TECH REPORT: WD®’s New Line Of External Desktop Drives Offer Extreme Capacities And Data Protection Features

NEW MY BOOK® FAMILY OF DRIVES OFFERS UP TO 4 TB FOR RICH CONTENT COLLECTORS AND PROTECTS THAT DATA WITH AUTOMATIC, CLOUD AND COMPLETE SYSTEM BACKUP

WD®, a Western Digital company, has redesigned its popular My Book® and My Book for Mac lines of external desktop drives to provide as much as 4 TB storage capacity and enhanced data protection for those who create and collect large volumes of data, video, music and photos.

WD is a long-time innovator and storage industry leader. As a storage technology pacesetter, the company produces reliable, high-performance hard disk drives and solid state drives. These drives are deployed by OEMs and integrators in desktop and mobile computers, enterprise computing systems, embedded systems and consumer electronics applications, as well as by the company in providing its own storage products. WD’s leading storage devices and systems, networking products, media players and software solutions empower people around the world to easily save, store, protect, share and experience their content on multiple devices.

WD(R)’s New Line Of External Desktop Drives Offer Extreme Capacities And Data Protection Features. (PRNewsFoto/WD)

The new drives’ data protection features are perfect for backing up content collections. WD SmartWare(TM) Pro automatic back-up software with Dropbox integration offers cloud backup capabilities, and the WD Edition of Acronis® True Image(TM) enables users to execute a full system backup and securely delete digital files and programs.

Security measures against unauthorized access to the drive are handled through WD SmartWare Pro automatic backup software with hardware encryption and password protection. To protect files against theft, fire, flood or other natural disaster, My Book integrates Dropbox[1] to store files in the cloud.  For full system backup and secure deletion of files, My Book includes Acronis True Image (ATI) WD Edition.  ATI WD Edition is an integrated software suite that ensures security of all information on the PC and can be used to securely delete any confidential data no longer needed. ATI WD is also used for disaster recovery in case of a fatal system crash, recovering the entire PC including files, software and preferences.

The Museum of Modern Art’s 2013 Film Benefit Honors Tilda Swinton on November 5

The Museum of Modern Art’s 2013 Film Benefit, to be held on November 5, will honor actress Tilda Swinton, an Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actress for Michael Clayton (2007). Swinton has starred in a wide range of films including Orlando (1992), The Deep End (2001), The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2007), Julia (2008), Burn After Reading (2008), I am Love (2009), We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011), and Only Lovers Left Alive (2013). Throughout her career, Swinton has worked with notable artists/filmmakers including Doug Aitken, Lynn Hershman-Leeson, Derek Jarman, Olivier Saillard, and Isaac Julien as well as conceiving her performance art piece The Maybe which she first performed at the Serpentine gallery in London in 1995 and most recently—in 2013—at MoMA.

The honorary co-chairs for the 2013 Film Benefit are Marie-Josée Kravis, President, and Jerry I. Speyer, Chairman, of the Museum’s Board of Trustees. The event’s co-chairs include Wes Anderson, David Bowie, Ralph Fiennes, Karl Lagerfeld, and Anna Wintour.

The Film Benefit will be highlighted by a tribute recognizing Swinton’s acclaimed work and a gala dinner. The event is generously sponsored by Chanel.

Rajendra Roy, The Celeste Bartos Chief Curator of Film at MoMA, states: ”As traditional boundaries between artistic practices have faded, and the influence of the avant-garde and art world-based moving image makers has infiltrated every area of film production, Tilda Swinton has been a standard-bearer for innovation and risk. Her multihyphenate talents—actor, performer, activist, muse—have made her a leading light across a spectrum of cinematic endeavors.”

MoMA’s vast film collection includes a number of films featuring Swinton: Aria (1987), Friendship’s Death (1987), Blue (1993), Das Offene Universum (1993), Conceiving Ada (1997), Love Is the Devil: Study for a Portrait of Francis Bacon (1998), Adaptation (2002), Teknolust (2002), Strange Culture (2007), Derek (2008), and We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011).

The Film Benefit raises funds for the acquisition and preservation of great film works, as well as providing support for upcoming film exhibitions at MoMA. Previous honorees include Quentin Tarantino, Pedro Almodóvar, Kathryn Bigelow, Tim Burton, and Baz Luhrmann. Tables to the Film Benefit are available for $75,000, $50,000, and $25,000 and may be reserved by calling (212) 708-9680.

Clever Hen’s Artisan Foodmakers Handcraft Flavorsome, All-Natural Snacks and Foods Is All The Rage

More Americans are becoming aware that the pesticides, antibiotics, preservatives and other lab-created ingredients present in many modern day foods present a variety of health risks, but we still long for delicious edibles, particularly snacks. Clever Hen (https://www.cleverhen.com/index.html) offers a solution, the great taste and all-natural ingredients in

Clever Hen logo. (PRNewsFoto/Clever Hen)

the handcrafted food and snacks that it selects and ships nationwide.

Clever Hen is a family-run business that believes few things are as pleasurable as sharing good food with family and friends. Their goal is to “put a smile on your face and delight your taste buds.” The company is constantly searching for exceptional products to offer and regularly seek out and evaluate delicious food from around the country for their tasting team to evaluate as potential products. Clever Hen has made it their mission to seek out and bring together in one market, the finest of artisanal foods and products.

“The growth of the artisanal food movement is a counteraction to the large food manufacturers’ use of unhealthy and often unnatural ingredients,” said Wayne Lenkeit (aka Colonel Rooster), owner of Clever Hen. “True artisan food is always a better option than a commercially-made product.”

Lenkeit points to a 2012 CBS News story about Wayne Watson, a Colorado man who won a $7 million lawsuit claiming that he had developed respiratory problems from inhaling diacetyl, a chemical in microwave popcorn’s artificial butter (http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57516710-10391704/colorado-man-wayne-watson-wins-$7-million-in-popcorn-lung-lawsuit). “With so many lab-created additives in processed foods today it’s hard to know how safe we are,” he said.

Clever Hen offerings. (PRNewsFoto/Clever Hen)

Therefore, Clever Hen’s mission is to seek out and bring together the finest American artisanal foods and products, emphasizing non-genetically modified, responsibly grown and crafted foods, sustainability, pure ingredients, and especially, good taste.

Organizers Announces the Complete Line-Up of Films, Documentaries and Events for the 57th BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express®

The British Film Institute has announced the complete program for the 57th BFI London Film Festival in partnership with American Express®, with BFI’s Head of Cinemas and Festivals, Clare Stewart returning for her second year with a rich and diverse programme of international films and events from both established and upcoming talent over a 12 day celebration of cinema.

As Amanda Nevill, Chief Executive, BFI remarked in the Festival Introduction Letter on the BFI London Film Festival website, “The BFI London Film Festival is a brilliant achievement – and I think it’s okay for me to say that! Every year, without fail, I get a sense of excitement and anticipation that is heightened the minute I finally get to see the programme laid out in its entirety. Our Festival team has scoured the globe to set it before us. It is the BFI doing what it does best – completing the perfect circle from taking that initial act of confidence to invest in a film as yet unformed, to believing in the vision of filmmakers and writers, both established or as yet untried; igniting the imagination and minds of audiences with one of the richest and most imaginative cultural programmes in the world. We give film a powerful expression. The BFI London Film Festival celebrates new voices, new stories and new ideas and brings them not only to audiences across London, but increasingly UK-wide over a range of platforms. There are films that will dazzle, entertain, educate and astound; we have filmmakers who have picked up a camera for the first time, and established auteurs with more magic to unveil. It really is brilliant and it’s all for you.”

Stewart also took the opportunity to celebrate the life of her predecessor, who recently passed away: “On a more sombre note, I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor, the ground-breaking Sheila Whitaker who was LFF’s Festival Director from 1987 to 1996, as well as head of programming for the National Film Theatre (now BFI Southbank) from 1984. Sheila, who remained an exemplary friend to our programming team, sadly passed away this August. All at the LFF acknowledge her legacy, and proudly carry it forward. It is timely that, during this year’s Festival, we will launch a new BFI Southbank strand – Discover Arab Cinema – and Sheila, whose speciality was in this field, had a guiding hand in establishing this important new programme.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 04: CEO of the BFI Amanda Nevill and BFI Head of Cinema and Festivals Clare Stewart attend a photocall for the 57th BFI London Film Festival Press Launch at Odeon Leicester Square on September 4, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for BFI)

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 04: Director Paul Greengrass attends the 57th BFI London Film Festival Press Launch Photocall at Odeon Leicester Square on September 4, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for BFI)

The Festival will screen a total of 234 fiction and documentary features, including 22 World Premieres, 16 International Premieres, 29 European Premieres and 20 Archive films. There will also be screenings of 134 live action and animated shorts. A stellar line-up of directors, cast and crew are expected to take part in career interviews, master classes and other special events. The 57th BFI London Film Festival will run from 9-20 October 2013.

Taking place over 12 days, the Festival’s screenings are at venues across the capital, from the West End cinemas – Odeon West End, Vue West End, Odeon Leicester Square and a new addition this year the Cineworld Haymarket; central London venues – BFI Southbank; the ICA, Curzon Mayfair, and Ciné Lumière; and local cinemas – Ritzy Brixton, Hackney Picturehouse, Renoir, Everyman Screen on the Green and Rich Mix. Additional screenings and events will take place at the Curzon Chelsea, BFI London IMAX and Village Underground.

BFI PLAYER

The BFI London Film Festival experience can be enjoyed UK- wide with the upcoming launch of the BFI Player, the BFI’s new web VOD service, featuring a Festival digital channel showing regular red carpet action and film maker interviews. BFI London Film Festival content will be a key attraction in the first range of services on the BFI Player and will also be available on the recently launched BFI Samsung smart TV app.

Tom Hanks stars in Columbia Pictures’ “Captain Phillips,” a high-stakes thriller based on true story of the 2009 hijacking of the U.S. container ship Maersk Alabama by a crew of Somali pirates

L-r, Barkhad Abdi, Tom Hanks and Faysal Ahmed star in Columbia Pictures’ “Captain Phillips”, a high-stakes thriller based on true story of the 2009 hijacking of the U.S. container ship Maersk Alabama by a crew of Somali pirates

Great Wolf Lodge Makes a Splash With Its First Resort in New England

SET TO OPEN IN 2014, INDOOR WATERPARK RESORT TO OFFER FAMILIES UNIQUE VACATION EXPERIENCES

New England families will soon have something to howl about, as Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. begins construction in Massachusetts on its newest resort. Great Wolf Lodge New England will be a first-class destination resort, providing families with more than 100,000 square feet of entertainment offerings and lodging amenities to enjoy, all under one roof. The centerpiece of the resort will be more than 68,000 square feet of indoor waterpark fun, the largest in the state. With signature Great Wolf Lodge water rides and attractions, including the thrilling six-story funnel slide, Howlin’ Tornado; Slap Tail Pond wave pool and Fort Mackenzie – a multi-level interactive tree house with its signature tipping bucket – the new resort will feature water fun for everyone. Great Wolf Lodge New England will be the company’s twelfth resort and will be located off Route 2, 45 minutes from Boston and is expected to open in late spring 2014.

Great Wolf Lodge is set to make a splash in New England. Opening in 2014 the indoor waterpark resort will offer something for everyone, all under one roof. (PRNewsFoto/Great Wolf Resorts, Inc.)

“As the leader in indoor waterpark resorts, we are thrilled to expand our brand into New England,” shared Kim Schaefer, chief executive office, Great Wolf Resorts, Inc. “We are bringing a unique, year-round family entertainment resort to the market, as well as introducing new experiences and amenities to the brand that are exclusive to this new property. Great Wolf Lodge New England will feature the very best in family-focused vacations.”

The 406 guest suites will provide the perfect place for families to relax after a full day of waterpark play. Each suite will comfortably accommodate at least five people and include an in-room refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker. Families can choose from several suite styles, including the kid-themed Wolf Den, and KidCabin suites, which feature bunk beds and colorful spaces.

The resort will also debut never-before-seen suite styles, including the Majestic KidCabin and the Grizzly Wolf Dens. The Majestic KidCabin will sleep 11 people and feature two bathrooms, a separate king bedroom, two queen beds and a themed cabin for kids, complete with a daybed and a set of bunk beds. The Grizzly Wolf Den will sleep ten people, have two separate bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room area and themed kids Wolf Den, complete with bunk beds. Access to Great Wolf Lodge New England’s indoor water park is included with each suite and is exclusive to resort guests, providing a great value and the perfect place for families to spend time together.

Families will delight at the wide variety of activities found throughout the entire resort, perfect for children of all ages. Attractions and amenities include:
— The brand’s first and only indoor play area, boasting over 16,000 square feet of entertainment complete with a multi-level ropes course and indoor miniature golf;
— MagiQuest, a live-action, interactive game where kids use wands to battle dragons and save pixies;
— Scooops Kid Spa for ice cream-themed manicures and pedicures;
— Ten Paw Alley mini bowling;
— Daily kids’ activities as part of the resort’s Cub Club on Wheels
program; and
— The Great Clock Tower Show and evening Story Time by the fireplace – a Great Wolf Lodge tradition that brings everyone together in the Grand Lobby each night

Great Wolf Lodge New England will also feature several dining options and food outlets including the brand’s new Lodge Wood Fired Grill restaurant and bar, the Bear Paw Sweets & Eats confectionery cafe, Hungry as a Wolf handcrafted pizza and pasta and a Dunkin’ Donuts®.

TRAVEL USA: Warwick New York Hotel Unveils Five New Specialty Suites

LUXURY MIDTOWN HOTEL PAYS HOMAGE TO HOLLYWOOD LEGENDS AND CULTURAL ICONS WITH A COLLECTION OF BEAUTIFULLY REDESIGNED SUITES

The Warwick New York Hotel (http://www.warwickhotelny.com) proudly announces the unveiling of its five new specialty suites designed to celebrate the vibrant spirit of the Old Hollywood era and the innovators of today’s cultural landscape. Originally built as a romantic hideaway for screen siren Marion Davies and publishing tycoon William Randolph Hearst, the Warwick New York Hotel set out to capture the glamour of the lovers’ bygone era with the aptly named Randolph Suite and Davies Suite along with the Russell Suite, Follies Suite and Modern Art Suite.

The Randolph Suite. (PRNewsFoto/Warwick New York Hotel)

Spearheaded by Interior Design International’s Stephanie Ellis-Carmody, the renovations began in April 2013 and involved a full redesign of each of the five guestrooms. Ellis-Carmody placed a great deal of importance on upholding the architectural integrity of the time period and the building itself. While certain aspects of the suites were redesigned to meet today’s modern standards of luxury, many of the original fixtures were simply given minor cosmetic upgrades in order to retain their historical essence.

The Warwick New York Hotel was built in 1926 by William Randolph Hearst as a romantic hideaway for his paramour, screen siren Marion Davies. Over the years, the hotel would also serve as the East Coast hideout for many of Hollywood’s elite including Cary Grant, Clark Cable and Bing Crosby.

In present day, the Warwick New York Hotel combines the charm of Old Hollywood with the essential comforts and conveniences for the discerning modern traveler. The hotel’s 426 spacious guestrooms also include 67 elegantly appointed suites. The hotel also features two unique dining destinations – Randolph’s Bar & Lounge and Murals on 54 – as well as 8,000 square-feet of stately meeting and banquet spaces. Warwick New York Hotel is located at 54th Street and 6th Avenue, just steps away from New York’s most famed attractions including Central Park, couture shopping on Fifth and Madison Avenues, Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, The Ziegfeld Theater, Times Square and more.

TW Steel Proudly Showcases CEO Tech Kivanc Tatlitug Limited Edition

TW Steel’s (www.twsteel.com) continued relationship with brand ambassador, Turkish acting star Kivanc Tatlitug, has resulted in the production of another exquisite timepiece in his honour, the all new CEO Tech Kivanc Tatlitug Limited Edition (CE4016).

Limited to a production run of just 888 pieces – based simply on the fact that the number eight is the ‘lucky’ number of the 29-year-old – a major star in the Turkish community and award winning actor, the brand new 48mm model also follows the success of his previous TW Steel special edition timepieces, also from the CEO Tech collection, CE4003/CE4004 and CE4005, introduced late 2011.

With a bold, contemporary feel to it, the CEO Tech Kivanc Tatlitug Limited Edition uses the state-of-the-art Miyota 9100 Multi Function Automatic movement featuring the day, month, 24-hour time and date as well as a power reserve indicator situated at the top of the dial highlighting the remaining power left in the timepiece. It also features 26 jewels with the winding component running on ball bearings with 28.800 A/h movements per hour (4 Hz).

The movement is housed elegantly in a brushed steel case complemented with a hammered bezel. The screws and mid-piece of the crown feature PVD dark titanium coating for added appeal. It also sports a sapphire crystal, in keeping with the luxurious design of the piece, while the case back is engraved stating – Kivanc Limited Edition Automatic Sapphire.

In keeping with a theme from his previous models, Kivanc’s love of the colour blue is incorporated once again with a dynamic sunray blue dial popping out, off-set by steel coloured indexes. Continuing the theme, a blue silicon strap with steel clasps further accents the overall feel of this stylish edition which is 10 ATM water resistant and comes presented in a luxurious CEO box featuring his signature.

“I’ve kept Kivan&#231’s tastes very much in mind in designing this model,” stated Ton Cobelens, TW Steel Chief Design Officer. “As such we’ve produced a timepiece that pushes his passion points but more importantly is highly appealing thanks to its bold, masculine design. It’s a distinguished model and a welcome addition to CEO Tech.”

“Needless to say I absolutely love it,” enthused Kivanc Tatlitug. “I like bold, clean looking models and this one is perfect. I’m honoured to have another timepiece from TW Steel and the fact this is a Limited Edition piece makes it even more special to me. It’s an affordable luxury and something I hope will appeal to my fans and watch lovers!”

TW Steel is a private, family-owned company founded in Amsterdam in 2005 now retailing in over 100 countries and counting worldwide. Its timepiece collections are reflective of, and available for all tastes and occasions with innovative design and luxurious styling paired together with Swiss build quality and an exceptional price point. TW Steel offers a defined sense of individuality and shows to the world that as a bold and ambitious personality, you wear a statement watch that truly reflects who you are. TW Steel is the ‘Official Timing Partner’ of the Sahara Force India Formula One Team and an ‘Official Sponsor’ of the Yamaha Factory Racing Team in MotoGP.

Belk Launches “Chip & Pepper® California” Premium Denim Collection

Exclusive Line of Men’s and Women’s Denim Now Available at select stores and on www.belk.com

Chip & Pepper California includes denim, tees, and tops for both men and women. (PRNewsFoto/Belk, Inc.)

Charlotte-based Belk, Inc., the nation’s largest family owned and operated department store, is proud to announce a new partnership with denim experts Chip & Pepper Foster. This exclusive line, Chip & Pepper® California, offers trend-setting, premium denim and is now available in 100 Belk locations, including www.belk.com.  Founded in 1888 by William Henry Belk in Monroe, N.C., the company is in the third generation of Belk family leadership and has 301 Belk stores located in 16 Southern states with a growing digital presence.  www.Belk.com offers a wide assortment of national brands and private label fashion apparel, shoes and accessories for the entire family along with top name cosmetics, a wedding registry and a large selection of quality merchandise for the home.

“We are so excited to bring our signature denim styles to the Belk customers,” said Chip Foster, one of the twin brothers

Chip & Pepper California launches exclusively this month at 100 Belk locations, including belk.com. (PRNewsFoto/Belk, Inc.)

behind the well-known brand. “Belk is the home of ‘Modern. Southern. Style.’ and we can hardly wait to introduce Belk customers to our designs which not only have an incredible fit but can be dressed up or down depending on your individual style.”

“At Belk, we are constantly searching for new ways to bring innovative fashion to our customers. This new collection expands our denim offering to include premium fit and styles at affordable prices,” said Kathryn Bufano, president and chief merchandising officer at Belk. “Chip & Pepper have more than 20 years of experience designing high-quality denim with expert fits. Denim continues to be one of our best product categories, and we look forward to offering these fresh, new styles to our customers.”

Both men’s and women’s merchandise will be offered. Denim styles start at $68, with some styles and washes priced at $78. This fall’s first offering also includes men’s t-shirts priced at $32, and women’s long-sleeved knit tops priced at $38. Belk will introduce more styles in Spring 2014.

Chip & Pepper Foster will take their denim on tour, stopping in Tuscaloosa and Nashville later this month. At each stop, they will help customers find the perfect fit.

GBK Blends Gifting with Charitable Giving at Their Annual Luxury Gift Lounge Honoring the Nominees and Presenters of the 2013 Emmy® Awards

September 20th and 21st – W Hollywood Hotel

GBK, the luxury lifestyle gift lounge and special events company, honored the 2013 Emmy® Award Nominees and Presenters at their annual Gift Lounge which featured a range of great gifts and brands including some great charities: The Creative Coalition, Lambda Legal, GUARDaHEART Foundation and spcaLA. With combined efforts from GBK and the event’s Presenting Sponsor, NEW Tidy Cats® LightWeight 24/7 Performance®, a total of $49,000 was raised for charity.

GBK’s lounge was attended by celebrities from over 10 nominated shows including Host of the Primetime Emmy® Awards, Neil Patrick Harris, Tony Hale (Emmy® winner for best supporting actor in a comedy “Veep”), Ed O’Neill (“Modern Family”, winning 2 Primetime Emmy® awards), RJ Mitte (“Breaking Bad”, Primetime Emmy® Award winner), Lesley Nicol (“Downton Abbey”, Primetime Emmy® Award winner), Nominees Matt LeBlanc (“Episodes”), Harry Hamlin (“Mad Men”), Linda Cardellini (“Mad Men”), Travis Wall (“So You Think You Can Dance”), Chris Noth (“The Good Wife”), Jackson Pace (“Homeland”), Lori Greiner (“Shark Tank”), Mary Murphy (“So You Think You Can Dance”), “Dancing with the Stars” colleauges Karina Smirnoff & Gleb Savchenko and “Veep” stars Matt Walsh, Reid Scott, Sufe Bradshaw, and Timothy Simons.Other fantastic guests attended, including Alfre Woodard (“Copper”), Dennis Quaid (“Vegas”), Jason Isaacs (“Case Histories”), Joe Morton (“Scandal”), Regina King (“Southland”), Rumer Willis (“Return to Sender”), Camille Grammer (“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”), Dania Ramirez (“Devious Maids”), John Benjamin Hickey (“The Big C Hereafter”), Jose Pablo Cantillo (“Walking Dead”), Meghan Ory (“Once Upon A Time”), AJ Buckley (“CSI: NY”), Nico Tortorella (“The Following”), Steven Bauer (“Ray Donavan”), Terry O’Quinn (“Falling Skies”), Willie Garson (“White Collar”), Yvette Nicole Brown (“Community”), and many more!

A highlight of the lounge was watching the celebrities participate in a red carpet “litter toss” hosted by NEW Tidy Cats® LightWeight 24/7 Performance®. For every jug of Tidy Cats LightWeight 24/7 Performance litter tossed, Tidy Cats donated $100 to the spcaLA, with a total donation reaching $10,000. Tidy Cats® LightWeight 24/7 Performance® is a revolutionary new product that solves a pet peeve cat owners have been dealing with for a long time: heavy cat litter. This new product offers the strength and performance you expect from traditional scooping cat litter, but at half the weight; making it easy to carry, pour and store – as each jug is at least 50 percent lighter than traditional scooping litters.

General Beauregard Dixie Vodka Set to March Across South

CHARLESTON-BASED CRAFT SPIRIT TARGETS SOUTHERN MEN

Island Club Brands (ICB) http://www.islandclubbrands.com today announced the introduction of General Beauregard Dixie Vodka, an all-American handcrafted spirit produced in Charleston, S.C. by Chicken Cock Distillers, a business unit of ICB.  Proudly proclaiming its “Handcrafted for Southerners, by Southerners” heritage, General Dixie has its sights set on commanding the Southern vodka market. Six times distilled from 100 percent American corn and gluten-free, General Dixie’s heritage-driven branding and masculine, whiskey-like corked bottle are specially designed to appeal to Southern male consumers.

General Beauregard Dixie Vodka Set to March Across South. (PRNewsFoto/Island Club Brands)

General Beauregard Dixie Vodka is making its debut in the heart of the South, launching in Alabama this month before expanding to select bars and restaurants in Tennessee, Georgia and South Carolina by year’s end, with broader regional distribution slated for early 2014. Encouraging consumers to “Stand With The General,” ICB has created another industry-forward, authentic craft spirit with a distinctive Southern character.

According to ICB CEO Matti Anttila, his inspiration for General Dixie can be traced to a hunting trip near the Georgia-Florida line. “We were all enjoying some whiskey after the hunt, except for one of my buddies who was drinking vodka,” Anttila said. “After we talked about which brands he identified with, I realized there was a clear opportunity for a craft vodka produced in the south that could authentically connect with Southern males.”

General Dixie is available as straight vodka and also in two flavors: Black Pepper and Mint. To achieve a clean, superior tasting vodka the distiller utilized the award-winning, patented TerrePURE(®) technology (a natural process which uses ultrasonic energy and oxygenation to enhance drinkability by reducing impurities in the distillate, a critically important benefit for unaged spirits like vodka).

“The General’s brand platform and unique packaging, combined with a top-shelf flavor profile, resonates strongly with the Southern male demographic, a market where we are already having considerable success, while at the same time connecting with females as well,” said Anttila. The Florida-based brand accelerator currently is quickly gaining market share nationwide with Chicken Cock Whiskey, a 157-year-old Kentucky bourbon label it reintroduced earlier this year with a line of flavored American whiskey.

On-premise programs designed to drive awareness and stimulate consumer trial for General Dixie will feature signature drink recipes such as the Mint Julep Martini and Bloody Dixie (version of Bloody Mary), created by leading Charleston mixologists. The brand will only be available in the South and has a suggested retail price of $21.99/750ml.

Travel Channel’s Original Series “Baggage Battles” Returns For Season Three on Tuesday, October 15 at 9:00 Pm Et/Pt

THREE TEAMS OF AUCTION EXPERTS BACK ON THE HUNT FOR BIGGER PROFITS WITH HIGHER STAKES

Let’s get ready to rumble! Auction specialists Billy “The Dealer” Leroy,” Mark “The Hustler” Meyer, and Laurence & Sally Martin – “The Wild Cards,” are back for a new season of Travel Channel’s original series “Baggage Battles” premiering with back-to-back episodes on Tuesday, October 15 at 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. In season three, the popular weekly half-hour series continues to give viewers a glimpse into the very profitable business of bidding, buying and reselling of unclaimed items from auctions around the world including airport, freight and shipping, estate, police and seizure, and specialty auctions. The stakes are higher for the expert teams of savvy buyers who still don’t know if it’s junk or jackpot until they win the bid.

Cast of Travel Channel’s “Baggage Battles” (from l-r) Mark “The Hustler” Meyer, Billy “The Dealer” Leroy, and Sally & Laurence Martin, “The Wild Cards”

Guns A-Blazin’ Ep. – Billy “The Dealer” Leroy checks out the antique card holdout device he won during the cowboy auction

“This new season of ‘Baggage Battles’ features our experts attending a greater variety of auctions than ever — here and abroad,” said Andy Singer, General Manager, Travel Channel. “From iconic historic cowboy articles to important pop culture memorabilia, the competition and the stakes have never been higher for Billy, Mark, Sally and Laurence.”

In the first half-hour episode of the back-to-back premieres, the auction specialists saddle-up to attend a Cowboy Auction in Livermore, California. The items up for grabs come from all over the northern part of the state. From authentic Western wear, cowboy hats and spurs, to art, lassos and leather trunks, this Wild West auction holds a variety of goldmines the buyers are prospecting to find. Leroy, Meyer and the Martins have traveled for their own personal gold rushes, but they have some stiff competition from another auction specialist Traci Lombardo, who drops in on several auctions featured this season.

In the second episode, the experts travel into the southern heat for an auction in Jacksonville, Florida. One of the biggest cities in the country, Jacksonville is home to a diverse estate auction that features everything from Americana and tools to pop culture collectibles and sealed boxes. Leroy, Meyer and the Martins must separate trash from treasure as they do battle under the Florida sun.

,” Mark “The Hustler” Meyer

Mark Meyer may be in his twenties and still living at home with his parents and older brother, but his age is no reflection of the auction professional he has become. With skill sets that match, and often trump, his competitors, the Long Island native with a Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the State University of New York, is a young entrepreneur in the auctioning industry. Meyer is a hard worker with a cunning knack for business and has a proven track record for selling anything. Meyer wears a baseball hat, t-shirt and jeans, but can stand toe-to-toe with any businessman in a $5,000 dollar suit on the auction floor. In order to be taken seriously in an industry that is dominated by an older crowd, Meyer lays everything out on the line to earn the respect of his peers. He demonstrates this risky business tactic and his innate skill for auctioning in Travel Channel’s “Baggage Battles.”

Laurence & Sally Martin – “The Wild Cards”

Laurence Martin became an avid collector at a very young age beginning with antique ephemera, postcards, stamps and anything with a postal history. He even had his own museum when he was just a school boy. Together with his wife of 22 years, Sally, Laurence continues to collect and buy to this day. The couple has co-owned Studio Antiques in El Segundo, CA since 1987. Laurence’s specialty in the antique business is his keen skill in spotting a unique or rare item that others tend to overlook. He is known in the industry as being slightly eccentric and an “Andy Warhol type.” Before owning Studio Antiques, Laurence spent 20 years in the aerospace industry as a scientific engineer and designer. He studied at Bournemouth College in Bournemouth, England, and has always been an avid traveler spending time in countries including China, Australia and Mexico. As a part of making his avocation his vocation, Laurence spent over 10 years importing containers of antiques from across the globe for Studio Antiques.

Top Salons in the US, Panama, Mexico & Puerto Rico in Epic Vegas Showdown at the 2013 Battle of the Strands Competition this October

TOP SALONS IN THE US, PANAMA, MEXICO AND PUERTO RICO ARE GEARING UP FOR A FINAL SHOWDOWN IN LAS VEGAS, OCT 14TH, 2013 8PM AT THE PEARL CONCERT THEATRE, PALMS CASINO RESORT.

After six qualifiers this year, only fourteen Teams made it to the last leg of one of the biggest Hair, Makeup & Wardrobe Competitions spanning four countries, The Battle of the Strands. The Battle of the Strands (http://www.battleofthestrands.com) is the first extreme hair, makeup, and wardrobe salon competition that started in Vegas in 2011, expanded nationwide in 2012 and is now an international competition. Teams enter through Qualifiers and proceed through extreme elimination rounds. Ultimately the final five will compete in Vegas for the championship title. Celebrity and industry icons will be the final judges deciding the teams’ fate.

Top Salons in the US, Panama, Mexico & Puerto Rico in Epic Vegas Showdown at Battle of the Strands this October. (PRNewsFoto/Battle of the Strands)

On its third year, the Battle of the Strands Competition held qualifying rounds in NYC, Orlando, Las Vegas, Mexico & Puerto Rico with an Online Battle that ended Sept 9th, where winning teams were chosen to come face to face in Las Vegas for extraordinary elimination challenges to pick the Top five that will make it to the Final Battle. They will present current wearable trends, couture, and high-end Avant Garde looks on their models, critiqued before a panel of celebrity judges, media, and thousands watching. Hosted by TV’s King of Makeovers Kim Vo and YouTube legend Kandee Johnson, the judging panel includes Industry Icons Michael O’Rourke, Allen Edwards, James Harris & Andrew Caruthers among others. The Final Battle will be aired online via live-streaming.

Over The Bridge Of Time: A Paul Simon Retrospective (1964-2011) Celebrates One of America’s Most Influential Composers and Recording Artists

FIRST SINGLE-CD COLLECTION EVER TO CONTAIN BOTH SIMON & GARFUNKEL RECORDINGS PLUS ICONIC SOLO HIT SINGLES AND TRACKS FROM PAUL SIMON SOLO ALBUM CATALOG

AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE OCTOBER 15, 2013, THROUGH LEGACY RECORDINGS, COINCIDING WITH THE RELEASE OF PAUL SIMON – THE COMPLETE ALBUMS COLLECTION, MONUMENTAL 15-DISC CAREER-SPANNING LIBRARY COLLECTION

The decades-long musical career of 12-time Grammy Award®-winning (including 3 Album of the Year Grammys) musician Paul Simon is celebrated with the release of Over The Bridge Of Time: A Paul Simon Retrospective (1964-2011) (http://smarturl.it/ps_otbt_amzn). The specially curated collection of 20 songs will be available everywhere October 15th through Legacy Recordings, a division of SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT.

Over The Bridge Of Time – A Paul Simon Retrospective (1964-2011)

Paul Simon’s 12 Grammy Awards® include eight as a member of Simon & Garfunkel, as well as the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2003).  Simon has been inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, in 1990 as a member of Simon & Garfunkel, and in 2001 as a solo artist.  In 2002, Simon was a Kennedy Center Honors recipient, and in 2007, he received the first inaugural Gershwin Prize for Popular Song from the Library of Congress, an all-star event that was televised and made available on home video.  Many other honors have come Simon’s way, from the 53rd Annual BMI Pop Awards in 2005 (where he was named a BMI Icon in recognition of his 39 BMI Awards and 75 million broadcast airplays), to being named one of Time magazine’s “100 People Who Shaped the World” (2006).  Simon holds Honorary Degrees from the Berklee College of Music in Boston (and serves on its Board of Trustees); and from Brandeis University (where Simon & Garfunkel appeared in 1966).  In 2010, Simon was inducted into the prestigious Songwriters Hall Of Fame, based in New York, and the following year he was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.  Most recently in 2012, Simon was awarded Sweden’s Polar Music Prize, one of the world’s most coveted honors.

The release of Over The Bridge Of Time: A Paul Simon Retrospective (1964-2011) coincides with the October 15th arrival of Paul Simon – The Complete Albums Collection (https://fashionpluslifestyle.wordpress.com/2013/08/20/legacy-recordings-celebrates-paul-simons-five-decades-of-culture-changing-popular-with-the-upcoming-release-of-paul-simon-the-complete-albums-collection/), on Legacy Recordings.  The monumental career-spanning 15-disc deluxe library box set houses the 12 studio albums and two full-length live concert recordings which comprise his official canon, from 1965’s The Paul Simon Songbook through 2011’s So Beautiful or So What, all originally released on the Columbia, Warner Bros. and Hear Music record labels.

Over The Bridge Of Time: A Paul Simon Retrospective (1964-2011)

(Legacy Recordings 88883 75767 2)

Selections: 1. The Sound Of Silence *2. America *3. The Boxer *4. Cecilia *5. The Only Living Boy In New York *6. Bridge Over Troubled Water *7. Me And Julio Down By The Schoolyard *8. Mother And Child Reunion *9. American Tune *10. 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover *11. Still Crazy After All These Years *12. Slip Slidin’ Away *13. Late In The Evening *14. Hearts And Bones *15. Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes *16. You Can Call Me Al  *17. Spirit Voices *18. That’s Where I Belong *19. Everything About It Is A Love Song *20. Love And Hard Times.

Virgin America Best U.S. Airline in Conde Nast Traveler’s Business Travel Poll

FOR THE SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR, VIRGIN AMERICA RANKED TOP U.S. AIRLINE BY BUSINESS TRAVELERS

Virgin America was voted “Best Premium Class” among domestic airlines in Conde Nast Traveler’s 2013 Business Travel Poll – which surveyed 79,000 business travelers. Now more than ever, business travelers have to justify every penny spent, and so it has become especially important to know which airlines, hotels, and hotel groups can give maximum value per travel dollar. Who better to point you in the right direction than fellow road warriors? The annual independent survey of the magazine’s business travelers ranked Virgin America as the Top U.S. airline for Premium Class service for the sixth consecutive year, as reported in the October issue of Conde Nast Traveler – on newsstands now. Final scores (out of 100) represent the percentage of readers who rated a hotel, airport, or airline “excellent” or “very good.” Virgin America’s unique flight experience was ranked number one among all domestic carriers, with an overall score of 86.5. For full survey results visit:  www.cntraveler.com/travel-tips/business-travel/polls/2013/best-business-travel-hotels-airlines.

With topnotch service, beautiful design and a host of high-tech amenities, Virgin America has built a loyal business flyer following since its 2007 launch. The airline offers business travelers an “office in the sky” with fleetwide WiFi, power outlets and personal entertainment at every seat. In addition to a Main Cabin that offers custom-designed leather seats with a deeper pitch, the carrier’s premium Main Cabin Select service offers guests 38″ of seat pitch – about 6 inches more legroom than Main Cabin, unlimited complimentary cocktails and snacks from the airline’s award-winning menu, an all-access pass to in-flight media content (including free movies and premium TV like HBO and Showtime), priority security access/boarding, dedicated overhead bin space and one free checked bag.  Virgin America’s First Class features international-grade amenities and plush white leather seating with 55 inches of pitch, 165 degrees of recline and lumbar massagers. The airline’s Red(TM) in-flight entertainment platform offers guests their own seatback touch-screen TV, with 25 films, live TV, Google Maps, videogames, a 4,000 song library and an on-demand menu – so flyers can order a cocktail or snack from their seatback any time during a flight.

Crystal Cruises Launches Custom Celebration Services Around The World

ULTRA-LUXURY, INTERNATIONAL PARTY-PLANNING ASSISTANCE IS INDUSTRY FIRST FOR SHIP AND SHORE

AN ELEGANT WEDDING IN THE HILLS OF TUSCANY. A BIRTHDAY BLOWOUT ON A BEACH IN BALI. A RETIREMENT ROAST AT ONE OF CAPE TOWN’S TOP WINERIES. A RENEWAL OF VOWS “ON TOP OF THE WORLD” AT SEA.

With Crystal Cruises’ new Crystal Celebrations Soiree Service, almost anything is possible just about anywhere CRYSTAL SYMPHONY and CRYSTAL SERENITY sail. CRYSTAL CRUISES (http://www.crystalcruises.com) sails to all seven continents, with voyages of 5-108 days in the Mediterranean, Western Europe, British Isles, Scandinavia/Baltic & Russia, North Cape & Arctic Circle, Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, South Pacific, South America, Antarctica, New England/Canada, Panama Canal, Caribbean, and a sumptuous annual World Cruise.

Crystal guests enjoy a private moment on the deck of Crystal Serenity. (PRNewsFoto/Crystal Cruises)

Already known for an ultra-personalized approach to unforgettable travel experiences, Crystal has teamed with premier global event company Imagine VIP to create a first-of-its-kind bespoke event-planning service – only available with Crystal’s worldwide cruises.

Imagine VIP is a premier global event-planning company, with expertise in facilitating special celebrations with exacting detail. Experienced in creating hundreds of events all over the world, Imagine VIP’s Crystal Celebration consultants will help design and create tailor-made events, fulfilling their promise to impress guests with uniqueness, special touches, and highly personalized service.

On The Occasion Of The 2013 Fête De La Gastronomie, Badoit Express Turns Paris’ Famous Rue De Rivoli Into A Rue De La Gastronomie With French Michelin–Starred Chef Thierry Marx

ONCE AGAIN, BADOIT EXPRESS PROVIDED AN EXCEPTIONAL GASTRONOMIC PERFORMANCE THAT WAS AT THE SAME TIME EPHEMERAL, NOVEL AND FREE. THIS WAS A BREAKTHROUGH EXPERIENCE THAT PUTS A SMILE BACK ON THE FACES OF THE INHABITANTS OF ÎLE-DE-FRANCE IN THEIR EVERYDAY LIFE.

For this second edition, Badoit (www.badoit.fr), the celebrated French brand of naturally sparkling water, created a stir once again on the Fête de la Gastronomie Festival, once more hand-in-hand with Michellin two-star Chef Thierry Marx. Through an experience that came as a total surprise, the lucky drivers who happened to be on Rue de Rivoli, in Paris, have had the privilege to take part in a first-class gastronomic performance!

Badoit transforms the Rue de Rivoli in Paris into a Rue de la Gastronomie

Since 1778, Badoit, a naturally sparkling mineral water and a historic brand in the French heritage, has been the ally of Chefs and gourmets all over the world. It is also the ideal accompaniment to all meals…whatever they are.  Born in the small town of Saint-Galmier, in the Loire Valley in France, in a location that is several kilometres deep into the granite bedrock of the region, the water’s journey in its rock environment gave its natural sparkle, smoothness and unique mineral composition, rich in calcium, magnesium and bicarbonates. Rediscovered in the 17th century, it aroused the interest of Thermal Medicine. As early as 1778, its “appetite-stimulating and exhilarating” properties are recognized by Richard Marin de Laprade, the Honorary Physician of King Louis XVI. With its unique organoleptic properties, Badoit is the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

After pulling out all the stops last year by turning the regional train into a gourmet restaurant for the length of an end-of-the-day trip, Badoit raised the stakes even higher to offer a brand-new, unique experience that further emphasizes the significance of gastronomy in the everyday life of the inhabitants of Île-de-France.

A stellar gastronomic ballet all along the car-packed street

“Badoit is historically and intimately associated with the French culinary heritage. It has always been the water that best accompanies meals, whether daily or extraordinary. After the success of Badoit Express last year, we wanted to surprise the French once more in their everyday life, with an even greater new edition. Badoit Express 2 is a unique, unprecedented experience that will enable people to enjoy a moment of relish and sharing around gastronomy, within a context that is unquestionably part of their daily routine: traffic jams”, added Guillaume Millet, Brand Manager Badoit.

Dr. Brandt’s Sold-Out, Must-Have Detoxifying ANTI-OXIDANT WATER BOOSTER IN GOJI-MAQUI Is Back By Popular Demand!

When Dr. Brandt first launched his revolutionary ANTI-OXIDANT WATER BOOSTERS, they became an instant hit. Fans were clamoring for this must-have detox tool that leaves skin youthful, luminous, and radiant from the inside out. Back by popular demand, this sold-out favorite returns as a web and in-office exclusive. For the month of September only, dr. brandt is making this must-have product available for 25% off as a special introductory offer ($39, 25% off exclusively for

DR. BRANDT DETOXIFYING ANTI-OXIDANT WATER BOOSTER® GOJI-MAQUI

the month of September).

Dr. Fredric Brandt, a renowned dermatologist and skincare expert, began his career at Sloan-Kettering focusing on cancer research. While seeking to fight this deadly disease, he became a pioneer advocate for the use of natural antioxidants to fight free radical damage and effectively combat premature aging. This led to the development of his unprecedented

antioxidant water boosters, bringing Dr. Brandt’s groundbreaking discoveries in internal medicine to skin. These powerful boosters improve overall health and skin radiance while slowing the signs of aging. Packed with proven age-fighters that provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying benefits, Dr. Brandt’s breakthrough water boosters fortify skin with the building blocks of health and youth in delicious goji-maqui flavor.

“Goji-maqui water booster is a convenient and extremely effective way to naturally detoxify, while defending your skin and body against the dangerous daily assault of free radicals,” explains Dr. Brandt. “Just squeeze a dropper full into your 8 oz. water bottle and enjoy a daily dose of skin health.”

DR. BRANDT DETOXIFYING ANTI-OXIDANT WATER BOOSTER® GOJI-MAQUI features an exclusive combination of purifying superfoods Goji berry and Maqui berry for total body detoxification and visibly healthier, younger looking skin. This potent antioxidant blend contains more than 90 percent polyphenols—equivalent to more than 15 cups of green tea—for a delicious detox, that’s decaffeinated, sugar, and calorie free. The benefits of these powerful ingredients include Goji berry (antioxidant and potassium rich, natural diuretic, regulates blood pressure and rids the body of excess fluids and toxins) and Maqui berry (rich source of antioxidants, powerful anti-inflammatory, protects against toxins, chemicals and free-radicals and full of vitamin c, calcium, potassium and iron).

To use, add one dropper full to a cup of hot or cold water daily to rid internal systems of toxins, combat premature aging and promote overall health. dr. brandt detoxifying anti-oxidant water booster® is available at www.drbrandtskincare.com or at Dr. Brandt’s Medical Offices in New York (323 East 34th Street) and Miami (4425 Ponce de Leon Boulevard)

Barneys New York Announces Holiday 2013: “A New York Holiday” In Collaboration With Shawn ‘JAY Z’ Carter To Benefit The Shawn Carter Foundation

“We are Barneys New York, but the city is more than just our name.  It informs our style, our attitude, our outlook.  And we are not the only ones.  Creative New Yorkers throughout history–including Shawn ‘JAY Z’ Carter–have also used this city as inspiration.”

This holiday season, Barneys New York, the luxury specialty retailer, will merge their creative approach with that of Shawn ‘JAY Z’ Carter’s for “A New York Holiday,” a unique collaboration benefiting the Shawn Carter Foundation. A celebration of the holiday season, “A New York Holiday” will include original interactive windows and exclusive limited edition products, which will live in an immersive gallery space on the third floor of the Barneys New York Madison Avenue flagship.

BARNEYS NEW YORK HOLIDAY LOGO: Barneys New York Holiday in collaboration with Shawn ‘JAY Z’ Carter logo. (PRNewsFoto/Barneys New York)

BARNEYS NEW YORK (Barneys) is a luxury specialty retailer renowned for having the most discerning edit from the world’s top designers, including women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, accessories, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, fragrances, and gifts for the home. Barneys’ signature sense of wit and style is manifested in its creative advertising campaigns, original holiday themes, and celebrated window displays. Founded as a men’s retailer in 1923 in downtown Manhattan, it became an international arbiter of high style for both women and men in the 1970s, renowned for discovering and developing new and innovative design talent.

As part of “A New York Holiday,” Mr. Carter has collaborated with creative directors from some of the most inspired fashion houses in the world to create a collection of limited edition products, including designs from Balenciaga, Balmain, Lanvin, The Elder Statesman, En Noir, Hoorsenbuhs, Just Don, Proenza Schouler, Rick Owens, Stutterheim, Acne

Hoorsenbuhs 18 karat gold NYC edition double ring, limited edition Barneys New York Holiday collection in collaboration with Shawn “JAY Z” Carter. (PRNewsFoto/Barneys New York)

Studios, and Cutler & Gross.  Each distinctive item draws inspiration from New York City and is realized in color palettes of black, white, gold, and silver.  Debuts of additional limited edition product by Mr. Carter will also be made available at Barneys New York, including Shawn Carter by Hublot timepieces and a specially designed humidor by Comador.

The limited edition collection will be available exclusively at Barneys New York beginning November 20th in a first of its kind immersive gallery space on the third floor of the Madison Avenue store. A significant portion of the third floor has been completely transformed into the BNY SCC Gallery, which was conceived as a creative collaboration between Mr. Carter, visual artist Joanie Lemercier, and Barneys New York Creative Director Dennis Freedman.  The collection will also be available on www.Barneys.com and in Barneys New York flagship stores in Beverly Hills, Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco.

“With this project, Barneys New York and I were able to take the slickness, energy, and innovation of New York City and translate that into quality, timeless pieces,” said Shawn ‘JAY Z’ Carter.  “Everything that encompasses ‘A New York Holiday’–the items chosen, the amazing designers that participated, the windows, the design of the BNY SCC Gallery–represents a perfect example of a unique and groundbreaking collaboration that I hope demonstrates how inspiring New York has been to me.”