Virgin Media, the UK's leading communications and entertainment company, has been unveiled as the newest partner of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The company will also further support the Games as Presenting Partner of Athletics, which will be most evident during competition.

The Games will take place in Glasgow from 23 July to 3 August 2014 and will feature 6,500 athletes and officials from across the Commonwealth. They will compete in the largest sporting and cultural event to happen in Scotland in a generation.

Over one million people are expected to attend 11 days of world class competition, with up to 15,000 volunteers showcasing the best the city has to offer.

Jeff Dodds, Chief Marketing Officer at Virgin Media, said:

'Glasgow 2014 will bring together the greatest athletes from across the Commonwealth for one of the biggest sporting events ever to take place in Scotland.

'With our Home Nation heroes and international superstars, we're getting behind Glasgow and can't wait to build on an amazing track record of success.'

Lord Smith of Kelvin, Chairman of Glasgow 2014, said:

'We are delighted to welcome Virgin Media into the Glasgow 2014 sponsor family and we are hugely excited to be working with such a fantastic partner. Virgin Media is a highly regarded company and has such a strong presence here in Scotland.

'We look forward to collaborating with Virgin Media, its customers and staff in developing some exciting engagement and activation opportunities over the coming months, which will really bring the partnership to life.'

Commonwealth Games Minister, Shona Robison, said:

'As one of the UK's biggest communications and entertainment companies, Virgin Media's sponsorship of Glasgow 2014 is welcome and will help make next year's Games world class.'

Michael Cavanagh, Chairman Commonwealth Games Scotland, said:

'We are delighted that Virgin Media has come on board to support Glasgow 2014 and Team Scotland. Our track and field athletes are showing great early season form as they strive for selection and I know just how much they are looking forward to competing at Hampden which is such an iconic venue for Scots. The athletics competition will be world class and it is fantastic that Virgin Media are going to be the presenting partner.'

Councillor Archie Graham, Executive Member for the Commonwealth Games at Glasgow City Council, said:

'I am delighted that Virgin Media is the latest organisation to sponsor the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. I look forward to seeing the Games promoted by such a high-profile company as we all look forward to a fantastic event next summer in Glasgow.'

As an Official Partner and Presenting Partner of Athletics for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, Virgin Media will help promote the Games in the company's marketing and communications and will have a strong Games time brand presence.

Virgin Media employs around 800 staff in Bellshill, just east of Glasgow, making it one of the largest employers in the area. Virgin Media's Bellshill office is one of the company's centres of excellence for customer care and it's also a major site for Virgin Media Business, providing cutting-edge telecommunications services for small to large businesses as well as to the public sector.

Notes to Editors

The Commonwealth Games is an international, multi-sport event involving 71 teams of athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. The event was first held in 1930 and takes place every four years. Glasgow 2014 will be the 20th Commonwealth Games and will be held from 23 July to 3 August. It will feature 17 sports in 11 days of competition with 261 medal events on show. The Games will play host to 4,500 athletes and sell 1,000,000 tickets with the event aided by an army of 15,000 volunteers. Glasgow 2014 Ltd is the official name for the Organising Committee tasked with delivering the Games in partnership with the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and Commonwealth Games Scotland.

Glasgow 2014 family of official sponsors is Longines, SSE, Emirates, Virgin Media, Harper Macleod, Search Consultancy, Ernst & Young, Atos, Dell, Toshiba TEC, A.G. Barr, NVT Group, RGS, Trespass, Riedel and Ticketmaster.

For journalist enquiries contact

Press Office
t: 0207 909 2225
e: pressoffice@virginmedia.co.uk

About Virgin Media

Virgin Media is the first provider of all four broadband, TV, mobile phone and home phone services in the UK.

The company delivers ultrafast broadband connections to over half of all UK homes, with speeds of up to 120Mb, and is expanding this cable network – the result of a multi-billion pound investment – to reach thousands more people across the country.

Virgin Media has developed the most advanced interactive television service, bringing together broadcast TV, thousands of hours of on demand programming and the best of the web in a single set-top box powered by TiVo. The company was the first to offer HD TV and 3D on demand to millions of UK households.

Virgin Media also operates the most popular virtual mobile network in the UK which, when launched, was the world's first such mobile phone service. It is also one of the largest fixed-line home phone providers in the country.

Virgin Media Inc. is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market and the London Stock Exchange (VMED).

For more information, go to www.virginmedia.com

— WebWireID175152 —

A self-proclaimed 'gonzo motorcycle think-tank with an outside-the-box ethos,' BEnt is inviting 'motocycletterasts' to take part in its Gods of India Ride on Sunday, June 16th.

'We started the season with Erotic Ride, where we made stops at the Museum of Sex and then Shag, a female-owned sex shop in Williamsburg,' says Biker Entourage founder, Deme Spy. 'One of us did win a vibrator, but the highlight was definitely Chemistry,' a celebrated erotic party. The theme was 'Easy Rider', and BEnt bikers gave joyrides around Williamsburg, as well as offering their bikes as props for the party.

So, after riding bacchanal urges, what does BEnt have in store for its next production? 'A journey through space and Self,' according to their invite, 'as a quest for spiritual meaning inevitably follows the growth-release of hedonism.' Their Sunday ride will include an intensive morning introduction to Zen meditation, and a twisty run to a sacred Hindu Temple upstate (replete with fasting). 'Then we ride like Lord Vishnu on his dragon-chariot back into the city, to a ridiculous, themed party by Carmel Productions' called, what else? Gods of India.

Invites and mailing list signups for rides can be found on their website, bikerentourage.com. 'We're just getting started, and we got plans,' smiles Deme with a touch of menace. 'Let's just say we're developing an augmented reality adventure for bikers… that'll rock their world.'

— WebWireID175117 —

Burkhard Kieker, CEO of visitBerlin, remarks: "We look forward to welcoming two million visitors who will come to the city to celebrate the best football in Europe. Berlin will also be ready to present itself as a great host to 100 million television viewers around the world."

Berlin, the Sports Metropolis

From a casual kick-around to the Olympic Games: In Berlin, athletes have home field advantage. There are some two thousand clubs in the city with about 560,000 members. Berlin is home to top teams, but not just in football: Hertha BSC has made its way back to the Bundesliga first division football; the Eisbären Berlin are Germany's hockey champions; the BR Volleys are the top volleyballers in the country and Alba Berlin won Germany's basketball cup. In addition, the professional handballers Füchse Berlin and second-division 1.FC Union call Berlin their home.

Germany's capital, with its arenas and enthusiastic audience, has often been a stage for international sporting events. Each year, Berlin hosts events such as the ISTAF athletics competition, the Sechstagerennen track cycling event and the DFB Cup final. Organisers and athletes feel at home in the city on the river Spree, where sport has long been well-established.

Sport as an Economic Driver

The latest figures show that sport was responsible for €1 billion in revenues in 2011 and provides a living for 18,000 people in the city. Sport is also an image boost for the capital. Sporting events such as the BMW Berlin Marathon attract 40,000 runners to Berlin each year as well as more than a million visitors from 120 nations.

More information about sport in Berlin can be found at sport.visitBerlin.com; the study on sport as an economic driver can be found at press.visitBerlin.de (only in German).

— WebWireID175116 —

Great Britain's world beating quartet of double Olympic champion Laura Trott, Olympic team pursuit gold medallists Dani King and Joanna Rowsell, and 2013 world champion Elinor Barker, riding for the Wiggle Honda team, headline the field for the first Prudential RideLondon Grand Prix on Saturday 3 August.

The route for the series of three criterium races is a fast flat 1.3 mile loop around St James's Park that starts and finishes on The Mall (download routemap here: http://vlstatic.com/l-and-p/assets/media/Prudential-RideLondon-Grand-Prix-Route-2013.pdf). The riders will race towards Buckingham Palace, through three tight turns onto Birdcage Walk and then take a 90 degree left hand turn into Horse Guards. The final left turn at the end of Horse Guards brings them back onto The Mall.

'This is a fantastic course,' said Prudential RideLondon ambassador Laura Trott. 'It's the perfect way to celebrate one year on from the Olympic Games in an amazing weekend of cycling in London and Surrey. I can't wait to be part of it. Bring it on!'

A key event for London, Prudential RideLondon not only provides a legacy for Team GB athletes from the Games but also delivers on the capital's promise for our sports-captivated nation to stay inspired following London 2012. The Prudential RideLondon Grand Prix is designed to be London's next big thing and inspire the future generation of world-class cyclists, as well as providing spectators with the opportunity to witness our 2012 heroes in action a year on from the Games.

The programme for the Prudential RideLondon Grand Prix is:

17:00 - Handcycle

17:45 - Youths A/B

18:30 - Women

19:45 - Presentations

'This is the first women's criterium race ever staged on The Mall,' said Prudential RideLondon Race Director Mick Bennett. 'It's an amazing opportunity for cycling fans to watch our Olympic and world champions in action in the heart of London.'

The organisers are putting together a field of 80-100 riders from international and British teams for the one hour pro women's race.

The Youths A/B race is now open for entries using the standard British Cycling entry form which should be returned to robk@ridelondon.co.uk

Full information and entry forms are available on the British Cycling website here https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/events/details/88322/Ride-London-GPs

Entries are welcomed from anywhere in the UK but preference will be given to riders from London and Surrey.

Criteria for entry:

Youth A boys (born 1997/98)

National rankings on 1 July 2013
Youth B boys (born 1999/2000)

National rankings on 1 July 2013

The Prudential RideLondon Grand Prix forms part of a programme of major events as a legacy for the capital from the Games. Keeping up the momentum for world-class sport in 2012, the latest addition to London's bidding programme is the 2016 Track Cycling World Championships for the Olympic Velodrome, which itself will form part of the Lee Valley VeloPark and provide a further legacy from the Games as the world's best cycling facility for pros and enthusiasts alike, covering all four disciplines of track, road, mountain and bmx.
Notes to Editors

The full route of the Prudential RideLondon Grand Prix is available at here.

The Prudential RideLondon Grand Prix is part of the two-day world-class cycling festival Prudential RideLondon, taking place over the weekend of 3-4 August 2013. Prudential RideLondon comprises four separate events: the Classic, the 100, the Grand Prix and FreeCycle. Find out more at www.PrudentialRideLondon.co.uk.

Prudential RideLondon is a new weekend cycling festival developed by the Mayor of London, London & Partners and Transport for London in partnership with Surrey County Council, and sponsored by Prudential. The event is managed by the London & Surrey Cycling Partnership.

The Prudential RideLondon Cycle Show takes place at ExCel from 1-3 August.

— WebWireID175115 —

For complete survey methodology, including weighting variables, please contact Christina Shatzen at Christina@vscconsulting.com

About Telly
 
Telly is a social video community that gives you a simple and fun way to discover videos you'll love. We bring together the web's best video content – from Telly's own library of hosted content as well as videos from top sites like CNN, ESPN and YouTube – and make smart social recommendations based on what your friends are engaging with across the web. Telly also lets you easily create and share your own personal videos with our mobile apps. Originally branded Twitvid.com when the company first launched in 2009, today Telly.com is a fast growing social video community of over 8.5 million members who use Telly to discover and share the best videos online. To start discovering your new favorite videos, visit www.telly.com. 

About Harris Interactive
 
Harris Interactive is one of the world's leading market research firms, leveraging research, technology, and business acumen to transform relevant insight into actionable foresight. Known widely for the Harris Poll® and for pioneering innovative research methodologies, Harris offers proprietary solutions in the areas of market and customer insight, corporate brand and reputation strategy, and marketing, advertising, public relations and communications research. Harris possesses expertise in a wide range of industries including health care, technology, public affairs, energy, telecommunications, financial services, insurance, media, retail, restaurant, and consumer package goods. Additionally, Harris has a portfolio of multi-client offerings that complement our custom solutions while maximizing our client's research investment. Serving clients in more than 196 countries and territories through our North American and European offices, Harris specializes in delivering research solutions that help us - and our clients—stay ahead of what's next. For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.
 
[1] Based on 2010 U.S. Census data of 234,564,071 U.S. adults aged 18+
[2] Adobe's April 2013 Social Video Study
[3] Caution, extremely low base size for this group
[4] Ooyala Global Video Index
[5] Cisco Visual Networking Index: Global Mobile Data Traffic Forecast Update, 2012-2017

— WebWireID175105 —

WAYNE, NJ – Toys inspired by the highly anticipated 3D-CG comedy adventure film Despicable Me 2 from Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment have made their debut at Toys'R'Us® stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com. Through May, The World's Greatest Toy Store® is the only U.S. retailer to offer an all-new line of toys based on the movie, making it the ultimate Despicable Me 2 destination. Fans eager to get their hands on the coolest action and interactive figures, plush, games and more, need look no further than Toys'R'Us.

The movie, which arrives in theaters on July 3, is the sequel to the 2010 smash hit Despicable Me, which became the 10th-biggest animated motion picture in U.S. history. Despicable Me 2 promises more laughs with the return of super-villain Gru and his arsenal of gadgets and gizmos, his adorable girls and the unpredictably hilarious Minions.

'The first installment of Despicable Me was a blockbuster hit and fans worldwide immediately fell in love with Gru, Agnes, Margo, Edith and of course, the Minions,' said Lisa Harnisch, Senior Vice President, General Merchandising Manager, Toys'R'Us, U.S. 'We worked closely with our valued partners to be the first retailer to offer Despicable Me 2 merchandise, including fun exclusive items sold only in our stores, providing customers the opportunity to experience all the excitement of the movie before it hits theaters.'

In Toys'R'Us stores now, shoppers will find exclusive items from Thinkway Toys such as a banana-scented Fart Blaster, plush characters and interactive Minions that are sure to bring a smile to even the most evil villain. Also currently available are collectible action figures, a build-your-own Minion figure, a Minion missile launcher, a Minion mobile and much more based on the movie's loveable (and despicable!) characters. And, beginning May 30, fans will find all of these products along with classic games like Despicable Me 2 MONOPOLY and Despicable Me 2 OPERATION in a dedicated feature shop inside Toys'R'Us stores nationwide.

'We are thrilled that Toys'R'Us has quickly brought Despicable Me 2 products to shelves, making its stores the ultimate Despicable Me 2 destination,' said Jamie Stevens, Senior Vice President of Global Retail Development, Universal Partnerships & Licensing. 'The company's excitement for this film is yet another great example of Toys'R'Us knowing exactly what its customers want and its commitment to providing them with the most expansive and unique assortment of merchandise available. We value this partnership and are excited to be working with Toys'R'Us to bring Despicable Me 2 toys to the film's fans.'

The following select Despicable Me 2 items from Thinkway Toys are available exclusively at Toys'R'Us stores nationwide and online at Toysrus.com:

Toys'R'Us Exclusive Despicable Me 2 Banana Fart Blaster

The ultimate gadget for Gru's unpredictable Minions features sound effects, color changing lights and a banana scent. Kids can pump the blaster to activate banana scent, and pull the trigger for farting sound effects. Pranksters can activate the 'Joke Mode' which delays sound effects by 20 seconds after pulling the trigger. The Banana Fart Blaster is now available exclusively at Toys'R'Us stores nationwide. Ages 4 to 12 years. Batteries are included.

Toys'R'Us Exclusive Despicable Me 2 Plush Buddies 3-Piece Set

Cuddle up with your favorite Minions! Stuart, Dave and Tim are soft and just waiting to be hugged! The Plush Buddies 3-Piece Set is now available exclusively at Toys'R'Us stores nationwide. Ages 4 to 12 years. Batteries are not required.

Toys'R'Us Exclusive Despicable Me 2 10-Piece Figure Set

Kids can take home their favorite characters from the movie! Each set comes with 10 highly detailed collectible figures and display stands. The 10-piece figure set is now available exclusively at Toys'R'Us stores nationwide. Ages 4 to 12 years. Batteries are not required.

Toys'R'Us Exclusive Despicable Me 2 Collector's Edition Figures

Gru, Minion Dave and Agnes are highly detailed deluxe interactive figures with moving heads, eyes and mouths. Each character can say at least 30 phrases from the movie in their original voices. When you talk to them, they respond; Minion Dave and Agnes will even sing you a song! Collector's Edition Minion Dave, Gru and Agnes are sold separately and will be available exclusively at Toys'R'Us stores nationwide in September. Ages 4 to 12 years. Batteries are included.

To download high-resolution product images, visit: https://toysrus.sharefile.com/d/sb3cd0934c5545908.

About Toys'R'Us, Inc.

Toys'R'Us, Inc. is the world's leading dedicated toy and juvenile products retailer, offering a differentiated shopping experience through its family of brands. Merchandise is sold in 874 Toys'R'Us and Babies'R'Us stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, and in more than 660 international stores and over 160 licensed stores in 35 countries and jurisdictions. In addition, it exclusively operates the legendary FAO Schwarz brand and sells extraordinary toys in the brand's flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. With its strong portfolio of e-commerce sites including Toysrus.com, Babiesrus.com, eToys.com and FAO.com, it provides shoppers with a broad online selection of distinctive toy and baby products. Headquartered in Wayne, NJ, Toys'R'Us, Inc. employs approximately 70,000 associates annually worldwide. The company is committed to serving its communities as a caring and reputable neighbor through programs dedicated to keeping kids safe and helping them in times of need. Additional information about Toys'R'Us, Inc. can be found on Toysrusinc.com. Follow Toys'R'Us, Babies'R'Us and FAO Schwarz on Facebook at Facebook.com/Toysrus, Facebook.com/Babiesrus and Facebook.com/FAO and on Twitter at Twitter.com/Toysrus and Twitter.com/Babiesrus.

About Despicable Me 2

Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment's worldwide blockbuster Despicable Me entertained audiences around the globe in 2010, grossing more than $540 million and becoming the 10th-biggest animated motion picture in U.S. history. In summer 2013, get ready for more Minion madness in Despicable Me 2.

Chris Meledandri and his acclaimed filmmaking team create an all-new comedy adventure featuring the return of (former?) super-villain Gru (Steve Carell), his adorable girls, the unpredictably hilarious Minions...and a host of new and outrageously funny characters. www.despicable.me

About Universal Partnerships & Licensing

UP&L oversees Universal's consumer product licensing, film and home entertainment promotions, and all corporate alliances for Universal's theatrical, home entertainment, theme parks and stage productions. This dedicated division is also responsible for monetizing the Studio's vast library of films and characters through licensing, branding and marketing opportunities. UP&L is part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world–renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is owned by Comcast Corporation.

About Thinkway Toys

Thinkway is a leading Global Toy Company founded and owned by Albert Chan, President and CEO. Thinkway is known for its high quality details, along with the ability to bring toys to life with electronics.

— WebWireID175100 —

Hawaii, Lana'i, Lodge at Koele, U.S.A. - - Four Seasons Resorts Lanai, in partnership with the Lanai community, HawaiiONTV.com and Jazz Alley TV, announces the third annual Lanai Ukulele Festival June 21-23, 2013. The highly anticipated three-day event will showcase complimentary performances by legendary performers including Grammy winner Richard Ho`opi`i, Tony Conjugacion, Na Hoku winner Sheldon Brown, CJ 'Boom' Helekahi, Paula Fuga, Walt Keale, Makana Lopez, the Romero 'Ohana, Hula Honeys, and Zenshin Daiko Taiko Drummers.

'The Ukulele Festival, combined with the recent enhancements and new guest experiences, allows for the perfect opportunity to discover Lanai and enjoy an incredible weekend of arts, culture and music,' says Tom Roelens, general manager of Four Seasons Resorts Lanai. 'We are privileged to be able to assist with bringing such legendary performers to the island for both the community and island visitors to enjoy.'

The schedule of events includes:

-The Lodge at Koele – Friday, June 21, 2013; 5:00-7:00 pm. Enjoy music under the stars with musical performances and a special appetizer menu at the Pineapple Fountain, followed by a special dinner at the Terrace.
-Coffee Works – Saturday, June 22, 2013; 9:00-11:00 am. Start the morning with a "Cup of Joe" at the Ukulele Java Jam with Benny Uyetake.
-Café 565 – Saturday, June 22, 2013; 11:00 am–1:00 pm. Enjoy live music in Lanai City during lunch with CJ 'Boom' Helekahi.
-Mimi's Place – Saturday, June 22, 2013; 11:30 am–12:30 pm. The ukulele jam session in Lanai City with Benny Uyetake.
-The Lodge at Koele – Saturday, June 22, 2013; 1:00-2:00 pm. – Enjoy a complimentary ukulele workshop with Benny Uyetake in the Great Hall.
-The Lodge at Koele - Saturday June 22, 2013; 4:00-8:00 pm. – The Great Hall will come alive with an afternoon of award winning ukulele music and artisan demonstrations. The line-up includes Richard Ho`opi`i, Tony Conjugacion, Paula Fuga, Sheldon Brown, Walt Keala, The Hula Honeys, Benny Uyetake, CJ 'Boom' Helekahi, Makana Lopez and the Zenshin Daiko Taiko Drummers. Additionally, Dr. Eli Mitchell will demonstrate Lua, the ancient art of the Hawaiian warrior, which until recently has not been publicly demonstrated. The Terrace will be offering a a special ukulele pre-fixe dinner menu.
-The Lodge at Koele – Sunday, June 23, 2013; 9:30-11:30 am. Rise and shine with a morning musical performance by renowned artists CJ 'Boom' Helekahi and Benny Uyetake. Enjoy an a la carte brunch special 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
-The Lodge at Koele – Sunday, June 23, 2013; 7:00-9:00 pm. The festival concludes with an unforgettable ukulele jam session with CJ 'Boom' Helekahi.

Four Seasons Resorts Lanai is offering a special accommodations package, with rates starting at USD 249.00 per night at The Lodge at Koele and USD 299.00 at Manele Bay. To make room reservations,call toll-free at 800 321 4666 and ask for the Lanai Ukulele Festival promotion. The package is valid for new bookings for travel June 21-23, 2013 and rates listed are per room, per night, based on single or double occupancy, and are subject to availability. Tax and service charge additional.

Four Seasons Resorts Lanai would like to thank the following sponsors for making the event possible: LanaiONTV.com; HawaiiONTV.com; Jazz Alley TV, Maui-Lanai Expeditions Ferry; Ocean Vodka; Kai Kanani; Noka Oi Grinds; Maui Time Weekly; Lana'i Western Adventures; Maui Brewing Co.; Café 565; Coffee Works; Lāna'i 'Ohana Poki Market; Lanai Heritage & Cultural Center; Lanai Pine Sporting Clays & Archery Range; Trilogy; Koni FM 104; Lanai Plantation Store; Dollar Rent-a-Car; 808 Hummer; ABB Executive Rentals LLC; Dreams Come True B&B; KIKU TV; Manoa Radio; MauiFEST Hawaii; LanaiONTV.com; Hale Moe Accommodations; and RB Steak House.

— WebWireID175095 —

MIAMI, – With more game-changing 'firsts at sea' being introduced on Royal Caribbean International's new Quantum class of ships, vacationers will be hard pressed to find another experience that delivers the 'WOWs' like Quantum of the Seas. The cruise line known for introducing incredible signature onboard offerings, such as the rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink, FlowRider surf simulator, zip-lining and a park with more than 12,000 plants and trees, today unveiled Quantum of the Seas' first 18 Caribbean sailings, ranging from seven to twelve nights, with the official inaugural voyage set for November 23, 2014. Bookings will be available to Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program members beginning May 28, 2013 before opening to the general public on June 4.

Vacationers in the New York-metropolitan area and around the world can choose among seven- and eight-night Bahamas, eight- to 11-night Eastern Caribbean, and 11- and 12-night Southern Caribbean itinerariesaboard Quantum of the Seas. The groundbreaking new ship will sail roundtrip from Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, N.J. to the most popular Caribbean destinations through April 2015, and debut new unprecedented features, such as a skydiving experience; a thrilling adventure that transports guests more than 300 feet in the air on a breathtaking journey; cutting-edge transformative venues including the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line's largest and most advanced staterooms ever. To see the reveal film which introduces Quantum of the Seas' innovative at-sea 'firsts,' please see http://tinyurl.com/pyhh6ff.

'Royal Caribbean is proud to partner with some of the Caribbean's premier destinations for the inaugural season of Quantum of the Seas,' said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. 'The Quantum class of ships will combine a new set of truly exciting and first-at-sea innovations that can only be found on Royal Caribbean, with some of the most incredible destinations in the region. We can't wait to WOW vacationers with Quantum cruising.'

On the Bahamas cruises, guests call at Port Canaveral, Fla., Nassau and CocoCay, Royal Caribbean's private tropical island paradise. The Eastern Caribbean cruises will include ports of call among San Juan, Puerto Rico; Samana, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas; St. Kitts; and St. Maarten. Guests on the Southern Caribbean cruises will call at San Juan, St. Maarten, Martinique, Barbados and St. Kitts. On most Caribbean sailings, Quantum of the Seas also will visit Labadee, Royal Caribbean's very own highly-rated private beach paradise on the north coast of Haiti.

Building on a legacy of more than 40 years of innovation and creative design, Royal Caribbean's Quantum class of ships will take a dramatic leap forward, introducing more game-changing 'firsts at sea,' such as RipCord by iFly (http://tinyurl.com/af3o2qf), the first skydiving experience at sea, which allows everyone from first-time flyers to seasoned skydivers to enjoy the sheer thrill and exhilaration of skydiving in a safe, controlled and simulated environment. North Star (http://tinyurl.com/bp22mwy), an engineering marvel, will take guests to new heights – literally – with a jewel-shaped, glass capsule, transporting them on a spectacular journey more than 300 feet above the ocean and over the sides of the ship to deliver awe-inspiring 360-degree views.

The new Quantum class also will introduce new cutting-edge, transformative venues, including Two70° (http://tinyurl.com/b99ob8n), a multi-level great room aptly named for its magnificent 270-degree panoramic sea views through three-deck high, floor-to-ceiling glass walls at the stern of the ship; SeaPlex (http://tinyurl.com/cwpmlvg), the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and circus school with trapeze; and Music Hall (http://tinyurl.com/bdw3myd), a two-story performance hall, inspired by the spirit of rock and roll, and the hottest live music venue on Quantum class.

Quantum class also will offer Royal Caribbean's largest and most advanced staterooms ever, including the industry's first interior staterooms with Virtual Balconies, ensuring that every stateroom on Quantum of the Seas will have a view. For multi-generational families, Family-Connected staterooms deliver more flexibility, using three different stateroom categories that connect to form a special layout that provides separate bedrooms and bathrooms for all. Royal Caribbean also will introduce new Studio staterooms – some featuring balconies – for single travelers, three new Junior Suite categories, and larger Loft Suites. For an informative overview of Quantum of the Seas' new stateroom concepts, please see http://tinyurl.com/a2obdob.

Quantum class will debut in fall 2014 with Quantum of the Seas, followed by her sister-ship Anthem of the Seas in spring 2015. Quantum ships span 16 decks, encompass 167,800 gross registered tons, carry 4,180 guests at double occupancy and feature 2,090 staterooms. More information on Quantum of the Seas is available at RoyalCaribbean.com/Quantum.

Royal Caribbean International is an award-winning global cruise brand with a 40-year legacy of innovation and introducing industry firsts never-before-seen at sea. The cruise line features an expansive and unmatched array of features and amenities only found on Royal Caribbean including, jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and industry-acclaimed programming that appeals to families and adventurous vacationers alike. Owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE/OSE: RCL), the cruise line sails 21 of the world's most innovative cruise ships to the most popular destinations in the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, South America, the Far East, and Australia and New Zealand. World renowned for its friendly and engaging Gold Anchor Service, delivered by every staff and crew member, Royal Caribbean has been voted 'Best Cruise Line Overall' for 10 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Reader's Choice Awards.Media can stay up-to-date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter, and visiting RoyalCaribbeanInternationalPR.tumblr.com and RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com.

— WebWireID175091 —

Titian's Diana and Callisto, acquired for the nation in 2012, will be the subject of an exciting new National Gallery venture. Visitors to arts festivals this summer can step inside a mobile cinema truck, sit under a star-studded canopy and watch a short film that approaches Titian's work from a 21st-century perspective. They can learn about the goddess Diana and the nymph Callisto, and discover how the painting remains a powerful source of inspiration for a wide range of people today – including poets, artists, schoolchildren and curators.

Three Titian paintings are reproduced on the side of the truck as if on a gallery wall, with the images in 3D frames. Supported by the Art Fund, the national fundraising charity for art, 'The Titian Experience' truck will appear at Hay, Grassington, Buxton and Latitude festivals between May and July 2013. The project supports the National Gallery's aim to promote the understanding, knowledge and appreciation of Old Master paintings to as wide an audience as possible.

Dr Nicholas Penny, Director of the National Gallery, says:

"In 2012, when we acquired Titian's masterpiece 'Diana and Callisto' to sit alongside 'Diana and Actaeon', I said that no greater pair of Old Master paintings could possibly be secured for the public. Last year, in celebration of these acquisitions, 'Diana and Actaeon' painting went on tour to a number of venues around England and this cinema truck is another accessible and enjoyable opportunity for festival goers to learn more about these major acquisitions for the Nation."

Dr Stephen Deuchar, Director of the Art Fund, says:

"Mesmerising in conception and execution, Titian's 'Diana and Actaeon' and 'Diana and Callisto' are two of the most beautiful and important acquisitions ever made by a public collection. We are delighted to be supporting the National Gallery's Titian Experience, and hope that festival-goers around the UK will have fun learning more about these great works of art."

'Diana and Callisto' was acquired for the public in 2012 for £45 million by the National Gallery, London, and National Galleries of Scotland. This acquisition was made possible with the generous charitable support of individuals and trusts, including the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the Art Fund and the Monument Trust. 'Diana and Callisto' and Diana and Actaeon were painted for King Philip II of Spain between 1556 and 1559 and belong to a group of large-scale mythologies inspired by the Roman poet Ovid's 'Metamorphoses'. At the same time, Titian began another painting associated with this pair, The Death of Actaeon, also in the National Gallery. For some reason, Titian never sent this painting to the king and it remained in his studio unfinished at his death.

Notes to Editors

Festivals and Dates

Festival - Date - Time - Location

1. Hay Festival*
www.hayfestival.com - 23 May–2 June - Shows throughout the day - Next to Venue 4

2. Grassington Festival
www.grassington-festival.org.uk - 22–23 June - 10am–6pm - Festival in the Field

3. Buxton Festival
http://www.buxtonfestival.co.uk - 6–7 July - 10am–4pm - Pavilion Gardens Promenade (outside Tourist Information Office)

4. Latitude
http://www.latitudefestival.com - 18–21 July - 10am–5pm - Pandora's Playground

*At Hay Festival, experts will be presenting the film on 25–27 May and 1–2 June only
'Diana and Callisto' image credit

Titian, 'Diana and Callisto', 1556–9 © Bought jointly by the National Gallery and National Galleries of Scotland with contributions from the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Art Fund, the Monument Trust and through private appeal and bequests, 2012

The National Gallery

The National Gallery is one of the greatest art galleries in the world. Founded by Parliament in 1824, the Gallery houses the nation's collection of Western European paintings from the late 13th to the early 20th century. The collection of over 2,300 works includes paintings by Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, Turner, Rembrandt, Degas, Cézanne, Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet, Rubens, Velázquez, Van Dyck, Titian and Bellini. The Gallery's key objectives are to enhance the collection, care for the collection and provide the best possible access to visitors.

Art Fund

The Art Fund is the national fundraising charity, helping museums to buy and show great art for everyone.

Over the past 5 years we've given £24m to help over 200 museums and galleries acquire works of art for their collections, from ancient sculpture and treasure hoards to Old Master paintings and contemporary commissions. We also support a range of programmes which promote museums and their collections to wider audiences, including the national tour of the ARTIST ROOMS collection, the Art Fund Prize which rewards and celebrates Museum of the Year, and our Art Guide, a pioneering smartphone app offering the most comprehensive guide to seeing art across the UK. We are independently funded, the majority of our income coming from 95,000 members who, through the National Art Pass, enjoy free entry to over 200 hundred museums, galleries and historic houses across the UK, as well as 50% off entry to major exhibitions. Find out more about the Art Fund and the National Art Pass at www.artfund.org

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The Sanaa Circle, a friends group of the National Museum of African Art, will present a panel discussion in support of the museum in the Smithsonian's Ripley Center Pavilion, Friday, June 7, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.; it is free and open to the public. The panelists are experts from the fields of beauty, art, culture and history who will discuss contemporary hair, health and beauty in reference to the heritage and history of Africa. The discussion will be moderated by Diana N'Diaye, who is the principal investigator and curator of The Will to Adorn initiative at the Smithsonian's Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. The project is one of the three themes of the 2013 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and it looks at identity and how it is reflected in African American dress. N'Diaye is also a jewelry and dress designer.

Johnnetta Betsch Cole, director of the National Museum of African Art, will begin the evening with opening remarks. A reception will follow with hair models featuring images of contemporary beauty and styles by natural hair stylist and cosmetologist Camille Robbins-Reed. The panelists will be available for additional conversation during the reception.

Panelists include:

Dr. Monte Harris, a Sanaa committee member and internationally recognized plastic surgeon, lectures and leads discussions on the role of hair in an individual's perceptions of beauty and identity. As the leader of the Center for Aesthetic Modernism and Do Good H.A.I.R. Project, Harris provides comprehensive health guidance for women seeking to achieve personal beauty that aligns with their ancestral heritage.

Karen Milbourne has been a curator at the National Museum of African Art since May 2008. Her expertise includes the arts and pageantry of western Zambia and contemporary African art. Since joining the museum, she has curated the exhibitions 'Artists in Dialogue: António Ole and Aimé Mpane' (2009) and 'Artists in Dialogue 2: Sandile Zulu and Henrique Oliveira' (2011). She also served as coordinating curator for the exhibitions 'Yinka Shonibare MBE' (2010) and 'Central Nigeria Unmasked' (2011).

Gina Paige is president and co-founder of Africanancestry.com, the nation's leading genetics-based people ancestry-tracing company, sparking global interest, dialogue and focus on the importance of people knowing who they are.

Sponsors

Support for 'Hair, Health, and Heritage' comes from BET networks, Kamal Ali at Ben's Chili Bowl, Anacostia Art Gallery, Larry Atkins, Beverley Burke, J.R. Clark of Squire Saunders, Donnette Cooper, Audra Cunningham, Thomas Dawson, Do Good H.A.I.R. Project, Monte Harris, Barbara Johnson, Leftwich & Ludaway, Lucia Riddle, Squire Saunders and Ben Soto & Premium Title LLC.

About the Sanaa Circle

The Sanaa Circle started in 2009 to support and enhance the learning and outreach programs offered to the community by the National Museum of African Art. It has focused on providing financial support and building a full community of supporters for the museum to further the mission of the museum. Sanaa plays a fundamental role in connecting the museum to the greater Washington, D.C., community. The support of the women and men of Sanaa helps the museum to achieve its current programming while laying the foundation for ambitious future goals and increasing membership for the museum.

About the National Museum of African Art

The National Museum of African Art is America's only museum dedicated to the collection, conservation, study and exhibition of traditional and contemporary African art. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 25). Admission is free. The museum is located at 950 Independence Avenue S.W., near the Smithsonian Metrorail station on the Blue and Orange lines. For more information about this exhibition, call (202) 633-4600 or visit the museum's website at Africa.si.edu. For general Smithsonian information, call (202) 633-1000.

Note: To arrange an interview with the artists or for selected high-resolution images, contact Eddie Burke at (202) 633-4660 or burkee@si.edu.

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The acquisition is part of a ground-breaking new partnership, called Aspire, between five national and regional galleries: Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales; the National Galleries of Scotland; Colchester and Ipswich Museums; Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum; and Tate Britain. The partnership will enable the work, owned by Tate, to go on almost constant view in partner venues across the UK. From today it will go on view in the Constable room at Tate Britain until the end of the year before being shown at the five national and regional galleries participating in the programme.

The work has been acquired for the special price of £23.1 million with tax concessions, equivalent to an open market sale of £40 million. The acquisition has been made possible through the most generous collaboration of the children of the late Lord Ashton of Hyde and purchased through the London fine art agents Robert Holden Ltd. The painting had previously been on view at The National Gallery on long-term loan since 1983.

Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows is one of a series of monumental 'six-footer' canvases painted by the artist. This was the scale he reserved for his finest compositions, the paintings he wished to make a great impact in the crowded, competitive hang of the RoyalAcademy exhibitions. This work is the most visually spectacular of all the 'six footers', the most loaded in meaning and the one of which he was most proud. Constable called it 'The Great Salisbury' and wrote 'I am told I got it to look better than anything I have yet done'.

Nicholas Serota, Director, Tate said: 'Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows is one of the great masterpieces of British art. I am extremely grateful to the owners who have worked with us while we have raised the funds to ensure the painting remains in the UK. I would also like to thank the National Gallery for their support and the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Manton Foundation, the Art Fund and Tate Members who have recognised the importance of this work and that it should enter the national collection. Through the innovative Aspire programme the work will now be widely accessible across Britain.'

Jenny Abramsky, Chair, Heritage Lottery Fund said: 'HLF is proud to be a major funder of this masterpiece. Our investment of over £15 million is substantial but reflects the fact that these moments – those that give us the chance to save such a precious and quintessentially British heritage icon – come along very rarely. It is unimaginable that this particular painting might have ended up anywhere other than in a UK public collection. Constable was truly a man of the people who believed that art was for everyone and not the select few and it is very fitting that the innovative approach of the Aspire project will ensure that many more people around the country will get to see and enjoy Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows than ever before. That's really something to celebrate.'

Sandra Niles of The Manton Foundation said: 'The Trustees of the Manton Foundation were unanimous in their support of this effort to secure this extraordinary painting for many generations of audiences to enjoy. We hope that our grant is a way of recognising the lifelong interest and philanthropy of my grandparents, Sir Edwin and Lady Manton.'

Stephen Deuchar, Director, the Art Fund, said: 'Constable's Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows is a British icon. Now, thanks to a funding partnership between the Art Fund, the Heritage Lottery Fund and The Manton Foundation, it is entering the nation's permanent collection and will be shown in many museums across the UK through an innovative sharing arrangement. It's a great pleasure to have helped Tate and its four partner museums make this happen.'

Adrian Green, Director, Salisbury and SouthWiltshireMuseum said: 'The Aspire partners are delighted that the funding has been secured to save Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows for the nation. The Aspire programme will ensure that the painting will reach as wide an audience as possible, particularly through a range of imaginative events at each of the partner venues. At SalisburyMuseum the opportunity to see the painting and then 'step out into the canvas' will be an unforgettable experience.'

The Aspire programme is a partnership between five UK institutions, all of which will organise special public programmes highlighting the painting. It will be seen in exhibitions and displays which include the partner venues' existing collections and reflect the individual context of each site. After the initial five year period all the partners will continue to have special access to the painting for their exhibitions, while ensuring that this extraordinary work is lent to other institutions so that it can be enjoyed by a wide public.

Each display will be complemented by an education programme which encourages audiences to learn more about this painting and the work of John Constable. The project will establish a national network for Constable Studies to promote exchange and create new opportunities for training and skills development with a particular focus on developing new audiences for heritage through traineeships and the provision of education materials for schools, teachers and families.

An image of the painting and colouring sheet, along with other related activities will be available online on Tate Kids (kids.tate.org.uk). They will allow children to explore the painting in closer detail.

Notes to Editor

Notes to Editors
Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows depicts Salisbury Cathedral under both a heavy cloud and a striking arched rainbow from across the River Avon. The scene has been interpreted as a metaphor for pressure felt by the Church of England from its diminished political importance. The painting was first exhibited at the Royal Academy's Summer Exhibition in 1831 and later in a regional exhibition in Birmingham as directed by Constable, who wanted the work to be seen by as many people as possible.

The UK holds seven of the twelve large-scale works Constable exhibited, and five of the thirteen full-size sketches that he made for these. This work was one of two which were privately owned. There are three pairings of sketch and finished painting in Britain. Securing this work for the UK has now added a fourth pairing. The full-size sketch for Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows is held by the Guildhall Art Gallery, London.

The order of displays in the Aspire programme is as follows: National Museum Cardiff, 2014; Christchurch Mansion,Ipswich, Colchester & Ipswich Museums, 2015; Salisbury and South Wiltshire Museum, 2016; National Galleries of Scotland, 2017; Tate Britain, 2018.

Sir Edwin Manton (1909 - 2005) was born in England and moved to New York in 1933. Sir Edwin was a collector of paintings by John Constable and his contemporaries, and a generous benefactor to the arts, the church and medicine. His collection, which is now at The Sterling and Francine Clark Institute in Williamstown, also includes works by Gainsborough, Rowlandson and Turner. He was knighted in 1994 for charitable services to the arts. Prior to this exceptional grant to the acquisition of Constable's Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows, the Manton Foundation most recently contributed the lead donation to the Tate Britain Millbank Project.

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Dueck is currently executive sous chef of the AGO's food and beverage operations. He joined the Gallery in 2008 when its doors re-opened to the public after Transformation AGO. Dueck collaborated with current executive chef Anne Yarymowich to oversee the launch of FRANK Restaurant, the Baillie Court Event Centre, caféAGO and satellite cafes within the gallery.

With over 30 years of culinary experience, Dueck has worked at some of the finest restaurants in Toronto including Canoe, Bistro 990, Scaramouche and The Windsor Arms. His resume boasts an impressive event catering background, having executed gala openings for Luminato, Innovator's Ball, Tennis Canada, Toronto Jazz Festival and Toronto Film Festival. Born and raised in southern Ontario, Dueck is a graduate of George Brown College, where he is currently a faculty member.

'Having worked shoulder to shoulder with Jeff for the past five years, I am thrilled to name him as successor to the culinary legacy that we have co-authored,' said Yarymowich. 'He is a friend, a colleague, an exceptional culinarian and a stand-up guy. I know he will be amazing in this new role.'

'I'm delighted to take on this position at the Gallery along with the exciting new challenges it will offer,' said Dueck. 'I've learned a great deal from Anne Yarymowich, and FRANK will continue to showcase the fresh, innovative and well-crafted culinary offerings that Anne put so much love into. The Gallery's food outlets are growing to include pop-up stations for AGO First Thursdays, satellite operations like the popular café Galleria Italia, and exhibition-themed menus. We're really upping the ante on artful dining experiences.'

Yarymowich retires from her 17-year tenure as FRANK's executive chef on June 14, 2013. Her many achievements during that period include winning chef of the year in 2009 by the Ontario Hostelry Institution; being named number 3 in Toronto Life's 2009 list of the Top Ten new restaurants; and receiving the bronze medal at Gold Medal Plates in 2010.

ABOUT THE AGO
With a collection of more than 80,000 works of art, the Art Gallery of Ontario is among the most distinguished art museums in North America. From the vast body of Group of Seven and signature Canadian works to the African art gallery, from the cutting-edge contemporary art to Peter Paul Rubens' masterpiece The Massacre of The Innocents, the AGO offers an incredible art experience with each visit. In 2002 Ken Thomson's generous gift of 2,000 remarkable works of Canadian and European art inspired Transformation AGO, an innovative architectural expansion by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry that in 2008 resulted in one of the most critically acclaimed architectural achievements in North America. Highlights include Galleria Italia, a gleaming showcase of wood and glass running the length of an entire city block, and the often-photographed spiral staircase, beckoning visitors to explore. The AGO has an active membership program offering great value, and the AGO's Weston Family Learning Centre offers engaging art and creative programs for children, families, youth and adults. Visit ago.net to find out more about upcoming special exhibitions, to learn about eating and shopping at the AGO, to register for programs and to buy tickets or memberships.

March 16, 2013 – June 16, 2013: Revealing the Early Renaissance: Stories and Secrets in Florentine Art

Aug. 17, 2013 – Oct. 27, 2013: Ai Weiwei: According to What?

Nov. 30, 2013 – March 2, 2014: The Great Upheaval: Modern Masterpieces from the Guggenheim Collection

The AGO is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Additional operating support is received from the City of Toronto, the Canada Council for the Arts and generous contributions from AGO members, donors and private-sector partners.

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Premieres Thursday, May 23, at 9 p.m. ET

WHAT: 'The Oklahoma Tornado Tragedy: A Weather Channel Special Presentation' takes viewers inside the massive, EF5 tornado that devastated the town of Moore, OK - killing at least 24 and potentially leaving upwards of $2 billion worth of damage in its wake - on May 21, 2013. The one-hour special recounts the 40 minutes that the tornado was on the ground, from its approach to the town through its shocking aftermath, as it leveled two schools, destroyed neighborhoods and cars, badly damaged a hospital and many more buildings, and caused an as yet uncounted number of fatalities and injuries.

weather.com will also feature clips from this special as part of its comprehensive coverage of the Moore, OK tornado.

WHO: Hosted by Mike Bettes, on-camera meteorologist for The Weather Channel (Weather), 'The Oklahoma Tornado Tragedy: A Weather Channel Special Presentation' features interviews with Weather's Jim Cantore, Dr. Greg Forbes, and Stephanie Abrams, as well as 'Storm Riders' stars Simon Brewer and Juston Drake. 'The Oklahoma Tornado Tragedy: A Weather Channel Special Presentation' is produced by Peacock Productions.

WHEN: Thursday, May 23 at 9 p.m. ET (repeats at midnight). The special follows the premiere of The Weather Channel's new series 'Secrets of the Earth' at 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. ET.

Encore: Friday, May 24 at 4 p.m. E.T.

MORE: Visit www.weather.com/press for more information

The Weather Company: Where the World Gets its Weather

Through The Weather Channel, weather.com, Weather Underground, Intellicast.com, and third-party publishing partners, the company provides millions of people every day with the world's best weather forecasts, content and data, connecting with them through television, online, mobile and tablet screens. Through WSI and Weather Central, the company delivers superior professional weather services for the media, aviation, marine and energy sectors. The Weather Company is owned by a consortium made up of NBC Universal and the private equity firms The Blackstone Group and Bain Capital. For more information, visit www.weather.com/press.

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DXRacer is known in Europe and Asia as the elite gaming chair and now these elite gaming chairs can be purchased at the LuxVelocity.com Store.There are 4 different kinds of DXRacer Chairs available for your favorite seating area: F-Series , D-Series , M-Series, and U-Series racing office chairs. With the huge selection of chairs there is a racing chair from DXRacer for everyone!

Below is a description of the four different DXRacer chairs:

The F-Series is DXRacer's answer to those seeking affordable luxury, and these chairs are well known to e-sports enthusiasts. The high density cold cure foam filling in the back and seat as is used for car seats means these ergonomic chairs can be comfortably used for 8 hours a day. This chair offers superb stability, with the the tubular steel frame and metal star base as well as comfort with 8 position adjustable height armrests, a high back with integrated headrest that will tilt back to 180 degrees for power naps whilst working. The back can also be locked in any desired position. The maximum load for this chair is 265lbs .

The D-Series of chairs offer exceptional comfort. With added foam padding on both the back and the seat, and a much deeper seat (19.5' deep). Series D seats are ideal for extended use of more than 8 hours per day. It features exceptional stability with its tubular steel frame and metal star base, an adjustable 180 degree reclining back, 8-position armrests, a high (33') back with an integrated headrest and cold cure foam padding throughout. It has a load capacity of 265lbs .

The M-Series combines the ultimate in comfort with sporty looks. This series takes comfort to a new level, with seats that are wider and deeper (20.5' x 20.5') as well as thicker with extra cushioning. This seat also features additional lumbar support that is adjustable via a dial and an extra lumbar cushion that is included. The seat of this chair can also be raised to a higher position and boasts synchronous tilt with lock function. Armrests are wide and soft, with padding. The star base on this chair is in aluminum, colored black. Maximum load is 330lbs . DXRacer

U-Series seats are ideal for taller and broader users or those who prefer a wider backrest. It is markedly wider than the M series chair (23'wide and 33.5' high) which puts it among the largest seats available on the market. Additionally, the seating position is higher for those will longer leg length. The star base is aluminum, colored black and the seat has a Synchron tilt mechanism with lockable function. Maximum load capacity is 330lbs . Armrests are wide and soft, with padding, for added comfort.

DXRacer offers sponsorships for professional gaming teams.If you would like your gaming team sponsored please contact us for sponsorships at our website. Shift into 6th gear with DXRacer!

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Oakland, CA— PR professionals looking to learn the criteria and secrets for successfully placing products with top editors in the 2013 Holiday Gift Guides should attend this new 90-minute webinar from PR University.

PR pros who attend Top Gift Guide Editors Reveal How to Publicize Your Consumer Product in 2013 Holiday Editions will also hear firsthand from gatekeepers what they're looking for now, this year's hottest items and the latest consumer buying behaviors and trends. 

This exclusive PR University webinar takes place on Thursday, May 23, at 1PM EST (noon CST; 11AM MST; 10AM PST). 

Featuring Trainers:

Caren Oppenheim Assistant Editor, Family Circle

Adrienne Samuels Gibbs, Senior Editor, Ebony magazine

Tara Bradley, Senior Honeymoons Editor at Destination Weddings & Honeymoons magazine, 

Amy Bates Stumpf, President and CEO, Gifted Communications 

What PR pros will learn:

• 2013 Editorial Hot Buttons: The gadgets, goods, gear and top shopping trends editors will be covering this holiday season as the economy gathers steam—and how to emphasize these pegs in media outreach

• How top holiday gift guides differ in scope and mission—and how to use these insights to get products reviewed

• Early-Bird Techniques: Best ways to pitch embargoed products, negotiate exclusive first looks and manage beta runs months in advance

• Freebie Update: What journalists can (and can't) receive and how they prefer to receive mailed items and seasonal gifts

• Social Media Tips: How these media outlets use social media to source and seek product to cover—plus how to use tools like Twitter to build relationships with them and even pitch items for them to cover

• How smaller concerns can earn more holiday coverage than corporate giants with deeper pockets (and resources)

• Faux Pas to Avoid: The most common missteps brands and PR reps make when trying to score gift guide ink and how to avoid them

• Best Practices: How to get images and graphics in the hands of ultra-busy editors and dozens more inside media relations tips

For more details, go to the conference home page.

Bulldog Reporter's PR University produces over 60 high-level professional development conferences per yearwith extraordinary speakers on media relations skills, PR measurement, crisis communications, advanced PR technology, social media, and the nation's most influential media—a complete professional development program to meet all your training and updating needs.

Attendance at this Bulldog Reporter PR University webinar costs just $299 per login. Participants in this 90-minute webinar will be able to pose specific questions for the presenter at several junctures during the discussion. 

Attendees of PR University conferences receive one credit toward PRSA accreditation maintenance. Registration also includes an up-to-the-minute conference manual. For more information on taking part in the event, go to the conference home page or for personalized service and special offers please contact one of our sales consultants toll free at: 1-800-959-1059.

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'Winning this award proves what you can accomplish when you have an interesting story and compelling characters, regardless of budget,' said director and writer Jim Towns after the awards ceremony. 'We were also fortunate to have a great post-production staff that was able to bring out the vibrancy and drama of the movie through score and sound design.'

Final production on House of Bad completed in late 2012, and screeners of the film were sent out to reviewers and sales reps.  From small movie blogs to big sites like Ain't It Cool News, feedback has been positive. Reviewers are calling House of Bad 'a pretty impressive piece of low budget genre cinema', 'a really emotional tale', 'fresh, sexy and unsettling', 'a fine example of what the low budget indie scene has to offer', 'the supernatural thriller could easily pass for one of the modest majors, or something that is level in quality of an HBO series', and 'a smarter version of a 70's grindhouse bad girl flick'.   

The movie made its domestic debut at the 2013 Big Bear Horro-Fi Film Festival, which took place in the beautiful mountain resort of Big Bear, CA May 18th through 19th. Though there were some technical glitches during the screening, House of Bad went home with the Fan Favorite award.     

House of Bad is a 95-minute feature film about three sisters on the run with a suitcase full of stolen drugs, yearning to break free from their sordid pasts. When the eldest sister Teig decides they're going to hide out in their old, abandoned family house, its painful memories quickly become too real to fight off.  Unable to distinguish dreams from reality, this attempt at a new lease on life turns into a race for survival.  To find out more, please visit www.houseofbad.com

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Current cruise ticket pricing for the company has driven higher booking volumes however, at the same time, it has led to lower than anticipated net revenue yields which has resulted in reduced earnings guidance.

The company now expects full year 2013 net revenue yields to be down 2 to 3 percent compared to the previous flat yield guidance for the year. In addition, voyage cancellations beyond those incorporated in the company's previous earnings guidance, as well as increased selling and administrative costs, are expected to reduce earnings by approximately $0.10 per share.

Based on the above factors, as well as current fuel prices of $674 per metric ton and currency exchange rates of $1.30 to the Euro and $1.53 to the pound, the company now expects full year 2013 EPS to be in the range of $1.45 to $1.65 compared to its previous earnings guidance range of $1.80 to $2.10. The company continues to expect second quarter 2013 EPS to be in the range of $0.04 to $0.08 per share despite slightly lower yield expectations.

The company will announce second quarter results and more details of its 2013 full year guidance (updated for current spot prices for fuel and exchange rates) during its regularly scheduled earnings conference call to be held in late June 2013.

Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise company in the world, with a portfolio of cruise brands in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Ibero Cruises, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK).

Together, these brands operate 101 ships totaling 205,000 lower berths with eight new ships scheduled to be delivered between May 2013 and April 2016. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour company in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

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Kimberly Petruska, founder & CEO of DatingAccessory.com will speak during iDate's "CEO Therapy" session. The session covers mobile dating startups and provides advice from peers. 'We are looking forward to meeting and learning from other people in the industry and using that knowledge to create new and better products for the future,' says Petruska.
 
The conference coincides with the Viral Summit (http://www.viralsummit.com), also taking place in Los Angeles on the same days. Those that register to one event are able to attend both.
 
About DATING ACCESSORY
 
DatingAccessory.com is a mobile friendly website that offers singles a easy and private way to never miss another connection. By creating a dating card that simply states "You Caught My Eye" it is immediately clear the purpose of the card. The reverse of the card has a disclaimer that reads "if you are involved I apologize, please take this as a compliment." This keeps the process classy while requiring little courage on the part of the giver. The receiver of the card is able to use their Smartphone with the cards' QR code or the standard web address and enter a code that connects with the givers personal profile and photos. The site utilizes mobile technology, making the experience both fun and private.
 
About the iDate Dating Industry Conference
 
The iDate Dating Industry Conference is the largest conference and dating business event.  Since 2004, CEOs and senior executives from major dating companies attend each event, which discusses online dating, social dating, speed dating, matchmaking, mobile dating, software, dating affiliates, social media, dating services and other forms of the industry.
 
iDate was the first event to provide senior dating and matchmaking industry executives education, ideas, insight and networking to identify new opportunities, gain higher levels of traffic and revenue.
 
For more information, please visit the website http://www.InternetDatingConference.com or contact:
 
Ticonderoga Ventures, Inc.
Marketing and Logistics Representative
Tel /Fax         USA +1 (212) 722-1744 ext 71
E-mail: info-17@internetdatingconference.com
Twitter:  @idateconference
Linkedin Industry Group: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2190639
 
Media Relations:
Mark Brooks, Online Personals Watch
Tel: USA +1 (212) 444-1636         
Email: mark@onlinepersonalswatch.com
 

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, particularly as related to the business plans of the company, within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Sections 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and are subject to the safe harbor created by these sections. Actual results may differ materially from the company's expectations and estimates.

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'Industry leaders have adopted ABP because it's a modern, robust, highly automated, multi-channel Sportsbook.' said Pascal Blyau, MD. 'During the past year, we have received numerous requests from small and medium-sized companies for our technology and they wanted a turnkey solution with minimal upfront investment.'

ABP in a BOX was designed with this in mind and it the easiest way to start with sports betting. 'This all-in-one Sportsbook solution comes complete with all the hardware and middleware (incl. Oracle) needed and pre-loaded with the ABP software suite: ABP Sporstbook backend, Apollo frontend web framework and retail frontend solution TMS.  This is a mobile system that can be installed anywhere delivered in a case with handle and wheels.' said Simon Ordish, CEO.

Andy Chalker, ABP Product Owner explained: 'We actually pre-configure some of the more complex features to ensure that it is extremely easy to manage with minimal care thanks to data feeds and built-in automated controls. Crucially though, the operator is still very much in charge of their Sportsbook. This is a technically managed service where the operator is still a true bookmaker in charge of their own destiny.'

Pascal Blyau concluded on the business model: 'ABP in a BOX is the entry point for the LVS's new Pay-as-you-Grow rental scheme. With this new policy LVS is proud to offer a far superior and more scalable product than traditionally available at this price in the market.'

— WebWireID175026 —

Created through an association between Travelodge, National Geographic and The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Travelodge ZOOcation promotion runs through September 30, 2013 and is only available at Travelodge.com. Free children's tickets are awarded in the form of a voucher and are redeemable when combined with the purchase of an equal number of adult admissions at a participating AZA-accredited zoo.

'Travelodge wants to keep guests close to adventure and what better way to do that than to help them get out and visit their favorite zoo,' said Kevin McCabe, senior director of marketing for Travelodge. 'Plus, with 350 hotels throughout the U.S., average rates starting at less than $70 a night and free extras like breakfast and Wi-Fi, having a great adventure isn't dependent on traveling far or spending a lot of money.'

Among the zoos where families may redeem their vouchers are the San Diego Zoo in San Diego, Calif.; the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Columbus, Ohio and the Bronx Zoo in New York. A full list of participating zoos is available at www.aza.org/zoocation.

As an added bonus, guests who are members of Wyndham Rewards®, the free-to-join guest loyalty program of Travelodge hotels and parent company Wyndham Hotel Group, will earn valuable points during their stay. Points may be redeemed for a wide variety of reward options including free hotel stays, air travel, gift cards for leading retailers and restaurants and more. Information is available at www.wyndhamrewards.com.

To take advantage of this offer, visit www.travelodge.com or call 1-800-525-4055 and request special promotional rate code SFA. Vouchers will be mailed approximately two weeks after reservations are made and blackout dates for redemption may apply. The promotion is available for booking through September 30, 2013 or while supplies last. Vouchers are good through November 30, 2013. Full terms and conditions are available at www.travelodge.com.

About Travelodge
Part of Wyndham Hotel Group, the Travelodge® brand is a chain of more than 440 economy hotels located throughout the U.S. and Canada designed to keep guests close to adventure at an affordable price, no matter where their travels take them. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi and complimentary 'Bear Bites' continental breakfast. Many hotels also offer fitness centers, swimming pools and the opportunity to earn and redeem points through Wyndham Rewards®, the brand's guest loyalty program.

Each Travelodge hotel is independently owned and operated under franchise agreements with Travelodge Hotels Inc., a subsidiary of Wyndham Hotel Group and parent company Wyndham Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: WYN). Reservations and information are available by calling 1-800-525-4055 or by visiting www.travelodge.com.

Wyndham Hotel Group is the world's largest hotel company with approximately 7,380 hotels and over 631,800 rooms in 66 countries under 15 hotel brands. Additional information is available at www.wyndhamworldwide.com. For more information about hotel franchising opportunities visit www.whgdevelopment.com.

About Wyndham Rewards
Wyndham Rewards, the free-to-join guest loyalty program of Wyndham Hotel Group, is the world's largest lodging loyalty program as measured by number of participating hotels and the only hotel loyalty program to offer members guaranteed rewards after just one stay.

With nearly 7,000 participating hotels throughout more than 50 countries, the program offers nearly seven million active members the opportunity to earn valuable points for their stays. Those points may be redeemed for hundreds of rewards options including free hotel stays, airline travel, gift cards for leading retailers and restaurants and more. Free stays start as low as 5,500 points, while other reward options start as low as 50 points. Members may also choose to earn airline or rail miles with over 20 leading carriers.

In addition to the above benefits, frequent travelers will appreciate the program's newly introduced Gold Status tier, which provides the program's most loyal members with an additional free night after every 20 qualified stays. For more information or to join, visit www.wyndhamrewards.com.

EDITORS: Photos and logos can be downloaded from the Wyndham Worldwide Media Center, available here. For more information about Wyndham Worldwide Corporation and its businesses, go to www.wyndhamworldwide.com.

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