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Photo: In Belize the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund is helping researchers address the increase in watercraft-related injuries and mortality among Antillean manatees. The resulting data is helping the local community effectively manage boating activities while protecting this endangered species. (SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund) |GlobalGiants.com|
Photo: In addition to supporting rescue and rehabilitation efforts for bald eagles and other raptors in the U.S., the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund is helping recovery efforts for the Philippine eagle and Spanish Imperial eagle, among the most endangered birds in the world. (SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund) |GlobalGiants.com|
Photo: Over the past two years alone, the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund has granted nearly $50,000 to an innovative and successful breeding program for the Mexican gray wolf - the rarest wolf in the world. (SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund) (PHOTOGRAPHER: Joel Sartore/National Geographic) |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 8:21 AM | View the original post
Photo: Mid-America's most acclaimed theme park Silver Dollar City debuts its newest thrill ride The Giant Swing, a $6 million ride that launches riders more than seven stories in the air -- and nearly upside down -- at roller- coaster speeds. The Giant Swing, opening at the 1880s-style theme park near Branson, Mo., is the first ride of its kind to be highly themed. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:38 PM | View the original post
Photo: The Spanish National Railway Renfe will operate the Siemens Velaro high-speed train at a regular speed of 350 km/h. Earlier, the Velaro reached the world record speed of 404 km/h. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:51 AM | View the original post
Photo: Dodge Sprinter plug-in hybrid for The New York Times delivery fleet. (Photo Credit: DaimlerChrysler) |GlobalGiants.com|
The New York Times has been selected to receive the first medium-duty plug-in hybrid vehicle on the East Coast of the United States, and the first of its kind in New York State, as part of a commercial fleet performance demonstration and technology evaluation process.
The van, a Dodge Sprinter plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), will be housed at The New York Times printing plant in College Point, Queens. It will be used to transport New York Times newspapers to The Times’s headquarters in midtown Manhattan, as well as to different locations in the New York City area. It will also travel to The Times’s plant in Edison, N.J.
The Dodge Sprinter plug-in hybrid was made available to The Times by a partnership between DaimlerChrysler, the New York Power Authority (NYPA), Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and Con Edison. The partnership was created to test and evaluate plug-in hybrid technology in real world driving environments. DaimlerChrysler is the only automaker to test plug-in hybrid technology with customers within the United States. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:27 PM | View the original post
Photo: Baby Shamu performs at SeaWorld during a recent performance of "Believe." The photograph was submitted for SeaWorld's Web site redesign by park guests Steven Joshua Koontz and Daniella Koontz. (Busch Entertainment Corporation) |GlobalGiants.com|
ST. LOUIS -- SeaWorld is launching a new Web site and it needs your help. The Orlando, Fla., San Diego, Calif., and San Antonio, Texas marine life adventure parks have issued a call for photographs and reflections from park visitors that will form the backbone of the parks' new Web site.
According to Joseph A. Couceiro, Corporate Marketing Vice-President for SeaWorld's parent company, Busch Entertainment Corp., the strategy is intended to create a true interactive online experience for fans of SeaWorld and to engage them before and after their visit.
Photo: SeaWorld guest Daniella Koontz watches bottlenose dolphins with her daughter Lillian Ava in a photograph taken by Steven Joshua Koontz, the first guest photo accepted by SeaWorld as part of a Web site design that will feature photos and accounts from its guests. (Busch Entertainment Corporation) |GlobalGiants.com|
"By our reckoning something approaching a billion photographs have been taken by SeaWorld guests," he said, noting that the estimate excludes the thousands of cameras and SeaWorld photographs ruined in the infamous 'Splash Zone' at Shamu Stadium. "The history of these parks is in shoeboxes across America and around the world. There are remarkable photos of families enjoying SeaWorld in those boxes and we want them."
In addition to SeaWorld, Busch Entertainment Corporation operates Busch Gardens parks in Tampa, Fla. and Williamsburg, Va.; Discovery Cove in Orlando; Sesame Place in Langhorne, Pa. near Philadelphia; Adventure Island in Tampa; Water Country USA in Williamsburg. Aquatica, SeaWorld's water park, is under construction in Orlando and is scheduled to open next spring. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:25 AM | View the original post
Sony BMG Masterworks Releases the Essential Joshua Bell.
Photo: Violinist Joshua Bell receives the 2007 Avery Fisher Prize from actress Glenn Close in a ceremony Tuesday, April 10, at the Stanley Kaplan Penthouse at New York's Lincoln Center. As the prizewinner, Bell receives a $75,000 honorarium, with his name added to the list of past winners on a marble plaque in the lobby of Avery Fisher Hall.
NEW YORK, April 11 -- Violin virtuoso Joshua Bell was presented the 2007 Avery Fisher Prize by actress Glenn Close at the Stanley Kaplan Penthouse at New York's Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts on April 10. Paying tribute to Bell, who received a $75,000 honorarium and his name added to the list of past winners on a marble plaque installed at Avery Fisher Hall, were Nathan Leventhal, Chairman of the Avery Fisher Artist Program, Frank A. Bennack Jr., Chairman of Lincoln Center, Charles Avery Fisher and Nancy Fisher.
Just days before on April 3rd, SONY BMG Masterworks released "The Essential Joshua Bell," a two-disc collection of excerpts from the violinist's greatest recordings, bringing a new dimension to the critically acclaimed, best-selling "Essential" series that celebrates the greatest names in recorded music. Bell himself assisted in choosing the repertoire for this release, featuring his favorite tracks, making it the definitive Joshua Bell collection.
Grammy(R) Award winner Joshua Bell has been captivating audiences worldwide for over two decades since coming to national attention at age 14 with his highly acclaimed orchestral debut with Riccardo Muti and the Philadelphia Orchestra. Named Billboard Magazine's "2004 Classical Artist of the Year" and a Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame inductee, Joshua joined Sony Classical, a SONY BMG Masterworks label in 1996. His latest recording, "Voice of the Violin," debuted at #1 on the Billboard Charts, and his recording of the "Red Violin Concerto" will be released September 4th.
The prestigious Avery Fisher Prize is awarded for outstanding achievement and excellence in music. The late Mr. Fisher's devotion to music and performers was immortalized with a gift to Lincoln Center in 1974, establishing the Avery Fisher Artist Program.
RCA Red Seal, Sony Classical, deutsche harmonia mundi, Masterworks Broadway and Masterworks Jazz are labels of Sony BMG Masterworks. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:41 PM | View the original post
A Celebration of the Best People, Places and Pleasures.
PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y., April 10 -- Where can you find the Best High-Tech High School? What bakery offers the Best Frosting Fix? Who has this country's Best Poker Face? After searching America for the best people, places, ideas and innovations, the editors of Reader's Digest celebrate the wonderful, wacky and truly remarkable in the magazine's May issue, the fourth annual "America's 100 Best," on newsstands April 17.
After speaking to hundreds of experts and ordinary folk, the editors tested, tasted and debated everything from the Best Gotta-Have-It Brownie to the Best Lasting Logo to the Best Athlete's Feat (Stephon Marbury's Starbury One basketball shoes). The resulting list covers the Arts, Business & Finance, Health, Food, Science & Technology, Society & Culture, Sports & Fitness, Transportation, Travel and more.
Reader's Digest reaches about 80 million readers worldwide each month. Reader's Digest is published in 21 languages and 50 editions worldwide. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:44 AM | View the original post
Photo: Cast members of MGM's upcoming movie Stargate: Continuum last week shot scenes on location in the bone chilling temperatures of the Arctic. Pictured (top left to right): Executive Producer John Smith, Director Martin Wood Pictured (bottom left to right): Stargate SG-1 Actors Richard Dean Anderson (General Jack O'Neill), Amanda Tapping (Lt. Col. Samantha Carter) and Ben Browder (Lt. Colonel Cameron Mitchell). |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:39 PM | View the original post
NYC's New Live Performance Venue Serves Up 'Fifteen Minutes of Fame'.
Photo: Natasha Bedingfield performs her hit song "Unwritten" at the opening party for Spotlight Live, a first-of-its-kind restaurant and live performance venue in Times Square.
NEW YORK -- Introducing Spotlight Live, an interactive dining and live performance venue in Times Square where guests walk in for dinner and walk out a star. Everyone wants their fifteen minutes of fame; Spotlight Live gives revelers the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience, backed by professional singers, as well as cut a track in a private recording booth. A JumboTron outside the restaurant broadcasts the performances in real time for those passing by in Times Square, and live and recorded performances stream online and air on demand TV to a worldwide audience.
Occupying 23,000 sq ft in the heart of New York City, the state-of-the-art venue features four floors of groundbreaking technology, developed exclusively for Spotlight Live. Guests get their shot in the spotlight, performing on one of the venue's two stages or cutting an album in a private recording booth. A behind-the-scenes green room helps guests prep for their performance, offering backstage advice from choreographers as well as professional hair and makeup artists. For those interested in keeping their performances private, Spotlight Live features a private party space for 100 guests.
Performers have a unique opportunity to take their star turn on television, thanks to an exclusive deal with Comcast, which will air performances on their video on demand service and broadcast select singers in real-time on the JumboTron outside the Times Square restaurant.
When guests enter, their photos are uploaded onto the interactive system, offering access to all guest profiles and enabling everyone to communicate with each other through the system's instant messaging service. Using the tableside touch-screen, guests will scroll through Spotlight Live's extensive song inventory and vote and post comments on performances. Large screen TVs will display voting results throughout the performances and also feature comments from viewers both at the venue and on the internet. Spotlight Live is located at 1604 Broadway in New York City. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:30 AM | View the original post
Photo: A girl carries a cross on Good Friday on the Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem's Old City, April 6, 2007. The Via Dolorosa follows the route where Christians believe Jesus carried the cross to his crucifixion. (UPI Photo/Debbie Hill) |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:47 AM | View the original post
Photo: 2008 Suzuki SX4 sedan at the 2007 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Photo credit: Convention Photo by Joe Orlando. |GlobalGiants.com|
Photo: Subaru Impreza 2.5i at the 2007 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Photo credit: Convention Photo by Joe Orlando. |GlobalGiants.com|
Photo: Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera at the 2007 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Photo credit: Convention Photo by Joe Orlando. |GlobalGiants.com|
Photo: Maserati GranTurismo at the 2007 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Photo credit: Convention Photo by Joe Orlando. |GlobalGiants.com|
Photo: Hyundai Genesis at the 2007 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Photo credit: Convention Photo by Joe Orlando. |GlobalGiants.com|
Photo: Bentley Brooklands at the 2007 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Photo credit: Convention Photo by Joe Orlando. |GlobalGiants.com|
Photo: BMW 535i at the 2007 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Photo credit: Convention Photo by Joe Orlando. |GlobalGiants.com|
Photo: Lexus LX 570 at the 2007 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Photo credit: Convention Photo by Joe Orlando. |GlobalGiants.com|
Photo: Jeep(R) Liberty at the 2007 New York International Auto Show (NYIAS). Photo credit: Convention Photo by Joe Orlando. |GlobalGiants.com|
Photo: The Jetta SportWagen, a sporty and dynamic wagon version of Volkswagen's top-selling model, made its U.S. debut at the New York Auto Show. The Jetta SportWagen mixes practicality with European style and balances both elegance and sportiness. Its exceptional ride and handling and segment-leading safety features, along with its design are perfect for those with an active lifestyle. |GlobalGiants.com|
Photo: Volkswagen's first-ever SUV has been restyled for the 2008 model year, returning as the Touareg 2. The updated version will enter showrooms with refreshed exterior styling, an impressive list of safety features and vehicle capabilities, and three powerful engine options. After its U.S. debut at the New York International Auto Show, the Touareg 2 arrives at dealerships later this spring, with pricing starting at $39,320. |GlobalGiants.com|
Photo: Kia Motors has announced that the Soul crossover concept, which is on display at the New York Auto Show, will go into production in 2008 as a 2009 model year vehicle. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:33 AM | View the original post
Photo: Horst P. Horst, Lisa Fonssagrives' hands. New York, 1941; Courtesy Art + Commerce.
A focus of this spring's NYC art scene will be the 27th annual PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW 07, sponsored by AIPAD, The Association of International Photography Art Dealers.
THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW 07 will be open to the public APRIL 12-15, 2007, and held at the Park Avenue Armory at Park Avenue and 67th Street in New York City. Attendees of this exposition of fine art photography will have the chance to view works from more than 90 fine art photography exhibitors from around the world, including both contemporary and vintage works. THE PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW 07 is one of the most prominent photography events of the year. Curators and directors of major museums, discriminating collectors, and those new to collecting fine art photography, will have the opportunity to view the finest photographs drawn from the 165 year history of the medium. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:50 AM | View the original post
Photo: The special V150 French TGV high-speed train travels along newly-built track to break the world speed record at 574.8 km (357 miles) per hour in France's Champagne region in Grigny April 3, 2007. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol (FRANCE) |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:18 PM | View the original post
LG Mobile Phones Gets One Coast Closer in the Search for the Fastest US Texter.
Photo: LG Mobile Phones names Eli Tirosh the West Coast Texting Champion at the LG National Texting Championship.
SAN DIEGO, April 2 -- This past weekend, LG Electronics MobileComm U.S.A., Inc. (LG Mobile Phones) was focused on finding the fastest thumbs in the west at the first round of the LG National Texting Championship held at Paramount Studios in Hollywood. These stellar thumbs belong to 21-year-old Eli Tirosh of Los Angeles who was crowned the LG West Coast Texting Championship in front of a huge crowd of family, friends and competitors. Tirosh not only walked away with the prestigious title, she also earned $10,000 in cash and a trip to New York City to battle the LG East Coast Texting Champion on April 21 at the Roseland Ballroom for an additional $15,000 grand prize.
During Saturday's event, contestants had the chance to test their texting capabilities based on speed and accuracy. They competed against each other in front of a crowd of supporters, battling it out on their enV by LG QWERTY keypad mobile device for money, fame and the LG National Texting Championship crown.
For those that did not walk away with the west coast crown, there is still hope. The LG National Texting Championship will continue at the New York City event on April 21. Players at this event will compete for another $10,000 prize and the title of LG East Coast Texting Champion.
The LG National Championship will take place in New York on April 21, 2007 at the Roseland Ballroom were players will compete in pools and be asked to type phrases on their LG handsets exactly as they appear on the overhead LG plasma screens with no typos or abbreviations. The first player in each pool who sends an error-free message to the right contact will advance to the next round. Registration for the LG National Texting Championship is now open at www.LifeWithLG.com and is open on a first come, first serve basis.
LG Electronics, Inc. is the global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, home appliances and mobile communications, employing more than 72,000 people working in over 120 operations including 80 subsidiaries around the world. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:48 AM | View the original post
Dress Your Face is an idea resulting from a partnership between Allison and the Benetton Group. Men and women can create their own United Colors of Benetton glasses every day, depending on their look and mood.
You choose from among six different metal frame designs, each one available in three variations - gold-plated, silver-plated or gun metal gray - with flexible sides and transparent endpieces engraved with the brand's knit stitch logo.
A simple click attaches three types of very light Grilamid covers to the frame: covering the whole, upper half or just the top.
The covers come in a choice of colors that you would expect from United Colors of Benetton: solid colors from gaudy to delicate, streaked, shaded, flamed, shiny and opaque tones, with two or three colors used together. And versions for women include applications of minute, sparkling and ultra-feminine Swarovski crystals.
To summarize: 18 frames, 87 different covers to create as many pairs of glasses. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:51 AM | View the original post
SISILY at one of the French capital’s most sophisticated districts, Saint Germain des Prés, Rue du Four.
Paris: The SISILY store inauguration in Paris is a continuation of the brand’s expansion programme aimed at bringing the Sisley style and image to the leading shopping streets of the world’s major cities through prestigious single-brand stores. On the heels of the recent opening in Lyons on the buzzing Rue de Gasparin, the inauguration in Paris will be followed by another new Sisley store in Cannes. These new monobrand stores are in addition to the 40 shops-within-a-shop already present in France. The latest French stores are part of an international expansion plan which includes recent new openings in New Delhi and Tokyo, with Budapest and London to follow shortly. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:42 AM | View the original post
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles kicks off three-year campaign to build and repair homes; raise awareness of affordable housing issues.
Photo: Former U.S. President and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jimmy Carter, along with his wife, Rosalynn, announce Los Angeles as host city for the 2007 Habitat for Humanity "Jimmy Carter Work Project." Carter was joined by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (pictured), along with Erin Rank, president/CEO of Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles, U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, Los Angeles City Councilmember Janice Hahn and Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo. (Habitat for Humanity, Steffan Hacker)
LOS ANGELES, March 31 -- Today, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter formally announced Los Angeles as the host city for Habitat for Humanity's Jimmy Carter Work Project (JCWP) 2007. During the annual, five-day event, thousands of volunteers will build and repair 100 homes in Los Angeles.
Additionally, Habitat for Humanity's Greater Los Angeles affiliate announced the kick-off of its "Building a Greater Los Angeles" campaign, a three-year commitment to build an additional 150 homes. The campaign will incorporate ongoing programs and events that actively address the region's affordable-housing crisis.
During the JCWP, 30 new Habitat homes will be built at two sites including: 11130 S. Vermont Ave. in South Los Angeles, and at its Harborside Terrace subdivision at 308 N. Palos Verdes St. in San Pedro. An additional 70 homes belonging to low-income families will be repaired in communities throughout those areas. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:27 AM | View the original post
Photo: The Grand Canyon Skywalk, suspended 4,000 feet above the Colorado River, opened to the public on Wednesday, March 28, 2007.
LAS VEGAS, March 30 -- Almost 2,000 people visited Grand Canyon West, home of the new Skywalk, on Wednesday. The Skywalk is the first ever cantilever-shaped glass walkway suspended more than 4,000 feet above the canyon's floor and extending 70 feet from the canyon's rim.
The first excited visitors lined up to watch as members of the Hualapai Tribe and founder David Jin cut a ribbon to officially open The Skywalk. After a celebratory countdown, guests were then welcomed onto the glass. Awed reactions ensued, with guests declaring The Skywalk to be amazing, beautiful and the experience of a lifetime. At the Grand Canyon West Airport terminal, visitors from all over the world lined up to purchase tour packages and be among the first to take a walk on the Skywalk. |GlobalGiants.com|
Located at Grand Canyon West's Eagle Point, The Skywalk is open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week. The cost of walking on The Skywalk is $25 in addition to the purchase of a Grand Canyon West tour package. The Spirit Package, $49.95, is the lowest-priced option and includes the Hualapai visitation permit, access to all points of interest at Grand Canyon West including Guano Point, Hualapai Ranch and Eagle Point, choice of an all-you-can-eat buffet or cowboy cookin' and photo opportunities with Hualapai Members. To maximize visitors' experience, a limit of 120 people are permitted on The Skywalk at any one time. To avoid scratches and slipping, shoe covers are handed out prior to walking and guests are not allowed to bring carry-on items on the glass. Although cameras may not be taken on The Skywalk, photos are available. Lockers are provided for guests to store personal belongings.
Upon completion, the visitor's center will include a museum, movie "The Making of the Skywalk," a VIP lounge and gift shop as well as private indoor and outdoor facilities for meetings, special events and weddings. Several restaurants and bars will be available, including The Skywalk Cafe, a high-end restaurant with outdoor patio and rooftop dining on the edge of the canyon. The second floor of the visitor's center will provide access to The Skywalk glass walkway.
Any media who would like to visit Grand Canyon West are invited to attend a guided media tour, offered every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. Media tours will accommodate a limited number of people and reservations must be made in advance. All media inquiries should be directed to Amanda Hill at 702-254-5704.
Grand Canyon West is located approximately 120 miles east of Las Vegas, Nev., and 72 miles northwest of Kingman, Ariz. Attractions available at Grand Canyon West include The Indian Village with authentic dwellings depicting multiple tribes, The Hualapai Market, and The Hualapai Ranch, a western town with horseback and wagon rides. Grand Canyon West is the only location throughout the entire Grand Canyon where visitors can access the river and water recreation activities at the bottom of the canyon via helicopter tours. In addition to boat tours on the river, Hummer tours are available along the rim of the canyon and through private areas that are otherwise inaccessible to the public. There are more than 30 tour and transportation companies that service Grand Canyon West from Las Vegas, Phoenix and Sedona by airplane, helicopter, coach, SUV, and Hummer. In addition, Park & Ride services are available from Dolan Springs, Ariz., a one-hour drive from Las Vegas. The Hualapai operate the only one day white water rafting trip through the Grand Canyon as well as a Lodge on Historic Route 66.
To book reservations, view a complete list of activities or receive maps and directions, visitors may log on to www.destinationgrandcanyon.com or call 1(877) 716-WEST (9378). The Hualapai Tribe, consisting of approximately 2,000 Hualapai members, owns nearly one million acres of land throughout the Grand Canyon's western rim. The capitol of the Hualapai Reservation is Peach Springs, Ariz.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 12:10 PM | View the original post
Photo: The blooming of the cherry blossoms heralds the arrival of spring both in Japan and the United States. Cherry blossom festivals in the United States are a spring tradition that dates back to gifts of cherry blossom trees from the Japanese to communities in the United States as a symbol of friendship. The most prominent Cherry blossom festival in the U.S. happens each year in Washington, D.C. The National Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place March 31 through April 15 this year, celebrates Japan gift of 3,000 cherry trees to the city of Washington, D.C. in 1912. |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 3:16 AM | View the original post
Fredensborg, Denmark - Little Prince Christian arrives for his first day at public pre-school daycare. Prince Christian is the son of Crown Prince Frederik and second-in-line to the Danish throne. (ZUMA Press) |GlobalGiants.com|
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:13 AM | View the original post
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