ADCOLOR® Announces Winners For The 9th Annual ADCOLOR Awards In New York City

Evening Hosted by Janet Mock; MC Lyte, Brian Ellner, Bethann Hardison and More Honored

For the first time in New York City, ADCOLOR® celebrated a collection of the best and brightest in the advertising, marketing, PR, media and entertainment industries at the annual ADCOLOR® Awards ceremony September 19^th, at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers.

ADCOLOR (PRNewsFoto/ADCOLOR)

ADCOLOR® is a not-for-profit 501(c) (6) organization whose mission is to celebrate and champion diversity in the advertising, marketing, media, PR and entertainment industries. ADCOLOR champions diversity and inclusion in the creative industries. Theirr process is twofold. First, it help individuals and organizations RISE UP, letting their accomplishments and ideas shine. Then it teach these new leaders and would-be-mentors how to REACH BACK and find others who deserve to be noticed and promoted. The ultimate goal is to create a community of diverse professionals who is there to support and celebrate one another.

The Awards ceremony is a part of the 9^th Annual ADCOLOR Industry Conference and Awards, held September 16 -19 at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers and is the premier diversity gathering for professionals at all levels. This year’s ADCOLOR theme was MOVE, a call to action for people to act now, to do something, to make a difference, to move away from old mindsets, to move out of their comfort zones and get comfortable with the uncomfortable.

The event, hosted by Janet Mock, was filled with exciting moments from the evening’s honorees, including legendary lyricist and entertainer MC Lyte, Brim+Brew Founder and Creative Director Maurice Marable, Edelman Executive Vice President and Group Head for Public Affairs Brian Ellner, NBC Chief Marketing Officer Pam El and many more. Awards were presented throughout the night by entertainment industry elite, including Aisha Tyler, Jay Manuel, Baratunde Thurston and Laz Alonso.

Janet Mock is the New York Times best-selling author of Redefining Realness and the host of MSNBC’s “So POPular!,” a weekly series about popular culture, politics, identity and representation. She also serves as Contributing Editor for Marie Claire – the magazine where she first stepped forward publicly as a young trans woman. Her writing, work and media advocacy has been recognized by the Ms. Foundation, Planned Parenthood, ADCOLOR, TIME, which dubbed her “one of the 30 most influential people on the internet,” and Fast Company which named her “one of the most creative people in business.” Hailing from Honolulu, Hawaii, Janet lives and writes in New York City.

Each year, the ADCOLOR® Award nominees and honorees are selected based on criteria surrounding ADCOLOR’s motto “Rise Up and Reach Back”. Those recognized work not only to go above and beyond in their own careers, but also go out of their way to help others and make an impact on their peers. Eleven awards were distributed throughout the night. The full list of this year’s winners is as follows:

ROCK STAR
Rock Star is someone who, whether through their primary role or extracurricular activities, stands out as a leader and visionary in the industry.
WINNER: Ingrid Otero Smart, President/CEO, Casanova Pendrill

AD OF THE YEAR
New to this year’s event, the Ad of the Year awards a campaign or single execution that pushes boundaries, promotes conversation and highlights the lives of multicultural, LGBT and/or other under-represented Americans in the mass media.
WINNER: “Love Has No Labels” | CLIENT: The Ad Council | AGENCY: R/GA

RISING STAR
A Rising Star is an up-and-coming young gun with less than seven years of experience. A Rising Star is someone who stands out among their peers as someone who is raising the bar of excellence as they move forward in their career.
WINNER: Justin Adu, Creative Lead, Open Channels Group PR

INNOVATOR
Established in 2007, an Innovator is an employee who embodies progress and imagination.  Someone who stands out among peers as a game changer and pioneer in their role, creating breakthrough developments and/or improvements, whether tangible or intangible.
WINNER: Julie Ann Crommett, CS Education in Media Program Manager, Google

CHANGE AGENT
A Change Agent is the individual within a company who is using their talents and position to enhance the corporate culture and create a more inclusive environment.  This can be part of or beyond the scope of that person’s primary role.
WINNER: Kat Gordon, Founder, 3% Conference

THE LEGEND
A Legend is a seasoned industry veteran, a trailblazer who pushed the boundaries and created positive change, who wasn’t afraid to be different and who showed brilliance in his/her actions, setting the stage for other generations to take the opportunities made by this legend, even further.
HONOREES:
Pam El, Chief Marketing Officer, NBA
Luis Miguel Messianu, President and Chief Creative Officer, Alma DDB

Travel and Hospitality: The Citizen Hotel in Sacramento, California Joins Marriott International’s Autograph Collection Hotels™ Global Portfolio

The Hotel Joins The Growing List Of More Than 85 Passionately Independent Hotels Worldwide.

The Citizen Hotel in Sacramento, California, which was recently acquired by Platinum Equity, is the latest addition to the Autograph Collection Hotels, Marriott International’s exclusive portfolio of properties recognized for celebrating individuality. The Citizen is truly a unique establishment, located within walking distance to the most powerful building in California and offering modern amenities with historic old-world charm.

Located less than half a mile from the California State Capitol Building, The Citizen occupies the historic California Life Insurance Building, California’s first sky-scraper, built in 1925. Guests of the hotel will be treated to a truly one-of-a-kind experience, as no two rooms are exactly alike and each offers a different view of downtown Sacramento. On the historic thirteenth floor, for example, gorgeous tile mosaics adorn each bathroom.

The Citizen seamlessly marries the historic with the modern, offering amenities such as iPod sound systems and LCD high-definition televisions in each room. Boasting 9,000 square

The Citizen Hotel logo

feet of meeting space, including a beautiful 3,000 square foot tented roof deck with city views, the hotel is the perfect destination for any meeting, wedding or special event.

The Grange Restaurant and Bar, located on the grounds, incorporates farm fresh ingredients from the local farms of Central California into delicious seasonal menus. The Grange is also terrific choice for intimate gatherings, offering a private dining room for up to twenty guests. To learn more about the hotel or to book your next stay in Sacramento online, please visit TheCitizenHotel.com.

“Our goal is to give guests of the Citizen an upscale luxury experience with a location convenient to all that downtown Sacramento has to offer,” said Michael George, President and CEO of Crescent Hotels & Resorts. “The partnership with Autograph Collection has positioned us to present this superb and unique property to business and leisure travelers alike.”

The Autograph Collection Hotels celebrates a collection of independent leaders in film, art, design and literature by curating one-of-a-kind travel experiences at 89 luxury lifestyle hotels found in the world’s most desirable destinations. Exactly like nothing else, each hotel has been hand selected for its distinction as an iconic landmark, for its remarkable design or for its best-in-class resort amenities.

Crescent Hotels & Resorts is a nationally recognized, top-5 operator of hotels and resorts. Crescent currently operates over 100 hotels and resorts in 36 states in the US and 4 provinces in Canada. Crescent is one of the few elite management companies approved to operate upper-upscale and luxury hotels under the brand families of Marriott, Hilton, Starwood, Hyatt and IHG. Crescent also operates a collection of legendary independent hotels and resorts. Crescent’s clients are made up of hotel REITs, private equity firms and major developers.

Marriott International, Inc. is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 4,300 properties in 81 countries and territories. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands. Marriott Rewards is Marriott International’s award-winning loyalty program spanning 16 brands and 4,000 properties worldwide. Marriott Rewards is free to join and has no blackout dates, and members can earn and redeem points at Marriott properties around the world and at Marriott Rewards exclusive luxury partner The Ritz-Carlton®. Members can also redeem points for frequent flyer miles, cruises, car rentals, merchandise and more. To enroll and for more information about Marriott Rewards, guests can visit MarriottRewards.com.

Founded in 1995 by Tom Gores, Platinum Equity is a global investment firm with more than $6 billion of assets under management and approximately 30 operating companies that serve customers around the world. Platinum Equity specializes in mergers, acquisitions and operations – a trademarked strategy it calls M&A&O® – acquiring and operating companies in a broad range of business markets, including manufacturing, distribution, transportation and logistics, equipment rental, metals services, media and entertainment, technology, telecommunications and other industries. Over the past 20 years Platinum Equity has completed more than 150 acquisitions.

The Orchard and HBO Join Participant Media and The Silk Road Project Documentary on Music Legend Yo-Yo Ma

In advance of the film’s world premiere this week at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), rights to the new documentary film The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble have been acquired by The Orchard and HBO. The Orchard has acquired all worldwide rights of the Tremolo Production with the exception of U.S. domestic television rights, which HBO has acquired from Participant Media and The Silk Road Project. The Orchard is planning a theatrical release in the spring of 2016 with an HBO premiere to follow.

Celebrated international Cellist Yo-Yo Ma in the new documentary film The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble. The Silk Road Project is an internationally minded nonprofit founded by cellist Yo-Yo Ma in 1998, with a mission to promote innovation and learning through the arts.

From Morgan Neville, the director of the Oscar^®-winning documentary 20 Feet from Stardom and the critically-acclaimed Best of Enemies, the new film The Music of Strangers:  Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble tells the extraordinary story of an international musical collective created by legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma. The film follows this group of diverse instrumentalists, vocalists, composers, arrangers, visual artists and storytellers as they explore the power of music to preserve tradition, shape cultural evolution and inspire hope.

The Silk Road Project is an internationally minded nonprofit founded by cellist Yo-Yo Ma in 1998, with a mission to promote innovation and learning through the arts. Taking inspiration from the historical Silk Road trading routes, the Project explores the intersections of cultures, art forms and disciplines. Under the leadership of Mr. Ma and CEO and Executive Director Laura Freid, the Silk Road Project unites the performing arts, education and business, encouraging collaboration among artists and musicians, educators and entrepreneurs. Hyosung is the Corporate Sponsor of The Silk Road Project.

“The Music of Strangers represents an exciting opportunity for us to work closely with who we consider to be the triple-threat of Documentary powerhouses – Morgan, Participant and HBO,” said The Orchard’s SVP of Film and TV, Paul Davidson. “Morgan’s film is an inspiring and soulful experience we are proud to be a part of.”

The Orchard is a pioneering film, TV, and music distribution company operating in more than 25 global markets. With a holistic approach to sales and marketing combined with industry-leading technology and operations, The Orchard amplifies reach and revenue across hundreds of digital, physical and mobile outlets around the world. The Orchard streamlines content owners’ business complexity with an intuitive client dashboard, comprehensive rights management and tailored client support. Founded in 1997, The Orchard empowers businesses and creators in the entertainment industry. The Orchard most recently released THE OVERNIGHT, CARTEL LAND, and DIGGING FOR FIRE in theaters. Upcoming releases include FINDERS KEEPERS, NASTY BABY, and LOUDER THAN BOMBS.

The Music of Strangers:Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble was directed by Neville and produced by Neville and Caitrin Rogers of Tremolo Productions, in association with Participant Media and with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Pershing Square Foundation and the Ford Foundation JustFilms. The film’s executive producers include Participant Media’s Jeff Skoll and Diane Weyermann, HBO’s Sheila Nevins, Motto Pictures’ Julie Goldman, as well as The Silk Road Project’s Laura Freid and co-executive producer Cristin Canterbury Bagnall.

“What could be better than being involved in a film that erases differences in the name of music,” commented Nevins, President, HBO Documentary Films.

“Music of Strangers is a film about the many ways music brings people together. We are thrilled that HBO and The Orchard are joining us to share this story with the world,” said Neville, Tremolo Productions.

Tremolo Productions is a documentary production company founded by Morgan Neville, specializing in cultural storytelling. Films include the 2014 Grammy and Academy Award-winning 20 Feet from Stardom, this year’s hit Best of Enemies, Troubadours, Beauty is Embarrassing and others. Tremolo has been nominated for three other Grammys for the music films: Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story, Muddy Waters Can’t Be Satisfied and Johnny Cash’s America.  

“Morgan Neville traveled across three continents to tell the amazing stories of Yo-Yo Ma and these talented ensemble members. We are grateful that his remarkable storytelling so powerfully portrays the ways music, art and culture can connect us to the unfamiliar and create positive change. We can’t wait to share this with audiences near and far,” said Laura Freid, CEO of Silkroad.

“Participant is delighted to have such an incredible team on board to deliver Morgan Neville’s outstanding film to audiences in theaters and at home: The Orchard—who we are excited to collaborate with for the first time, and HBO—who we’ve successfully teamed with on 3 1/2 Minutes, 10 Bullets, as well as this year’s Oscar-winner CITIZENFOUR,” said Diane Weyermann, Participant’s EVP, Documentary Films.

Participant Media is a leading media company founded in 2004 and combines the power of a good story well told with opportunities for viewers to get involved. Participant’s more than 60 films include Lincoln, Contagion, The Help, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Food, Inc. , Waiting For ‘Superman,’ CITIZENFOUR and An Inconvenient Truth. Participant has also launched more than a dozen original series, including “Please Like Me,” “Hit Record On TV with Joseph Gordon-Levitt,” and “Fortitude,” for its television network, Pivot. Participant’s digital hub, TakePart, serves millions of socially conscious consumers each month with daily articles, videos and opportunities to take action.

The deal was negotiated by Danielle DiGiacomo for The Orchard, Gabe Brakin for Participant Media and Josh Braun of Submarine, who also negotiated the deal with HBO.

Fall Travel 2015: Nine Top Reasons to Love The Lafayette Art & Wine Festival 2015, California’s East Bay’s Favorite End of Summer Party

Award-Winning Art, Wine and Music Festival: 2 Days, 4 Live Stages, 21 Cover Bands, 260+ Artist Booths, KidZone, Great Food – and arguably the largest selection of Wine, Beer and Ale of any San Francisco Bay Area Festival.

Lafayette Art & Wine Festival 2015 is Sept 19 & 20Lafayette Art & Wine Festival 2015 Graphic

The annual Lafayette Art & Wine Festival, now in its 20th year, a thriving as a growing regional event, attracts nearly four-times the town’s 24,000-resident population during the Festival weekend each September and is consistently voted by readers of Diablo Magazine as, “Best of the East Bay.” The Lafayette Art & Wine Festival is an annual event that promotes Lafayette’s Downtown and raises money for local education, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and other local non-profit organizations. The event is produced by the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Lafayette and Eckerstrom Productions.

The 2015 Lafayette Art & Wine Festival will be held on Saturday, September 19 (10am-7pm) and Sunday, September 20 (10am-6pm) in Lafayette, CA.

Here are 9 top reasons why the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival is the East Bay’s best end of summer party:

1. Location: The Festival is held in the heart of beautiful downtown Lafayette, just steps from the Lafayette BART station, near bike trails (complimentary valet bike parking provided), 2 blocks off Hwy 24, and an easy walk/shuttle from complimentary Festival parking.

2. Continuous Music & Dancing – with no cover charge: 2 Days. 4 Stages. Room to dance to familiar tunes played by 21 of the Bay Area’s best headliner cover bands. The 2015 line-up is particularly strong and includes The Sun Kings, Foreverland, Stu Allen & Mars Hotel, David Martin’s House Party, Aja Vu, Stealin’ Chicago, ZEBOP!, The Spazmatics, Juice, The Big Jangle, East Bay Mudd, Bay Bridge Beat, David Crimmen, Echo Trail, Other People’s Money, Evolution, Bob Athayde & Friends, Spinout, and more. View the 2015 Lafayette Art & Wine Festival entertainment schedule at www.lafayettefestival.com/music

New for 2015: To help celebrate the Festival’s 20th anniversary, Whole Foods is sponsoring family-friendly activities at the Premium Wine Area from 10am to noon both Saturday and Sunday. A “sock hop” follows from noon to 1:30pm, with live ’50s music provided by Spinout on Saturday and Dave Crimmen on Sunday.

3. Unique Wine & Beer Offerings at The Party Within The Party: Popular wines, beers and ales are served throughout the Festival footprint, but the real action for connoisseurs happens in the Premium Wine & Craft Beer Pavilion, where there are selections of high-end wines and craft beer that most people never get a chance to taste, including wines from the backyard vineyards of Lamorinda Wine Growers Association members.

4. Delicious Food: Choice is everywhere, including Lafayette’s restaurant row fare. More than 25 of Lafayette’s top restaurants are in the Festival’s footprint, plus there are dozens of other food vendors and Food Trucks that offer everything from hickory smoked pulled pork tacos to crab cakes.

5. Original Fine Arts & Crafts: People from all over the Bay Area come to shop at the Festival’s 260+ local and regional artists’ booths, including the “Local Artists Alley,” which showcases Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda fine artists, who are members of the Lafayette Gallery and Lamorinda Arts Alliance.

7. Family & Dog Friendly: People move to Lafayette for the family friendly lifestyle, so it’s no surprise that this is a family friendly festival, starting with a large KidZone and Kids’ Stage. There is also plenty for family dogs to see and smell, as well as easy access to Festival water bowls.

8. Budget Friendly: This event is a fundraiser that supports the Lafayette Chamber’s many programs, Lafayette Partners in Education (“LPIE”), and other local non-profits, but attendees don’t have to spend. The Festival Experience offers many things that are free — admission (including access to music stages), parking, easy shuttle service from Festival Parking, and secure bike valet.

9. Extend the Family Fun – New for 2015: The Lafayette Police Department is hosting a new Police Motorcycle Competition in the South BART parking lot during Festival weekend. Free to attend, the event offers individual and team motorcycle events to watch both Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 5pm. For complete Lafayette Art & Wine Festival details, go to www.lafayettefestival.com.

Sundance NEXT FEST Returns to The Theatre at Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles, August 7-9

SUNDANCE INSTITUTE TO HOST SUMMER FILM AND MUSIC FESTIVAL IN DOWNTOWN LA

The Sundance Institute will host Sundance NEXT FEST August 7-9, 2015, for the second year at The Theatre at Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The weekend-long summer festival celebrates independent artists by pairing five new independent films with either a special music act that shares a complementary artistic sensibility or conversations between the filmmakers and those who inspired them. Sundance NEXT FEST is an extension of the Sundance Film Festival’s popular NEXT section, which has launched films including Obvious Child, Compliance, Appropriate Behavior, Tangerine and Escape from Tomorrow.

Sundance NEXT FEST Logo. Courtesy of Sundance Institute

This will mark the festival’s third year in Los Angeles. Highlights of last year include the premiere of Life After Beth with a solo acoustic performance by Father John Misty, a screening of A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night with a live performance by Warpaint, and a screening of Kumiko, the Treasure Hunter followed by a conversation between the filmmakers and Werner Herzog.

Sundance NEXT FEST Screening Of “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night” With Concert By Warpaint.
LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 10: Producer Elijah Wood and director Ana Lily Amirpour (R) attend the screening of “A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night” with Warpaint in concert during Sundance NEXT FEST at The Theatre at Ace Hotel on August 10, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/WireImage)

Sundance NEXT FEST Theatre at Ace Hotel Interior. Photo Credit: Michael Rababy

The Theatre at Ace Hotel is a delicate restoration of the 1,600-seat United Artists Theater, built in the 1920s for the Maverick Film Studio founded by Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, D.W Griffith and Charles Chaplin. Designed by C. Howard Crane, the Theatre is a shrine to the arts, with a three-story, 2,300-square-foot grand lobby, an ornate open balcony and mezzanine, vaulted ceiling and richly colored murals depicting the legends of film’s Golden Age, immortalized in mythic attire.

LANDS’ END NAMES FEDERICA MARCHIONNI AS CEO

Global Fashion Executive Brings Proven Experience as Visionary Brand-Builder and Broad Leadership Skillset to Drive Growth for Iconic American Brand

Lands’ End, Inc. announced that its Board of Directors has named Federica Marchionni as Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Marchionni comes to Lands’ End from her role as President of Dolce&Gabbana USA Inc. and has succeeded Edgar Huber, who resigned from the Company. Ms. Marchionni will assume the CEO position at Lands’ End and join the Company’s Board of Directors on February 17, 2015, following the completion of her professional commitments to Dolce&Gabbana.

Under Ms. Marchionni’s leadership as President starting in 2011, Dolce&Gabbana USA’s revenues increased significantly. She successfully elevated the positioning of the brand and redesigned strategies for expanding it across multiple channels, target customers and geographic areas. While growing the existing business, Ms. Marchionni oversaw the opening of several key stores – including the 5th Avenue flagship store in New York City as well as stores in other markets including Toronto, Chicago, Aspen and Boston – and also strengthened the brand’s partnership with major U.S. department stores. Working closely with the product development teams, sell-through was also advanced in each category and channel, including online. Prior to that, over the course of a career as a global group director at Dolce&Gabbana that stretches back to 2001, she led business development for business units in more than 100 countries. Ms. Marchionni was also Senior Vice President at Ferrari where she acted as the chief executive of a division that generated an important portion of the company’s worldwide sales. Earlier in her career, Ms. Marchionni held positions of increasing responsibility in product marketing and sales at industry-leading consumer technology and telecommunications companies such as Samsung, Phillips, and Ericsson. She graduated summa cum laude from La Sapienza University of Rome with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration.

In announcing the appointment, Josephine Linden, Chairman of the Board of Lands’ End, said, “We are delighted that Federica Marchionni is joining Lands’ End. She is a multi-talented, visionary business leader with a complete set of creative, strategic and analytical skills to grow a multi-channel apparel brand in a highly competitive and evolving global environment. She has proven product development, retail and international experience, a tremendous passion for success, and a deep network of relationships across the fashion, consumer and retail landscapes. She also fully embraces the principles of quality, value and service on which Gary Comer founded Lands’ End in 1963. We are confident she will build upon the Company’s legacy as a classic American brand with a keen eye toward its future as a global lifestyle brand.”

Mrs. Linden continued: “On behalf of the entire Board and Lands’ End organization, we truly appreciate Edgar Huber’s steady leadership prior to and during the spin-off from Sears Holdings Corporation. With annual sales in excess of $1.5 billion, roots more than 50 years deep and a great team behind it, Lands’ End is ready for a new leader to accelerate the realization of the full potential of the brand and drive profitable growth.”

“With the successful completion of the spin-off of Lands’ End from Sears Holdings Corporation,” Mr. Huber said, “I have accomplished what I came to achieve at Lands’ End and I look forward to the Company’s success in the future.”

“I have long admired Lands’ End’s powerful platform and I am excited to lead this iconic company. I have great respect and appreciation for what the Lands’ End team has accomplished to date, and I look forward to leveraging Lands’ End’s strong foundation to expand the brand into new markets and channels over time while remaining true to the brand’s core values and customer base,” Ms. Marchionni said. “ I join the Lands’ End family with the clear goal of moving the Company forward by working with the Board to identify and pursue growth in key areas, collaborating with and inspiring our people to find new ways to delight customers, and delivering improved financial performance for our shareholders. I cannot wait to get started to take advantage of the significant opportunities ahead.”

PANDORA Partners with National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.® to Support the Fight Against Breast Cancer

 

PANDORA Partners with National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.(R) to Support the Fight Against Breast Cancer (PRNewsFoto/PANDORA Jewelry)

In support of the fight against breast cancer, PANDORA Jewelry announced a partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.® (NBCF). As part of the new partnership, the sale of existing pink ribbon charms will directly benefit the organization and marking the first year of their partnership. Recognized as one of the leading breast cancer organizations in the world, the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s (NBCF) mission is to help women now by providing help and inspiring hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services. A recipient of Charity Navigator’s highest 4-star rating for ten years, NBCF provides women Help for Today…Hope for Tomorrow® through its National Mammography Program, Beyond The Shock®, Early Detection Plan, MyNBCF online support community, and breast cancer research programs.

The three PANDORA charms that feature the pink ribbon include:
—  Pink Ribbon, Pink Enamel Sterling Silver Charm, Item: 790755EN24 ($45 USD)
—  Pink Ribbon, Murano Charm, Item: 790928 ($35 USD)
—  Pink Ribbon, Sterling Silver Dangle Charm, Item: 790314PCZ ($45 USD)

The PANDORA Pink Ribbon charms are now available at all authorized PANDORA retailers. To locate the store nearest you, visitwww.pandora.net.

 

Avon Launches Redesigned Ecommerce Site

Avon Products, Inc. has launched its redesigned website,www.avon.com, a critical component of its digital strategy designed to enhance the social selling experience for Avon Representatives and the shopping experience for consumers.

“The Avon Representative and her social circles have been the core of our business for over 125 years,” says Matt Harker, Vice President, Avon North America Marketing. “The new site and a recently launched social media center help to forge strong connections between the Representative and her consumers. We are giving her the tools, training and incentives to be a successful multichannel social seller.”

With this new website launch, Avon will bolster the social selling experience for its Representatives by delivering tools to enhance their reach, productivity and earnings. To complement the traditional face-to-face selling approach, Representatives have the option to sell through their own personalized eStore. This newly redesigned ecommerce platform includes such customizable features as blogs, special offers, select product highlights and videos. Representatives also have access to an email marketing program and social media suite featuring valuable beauty content that can be easily shared with their customers.

The new site experience will improve access to the brand, whether a consumer prefers to shop through their Representative’s eStore, or directly through Avon.com. Additionally, tools such as a “Find a Representative” locator, and a Facebook sign-in makes the shopping experience fast and easy. To help educate and engage consumers, the new site provides rich content, tips from Avon experts, how-to videos, a virtual makeover tool, and ratings and reviews.

The launch will be promoted through a multipronged digital media campaign, developed in collaboration with award-winning digital media agency iCrossing. The campaign is an extension of the Avon You Make It Beautiful campaign, and focuses on how consumers interact with the brand. The campaign will feature the launch of ANEW Vitale, as well as a content series featuring young women who personify the Avon brand and its commitment to beauty, innovation and empowerment.

TOYS“R”US® UNVEILS THE 2014 #TRUHOTTOYLIST

Charm-azing Bracelets, Stretchy Heroes in a Half Shell, Little Chirping Love Birds, a Virtual Construction Set and 200 Pound-Towing Truck Are Among the Top Toys Named to the Company’s Annual and Industry-Leading Gift List

With the holiday shopping season approaching, Toys“R”Us® has revealed its highly anticipated 2014 Holiday Hot Toy List. The annual list of 36 items, determined by Toys“R”Us play experts after months of extensive research, is packed with a wide range of brand new toys, games and other playthings expected to be at the top of kids’ wish lists this year. For the full list, visit Toysrus.com/HotToys or follow the conversation on social media using the hashtag, #TRUHotToyList.

“We take great pride in providing parents and gift-givers with a reliable and definitive shopping list that they can use as a starting point to help ensure kids will be smiling from ear-to-ear when they open their presents on Christmas morning,” said Richard Barry, Executive Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer, Toys“R”Us, Inc. “Our team of toy experts has a proven track record of predicting what are expected to be the most coveted toys each holiday season. By sharing our unique toy insights, while offering compelling services and savings opportunities, including the introduction of free online layaway and our new Rewards“R”Us loyalty program with “R”Us credit card incentives, we’re determined to help make holiday gifting easy for our customers.”

THE TOYS“R”US “FABULOUS 15”: The Best-of-the-Best of the Holiday Season

Among the 36 items named to the Toys“R”Us Holiday Hot Toy List are the Fabulous 15, expected to be the most sought-after and anticipated items of the holiday season:

• Charmazing™ Color Me Up! from Wooky Entertainment Inc.
• Disney Frozen Snow Glow Elsa from Tolly
• Doc McStuffins Get Better Talking Mobile from Just Play™
• FurReal Friends® Get Up and Go Go My Walkin’ Pup™ from Hasbro®
• Hot Wheels® Street Hawk™ Remote Control Flying Car from Mattel®
• Imaginext® Battle Rover by Fisher-Price®
• LeapTV™ from LeapFrog®
• LEGO® FUSION Town Master from LEGO® Systems Inc.
• Little Live Pets™ Bird Cage Love Birds Double Pack from Moose Toys™
• MAX Tow Truck™ from JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
• Mutant Mania™ Mutant Masher from Moose Toys™
• Skylanders Trap Team™ from Activision Publishing, Inc.
• Teenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesStretch ‘N’ Shout Leonardo from Playmates Toys®
• TRANSFORMERS Stomp & Chomp GRIMLOCK from Hasbro®
• Zoomer™ Dino (Onyx) from Spin Master™

THE 2014 #TRUHotToyList

From Baby’s First Christmas to Big Kids, the 2014 Toys“R”Us Holiday Hot Toy List represents the top new toys of the year in each age group:

Baby’s First Christmas:

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Bright Starts™ Having a Ball!™ Hide & Spin Monkey™ from Kids II®

It’s time for some monkey business! By picking up balls, placing them into the top of the monkey’s hat and pressing his nose, little ones can watch with excitement as the balls spiral down the ramp. With bright lights and silly monkey sounds and songs, parents should prepare for ongoing laughter. The Hide & Spin Monkey also encourages sit-to-stand play. 4 “AA” batteries required (included). Ages 6 to 36 months.

MINNIE MOUSE Musical Touch ‘n Crawl (In Packaging) – C.Hung Yu photographer

MINNIE MOUSE Musical Touch ‘n Crawl from Fisher-Price®

This too-cute Minnie Mouse is moving and grooving, encouraging crawlers to join along and further develop gross motor skills. With just a press of Minnie’s back, babies will hear adorable phrases such as “great job!” and “aren’t you sweet?” followed by Minnie crawling to a sweet melody. Minnie is soft to the touch and sized just right for little ones. 2 “AA” batteries required (included). Ages 9 months to 3 years.

13 months to 2 years:

3-in-1 Bounce, Stride & Ride (Out of Packaging)

3-in-1 Bounce, Stride & Ride

3-in-1 Bounce, Stride & Ride Elephant from Fisher-Price®

This adorable elephant pal comes ready to play and ride with lights, music and three “grow-with-me” stages to get infants moving. Babies can bounce up and down, then steady their first steps as a walker, and ultimately take a ride. Upbeat tunes, fun sounds, phrases and sing-along songs encourage and reward actions of little learners. The elephant’s big, soft ears move as babies move to add even more fun and excitement. 2 “AAA” batteries required (included). Ages 9 months to 3 years.

Giggly Gears Twirltable

Giggly Gears™ Twirltable™ from Little Tikes®

Little imaginations will spin into gear with this engaging and interactive Toys“R”Us exclusive play table. With over 20 colorful gears that turn, swirl and wind, there are endless ways to play and countless hours of imaginative fun to be had. Parents will love to watch as toddlers invent new ways to spin and stack gears while music plays. 2 “AAA” batteries required (not included). Ages 12 months and up.

2 to 4 years:

Cabbage Patch Kids Twinkle Toes 2 (Out of Packaging)

Cabbage Patch Kids® 14-Inch SKECHERS® Twinkle Toes Kid with Backpack from JAKKS Pacific, Inc.

Kids can’t help but shine when playing with the all-new Toys“R”Us exclusive 14-inch Cabbage Patch Kid, featuring real light-up accessories and SKECHERS shoes. Available in a variety of ethnicities, face shapes, hair colors, eye colors and more to choose from, each Cabbage Patch Kid has a one-of-a-kind name and comes with a birth certificate and adoption papers. 6 “AG13/LR44” batteries required (included). Ages 3 years and up.

Tony- And Grammy-Winner Billy Porter To Host Live Out Loud’s Thirteenth Annual Young Trailblazers Gala On April 28

Acclaimed Star of Broadway’s Kinky Boots Will Serve as Master of Ceremonies and Help Celebrate Five of New York’s Most Inspiring Young Leaders

Billy Porter will headline the thirteenth annual Trailblazers Benefit Gala hosted by Live Out Loud, an nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring, nurturing and empowering LGBTQ youth to build a successful future by connecting them to positive role models and affirmative experiences in the LGBTQ community.  On Monday, April 28, Porter will join more than 500 leaders in business, arts, politics, and more, to honor individuals that have made a positive impact among the LGBT youth community and recognize several remarkable young LGBT leaders with college scholarships.  Proceeds of the event will go toward furthering educational programming for LGBTQ youth.

Live Out Loud inspires, nurtures and empowers LGBTQ youth to build a successful future by connecting them to positive role models and affirmative experiences in the LGBTQ community. By providing youth with opportunities to interact with adults who understand the realities of living openly as a member of the LGBTQ community, Live Out Loud helps young people to achieve academic success, healthy relationships, rewarding careers, and a fulfilling life. Live Out Loud forges these crucial connections through innovative, hands-on initiatives that include: bringing positive LGBTQ role models into classrooms and schools; bringing LGBTQ youth into workplaces to meet LGBTQ professionals from all walks of life; and providing financial and mentoring support to young scholars and leaders.

“It will be my great pleasure to shine the spotlight on perseverance and the potential these young leaders have to find their own voices in this world,” noted Porter, whose artistic talents are equaled only by his passionate support for LGBTQ rights.  “I celebrate Live Out Loud for their important work and will be proud to stand among them at this gala, and continue to stand for the power of equality.”

Porter is a Tony^® and Grammy^® Award-winning singer, composer, actor, playwright and director from Pittsburgh, PA. As a recording artist, Porter’s solo albums include his first CD, Untitled, on A&M records and his sophomore album, At the Corner of Broadway + Soul – LIVE, on Sh-K-Boom Records. Billy’s Back on Broadway, Porter’s highly anticipated debut on Concord Records, is scheduled for release April 8, 2014. Porter currently stars as “Lola” in the smash hit Broadway musical Kinky Boots, for which he won the 2013 Drama Desk and Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Musical.  Porter is also a graduate of The Professional Program In Screenwriting at UCLA and is an adjunct professor at his alma mater Carnegie Mellon University’s School Of Drama, where he has directed productions of Company and Letters From ‘Nam.

He will be joined this year by Gala Chairs Tim Allen, Eugene Rabinovich and Chuck James. Honorary Chairs include Lea DeLaria, Michael Urie, Jordan Roth & Richie Jackson, Kim & Lexi Stolz, BD Wong,David Hallberg, Clodagh, Daryl Roth and The Honorable Christine Quinn.   Honorees include Ariel Foxman, editor at InStyle Magazine and Playwright, Terrance McNally.

“The LGBT community continues to change public opinion and we have seen dramatic changes made in the past several years – including, and importantly, last year’s overturning of the Defense of Marriage Act and the great many states that are debating the legalization of same-sex marriage,” said Leo Preziosi, Jr., founder and executive director of Live Out Loud. “Together, we must all focus on what’s possible – on what the world can and one day will look like for LGBTQ youth.  That is why we enable adult members of our community to reach out to the younger generation and play an active role in their lives to show them that they are valued and that their dreams can be realized.”

In the tradition of Live Out Loud‘s commitment to energize and enable LGBTQ youth to live the life of their dreams, five college-bound high school seniors from the NY Tri-state area will be awarded $5,000 scholarships at the event for their demonstrated outstanding leadership.

Live Out Loud helps LGBTQ students in New York City and the tri-state area by connecting them with role models and leaders in the LGBT community who are passionate about their life’s work and committed to sharing their stories, insight and advice with the next generation.  Among Live Out Loud‘s many hallmark programs is a partnership with international ad agency Deutsch Inc. called “Gay It Forward“, a groundbreaking PSA campaign for one of their signature programs, The Homecoming Project, which brings successful LGBT adults back to their high schools to share their stories with current students.

Sponsors of the Thirteenth Annual Young Trailblazers Gala include: Bank of America Merrill Lynch,Bloomingdale’s, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Inc., Carolina Herrera, Coach, Donny Deutsch, Abraham & Golda Foxman, Ariel Foxman, Fund in the Sun, Helmut Lang, IPG, Johnson & Johnson, Nancy & Howard Marks, Max Mara, Mindspark, Neiman Marcus, PwC, Daryl and Steven Roth Foundation, Theory, Lizzie & Jonathan M. Tisch, TJ Maxx/Marshalls/Homegoods, Tory Burch, and Viacom.

Tickets start at $250, and multiple sponsorship opportunities are still available.  For more information, contact Kristine Bruch at 212-228-7446 or visit www.liveoutloud.info.

 

19TH ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE MOVIE AWARDS (2014) – BEST PICTURE: 12 YEARS A SLAVE

NEWLY-MINTED 2014 ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATED ACTRESSES, ACTORS AND DIRECTORS WON BIG

“12 YEARS A SLAVE” NAMED BEST PICTURE AT 19TH ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE MOVIE AWARDS

“GRAVITY” ROCKETS TO A RECORD SEVEN WINS

“AMERICAN HUSTLE” FOLLOWS WITH FOUR

Glamorous Porsche Vehicles Displayed at Critics’ Choice Movie Awards

Porsche 911 and Panamera S E-Hybrid make red carpet appearance at Los Angeles awards show

Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts arrives at the 19th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards at the Barker Hangar on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014, in Santa Monica, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

The Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA) announced the winners for the 19th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards last night, live from the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif. The show aired on The CW Network at 8:00PM ET/PT and was hosted by Aisha Tyler. A live pre-show aired in various local markets before the awards ceremony. Stars walking the red carpet mingled with the Porsche 911 and Panamera S E-Hybrid, debuted by Porsche Cars North America, Inc., the exclusive importer of Porsche vehicles in the U.S. and the official sponsor of the 2014 ceremony.

Cristina Cheever of Porsche arrives at the 19th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards presented by Porsche at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision for Porsche/AP Images)

B.J. Novak arrives at the 19th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards presented by Porsche at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision for Porsche/AP Images)

Alessandro Nivola attends the 19th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards presented by Porsche at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision for Porsche/AP Images)

Bob Odenkirk arrives at the 19th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards presented by Porsche at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision for Porsche/AP Images)

Bob Odenkirk arrives at the 19th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards presented by Porsche at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision for Porsche/AP Images)

Nia Long arrives at the 19th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards presented by Porsche at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision for Porsche/AP Images)

Kristen Bell arrives at the 19th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards presented by Porsche at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision for Porsche/AP Images)

SANTA MONICA, CA – JANUARY 16: Critics’ Choice LOUIS XIII Genius Award during the 19th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards at Barker Hangar on January 16, 2014 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Ari Perilstein/Getty Images for LOUIS XIII)

SANTA MONICA, CA – JANUARY 16: Critics’ Choice LOUIS XIII Genius Award during the 19th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards at Barker Hangar on January 16, 2014 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Ari Perilstein/Getty Images for LOUIS XIII)

SANTA MONICA, CA – JANUARY 16: Critics’ Choice LOUIS XIII Genius Award during the 19th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards at Barker Hangar on January 16, 2014 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Ari Perilstein/Getty Images for LOUIS XIII)

SANTA MONICA, CA – JANUARY 16: Critics’ Choice LOUIS XIII Genius Award during the 19th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards at Barker Hangar on January 16, 2014 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Ari Perilstein/Getty Images for LOUIS XIII)

SANTA MONICA, CA – JANUARY 16: Critics’ Choice LOUIS XIII Genius Award during the 19th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards at Barker Hangar on January 16, 2014 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Ari Perilstein/Getty Images for LOUIS XIII)

Emma Thompson arrives at the 19th annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards presented by Porsche at The Barker Hangar in Santa Monica on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014. (Photo by Todd Williamson/Invision for Porsche/AP Images)

Since its inception in 1995, the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards has been a star-studded bellwether event of the movie awards season. Among the night’s attendees were Barkhad Abdi, Jensen Ackles, Amy Adams, Christina Applegate, Kristen Bell, Cate Blanchett, Abigail Breslin, Daniel Bruhl, Sandra Bullock, Jessica Chastain, Kristin Chenoweth, Steve Coogan, Bradley Cooper, Chris Cooper, Alfonso Cuarón, Julie Delpy, Will Forte, Bruce Dern, Leonardo DiCaprio, Chiwetel Ejiofor,  Adele Exarchopoulos, Cuba Gooding Jr., Bill Hader, Tom Hanks, Ethan Hawke, Jonah Hill, Liam James, Spike Jonze, Sir Ben Kingsley, Brie Larson, Jared Leto, Juliette Lewis, Richard Linklater, Nia Long, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Kellan Lutz, James Marsden, Melissa McCarthy, Matthew McConaughey, Steve McQueen, Dermot Mulroney, Sophie Nelisse, Lupita Nyong’o, Bob Odenkirk, David O’Russell, Jared Padalecki, Jeremy Renner, Margot Robbie, Julia Roberts, Sam Rockwell, Julia Roberts, Seth Rogen, Martin Scorsese, Tye Sheridan, Ian Somerhalder, Kevin Spacey, June Squibb, Meryl Streep, Emma Thompson, Mark Wahlberg, Isaiah Washington, Marlon Wayans, Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey.

ROUND-THE-CLOCK SHOPPING RETURNS AS MACY’S BRINGS BACK ITS OVERNIGHT HOURS AT SELECT STORES

EXTENDED STORE HOURS AND 24-HOUR SHOPPING STARTS FRIDAY, DEC. 20

Last minute holiday shoppers receive their Christmas presents early this year with the gift of extra time as Macy’s brings back its seasonal tradition, 24-hour shopping. Beginning Friday, Dec. 20 at 7 a.m., 37 Macy’s stores in select cities across the country including Macy’s Herald Square in New York City; Union Square in San Francisco; and State Street in Chicago will stay open overnight for four days in a row of non-stop shopping until Christmas Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 6 p.m.

In 2006, Macy’s Queens Center store was the first Macy’s store to go 24-hours. Due to its unprecedented success, Macy’s added additional store locations in the following years. Store associates volunteer to work the overnight and extended hour shifts.

With a shorter shopping season, Macy’s customers will be able to enjoy 107 hours of ‘round-the-clock shopping to ensure that everyone on the list receives the very best gift. Macy’s 24-hour shopping is a holiday tradition that makes the season less hectic with stores remaining open all-night during the homestretch of the Christmas season. Less holiday crowds and shorter lines are an added bonus as Macy’s makes sure that time is on everyone’s side. In addition to the 24-hour stores, mostly all stores nationwide, except furniture galleries and select locations, will offer extended hours each night until 2 a.m. thru Dec. 23, making Macy’s the go-to store for gifting.

“Overnight shopping at Macy’s has become a holiday tradition that last minute gift-givers count on to get them through the time crunch of the season,” said Peter Sachse, chief stores officer, Macy’s, Inc. “Our customers already love to shop with us for the best gifts, but they also love that our stores stay open providing them with the convenience of late-night or early morning hours so that they can shop when they choose.”

Macy’s 24-Hour Stores include the following select locations:

California

• Macy’s Union Square, San Francisco
• Macy’s Valley Fair, Santa Clara

Illinois

• Macy’s State Street, Chicago
• Macy’s Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook
• Macy’s Woodfield, Schaumburg
• Macy’s Orland Square, Orland Park

Louisiana

• Lakeside Shopping Center, Metarie

Massachusetts

• Macy’s South Shore, Braintree, MA

Michigan

• Macy’s Twelve Oaks, Novi
• Macy’s Oakland, Troy
• Macy’s Lakeside. Sterling Heights
• Macy’s Fairlane Town Center, Dearborn

Minnesota

• Macy’s Rosedale, Minneapolis

New Jersey

• Macy’s at Newport Centre, Jersey City
• Macy’s at Willowbrook Mall, Wayne
• Macy’s Menlo Park Mall, Menlo Park
• Macy’s Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge
• Macy’s Cherry Hill, Cherry Hill (Philadelphia)

New York

• Macy’s Herald Square, Manhattan
• Macy’s at Queens Center Mall, Rego Park
• Macy’s Flushing, Flushing
• Macy’s at Staten Island Mall, Staten Island
• Macy’s Kings Plaza, Brooklyn
• Macy’s Manhasset, Manhasset
• Macy’s Smith Haven Mall, Lake Grove
• Macy’s at Roosevelt Field Mall, Westbury
• Macy’s at Green Acres Mall, Valley Stream
• Macy’s Cross County Shopping Center, Yonkers

Texas

• Northpark Center, Dallas
• Parks at Arlington, Fort Worth
• Memorial City, Houston
• La Plaza, San Antonio
• North Star, San Antonio
• Del Norte, San Antonio

Washington, D.C./Virginia/Maryland

• Macy’s Mall in Columbia, Columbia, MD
• Macy’s Tyson’s Corner, McLean, VA
• Macy’s Fashion Center, Pentagon City, VA

Belk Unwraps Exciting Plans for Holiday Selling Season

STORES TO OPEN AT 8 P.M. ON THANKSGIVING DAY FOR CUSTOMERS’ SHOPPING CONVENIENCE WITH NUMEROUS DOORBUSTERS, SPECIAL BUYS AND COUPON OFFERS THAT WILL MAKE ANY HOLIDAY SHOPPER JOLLY

STORES AND BELK.COM JOIN FORCES TO MAKE BELK THE GIFT-GIVING HEADQUARTERS FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH FUN SPECIAL EVENTS AND THE LATEST ASSORTMENTS OF TOP FASHION BRANDS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY AND HOME

With six fewer shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, Belk today announced a line-up of special events and sales promotions aimed at ensuring customers can get the gifts they want without a hassle, and at prices that will please the most discerning shoppers. A total of ten company-wide sales promotions are planned before year end, plus additional cyber sales on http://www.belk.com.

Belk kicked off its holiday selling period with the semi-annual Charity Sale this Saturday, Nov. 9, from 6 – 10

Belk, Inc. is a Charlotte, N.C.-based department store company. (PRNewsFoto/Belk, Inc.)

a.m. The event featured incredible discounts on rarely discounted brands and at the same time will benefit thousands of charities in communities throughout the company’s 16-state Southern market area. The public was invited to participate in the event by purchasing a $5 ticket at the store or from a participating charity.  All proceeds from ticket sales go to the charities, and customers receive $5 off their purchases during the sale.

Belk stores will open at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, the earliest ever for Belk, to allow customers extra time to enjoy shopping with friends and family over the holiday weekend. From 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28 through 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, stores will offer more than 350 Earlybird specials while quantities last and extraordinary holiday bargains and limited time offers on other merchandise throughout the store. The promotion will feature hundreds of special deals in every department, including top fashion brands and styles for the whole family, exclusive cosmetics and fragrances and a wide selection of merchandise for the kitchen and home.

The first 250 customers at each store at the 8 p.m. opening on Thanksgiving will receive a free Belk gift card with a value ranging from $5 to $1,000, and with a guaranteed $1,000 gift card winner in each of the company’s 301 stores.

“Thanksgiving is a holiday centered around good food, family and friends,” said Jon Pollack, Belk, Inc. executive vice president, sales promotion, marketing and eCommerce. “Over the years that tradition has evolved into one that includes shopping and other activities that families enjoy together outside of the home. It’s in response to that trend that we open our doors to customers at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving night for their shopping convenience. The Belk After-Thanksgiving Sale is our biggest, most exciting event of the season and an opportunity for customers to purchase their favorite brands and gift items at incredible savings.”

Here’s a preview of some of the top Belk After-Thanksgiving Earlybird specials:

$19.99 ND New Directions sweaters

$39.99 ND New Directions 5-piece luggage set

$19.99 Rampage boots

$99.99 Keurig Elite single serve brewer (plus $20 Belk gift card by mail-in rebate)

$19.99 iLive portable Bluetooth music player

$24.99 Sharper Image camera binoculars

40 – 60% off men’s and women’s casual and athletic shoes

50 – 70% off men’s and women’s watches

50% off handbags

55 – 75% off Belk and Co. Fine Jewelers jewelry

60% off kids’ dresswear and sportswear

55 – 65% off women’s favorite brand better sportswear

50 – 65% off women’s designer brands

45 – 60% off kids’ toys, games and more

35 – 70% off luggage, throws, towels and more

50 – 70% off kitchen electrics, cookware and bakeware

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg Selected As Inaugural Genesis Prize Laureate

$1 MILLION AWARD TO BE CONTRIBUTED TO A PHILANTHROPIC CAUSE

PRIME MINISTER OF ISRAEL WILL PRESENT THE PRIZE AT A MAY CEREMONY IN JERUSALEM

Today, the Genesis Prize Foundation announced New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg as the recipient of the first ever Genesis Prize, which will be presented by the Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, at a special ceremony in Jerusalem in May.  The announcement was made by the Speaker of the Israeli Parliament (Knesset) Yuli Edelstein, who serves as the Chairman of the Prize Committee, which selected the laureate.

The Genesis Prize Foundation. (PRNewsFoto/Genesis Prize)

The Genesis Prize was established to recognize exceptional human beings who, through their outstanding achievement, come to represent a fundamental value of the Jewish people – a commitment to the betterment of mankind.

The Genesis Prize is an annual $1 million prize, which recognizes exceptional individuals whose values and achievements will inspire the next generation of Jews and presented annually by the Prime Minister of Israel to a single individual. It is administered by a unique public-private partnership, which includes the Office of the Prime Minister of the State of Israel, the Genesis Philanthropy Group, and the Office of the Chairman of the Executive of the Jewish Agency for Israel.

New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg is named the inaugural Genesis Prize Laureate.(PRNewsFoto/Genesis Prize)

The Genesis Prize laureate is selected from a list of candidates nominated by leaders of hundreds of renowned institutions and organizations worldwide, including universities, foundations, corporations and Jewish organizations. Nominees are then reviewed by the Selection Committee and the laureate is selected by the Prize Committee.

The Genesis Philanthropy Group has endowed the Genesis Prize Foundation in the amount of $100 million to fund the Prize in perpetuity. In addition to financing the annual $1 million award, the endowment will be used to support educational and cultural programs that engage young adults around the theme of the laureate’s accomplishments.

The co-founder and CEO of Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG) Stan Polovets serves as the Chairman of the Genesis Prize Foundation, and Wayne L. Firestone is its President.

The Selection Committee is chaired by Natan Sharansky, Chairman of the Executive, Jewish Agency for Israel.  Selection Committee members include Lord Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi Emeritus of the UK; Harel Locker, Director General, Office of the Prime Minister of Israel; Fiamma Nirenstein Journalist and Author, Former Italian Member of Parliament and Deputy-President of the Foreign Affairs Committee; Shlomit Barnea Farago, Legal Adviser and Manager of the Legal Department, Office of the Prime Minister of Israel; Petr Aven, Co-Founder and Board member of Genesis Philanthropy Group, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Alfa Banking Group; Jack Rosen, Chief Executive Officer, Rosen Partners LLC, President of the American Jewish Congress, Chairman of the American Council for World Jewry; and  Andres Spokoiny, President and CEO of the Jewish Funders Network.

The Prize Committee is chaired by Yuli Edelstein , Speaker of Israel’s Parliament (the Knesset).  Prize Committee members include Elie Wiesel, Nobel Laureate, Professor, Boston University, President, Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity; Meir Shamgar, Justice and President Emeritus, Supreme Court of Israel; Tova Strasberg-Cohen, Justice of the Supreme Court of Israel, retired; and Jill W. Smith, President, Jewish Foundation for Education of Women.

The Advisory Board of the Genesis Philanthropy Group is chaired by Jehuda Reinharz , President Emeritus, Brandeis University, President of the Mandel Foundation. Advisory Board members include Rivka Carmi, President of Ben Gurion University of the Negev; Irwin Cotler, Member of Parliament, Canada, Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Canada; Vartan Gregorian, President of Carnegie Corporation of New York; John Sexton, President of New York University ; Allen Shapard, Head of Global Institutions Practice, IMG Worldwide, Inc., Advisor to the Nobel Foundation/Norwegian Nobel Committee; and Jonathan Fanton , President Emeritus of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, which awards the annual Genius Grants.

“I am deeply honored to be the first recipient of the Genesis Prize,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “Many years ago, my parents instilled in me Jewish values and ethics that I have carried with me throughout my life, and which have guided every aspect of my work in business, government, and philanthropy.  The Genesis Prize embraces and promotes those same values and ethics—a common thread among the Jewish people worldwide that has helped move humankind forward for centuries.”

“Mayor Michael Bloomberg sets a very high bar as the first recipient of the Genesis Prize,” said Nobel Prize laureate Elie Wiesel. “It is a great honor for the entire Jewish people to celebrate his achievements, his commitment to improving the world, and in particular his city: New York.  His pursuit of the agenda centered on health, innovation and social justice has been unwavering. We are certain that his selection as the recipient of the Genesis Prize will serve as an inspiration to young Jews and others across the globe. ”

Mayor Bloomberg will donate the $1 million prize to a philanthropic cause, which will be announced in early 2014.

“Mayor Bloomberg’s selection as the first Genesis Prize Laureate reflects his track record of outstanding public service and his role as one of the world’s greatest philanthropists,” said Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein. “As a visionary entrepreneur, he has transformed the way the world conducts business and created a more open and better informed world. Mayor Bloomberg has successfully advanced practical solutions to key global issues that range from education and public health to the environment and global innovation.  He has also been outspoken in his support of Israel and exhibits a great sense of pride in his Jewish identity and heritage.”

The Genesis Prize Foundation received more than 200 nominations, representing 6 continents. Nominations were submitted by presidents of major universities and foundations, business leaders, and heads of Jewish organizations and international NGOs.

“We aspire for the Genesis Prize to have the same level of recognition and prestige as the leading prizes of the world, such as the Nobels, the Pulitzers, and MacArthur Awards,” said Stan Polovets, co-Founder and CEO of Genesis Philanthropy Group (GPG), which has funded the $100 million endowment to finance the award in perpetuity. “With Mayor Bloomberg as our inaugural laureate, we are well on our way to achieving this objective.”

To learn more about The Genesis Prize, please visit www.facebook.com/thegenesisprize or www.genesisprize.org.

Epson Expression Photo XP-950 Small-in-One Delivers Professional-Quality, Wide-Format Prints in a Compact, Sleek Design

Expression XP-950 Designed for Creative Hobbyists and Families Seeking a Versatile All-in-One

Epson America, Inc. (www.epson.com), has introduced the high-performance Epson(®) Expression(®) Photo XP-950 Small-in-One(®) printer, delivering professional-quality photos up to 11″ x 17″, and crisp, sharp text in a compact, space-saving design. Ideal for busy families and creative enthusiasts, the Expression XP-950 outputs smooth gradations and true-to-life skin tones with Claria(®) Photo HD six-color inks, whether at home or on-the-go with Epson Connect(TM) for easy printing from a tablet, smartphone or computer from literally anywhere in the world(1).

The Expression XP-950 prints at remarkably fast speeds, delivering 4″ x 6″ photos in as fast as 10 seconds(2). With direct CD/DVD printing, a dedicated photo tray, and a rear paper feed for card stock, envelopes and more(3), the Epson XP-950 can easily tackle any creative project. It also offers several efficient productivity features, such as automatic two-sided printing, copying and scanning, an intuitive 3.5″ LCD with gesture navigation,  a unique fold-over scan lid to hold photos and documents in place for quality scans, and an auto-extend output paper tray to ensure prints stay organized, especially when printing remotely.

“The Epson Expression Photo XP-950 offers a versatile feature set with wide-format printing capabilities up to 11″x17″, without taking up valuable space in the home,” said Joe Keller, product manager, consumer ink jets, Epson America, Inc. “Plus, its robust creativity solutions, wireless capabilities and Epson Connect for mobile printing make it the perfect household printer for photo enthusiasts and creative hobbyists alike.”

The Expression XP-950 offers a range of high performance features and capabilities:

—  Epson Connect  –  easily print and scan from anywhere with the Epson Creative Print mobile app, Epson Email Print, Epson iPrint((TM)) mobile app, and ( )Epson Remote Print

— Ultimate wireless solution with Wi-Fi Direct(TM), Wi-Fi CERTIFIED(TM) n(4  )and Ethernet

— Auto Photo Correction and red-eye removal, with or without a computer

— High-quality scanning up to 4800 dpi

— Smudge, scratch and water resistant photos to share photos immediately after printing(5)

— Individual ink cartridges to replace only the color needed

— Standard and high-capacity (XL) black and color cartridges for various printing needs

— Eco-friendly features, including ENERGY STAR(®) qualified and RoHS compliant(6)

Epson is a global innovation leader whose product lineup ranges from inkjet printers and printing systems, 3LCD projectors and industrial robots to sensors and other microdevices. Dedicated to exceeding the vision of its customers worldwide, Epson delivers customer value based on compact, energy-saving, and high-precision technologies in markets spanning enterprise and the home to commerce and industry.

(1 )Most features require an Internet connection to the printer as well as an internet- and/or email-enabled device. See www.epson.com/connect for a list of Epson Connect.

(2 )Color photo in Draft Mode on Premium Photo Paper Glossy measured from start of paper feed. Actual print times will vary based on system configuration, software and page complexity. See www.epson.com/printspeed for details.

(3 )Specialty paper support accommodated through rear paper feed, maximum 23 mil paper thickness, manual 2-sided printing only.

(4) Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n certified; level of performance subject to the range of the router being used. Visit www.wi-fi.org/files/11nbasics_glossary.pdf for more information.

(5)Smudge, scratch, water, and fade resistant on Epson photo papers. For CDs/DVDs, resistant only on specially-treated discs.

(6)See our website for convenient and reasonable recycling options at www.epson.com/recycle.

*Estimated street price

Filling Your Home With Music Has Never Been Easier Than With The New Sonos PLAY:1

THIS COMPACT AND POWERFUL WIRELESS SPEAKER ENABLES YOU TO START OR EXPAND YOUR SONOS SYSTEM AND WILL TRANSFORM YOUR HOME LISTENING EXPERIENCE – AVAILABLE TODAY FOR $199

Sonos® ( www.sonos.com), the leading manufacturer of wireless HiFi, today introduced the SONOS PLAY:1, a compact and powerful wireless speaker that transforms music listening at home.  PLAY:1 streams all your favorite music to any room in the home, in high fidelity sound. Available today in the US from select partners and on www.Sonos.com, PLAY:1 retails for $199. And, for a limited time this holiday season, purchases come with a free BRIDGE valued at $49.

SONOS PLAY:1. (PRNewsFoto/Sonos, Inc.)

“Sonos was created upon the belief you should never have to choose between quality sound and an easy way to access all your music at home,” said John MacFarlane, CEO, Sonos, Inc. “The PLAY:1 makes getting started with Sonos even more accessible to music lovers than ever before.”

PLAY:1 is a smart speaker that features hardware and software designed by Sonos to ensure the best possible performance for the size. A custom-designed mid-woofer and tweeter deliver deep, rich and surprisingly big sound. With a powerful low-end and crisp mids and highs, new smart processing technology pushes Sonos’ drivers further than ever before, minimizing distortion even at full volume. Plus, PLAY:1 projects a wide field of sound, delivering a great listening experience no matter where you are sitting in the room. And since the Sonos wireless network is devoted to streaming music in HiFi sound, you’ll enjoy smooth music wirelessly without dropouts anywhere in your home.

Sonos Inc. (PRNewsFoto/Sonos, Inc.)

PLAY:1 is built to last with premium materials and rock-solid construction. A sealed architecture creates resistance to the most humid conditions in the home, even steam from a running shower.

PLAY:1 lets you stream all the music on earth and access it all using a single, easy to use app. Play millions of songs and playlists from the most popular music services like Pandora, Spotify, Hype Machine and Rdio; listen to your personal music library, whether it’s stored on your computer, in the cloud, on your smartphone or on your tablet; or tune in to more than 100,000 free Internet radio stations, podcasts, and shows from around the world.

PLAY:1 comes with all the unique benefits that can only be found in a Sonos Wireless HiFi System including SONOS PLAY:3, SONOS PLAY:5, SONOS PLAYBAR and more:

— Control your favorite music sources and listening experience with the free, intuitive Sonos Controller apps for iPad(®) iPhone(®), Android(TM), Mac and PC.

— Add more PLAY:1s or combine with other Sonos wireless speakers or components around the home for the ultimate, multi-room HiFi system.

— Pair two PLAY:1 units for amazing stereo sound, or use two PLAY:1s as rear speakers with PLAYBAR and a SONOS SUBTM to create 5.1 home theater sound for your TV.

The minimalist design of PLAY:1 features a new button on top of the cabinet that allows you to play and pause your music with a single push of a button. You can also press the same button twice quickly to easily skip to the next track, a feature that has been requested frequently from the Sonos community. And because all Sonos products are designed to get better over time, customers with existing Sonos players can take advantage of the new play/pause functionality with the latest software update, available today.

For more information on SONOS PLAY:1 including where to buy, technical specifications and more, please visit www.sonos.com/PLAY1.

Jockey Launches New Marketing Campaign for The Jockey Women’s Collection Featuring Rachel Zoe’s “Must-Haves”

NEW CAMPAIGN FOCUSES ON BRAND’S ICONIC, YET EVOLVING IMAGE AND CONTINUED PARTNERSHIP WITH STYLIST, RACHEL ZOE

Jockey International, Inc. has announced the launch of their new marketing campaign, “Redefining Comfort,” for the Jockey collection as preferred by Rachel Zoe. The new campaign is designed to convey confidence and a more glamorous side of Jockey, and aims to challenge the perception that comfort and fashion can’t co-exist. The new campaign builds on the brand’s partnership with 2013 “Stylist of the Year“, Rachel Zoe, who started working with Jockey in July 2012.

Jockey. (PRNewsFoto/Jockey International, Inc.)

The campaign’s creative elements were conceptualized with the modern woman in mind. The prototype Jockey woman is “someone who’s confident, happy, on-the-go and always chic.” Evoking the modern woman, the campaign imagery focuses on the personal and intimate moments she goes through while getting dressed – whether it’s for work or an evening out. Headlines such as “Comfort Just Got Chic,” “Comfort Just Got Glam,” “Comfort Just Got Sleek” and “Comfort Just Got Flirty” show that it’s time to give comfort a makeover, starting with the foundation of your look.

“Redefining Comfort” Marketing Campaign: Comfort Just Got Flirty Marketing Campaign: Comfort Just Got Flirty. (PRNewsFoto/Jockey International, Inc.)

The Jockey collection, including those items chosen as Rachel Zoe’s “Must-Haves,” provides consumers with high-quality, on-trend innerwear in a variety of cuts, colors and patterns, ranging from thongs and boyshorts to lace and laser-cut edges. Highlighted within the new marketing campaign are key pieces, such as Clean Edge – featuring laser-cut edges for a flawless finish; Lacy Dot – an ultra-feminine design of delicate lace and picot trim; Skimmies® – a modern slipshort offering smoothing coverage without constriction; and shapewear tops that feature a unique, patented three-panel design providing targeted control in key spots.

Ergobaby Introduces the Ergonomic 4-Position Baby Carrier

The Patent Pending Ergobaby 360 Carrier Offers the Best in Comfort and Convenience

Ergobaby® www.ergobaby.com, the award-winning designer of premium ergonomic baby carriers, announces the launch of the patent pending 360 Carrier which offers parents the convenience of four carry positions, including an ergonomic forward facing position, while maintaining the highest standards in ergonomic design to ensure safety and comfort for both baby and parent.

Founded in 2003, Ergobaby and its award-winning carriers were born out of the desire for mobility and comfort for both parent and baby, allowing parents to carry their baby from birth to toddler. Ergobaby now offers a broad range of innovative baby carriers, strollers, car seats, and related products to help meet the needs of today’s parents and enable an active parenting lifestyle.  In 2011, Ergobaby acquired Orbit Baby, Inc., a producer and marketer of a premium line of stroller travel systems, including car seats, strollers and bassinets that are interchangeable using a patented hub ring, and continues to design and market these products under the Orbit Baby name. Ergobaby is headquartered in Los Angeles and is sold in more than 650 retailers and webshops in the United States and internationally in about 50 countries internationally.

The Ergobaby 360 Carrier’s innovative design features a structured bucket seat to support baby in an ergonomic seated position and maintain ideal hip and spine positioning.  The revolutionary carrier seat is designed with an adjustable width to ensure comfort for baby and healthy hip positioning in all four carry positions. The carrier features a convertible back support and adjustable hood, as well as a newly designed waistband that is comfortable for parents and designed to be worn in variable positions on the waist to ensure that baby is always at a kissable carrying height. The highlight of the 360 Carrier is the option of wearing your baby forward facing, as well as front inward, back, and hip for the ultimate in flexibility.

“Parents kept asking for a carrier with an option for forward facing. We have been working to find a way to do that while ensuring an ergonomic position for baby and a comfortable experience for both parent and child,” says Karin Frost, founder of Ergobaby. “Ergobaby is now celebrating its 10 year anniversary. Over the years our carriers have evolved while staying true to our design principles. With the new 360 Carrier we are excited to celebrate another innovation, a truly ergonomic 4-position carrier.”

The Ergobaby 360 Carrier is available in two colors: Black and Grey and will be available at www.ergobaby.com, as well as select retailers and specialty boutiques nationwide, spring of 2014. For more on Ergobaby, please visit: www.ergobaby.com and www.orbitbaby.com.

Baltimore Ravens Hosts 14th Annual Goodwill Gridiron Halloween Party

Join the Baltimore Ravens and Goodwill as they team up for food, fun and a good cause

Join the Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens and Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc. at the 14th Annual Goodwill Gridiron Halloween party on Monday, October 28th at Dave & Buster’s in Arundel Mills Mall. This year’s Ravens hosts include defensive tackle Arthur Jones, Tackle Michael Oher and Tight Ends Dennis Pitta and Ed Dickson and guests will include many from the area business, philanthrophic and cultural  communities. All proceeds from the event benefit Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc.

The proceeds from the event will go to benefit Goodwill’s training and employment programs serving individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment. Goodwill’s largest fundraiser for the last thirteen years, the Gridiron Halloween Party supports Goodwill’s mission of preparing people to secure and retain employment and build successful independent lives.

“We are very excited for this year’s Goodwill Gridiron Halloween party,” said Lisa Rusyniak, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc. “We have some fantastic items in our silent auction this year and are looking forward to a great party with the Ravens, their fans and our supporters.”

The party will include video games, pool, bowling, dancing, a costume contest, catered food, an open bar and a silent auction. Items to be auctioned include an African Safari, Disney Paris, a trip to the ESPYs, gift certificates from many local restaurants and hotels, autographed memorabilia from the Ravens and The Rolling Stones, Sylvester Stallone, and much more.

For 94 years, Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, Inc. (www.goodwillches.org) has helped others help themselves. Revenue generated from the sale of donated goods funds job training, job placement and other human services for people who are unemployed or face other challenges to employment, including people with significant disabilities. Annually, Goodwill provides services to more than 33,000 people in need of assistance because of physical, mental or other social barriers, and places approximately 2,400 in jobs, giving them “Not a charity, but a chance.”

Tickets are $150 for individuals and $250 per couple. Costumes are optional. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.goodwillgridiron.com.

– Phillip D. Johnson

Fujitsu Unveils New ScanSnap Scanner Designed for Simple, One-Button Scanning of Bound and Over-Sized Documents Such as Books, Magazines and Newspapers

THE SCANSNAP SV600, EQUIPPED WITH VERSATILE IMAGING TECHNOLOGY AND PAGE TURNING DETECTION FUNCTIONALITY, QUICKLY CONVERTS HARD-TO-SCAN OBJECTS INTO DIGITAL DOCUMENTS

Fujitsu, the market leader in document imaging scanners, today introduced the newest addition to its award-winning ScanSnap product lineup, the ScanSnap SV600, featuring a new versatile technique to quickly and easily digitize bound, fragile and large documents such as magazines, books, newspapers, drawings, photos, paintings, business cards and much more. While still maintaining the ScanSnap legacy of providing easy-to-use one-button scanning and advanced imaging technology, the SV600 utilizes its compact scanning design to turn hard-to-scan objects into PDF or JPEG files which can then be easily stored, shared and accessed.

The ScanSnap SV600 is equipped with new “Versatile Imaging Technology” (VI Technology) allowing the scanner to minimize the unevenness in image quality and generate a smooth, uniform digital image that looks natural to the reader’s eye. This is important when scanning thick, bound and uneven documents such as books, magazines and artwork. Its single camera scan functionality also gives users the ability to scan valuable and delicate documents without ever touching the surface.

The new ScanSnap SV600 scanning a magazine. (PRNewsFoto/Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc.)

The ScanSnap SV600 also includes “Book Image Correction” and “Page Turning Detection” functionality. The Book Image Correction compensates for the curvature in open books or magazines and automatically corrects the distortion in the scanned image, and then you can confirm and fine-tune the images on the preview dialog after scanning. Its Page Turning Detection automatically identifies when a page is turned for continuous, hassle-free one-button scanning. Check out this video tutorial of the ScanSnap SV600 for a glimpse into its versatile scanning features.

“The ScanSnap SV600 adds an entirely new document imaging feature set to the ScanSnap scanner line providing customers with a compact, yet feature-rich scanner capable of digitizing documents such as books, magazines and artwork,” said Scott Francis, senior vice president of marketing, Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc. “It’s the perfect solution for anyone looking for a simple, efficient, and affordable way to preserve those hard-to-scan documents and access them anywhere, anytime.”

Additional Details of the new ScanSnap SV600

The ScanSnap SV600 allows users to quickly transform their paperwork into editable documents at the push of a button. It can scan large documents up to 1.18 inches high and 11″ x 17″ in length in less than 3 seconds (600dpi, color) and is capable of scanning multiple documents at the same time, such as business cards or photos, which can then be automatically cropped into individual digitized documents.

Citizen Watch Company Introduces Limited Edition Watch with Brand Ambassador Matt Kenseth

Citizen Watch Company of America, Inc. (www.citizenwatch.com) introduces a new limited edition watch with CITIZEN Brand Ambassador, 2003 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and two-time Daytona 500® winner Matt Kenseth.

The watch is part of CITIZEN’s Primo collection, a race-inspired line that first debuted this spring. The Matt Kenseth

Citizen Eco-Drive Matt Kenseth Limited Edition Primo. (PRNewsFoto/Citizen Watch Company of America, Inc.)

Limited Edition Primo features a red and black color scheme, two interchangeable genuine leather straps and an etched case that resembles auto racing’s checkered flags. Kenseth’s racing number 20 is featured on the dial, as well as on the engraved caseback that also includes his signature. Each limited edition timepiece also comes in a handsome wooden presentation box. Additional features of the watch include a 1/5 second chronograph that measures up to 60 minutes, 12/24 hour time, a one-way rotating elapsed-time bezel and has Citizen Eco-Drive’s proprietary light-powered technology.

“When CITIZEN first approached me about the limited edition watch I was certainly honored that they wanted to do this,” said Kenseth. “Everything CITIZEN does is first class and this watch is exactly what you would expect from them. The CITIZEN Primo was already my day-to-day watch so it’s cool to be able to wear one with our No. 20 on the face during race weekends at the track.”

CITIZEN holds the leading position in the mid-priced watch market in the United States, setting itself apart from its competitors with its ecologically friendly Eco-Drive technology. Utilizing the power of light, Citizen Eco-Drive technology converts light into stored energy to power a watch for at least six months, even in the dark.

Jeffrey Cohen, President of Citizen Watch Company of America remarked: “We are thrilled to have Matt as one of our unstoppable Brand Ambassadors; and happy to have the opportunity to collaborate on the development of this outstanding watch with him.”

Tech Review: iFrogz® Coda Forte Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, the Perfect Hybrid Digital Audio Gadget for our Times

ENJOY HI-FIDELITY SOUND FROM THE GO ANYWHERE, DO ANYTHING CODA FORTE WIRELESS BLUETOOTH HEADPHONES

Coda Forte Wireless Bluetooth Headphones from iFrogz

When you are thinking about buying a pair of headphones, what are your criteria for choosing one above over all others? Well, I am first and foremost looking for headphones that will deliver excellent sound quality with minimal disruptions during use. Next, comfort, wearability and ease of use are a major factor. A high quality design doesn’t hurt either

because quite frankly, who wants to walk around with ugly, poorly designed headphones? Naturally, you want to be

Coda Forte Wireless Bluetooth Headphones (Blue)

wearing headphones with technical features that are as up to date and current as you consider yourself to be, meaning you want the latest and greatest bells and whistles. Finally, you want all of these features at a reasonable price.

In the past, you could only find all three features in very expensive brands such as Bose or in professional equipment used in recording studios by professional engineers. Nowadays, with the technology spreading throughout all levels of the industry, you can pretty purchase a high sound quality, reasonably-priced pair of headphones that is as edgy, modern and fashion-forward as the clothes on your back. I actually found all my requirements in one pair of headphones, the Coda Forte Wireless Bluetooth Headphones from iFrogz, a ZAGG Inc. Brand.

iFrogz®, a ZAGG Inc brand (ZAGG) specializes in creative, value-priced mobile accessories, and the iFrogz Coda Forte Wireless Bluetooth headphones gives you the best of all possible worlds, setting you up hours and hours of enjoyment well in the future. Lightweight and comfortable, the Coda Forte combines the latest Bluetooth wireless technology with powerful drivers for seamless, high-fidelity audio quality. It can be either a Bluetooth-enabled wireless unit that runs on integrated rechargeable batteries that deliver 10-12 hours of continuous audio on a single charge for cordless mobile audio, or be used as a regular pair of headphone attached to your device via the enclosed detachable tencel cord that thankfully is tangle-free.  I tested the headphones in both situations and it perfomed like a champion. While in Bluetooth wireless mode, I was able to vacuum, wash the dishes and generally take care of business without having to worry about unexpected entanglements. While working on my laptop, I used the headphone in the “traditional” manner, never having to worry about background noise and other disruptions or, again, pesky tangled cords. It’s amazing how much the little things matter, isn’t it?

In terms of comfort, wearability and ease of use, you can’t go wrong here either. The earpieces are amazingly comfortable and more than adequately cover my ears. The strip of leather-covered foam that is part and parcel of the band (of the headphone) is an unexpected pleasure and a treat. The Coda Forte is also very lightweight, to the point where, because of the high level of comfort, after a while, I stopped thinking about them and simply enjoyed the music. I wasn’t touching them every ten minutes to get a better fit. And because aesthetics matter, the Coda Forte Wireless Bluetooth scored major points in this category as well.  They are beautifully designed with a matte finish and come in an array of vibrant colors (including blue, black, red and white).

The Coda Forte Wireless Bluetooth is plug-and-play compatible with the iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch, all Android phones/tablets, all Macintosh/Apple computers and PCs, has built-in controls to provide volume and track adjustment, as well as one-touch acceptance of incoming calls from your smartphone using a built-in microphone, and can be charged via USB from your computer or a USB power adapter.

“Our Coda line of audio products features remarkable styling and quality, and adding the Bluetooth technology in the Coda Forte makes these headphones even more practical and flexible,” says Kent Wuthrich, executive vice president of marketing at ZAGG. “Customers will love the convenience of the Bluetooth connection, and they will be very impressed with the power and quality of the sound.”

TOMMY BAHAMA ANNOUNCES 2013 “COLLECTOR’S EDITION” MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SHIRTS

SHIRTS FEATURE ICONIC IMAGES OF MLB LEGENDS WILLIE MAYS AND MICKEY MANTLE

Today, TOMMY BAHAMA and MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PROPERTIES celebrate two of baseball’s greatest players, WILLIE MAYS and MICKEY MANTLE, with the release of the 2013 “COLLECTOR’S EDITION” series of premium, collectible apparel for the true baseball fan.

To launch the 2013 baseball season, TOMMY BAHAMA has created two remarkable new shirts that feature iconic photographs of baseball legends Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle. The classic images have been incorporated into dramatic custom designed artwork that wraps around the shirt and includes the player’s name, team logo, key stats and landmarks of his home team. Only a limited number of shirts will be produced and each one will be numbered.

The San Francisco Giants with Willie Mays (L) and New York Yankees with Mickey Mantle (R) shirts highlight the Tommy Bahama MLB “Collector’s Edition” series for 2013. (PRNewsFoto/Tommy Bahama)

“Tommy Bahama is proud to work with MLB to honor baseball legends Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle,” said TERRY PILLOW, CEO OF TOMMY BAHAMA. “Our long-standing relationship the MLB has given us the opportunity to offer our customers special items like the 2013 ‘Collector’s Edition’ shirts, which are truly works of art.”

MIAMI FASHION WEEK® IS SET TO KICK OFF ITS 15TH ANNIVERSARY AT THE 4TH ANNUAL HUMANITARIAN AWARDS

CO-HOSTED BY TIFFANY & CO. AND THE PHILANTHROPIC LEADERS OF THE MIAMI BEACH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BENEFITING THE MIAMI FASHION WEEK FOUNDATION

The 15TH ANNUAL MIAMI FASHION WEEK, the largest Latin American and International fashion event in the US will host the 4TH ANNUAL HUMANITARIAN AWARDS on February 7, 2013, 7:00pm – 10:00pm poolside at the MONDRIAN SOUTH BEACH HOTEL in Miami Beach.

The HUMANITARIAN AWARDS honors ten of Miami’s most dedicated and respected philanthropists for their endless giving to the community. The evening will include a special fashion presentation by “MIAMI FASHION ICON AWARD RECIPIENTS” NICOLAS FELIZOLA, JULIAN CHANG and VIVIANA G FOR PETIT POIS, fashion models, celebrity guests, music, food, cocktails, an awards presentation and a luxury silent auction with irresistible items from TIFFANY & CO., Miami’s hottest hotels, restaurants and nightclubs, luxury car dealers, international artists, spa treatments and more. The occasion is a fundraising event for the MIAMI FASHION WEEK FOUNDATION, INC., a non-profit organization supporting education within the creative arts by providing cash scholarships, mentoring programs and internships, among other incentives for students and emerging talent in the creative industries.

Following a successful 20 year career spanning more than 35 countries as an international fashion model, BETH SOBOL, founder of SOBOL FASHION PRODUCTIONS, INC. established MIAMI FASHION WEEK in 1999. In 2010, she was joined by Aaron Perry, business man and entrepreneur as managing partner of the newly rebranded SOBOL-PERRY FASHION PRODUCTIONS, INC. to focus on the development of strategic business partnerships and the global expansion of the MIAMI FASHION WEEK brand.

GOODNESS GRACIOUS, IT’S THE ANNUAL MARTHA WHITE/LODGE® CAST IRON NATIONAL CORNBREAD COOK-OFF TIME AGAIN!

MARTHA WHITE® ANNOUNCES CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR THE 17TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CORNBREAD COOK-OFF FOR A CHANCE TO WIN $5,000

FROM SOUTHWESTERN CORNBREAD WEDGES AND TOMATO PIES TO BUFFALO SALADS AND RUSTIC SOUPS, NATIONAL CORNBREAD COOK-OFF WINNING RECIPES HELP CREATE SPECIAL FAMILY MOMENTS ANY DAY OF THE WEEK

In honor of their commitment to preserve the celebration of all Southern food, MARTHA WHITE® and LODGE® CAST IRON are once again searching the nation for the best original main dish cornbread recipes in the 17^TH ANNUAL NATIONAL CORNBREAD COOK-OFF.

Now through Feb. 28, 2013, fans can submit an original main dish recipe prepared with at least one package of MARTHA WHITE CORNBREAD MIX and cooked in LODGE® CAST IRON cookware. Ten finalists will be selected to compete during the National Cornbread Festival® and the Grand Prize Winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize. The MARTHA WHITE/LODGE® CAST IRON NATIONAL CORNBREAD COOK-OFF is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., age 18 years or older.  Void where prohibited.

“Over the last 16 years, thousands of entries have shown us a variety of cooking styles providing endless cornbread possibilities,” said the Martha White baking expert, LINDA CARMAN. “Our cornbread mixes are so versatile; just look at how many recipes can be created, simply by using cornbread!”

ZIPANG SPARKLING SAKE, NAMED AS ONE OF 25 THINGS TO DRINK IN 2013, FEATURED IN IMBIBE MAGAZINE’S INAUGURAL 75 ISSUE

SIDNEY FRANK IMPORTING CO., INC., a leader in ultra-premium spirits, is proud to announce that ZIPANG SPARKLING SAKE, part of the HOUSE OF GEKKEIKAN, has been listed as a top flavor in Imbibe Magazine‘s Inaugural 75 issue.

Zipang Sparkling Sake. (PRNewsFoto/Gekkeikan Sake)

Imbibe (http://www.imbibemagazine.com), the magazine of liquid culture, released its inaugural Imbibe 75 issue January 2, 2013, spotlighting the 75 most notable people, places and flavors to watch in 2013.  Chosen by Imbibe’s editors, the Imbibe 75 features interviews and recipes from some of the country’s leading drinks professionals.

L’OREAL PARIS CELEBRATES ITS SEVENTH ANNUAL WOMEN OF WORTH AWARDS AND ANNOUNCES NATIONAL HONOREE, RISA VETRI FERMAN

L’OREAL PARIS SPOKESPEOPLE, ANDIE MACDOWELL, JULIANNA MARGULIES AND AIMEE MULLINS, AND CELEBRITY GUESTS ARIANNA HUFFINGTON, ALLISON WILLIAMS AND TRISHA YEARWOOD GATHERED AT HEARST TOWER LAST NIGHT TO RECOGNIZE 10 OUTSTANDING WOMEN

Last night at the 2012 WOMEN OF WORTH AWARDS CEREMONY, L’OREAL PARIS and HEARST MAGAZINES recognized the work and efforts of 10 extraordinary women for their dedication to making a beautiful difference in the world.

The WOMEN OF WORTH INITIATIVE, now in its seventh year, is inspired by L’OREAL PARIS‘ iconic brand philosophy, “Because You’re Worth It.” Since its inception, the program has recognized 70 women for their outstanding devotion to their causes, with honorees embodying the spirit of the L’Oreal Paris brand through their commitment to their communities, their selflessness and their drive to make a difference in the world. For more information about the Women of Worth program and its 2012 honorees, please visit womenofworth.com.

L’OREAL PARIS SPOKESPEOPLE, ANDIE MACDOWELL, JULIANNA MARGULIES and AIMEE MULLINS with KAREN FONDU, PRESIDENT OF L’OREAL PARIS at the SEVENTH ANNUAL WOMEN OF WORTH AWARDS at the HEARST TOWER.

The event featured an awards presentation hosted by KAREN FONDU, PRESIDENT OF L’OREAL PARIS, and MICHAEL CLINTON, PRESIDENT, MARKETING AND PUBLISHING DIRECTOR of HEARST MAGAZINES. Special guest presenters included L’OREAL PARIS SPOKESPEOPLE ANDIE MACDOWELL, JULIANNA MARGULIES and AIMEE MULLINS, as well as inspiring women in the entertainment, publishing, media and digital industries, including ARIANNA HUFFINGTON, ALLISON WILLIAMS, TRISHA YEARWOOD, JESSICA SEINFELD and RANDI ZUCKERBERG, among others. Former WOMEN OF WORTH honorees were also invited to ring in the seventh annual awards.

THE DAILY GLOW AWARD WINNERS RECOGNIZING THE MOST INNOVATIVE BEAUTY PRODUCTS OF 2012 ARE ANNOUNCED

DAILY GLOW’S MEDICAL AND BEAUTY EXPERTS NAME 100 STANDOUT PRODUCTS AS BEAUTY INNOVATORS

DAILY GLOW (www.dailyglow.com), the leading online healthy beauty authority, announced the winners of its DAILY GLOW AWARDS honoring products across the beauty spectrum. After in-depth research, testing and analysis of thousands of products, a judging panel of medical and beauty experts named 100 products for their outstanding achievement in innovation, recognizing the most inventive, state-of-the-art and truly original products.  The DAILY GLOW 2012 AWARD winners were announced today in an expansive editorial feature on www.DailyGlow.com/Awards.

Daily Glow (www.DailyGlow.com) provides a smart, fresh perspective on healthy beauty. The popular site and its mobile apps offer credible, solutions-focused tools and information from industry experts, medical doctors, favorite celebrities and celebrity stylists, plus a community of peers. Daily Glow provides information and inspiration for women to look and feel their best from the inside out – every day. This is one of the prestigious brands published by Everyday Health, Inc. The DAILY GLOW AWARDS‘ badge highlights the most innovative beauty products for consumers who want to make healthier choices for their beauty solutions.

THE FASHION+LIFESTYLE.COM 2012 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE: GIFTS FOR CHILDREN

COMPILED BY PHILLIP D. JOHNSON

This, the first of the FASHION+LIFETSYLE.COM 2012 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDES, is all about the children. These are the toys that were the bestsellers this past year and the ones that are presently selling out everywhere. There’s a toy or tablet here for every child on your Christmas list.

LeapPad2

IT’S THE HOTTEST TOY ON THE MARKET RIGHT NOW! The award-winning LeapPad2, from LEAPFROG ENTERPRISES, INC., offers kids more engaging learning experiences than ever before. New features include front-and-back cameras and video recorders, a faster LF 2000 processor, double the on-board memory (4GB) and a longer battery life, all wrapped in a high-tech styled kid-tough tablet design. LEAPPAD2‘s extensive library of hundreds of games, music, videos, eBooks and more are carefully designed and approved by LEAPFROG‘s highly experienced team of educational experts and include a combination of LEAPFROG‘s top quality educational entertainment and engaging content from the biggest names in children’s entertainment. LEAPFROG‘s own learning content is grounded in the latest research and draws on a comprehensive curriculum that covers more

Yummy Gummy Christmas DVD Cover

than 2,500 skills across 100 skill categories. LEAPPAD2 is sold at MSRP $99.99 and is recommended for children 3 to 9 years. The LEAPPAD2 DISNEY PRINCESS BUNDLE is sold at MSRP $129.99. Downloads are priced at MSRP $5.00 and up and game cartridges at MSRP $24.99. New accessories for LeapPad2 include a Video Display Case (MSRP $19.99), Fashion Handbag (MSRP $19.99), Car Adapter (MSRP $14.99), Gel Skins (MSRP $9.99) and much more. An optional recharger pack is also available at MSRP $39.99. LeapPad2 is now available at www.leapfrog.com, online and at major retailers in the U.S., Canada, UK and Ireland

Don’t judge me but I have to say it: I LOVE GUMMIBÄR!  From the moment I received the package of CDs and DVDs in the mail, I have been spellbound by Gummibär and his friend: KALA (a ‘serval cat,’ and the brain in the group), HARRY, the nerdy know-it-all chameleon, and VAM PIRO (a vampire bat with a big problem: He faints at the sight of blood!).

I AM YOUR GUMMY BEAR USA CD COVER

  GUMMIBÄR is a green blue-eyed character that is usually naked except for orange underwear and sneakers and also seems to have been bitten (with a small portion of the upper left ear missing), which may be why he sings about candy. Gummibär represents the child inside of us (much like SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS); and he’s a dancing machine!  He knows how to work that body like no one else! Again, much like the SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS character, there’s an element of adult sarcastic humor mixed in with a kid’s smart-alecky sensibility and I love it all. The theme song (“I am a Gummy Bear”) is like a classic earworm, and the new Christmas DVD, “The Yummy Gummy Search for Santa”, is a new Christmas classic. The cultural references sprinkled throughout the movie are to die for!

The first Gummibär theme song, “I’m a Gummy Bear” (“The Gummy Bear Song”), was produced in Germany in late 2006, and became a regional success as a dance song. The company has since created six additional music videos for a global audience in an increasing number of languages, has recorded additional songs, and Gummibär songs and videos have now been recorded in over 28 languages. They recently announced the addition of party supply products and cookie cutters to the mix, and much more are on the way. For Christmas 2012, check the new Christmas DVD, the CDs (“I am a Gummy Bear”, “Gummibär Christmas Jollies”, “Gummibär: La La Love to Dance”) and the DVD (“The Gummibär Video Collection”). For more information and where-to-buy, visit www.gummibar.net, www.gummibar.net/music/, www.facebook.com/funnygummy, www.gummybearinternational.com/.

BUFFETS, INC. GIFT CARD PROGRAM IS THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING: FREE MEALS WITH $25 GIFT CARD PURCHASES DURING THE HOLIDAYS

BUFFETS, INC.^® and its portfolio of brands is making sure it feels good to give this holiday season.  From Thanksgiving until Christmas Eve, guests who purchase a gift card of $25 of value or greater will receive a FREE VIP CARD for a free meal to use for themselves good any time during the month of January 2013.  This special holiday deal positions Buffets portfolio of brands – operating primarily under RYAN’S^®, OLD COUNTRY BUFFET^® and HOMETOWN BUFFET^® – as offering one of the best values for individuals and companies seeking great holiday gift cards for colleagues and family. The special offer is only available for purchase at the company’s 340 family-style buffet restaurants between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve 2012.

BUFFETS, INC. VIP CARD: Purchase a $25 gift card or book a holiday party for 20 or more guests at any of the Buffets, Inc. brands of restaurants, between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, and receive a complimentary VIP Card for a free meal. (PRNewsFoto/Buffets, Inc.)

BUFFETS, INC., the nation’s largest steak-buffet restaurant company, currently operates 350 restaurants in 35 states, comprised of 340 steak-buffet restaurants and 10 TAHOE JOE’S FAMOUS STEAKHOUSE® restaurants.  The restaurants are principally operated under the OLD COUNTRY BUFFET®, HOMETOWN® BUFFET, RYAN’S® and FIRE MOUNTAIN® brands. Buffets employs approximately 18,000 team members and serves approximately 100 million customers annually.

“Our restaurants are known for offering great-tasting food we are all proud to serve to our families, so during the holidays we wanted to make sure everyone shared in the gift,” SAID ALICE CROWDER, VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING FOR BUFFETS, INC.  “This way, you can give a gift card to a friend or family member, and come back in January to enjoy a great dinner yourself!”