![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
||||||||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|||||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|||||
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
PHOTO: On Dec. 8, 2006, Shelbourne Development Group, Inc. will file for final design approval with the City of Chicago to build "The Chicago Spire," a 2,000-foot tall tower designed by Santiago Calatrava. The Chicago Spire will be the tallest residential building in the world.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 11:26 PM | View the original post
Golf Digest: Best New Private Course of the Year 2006.
BRADENTON, Fla., Dec. 6 -- Golf Digest magazine has named The Concession Golf Club and Residences "Best New Private Course of the Year 2006."
The Concession Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus in association with Tony Jacklin, opened on January 23, 2006. This 18-hole par 72 course is set on 520 acres of ruggedly pristine land dotted with massive oaks and majestic pines. It totals 7470 yards from the tips of the back tees and runs three miles from tip to tip. A 23-acre practice area is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout from the Northern Ohio sand that was trucked in for the bunkers which are hand- raked daily to the over $1 million dollars spent moving mature trees to strategic spots along the course. It is one of only two clubs in the country that has the Advanced Aer system under all 18 greens guaranteeing tournament- quality play conditions all year.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:28 PM | View the original post
PHOTO: Ghost Town "The Movie": Dean Teaster director/writer as "Digger the Undertaker", Bill McKinney as "Victor Burnett", Renee O'Connor as "Little Jack", and Anthony Hornus as "Captain Ketner". Copywrite 2006, Ghost Town "The Movie" L.L.C. Photo by Tammy Stephens Teaster.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:10 PM | View the original post
PLANET EARTH, the Ultimate Portrait of our Planet in High-Definition.
Award-winning Actress and Conservationist Sigourney Weaver to Narrate.
SILVER SPRING, Md., Dec. 5 -- Award-winning actress and conservationist Sigourney Weaver joins Discovery Channel as narrator of the breathtaking look at our world, PLANET EARTH, premiering on the Discovery Channel on Sunday, March 25, 2007 at 8 PM ET/PT. PLANET EARTH will amaze viewers with never-before-seen animal behaviors, startling views of locations captured by cameras for the first time, and unprecedented high definition production techniques. More than five years in the making, PLANET EARTH redefines blue-chip natural history filmmaking and continues the Discovery mission of providing the highest quality programming in the world. PLANET EARTH airs on consecutive Sundays from March 25 through April 22, 2007.
PHOTO: Award-winning actress and conservationist Sigourney Weaver narrates Discovery Channel's epic high definition series PLANET EARTH, premiering Sun, March 25, 2007.
"The PLANET EARTH series is like a wonderful ride through our world," said Weaver. "Whatever fascinates you the most...whether it be caves or deep sea, deserts or mountains, you're in for such a treat. The camera work is so extraordinary and it's as if you're an animal living in that world...you become part of that world."
The series takes viewers from the mightiest mountain ranges to the deepest waters to the last true wilderness areas, all using cutting-edge filming methods such as the Cineflex heligimble aerial photography system, a highly stable camera attached to a helicopter that captures distant objects and creatures in close-up.
Spectacular animal scenes in PLANET EARTH include the first footage of the rarely seen snow leopard hunting in the Himalayas; lions hunting and killing elephants in the middle of the night; and the Blue Bird of Paradise performing a mating ritual, captured for the first time on film.
Bank of America is the presenting sponsor of the PLANET EARTH series.
Discovery Communications, Inc., is the leading global real-world media company. Discovery has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in 170 countries and territories.
70 camera operators spent over 2,000 days in the field visiting more than 200 locations to document nature's greatest spectacles. Locations filmed for the first time include the Gobi Desert covered in snow; unique access to the Arctic island of Kong Karls Land -- home to the world's highest densities of polar bears; and the first high-quality aerial sequences of Mount Everest.
Best known for her film roles, Sigourney Weaver is an active conservationist. She serves as honorary chair to the board of trustees of The Dian Fosse Gorilla Fund and recently drew international attention during a United Nations press conference on the threat to ocean habitat posed by deep sea trawling.
PLANET EARTH is produced for Discovery Channel by the BBC. Alastair Fothergill is the executive producer for the BBC. Maureen Lemire is the executive producer for Discovery Channel. Discovery Channel and the BBC also created the award-winning natural history series BLUE PLANET.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 6:42 PM | View the original post
Best in Business Travel Awards Announced.
Road Warriors Share Their Favorite Airlines, Hotels and Business Travel Companies.
NEW YORK, Dec. 4 -- Business Traveler magazine, the only U.S. publication devoted to the needs of the travel industry's most active customers, has just announced the winners of their 2006 Readers' Choice Best in Business Travel Survey. The highly coveted awards will be presented at a gala ceremony and dinner in New York on January 11, 2007. The gala also kicks-off Business Travelers' fundraising drive benefiting The Ronald McDonald House of New York, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving pediatric cancer patients and their families.
Now in its 18th year, the Readers' Choice Best in Business Travel Survey randomly samples the Business Traveler subscriber base, allowing the readers to recognize the companies who have made their business travels more enjoyable. Conducted by a third-party agency, the annual survey covers nearly 50 categories including "Best Overall Airline," "Best Business-Class Hotel," and "Best Luggage." The 2006 survey had a return rate of more than 33 percent.
Business Traveler is one of the world's leading business travel authorities. With nine editions worldwide, including 18 years covering the United States, Business Traveler, provides flight and hotel reviews, destination features and special interest stories including four-hour excursion guides, airline comparison reviews, airport security and travel trends.
"Logging an average 67 nights on the road and more than six-million round-trip flights a year, our readers know the hotels, airlines and travel products that best meet their needs," stated Rebecca Bishop, publisher. "We appreciate the time these globetrotting executives took to respond to our survey and we hope that the results will make global business travel more productive and efficient in the coming years."
The 2006 Readers' Choice Best in Business Travel Award Winners:
Best overall airline in the world: Singapore Airlines
Best airline for North American travel: Continental Airlines
Best airline for international travel: Singapore Airlines
Best business class in the world: Virgin Atlantic Airways
Best first class in the world: Emirates
Best premium economy class in the world: United Airlines
Best economy class in the world: Singapore Airlines
Best business class to Europe/Trans-Atlantic: British Airways
Best business class to Eastern Europe: Lufthansa
Best business class to Nordic Countries: Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
Best business class to Mexico/Latin America: AeroMexico
Best business class to South America: LAN Airlines
Best business class to Canada: Air Canada
Best business class to Asia/Trans-Pacific: Korean Air
Best business class to the South Pacific/Australia/New Zealand: Air New Zealand
Best business class to the Middle East: Emirates
Best business class to Africa: South African Airways
Best low-cost carrier: Frontier Airlines
Best flight attendants in the U.S.: Continental Airlines
Best in-flight services in the U.S.: Continental Airlines
Best flight attendants in the world: Asiana Airlines
Best in-flight service in the world: Asiana Airlines
Best business class cuisine/menu: Singapore Airlines
Best airport lounge: Delta Air Lines
Best airline alliance: Star Alliance
Best frequent-flier program: Delta SkyMiles
Best airline Web site: Delta.com
Best airport in the world: Singapore Changi International Airport
Best airport in North America: Denver International Airport
Best hotel chain in the world: Marriott International
Best hotel chain in North America for business travel: Marriott
Best luxury hotel chain for business travel: Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Best individual hotel in North America for business travel: The Peninsula Chicago
Best hotel Web site: Marriott.com
Best hotel rewards program in the world: Marriott Rewards
Best hotel chain in Latin America: Sheraton Latin America
Best hotel chain in Europe: Sofitel Hotels & Resorts
Best hotel chain in Eastern Europe: Hilton Hotels
Best hotel chain in the Middle East: Jumeirah
Best Web site for booking travel: Travelocity.com
Best credit card for business travelers: American Express
Best credit card rewards program: American Express Membership Rewards
Best car-rental company in North America: Hertz
Best wireless service provider in the world: Verizon Wireless
Best overall luggage for business travelers: Travelpro
Best carry-on luggage for business travelers: TUMI
Best international courier service: DHL
Best overnight courier service in North America: FedEx
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 2:00 PM | View the original post
PHOTO: Cover of the January 2007 issue of Consumer Reports.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:55 PM | View the original post
PHOTO: The December 11 issue of Newsweek (on newsstands Monday, December 4), "Will Bush Listen?" looks at whether President Bush is likely to adopt the recommendations of the Baker-Hamilton Commission report and analyzes who in the administration will most likely urge him to do so. Plus: The latest "Health for Life" report on genetic testing, cutting-edge brain tumor treatments and a possible anti-aging molecule; "Dreamgirls" Jennifer Hudson speaks out, Russia's bullying behavior, Barbie's midlife crisis and an end-of-the-year tax guide.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:20 PM | View the original post
PHOTO: "The Complete Million Dollar Quartet" CD is in stores now. Source: SONY BMG. City: New York.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:29 PM | View the original post
Photo: Hyundai, Chief designer Joel Piaskowski debuted the HCD10 Hyundai Hellion concept at the Los Angeles International Auto Show yesterday. Hellion is a tough compact three-door crossover concept inspired by a hard shell backpack that uses ribs to provide structural and visual strength.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:10 PM | View the original post
Photo: Honda FCX Concept makes first public debut in U.S. at the Los Angeles Auto Show (November 29, 2006).
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:07 PM | View the original post
Photo: The Honda REMIX small sport concept vehicle made its world debut yesterday at the Los Angeles Auto Show (November 29, 2006).
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:03 PM | View the original post
Featuring GPS Modules Embedded in Sneakers, Boots and Shoes.
Advanced Technology & Style.
MIAMI, Nov. 28 -- A shoe that has the potential to save lives through its patented Quantum Satellite Technology(TM) with GPS tracking abilities, Isaac Daniel's Compass Global 1000(TM)-Inventor's Limited Edition pushes the limits of how technology can function in footwear. Providing peace- of-mind technology through its advanced people-finding capabilities, the Compass Global 1000(TM) will make its debut in the U.S. in early 2007. Initially only 1,000 people around the world will own these unique and distinctive brand of sneakers that provide Advanced Technology & Style.
The GPS technology, embedded into seven different men's and women's sneaker models with 19 color combinations, are outfitted with a microcomputer with satellite tracking communication that, in the event of a perceived crisis by the wearer, can activate a Covert Alarm Locator. The alarm generates an emergency signal to the company's ID Conex monitoring station, pinpointing the shoes' location anywhere on the earth's surface. The whereabouts of the wearer are then communicated to law enforcement authorities.
The need for Daniel's line of Quantum Satellite Technology across a broad range of demographic groups has been proven. The company is currently in negotiations to market the Compass Global sneaker -- and in the future, boots and shoes -- to various military outfits, caretakers of those suffering from Alzheimer's disease, and parents who want the ability to keep track of their young children. The need for this type of sneaker has already been recognized by the public and the press with feature stories in The New York Post, Women's Wear Daily, and Fitness and Footwear Plus magazines.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:28 PM | View the original post
From the largest seats in the sky to the smallest amenities.
Passengers in First, Business and Economy get upgraded comfort.
Photo: Today Singapore Airlines marked the arrival of its $360 million new First, Business and Economy Class cabin products, when the carrier took delivery of its first B777-300ER aircraft. At 35-inches wide, the First Class seat is the most spacious ever to be introduced by a commercial airline. Singapore's new B777-300ER debuts in the United States in January, serving San Francisco three times per week.
LOS ANGELES, Nov. 28 -- Today in Seattle, Singapore Airlines (SIA) marked the North American debut of its $360 million new cabin products designed to provide passengers in all three classes with more space, comfort and control of their in-flight experience. The enhanced suite of products and services features new First, Business and Economy Class seats, including the largest First and Business Class seats in the sky, and increased functionality in the on-demand in-flight entertainment system, which boasts more than 1,000 entertainment offerings.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:22 PM | View the original post
Photo: Al Oerter, four-time U.S. Olympic gold medalist and abstract artist, poses in front of the "Art of the Olympians" logo projected on the News Astrovision by Panasonic in New York's Times Square, Tuesday, November 28, 2006. Oerter, along with eight other athlete artists are in New York to help spotlight the "Art of the Olympians" traveling exhibit of sculpture, paintings, drawings, and photography by 14 Olympians representing 7 countries, and is showing at a variety of venues including the United Nations. Oerter won gold medals in the discus throw in '56, '60, '64, and '68. (Feature Photo Service)
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 9:37 PM | View the original post
PHOTO: A successor to The V by LG, the enV is the ultimate wireless phone offering an abundance of multimedia features: including V CAST and V CAST Music, VZ NavigatorSM, an integrated QWERTY keyboard, Bluetooth(R) capabilities, dual speakers and a 2.0 megapixel camera that provides crisp, clear photos and videos.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 5:51 PM | View the original post
Igniting Creative Energy Challenge
Winners of national competition win educational trip to Hawaii with chance to meet national leaders.
MILWAUKEE, Nov. 27 -- United States and Canadian students in kindergarten through 12th grade are being called on by the Igniting Creative Energy Challenge to put on their thinking caps and come up with creative ways to make a difference in energy conservation and the environment.
Photo: Solar Panel
The Challenge, a partnership program developed by Johnson Controls and the National Energy Foundation, is an educational competition that encourages students to learn more about energy and the environment. This is the sixth year for the competition, which provides the national winners with valuable educational experiences that include a trip to Hawaii and a chance to meet national leaders and energy policymakers in Washington, D.C.
Students are asked to submit entries that demonstrate an understanding of what an individual, family or group can do in their home, school or community to conserve energy and help the environment. Students may express their ideas in the form of science projects, essays, stories, artwork, photographs, music, video or Web site projects. They may also submit recent service projects.
Photo: Wind Turbines in Field
New for 2007, the highest scoring student in each state and most provinces will receive additional recognition and a $1,000 (U.S.) donation from Johnson Controls for his or her school.
The Challenge is funded through an educational grant by Johnson Controls with additional support from the United States Energy Association (USEA) and the National Energy Foundation.
Johnson Controls is a global leader in interior experience, building efficiency and power solutions. Founded in 1885, the company is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI) has 136,000 employees in more than 1,000 locations serving customers in 125 countries.
"Like all citizens, students play an important role in using energy resources wisely, which reinforces our business of providing smart energy solutions," said Dave Myers, president, Building Efficiency, Johnson Controls. "As we introduce this year's Challenge, we continue to be impressed by the enthusiasm and creativity students and teachers exhibit in demonstrating ways to preserve the environment and conserve energy."
According to Dari Scott, vice president of marketing for the National Energy Foundation, "It's vital to instill in students the idea that they can creatively contribute to conserving natural resources. It results in improved leadership, character development and service to others, not to mention a better environment."
Contest Rules and Prizes
The Challenge is open to all students in grades K-12 in the U.S. and Canada, excluding Quebec. All entries are due by February 17, 2007, and winners will be announced on or about March 17, 2007.
Official rules about the contest and a downloadable entry form can be found at the official Challenge Web site, http://www.ignitingcreativeenergy.org/ .
A total of four grand prizes will be awarded to three students and one teacher. Three students, one in each grade cluster, whose work best addresses the Challenge criteria, will receive a hosted trip to Hawaii April 10-14, 2007 for themselves and a parent or legal guardian. In addition, one teacher with the highest average score of student work from 15 or more qualifying entries will be chosen for a trip for two to Hawaii for the same fun and educational experience.
While in Hawaii, winners will experience the educational trip of a lifetime. This journey will include visits to a volcano, tropical forests, and Hawaii's famous beaches.
Winners will also participate in the national Energy Efficiency Forum in Washington, D.C., June 12-13, 2007, where they will share their Challenge entries and ideas with government and energy leaders.
Award certificates will be available for every participating student and teacher. The most creative and deserving student work will be published.
Last Year's Entries
The winning projects for the 2006 Igniting Creative Energy Challenge were a reflection of students' creativity and involvement: an elementary school student's "I Spy"(C)-themed book highlighting 101 ways to save energy at home, illustrated with photographs of the student's dollhouse; a middle school student's recommended four-week children's meal program for fast food restaurants that included age-appropriate energy savings items in place of toys; and a high school student's researched recommendation to create billboards that raise awareness of the energy crisis and promote the fight to save energy and the environment.
Teacher Zan Lombardo of Tredyffrin-Easttown School District in Pennsylvania had each of her students establish one energy-efficient habit for a month, quantify their savings and then represent each unit of savings as a dot in a giant mural that showed overall how they had helped the environment.
Students were asked to write a one-page summary that described their motivation for submitting an entry and what they hoped their project would accomplish. Middle school winner Rebecca Richter from Wisconsin shared, "I wanted to find a creative way to help children and their families understand how to conserve energy. It seems perfect to work with a fast-food chain because many families eat at fast-food restaurants. It would be a great way to reach a lot of people! I hope to convey that energy is an important resource in our lives, and that there are many ways to save energy."
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 10:19 PM | View the original post
LOS ANGELES, Calif., Nov. 27 -- Jon Peter Lewis, also known as "JPL" to his enthusiastic fans, has released his debut album, Stories From Hollywood. The rock and soulful pop record has been in the works for more than a year and includes all original music.
The collection of high-energy songs and intimate acoustic tracks showcases Jon's exceptional vocal range. Elton John has praised JPL for his superb singing voice, admiring his "great pitch and phrasing." The eagerly anticipated album features Jon's band that includes "some of the most talented musicians in the business," according to producer David Rolfe.
Jon was a top ten finalist on American Idol's third season. Simon Cowell hailed JPL as the "dark horse to win the competition," while Rolling Stone Magazine pegged him as a "pick to win." Following Jon's successful run on Idol and subsequent tour, he chose take the time to develop his own sound and unique style before releasing an album.
Jon and his band have been playing shows throughout the country, including performances at the world renowned Viper Room in Hollywood, California. Jon was invited to the 2006 CMJ Music Marathon in New York City, performing at Crash Mansion and joining the event as a panelist. He is a frequent guest of radio and television, most recently performing live on the worldwide morning show, Fox & Friends. Jon was also a presenter at the recent 2006 New Music Weekly Awards Show and is making final plans for a nationwide tour.
The aptly titled CD, Stories from Hollywood, reflects Jon's Hollywood experiences while revealing an impressive rock and roll side to him. "We expected JPL to rock us, but not with music this crisp and a backing band this hot," writes Jessica Venditto of AI Magazine. "The long wait was worth it."
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 7:19 PM | View the original post
Photo: In the December 4 issue of Newsweek (on newsstands Monday, November 27): "The Most Dangerous Man in Iraq." Newsweek profiles Moqtada al-Sadr and reports on how he became the most powerful man in Iraq today. Plus: the last Neocon in the administration; the GOP and the Latino vote; Ellis Cose on racist rants and public apologies; 'lifestyle' malls; what's different in Microsoft's Office 2007; the rise in unmarried moms; a profile of entrepreneur and rapper Jay-Z, and HD-disks. (Newsweek)
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 1:44 PM | View the original post
PHOTO: You have to workout to win! The ProForm(R) 20.0 CrossTrainer(TM) Elliptical is the first fitness equipment to fully integrate games and exercise equipment, enabling game play to be controlled by exercise intensity. ProForm's(R) FatBlocker(TM) game is shown in photo.
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:54 PM | View the original post
Photo: Greg Staley, President and CEO of KB Toys, visits the KB Toys store at the Livingston Mall in Livingston, NJ on Black Friday, the traditional kickoff of the holiday shopping season. KB Toys customers lined up for the 5 AM opening. (Feature Photo Service)
Edited & Posted by the Editor | 4:42 PM | View the original post
![]() |
![]() |