Posted by : admin in (Art)

NALAC Receives $475,000 From the Ford Foundation

SAN ANTONIO, Aug. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The National Association of Latino Arts and Culture (NALAC) was awarded $475,000 by the ford Foundation to support the NALAC Fund for the Arts and launch a new re-granting initiative designed to promote intergenerational cultural transmission and community participation in the United States, Mexico and Central America.
NALAC, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2009, delivers services to the national Latino arts and culture sector through a series of core programs that include direct funding support, leadership training, regional and national convenings, and field research.
NALAC Executive Director Maria de Leon said, “This grant will enable NALAC to provide much needed support to an innovative community of Latino artists and organizations whose work greatly enriches the cultural life of the nation and will promote exchange and collaboration among culturally and economically linked populations in the Americas.”
The NALAC Fund for the Arts (NFA), launched in 2005 with major support from the ford Foundation and JPMorgan Chase, has awarded more than $379,000 in three years to 128 Latino artists and Latino arts and cultural organizations working in all artistic disciplines.
The new Transnational Cultural Remittance (TCR) initiative builds on NALAC’s longstanding leadership role in supporting artistic work that addresses issues of social justice, cultural transmission and economic empowerment. The TCR initiative will support the creation and dissemination of new artistic works that directly explore, engage and articulate the complex issues facing transnational communities in the United States, Mexico and Central America.
The NALAC Transnational Cultural Remittance initiative builds on NALAC’s experience administering the NALAC Fund for the Arts and its long-term commitment to arts and culture. Guidelines for the new NALAC Transnational Cultural Remittances re-granting initiative will be available later this year.
About the ford Foundation: The ford Foundation is an independent, nonprofit grant-making organization. For more than half a century it has been a resource for innovative people and institutions worldwide, guided by its goals of strengthening democratic values, reducing poverty and injustice, promoting international cooperation and advancing human achievement. With headquarters in New York, the foundation has offices in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America and Russia.
About NALAC: Founded in 1989, NALAC is the only national Latino arts and culture service organization in the United States. NALAC’s core programs include the NALAC Fund for the Arts, the NALAC Leadership Institute, Regional Arts Training Workshops, the NALAC National Conference and El Aviso Latino arts magazine.
Support: NALAC receives support from the ford Foundation, JPMorgan Chase, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, Southwest Airlines, MetLife Foundation, Heineken USA, Texas Commission on the Arts, The Tobin Endowment, San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs, PEC United Charities., H-E-B, Our Lady of the Lake University, NALAC members and individual donors.
National Association of Latiino Arts and Culture (NALAC)

Posted by : admin in (Auto)

Azure Dynamics signs new Sales & Service agreements with Ford dealerships

OAK PARK, MI, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD, LSE: ADC & OTCQX: AZDDF) - (”Azure” or the “Company”), a leading developer of hybrid electric and electric powertrains for commercial vehicles, announced today it has signed Sales & Service agreements with two additional ford dealerships: Northside ford in San Antonio, TX and Carmenita ford in Los Angeles, CA.
“These additional dealerships are exceptionally well-suited to represent Azure. They boast deep roots in the markets they serve, together with long standing relationships with customers in the local, state and federal government,” said Jay Sandler, Azure Dynamics’ Vice President of Sales.
“Moreover, as we continue to grow our dealer business, we have been seeking an experienced sales executive to support our team and provide strategic counsel and we’ve found that with Ray Crews,” continued Sandler.
Ray Crews, a former ford Motor Company Commercial Fleet Sales Manager, will be assisting the Azure sales team in its effort to enroll ford dealerships in key markets across the United States. Crews retired from ford in 1999 as the Commercial Fleet Truck Sales Manager for North American Fleet Operations. Prior to that, he served as the National Fleet Sales Manager for the ford Heavy Truck Division.
The new dealership agreements are part of Azure’s effort to enlist approximately 50 dealers over the next year in major metro markets in the United States and Canada to broaden its distribution network for its Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric Vehicle. The dealerships will maintain inventory of ready to deliver Cube Vans and Walk-in Vans equipped with Azure’s Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric powertrains. These two newly signed dealerships are located in the high volume markets of San Antonio and Los Angeles.
The Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric system is integrated on Ford’s E450 Cutaway and Strip Chassis drive system utilizes a conventional 5.4 liter Triton gasoline engine and the 5-speed automatic TorqShift transmission. The hybrid powertrain features electric-launch assist, engine-off at idle and at below 20 miles per hour, while electronically supporting key ancillary functions like air conditioning, power steering and braking. The powertrain can improve fuel economy by up to 40%, while reducing carbon emission by up to 30% in city conditions.
For more information about Azure Dynamics and its family of hybrid electric and electric commercial vehicles, please visit .
About Azure Dynamics
Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD) (OTCQX: AZDDF) is a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and powertrain systems for commercial vehicles. Azure is strategically targeting the commercial delivery vehicle and shuttle bus markets and is currently working internationally with various partners and customers. The Company is committed to providing customers and partners with innovative, cost-efficient, and environmentally-friendly energy management solutions. For more information please visit .
The TSX and LSE Exchanges do not accept responsibility for the adequacy
or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. More particularly, this press release contains statements concerning Azure’s business development strategy, projected commercial revenues and product deliveries.
The forward-looking statements are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Azure, including expectations and assumptions concerning achievement of current timetables for development programs, target market acceptance of Azure’s products, current and new product performance, availability and cost of labour and expertise, and evolving markets for power for transportation vehicles.
Although Azure believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because Azure can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct.
Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the risks associated with Azure’s early stage of development, lack of product revenues and history of losses, requirements for additional financing, uncertainty as to commercial viability, uncertainty as to product development and commercialization milestones being met, uncertainty as to the market for Azure’s products and unproven acceptance of Azure’s technology, competition for capital, product market and personnel, uncertainty as to target markets, dependence upon third parties, changes in environmental laws or policies, uncertainty as to patent and proprietary rights, availability of management and key personnel, and acquisition integration risk. These risks are set out in more detail in Azure’s annual information form which can be accessed at .
The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and Azure undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.
Azure Dynamics Corporation

Posted by : admin in (Auto)

Kathleen Ligocki Is Apointed Chief Executive Officer of the Automobile Division of Grupo Salinas

MEXICO CITY, Aug. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Grupo Salinas, a group of dynamic, fast growing and technologically advanced companies deeply committed to the modernization of the countries in which they operate, announced today the appointment of Kathleen Ligocki as Chief Executive Officer of GS Motors, Grupo Salinas’ company dedicated to transportation.
Kathleen Ligocki has three decades of experience in key positions in the automobile industry, among which are President and Chief Executive Officer of Ford Mexico, Marketing Vice-President for North America and Global Vice-President of Customer Service for Ford Motor Company.
She was also President and Chief Executive Officer of Tower Automotive — an important producer of auto parts with sales above US$3 billion — where she successfully reached a solid financial and operating restructure, while notably broadening the size of the business. Prior to joining Ford Motor Company, she was Director of Operations for the U.S., Europe, Africa, Middle East and Russia in United Technologies Corporation, and Vice-President for Strategy and Global Sales for United Technologies Automotive, and held executive positions in manufacturing, engineering, sales and finance for General Motors.
“Kathleen has been deeply involved with the automobile industry, from market preferences to the most efficient manufacturing techniques, and has a clear vision to optimize the development of the FAW cars that we commercialize,” said Ricardo B. Salinas, Chairman of the Board of Grupo Salinas. “Today we take a fundamental step in the strengthening of our team, which will allow us to further extend the operations scale, for the benefit of millions of customers who need efficient transportation in the communities where we operate.”
“I’m proud to be part of Grupo Salinas Motors and to report directly to Mr. Salinas, building the automobile company of the 21st century”, commented Kathleen Ligocki. “We will combine the enormous strengths of Banco Azteca and the Elektra stores to take our superior quality vehicles to new market segments in Mexico, improving their living standards.”
Kathleen Ligocki graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, she holds an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters from Indiana University.
“I want to extend my recognition to Javier Sarro Cortina — who has been responsible for the negotiations with FAW, and the successful launch of the automobile business,” added Mr. Salinas. “Javier will bring his vast previous experience as Chief Executive Officer of Grupo Elektra and his proven effectiveness in the interaction between FAW and domestic authorities, to support Grupo Salinas and Kathleen Ligocki’s management, to stimulate in a joint way this new growth phase of our automobile division.”
Company Profile
Grupo Salinas () is a group of dynamic, fast-growing, and technologically advanced companies focused on creating shareholder value, contributing to build the middle class of the countries in which they operate, and improving society through excellence. Created by Mexican entrepreneur Ricardo B. Salinas, Grupo Salinas operates as a management development and decision forum for the top leaders of member companies, TV Azteca (), Azteca America (), Grupo Elektra (), Banco Azteca (), Afore Azteca (), Seguros Azteca () and Grupo Iusacell (). Each of the Grupo Salinas companies operates independently, with its own management, board of directors and shareholders. Grupo Salinas has no equity holdings. However, member companies share a common vision, values and strategies for achieving rapid growth, superior results and world-class performance.
Investor Relations
Dinorah Macias
Grupo Elektra S.A. de C.V.
Tel. 52 (55) 1720-1339

Bruno Rangel
Grupo Salinas
Tel. 52 (55) 1720 9167

Press Relations
Tristan Canales
Grupo Salinas
Tel. 52 (55) 1720-1441

Daniel McCosh
Grupo Salinas
Tel. 52 (55) 1720-0059

Grupo Elektra, S.A. de C.V.

Posted by : admin in (Auto)

Toyota Motor Sales Earns 11 Awards in 2008 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study -

TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 7 /PRNewswire/ — Toyota and Lexus models have earned 11 segment awards out of a possible 19 in the 2008 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study(SM) (VDS), more than any other manufacturer for the third consecutive year. The VDS is one of many vehicle surveys which continue to consistently rank Toyota and Lexus at the top of their respective studies.
The VDS study tracks the number and type of problems owners have had with their vehicles over a three-year period, with this year’s study focusing on the 2005 model year. Lexus was the top nameplate for the 14th consecutive year, with 120 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). In the study, Lexus received six segment awards and Toyota earned five awards.
“Of the numerous independent studies conducted throughout the year, VDS continues to reflect real-world, long-term vehicle quality and dependability,” said Jim Lentz, TMS president. “In today’s economic climate, consumers are considering durability more than ever as a key component to their vehicle purchase decision.”
For the 14th consecutive year, the Lexus LS premium luxury sedan was the top-performing model in the industry while leading the Large Premium car segment. With a score of 72 PP100, it was the first time ever that a vehicle achieved a score less than 80 PP100 in the VDS study. The previous low score was in 2006, with the LS 430 earning a score of 88 PP100.
The top three performing models in the VDS were all Lexus passenger cars (LS 430, SC 430 and ES 330). The Lexus LX 470 topped the Large Premium Multi-Activity Vehicle (MAV) segment with a score of 124 PP100; it was the fewest PP100 of any truck or SUV in the study.
Other Lexus models to lead their respective segments include the ES 330 with a score of 101 PP100, which was followed by the GS 300/GS 430 (124 PP100) in the Midsize Premium car segment. The IS 300 led the Entry Premium car segment with a score of 122 PP100, while the SC 430 (89 PP100) topped the Premium Sporty segment. The GX 470 (130 PP100) prevailed in the Midsize Premium MAV segment, and the RX 330 was second with a score of 144 PP100. Overall, every Lexus passenger car or luxury utility vehicle either led its segment or finished second to another Lexus.
For the past 19 years (since 1990), the Toyota nameplate has consistently ranked among the top five non-luxury brands. For 2008, the Toyota nameplate placed fourth overall with 159 PP100, an improvement of 19 PP100 from 2007.
Prius, the world’s best-selling gas-electric hybrid, led the Compact car segment with 141 PP100. Prius continues to prove that a gas-electric hybrid vehicle with many cutting-edge technology features can also set a standard for long-term durability.
Other top-performing models include the Tundra, for the third consecutive year, in the Large Pickup segment with 159 PP100; RAV4 in the Compact MAV segment with 166 PP100; Highlander in Midsize MAV with 138 PP100; and Sequoia in the Large MAV segment with 198 PP100.
J.D. Power and Associate’s VDS finds the number of problems an owner experiences affects their repurchase intent, vehicle recommendation, and impacts their vehicle’s retained value.
2008 J.D.POWER AND ASSOCIATES VEHICLE DEPENDABILITY STUDY
TOYOTA/LEXUS SEGMENT AWARD WINNERS

VEHICLE SEGMENT
Toyota Prius Compact Car
Toyota Highlander Midsize MAV
Toyota Sequoia Large MAV
Toyota Tundra Large Pickup
Toyota RAV4 Compact MAV
Lexus IS 300/IS 300 SportCross Entry Premium Car
Lexus ES 300 Midsize Premium Car
Lexus GX 470 Midsize Premium MAV
Lexus SC 430 Premium Sporty
Lexus LS 430 Large Premium Car
Lexus LX 470 Large Premium MAV

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Toyota

Posted by : admin in (Entertainment)

Cedar Point to Host Wheels of Thunder Interactive Car-Racing Experience Aug. 11-15

SANDUSKY, Ohio, Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ — The ultimate interactive car-racing experience will come to Cedar Point when the Sandusky, Ohio, amusement park/resort will host Wheels of Thunder, a five-day event featuring displays, games and giveaways, Monday through Friday, Aug. 11-15.
Sponsored by Pepsi and AMP Energy, Wheels of Thunder will be a one-of-a-kind exhibit of car-racing activities. These special activities will be held from noon to 8 p.m. near the Blue Streak roller coaster and will include remote control car races, racing simulators, tire-changing competitions, race car displays and daily giveaways. Plus, guests who bring any AMP Energy can will save $8 on a one-day adult admission ticket (only valid Monday through Friday, Aug. 11-15).
Highlighting the event will be special appearances by retired driving legend Rusty Wallace. A former Premier Series Champion and winner of 55 races, Wallace will be at the park from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 13 and 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14.
Other activities during Wheels of Thunder include:

— AMP Energy and Pepsi Show Cars;

— 2008 Pepsi Racing Simulators that will provide lifelike head-to-head
racing against the records of top drivers;

— The AMP Energy #88 Full Hood Tire Changer Competition where the best
time each day will win a full-size autographed Dale Jr. car hood; and

— AMP Energy remote-control cars featuring #24 Jeff Gordon’s Pepsi Racing
Car, #11 Darryl Waltrip’s Retro Mountain Dew car and the new #88 Dale
Jr. AMP Racing Car.

Cedar Point will be open daily through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1, plus Sunday, Sept. 7 and Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 12 through Nov. 2, 2008. During Wheels of Thunder, the park will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Saturday, Aug. 9, Cedar Point will be open until 11 p.m.
For more information about Cedar Point and Wheels of Thunder, guests can visit the new or call the park’s general information line at 419.627.2350.
Cedar Point

Posted by : admin in (Auto)

Wynn’s PowerFlush(R) III Chosen by Subaru of North America

AZUSA, Calif., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ — Wynn’s PowerFlush(R) III coolant exchange machine has been selected by subaru of America, Inc. and subaru Canada, Inc. as the exclusive apparatus for coolant exchange services performed at their dealerships.
The PowerFlush(R) III was chosen for its unique clean-water flush capability that removes nearly all of the spent fluid from the cooling system and heater core. The machine uses three separate tanks; one filled with fresh water for flushing, a second to contain the old removed liquids, and a third filled with new coolant. The Wynn’s machine is being recommended over conventional chemical coolant removal methods because it provides a complete coolant exchange without the use of chemicals that could potentially harm the cooling system. In addition, the three-tank system provides complete separation of contaminants, which prevents any contaminants from being cycled through the machine and back into subsequent vehicles.
“Working closely with subaru engineers, we were able to demonstrate the ability of PowerFlush III to meet their critical cooling exchange requirements,” says Arnold Gacita, Wynn’s Director of North America Sales & Marketing. “Subaru was concerned with other services that use flushing chemicals and fail to completely purge the entire system, especially the heater core. Our PowerFlush III equipment provides almost total evacuation of the cooling system’s contents without the use of chemicals.”
Wynn’s has a long history of leadership in the automotive service arena, and has pioneered strategic alliances with automobile manufacturers in virtually every service category. In addition, Wynn’s has more automotive original equipment (OE) approvals for service machines and products than any other competitor in the market today.
For more information on Wynn’s new PowerFlush(R) III Coolant Exchange Machine, as well as the complete line of Wynn’s automotive car care products, visit .
About Wynn’s
Wynn’s traces its history to 1939 when the original Wynn’s Friction Proofing Oil Treatment formula was first developed and introduced to the automotive market. Almost seventy years after the introduction of that single product, Wynn’s has grown to become a leading worldwide manufacturer and marketer of innovative automotive specialty chemicals, service equipment and Complete Automotive Maintenance Programs (C.A.M.P.).
Wynn’s

Posted by : admin in (Telecomunication)

One Month Old California and Washington Hands-Free Law Boosts Bluetooth Sales

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 4 /PRNewswire/ — Since July 1 when the California and Washington hands-free driving legislation became effective, Parrot has seen a three-fold increase in sales of its hands-free car kits. Parrot, the world’s largest manufacturer of Bluetooth(R) car kits attributes the increase to an aggressive advertising and public relations campaign it launched two months prior to the law taking effect.
“The 28 million licensed drivers in California and Washington have had plenty of time to prepare for the law since the measure was adopted by the Legislature back in 2006 and I think that government agencies and manufacturers of hands-free products have done a really great job of creating awareness among consumers,” says David Wenning, senior vice president - sales and marketing, Parrot.
California electronics retailers also reported a large jump in sales of hands-free cell phone devices leading up to the ban. According the NPD Research Group, California consumers rushing to comply with the new law, purchased hands-free devices at nearly four times the national average in May of this year. San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego and Sacramento were the top four markets for hands-free devices in the country based on units per store.
“The July 1 deadline to go hands-free in California had a substantial effect on Parrot-branded products,” says John Haynes, Product Manager for Al & Ed’s Autosound. “We experienced over 180% unit sales growth in the 2nd Quarter of 2008 as compared to the 1st Quarter. Having trained sales staff in place was extremely important as consumers struggled to understand Bluetooth(R) and what their options were beyond headsets.”
According to a California Highway Patrol spokesperson, 7,182 cell phone citations were issued statewide during the month of July and fewer than 50 motorists under the age of 18 have been cited under the new law.
In Washington, where the hands-free law is a secondary enforcement law, which means that drivers only receive a ticket if they have been pulled over for another driving violation, a little over 100 hands-free citations were issued in July.
As part of the campaign to encourage more drivers to comply with the hands-free law, Parrot introduced a quirky but effective “Positive Parrot” campaign () to build awareness for the various Bluetooth hands-free options available to consumers. The campaign ignited a debate about the Parrot vs. Quail for California state bird and offered consumers chances to win free car kits, a $10,000 sweepstake prize or a free vacation to Turks and Caicos. Ultimately the campaign increased traffic to Parrot’s website by 30%. The linchpin of the campaign was a “Driver’s Education” viral video that was viewed over 4 million times on video sharing sites such as YouTube.
Parrot offers several hands-free options, including portable car kits, installed car kits and a motorcycle helmet kit that provide superior audio quality, comfort and freedom while driving. More information and educational resources are available here:
About Parrot:
Founded in 1994, Parrot has rapidly established itself as a pivotal global player for wireless mobile telephone accessories. Drawing on its tried-and-tested expertise on voice recognition and signal processing technologies, Parrot was one of the very first companies to produce Bluetooth(R)-enabled wireless hands-free car kits, having identified this standard’s vast potential as early as 1999. Determined to accompany the mobile telephone’s irresistible breakthrough into our day-to-day lives, Parrot has been developing a new range of Multimedia products since 2006, including wireless hi-fi systems and LCD photo frames.
Today, Parrot truly has a major international focus, both in terms of its client base, with 86.6% of sales generated outside of France, and in terms of production, outsourced to carefully selected partners, enabling it to achieve the best possible level of quality and responsiveness. Parrot is now particularly well positioned to capitalize on the bright future opening up for mobile telephone devices. Parrot has seen sustained growth in its consolidated revenues, which have tripled since 2005. In 2007, Parrot sold over 5 million product units and generated 220 million Euros in revenues, up 32% on 2006.
Parrot

Posted by : admin in (Multimedia)

OnlineBootyCall.com is Dating Smart

SAN DIEGO, Aug. 4 /PRNewswire/ — OnlineBootyCall.com, a leading dating site for casual daters, today announced the OBC Smart(R) car Giveaway. The Contest is hosted by OnlineBootyCall.com to recognize and reward the site’s loyal next-gen daters and members of the online community. One lucky winner will receive a fully loaded 2008 Smart car Cabriolet (est. value $25,000). In total, there will be 15 winners and $40,000 in total cash and prizes. The contest is scheduled to run from August 1, 2008 to October 31, 2008 and no purchase is necessary.
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“With today’s economy, people need to make smart choices when it comes to gas prices and money overall, which is why we decided to award a loyal OnlineBootyCall.com member with a brand new 2008 Smart(R) car,” says Moses Brown, CEO & founder of OnlineBootyCall.com (OBC). “We feel people need to date smart as well, which means keeping things casual and not jumping the gun on all the complications of establishing a long-term relationships up front. OBC is a fun community made up of singles who believe just that and play it smart. At OBC we’re up front and honest about what we want and we keep it simple!”
Each month OBC gives away $6,000 in cash to its top referring members and this time they’re really pulling out all the stops. OBC takes a grassroots and netroots approach to advertising, letting their customers spread the good word rather than relying on big advertising firms.
OBC knows that the Smart(R) car is a great giveaway, especially because it’s such a head-turner. “It’s a wonderful tiny little car with huge appeal. There’s something intriguing about these cars, yet disarming too. Nothing is sexier today than being Green, and no one takes a Smart(R) car driver for an egomaniac, no matter how much of a player they might be!” stated Brown.
OBC welcomes everyone to check out the site at to sign up for a free profile, learn about the advantages of living single, and enter a chance to win a new Smart car and possibly a hot date.
About Online Booty Call
OnlineBootyCall.com is an online dating community for singles who enjoy being single. The site’s lighthearted approach to dating allows its members to combine all the benefits of dating with the excitement of maintaining the single life. With millions of registered members throughout the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, OBC makes millions of personal connections every week. OBC is an interactive and fun dating site where “you don’t have to promise marriage just to get a date!” To find out more about OBC visit:

OnlineBootyCall.com

Posted by : admin in (Environment)

Sundance Channel Greenlights Environmental Series Hosted by Eco-Adventurer David de Rothschild

NEW YORK, Aug. 8 /PRNewswire/ — Sundance Channel EVP and GM, Laura Michalchyshyn today announced that the network will move forward with production on the eight-part series, titled “Eco-Trip: The Real Cost of Living.” Hosted by environmentalist David de Rothschild, founder of Adventure Ecology, the series, slated to premiere in 2009, will trace the origins and environmental impact of common everyday products such as a cotton t-shirt or a gold ring. “Eco-Trip” is produced by NBC’s Peacock Productions (”The Education of Ms. Groves,”"In His Own Words: Brian Williams on Hurricane Katrina,”"Global Warming: What You Need to Know”), Sharon Scott is the executive in charge, Colleen Halpin is the executive producer, and Remy Weber is the director. “Eco-Trip” is sponsored by Subaru.
Each of the one-half hour episodes will trace the eco-life of an everyday item such as a cotton t-shirt, salmon, a cell phone or a bottle of water from production to disposal, revealing the environmental, social and health effects along the way. With host David de Rothschild, founder of Adventure Ecology — an organization that uses adventure and storytelling to captivate the imagination, raise global mass media awareness and inspire individuals, communities and industry to take positive action for our planet — the series will include a pro-active component, educating viewers on the decisions they can make to live a greener lifestyle.
Michalchyshyn commented, “David has a wonderfully engaging and inquisitive personality that will charm Sundance Channel viewers as they travel with him to learn about the impact that the production of everyday objects has on our health and on our planet. And once again we are delighted to be working with the team at Peacock Productions.” She continued, “This series reflects Sundance Channel’s ongoing commitment to creating entertaining and enlightening eco-programming further building on the success of THE GREEN.”
David de Rothschild’s commitment to the environment has sent him to some of the world’s most remote and fragile regions. In 2006 he spent over 100 days attempting to cross the Arctic from Russia to Canada, which saw him become one of only 42 people, and the youngest British person ever to reach both geographical poles. Prior to his 2006 ‘Top of the World Arctic Expedition’, he had already become one of only 14 people ever to traverse the continent of Antarctica. 2009 will see David cross the Pacific from San Francisco to Sydney in a boat built from plastic bottles and recycled materials. This expedition has the working title of “The Plastiki” in homage to Thor Heyerdal’s Kontiki Expedition. The aim of the expedition is to draw attention to rethinking our everyday human fingerprints on the natural world and to capture the world’s imagination by telling the story of the pioneering, smart and sustainable design process of creating and building The Plastiki, to our oceans and the many challenges it and its inhabitants face.
The Executive Producers of “Eco-trip” for Sundance Channel are Laura Michalchyshyn and Lynne Kirby; Ann Rose is the Supervising Producer. Benjamin Ringe and Knute Walker are co-executive producers for NBC’s Peacock Productions.
About Sundance Channel:
Under the creative direction of Robert Redford, Sundance Channel is the television destination for independent-minded viewers seeking something different. Bold, imaginative and uncompromising, Sundance Channel offers audiences a diverse and engaging selection of films, documentaries, and original programs, all unedited and commercial free. Launched in 1996, Sundance Channel is subsidiary of Rainbow Media Holdings LLC. Sundance Channel operates independently of the non-profit Sundance Institute and the Sundance Film Festival, but shares the overall Sundance mission of encouraging artistic freedom of expression. Sundance Channel’s website address is .
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC
Rainbow Media Holdings LLC is a subsidiary of Cablevision Systems Corporation . Rainbow Media is a leading producer of targeted, multi-platform content for global distribution, creating and managing some of the world’s most compelling and dynamic entertainment brands, including AMC, IFC, WE tv, Sundance Channel, Lifeskool, sportskool, and VOOM HD Networks. Through IFC Entertainment, Rainbow Media also owns and manages the following: IFC Films, a leading distribution company for independent film; IFC Productions, a feature film production company that provides financing for select independent film projects; and IFC Center, a three screen, state-of-the-art cinema in the heart of New York’s Greenwich Village. Rainbow Media also operates Rainbow Advertising Sales Corporation, its advertising sales company; Rainbow Network Communications, its full service network programming origination and distribution company; and 11 Penn TV, a company that manages Rainbow Media’s NYC studios and post-production facilities.
About Peacock Productions
Peacock Productions is NBC’s award-winning, nonfiction production company that combines the editorial expertise, technical resources and seasoned production talent of NBC News to offer a wide-range of programming to broadcast, cable and digital entities with worldwide reach. For more information, please visit: .
About subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of approximately 600 dealers across the United States. subaru makes the best-selling All-Wheel Drive car sold in America based on R.L. Polk & Co. new vehicle retail registration statistics. For additional information visit .
Sundance Channel

Posted by : admin in (Auto)

Carfax and BMW Partner to Enhance BMW Certified Program

CENTREVILLE, Va., July 30 /PRNewswire/ — Carfax today announced that it will be the preferred provider of vehicle history information for the BMW Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. Starting August 1, all certified BMW centers will be required to run a Carfax Vehicle History Report as part of the extensive certification process. Anyone interested in purchasing a certified BMW vehicle receives the full Carfax Report for free.
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“We are pleased to establish this partnership with Carfax, the most comprehensive vehicle history service available in the market today,” said Bill Bates, Manager of Pre-Owned Sales for BMW of North America. “The addition of Carfax Vehicle History Reports enables us to add an even higher level of integrity to the Certified Pre-Owned BMW Program and provide a superior level of service and protection for our dealers and our retail customers.”
Every BMW CPO vehicle undergoes a rigorous mechanical inspection and detailed appearance checklist to ensure it meets the manufacturer’s stringent program guidelines. In addition, these cars will come with the industry-leading Carfax Buyback Guarantee.
“This enhancement to BMW’s certified program is part of our continued mission to help used car buyers make smart decisions,” said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. “BMW enthusiasts expect nothing but the best from their vehicles and Carfax Vehicle History Reports give even the most fastidious shopper greater confidence to buy. Whether you’re shopping on the dealer’s lot or online at places like AutoTrader.com, cars.com and Yahoo! Autos, consumers can easily identify BMW Certified Pre-Owned vehicles.”
With the addition of BMW, 27 manufacturer brands now include Carfax Vehicle History Reports as a requirement for certification.
About Carfax ()
Millions of used car buyers and sellers each year rely on Carfax, the most trusted provider of vehicle history information. Using the unique 17-character vehicle identification number (VIN) found on vehicle dashboards and title documents, Carfax instantly generates a detailed Vehicle History Report on any used car or light truck. Carfax Vehicle History Reports(TM) provide valuable information that helps used car buyers and sellers make better decisions. Free Carfax Vehicle History Reports are instantly available with vehicles listed in nearly every online marketplace by Carfax-subscribing dealers. For more information, ask your dealer or visit .
Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Larry Gamache

Carfax