Veterans Day Premiere For “Along Recovery”, A Documentary About Traumatic Brain Injuries In The Military

DOCUMENTARY NOW WIDELY AVAILABLE ACROSS NORTH AMERICA ON VIDEO ON DEMAND

PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY A TWO-TOUR VETERAN OF THE IRAQ WAR, ALONG RECOVERY IS AN AUTHENTIC AND COMPELLING FILM ABOUT THE IMPACT TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES HAVE MADE ON A GENERATION OF AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ VETERANS. 

In honor of Veterans Day, over 100 VOD operators are offering Along Recovery (www.alongrecovery.com)  Produced and directed by an Iraq War veteran, Along Recovery chronicles the two-year recovery of four US soldiers evacuated from combat with traumatic brain injuries (TBI), the signature wound of Afghanistan and Iraq. The film is now available across North America on leading VOD platforms including Apple iTunes, Amazon VOD, AT&T U-Verse, Charter, Dish, Google Play, Hulu, Microsoft Xbox, Rogers Cable, Shaw, Sony PlayStation, Verizon FiOS, and Vudu.

Along Recovery is an award-winning documentary that provides an unprecedented perspective of a soldier’s medical treatment.  The film was produced and directed by Justin Springer, a former Army Officer who served two tours in Iraq with the First Infantry Division.  Mr. Springer was compelled to produce the film after witnessing the impact brain injuries had on his colleagues and his unit altogether.  Concerned about the state of military medical care following the 2007 scandal at Walter Reed Medical Center, Mr. Springer endeavored to produce a film that would feature a soldier’s perspective throughout the difficult recovery process. The Department of Defense granted Along Recovery unrestricted access to film inside their flagship hospital, the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.

Along Recovery chronicles the recovery of four US Army soldiers; two wounded in Afghanistan, two wounded in Iraq. Equipped with an HD movie camera, Mr. Springer shadowed each of the soldiers daily for nearly two years while they received treatment at the hospital and depicts the exhaustive regimen of therapy and mind altering medications that each soldier is prescribed during treatment.  Away from the hospital, each soldier readjusts to post-combat life under the foggy haze of a brain injury.  Relationships with family and friends are tested as each soldier struggles with headaches, cognitive deficits, and other symptoms of their injuries, including post traumatic stress.  Following months of treatment, a medical review board determines each soldier’s fate; return to military service or reintegration into civilian life. With the aid of his military background, Mr. Springer was able to build a rapport with each soldier that elicited unfiltered commentary throughout the recovery process.

TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY IN AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ

In over ten years of war, traumatic brain injury (TBI) has emerged as a signature wound for Veterans of Afghanistan and Iraq.  Vast improvements in armored vehicles, body armor, and battlefield medicine have made it possible for soldiers to survive the destructive blasts of improvised explosive devices and other battlefield explosions.  But the pressurized shock wave created in a blast can violently impact vehicles and soldiers exposed in the open, often causing concussions, also referred to as traumatic brain injuries (TBI.) 

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TBI can affect several areas of brain function, to include impaired cognition, sleep disturbance, anxiety, and other behavioral disturbances.  Because of the stigma attached to mental health in the military and the acute nature of diagnosis, particularly in a combat environment, the Department of Defense estimates that fewer than half of those afflicted with a TBI receive appropriate treatment.  Beyond a difficult screening process, evidence-based treatment for combat related TBI are limited.  US casualties in Afghanistan and Iraq have a 300% improved rate of survival compared to previous wars. A consequence of modern combat’s high rate of survival is that our nation is now tasked with the care of thousands of Veterans with a complex and often invisible injury.

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Netflix Adds Award-Winning Film “The Short Game” to Its Original Documentary Slate

Netflix will launch “The Short Game” on Thursday, December 12th at 12:01 AM PT.  The documentary, which will be the first original documentary available on the service, follows eight of the most competitive golfers around the globe, all who happen to be under the ripe age of seven years old, as they train for and compete in the World Championship of Junior Golf. The Netflix original documentary will be available to stream in all territories where Netflix is available – U.S., Canada, the UK, Ireland, Latin America, the Nordics and the Netherlands.

Emmy® award-winning director Josh Greenbaum’s feature debut premiered at South by Southwest (SXSW) and won the 2013 Audience Award.  It was Academy qualified in a limited theatrical release through Phase 4 Films and Samuel Goldwyn Films.

“‘The Short Game’ provides a highly entertaining, family friendly and joyful vantage into a unique world that most people fantasize about: being the best in the world at something.  The fact that this dream is pursued by children playing a grownups’ game is intriguing and inspiring,” says Lisa Nishimura, Netflix VP of Original Documentary and Comedy.  “We seek to provide the very best storytelling within the documentary filmmaking category and ‘The Short Game’ is the rare example of a beautifully told and heart-warming tale which appeals to all generations.”

“As a filmmaker, you hope your work will reach as many people as possible and that’s what’s so exciting about partnering with Netflix, who are presenting some of the most original and cutting edge programming on the planet right now,” said director Josh Greenbaum.  “The idea of people all across the world being able to watch the film is a dream come true.”

“The Short Game” is produced by Rafael Marmor, Christopher Leggett, and Josh Greenbaum, and executive produced by Jessica Biel, Justin Timberlake, Timm Oberwelland, John Battsek and David Frankel.

 

Major Model Debuts and Much More Set for The 2013 Miami International Auto Show

AUTO AFICIONADOS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET A FIRST LOOK AT HUNDREDS OF 2014 MODEL CARS, TRUCKS, CROSSOVERS, AND SUVS WHEN THE MIAMI INTERNATIONAL SHOW RETURNS TO THE MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER FOR ITS 43RD ANNUAL RUN

WHERE: Miami Beach Convention Center, 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL

WHEN: Friday, November 8th through Sunday, November 17th, 2013

HOURS: Friday, November 8th 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Saturday, November 9th 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Sunday, November 10th 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Monday, November 11th (Veterans Day)11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Tuesday, November 12th 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Wednesday, November 13th 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Thursday, November 14th 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Friday, November 15th 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Saturday, November 16th 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; and Sunday, November 17th 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

THE MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW is the first major auto exhibition of the season and is produced by the SOUTH FLORIDA AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ASSOCIATION, a four-county group of 190 new car dealers from The Keys to the Palm Beaches. The 43rd edition of the Miami International Auto Show will be held November 8-17, 2013.

Models from more than 40 manufacturers will be displayed throughout the nearly half million square foot floor along with many of the same special features and exhibits that have made the auto show one of the keynote events of South Florida’s fall season. Miami is considered among the top five in attendance nationally among auto shows.

“South Florida is a top market for introducing new automotive products,” said Mario Murgado, show chairman of this year’s 43rd annual event. “Today’s engineering and technology are adding to efficiency, safety, reliability and value. These cars really offer something for everyone.”

Two vehicles will be making their national auto show debuts in Miami. The CADILLAC ESCALADE, which set the standard for luxury SUVs when it was introduced as a 1999 model, is all new for 2015 as it enters its fourth generation. The 2014 MASERATI GHIBLI SEDAN, first seen as a coupe in the 1960s, is set to spearhead the Italian manufacturer’s ambitious plans to become a fine-line automaker by 2015.

The 2014 CHEVROLET CORVETTE STINGRAY, the Great American sports car that is entering its seventh generation, is the OFFICIAL SHOW CAR FOR THE MIAMI AUTO SHOW. It’s a treat for the eyes and, with an active exhaust system that tunes tone to fit the driver’s mode setting, the ears as well.

It is over 60 years old and moving into its seventh generation, but, like fine wine, quality cheese, and Sophia Loren, the Chevrolet Corvette just gets better with age.

Chevy gave the iconic American sports car a complete makeover for 2014, and show attendees can see the result for themselves when they visit the 43rd annual Miami International Auto Show.

How does the 2014 model stack up to its predecessors? Well, when designers and engineers were finished with it, they gave it the hallowed Stingray badging.

“We didn’t set out to build a Stingray,” says John Fitzpatrick, Chevrolet Performance Cars Marketing Manager. “We set out to build the greatest Corvette we could. It wasn’t until we got done with that that we said, ‘You know, this really does remind everybody of the ’63, in terms of not only in the look of the car but how the car feels and how it reacts.’

“We thought it was natural to add the Stingray name at that point.”

With a new 6.2-liter V8 engine, the 2014 model is the most powerful standard Corvette ever with 455 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque delivered to the rear wheels through either an all-new seven-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. With EPA ratings of 17 miles-per-gallon city and 29 highway, Chevy claims this as the most efficient sports car on the market.

Yet when equipped with the Z51 PERFORMANCE PACKAGE, the 2014 ’Vette will zip from zero-to-60 mph in 3.8 seconds, run the quarter-mile in 12 seconds at 119 mph, and stop from 60 mph in 107 feet.

It’s not just in performance that the 2014 Corvette stands out, however. This is the most-advanced Corvette in technology with five driving modes — Tour (default), Sport, Track, Weather (rain and snow) and Eco (shutting down four cylinders for enhanced fuel economy while highway cruising) — and also the most refined.

Designers wrapped the cabin with premium materials, including carbon fiber, aluminum, and rich leather throughout. The smallest detail is attended to, like precise stitching on the smaller, leather-wrapped steering wheel for a more consistent feel.

Yet even with the improvements, the 2014 Corvette has a starting MSRP of under $52,000 in coupe form with the convertible starting at under $57,000, including destination and delivery charges. All in all, it’s one car you don’t want to miss on your visit to the MIAMI INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

In addition to being able to pore over the vehicles at their leisure, show goers also will be able to get behind the wheel of selected new models from manufacturers like Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Kia, Scion, Mazda, and Toyota during the show’s Ride & Drive opportunities on weekend hours and Veterans Day (November 11).

Ride and Drive 2012

“There’s no better backdrop at any other auto show in the U.S. than Miami Beach’s famed Ocean Drive,” added Murgado.

Camp Jeep, offering attendees the opportunity for an off-road experience as Jeep experts take riders around a special layout just outside the center, returns and will recognize its one-millionth rider during the course of the show.

Also back will be the nostalgic Havana Classics presented in part by Telemundo 51. Cars that once toured the Cuba’s picturesque roads and backstreets will transport you back in time to the 1950s. A rare, 1936 Ford Cabriolet originally owned by Academy Award winning actress Katharine Hepburn will be among the featured vehicles.

Netflix Makes First Major Acquisition for Its Original Documentary Initiative With “The Square”

JEHANE NOUJAIM’S GRIPPING FRONT-LINE PORTRAIT OF THE EGYPTIAN REVOLUTION PREMIERES IN ALL NETFLIX TERRITORIES IN EARLY 2014

Netflix original documentary “The Square,” a riveting, deeply human chronicle of the Egyptian protest movement from director-producer Jehane Noujaim (“Control Room“; “Startup.com“; “Rafea: Solar Mama“) and producer Karim Amer (“Rafea: Solar Mama“), will premiere exclusively on the world’s leading Internet TV network in all territories where Netflix is available in early 2014 to its over 40 million global members.

Winner of this year’s Toronto International Film Festival Documentary People’s Choice Award, “The Square” is an epic documentary that tells the behind-the-headlines story of the Egyptian Revolution through the eyes of young activists who have sought for the last two years to build a better Egypt. An earlier version of “The Square” won the Audience Award at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.  The film was also an Official Selection at the 2013 New York Film Festival.

The film captures the immediacy and intensity of the protests in Tahrir Square from the 2011 overthrow of military leader Hosni Mubarak through the ousting of Mohammed Morsi in 2013, providing a kaleidoscopic, visceral portrait of the events as they unfold before Magdy, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, Khalid Abdalla, an Egyptian actor who played the lead in “The Kite Runner” and the charismatic Ahmed, whose poetic storytelling carries the narrative. Armed with nothing more than cameras, social media, deep consciousness, and a resolute commitment to change, these young revolutionaries give us a front-line perspective of the ongoing struggle fought with new weapons.

“We are thrilled to be presenting an amazing film that brings to life in such a deeply human way one of the most important events of our time,” said Lisa Nishimura, Netflix VP of Original Documentary Programming.  “‘The Square’ is documentary filmmaking at the highest level – a beautifully constructed chronicle of brave people struggling against insurmountable odds to make their country a much better place.   One knows that history is unfolding on the screen before you when watching ‘The Square’. ”

“Our dream for ‘The Square’ is to inspire the hearts of as many people as possible and by working with Netflix, we can insure the film reaches a wide and diverse audience. Nothing about the making of this film has followed the norms and that’s what makes it exciting. It is crucial for us as filmmakers, who have shot a documentary about people risking and losing their lives for their beliefs, to create a spirit of possibility,” said Noujaim. “We see the deep value that Netflix places in this story of a very alive moment in world history and are thrilled they understand the power of this film to move, disrupt and inspire audiences worldwide,” said Amer.

Porsche Macan to Debut at 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show

All-New SUV Model Brings Typical Porsche Qualities to Fastest Growing Market Segment

Porsche (www.porsche.com) is celebrating two world premieres and three North American debuts at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show in a few short weeks. The much anticipated Porsche Macan Compact SUV, the automaker’s fifth model line, will be unveiled to an international audience at the L.A. Convention Center in Petree Hall during the Porsche press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 11:35 a.m. PST.

Porsche Macan Compact SUV

Additional world debuts include the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet and Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet models. These top-of-the-line, open air 911 sports cars accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.3 and 3.1 seconds respectively, reaching a top track speed of up to 195 mph.

Additionally, the Porsche 918 Spyder will be shown for the first time at an auto show in North America.  This plug-in hybrid super sports car carries the traditional Porsche DNA into a ground-breaking sports car concept. Designed from the start to be a high-performance hybrid, the 918 Spyder offers an unprecedented combination of performance by combining the 887-hp output of a super sports car and the virtually silent propulsion of an electric vehicle. The 918 Spyder is able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 2.8 seconds and offers extraordinary low fuel consumption.

The Porsche Panamera Turbo S and Porsche Panamera Turbo S Executive models will also be on display shortly after their world debut at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show the same day.  The Turbo S models are the fastest, most powerful and most luxurious models in the Panamera range, offering power output of 570 hp and a top track speed of 192 mph, plus a particularly extensive range of technology and luxury features. For the first time ever, an Executive version of the Panamera Turbo S is available with a wheelbase that is extended by 5.9 inches.

The Los Angeles area is not only home to one of the most important auto shows of the year, it is also Porsche’s most important market with 17 percent of all cars sold in the U.S. Given the Los Angeles area’s proximity to such a large number of Porsche customers, the company is currently building a first of its kind experience center in the area.  At the end of next year, the new Porsche Experience Center Los Angeles will offer a world class test track and handling course, including special surfaces which replicate inclement weather conditions where customers and auto enthusiasts can hone their driving skills and try out the latest Porsche models. The experience center, located in Carson, California, will also be the new home of Porsche Motorsport North America, currently located in Santa Ana, California.

Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (www.porsche.com), based in Atlanta, Ga. is the exclusive U.S. importer of Porsche sports cars, the Cayenne SUV and Panamera sports sedan. Established in 1984, it is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Porsche AG, which is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, and employs approximately 220 people who provide parts, service, marketing and training for 189 dealers. They, in turn, work to provide Porsche customers with a best-in-class experience that is in keeping with the brand’s 63-year history and leadership in the advancement of vehicle performance, safety and efficiency.

Make Epic Holiday Memories with these 4 EPIC Vodka Recipes

Seasonal Sangria, Irish Coffee, and Dessert Martinis Warm Up Holiday Spirits

All recipes and photos are by Stefanie Bundalo, http://www.sarcasticcooking.com/.

The holidays are right around the corner and EPIC Vodka has some recipe ideas to make your season full of epic memories to last through the New Year.

Made with vodka imported from France, EPIC is inspired by centuries-old distilling traditions and is made with hand-selected wheat harvested from the Champagne region in France. The vodka is distilled in the Cognac region and

Sazerac Co. Introduces New EPIC Vodka. (PRNewsFoto/Sazerac Company)

delivers a clean, crisp taste at an attractive price point.

“The holidays are meant to be shared with family and friends, whether at a party, or just having a friend over to catch up over a cocktail,” said Tracey Clapp, marketing director, vodka. “EPIC Vodka gives consumers an affordable option to serve up delicious tasting drinks, giving you time to sit back and relax and enjoy time with your loved ones.”

Introduced earlier this year, EPIC Vodka is named for the great moments found in our lives. “The holidays are a wonderful opportunity to reflect on what makes the ordinary memorable and to define what epic means to us as individuals,” continued Clapp.

 

EPIC recently received a 92/Excellent/Strongly Recommended rating at the 2013 Ultimate Spirits Competition. The brand is available in 1.75 ml, Liter, 750 ml and 50 ml. Suggested retail pricing for EPIC 750 ml is $12.99.

EPIC VODKA COCONUT MINTINI: Make Epic Holiday Memories with EPIC Vodka's Coconut Mintini. Visit http://www.epicvodka.com for recipe. (PRNewsFoto/EPIC Vodka)

EPIC VODKA ALMOND IRISH: Make your holidays merry with an Almond Irish Coffee from EPIC Vodka. (PRNewsFoto/EPIC Vodka)

EPIC VODKA BERRY SANGRIA: Make your holidays merry with Warm Winter Berry Sangria from EPIC Vodka. (PRNewsFoto/EPIC Vodka)

EPIC VODKA APPLE PIE: Make your holidays merry with an Apple Pie Martini from EPIC Vodka. (PRNewsFoto/EPIC Vodka)

EPIC Holiday Cocktail Recipes:

Warm Winter Berry Sangria – Serves 6-8

• 1, 750 ml Bottle of Red Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon)
• 1/2 Cup EPIC Cherry Vodka
• 2 Tablespoons Honey
• 1/2 Cup Frozen Cranberries
• 1/2 Cup Frozen Berry Medley (Cherries, Blueberries, Raspberries)
• 2 Cloves
• 2 Star Anise
• 1 Cinnamon Stick

PREP: Add all ingredients to a crock pot, stir to combine. Cover with lid, set crockpot to low and cook for four hours or set to high and cook for two hours to mull the flavors. Serve warm.

The Novotel Dubai Al Barsha Opens its Doors

The 42-storey property, Novotel Dubai Al Barsha, is open for business, accepting its first guest, Sunday 10 November. Overlooking the Arabian Gulf, the four-star hotel has an inventory of 465 guest rooms, five food and beverage outlets, ten meeting rooms and a business centre, not to forget a host of leisure facilities.

The Novotel Dubai Al Barsha opens its doors

The Novotel Dubai Al Barsha, is the latest addition to Dubai’s iconic skyline and is fast becoming a recognized beacon in the city. The innovative hanging gardens that can be seen across the hotel’s façade, signals the fresh approach the hotel takes to how it does business and is a core element of the property’s commitment to sustainable development.