' minicar was presented with the RJC Car of the Year award for 2007 by the Automotive Researchers' & Journalists' Conference of Japan which favored its novel, rounded design and roomy interior. (Kyodo)
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:19 PM | View the original post
Pay By Touch Partners With TV and Broadway Star to Give Chicagoans an Early Holiday Gift.
CHICAGO, Nov. 16 -- Pay By Touch(R), the leader in integrated biometric authentication, personalized marketing and payment solutions has joined forces with Paige Davis, formerly of TLC's "Trading Spaces," to kick-off the holiday season for Chicagoans.
The "Touch of Holiday Cheer" program is being launched on Nov. 17, 2006 by Pay By Touch and Davis, who will visit a local Chicago Jewel Osco grocery store to surprise random shoppers by paying for their groceries.
The Pay By Touch service uses a simple finger scan to authorize an electronic withdrawal from a customer's existing checking account. Each fingerprint is unique, which helps prevent fraud or identity theft, and since there is nothing to carry, there is nothing to be lost or stolen. The one-time enrollment in the secure program takes only a few minutes to complete at participating stores.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:19 PM | View the original post
PHOTO: Madison Rathbun, 7, ducks under the covers in her North Pole, Alaska, home to write a "Dear Santa" letter in November 2006 by flashlight, compliments of Duracell. Recently named the "Official Battery of North Pole," the company is supplying batteries and flashlights to all North Pole residents this year. (PRNewsFoto/Duracell, Susan Goldman)
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:04 PM | View the original post
Transaction Valued at Approximately $8.0 Billion in Cash and Stock.
Consumers Will Have the Advantages of a Larger, Full-Service Provider with the Cost Structure of a Low-Fare Carrier.
US Airways Group, Inc. (NYSE: LCC) announced yesterday that it has made a merger proposal to Delta Air Lines, Inc. (OTC: DALRQ.PK) under which both companies would combine upon Delta’s emergence from bankruptcy. The proposal would provide approximately $8.0 billion of value in cash and stock to Delta’s unsecured creditors.
PHOTO: US Airways proposes an $8 billion takeover of bankrupt Delta Airlines on November 15, 2006. (Kamenko Pajic/UPI Photo)
The combination of US Airways and Delta would create one of the world’s largest airlines and would operate under the Delta name. Customers would benefit from expanded choice as well as the reach and services of a large-scale provider within the cost structure of a low-fare carrier. As a combined company, the “New” Delta would be the number one airline across the Atlantic and the second largest airline to the Caribbean. The New Delta would reach more than 350 destinations across five continents, including North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. In the U.S., the combination would create a leading competitor in the Eastern U.S. and an enhanced position in the Western U.S. The combined company would be the number one airline at 155 airports.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:29 AM | View the original post
New iLoupe(TM) combines digital camera technology with state-of-the-art microscopy to create the world's first digital portable field microscope/camera.
ANN ARBOR, Mich., Nov. 14 -- Aven Inc., a leading provider of advanced precision visual inspection systems, recently launched its latest patented technology -- iLoupe(TM), the world's first portable digital field microscope/camera.
The iLoupe combines patented state-of-the-art technology with an easy-to- use portable format, making the product as functional as it is innovative. By simply attaching the removable microscopic module, which features lens magnifications ranging from 60x to 150x, to a digital Canon SD600 six-mega pixel camera, the unit easily transforms into a fully functional field microscope in a matter of seconds.
Aven Inc. manufactures and markets more than 750 precision tools for optical inspection and electronic equipment assembly and service. Its product lines include stationary and portable microscopes, loupes, video inspection systems, specialty high-resolution digital and video cameras, lenses, illuminated magnifiers, electronic testers and a wide range of hand tools. Aven Inc. was founded in 1983, and is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich.
"We created the iLoupe with the goal of simplifying on-the-job technology," said Bakir Kanpurwala, Chief Executive Officer, Aven Inc. "As a tool, iLoupe translates easily into a professional environment and allows users to work on location and communicate their research effortlessly and effectively."
With its dual microscopy and photography capabilities, the iLoupe has many uses. The portable digital camera-microscope unit can be utilized by law enforcement officials conducting forensics research to capture microscopic images right at the crime scene. The iLoupe also ensures quality control in a variety of industries, providing effective, on-site inspection of fabrics and industrial components. In the automotive industry, the user-friendly iLoupe can assist manufacturers and suppliers in detecting and documenting defects on the assembly line and prior to shipping.
The iLoupe is the latest in Aven's high technology iSeries product line. Other iSeries technology includes iVue(TM) an all-in-one, plug and play video inspection system that allows users to view, capture, and save images without the use of external hardware or software and iScope(TM) an all-in-one microscope-based video inspection system that allows the user to view images in 3D using a binocular microscope, or view the image on an 8.4" LCD monitor.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:48 PM | View the original post
An Industry First, Kiosk Cuts Average Transaction Time in Half.
An industry first, Alamo Rent A Car announced today it will roll out new self-service kiosks at rental locations throughout the United States. The new system cuts check in time for customers by about 50 percent when compared to average counter check in times.
PHOTO: VANGUARD CAR RENTAL ALAMO RENT A CAR KIOSK
The kiosk roll out comes after successful testing by customers in Dallas, Las Vegas and Jacksonville, Fla.
The touch-screen kiosk allows any customer with a valid driver's license, major credit card and an existing reservation to skip the rental counter and check in directly at the kiosk. After a customer agrees to the terms and conditions, a receipt-sized rental agreement is printed from the kiosk and the customer is directed to his or her rental car on the lot. At the exit booth, the customer simply shows the booth agent his or her rental agreement and driver's license and then drives away.
Alamo Rent A Car is one of the largest car rental brands in the world, with locations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific Rim, Africa, the Middle East and Australia.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:35 PM | View the original post
Sony's U.S. camcorder business is getting a boost from the growing popularity of video websites, such as YouTube(TM), MySpace(TM) and Grouper(TM).
More than 35 percent of U.S. adult Internet users -- approximately 48 million -- have posted video online this year, according to the May 2006 Pew Internet and American Life Project, which points to the popularity of user-generated content on the Web.
Starting at about $600, the Sony(R) hard disk drive Handycam camcorder line includes five models, with such varying features as 60GB of hard disk drive storage, 1080i high-definition recording, HDD Smart Protection to safeguard against data loss, and Dolby (R) Digital 5.1 channel surround recording.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:48 AM | View the original post
PHOTO: Oakland Athletics (A's) Owner and Managing Partner Lew Wolff, standing left, and Cisco President and CEO John Chambers, right, unveil the 'Cisco Field' logo, while Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig sits, left, at an event Tuesday at Cisco headquarters in San Jose, Calif., to announce an agreement to build a baseball park in Fremont Calif. to serve as the new home of the A's. (Cisco photo by Scott Griggs)
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:31 AM | View the original post
A Tail of Two Partners.
PHOTO: Plane tails for AirTran Airways and Frontier Airlines lined up at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport before the Low Cost Carriers announced a marketing partnership on Nov. 14, 2006. The relationship enables passengers to earn frequent flyer rewards between both airlines through AirTran Airways' A+ Rewards program and Frontier's Early Returns program. (Terri Hanson Photography)
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:06 PM | View the original post
Wireless sharing poised to change the way people experience digital music.
SEATTLE, Nov. 14 -- Celebrating the U.S. launch of the new Zune(TM) digital media player and music service, Microsoft Corp. has worked with a number of cutting-edge artists to stage free concerts in public parks and plazas in urban centers across the country. At Westlake Park in downtown Seattle at the first of these Zune concerts, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates took the stage to share his excitement for this next step Microsoft is taking in music and entertainment.
PHOTO: MICROSOFT ZUNE LAUNCH CONCERT: At a downtown Seattle concert to celebrate the launch of Zune, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates invites Melanie Gray of Tacoma, Wash., on stage and gave her his Zune device. The event, which featured the band Secret Machines, was the first of six concerts across the U.S. marking the launch of Zune, the new digital music player from Microsoft. Zune will be on sale at retailers across the USA today, Nov. 14.
Zune is Microsoft's music and entertainment platform that provides an end- to-end solution for connected entertainment. The Zune experience includes a 30GB digital media player, the Zune Marketplace music service, and a foundation for an online community that will enable music fans to discover new music. Inspired by the vast and varied community of music fans, Zune focuses on helping emerging artists shape the digital canvas.
Gates outlined the Zune vision to create new ways for people to connect, discover and share music and entertainment experiences. He was joined onstage by John Richards, morning show host of popular community radio station KEXP, to showcase the new Zune-to-Zune wireless sharing feature. Richards wirelessly sent the inaugural song to Gates, who then surprised the crowd by giving away his Zune device to a member of the audience. Building on the "Hello from Seattle" greeting printed on the back of every Zune device, Richards created a playlist to celebrate Seattle music in honor of the Zune launch. The complete KEXP "Hello from Seattle" playlist will be available on Zune Marketplace for consumers to download.
"We wanted to bring Zune to life with a celebration of live music, shared between artists and fans across the country, and really make today all about embracing the social aspect of music," said Bryan Lee, corporate vice president of the Entertainment Business at Microsoft. "Zune is all about changing the game to make music more social, and at launch we are just scratching the surface of how wireless technology is going to enable social interaction in the future."
The Shows
The Seattle launch concert, which featured New York-based, three-piece rock band The Secret Machines, drew crowds to the heart of downtown Seattle and kicked off the first of six shows to take place across the country. Celebrating the style and energy of local music scenes in Atlanta, Chicago and Miami, T.I., Lupe Fiasco and Richie Spice with Morgan Heritage will also play free public concerts throughout the afternoon and evening. Today's celebration culminates with performances in New York and Los Angeles where hundreds of lucky fans will get to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Queens of the Stone Age at intimate venues. Post-show musings, images and video will be available at http://www.zune.net/ beginning this evening.
Industry Support
Working closely with industry partners, Zune is exploring new models for distributing and promoting music that benefit the artists as well as consumers. Through managed wireless sharing, Zune empowers consumers to promote and sample select tracks, in turn increasing exposure for artists. Zune logs the music that people have shared, making it easy to purchase their favorite songs the next time they connect their device to their computer.
"Music has always been experienced in a community, and through Zune, Microsoft is building a robust and unique digital music community platform that enables consumers to share, sample and download their favorite music," said Alex Zubillaga, executive vice president of Digital Strategy and Business Development at Warner Music Group. "Warner Music commends Microsoft on the launch of the Zune digital media player and Zune music store, and is proud to be a content partner of this important addition to the dynamic and growing digital music space."
Staffed by a team of music writers and editorial music programmers, Zune Marketplace helps customers discover and purchase new music and uncover old favorites. Zune Marketplace will feature music from major and independent labels and music publishers, including Artemis/V2 Records, BMG Music Publishing, Digital Music Group Inc., EMI Music, EMI Music Publishing, Independent Online Distribution Alliance (IODA), peermusic.com Inc., Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, Sub Pop Records, SuperEgo Records, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, Warner/Chappell Music and many more. In addition, Zune Marketplace is working with leading editorial providers XLR8R, The FADER, and NME.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:24 PM | View the original post
BRENTWOOD, Essex, November 13, 2006 - The all-new Ford S-MAX has been awarded the prestigious title of "Car of the Year 2007".
The Car of the Year is an international award, judged by a panel of 58 top motoring journalists from 22 European countries. Its objective is to acclaim the most outstanding new car to go on sale in the 12 months preceding the date of the title. It is organized by a group of seven leading European publications: Auto (Italy), Autocar (Great Britain), Autopista (Spain), Auto Visie (Holland), L'Automobile Magazine (France), Stern (Germany), and Vi Bilagare (Sweden).
The Ford S-MAX was declared the winner following a closely fought competition in which 41 contenders for the award were reduced to a shortlist of just eight – the Citroën C4 Picasso, Fiat Grande Punto, Ford S-MAX, Honda Civic, Vauxhall Corsa, Peugeot 207, Skoda Roomster and Volvo C30.
Commenting on the award, Ray Hutton, the President of the Car of the Year jury said: "This was a very close contest with all eight of the finalists deserving a place on the shortlist. It is clear from the voting that the jury is impressed by the concept of the Ford S-MAX: a spacious and versatile car that drives like a sports saloon. Its victory is well-deserved."
With UK sales of over 4,000 since its launch in June and with the order bank still growing, S-MAX is proving a huge hit with UK customers. Data from sales so far indicates that over 50 per cent of vehicles being sold are top specification, Titanium models and that a similar percentage are being sold to customers who are new to Ford.
Available in LX, Zetec and Titanium variants, S-MAX shares the latest technology with the all-new Ford Galaxy including new safety systems with optional Interactive Vehicle Dynamics Control (IVDC) and an optional active suspension system. Both vehicles boast a maximum five star Euro NCAP rating. It is also the first production Ford vehicle to feature elements of Ford's "kinetic design" language. Sporty styling expresses energy in motion, emphasizing Ford's dynamic driving capabilities in a more overt way.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:53 PM | View the original post
PHOTO: Singer/songwriter Cheyenne Kimball was at the new Kohl's department store in Jersey City, N.J., to sign autographs for fans in celebration of the store's recent opening. Kimball is the face of the Candies(R) line of apparel, shoes and accessories sold exclusively at Kohl's.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:46 PM | View the original post
PHOTO: Phil Mooney, director of Archives for The Coca-Cola Company, holds one of the two remaining original contour bottles and displays earlier prototypes.
See full story at this Post dated October 10, 2006.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:44 PM | View the original post
Ninety years after starting car production (with the 1917 Model-A), Mitsubishi has embarked upon its most ambitious automotive project ever through the launch of its first global platform.
PHOTO: MITSUBISHI LANCER SKETCH: The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer all-new sedan to be revealed at the North American International Auto Show January 2007.
Known as "Project Global," and already successfully previewed with the second generation Outlander, it will be showcased at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit by its highest volume variant: the all-new 4-door Lancer sports sedan.
Dynamic
Designed at Mitsubishi Motors studios in Europe and Japan, the Lancer sports sedan shares its stunning design language with the much-acclaimed Mitsubishi Design Europe-penned 2005 Concept-X and Concept-Sportback show cars.
Its low stance, long hood / short deck proportions, wide track, trademark "shark nose" and distinctively deep set "eyes", all bring a new meaning to the concept of sports sedans -- very much in line with both Mitsubishi's "Japanese Modern" design philosophy and its peerless credentials within 45 years of racing.
To be launched progressively in world markets from Spring 2007 (North America), the Lancer sports sedan will form a full family of cars with dynamic qualities to match their looks all across the range: from entry models (1.5 liter 110 ps engine in Europe) right up to the all-new Lancer Evolution supercar, including diesel power (Europe), a high performance 2.0 liter turbo gasoline version and other variants.
Global
Representing a multi-million dollar investment, "Project Global" will support the launch of several new Mitsubishi vehicles over the next few years, designed from the outset for world markets, i.e.: with the built-in flexibility required to accommodate regional needs and regulations as well as market trends and new customer demands in markets as diverse as Japan, North America, Russia, Asia-Pacific and Europe.
As a further evidence of its adaptability, models from business partners DaimlerChrysler A.G. -- with which it was co-developed -- and P.S.A. Peugeot Citroen* are / will also be based on this global platform.
Along those lines, "Project Global" will also enable the introduction of the "World Engine" family of powerplants. Co-engineered with DaimlerChrysler and Hyundai Motor Company, the engines to be used in Mitsubishi vehicles have been modified by the company for individual market and model use.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:47 PM | View the original post
NVM-4030 Has Touch Screen, Hands-free Cell Phone Operation With Bluetooth(R) Technology and MP3/WMA Digital Music Playback.
PHOTO: Finding your way on the road has never been easier than with "Easy Street," the new compact portable navigation system from SANYO. Simply touch the LCD screen to set your destination; then enjoy the automated convenience of voice guidance, turn-by-turn directions and the added safety of hands-free calling with Bluetooth(R)-equipped cell phones. The SANYO Easy Street NVM-4030, immediately available in the USA, features a bright and easy-to-see 4-inch TFT LCD touch screen display for simplified, button-free navigation.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:46 PM | View the original post
Graphics Company and Hollywood Star Create Interactive Model.
HOLLYWOOD, Calif., -- In a move that is sure to send waves through Hollywood, model and television star Adrianne Curry and the worldwide leader in programmable graphics processor technologies, NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA) , have announced that they have teamed up to create the world's first real-time, virtual celebrity. This breakthrough, which is enabled by NVIDIA's new flagship graphics technology, will allow 'stars' to create and license detailed replicas of their likeness without ever having to make a physical appearance or take a photograph.
PHOTO: NVIDIA DIGITAL ADRIANNE
Virtual celebrity licensing will have a multitude of applications, including adapting celebrity characters into newly developed video games, virtual modeling and endorsements; digital appearances in film and television; and virtual hosting on Web sites or traditional broadcast media.
"I am honored to have been selected as the first celebrity for this project," said Adrianne Curry.
Adrianne Curry is the ideal choice for this venture as she is on the cutting-edge of this fresh, new trend in Hollywood. In addition to her successful modeling career, that has landed her on the pages of Maxim, Playboy, Sync and Marie Claire, to name a few, Adrianne is a bona fide television star with television credits that include some of the most successful reality TV shows including the CW's America's Next Top Model, VH1's hit series "The Surreal Life" and "My Fair Brady," amongst numerous other stints in television and film. Adrianne also runs one of the most popular blogs and online promotions in the industry.
"The uses for this technological breakthrough are truly endless," said Dan Vivoli, senior vice president of marketing at NVIDIA. "The digital Adrianne can demonstrate the same range of emotions, movements, and attitudes and appear just as lifelike as her living, breathing counterpart. It is simply a stunning transformation."
The virtual "Adrianne" celebrity will be introduced at the official NVIDIA launch event being held in San Jose, CA.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:08 PM | View the original post
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