Quay Vodka Sails Into America

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Vodka is a drink that most people love to consume and while we have our own line of brands that are pretty much popular locally, the taste of French Vodka is something rare for most. American vodka connoisseurs will soon be able to enjoy a French-made vodka that evokes the simple elegance of the Mediterranean region of Europe: southern France, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Greece. Bravado Imports is introducing Quay Vodka (http://www.quayvodka.com), an ultra-premium, artisan-crafted Mediterranean spirit, to select U.S. markets.

Quay Vodka is the culmination of Sheckart’s five-year search for the best European ingredients and blending techniques. The classification “artisan crafted” denotes the meticulous, hands-on approach taken in its creation. “Quay Vodka is made by a master distiller and in smaller quantities than most vodkas,” explained Sheckart. “The resulting attention to detail makes for a finer spirit, and Quay has all the qualities you look for in a fine spirit: ultra smoothness, complexity, that round-the-mouth feel and a flawless finish.”

(Source) Press

Texas Instruments Offers New Power Battery Gauge for Mobile Phones

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A new single-cell battery fuel gauge has been unveiled by Texas Instruments today which will help in monitoring devices in systems. Impedance Track technology accurately predicts battery capacity instantly under all operating conditions, including battery age, temperature and discharge behavior.

Today, TI ships millions of battery fuel gauge ICs with Impedance Track technology to customers worldwide in applications ranging from notebooks to smart phones.

Key features:

  • Patented Impedance Track next-generation gauging algorithm
  • Accurate and complete battery fuel gauge
  • CPU-based IC reports remaining capacity, time-to-empty, voltage, current, temperature and more
  • Calculates remaining charge under all conditions
  • System-side implementation even with a removable battery
  • 12-pin, 2.5 x 2 x 0.625 mm WCSP package

Key benefits

  • Provides complete “state-of-health” battery information so a system can effectively manage the battery and extend run-time
  • No calculations needed with the host microcontroller for easy implementation
  • Accurate display of run time under all conditions
  • No extra circuitry needed inside the battery pack
  • Smallest Impedance Track solution in the industry

(Source) Press

Plentyoffish.com is Everyone’s Favorite Internet Dating Site

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Most singles who browse the web are not only after information. Some even go as far as looking for love as well. And when one asks which site is best, check out Plentyoffish.com. It is the top ranked and favorite site that most online dating addicts are into these days.

Plentyoffish.com is now the official #1 online dating site in both the USA and the UK according to Hitwise and is quickly gaining the reputation for being the site where people meet their true love. At least that’s the case in San Diego, California.

“The notion that people have to pay a dating site big money to meet somebody is outdated.” Says Frind, “the truth of the matter is that POF.com offers people the chance to meet and interact with over ten million singles without having to add more to their credit card debt. When our members meet someone on the site, they still have some money for the actual date. That can be a pretty big challenge in this economy.”

(Source) Press

Mixbook Launches Upgraded Online Photo Editor

For people who love to go online, a lot of things are the reason behind it. And among the, the ability to edit photos online is a growing fad and thanks to the efforts of Mixbook, they just upgraded that option for people who are simply crazy about producing the best photos online today.

Mixbook today announced the release of a powerful new online scrapbook editor. Mixbook’s new editor allows users to fully personalize their photo book with a wide array of stickers, backgrounds, and professionally-designed themes.

Mixbook’s Online Photo Book Software Offers:

  • One-Click Professional Templates – Create a book quickly with pre-built professional templates for baby photo books, wedding photo books, travel books and more.
  • Powerful Scrapbook Editor – Move, crop, rotate, pan and zoom on photos; add stickers and backgrounds; and create custom layouts.
  • Integration with Leading Photo Sites – Add photos from Facebook, Picasa Web Albums, Flickr, Photobucket or Smugmug.
  • Simple Online Collaboration – Invite friends and family to create pages, add photos and even create their own fully-personalized copies to order when the book is done.

(Source) Press

Rotary Clubs and Dolly Parton to Push Children Reading Campaign

imagination_libraryIn an effort to boost the literacy level of kids today, Rotary clubs have partnered with country music legend Dolly Parton to promote literacy bridges the pop culture gap. Rotary International today announced a collaboration with Parton’s Tennessee-based Dollywood Foundation to promote early childhood reading.

Rotary clubs in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom are encouraged to support the foundation’s Imagination Library program, which provides books to children from birth until age five, so that parents can begin reading to them as soon as possible.

The program is especially valuable for children in underprivileged and working class families for whom children’s books might be an unaffordable luxury. Rotary club participation could include promoting the program locally, helping to identify and register the children, and paying for the books and mailings. The average annual cost is $28 per child.

(Source) Press

BluefirePoker.com Aims to Prove Poker as a Game of Skill

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To help address the growing issue of gambling associated with Poker, BluefirePoker.com (a non-wagering Poker training site via online videos) is willing to put its money where its mouth is – to prove that Poker is a game of skill, not luck.

The folks at www.BluefirePoker.com are offering $1,000,000 to President Obama or any member of the U.S. Congress willing to play a Poker game against any of their poker pros, and the winnings can go to the charity of choice. BluefirePoker.com will put up $1,000,000 against $1 for a chance to play with either President Obama or any member of the U.S. Congress.

The legislative debate centers on whether or not Poker is a game of chance or skill, and this debate determines the legality of online gambling, according to legal and legislative experts on the subject. No one in their right mind would turn down this challenge if Poker were a game based on luck, because the odds are so far in their favor – putting up $1 for a chance to win $1,000,000 for the charity of their choice.

(Source) Press

Consumers Spending More on Recreation

logo_smart-circle-logoWith hard times upon us, one would think that people would focus more on saving each buck as much as they can. But then again, despite broadly publicized cuts in overall consumer spending, Euromonitor International reports that Americans typically allocate more of their discretionary income on recreation than areas like clothing, electronics, or even household goods.

Smart Circle International, the leader in worldwide referral marketing, is bringing consumers exclusive offers through its signature Smart Circle Cards on the recreational activities they love at an affordable price, including discounts at paintball and karting venues, as well as family entertainment centers such as Gameworks, Main Event, Dave & Busters, Mr. Biggs, Boomers, Zuma, Fiddlestix and Celebration Station.

“The Smart Circle has generated great awareness for our business,” said Danny Lobo, owner of Medley Paintball Park near Miami, Florida. “They have been instrumental in increasing traffic at our paintball facility.”

The typical Smart Circle Card recreational package is priced at $29.99 but averages anywhere from $250 to $300 in value. Sample benefits to consumers include:

  • Paintball – Complimentary admission with equipment rentals included
  • Karting – Free upfront races and additional races are offered on a two-for-one basis. Group discounts also are included
  • Family Entertainment – Complimentary family fun pack for four

(Source) Press

Cyrus Family Pops the Charts

wdrblacklogoTwo Cyruses, Billy Ray and Miley are topping the charts for their respective songs which will appear on Walt Disney Records soundtracks. This week, Miley Cyrus debuts with “The Climb” (Walt Disney/Hollywood/Lyric Street) at No. 48 and father Billy Ray bows with “Back to Tennessee” (Walt Disney/Lyric Street) at No. 59 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

The Songs are due to be unveiled on March 24 in the Walt Disney Pictures film, “Hannah Montana The Movie,” which opens nationwide in theaters April 10. Back To Tennessee is also the title track of Cyrus’ upcoming CD, which will be released on April 7. This marks the first time in nearly twenty years that a father and daughter have appeared on the chart with separate solo singles.

A musical highpoint in “Hannah Montana The Movie,” Billy Ray (as his character Robby Ray Stewart) performs “Back To Tennessee.” Written by Cyrus, Tamara Dunn and Matthew Wilder, it is inspired by Billy Ray’s longing to return to his roots and breathe the sweet southern air of his home state.

(Source) Press

Is the Saturn Brand a Dead Brand?

saturn_picTo help address the worsening economic situations, General Motors is seriously pondering on killing the Saturn brand. General Motors first conceived the idea of the Saturn brand back in the late 1980’s. Since the popular car brand started rolling off of car lots it has created a very loyal fan base.

G.M. says that if Saturn retailers or other investor groups present a plan that would allow a spin-off or sale of the Saturn Distribution Corporation that they would be open to that possibility.

If a deal is not reached then G.M. says it will phase out Saturn at the end of the product’s life cycle sometime in 2012.

(Source) TriCities.com

Watchmen is the Film to Watch

Watchmen 2009Though it was not feted that much during the Academy Awards, Watchment is slowly proving to one and all that it is the movie worth watching. Watchmen doesn’t open until Friday, but Fandango is already seeing strong advance ticket sales for the film, comprising 61% of all sales on Fandango, the nation’s leading moviegoer destination.

Advance tickets for director Zack Snyder’s Watchmen are far outpacing advance tickets sold for Snyder’s previous movie, 300, at the same point in that film’s sales cycle. Dozens of midnight Thursday night showtimes for the film are sold out on Fandango, from Albany, Georgia to Dublin, California.

As a bonus, moviegoers purchasing tickets for Watchmen or Watchmen: The IMAX Experience on Fandango will receive a free download of bonus content on iTunes, including the first chapter of Watchmen Motion Comics plus a sneak peek of Watchmen: Tales of the Black Freighter.

(Source) Press

Go Orange for Animals

o_aspca-speak-4Join in the commemoration on the prevention of cruelty to animals with their new moniker, Go Orange for Animals. This April, the ASPCA(R) (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(R)) will once again commemorate Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month – an extremely important month for animals.

From its beginnings three years ago as a small grassroots adoption event in New York City, the ASPCA’s April celebrations have mushroomed into a nationwide celebration of the human-animal bond and the organization’s victories on behalf of animals.

The ASPCA will officially kick off the month on April 7 when iconic buildings and landmarks across the country such as the Empire State Building, Sears Tower and Niagara Falls will support the ASPCA’s life-saving work as they light up in its signature color and “Go Orange for Animals.”

(Source) Press

D-Angelo Sports Drinks to Rebound

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To many, this sports drink brand may seem unfamiliar. Maybe its because this brand crashed spectacularly a few years ago in beer and juice ventures. However, they are back for another shot at big-time business. The venture is spearheaded by Frank D’Angelo.

D’Angelo announced yesterday one of his old companies is relaunching “Cheetah Power Surge,” a non-caffeinated energy drink, for distribution in unidentified convenience stores and national grocery chains.

Cheetah gained notoriety when D’Angelo and disgraced sprinter Ben Johnson appeared in TV commercials promoting the drink.

(Source) The Star.com

The Brand Seductress Is Back

logocontactThe Goldstein Group makes a comeback, providing a big sigh of relief to brand managers who are really having a hard time building up their brands. Supermarket seductress Terri Goldstein is back since splitting off from IQ, the renowned New York branding firm Goldstein co-founded in 1995. The visual brand strategist has been hard at work developing a different kind of brand: her own.

A mid-sized team of packaging experts helmed by Goldstein and chief creative Darcy Bolker, The Goldstein Group is now open for business. Specializing in restaging iconic brands for today’s ever-changing market, the firm draws upon a combined 30 years of experience to navigate every phase of the branding process – from strategy to design to production. And by consisting of eight employees rather than 80, The Goldstein Group is well-equipped for these lean times.

(Source) PRWeb

Jennifer Hudson Speaks Up — Indirectly

Jennifer HudsonAfter the tragedies that she had experienced some months back, diva Jennifer Hudson has finally opened up. Hudson has been mum about the October killing of her mother, brother and 7 year old nephew but apparently she seems to have learned to go on.

“To me, the biggest notes and the longest notes are the easiest notes,” she said. “It’s just like I’m glad that I made it to the end of the song. That’s how I am. OK, I got this now, I’m home. I’m going home now.”

William Balfour, the estranged husband of Hudson’s sister Julia, is accused in the triple homicide of Hudson’s relatives. Balfour has pleaded not guilty.

(Source) Yahoo

Spidey Becomes McDonalds Happy Meal Theme

Spectactular Spiderman McDonalds Happy Meal

If you drop by McDonalds, don’t be surprised if you see a new happy meal package that has Spiderman at the front. Apparently this is the latest deal entered into by Sony Pictures, Marvel Entertainment and McDonalds in bringing the usual excitement for kids who idolize cartoons and hit movie flicks.

“The Spectacular Spider-Man” US Happy Meal will feature a collection of eight action figures, including Spider-Man Suction Cup, Doctor Octopus, Spider-Man Swinging, Venom, Spider-Man Launcher, Green Goblin, Spider-Man Crawling, and Sandman.

“The Spectacular Spider-Man” Happy Meal will be available in over 15,000 participating McDonald’s restaurants in North America.

(Source) Press

Bar Refaeli Leads Judging of Walk the Walk Contest

37251-lo-bar_refaeli-maddenSports Illustrated Swimsuit model Bar Refaeli was among the cast of judges that witnessed the Walk the Walk contest, a fashion design competition aimed at inspiring the future generation designers. Other judges included Benji and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte, Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas, Robert Buckley of Lipstick Jungle and Frankie Delgado of MTV’s Bromance and The Hills at House of Blues Anaheim.

Refaeli and the star-studded panel of judges that also included Hurley founder Bob Hurley and Rosemary Brantley of OTIS College of Art and Design watched a parade of Hurley collections that had been redesigned by area high school students. The theatrical shows, which at times looked more like dance-offs, were modeled, produced and promoted entirely by student teams.

Of four competing schools, Fountain Valley High School took home top honors and a $5000 donation to its art & music program. Gahr High School won a special design challenge and could see their two original head-to-toe designs featured in a future Hurley collection.

(Source) Press

Sega Partners with Pyro Studios

1347395clogo_sega_logo_webSega and Pyro Studios have come together to create a new game based on the upcoming film, Planet 51. The Planet 51 game will be available in Winter 2009 for the Xbox 360®video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, the Wii™ system, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the Nintendo DS™ portable handheld system.

Planet 51 is a galactic sized alien adventure comedy from the writer of “Shrek” and “Shrek 2″, which revolves around American astronaut Captain Charles “Chuck” Baker who lands on Planet 51, thinking he’s the first person to step foot on it.

To his surprise, he finds that this planet is inhabited by little green people who are happily living in a white picket fence world reminiscent of a cheerfully innocent American town circa 1950, and whose only fear is that it will be overrun by alien invaders … like Chuck! With the help of his robot companion “Rover” and his new friend Lem, Chuck must navigate his way through the dazzling, but bewildering, landscape of Planet 51 in order to escape becoming a permanent part of the Planet 51 Alien Invaders Space Museum.

Planet 51 is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on November 20, 2009 by Sony Pictures Releasing, and around the world by leading independent distributors.

(Source) Business Wire

Celebrities to Endorse Reuse on Celeb Throwaway

myskip_logoIn a move to help provide alternative practices towards the area of recycling to bring down waste issues, MySkip is promoting the use of unwanted goods via first-ever 24-hour ‘Celebrity Throwaway’.

Everyday items donated by such celebrities as Sheryl Crow, Ricky Gervais and Shilpa Shetty will be available for free at www.myskip.com from 0900 GMT on Tuesday 3 March 2009.

MySkip also today unveiled an enhanced interactive website designed to help consumers and organisations to easily dispose of or find useful items that might otherwise end-up in British landfills. Every year, UK households send an alarming amount of rubbish to the country’s 4,000 landfills – 15.8 million tonnes in 2007/2008 (Defra).

(Source) Business Wire

Enfamil Under Fire for Baby IQ Claims

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Due to some questionable claims, Mead Johnson has to answer for some unsupported claims regarding the improvement of brain and eye development in infants. The National Advertising Division has thrice asked Mead Johnson to stop making unsupported claims for Enfamil. Those claims include the notion that Enfamil improves eye development and IQ in babies.

The referral is bad news for Mead Johnson as President Obama is poised to appoint FTC Commissioner Jon Liebowitz to chairman of the FTC. Leibowitz is regarded as more aggressive on enforcement than his predecessor.

NAD is incredulous that after two compliance proceedings, with the second compliance proceeding making explicit that any noncompliant advertising would result in a referral to the appropriate government agency, that the advertiser would disseminate advertising that clearly does not comply with NAD’s decision.

(Source) Bnet

Serena Williams Selects Partner in Everyday Athletes Campaign

179thmTennis sensation Serena Williams in cooperation with Gatorade G2 selected the individual who will appear alongside Williams in the Everyday Athletes Campaign. And the lucky winner was no other than Serene Cuevas of San Diego.

Emceed by Access Hollywood host and upcoming Dancing with the Stars competitor, Nancy O’Dell, The G2 Everyday Athlete Search featured five semi-finalists — all named Serena — who traveled to the event from around the country to discuss their personal stories of how sports and exercise have helped them overcome a challenge or allowed them to reach and accomplish a significant, personal goal.

Cuevas will appear with Serena Williams in the national ad campaign beginning this spring that will help draw attention to the Gatorade brand’s broadened definition of what it means to be an athlete. If your body is moving, Gatorade considers you an athlete. In addition to Serena Williams, G2 is also unveiling three more “everyday athlete” ads, featuring the NBA’s Kevin Garnett, WNBA’s Candace Parker, and Gold Medal Beach Volleyball star Kerri Walsh with their “everyday athlete” counterparts. Others are invited to share their own “everyday athlete” stories at missionG.com, the new sports and entertainment portal for Gatorade.

(Source) Press