Student teams ready to battle Lunar Terrain at NASA’s 17th Annual Great Moonbuggy Race
More than 100 student teams from around the globe will drive their specially crafted lunar rovers through a challenging course of rugged, moon-like terrain at NASA’s 17th annual Great Moonbuggy Race in Huntsville, Ala., April 9-10.
Some 1,088 high school, college and university students from 20 states and Puerto Rico, Canada, Germany, Bangladesh, Serbia, India and Romania are expected to participate in the race at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.
Students begin to prepare for the event each year during the fall semester. They must design, build and test a sturdy, collapsible, lightweight vehicle that addresses engineering problems similar to those overcome by the original Apollo-era lunar rover development team at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville in the late 1960s.
The buggies are based on the design of those classic rovers, which American astronauts drove across the moon’s surface during the Apollo 15, 16 and 17 missions in the early 1970s. Teams of students build their vehicles using trail bike tires, aluminum or composite-metal struts and parts. The best teams drive trains, gears, suspension, steering and braking systems they find or construct.
Top prizes are awarded to the three teams in both the high school and college/university divisions that post the fastest race times, which include assembly and penalty times. A variety of other prizes are given by race corporate sponsors. These include “rookie of the year” and the “featherweight” award, presented to the team with the lightest, fastest buggy.
NASA’s Great Moonbuggy Race is one of many educational projects and initiatives the agency conducts each year to attract and engage America’s next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers. They will carry on the nation’s mission of exploration to unchartered destinations in our solar system.
“NASA is committed to inspiring young people in science, technology, engineering and math, and the Great Moonbuggy Race is an excellent way for us to reach out to young people and get them excited and involved in technical opportunities available to them,” said Mike Selby, an avionics technical assistant in the Marshall Center’s Engineering Directorate. While completing his engineering degree at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Selby was a member of the school’s moonbuggy teams, helping them to a second-place finish in 1995 and to first place in 1996. Since 2001, he has served each year as a volunteer scorekeeper.
The race is hosted by the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, and is sponsored by Lockheed Martin Corporation, The Boeing Company, Northrop Grumman Corporation, and Jacobs Engineering ESTS Group, all of Huntsville.
For more information about the competition, visit: http://moonbuggy.msfc.nasa.gov
Playboy celebrates 50th Anniversary of the world-famous Playboy Club and iconic Playboy Bunny
Year-long Festivities to Include the Largest Playboy Party of All Time in the Form of 50 Playboy Club-Themed Events Around the World, All on the Same Night; Limited Edition Products; Retail Partners; an Art Exhibition; and More
Playboy announced the launch of a global, year-long 50th anniversary celebration in honor of its iconic Playboy Bunny and world-famous Playboy Clubs. The company is marking this momentous occasion with commemorative merchandise and exclusive events around the world, including: 50 Playboy Club parties in 50 cities, all held on one night; a uniquely-commissioned Playboy art exhibition at The Andy Warhol Museum; and newly designed Playboy apparel featured in some of the world’s top retailers.
Originally opening to the public on February 29, 1960 in Chicago, the Playboy Clubs quickly became the embodiment of sexy sophistication and one of the world’s most successful night club chains. The famous venues, which were home to the iconic Playboy Bunnies, allowed key holders to enjoy performances by some of the era’s biggest names in entertainment. Each club featured cocktail Bunnies, a camera Bunny, a checkroom Bunny, a cabaret Bunny, a gift shop Bunny, a bumper pool Bunny, a customer service Bunny, and floor Bunnies. In 2006 the Bunnies returned, and Playboy reopened its famous Club at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, and plans to open two additional multi-faceted entertainment venues in 2010 in both Miami and Cancun.
In its June 2010 issue, Playboy magazine will celebrate the Playboy Clubs’ legacy while providing a sneak peek at the future of the famous nightclubs. Special features will also appear on Playboy.com and Playboy Radio. Additional anniversary celebrations will include:
The World’s Sexiest Party: June 10, 2010
On June 10, Playboy will be hosting a global celebration–50 Playboy Club parties in 50 cities, all held on the same night. Fifty select nightlife venues–in domestic and international cities including Las Vegas, Miami, Cancun, London, Hong Kong, San Diego, Chicago and Johannesburg–will open their doors as “Playboy Clubs” for one night only to celebrate the momentous occasion. For updates, and venue and ticket information, visit www.PlayboyClub50.com.
50th Anniversary Commemorative Products
In collaboration with its retail partners and licensees across the globe, Playboy will launch a collection of specially-created 50th anniversary merchandise both in-store and online. Products include a line of vintage-inspired Bunny tee shirts, special edition glassware, Bunny-inspired lingerie, and “The Hef” loveseat. Merchandise will be available online at www.playboyclubstore.com and at retail outlets across the globe including Ann Summers (UK), Urban Outfitters (US), and Top Man (UK).
Playboy Redux Art Exhibition
In collaboration with The Andy Warhol Museum, Playboy has invited more than 20 emerging and established artists to reinterpret the iconic Playboy Bunny in mediums ranging from painting to video. Playboy Redux: Contemporary Artists Interpret the Iconic Playboy Bunny will be on display at the Pittsburgh museum from March 27 through June 19, 2010, and will feature works by artists including Gary Baseman, Scott Anderson, Jeremy Kost, Tara McPherson, Kalup Linzy and LaToya Ruby Frazier, among others. For additional information, visit www.Playboy.com/Bunny50.
Historical Background
In their more than two decades of operation, Playboy Clubs sold nearly 2.5 million membership keys and became one of the most successful nightclub chains in history. The Playboy Clubs, together with the hotel, casino and resort facilities, eventually included 40 properties in 25 states and seven countries. Entertainers performing at the Clubs included Steve Allen, Ann Margaret, the Count Basie Orchestra, Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, George Carlin, Ray Charles, Bill Cosby, Dizzy Gillespie, Bob Hope, Peggy Lee, Steve Martin, Bette Midler, Ginger Rogers, the Smothers Brothers, Mel Torme and Muddy Waters. The privileged Playboy Club key holders of today include some of the biggest names in music and entertainment, including P. Diddy, Kim Kardashian, Usher, Paris Hilton, Dennis Hopper, Dave Navarro, Jamie Presley and Michael Phelps.
The original Bunny Costume, worn over the years by more than 25,000 working Playboy Bunnies, was created for female staff at the first Playboy Club in Chicago and started as a modified one-piece swimsuit. It went on to become the first uniform to be issued a trademark registration by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Before they launched their careers, actresses Lauren Hutton, Julie Cobb, Lynne Moody, Sherilyn Fenn, Susan Sullivan, Jackie Zeman, Maria Richwine and Barbara Bosson all worked as Bunnies, as did rock star Deborah Harry. As one of the world’s most recognized uniforms, the Playboy Bunny Costume was redesigned in 2006 by Roberto Cavalli for the Playboy Club Las Vegas Bunnies and Playboy Club Celebrity Dealers, including Jenny McCarthy and Carmen Electra.
UC Berkeley Extension announces free and low-cost public events for Spring 2010
Programs to highlight green chemistry, technology in education, the Obama administration, and interior design
The newest developments in green chemistry, the impact of technology on education, an in-depth analysis of President Obama’s first 15 months in office, and the latest trends in working with color are the subjects of this spring’s public lecture series from UC Berkeley Extension. These free and low-cost public programs are part of how UC Berkeley Extension fulfills its mission to bring the educational excellence of the University of California, Berkeley, to the community.
Can We Achieve a Sustainable Future? The Role of Green Chemistry
Discover the latest developments in green chemistry, a growing field that is reducing and eliminating the use of hazardous substances in the environment. Join Dr. Robert Peoples, director of the American Chemistry Society’s Green Chemistry Institute, for a lively dialogue about green chemistry’s role in weaning the public off petroleum and tackling the challenges of global sustainability.
Thursday, March 25, 6:30-8 p.m.; UC Berkeley campus, 105 Stanley Hall; free
The 29th Annual Panel on the Presidency: Obama Settles In
During his first 15 months in office, President Obama has faced a series of political challenges: an economic crisis, record-breaking unemployment, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and health care reform. Join political experts and commentators for a lively discussion of the president’s performance and what may lie ahead. Presented by the Institute of Governmental Studies and UC Berkeley Extension.
Monday, April 12, 6:30-8 p.m.; UC Berkeley campus, 155 Dwinelle Hall; free
How Technology Is Transforming the World of Education
Collaborative technology and interactive media are dramatically changing education in the classroom and how students learn. Join Chris Walsh, director of innovation and design for New Tech Network, for an inside look at the major trends in the use of Web 2.0 — from e-learning to professional development — as he outlines important steps that educators, parents, and students can take now to prepare for the changes ahead.
Saturday, April 17, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; UC Berkeley campus, 160 Kroeber Hall; free
The Power of Color
This fast-paced lecture offers insight into working with color, including how to use color indexes, how to pick colors for any space, and how to understand the latest trends in color. Through in-class exercises, learn how seeing and vision are distinguished, how light influences color, and how pigments are harmonized.
Saturday, May 1, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; UC Berkeley Extension Art and Design Center, 95 Third St.; $10
For more information or to reserve a seat for any of these events, visit: extension.berkeley.edu/prog/public.html
Skyscanner reveals the world’s biggest spenders: Tourists who splash the cash
When it comes to international travels, who spends the most and where should travel and tourism organisations be targeting their marketing budgets to attract the big spenders?
Flight comparison site Skyscanner investigates which countries like to flash their cash the most when they travel – the Germans are in the lead, but China is hot on their trail. With the world economy apparently on the road to recovery, tourism will play a huge part in many countries’ income and competition is high to capture the biggest share of that market.
At number one, it’s the Germans who spend over $90 billion a year on their travels, a disproportionate amount compared to their population which numbers just over 80 million, less than a third of the next biggest spenders – the USA, who splash $79.7 billion a year on holidays. Known for tipping big in restaurant and bars, Americans certainly know how to spend.
In third place it’s the UK who splurge $68.5 billion to escape the UK on cheap flights each year. No doubt the lure of sun and sand plays a huge part in the mass exodus, with Spain by far our favourite holiday escape. This is also backed up by recent Skyscanner stats, with cheap flights to Malaga topping the most popular search list in January.
France, which is also the world’s most popular country in terms of tourist arrivals, empties their wallets of $42.1 billion per year, whilst the Chinese spend $36.2 billion annually on their travels.
Barry Smith, Skyscanner co-founder and business director commented: “It will be very interesting to see how tourist spending changes since the downturn. So far, the latest figures show that only the Japanese spent less on international tourism than the previous year. China is fast rising, spending 21% more on their global travels, and are likely set to grow even more. Meanwhile, it’s the Germans who remain the world’s biggest spending tourists, and there would have to be significant change for anyone else to catch up with them.”
1. Germany – $91.0 billion (+2%)
2. USA – $79.7 billion (+4.4%)
3. UK – $68.5 billion (+4.4%)
4. France – $43.1 billion (+9.6%)
5. China – $36.2 billion (+21.4%)
6. Italy – $30.8 billion (+4.9%)
7. Japan – $27.9 billion (-7.9%)
8. Canada – $26.9 billion (+8.4%)
9. Russia – $24.9 billion (+11.8%)
10. Netherlands – $21.7 billion (+9.2%)
Source: Skyscanner
New research confirms PBS the most trusted and unbiased source for news
Ahead of Fox News Channel, CNN and Other Commercial Networks
Most Educational Media Brand for Children
Most Trusted Public Institution
The American people have named PBS the most trusted and unbiased institution among nationally known organizations, the most trusted source of news and public affairs (1) among broadcast and cable sources,(1) and the most educational media brand for children ages 2 – 8 (2) according to new national polls.
The research was conducted in December 2009 and January 2010 by the non-partisan, international research company GfK Roper Public Affairs & Media.
“In a media world where profits drive decisions, public media stands alone in its singular focus on the American public and not the bottom line. PBS does more to serve the needs of our modern democracy with trusted, independent journalism and does more to help children succeed than any other media enterprise. Today’s citizens — whether they watch on-air, online, on mobile devices or in the classroom — understand this fundamental difference that distinguishes PBS,” said Paula Kerger, PBS President and CEO.
This is the seventh consecutive year the public has named PBS the nation’s most-trusted institution. In the 2010 poll, 45 percent of respondents said they trust PBS more than any other nationally known organization. PBS ranked at the top in public trust among every age group, ethnicity, income and education level measured. Second in trust are “courts of law,” which are trusted a great deal by 26 percent.(1) PBS ranks highest in importance among 58 percent of respondents when compared to commercial broadcast (43 percent of respondents) and cable television (40 percent).(1)
Additional highlights of the two national surveys include:
#1 for News and Public Affairs
– PBS remains the network with the most trusted news and public affairs programs, with 40 percent trusting its programs a “great deal.” Fox News Channel was second with 29 percent and CNN was third at 27 percent.(1)
– In an effort to measure bias, the survey concluded that 40 percent of Americans rated the news coverage, investigations and discussions of major issues on PBS programs as “mostly fair” (when asked to choose among “liberal,” “mostly fair” and “conservative”). NBC and ABC tied for second by 33 percent of the respondents, CNN (31 percent), NPR (29 percent), Fox News Channel (25 percent) and MSNBC (24 percent).(1)
– More than 75 percent of the public believes PBS addresses key news, public affairs and social issues “very/moderately” well, including providing access to arts and culture (88 percent); promoting understanding of science and technology (82 percent); providing access to a variety of viewpoints (78 percent); informing people about health issues (77 percent); and informing people about important political and social issues (76 percent).(1)
#1 in Children’s Media
– PBS KIDS earned the #1 ranking as the most educational media brand for children, receiving 21 percent of the top ratings from respondents. National Geographic Kids was second with 13 percent of respondents and Nick Jr. received five percent.(2)
– PBS KIDS remains the most essential source of children’s programming, with 67 percent of respondents stating that PBS’ children’s service is “very important,” compared to 49 percent for cable and 44 percent of commercial broadcast television.(1) Eighty-nine percent of respondents believe it is “very important” for PBS to provide children’s programming.(2)
Excellent Tax Dollar Value
– About 80 percent of respondents, across all age groups, ethnicity, income and education level measured, believe funding for PBS is money “well spent.” Respondents also found PBS an “excellent” use of tax dollars, second only to military defense and ahead of public schools.(1)
– A near majority of Americans believe the federal funding PBS receives is insufficient. When informed that public broadcasting receives 15 percent of its funding from the government, and that this amount translates to about one dollar per person per year of government support, 46 percent believe this amount is “too little,” 39 percent say it’s “about right” and only 11 percent state that it’s “too much.”(1)
PBS annually commissions this research to measure the organization’s performance and value as judged by its most important stakeholder — the American public. With local independent stations rooted in communities across the country, public media is unrivalled in its commitment to optimize the power and potential of media to strengthen our democracy, build stronger communities and improve lives. Full results are available at pbs.org/roperpoll2010.
Survey Methodology
(1) The survey included 1,002 participants, ages 25 or older, across the country and was conducted January 4-18, 2010.
(2) The findings are based on a survey among 1,006 American adults 18 or older between December 11-13, 2009.
Triumph Inspiration Award 2010
“Shape Sensation” is the New Design Challenge for Young Designers in the Third Year of the Worldwide Lingerie Design Competition
For the third year, Triumph International, one of the world’s leading lingerie and shapewear brands, invites young students from world-renowned fashion schools to prove their creativity in an international design contest of the highest calibre. The winning designs from 29 countries will need to impress a prestigious international jury at the grand final, this year held in the fashion metropolis of London, as well as the worldwide online community at http://www.triumph-inspiration-award.com.
By interpreting the design theme “Shape Sensation“, upcoming talent will take centre stage with their multinational view of shapes and silhouettes in the Triumph Inspiration Award 2010. This year, for the first time, a one-piece may be entered instead of only a two-piece bra and briefs, but the big goal remains the same: the young designers must win over the jury with the inspiration and creativity of their unique showpiece.
“Shaping women with lingerie that brings out the best in them while praising and encouraging their uniqueness is at the core of our business. We are excited to see which facets of shape fascinate young creatives from across the world”, says Suzanne McKenna, Triumph’s Global Brand Manager.
Again, prize money temptingly awaits the winner of the Award. The first prize is 15,000 Euro, while the second and third place winners will receive 10,000 Euro and 5,000 Euro respectively. Along with this financial help – which will provide the launch pad for a successful design career – the international winner, aided by the Triumph design team in Hong Kong, will have the unique opportunity of turning their showpiece into a commercial product, available as a limited edition at Triumph’s own stores and at specially selected outlets from September 2011.
Decision time in London
During the London Fashion Week in September 2010, the 29 national winning showpieces will be presented to an internationally renowned jury (names to be announced) at the grand final in London. All entrants will have previously qualified through national heats.
During its glamorous, international final event in 2008 in Beijing and last time in Milan, an internationally renowned expert panel decide who has presented the most inspired, and inspiring, lingerie design.
The experts are among the best the fashion world has to offer: Dutch design duo Viktor & Rolf; Danish top model Helena Christensen; German fashion photography icon Ellen von Unwerth; colette’s chief purchaser and creative director Sarah; International Model QiQi as well as two-time Academy-Award winning actress Hilary Swank and editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia Franca Sozzani have been among the prominent jurors of the past two years.
Source: www.triumphinspirationaward.com
T-Mobile USA’s HTC HD2 to bring a never-before-seen mobile experience to entertainment fans across the U.S.
T-Mobile to Deliver a Multimedia Powerhouse With Content From Barnes & Noble, BLOCKBUSTER, MobiTV and Paramount Pictures on the Largest Screen on a Smartphone
T-Mobile USA, Inc. announced the creation of a comprehensive mobile entertainment experience for the upcoming HTC HD2, available exclusively in the U.S. from T-Mobile this spring. Offering the largest touch screen on a smartphone in the U.S., the new HTC HD2 will come ready with access to millions of eBooks, movies, television programs and more.
The slim and sleek HTC HD2 comes equipped with an industry-leading, high-resolution 4.3-inch capacitive touch display, a blazing-fast 1GHz Snapdragon(TM) by Qualcomm processor, and support for T-Mobile’s high-speed 3G network for a fast mobile data experience. Designed by HTC, the HTC HD2 is also the first Windows phone with HTC Sense(TM).
“T-Mobile is committed to offering innovative solutions to connect, inspire and entertain our customers through the power of mobile technology,” said George Harrison, vice president, marketing product innovation, T-Mobile USA. “By combining leading innovation in the world of entertainment with the large screen and processing power of the HTC HD2, we’ve created a unique and powerful mobile entertainment experience.”
Consumers will have access to a complete entertainment package consisting of pre-loaded content and new pre-installed applications. In addition to the device’s array of built-in multimedia applications, the HTC HD2’s top entertainment features include the following:
– Barnes & Noble eReader application puts the world’s largest eBookstore in your hand with access to more than a million eBooks, newspapers, magazines and your Barnes & Noble digital library everywhere you go. Enjoy reading on the largest screen available for eReader smartphone software.
– BLOCKBUSTER On Demand® application is for discovering and downloading the hottest new releases on the go. Blockbuster’s first-ever video download application on a smartphone allows consumers to buy a movie on one device and watch on another connected device through Blockbuster’s library.
– MobiTV mobile application offers consumers access to live and on-demand TV on their phone — including news, sports and entertainment. Favorite channels such as MTV, NBC, COMEDY CENTRAL, ESPN and more are available for HTC HD2 consumers to watch at home or away. Plus, when HTC HD2 consumers subscribe to MobiTV, their first 30 days of service are free.
– Paramount Pictures’ popular films “Transformers” and “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” come pre-loaded on the device’s memory card and
optimized for viewing on the HTC HD2’s high-resolution screen.
– Gogo® Inflight Internet service offers consumers who purchase the HTC HD2 an added bonus: up to six months of free in-flight Wi-Fi access on
their device, with Internet access on 2,500 daily flights in the continental U.S. and growing.
“With an ultrafast 1GHz processor, crisp, vivid 4.3-inch screen and the hallmark HTC Sense user experience, the HTC HD2 represents the ultimate fusion of power and usability,” said Jason Mackenzie, vice president of HTC America. “By building on this highly capable platform with a wide range of mobile entertainment options, HTC is helping deliver a multimedia powerhouse to people looking to enhance their on-the-go lifestyle.”
“Windows phones offer flexibility for people who want to get the most out of life — work and play — with no compromises,” said Andy Lees, senior vice president, Mobile Communication Business, Microsoft Corp. “The HTC HD2 is an ideal phone for people who are always on the go as it gives access to the things they care about most. Whether it’s music, TV, Internet or e-mail, they have what they want, when they want it.”
In addition to the comprehensive entertainment features of the device, the HTC HD2 delivers advanced phone features including Windows Mobile 6.5 operating system, GPS functionality with access to turn-by-turn navigation from TeleNav GPS Navigator(TM), a Web browser, a pre-installed 16 GB microSD card, and an advanced 5 megapixel autofocus camera with dual LED flash for capturing images, even in dim conditions.
Availability
The HTC HD2 is expected to be available in the U.S. exclusively to T-Mobile customers this spring. More details will be available at http://www.sticktogether.com/htchd2.
Tough times drive Americans to take far more interest in serious issues
Survey Shows Interest in Celebrities Waning
Whether or not Americans heeded President Obama’s inaugural admonition to “put away childish things,” they have certainly developed a lot more interest in serious issues. A new national survey shows self-declared interest in a raft of weighty matters has grown, while almost half of Americans (48.2 percent) say they’ve become less interested in celebrities over the past 12 to 18 months.
Losing their appetite for celebrity antics, 46.4 percent of Americans are more interested in general news than they were. This news-hungry trend is even more pronounced among men than women, with 51 percent of men versus 41.7 percent of women more interested. Taking account of those rating themselves “less interested” (6.7 percent of men versus 10.9 percent of women), the net margin of greater interest in the news is 44.3 percent for men and 30.8 percent of women. This gender skew pertains to all major fields of interest in the survey; higher net percentages of men than women rate themselves more interested.
The findings come from an online “mood monitor” survey of 388 Americans across the country that was commissioned by global integrated marketing communications agency Euro RSCG Worldwide in February 2010. MicroDialogue collected and analyzed the data.
Regarding their own local politics, a net 29.4 percent of men have become more interested, compared with 16.7 percent of women. Men even show a net increase in interest in the local politics of other areas (net 10.8 percent more), whereas women show a net decrease of interest (net 6.2 percent less). Moving the focus up to the politics of their own state, there’s a surge of greater interest with net 47.9 percent more men and net 30.2 percent more women. In terms of the politics of other states, net 23.1 percent of men and 9.4 percent of women are more interested. There are clear, strong increases in interest for domestic politics in general, although the margin is far higher with men than with women (net 42.3 percent men versus net 24.5 percent women).
The Great Recession and head-spinning news from Wall Street have pushed economy and finance firmly center stage for Americans. Huge net margins of 63.4 percent of men and 52.1 percent of women rate themselves more interested in these topics than they were 12 to 18 months ago. Business and corporations have also come in for higher levels of interest, although they’re far more of a guy thing: Net 42.3 percent of men are more interested, compared with net 16 percent of women.
It’s no surprise that health care has garnered far more interest over the past 12 to 18 months. Among men, 67.6 percent are more interested, and among women 61.5 percent are more interested. What is surprising is that a small minority rate themselves less interested in the issue: 6.2 percent of men and 8.3 percent of women. This suggests some Americans have been turned off of the whole subject, despite–or perhaps because of–the health-care reform tug-of-war in Congress and across the media.
Although there are consistently higher percentages of men who are more interested in the big issues, there are consistently higher percentages of women who feel growing disapproval with the issues compared with 12 to 18 months ago. With local politics in their area, a net 1.5 percent of men disapprove (25.8 percent more approving versus 27.3 percent more disapproving) but net 14.6 percent of women disapprove (15.1 percent more approving versus 29.7 percent more disapproving). Feelings about politics in respondents’ state of residence are slightly more soured: Net 13.9 percent of men and net 19.3 percent of women disapprove. Farther from home, feelings about domestic politics in general are even more negative: Net 16.9 percent of men and net 26 percent of women are more disapproving now compared with 12 to 18 months ago.
As well as rating their opinions, respondents were also asked in the survey to give their views on their state in their own words. Although some expressed partisan views and a few praised their local politicians, many others longed for politicians to focus on doing a better job. There was a strong current of opinion in favor of dumping incumbents. As a respondent from New York put it: “Politicians have lost the will to represent the people who voted them in. They are only interested in their own power and interests. Most cannot be trusted. When political parties are too involved with their own politics, we the people and the USA suffer greatly.”
With job losses, bailouts and bonuses still looming large, economy and finance score strong overall negative ratings: Net 29.4 percent of men and 45.4 percent of women disapprove more now. It’s a similar story with business and corporations: Net 31 percent of men and 40.6 percent of women now feel more disapproving compared with 12 to 18 months ago.
“A year into the Obama presidency and 18 months into the economic crisis, Americans are looking more closely and more critically than ever at the public issues that affect them,” said Marian Salzman, president of Euro RSCG Worldwide PR, North America. “As households struggle to manage their budgets in the face of a dire employment market, they’re looking more closely to see whether people in power are behaving more responsibly, too.
“Many Americans aren’t liking what they’re seeing. The stronger ‘disapprove’ scores from American women across major issues suggests that women had higher hopes for things to be managed better,” continued Salzman. “With this disgruntled mood prevailing, we can expect a lot of heat and upset in election contests this year. The country was fractious and divided even when the economy was booming a few years ago. It’s hard to see the mood sweetening as long as debt and budget cuts are the order of the day.”
Respondents are also bracing themselves for higher taxes: Net 39.7 percent of men and 39.1 percent of women are pessimistic about taxation levels in the foreseeable future. Adding to the gloom, net 22.7 percent of men and net 45.8 percent of women are pessimistic about the cost of living.
Source: Euro RSCG Worldwide
Top International Chefs to spice up Vancouver during the Olympic Winter Games
Jet Set Sports Creates Premier Dining Experience with Culinary ‘Dream Team’
Jet Set Sports is assembling an international all-star team of accomplished chefs in Vancouver to head the Chef’s Table, the 2010 edition of Jet Set’s series of Games-time fine-dining experiences. Each of the award-winning chefs – from Great Britain, France, China, Germany and Switzerland – will take turns at the helm of the restaurant, adding his or her own signature flair to the dining experience. Described as a downtown, “pop-up” fine-dining venue, the Chef’s Table will operate only during the Olympic Winter Games and is being made available to guests of Jet Set Sports, the world’s leading Olympic hospitality company.
“Vancouver is bringing the world together, so we are bringing some of the world’s greatest chefs to Vancouver,” said Sead Dizdarevic, chairman and CEO of Jet Set Sports. “Five remarkable chefs will join us from Great Britain, France, China, Germany and Switzerland. Each of them will put his or her stamp on the Chef’s Table and provide our guests with an extraordinary meal to cap a fantastic day at the Games.”
The Chef’s Table will be located at 1088 Burrard Street at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre. Participating chefs include:
Chef Andre Jaeger, owner and operator of the Rheinhotel Fischerzunft in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, has masterfully created dishes for nearly four decades and has held 19/20 Gault Millau points since 1995.
Chef Edouard Loubet, the acclaimed proprietor of La Bastide de Capelongue in Bonnieux, France, is one the youngest French chefs to earn two Michelin Stars.
Chef Anton Mosimann, arguably the world’s first celebrity chef, is now the proprietor of the legendary London dining club, Mosimann’s. His talents were polished in leading restaurants in Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, Sweden, Japan and Canada.
Chef Heinz Winkler, owner and operator of the Residenz Henz Winkler in Bayern-Chiemgau, Germany, was awarded his first Michelin star in 1979, and at the age of 32, became one of the youngest three-star Michelin chefs in history.
Chef Zhang Jin Jie (a.k.a. Jin-R), the incredibly talented owner and chef of the “classic-modern” Green T House in Beijing, takes inspiration from the changing seasons. Her creations are works of art with each dish cleverly infused with Chinese teas, spices, flower petals and her signature garnish, Green Tea Powder.
“We’ve been a proud partner to the Olympic Movement and Organizing Committees for 25 years. Part of our role is to make sure our guests have a great experience at the Games and in the host city. We take this responsibility seriously, so for each Games, we try to create something special,” said Dizdarevic. “Without a doubt, the chefs we have assembled will add that special ingredient to our guests’ Games experience.”
Operating at every Olympic Games since 1984 in Sarajevo and serving only Olympic Games travelers, Jet Set Sports has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to deliver the very best in accommodations, event tickets, ground transportation, management, and of course, dining.
Super Bowl advertisers stock up on celebrity
Four in ten Super Bowl XLIV ads feature celebrities or pop music, with familiar icons and music from the likes of Kiss, Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, Abe Vigoda and Betty White scoring with consumers
GreenLight released the results of its GreenLight Ad Gauge for Super Bowl XLIV, revealing that more than 40% of TV commercials aired during the big game featured celebrities or pop music, a similar amount to the past two years. The full report can be downloaded at www.greenlightrights.com/blog
The GreenLight Ad Gauge analyzes TV advertising during the Super Bowl — the world’s biggest television event every year — as a barometer to identify trends in how brands are using celebrities and pop music in their TV commercials.
Key findings from GreenLight’s 2010 Super Bowl analysis include:
– 34% of Super Bowl ads had celebrity endorsements from the worlds of sports, film, television or music – many featuring older icons like Betty White, Abe Vigoda, Jim McMahon, Mike Ditka, Stevie Wonder and Chevy Chase
– 20% of Super Bowl ads featured pop music, with both contemporary artists like Beyonce and will.i.am to retro icons like Bill Withers and Kiss in the spotlight
– 41% of 2010 Super Bowl ads included either celebrity endorsements and/or pop music
– Just one brand — Intel — used a branded jingle, sung by a chorus of employees
“Retro is the new contemporary as advertisers tapped into pop culture ranging from Kiss to Abe Vigoda in their quest to make an entertaining and emotional connection with consumers,” said David Reeder, Vice President, GreenLight. “This is a smart move by brands because they can leverage the familiarity of these icons to get attention and generate some laughs without breaking the bank.”
The 2010 Super Bowl averaged a 47.2 rating/69 share, with an estimated 100 million viewers watching in the U.S. alone. Super Bowl ads this year cost an estimated $2.6 million.
Twenty brands featured celebrities in their ads including Snickers, Boost Mobile, Sketchers, Coca-Cola, Taco Bell, Motorola, Volkswagen and HomeAway.com. Twelve brands incorporated pop music into their ads including Papa John’s, Dr. Pepper, Flo TV, Kia and Audi. Some brands scored, and some fumbled, according to GreenLight expert David Reeder.
“Snickers scored big right off the top with Betty White and Abe Vigoda getting pummeled in a game of weekend warrior football,” said Reeder. “This is another solid entry in the series of Snickers’ subversively funny commercials over the last year — which have been effective and given new life to little seen or somewhat forgotten — read cheaper — celebrities.
Boost Mobile was among the brands that fumbled.
“Boost tried to reinvent past magic with Jim McMahon and Coach Mike “Da Bears” Ditka and a spoof on their oh-so-awful 1985 Chicago Bears Super Bowl Shuffle music video,” said Reeder. “Despite faithful production values, the selling proposition of this spot was lost in an 80’s era music-video-smoke and bad choreography. Lesson to Boost Mobile — not everything gets better with age.”
To download the complete GreenLight Ad Gauge of Super Bowl XLIV, visit www.greenlightrights.com/blog