December 7, 2010

Carrie Underwood sweeps the American Country Awards with six awards including Artist of the Year on Monday, December 6, 2010.

Carrie’s other awards include top female performer, top touring artist, top album and single and music video by a female artist.  She won all the categories in which she was nominated.

The night’s second most awarded artist was Lady Antebellum who won the singer of the year by a duo or group, single of the year, music video and top duo or group while Easton Corbin won all awards in the breakthrough artist categories for having won the Breakthrough Artist award and the Single by a Breakthrough Artist as well as the Music Video by a Breakthrough Artist.

The Music Video of the Year and Music Video: Male awards went to Blake Shelton for his “Hillbilly Bone.”  Brad Paisly also garnered the top male artist award, but the annou8ncment was not made on the show.

Each of the winners was given a Fender Stratus guitar as prize instead of a trophy which is traditional in most awarding rites.

Last Monday’s prime time special was the first ACA night. It was hosted by Trace Adkins.  The ACA claims to be the only country music awards program that allows fans to vote for their favorite artists which include categories that were not recognized in the past such as touring.  The ACA has recognized the country artists’ contributions in 17 categories which include the Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Touring Artist of the Year and Video of the Year.

Among the winners was Alan Jackson who was handed the Greatest Hits Award.  This is the award given to a country singer who is a top producer of number one hits.

December 2, 2010

The search for the three missing Michigan boys is scheduled to stop on Friday, December 4, 2010, according to a request from police authorities to search volunteers on December 2.

Morenci law enforcement and federal investigators have been trying to track Andrew Skelton, 9 years old, Alexander William Skelton, 7 years old and 5-year-old Tanner Skelton who were last seen on Thanksgiving playing in the backyard of their father, John Skelton.

Authorities related that stopping the volunteer searches will allow them to process the information and the steps they had done regarding the case.  Additionally, halting the search will also allow them to “re-evaluate our direction for the following week,” Larry Weeks, Morenci, Michigan chief of police told reporters.

The boys’ biological father had already been charged with parental kidnapping in connection with the boys’ disappearance on November 29.  Police arrested him Tuesday upon his release from a mental health facility where he was treated after trying to commit suicide.

The boys’ whereabouts are not yet established, but law enforcement have already Obtained “a number of items,” Weeks told CNN.  While he was asked whether he believes that the boys are deceased, Weeks responded: “I refuse to believe that at this point,” saying he wanted to preserve hope. He did, however, repeat his Tuesday statement that a clear outcome is not anticipated.”

Weeks said additionally that authorities are doubtful about the information given by Skelton regarding the case.  Skelton originally told investigators that in the morning before he attempted to hang himself, he had left the boys with a woman named Joann Taylor who agreed to bring the children to their mother – to make sure that they would not witness him taking his own life.

But Tanya Skelton, the boys’ mother reported that her children had been missing since Friday, the day John Skelton was supposed to bring them back to Morenci.  A police inquiry on the identity of Joann Taylor and John Skelton’s supposed relationship with her also produced negative results.

Christmas Flight Prices Showing Signs of Moderation; Timely Booking May Yield Bountiful Savings This Holiday Season

BELLEVUE, Wash., Nov. 22, 2010

Expedia.com®, the world’s leading online travel agency, announced today that an analysis of historical pricing data has revealed a “sweet spot” for booking 2010 Christmas travel. That sweet spot is the two-week period between November 29 and December 13. Expedia research shows that Christmas travelers who book during this period have an opportunity to secure some unexpectedly good deals.

On the whole, 2010 holiday air fares have been more expensive this year relative to recent years. However, in recent weeks, holiday air fares have shown signs of moderation. While prices in the first three weeks of October were consistently higher than in 2009, prices over the past two weeks have actually been lower than those from last year. And the historical trend indicates that better Christmas air fares may still be available. The November 29 – December 13 time frame is one in which airlines are expected to be competing aggressively for their share of Christmas bookings. This competition tends to result in lower air fares.

Here are some examples of potentially available savings this holiday season:

* If a traveler books a flight to Miami or Denver during the week of November 29, they might be able to save up to 20% compared to the same flight booked either in the first two weeks of November, or later in December.
* For destinations such as New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Orlando, travelers might find better deals by waiting until the second week of the “sweet spot”(December 6 -13) – savings in that period might range from 10% to 20%.
* One way to save can be done without having to navigate the “sweet spots” this holiday season.  Travelers should simply book their hotel and flight simultaneously.  When travelers do this, Expedia can pass along deeply discounted rates from airlines and hotels that can’t be shown separately.  Travelers can save up to $450 compared to what they would have paid if they were to book their flight and hotel separately.* If a hotel and flight are booked even a minute apart, those potential hundreds of dollars in savings are lost.
“Prices for airfare have been up, but we did the analysis and identified the best times generally for holiday travelers to book if they haven’t done so already,” said Daniel Kissin, Supply Strategy Analyst, Expedia.com. “However, regardless of when you book, one way to make sure you save money on travel this holiday is to book your flight and hotel together.  Do that, and travelers are likely find a great deal on Christmas travel, and maybe they take that money and spend more on Christmas gifts.”

Salmon or Gold Mines

Alaska’s True Reality Show: Salmon or Gold Mine

ANCHORAGE, Alaska, Nov. 22, 2010

All eyes are on Alaska this month as “Sarah Palin’s Alaska” debuts to high ratings on TLC. Viewers were wowed by breathtaking images of the arctic wonderland, but behind the scenery, there’s a darker reality facing the Last Frontier.

National Geographic’s December issue, which is now available online, delves into the brewing controversy surrounding a potential mine in Alaska’s Bristol Bay, and has sparked international concern over what might happen if one of the world’s largest copper and gold mines is developed in the home of North America’s leading king salmon populations.

The magazine’s feature, “Alaska’s Choice: Salmon or Gold,” hits newsstands on November 30. The 25-page article, written by Edwin Dobb and photographed by Michael Melford, takes readers on a journey across Bristol Bay, one of the world’s most biologically productive habitats, where Native Alaskans have lived off the land for centuries. Bristol Bay also happens to be the same spot where foreign mining companies want to build one of the world’s largest copper and gold mines, a controversial project called Pebble Mine.

Trout Unlimited, an international non-profit dedicated to the conservation of freshwater streams, rivers, and habitats for trout, salmon and other aquatic species, is working with a unprecedented coalition to protect Bristol Bay from the dangers of mining. This diverse effort brings together Native Alaskans, the commercial fishing industry, the sports fishing industry and tourism-related businesses.

“This mine could mean the devastation of a 40,000-square-mile wetland – about the same size as Kentucky – and put at risk the world’s largest sockeye run, as well as the thousands of jobs associated with this $450 million-a-year fishery,” said Tim Bristol, Director of Trout Unlimited’s Alaska Program. “We’re not against mining; there are appropriate places in Alaska for mineral development. But the size, type and location of Pebble Mine pose too high a risk to be allowed to proceed.”

National Geographic’s more than 6.6 million worldwide readers can now see the global importance of this area for themselves. Photographer Michael Melford also has an online slideshow at http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2010/12/bristol-bay/dobb-text and spoke to Trout Unlimited about his experience.

“Bristol Bay is truly wild; it’s a rare gem where fish, wildlife and Native culture go hand-in-hand,” Melford told Trout Unlimited. “It’s difficult to believe this pristine wilderness might be compromised with an open-pit mine. The time I spent in Alaska was special and unforgettable, and I hope Bristol Bay, its fishery and habitat, continues to thrive for generations to come.”

“Sarah Palin’s Alaska” is airing a show specifically on Bristol Bay on Sunday, Nov. 28. Her husband, Todd, is an avid Bristol Bay fisherman, and they named their daughter after the Alaskan fishing region.

Everett Thompson, a Bristol Bay fisherman quoted in the National Geographic article, said he hopes all the recent focus on Alaska encourages more people to understand the importance of the Alaskan fishing industry, and of Bristol Bay.

“There’s nowhere on Earth like this place,” Thompson said. “This is how we live our lives, fishing and living off the land. Pebble Mine could change everything.”

To find out more about Trout Unlimited’s efforts, see www.SaveBristolBay.org

Denver Lights up for the Holiday Season

DENVER, Nov. 18, 2010

The Mile High City will be positively aglow with millions of twinkling lights, beginning November 26, 2010, and continuing through January 2011.  From the dazzling 9News Parade of Lights to the awe-inspiring Denver Zoo Lights, locals and visitors alike will be swept up in the Mile High Holiday spirit.

Downtown Denver’s Grand Illumination

Nov. 26, 2010

Downtown Denver’s Grand Illumination event will light up downtown, from Denver Union Station to the City & County Building.  The celebration begins with entertainment at Denver Union Station at approximately 6:30 p.m. and ends at 6:45 p.m. at the City & County Building with the final lighting countdown.

HIGHLIGHTS:

* Skyline Park, located at 16th and Arapahoe, will feature nearly 26,000 lights and a 22-foot-tall Christmas tree complete with LED lights choreographed to a variety of holiday songs.  Denver’s historic D & F Tower, at the center of Skyline park, will also be adorned with holiday lights.
* Two of downtown Denver’s major retail destinations, Larimer Square and the Denver Pavilions, will also be illuminated with festive decor starting Nov. 26, 2010, and carrying throughout the holiday season.  Unique holiday entertainment and special events will take place separately at each destination.
* More than 400,000 energy efficient LED lights will turn the mile-long 16th Street Mall and Curtis Streets between 14th and 16th into an enchanting holiday promenade.  Giant holiday snowflakes will also be hung along California and Curtis streets.
* There will be special events at Denver Union Station, including a holiday-themed choir, a Children’s Museum craft table, delicious treats provided by LoDo restaurants, a visit from Dinger Claus (the Colorado Rockies Mascot decked out in holiday uniform), and much more.
* A special viewing of the intricate model railroad in Union Station’s basement will take place after the lighting.
* The largest lighting display in Denver comes on nightly at 6 p.m. at the City & County Building, between Nov. 26, 2010, and Jan. 31, 2011, where 600,000 lights deck the neo-classical building.  The bell tower plays carols nightly as well.
Downtown Denver: 16th Street Mall Holiday Lights

Nov. 26, 2010 – Jan. 31 2011

Denver’s mile-long pedestrian promenade, the 16th Street Mall, is decorated with more than one million white lights. Horse-drawn carriages ride up and down the mall nightly beginning at 6 p.m., creating a special way to view the display.

Denver Botanic Gardens: Blossoms of Light

Dec. 3, 2010 – Jan. 2, 2011

Embrace the holiday season at Blossoms of Light at the York Street location of the Denver Botanic Gardens.

* More than one million colorful lights draped in elegant designs will highlight the Gardens’ serene winter beauty.
* The acclaimed Moore In The Gardens exhibit will get guests into the yuletide spirit, too, as Henry Moore’s monumental sculptures are illuminated.
* Romantic and popular kissing spots will return, and, new for this year, the Denver Botanic Gardens Engagement Package provides a perfectly romantic setting to pop that important question.  The package comes complete with a private table for two, sparkling cider, a personalized sign, cupcakes and more.
* The always-anticipated HoloSpex glasses come aglow, magically transforming the lights into shimmering 3-D shapes.
* Warm drinks and tasty treats will also be available, and there will be seasonal entertainment on select evenings.

Tri-California, Inc. today announced the TRIFECTA, a new lifestyle-sports festival that is the first of its kind to bring together three running, three cycling, and three triathlon courses during a single weekend event. On June 2 – 5, 2011, Tri-California and the City of Santa Clarita will host these events with the support of Cycling Olympic Silver Medalist Mari Holden, Triathlon Olympic Bronze Medalist Susan Williams and United States National Cycling Champion Tony Cruz as patrons of the event.

“We launched the TRIFECTA with the goal of bringing a new and diverse category of sporting events to athletes,” commented Terry Davis, owner of Tri-California, Inc. “A trifecta occurs when someone chooses the top three finishers in a race in the correct order.  We are expanding the definition of TRIFECTA to include bringing together the three worlds of active lifestyle sports in one spectacular event. TRIFECTA offers people of all ages and activity levels an opportunity to come together and celebrate leading a healthy and active lifestyle through running, cycling, and the sport of triathlon.”

The weekend’s events will include:

* Running Events: A 5K, 10K and half-marathon race.
* Cycling Events: A Piccolo Fondo (33 miles), a Medio Fondo (60 miles) and a Gran Fondo (110 miles).
* Triathlon Events: Sprint (500 yard swim, 12 mile bike, 3 mile run), an International Distance (1 mile swim, 30 mile bike, 6 mile run) and a Long Course (1.5 mile swim, 60 mile bike, 15 mile run).
The range of events is designed to accommodate all ages and skill levels, from kids to grandparents and beginner to pro. Participants can choose to enter one course or a combination of the running, cycling and triathlon events.

For the most hardcore multi-sport athletes, there is the TRIFECTA Triple Crown, where a participant competes in the Medio Fondo, 10k race and the International distance triathlon.

“It sounds like a big challenge,” says Mari Holden, cycling Olympic Silver Medalist and UCI Road World Champion. “My goal is to have fun and be exhausted.  After years of competitive bicycle racing it is fun to participate in the TRIFECTA Triple Crown Event.  Competing in three different sports in one weekend is something I have never had the opportunity to do before. I am very excited.”

A shorter version of the TRIFECTA Triple Crown includes the 5k running race, the Piccolo Fondo and the sprint triathlon.

“As the birthplace of the TRIFECTA event, the City of Santa Clarita is excited to be working with Tri-California Events to bring runners, cyclists and triathletes throughout the country a new kind of sporting event,” says Ken Pulskamp, City Manager. “The economic impact and healthy lifestyle promotion will be huge for our community and a major focus area for our Mayor and City Council.”

The four-day sports festival is based in the heart of Santa Clarita’s Town Center around the brand new Westfield Mall and Patios. In addition to the main running races, Gran Fondos, and triathlons, activities at the TRIFECTA include a gala dinner, Town Center Criterium Bicycle Race, several family fun events, and a large sports expo with demonstration areas.

“Santa Clarita has an established active lifestyle, represented by the outstanding running trails, picturesque canyons for cycling and great swimming at Castaic Lake in the Santa Clarita Valley.  This mixed with over 35 miles of dedicated bicycling paths make it the ideal place for the TRIFECTA,” adds Davis.

Registration for the events will open online on December 1, with limited entries for the Triathlon and Fondo Cycling Rides.  Groups can reserve blocks of entries by contacting events@tricalifornia.com.

For more information on the courses and entry fees, and to register, please visit www.trifectaworld.com.

Hotel Le Marais Reopens

Formerly the St. Ann/Marie Antoinette, the Hotel Unveils a Contemporary Boutique Design and Service Philosophy Evocative of the City’s Art de Vivre

NEW ORLEANS, Nov. 8, 2010 /

Hotel Le Marais (www.hotellemarais.com) has reopened after a multimillion dollar renovation, resulting in a chic and charming oasis located in the most vibrant and fashionable district in New Orleans.

The Hotel Le Marais, situated at 717 Conti Street in the French Quarter, has unveiled a completely transformed property draped in warm tones and inviting fabrics, with a contemporary decor accentuated in vibrant colors that reflect the art de vivre which makes New Orleans such an enchanting city.  Like its namesake – the Marais district in Paris – the Hotel Le Marais plays tribute to its historical past while providing modern comforts and conveniences delivered with a personal touch.

“We are excited to offer such a beautifully distinctive hotel that presents an atmosphere of trendy sophistication, elegance and service for our guests,” said owner Joseph A. Jaeger, Jr., managing member of 717 Conti, LLC.  “Hotel Le Marais provides a chic and stylish destination for travelers surrounded by the French Quarter’s world-renowned entertainment, dining, shopping and historic attractions.”

The extensive renovation involved upgrading all guestrooms and all public spaces, which reflects the owners’ personality and sensibilities.  Thoughtful amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, breakfast, and newspapers; private courtyard with heated pool; welcome refreshment; fitness center; and a business center.  The new lobby lounge, a new French Quarter hot spot for both locals and visitors, is a wine and tequila bar situated adjacent to the tropical courtyard and offering a trendy, upscale decor, happy hour, light and savory small plates, specialty tequilas, mixed drinks, and a wide variety of wines available by the glass.

“This is a unique hotel with high level service and a personable staff focused on exceeding every guest’s expectations,” said Area General Manager Craig Hulford.  “All guestrooms, public spaces and amenities have been completely overhauled to reflect a contemporary sensibility and Hotel Le Marais is ready to see to all guests’ needs to make their stay and visit to America’s favorite city the most it can be.”

Grand Opening Special Events

Grand Opening Celebration:  On Thursday, November 18, 2010 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., hotel guests, bon vivants, and the community at large are invited to a Grand Opening Celebration in the courtyard for cocktails and a tour of the hotel.  For more information, please call the hotel at 504-525-2300.

New Orleans Saints Ticket Sweepstakes:  Hotel Le Marais is offering a sweepstakes sponsored by the New Orleans Hotel Collection for a chance to win four tickets to the New Orleans Saints football game with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 2, 2011. Entry forms are available at the Hotel Le Marais lobby bar now – December 15, 2010, or online at www.hotellemarais.com/sweeps.  The New Orleans Hotel Collection is a proud hotel sponsor of the New Orleans Saints.

These Girls Can Play Baseball

RENO, Nev., Oct. 20

University Professor Jennifer Ring awarded Yoseloff-Society for American Baseball Research Grant

With the World Series beginning next week, the country turns its attention to America’s favorite pastime, baseball. Men’s baseball that is. Women do not play baseball, they play softball, but a political science professor at the University of Nevada, Reno has set out to show the plight of the baseball-playing women to the world.

Nevada’s Jennifer Ring, winner of the Yoseloff-Society for American Baseball Research Grant, has written “Stolen Bases: Why American Girls Don’t Play Baseball” and is in the process of writing a follow-up book, tentatively titled “America’s Baseball Underground: Documenting the State of the American Woman’s Game.”

“I have had a lifelong passion for baseball,” Ring said. “I think I must have been born with a ‘baseball gene’ that I passed on to my younger daughter, who plays baseball on the U.S. National Women’s Team, and the U.C. Berkeley Men’s Club Baseball Team. She is a very talented athlete but like many other American girls, has struggled to find baseball teams to play on after Little League.”

Ring’s first book, “Stolen Bases” (2009, University of Illinois Press) delves into the history of baseball and where women fit into the sport.  Her second book will be more of a documentary, where she will interview women to get their stories and their struggles within baseball. Her $1,000 grant, one of 10 awarded by the Society this year, will allow her to travel for research for her book, which may also be made into a documentary film.

“I presented research for my new book project, ‘America’s Baseball Underground,’ in March at a conference of baseball writers and researchers, who suggested that I apply for the Yoseloff-SABR grant. I was particularly gratified to be awarded the grant, because most baseball research is about the men who play. It was a particular honor to receive the grant for a project on women and baseball.”

Below the radar and invisible to the American public, American women have earned places on the little-known U.S. National Women’s Baseball Team and won medals in international tournaments against teams from Japan, Australia, Canada, Cuba, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea and India. USA Baseball supports the women’s national team, which only plays every two years. Apart from that, there is virtually no institutional support for women’s or girl’s baseball in the United States. It’s very difficult for girls and women to find a team to play on to develop their skills for the international competition.

Ring is the former director of women’s studies at the University of Nevada. She teaches courses in identity, race, class, ethnicity, gender and diversity.

“After writing political theory papers and being promoted to full professor at Nevada, I decided I earned the right to write what I wanted to write about,” Ring said. “I’ve long been interested in American popular culture, particularly with regard to American sports, and I am a specialist in race and gender in American political history.”

To listen to an interview with University President Milt Glick and Ring conducted on KUNR 88.7 FM last fall, go to http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/Kunr/news.newsmain/article/4208/0/1549541/A.Few.Minutes.with.Milt../Why.Girls.Don%27t.Play.Baseball

The Society for American Baseball Research is an international, member-driven organization whose mission is to foster the study of baseball, assist in maintaining the history of the game, facilitate the dissemination of baseball research, and stimulate interest in baseball. More information is available on SABR’s Web site, www.sabr.org.

Nevada’s land-grant university founded in 1874, the University of Nevada, Reno has an enrollment of more than 17,000 students. The University is home to one the country’s largest study-abroad programs and the state’s medical school, and offers outreach and education programs in all Nevada counties. For more information, visit www.unr.edu.

NEW YORK, Oct. 20

JR, a moving and innovative artist who exhibits freely in the world’s streets, has been named the recipient of the 2011 TED Prize – an award granting $100,000 and something much bigger: a wish to change the world with the support of the TED Community’s incredible resources.

JR represents a new chapter in the TED Prize. While a seemingly unconventional recipient, his work matches the creativity and innovative spirit of the TED community and his art inspires people to view the world differently – and want to change it for the better.

JR is a true humanitarian who creates “Pervasive Art.” Working with a team of volunteers in various urban environments, he mounts enormous black-and-white photo canvases that spread on the buildings of the slums around Paris, on the walls in the Middle East, on the broken bridges in Africa, and in the favelas of Brazil. These images become part of the local landscape and capture people’s attention and imagination around the world.

In Rio, he turned hillsides into dramatic visual landscape by applying images to the facades of favela homes. In Kenya, focusing on “Women Are Heroes,” he turned Kibera into a stunning gallery of local faces. And in Israel and Palestine, he mounted photos of a rabbi, imam and priest on walls across the region – including the wall separating Israel from the West Bank.

JR remains anonymous – never showing his full face, revealing his name, or explaining his huge portraits – to allow for an encounter between the subject and passers-by.

“JR’s mind blowing creations have inspired people to see art where they wouldn’t expect it and create it when they didn’t know they could,” said TED Prize Director Amy Novogratz.  “He’s putting a human face on some of the most critical social issues while redefining how we view, make and display art. JR has moved all of us at the TED Prize. There is no doubt that his talent – paired with the resources of this amazing community – will lead to a wish that changes the world.”

ABOUT THE TED PRIZE

The first TED Prize was awarded in 2005, born out of the TED Conference and a vision by the world’s leading entrepreneurs, innovators, and entertainers to change the world – one Wish at a time.

The reward: $100,000, the TED Community’s array of talent and expertise, and the leadership of a TED Prize team led by Amy Novogratz. What began as an unparalleled experiment to leverage the resources of the TED Community to spur global change has evolved into one of the most prestigious prizes.

From Bono’s the ONE Campaign (’05 recipient) to Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution (’10 recipient), the TED Prize is helping to combat poverty, take on religious intolerance, improve global health, tackle child obesity, advance education, and now inspire art around the world.

JR will unveil his “wish to change the world” on March 2nd at TED2011. The global TED Community will work to make it come true.

India’s processed food industry is undergoing major developments as a result of government endorsement schemes and capital investments. Food ingredients (Fi) India trade exhibition, to take place this week in Mumbai, will address the latest industry issues and will see future investment into the country.

With an average of 6.3% annual economic growth and expending middle class, now over 300 million, India is one of the world’s leading markets. These factors have driven government investment in the processed food industry, with the goal of providing better nutrition to India’s large population and improving further living standards.

“The Indian food and beverage market is expanding rapidly and is expected to touch US$ 330 billion by 2013. The government of India is envisaging substantial investment in the food processing industry over the next five years,” says Mr. Subodh Kant Sahai, Honourable Union Minister for the Food Processing Industries, which also supports Fi India 2010.

Tax breaks for FDI, cold-chain infrastructure developments and capital investment in 30 food technology parks have led ingredients suppliers to assess expansion opportunities in India, with many of them using Fi India 2010 as a platform to introduce latest products and form new business partnerships. Leading suppliers such as A B Mauri India, Advanced Enzyme Technology, Cargill, Colloides Naturels International (CNI), Cognis Specialty Chemicals, DSM, Fortitech Asia Pacific and National Starch will exhibit at Fi India 2010.

Fi India 2010 will also cover the most critical issues in the Indian Food & Beverage industry, with a conference run alongside the exhibition. Topics include regulatory framework governing food safety and health claims in India, latest consumer trends and cold-chain challenges. The conference will feature a line-up of carefully selected speakers from leading food and beverage manufacturers, ingredients suppliers and research organisations.

The 4th edition of Food ingredients India trade exhibition will take place on 22 – 23 October in Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai. The 2009 edition of Fi India has attracted more than 4,500 food professional from 63 countries.

For more information visit www.ingredientsnetwork.com/India