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Portsmouth (England) - 31 January, 2008 - The Swedish capital, Stockholm, has been announced as the final stopover for the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 before its finish in the Russian Baltic port of St Petersburg in July 2009. During the stopover, between 16 - 25 June 2009, Stockholm will also host an in-port race as well as a pro-am race in its famous archipelago.
At a city hall press conference in central Stockholm, its Mayor, Kristina Axén Olin, was joined by Ulla Hamilton, Vice-Mayor and Chairman of Ports of Stockholm, together with Glenn Bourke, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, to make the formal announcement.
Photo: ABN AMRO ONE passing the scoring gate at Lizard Point, England after Volvo Ocean Race Leg 6 from New York across the Atlantic Ocean to Portsmouth in England. (© Oskar Kihlborg/ Volvo Ocean Race 2005-2006)
The 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race 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 ports in Asia. Spanning some 39,000 nautical miles, stopping at around 11 ports and taking nine months to complete, the Volvo Ocean Race is the world's premier yacht race for professional racing crews. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:18 AM | View the original post
Photo: South Carolina artist Jocelyn Chateauvert's created "Lily Clouds" from flax paper and sterling silver wire. "Lily Clouds" is on display, hanging from the chapel ceiling in the Medical University of South Carolina's new 641,000 square foot hospital which will open on February 4. This piece represents only one of 873 pieces of original, contemporary art completed by 54 South Carolina artists created to inspire serenity and a healing environment for patients, caregivers and families.
The value of the integration of arts and a healing environment in a healthcare setting is being recognized by a growing number of leading medical institutions, including Johns Hopkins, Vanderbilt and Stanford.
|GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:24 AM | View the original post
Leading Automakers and Industry Organizations to Discuss Advanced Technologies and Forward-Looking Strategies During Washington Auto Show's International Media Day
WASHINGTON -- Answers to some of the most serious challenges facing the auto industry will be explored January 22 at the Green Car Summit during The Washington Auto Show's International Media Day. Presented by the auto enthusiast magazine, Green Car Journal, the Summit will convene at 2:00 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Leading auto industry executives will discuss such challenges as petroleum displacement, fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas reductions and probe the range of responses.
Photo: CHRYSLER ECOVOYAGER
Moderated by Ron Cogan, the editor and publisher of Green Car Journal and GreenCar.com, the auto industry panel will include Sue Cischke, senior vice president of Sustainability, Environment, and Safety Engineering at Ford; Gregory Cesiel, Fuel Cell Vehicles program director at General Motors; Reg Modlin, Director of Environmental and Energy Planning at Chrysler; Tom Strickland, director of Technical and Regulatory Affairs, Environment at Toyota; and David Geanacopoulos, director of Industry-Government Relations at Volkswagen of America.
Kicking off the Summit, a Green Car Parade featuring a lineup of eco-friendly cars will conclude at the convention center's L Street entrance at 1:45 p.m.
The Washington Auto Show, scheduled from Jan. 23 to Jan. 27, connects the auto industry with the public policy process by uniting Washington's political elite with auto industry leaders. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:34 AM | View the original post
Photo: Discovery Communications President and CEO David Zaslav and Oprah Winfrey announce the launch of "OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network" today, January 15, 2008, in Chicago.
CHICAGO, Jan. 15 -- Oprah Winfrey and Discovery Communications announced plans today to create "OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network." The new multi-platform media venture will be designed to entertain, inform and inspire people to live their best lives. OWN will debut in 2009 in more than 70 million homes, on what is currently the Discovery Health Channel.
OWN's mission is to create multiple platforms for women, men and their families with a purpose and a passion: to celebrate life, to inspire and entertain, empowering viewers around the world to live their best lives, and by doing so, lift the lives of those around them in ever-widening circles.
In addition to providing her talent, and personal commitment, Winfrey will have full editorial control over the joint venture and will be responsible for OWN's programming, branding and creative vision.
Winfrey will serve as Chairman of The Oprah Winfrey Network, LLC and the venture will be 50/50 owned by Discovery and Harpo. This is a cashless transaction and The Oprah Winfrey Network, LLC will be an independent company. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:34 AM | View the original post
NEW YORK -- "Flyin" from former Tonic frontman/singer/songwriter EMERSON HART's solo debut, Cigarettes and Gasoline, will be featured in the premiere episode of the new ABC-TV drama, "Eli Stone." The new series stars Jonny Lee Miller and debuts on Thursday, January 31.
Emerson Hart's music has become a favorite with TV shows. Last year, "When She Loves You" and "Run To" were licensed by the new hit TV show "Cane," and "Friend To A Stranger" was featured on "One Tree Hill." All three songs are on Cigarettes and Gasoline. Hart also wrote the award-winning theme song, "Generations," for the TV show "American Dreams."
Source: Manhattan Records
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:18 AM | View the original post
Photo: Honda Accord Sedan
DETROIT -- ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine (RTM) announced its 12th Annual International Car of the Year Awards (ICOTY) winners at a black tie ceremony January 12. Held at the MGM Grand Detroit, RTM hosted more than 600 industry leaders and media on the eve of press week of the North American International Auto Show.
Photo: 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
A jury of nationally-renowned automotive journalists selected the award- winning vehicles with ballots tabulated by J.D. Power and Associates. And the winners are:
• International Car of the Year: Honda Accord Sedan
• International Truck of the Year: Chrysler Town & Country
• Pick Up Truck of the Year: "Most Athletic" GMC Sierra Denali
• Sports Car of the Year: "Most Sex Appeal" Audi R8
• Sedan of the Year: "Most Dependable" Honda Accord Sedan
• Luxury Car of the Year: "Most Respected" Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG
• Minivan of the Year: "Most Compatible" Chrysler Town & Country
• Entry Level Car of the Year: "Most Spirited" Volvo C30
• Crossover of the Year: "Most Versatile" Buick Enclave
• SUV of the Year: "Most Resourceful" Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
Photo: VOLVO C30
Photo: Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG
Opening remarks at the ICOTY event were made by Congressman John D. Dingell, the "Dean of the House of Representatives," and Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. In addition, U.S. Senator Carl Levin, RTM Editor-in-Chief Courtney Caldwell and Edmunds.com Editorial Director Kevin Smith co-presented the inaugural EARTH ANGEL Award, to General Motors Corporation as the most environmentally-friendly automaker. The award, sponsored by Bridgestone, was created to shine a spotlight on the positive strides automakers are making with global warming issues on a worldwide level.
RTM recognized veteran automotive journalist Thos L. Bryant, editor-in- chief of Road & Track, with its 5th annual Lifetime Achievement Award. RTM also presented its annual HEART STRING Award for best car commercial in 2007 for Dodge Caravan's "Rooms." |GlobalGiants.com|
Source: ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:29 AM | View the original post
But Perception is Not Always Reality
Photo: LEXUS 2008 IS F High-Performance Sport Sedan
Photo: Buick Riviera Concept
NEW YORK -- Consumers perceived Toyota and Honda brands to be best by a wide margin, followed by Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC, according to Consumer Reports' 2008 Car Brand Perception Survey. The survey also revealed that car buyers consider safety and quality as the most important considerations, followed by value, performance, environmental friendliness, design, and technical innovation.
The latest Auto Pulse survey conducted by Consumer Reports' National Research Center, the Car Brand Perception Survey, focused on how consumers perceive and rank car brands in the seven key areas mentioned above.
Photo: VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN
Photo: Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK FREESIDE
Toyota and Honda topped overall rankings with scores of 189 and 146 points, respectively, and took a place in the top five in six of the seven categories. Ford finished third with 112 points, followed by Chevrolet with 110, and GMC with 102. Chevrolet and Ford are the only U.S. brands that rank in the top five in more than one category; each makes the cut in three areas. Among brands that fared worst, Acura finished with eight points, followed by Audi (14 pts.). Mitsubishi (21 pts.), Mercury (22 pts.), and Buick (25 pts.).
Dig deeper, though, and in many cases, consumers' views do not accurately reflect the automaker's recent track record. For example, Mercedes-Benz finished in the top five for quality. But the brand placed 33rd out of 36th in Consumer Reports' latest rankings for predicted reliability, a measure of quality over time. Toyota earned a top spot in this category. And while its vehicles have typically rated well in areas associated with quality, the brand slipped from first place to fifth in the same predicted reliability ratings.
"It is well worth doing your research before making a purchase," said Jeff Bartlett, deputy autos editor, ConsumerReports.org. "Depreciation, reliability, safety and other factors may be different from what you associate with a particular brand." ...
With a score of 77 percent in the Safety category, Volvo is clearly first in consumers' minds. No other category is so unilaterally dominated by one brand. But in another example of perception over reality, Subaru scored well in the Safety category, yet many lower-trim models don't include electronic stability control, a highly recommended safety feature. Other automakers consistently on the cutting edge of safety technology -- such as BMW, Lexus, and Mercedes-Benz --- don't make it into the top five. Among new-car shoppers, 63 percent felt safety is the most important consideration.
When it comes to Value, Korean brand Kia finished well with 23 percent of consumers saying they think the brand is a good buy. While this could be a reflection of the make's low-cost models and long warranty, the predicted depreciation for some Kia models is poor -- not a good-value characteristic.
While some perceptions don't match reality, others do. BMW and Porsche led the Performance category with 28 and 25 percentage points, respectively. The vehicles from both brands have consistently earned high ratings in performance in testing at Consumer Reports' 327-acre Auto Test Center.
Coming in at 49 percent, Toyota dominated the Environmentally Friendly/Green category, likely due to the company's role as a pioneer in hybrid technology and its strong-selling Prius hybrid. The Prius is also one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles Consumer Reports has tested. Consumers consider environmental friendliness substantially more significant (35%) than styling (23%), and more than twice as significant as technology and innovation (15%).
In the Design/Style category, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus virtually tied (24%), with both holding a slim margin over Cadillac (23%). In general, car buyers in this survey rated styling low among purchase considerations, but it's easy to underestimate the sales potential of head-turning styling. This is the only category in which Toyota and Honda did not rank in the top five.
As for Technology/Innovation, Toyota (30%), Lexus (29%), Honda (20%), Cadillac (18%), and BMW (17%) rounded out the top five brands.
[Source: Consumer Reports] |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:11 AM | View the original post
CINCINNATI, Jan. 10 -- After the birth of her daughter last year, award-winning actress and "Ugly Betty" producer Salma Hayek is grateful for her daughter's health and, like most mothers, wants other moms around the world to be able to share in the basic medical advances.
To help mothers across the globe, she is teaming up with Pampers and UNICEF to help stop the spread of life-threatening maternal and neonatal tetanus in developing nations worldwide. Pampers, a leader in baby care, has announced that Hayek will serve as the North American ambassador for its "One Pack = One Vaccine" global initiative with UNICEF. The immensely successful program, which launched in 2006 in the UK and expanded in 2007 to other countries in Western Europe, and debuts in the U.S. and Canada in spring 2008, has already helped provide UNICEF with funding for more than 25 million life-saving tetanus vaccines distributed throughout Africa and Asia. The goal for the North American campaign is to provide at least 27 million more vaccines, which would bring the total global donations to more than 50 million vaccines.
Pampers is a trademark of Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) and the company's largest global brand and is also the world's top-selling diaper brand. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:32 AM | View the original post
SHANGHAI, China, Jan. 8 -- The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. (RDA), global publisher and marketer of books, magazines, music and video, and The Shanghai Press and Publishing Development Company (SPPD), today announced the launch of a new publication -- Puzhi magazine in China. Puzhi will be published by Puzhi Magazine Incorporated, a wholly owned enterprise of SPPD under a Trademark and Copyright License Agreement with RDA.
Puzhi, which means "universal knowledge" in Mandarin, debuted today in The People's Republic of China. It will be available at about 43,000 retail outlets (including convenience stores, book stores and subways), newsstands and kiosks across 43 cities and 25 provinces with a target circulation of 420,000 copies.
As a window on the world, Puzhi will feature a rich and stimulating variety of compelling, insightful, relevant articles on everything from everything from science, health and medicine to arts, money management and more. It will have the high editorial standards of international publications in terms of credible, trusted and easy-to-read information that will appeal to urbanites and families in China. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:55 AM | View the original post
Photo Rendering: Downtown Detroit gets a strong new start on the New Year with the announcement of the $150 million complex called "Cadillac Centre" on Campus Martius Park, Detroit's new "Town Square." Developer is New York City-based real estate investment firm Northern Group, Inc. Above: View of Cadillac Centre from Campus Martius Park.
DETROIT, Jan. 6 -- Detroit gets a strong new start on the New Year with the expected announcement of an iconic $150 million living, dining, shopping and entertainment complex called "Cadillac Centre" on Campus Martius Park occupying the entire Monroe Block with a connection to the existing Cadillac Tower.
The announcement is expected to be made by Detroit Mayor Kwame M. Kilpatrick and owner-developer Alex Dembitzer, principal and managing partner of the Northern Group, Inc., a privately held New York City-based real estate investment firm with strong ties to Detroit, at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 9 in the Mayor's conference room. Joining Mayor Kilpatrick and Dembitzer for the announcement will be internationally renowned architect Anthony Caradonna of New York and Rome.
The dramatic $150 million building complex completes the circle around Campus Martius Park with more than 80 apartments, serene public spaces, an upscale market, major retail space, dining, a health club and a multiplex cinema. Cadillac Centre features two modern 24-story towers of sculpted metal and glass rising from a 12-story base designed to make Detroit a global architectural destination, similar to the Guggenheim in Bilbao, Spain, or Chicago's Millennium Park. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:53 AM | View the original post
LOS ANGELES -- Chantel "Chani" Christie, daughter of NBA power couple, Doug and Jackie Christie, is set to release her new single for the independent label, Jean Rah Fya Records with electrifying producer Ralph Stacy. Ralph Stacy has worked with Luther Vandross, Pink, Paula Abdul, Dru Hill, Aaron Hall, Kci & JoJo, B5, Houston, Color Me Badd, Jagger Edge, Xscape, Bobby Brown, to current superstar Mario. Chani's single titled "Here We Are Again" will be released on January 25, 2008.
Chani, a native of Washington State, began her musical journey singing and studying music at an early age. She has worked with some of the most respected and sought after people in the music industry including vocal coach Nick Cooper who trained Beyonce, Jordan Taylor and many others. She has a sweet, fresh and soulful sound even at the age of 14. "I believe in God and I think he has given me a gift. My Family has always stood behind me and encouraged me in my singing, and I'm very grateful," says Chani. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:36 AM | View the original post
Exclusive Offerings from 75 U.S. and International Exhibitors.
Photo: Portrait of a Girl in a Red Dress, American, c. 1840, oil on canvas. An exceptional portrait of a young girl in a red dress, seated before a red curtain open to a view of rolling hills. Available from Frank & Barbara Pollack American Antiques & Art at the 54th Annual Winter Antiques Show, January 18-27, New York City.
NEW YORK -- The Winter Antiques Show celebrates its 54th year in January as America's most prestigious antiques show showcased by 75 exhibitors specializing in American, English, European and Asian fine and decorative arts. This fully vetted show, held January 18-27, is the standard of excellence by which all other antiques shows in America are measured.
Photo: Schwarz Gallery. The Old Mill, by Charles Lewis Fussell. c. 1901. Oil on canvas. Signed and dated on the lower right, "C.L. FUSSELL/1901." 29 x 36"
New exhibitors include Elliott & Grace Snyder Antiques, dealing primarily in 17th, 18th, and early 19th century material, with an emphasis on American vernacular furniture, textiles, and metalwork, particularly early lighting; Daniel Katz Limited, a specialist in European sculpture since 1968; Aronson of Amsterdam, founded in 1881, offers some of the earliest and rarest ceramics objects produced by the Delft factories in the 17th and 18th centuries; and John Alexander Ltd., specializing in Reformed Gothic, Aesthetic Movement, Arts and Crafts design, and 20th century British handcrafted furniture and decorative arts.
Photo: Gerald Peters Gallery. End of the Trail, #13, by James Earle Fraser. Modeled in 1918, cast c. 1925. Bronze with dark brown patina. Inscribed: FRASER 1918. Stamped: Roman Bronze Works N.Y. and underneath RB 13. 33 1/2" H.
The 54th annual Winter Antiques Show will be held from January 18-27, 2008 at the Park Avenue Armory, 67th Street and Park Avenue, New York City. Show hours are from 12 Noon to 8 p.m. daily, except Sundays and Thursday, 12 Noon to 6 p.m. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:44 AM | View the original post
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 the Editor | 12:15 PM | View the original post
Photo: Robbie Maddison, from Kiama, Australia, broke the Guinness World Record for longest motorcycle jump at 322 feet 7.5 inches during the Red Bull Experiment at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 1 -- Australian motocross superstar Robbie Maddison literally leapt into the pages of the Guinness Book of World Records by jumping his motorcycle 322 feet 7-1/2 inches over the length of a regulation football field to shatter the previous record of 277 feet at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The jump was the first-ever Red Bull Experiment, which involves world-class athletes attempting world-first athletic achievements.
Photo: Robbie Maddison in an action sequence breaking the Guinness World Record for longest motorcycle jump (322 feet 7.5 inches) during the Red Bull Experiment at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.
Telecast live on ESPN's New Year, No Limits program shortly after the ball dropped in Times Square signifying 2008, Maddison hit the take-off ramp at 94 miles per hour on his Honda CR 500, reaching a height of more than 60 feet, and soared into history. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:28 AM | View the original post
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 the Editor | 9:06 AM | View the original post
Two of classical music's most beloved and acclaimed superstars, American soprano Kathleen Battle and Chinese pianist Lang Lang, will perform at the international opening of The National Centre for the Performing Arts, Beijing's brand-new state-of-the-art performing arts center. Both artists will appear in special gala performances on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day with the China National Symphony Orchestra led by the highly sought-after Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa, who is currently the music director of the Vienna State Opera, and featuring an appearance by Russia's leading violinist Vadim Repin.
Taking place December 31st, 2007, at 8 pm and January 1st, 2008, at 7:30 pm, the gala performances celebrate the eagerly anticipated international opening of the National Centre for the Performing Arts. Located in central Beijing, adjacent to the Great Hall of the People and Tiananmen Square, the Centre is the new Chinese focus for the performing arts and an important foundation for the creative cultural scene in China. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:17 AM | View the original post
Photo: 2009 Japanese Spec Subaru Forester.
Subaru of America, Inc. today released the first official photos of the all-new, third-generation 2009 Forester, a total re-design of the crossover utility vehicle (CUV) that will debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January. The 2009 Forester arrives in Subaru dealerships this spring. The new-generation 2009 model projects a bolder, more SUV-like design and making a major leap in safety technology, comfort, refinement and driving dynamics. As with all Subaru models, the 2009 Forester comes equipped as standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:43 AM | View the original post
Ambassador of Elegance for the Swiss watch brand Longines, legendary tennis icon Andre Agassi visited the Beaver Creek FIS Ski World Cup race where Longines is the official Timing Partner. Agassi awarded winners of the Super Combined offering each a newly launched Longines Sport Collection watch. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:00 AM | View the original post
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 the Editor | 9:27 AM | View the original post
Language dialogue systems could in the future provide more individualized service for people who call into call centers. Software from Siemens enables a language computer to sort callers according to gender and into specific age categories. This means the system can more effectively respond to customer's expectations. The prototype was developed by language recognition experts from Corporate Technology (CT) in Munich together with Siemens Enterprise Communications. It is currently being tested by a number of companies. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:38 AM | View the original post
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