New Oklahoma Sooners Football Title Released, Proceeds Support Coach Bob Stoops’ Champions Charity

New Oklahoma Sooners Football Title Released, Proceeds Support Coach Bob Stoops’ Champions Charity










El Dorado Hills, CA (PRWEB) August 14, 2007

For the authors of University of Oklahoma Football: An Interactive Guide to the World of Sports, it was natural to start their Sports by the NumbersTM series with an OU title. All three authors are graduate students at the University of Oklahoma. They came up with the series idea in a statistics class on the OU campus and then crafted the Sports by the NumbersTM concept at Rudy’s “Country Store” and Bar-B-Q in Norman, OK.

“OU football is one of the elite programs in collegiate athletics,” explains co-author David Horne, “and since we also attend graduate school at OU, it was the obvious choice. Plus,” he continued, “if you spend ten minutes in Norman I guarantee you will see someone wearing a T-shirt that says, ‘I love Bob’ -and that’s just way cool.”

In between classes and exams during the summer of 2006 Horne, Daniel Brush, and Marc Maxwell combed through Sooner football articles, websites, and team data until they realized their list of stories had become a book. University of Oklahoma Football is composed of ten chapters, each offering one hundred numbered “mini-stories”–facts, anomalies, records, coincidences, and enthralling lore and trivia–associated with a number from 1 through 1,000. The book debuted at Sooner Day on campus August 3, where the authors signed hundreds of copies for Sooner fans who flocked to the annual event.

Head Coach Bob Stoops, who wrote the Foreword for the book, liked the book’s number concept. “Long-time Sooner fans will revel in the flood of memories that flow from these pages,” predicted Stoops. “You’ll think back to a defining moment–that favorite player, an afternoon next to the radio, or that special day at Owen Field. And the information contained here is so thorough that you’ll relive those memories many times.”

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book on the Sports by the NumbersTM website, http://www.sportsbythenumbers.com, will be donated to The Bob Stoops Champions Foundation. The foundation was established in 2000 to assist organizations that help disadvantaged or ill children in the Norman and Oklahoma City areas. A limited number of copies of University of Oklahoma Football signed by Stoops are also available on the website.

University of Oklahoma Football comes alive with the Sports by the NumbersTM interactive concept. Entries throughout the book are tagged with a logo indicating that more information regarding that number, including additional reading material and audio and video clips, is available in “The Locker” section of the website. Brush explains, “Our website is a place where sports fans can go to share their experiences, memories, and love of sports.”

After a successful launch of their first book, the authors are looking forward to many new Sports by the NumbersTM titles debuting in 2008, including NASCAR, Penn State, Notre Dame, the New York Yankees, and more. “No fan will be disappointed–at least that’s our goal,” assured co-author Maxwell. “The SBTN team is working together and with free-lance authors to produce books for nearly every collegiate and professional team. In time, if your team has a sizeable following, there will be a book with a SBTN logo on it. You can count on that.”

For additional information on University of Oklahoma Football, contact Sarah Keeney or visit http://sportsbythenumbers.com/

About Savas Beatie LLC:

Savas Beatie LLC is a leading military and general history publishing company.

About University of Oklahoma Football authors Daniel J. Brush, David Horne, and Marc CB Maxwell:

Daniel J. Brush is currently working on his Ph.D. at the University of Oklahoma. David Horne is a professional educator and former high school athletic director currently pursuing a doctoral degree at the University of Oklahoma. Marc CB Maxwell is a Ph.D. student at the University of Oklahoma living in Wiesbaden, Germany. He is the author of the forthcoming Surviving Military Separation: 365 Days (Savas Beatie, November 2007) http://survivingmilitaryseparation.com/.

Contact:

Sarah Keeney, Marketing Director

Savas Beatie LLC

Phone: 408-892-1316

Fax: 916-941-6895

http://www.savasbeatie.com

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Find More Nascar History Press Releases

Bidding Opens to Take a Turn in History with Dale Jr. in his #8 Budweiser Chevrolet

Bidding Opens to Take a Turn in History with Dale Jr. in his #8 Budweiser Chevrolet










Greensboro, N.C. (PRWEB) September 21, 2007

Launching tonight on eBay, the Wrangler® brand is auctioning the chance to win what is likely the last opportunity to ride with Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the famous Dale Earnhardt Inc. #8 Budweiser Chevrolet. Bidding opens at 11:00 p.m. EDT and when the auction closes Sunday, Sept. 30, the Wrangler® brand will donate 100 percent of the final bid to the Victory Junction Gang Camp, a NASCAR-themed camp for children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses.

In what many racing fans would consider the ultimate NASCAR experience, Dale Jr. will drive the winning bidder on a 160-mph ride Wednesday, Oct. 17, at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, courtesy of Wrangler®. The winning bidder will also participate in the Richard Petty Driving Experience, a leader in racing instruction, and cruise around the track in a NASCAR-style car…this time behind the wheel!

“This is an once-in-a-lifetime historic opportunity to ride with Dale Jr. before he parts ways with the #8 racecar,” said Craig Errington, vice president of Wrangler® marketing. “This may be the last time a fan has the opportunity to sit shotgun in the car, which is so special to so many race fans, with an Earnhardt at the wheel — all in the name of a great charity.”

Following the 2007 season, Dale Jr. will officially be the driver of the just-announced Hendricks Motorsports #88 Chevrolet and the Wrangler® logo will once again appear on his car and race suit. The brand first became a sponsor of Dale Jr. in 2004, and has since worked with him to raise more than $ 120,000 for charity. The denim icon auctioned a similar experience last year and, in cooperation with Dale Jr. and JR Motorsports, donated more than $ 50,000 to the VJG Camp.

“Thanks to the creativity and generosity of Wrangler, last year’s auction and donation was enough for 25 children to attend our camp for a full week at no cost to them,” said Kyle Petty, co-founder of the VJG Camp. “We are honored Wrangler is once again donating auction proceeds to the camp and look forward to watching the bids come in. Our sincere thanks go to our friends at Wrangler for making it happen.”

About the Auction

The 10-day Wrangler® auction begins today, Sept. 20, at 11:00 p.m. EDT and ends at 11:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Sept. 30. Fans can view additional auction details and place their bid by going to http://www.wrangler.com and following the “bid now” link or by visiting http://www.ebay.com/wranglerdaleearnhardtjr. The Wrangler® brand is donating 100 percent of auction proceeds to VJG Camp and will provide the winning bidder with (see rules for complete details):

Three high-speed laps in the famous #8 Budweiser Chevrolet around Lowe’s Motor Speedway with Dale Earnhardt Jr. driving on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007 (winning bidder only).
Footage from the in-car camera during the ride with Dale Earnhardt Jr. (winning bidder only).
Roundtrip air travel to Charlotte, NC, ground transportation and hotel accommodations for one night (winning bidder and guest).
Participation in the Richard Petty Driving Experience to learn from the professionals how to drive a NASCAR-style racecar (winning bidder and guest).
Autographs and photographs with Dale Earnhardt Jr. (winning bidder and guest).

About Victory Junction Gang Camp

The mission of the VJG Camp is to enrich the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses by providing life-changing experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically sound environment. The racing-themed camp was founded by NASCAR-driver Kyle Petty and his wife Pattie in honor of their late son Adam. Since 2001, the VJG Camp is a year-round facility serving children age 7 to 15 suffering from medical conditions including heart, lung and kidney disease, spina bifida, HIV, cancer, neurological disorders and a host of others. As a member of the Association of Hole in the Wall Gang Camps, it is free to children and their families and operates solely on the generous donations of individuals, corporations and foundations. For more information, visit http://www.victoryjunction.org.

About the Wrangler® Brand

The Wrangler® brand, the official jeans of Dale Earnhardt Jr., is long respected for comfortable, durable and affordable jeans, pants, shorts and shirts and is available at value-minded retailers nationwide. The Wrangler® brand is a division of VF Jeanswear Limited Partnership, which is an affiliate of VF Corporation. VF Corporation, through its many affiliates, is a leader in branded lifestyle apparel including jeanswear, outdoor products, image apparel and sportswear. Its principal brands include Wrangler®, Lee®, Riders®, The North Face®, Vans®, Reef®, Napapijri®, Kipling®, Nautica®, 7 For All Mankind®, John Varvatos®, JanSport®, lucy®, Eastpak®, Eagle Creek®, Lee Sport®, Majestic® and Red Kap®.

VF Corporation’s press releases, annual report and other information can be accessed through the Company’s home page, http://www.vfc.com.

For more information, images or interview requests please contact Jo-Anne Chase at 919.832.6300 or jchase@fwv-us.com.

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







Grass Station is Webster’s New World’s 2007 ‘Word of the Year’

Grass Station is Webster’s New World’s 2007 ‘Word of the Year’










Hoboken, NJ (PRWEB) November 2, 2007

Do environmentalists fall asleep to dreams about fields of Iowa corn filling up the tanks of station wagons? What about NASCAR drivers? Maybe they do, if recent advances in technology — and the popular buzz that follows — are any indication.

That’s why the 2007 Word of the Year at Webster’s New World® College Dictionary is: grass station. The term is so hot that it has already appeared on the op-ed page of The New York Times, a worthy successor to the 2006 champion Word of the Year, crackberry.

Grass station, a pun on “gas station,” refers to a theoretical fill-up spot in the not-too-distant future; it reflects America’s growing love affair with hybrid cars and vegetable-based fuels (and words), including ethanol and biomass fuels — some of which really are distilled from plain old grass — said Webster’s New World editors who chose the term from more than 200 buzz-worthy finalists.

“Webster’s New World editors and researchers constantly collect examples of emerging English — some 2,000 new examples per month,” explained Editor in Chief Michael Agnes, who helps select the Word of the Year annually with this team, “and choose one word or phrase that captures our imagination.”

Other strong contenders for 2007 Word-of-the-Year honors included these hip and happening coinages:

iPodization — The creeping cultural practices and expectations of those for whom a relentless acoustic haze of popular music is mandatory and the consolidation of entertainment and technological novelty is a categorical imperative.

freegan — Dumpster-diving goes trendy. Freegans live according to a strict credo: Don’t buy anything if you don’t need to. As part of an effort to go completely off the shopping grid, they hunt and gather tossed-out (but still safely edible) food from restaurants and grocers, then serve it up for dinner. Now that’s a radical idea.

God particle — The Higgs boson, the last piece in the jigsaw puzzle of subatomic physics. It is the theoretical agent that endows the universe with the phenomenon of mass. As such, its power in the scheme of physical reality is so great that the metaphor of God seems necessary.

In most cases, the word designated as Word of the Year word has not yet found its way into the dictionary.

“The choice does not reflect an opinion that the term will eventually be found in the dictionary,” said Agnes. “It’s merely one that made us chuckle, think, reflect or just shake our heads.”

Through more than five decades of language research, Webster’s New World College Dictionary lexicographers have created a uniquely modern dictionary that helps college students and everyone else understand and use the English language as no other dictionary can. Webster’s New World offers the most readable, precise, and up-to-date definitions on the market. It also contains useful reference materials not found in some other college-level dictionaries:


a full-color atlas of the world;
an explanation of the rules of punctuation;
geographical tables;
and scientific and measurement charts.

In addition, the history of the English language is traced — including the identification of unique Americanisms — with detailed etymologies. And the dictionary is printed on high-quality paper that enhances readability and durability.

The official dictionary of the Associated Press, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and other leading news organizations for years, Webster’s New World College Dictionary represents the best in linguistic scholarship.

For more information on the lexicographical process behind the dictionary, contact Editor in Chief Mike Agnes for an interview via Susie Dempsey 201/748.5625 or sdempsey@wiley.com.

Webster’s New World® — We Define Your World®

Webster’s New World®

The Webster’s New World family of reference books has been “Defining Your World” for more than fifty years. From its initial mission to provide a commonsense, user-friendly dictionary specifically for American English, Webster’s New World has now set the standard for clarity, ease of use and reliability. Webster’s New World is famous for providing a wealth of up-to-date and comprehensive references for the home, office, and classroom as well as pocket references for people on the go. For more information, visit wiley.com. Webster’s New World is an imprint of Wiley.

Wiley

Founded in 1807, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., provides must-have content and services to customers worldwide. Its core businesses include scientific, technical, and medical journals, encyclopedias, books, and online products and services; professional and consumer books and subscription services; and educational materials for undergraduate and graduate students and lifelong learners. Wiley has publishing, marketing, and distribution centers in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The Company is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbols JWa and JWb. Wiley’s Internet site can be accessed at http://www.wiley.com

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







Related Nascar History Press Releases

John Travolta ’70s Show Car ‘Travolta Fever’ on the eBay Auction Block

John Travolta ’70s Show Car ‘Travolta Fever’ on the eBay Auction Block











Travolta Fever


Hollywood, Calif. (Vocus) November 9, 2007

Years before mega star John Travolta started piloting his own jumbo jet, he cruised around in ‘Travolta Fever,’ a custom celebrity show car created just for him as his career took off. Now this piece of Americana is up for auction on eBay.

The most famous Pontiac Firebird ever to hit the streets was designed by famed car customizer George Barris who is also responsible for the Batmobile, the Munster Koach, the General Lee and the Monkee Mobile.

“Travolta Fever is an important piece of entertainment history,” says James Monroe, the car’s current owner from Ventura, Calif. “It is a time capsule that highlights the Hollywood fads of the late ’70s and early ’80s.”

Saturday Night Fever, the movie that catapulted Travolta to stardom and into Grease and Urban Cowboy, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

“Hollywood promoters wanted to create a special car that would fit Travolta’s superstar image and tied into Saturday Night Fever,” says Monroe. “Travolta Fever was built to promote John Travolta and his rising career.”

In 1980, when Travolta inspired a nationwide country music craze with Urban Cowboy, George Barris transformed the interior of Travolta Fever with an Urban Cowboy theme complete with appointed cowhide seats and an authentic saddle for the center console. Travolta Fever is also equipped with NASCAR-inspired, sculptured fender flares and a large rear whale tail.

Revell, the famous plastic model maker, produced and sold scale model kits of the Barris customized Firebird. In fact, John Travolta’s “Firebird Fever” was one of the first celebrity car model kits ever offered by the company.

After a short time of being shown on the West Coast, Travolta Fever made its way to the Midwest, where it was leased from Barris by American car and custom hot rod designer Darryl Starbird and featured in several of his shows.

Travolta Fever, John Travolta’s custom celebrity show car, along with the TravoltaFever.com Web site are being auctioned together on eBay (Item number 160175750913).

The 10-day listing ends at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 18.

Interview Requests: James Monroe is available for television, radio or newspaper interviews.

Contact: Mark Knass

Email: markcruise@aol.com

Phone: (949)642-7447 or (949)355-2141

Web site: http://www.TravoltaFever.com

This press release was issued through PRNewsChannel.com. For more information, please visit http://www.PRNewschannel.com

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







When Time Matters Turn to ‘Innovation by Tradition’

When Time Matters Turn to ‘Innovation by Tradition’











Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) December 7, 2007

WatchesOnNet.Com is proud to announce the addition of Tissot watches to their product line. Tissot has been pioneering innovation and craftsmanship for over a hundred and fifty years. Today Tissot is a member of the Swatch Group, the world’s largest watch producer and distributor. Tissot is based out of the Swiss watch making town of Le Locle. Tissot boasts a broader more versatile range of high quality timepieces at an attractive price than any other Swiss watch brand. Tissot has a strong commitment to “Democratic Luxury” that shows in their artisanship and price. They also are the official timekeeper and partner to: NASCAR®, Moto GP, the World Championships of Cycling, Fencing and Ice Hockey. Tissot offers gold at the price of silver and now WatchesOnNet.Com is a proud purveyor of these watches.

Tissot watches in recent years have grown popular due to their new “T-Touch” line of watches. “T Touch” watches are touch sensitive, and have the ability to be equipped with compasses, barometers, altimeters and thermometers. All of these luxuries have led to the “T Touch” watches being featured in such hit feature films as “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” and “Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life.” This is all the more reason why WatchesOnNet.Com has added Tissot watches to their product line.

About WatchesOnNet.Com:

WatchesOnNet.Com has been in the watch business for over 7 years. WatchesOnNet.Com is the web’s premier supplier of fine men’s and women’s watches. Thanks to their high buying power, WatchesOnNet.Com is able to offer the lowest prices on the Internet. WatchesOnNet.Com’s history and excellent feedback have them at the forefront of Internet watch retailers. WatchesOnNet.com’s outstanding customer service, both before and after your purchase sets them apart from their competitors. WatchesOnNet.Com invites you to become a part of their valued clientele, while reminding you that the “Innovators by Tradition” Tissot are now available at WatchesOnNet.Com.

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







Country Music Soars into 2008 Posting Double Digit Gains for Investors in Publishing, Music Masters, and ‘Indie’ Labels Headed for IPO Success in Future

Country Music Soars into 2008 Posting Double Digit Gains for Investors in Publishing, Music Masters, and ‘Indie’ Labels Headed for IPO Success in Future











Hollywood, CA, Nashville, TN, and New York, NY (PRWEB) January 5, 2008

Country Music Soars into 2008 posting double digit gains for investors in publishing, music masters, and “indie” labels headed for IPO success in the future. With the credit crunch in full sway, investors have pulled their money from the most vulnerable categories of the stock market, according to USA Today’s John Waggoner. Waggoner says, “Spooked by the credit crisis, investors have yanked billions of dollars from stock and bond mutual funds since the mortgage meltdown began in August.” “Investors are looking for a safe place to put their money. Country music is that safe place,” according to MCA Universal producer Robert Metzgar.

Where can you invest your money, get a guarantee of all the principal back, plus interest that is 2 points above prime, paid dividends closely tied to the HSBC Direct online interest payments and make a percentage of the total income from copyrights that will earn money for up to 140 years? Those type of investments are only found in country music publishing companies with singer/songwriters who write their own original music and record product for sale in today’s lucrative “indie” sales market. Production and video companies are experiencing the largest growth in country music’s history. Several “indie” labels in Nashville will launch IPO’s in the future with the help of major financial institutions in New York and Boston.

Investors have followed their heart and invested in country music publishing companies and music labels have seen double digit gains in their investments and the biggest growth in the industry in the past seven years. In fact, country music will soar into 2008 with the best record of investment dividends since the year 2000. Music Brokerhouse executives report, “Investors in country music publishing companies and music masters will see the biggest gains in those investments in the past seven years during 2008.” Country music masters have doubled in value in just the past three years. A demo album that costs $ 35,000 is worth twice that when it’s completed. A master scale album in Nashville now costs approximately $ 155,000 for 12 songs at a world class studio if the songs are original creations of the artist. The average singer/songwriter catalog is now worth over $ 2 million dollars if the NPS on the catalog is only $ 185,000 a year at the current multiples of 10-12. What sectors of country music are the hottest?

(1) Country radio is hot again in 2008. Ed Salamon, the Executive Director of the Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. in Nashville said in a press release issued on December 31st, that country radio celebrates the New Year with more stations, more markets, and a bigger share of radio listening than anytime in music history. Audience growth in the United States, radio station growth, and the opening of Go Country 105 (KKGO) in Los Angeles and The Wolf 95.7 (KBWF) in San Francisco fill the radio voids in two of the biggest metropolitan areas in the country. International country music growth is literally three times what was originally expected last year.

(2) Country publishers are hot again with investors in 2008. Publishing powers the country music revenue stream into Nashville supporting much of the State of Tennessee’s tax revenue that is created by producers bringing over 500,000 sessions to the city annually. The average cost of one master scale session is $ 25,000.00. Country artists are crossing over into pop and Christian radio like never before. Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, along with the Eagles, Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson have brought millions of adult contemporary listeners into country music. Carrie Underwood who started as an American Idol artist has joined with Taylor Swift in bringing literally millions of new listeners into country music from the younger 15-25 age pop genre. For the first time in history ASCAP, BMI and SESAC have collected well over a billion dollars in royalty payments for country music publishers expanding the growth in that section of country music to double digit gains and dividends that exceed 14% a quarter.

(3) Country “indie” labels are hot as IPO investments in 2008. The growth in what is called Christian Country Music is astonishing in the past two years. Every major label will release a new project this year with the Christian Country music audience on their sites for sales. Time-Life has just released a major televised Christian Country project that features Rascal Flatts, the Oak Ridge Boys, Diamond Rio, Emerson Drive, Ricky Skaggs, Charlie Daniels, Bryan White and Collin Raye. It’s called Country Songs 4 Worship. This project is expected to sell over 25 million units. Positive country music is astounding labels with sales that far exceed the predictions made by industry insiders.

(4) Country tours are hot for 2008. This past year country artists posted 4 of the top 10 music sell outs nationally. Some of the largest ticket sales occurred with Kenny Chesney ($ 71.2 million), Tim McGraw & Faith Hill ($ 52.3 million) and Rascal Flatts ($ 41.6 million). Country music posted gains in touring with Billboard’s Boxscore reporting successful tours by George Strait, Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, and the magnificent return of Garth Brooks to country music. Garth sold out 4 shows in less than 2 hours recently and with the help of Big Machine records CEO, Scott Borchetta, Garth’s back bigger than ever as an influence on country music. GAC and CMT are airing Garth Brooks “live” shows in Kansas, like Garth just had his first hit this past month. Brooks is as hot as a NASCAR tail pipe crossing the finish line at Daytona.

(5) Country singer/songwriters are the single hottest investment property you can find in 2008. A new artist that writes their own original material will literally make an investor (minimum investment of $ 500,000) three to four times their investment with original copyrights now paying over a million dollars for one hit record (ASCAP,BMI or SESAC) that stays in the charts an average of 21-23 weeks. The average 12-14 song original album now posting a total payback of the principal in the first 18 months through sales, and a double digit value in the copyrights that are good for the life of the songwriter and 70 years equals to an investment bonanza if the investor can find the right artist. A good example is the three album deal of new indie artists. The production of the album is $ 155,000 with sales out of the box initially of 35-40,000 units. With $ 6.00 profit per unit, the label or investor will triple his money within 18 months of the start of production. Consultants for production of these type of artists is difficult to find. Recently artists and labels alike have looked to MCA Universal producer/consultant Robert Metzgar for advice on who to back financially.

One of the most successful firms at this level is Capitol Management in Nashville. Joining with the record executives from Music Brokerhouse, they have positioned themselves to advise Chase, Toyota and other commercial companies making corporate investments into country music projects and artists. For further information on how you can participate in the country music phenomena, contact the following:

Robert Metzgar, GM

Capitol Management Group

1214 16th Avenue South

Nashville, TN 37212-2902

800-767-4984 (toll free)

615-321-0600 (wk)

615-321-0182 (fax)

http://www.capitolmanagement.com

info @ capitolmanagement.com

http://www.robertmetzgar.com

This article written by Entertainment Editor Mikel Gore for Entertainment Headline News.

Please feel free to use this press release in your media outlet, radio station or newspaper

and online, free of charge.

http://www.entertainmentheadlinenews.com

editor @ entertainmentheadlinenews.com

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Come See What?s New in North Carolina For 2008

Come See WhatÂ?s New in North Carolina For 2008










(Vocus) January 15, 2008

Raleigh, NC (Jan. 15, 2008) From AmericaÂ?s Best Beach to luxury hotels and classic barbecue, North Carolina is making news in 2008. Here are the biggest stories happening throughout the state for 2008. For the whole story, go to http://www.VisitNC.com or call 1-800-VISIT NC.

Blue Ridge Parkway Destination Center

This 12,800-square-foot, $ 9.8 million facility houses exhibits that highlight the natural and cultural diversity, economic traditions and recreational opportunities found along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The center, built to the latest energy-saving standards, also has a 70-seat auditorium with a high-definition film and classroom space for groups. 828-271-4779; nps.gov/blri

Dr. Beach Names Ocracoke AmericaÂ?s Best Beach

Ocracoke Lifeguarded Beach on Ocracoke Island was named #1 in Dr. BeachÂ?s AmericaÂ?s Best Beaches list 2007, the first time a beach outside of Hawaii or Florida reached the top. Ocracoke features a pristine beach and a historic village Â? and no chain hotels or restaurants. 305-348-8364; drbeach.org

WorldÂ?s Largest Bodyflight Center Opens in NC

Paraclete XP opened January 11, 2008, in Raeford, NC, featuring the innovative sport of bodyflight. ParacleteÂ?s wind tunnel enables guests to fly in a controlled manner in the safety of a wall-to-wall air flow chamber. 910-495-3334; paracletexp.com

Greensboro Celebrates 200

The city of Greensboro is celebrating 200 years of history, culture, education, art, industry and progress in 2008. The series of special events will run from March 25 through May 17. 800-344-2282; visitgreensboronc.com

Emissaries Return to Cherokee

After a five-month run at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, Emissaries of Peace: The 1762 Cherokee and British Delegations has returned to the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. The exhibit chronicles the 1762 trip of Cherokee leaders to London to meet King George III. 828-497-3481; cherokeemuseum.org

North Carolina Barbecue Trail    

The North Carolina Barbeque Society has created a Â?Barbecue TrailÂ? that hits 25 hot spots across the Â?Cradle of Â?Cue.Â? These historic Barbecue Pits must have operated continuously for fifteen or more years, make their own sauce and have earned the high esteem of barbeque aficionados. 336-765-NCBS (6227); ncbbqsociety.com

Billy Graham Library

This innovative and interactive facility opened in June 2007 chronicling the life, ministry and message of Billy Graham with exhibits, multimedia displays and films. 704-401-2432; billygraham.org/BGLibrary_Index.asp

Animal News at The Zoo

The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro is in the midst of an $ 8.5 million expansion of its elephant and rhinoceros facilities called the Watani Grasslands Reserve. 800-488-0444; nczoo.org

Conservancy to Create Barrier Island Study Center

The Bald Head Island Conservancy, an independent non-profit organization, is creating the worldÂ?s first Barrier Island Study Center in response to growing global concern about barrier island sustainability. 910-256-9742; baldheadisland.com

Orchid Conservatory, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden

The $ 12.5 million Orchid Conservatory opening January 19, 2008 will be the areaÂ?s only public conservatory devoted to the display of tropical plants. 704-829-1240; dsbg.org

El Greco to Velázquez

The Nasher Museum in Durham presents several works of two of the world�s greatest painters � El Greco and Velázquez � that have never before been seen in the United States. The exhibit runs Aug. 21 � Nov. 9. 919-684-5135; nasher.duke.edu

NC Literary Trails

The North Carolina Arts Council has created a Literary Trails Guide that connects the lives and work of 170 of North CarolinaÂ?s visiting and native writers with destinations across the 25 counties of the stateÂ?s mountain region. 919-807-6520; ncliterarytrails.org

Benny Parsons Wine Tasting and Racing Museum

The family of Nascar Racing Legend Benny Parsons mixes wine and racing, but not on Sunday because Benny believed that Â?thereÂ?s two things that Sundays should be for and thatÂ?s for going to church and going to races.Â? 336-973-7375; rendezvousridge.com

Accommodations:

The Proximity Hotel, Greensboro

One of the Â?greenestÂ? hotels in the country, the new Proximity Hotel is built to use 36.5 percent less energy and 30 percent less water than a convention hotel. 336-379-8200; proximityhotel.com

The Umstead Hotel and Spa, Cary

This 150-room, AAA-Five Diamond hotel with 14,000-square-foot spa opened in January 2007 with a private art collection and signature restaurant. 919-447-4000; theumstead.com

Embassy Suites, Concord – Lowes Motor Speedway

The new $ 65 million Embassy Suites Hotel Resort and Conference Center is the official hotel of LoweÂ?s Motor Speedway. 704-455-8200; embassysuitesconcord.com

Hampton Inn and Suites at Shelton Vineyards

Owner Shelton Vineyards features a wine tasting bar in the lobby, and you can also relax in the indoor pool and jacuzzi. 336-353-9400; sheltonvineyards.com/default.aspx?shelton=41

Landmark Carolina Hotel Gets Makeover, Pinehurst

More than 100 years after it was built, the grand Carolina Hotel at Pinehurst — once known once as the Queen of the South — is getting a tiara-to-glass slipper $ 8 million makeover. 800-487-4653; pinehurst.com

Media Contacts:

Wit Tuttell

919-733-7420

wit@visitnc.com

Susan Dosier

704-364-8969

sdosier@LKMideas.com

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







MMA Clothing Retailer MMAWarehouse.com Sponsors Frank Mir at UFC 81: Breaking Point

MMA Clothing Retailer MMAWarehouse.com Sponsors Frank Mir at UFC 81: Breaking Point











Northbrook, IL (PRWEB) January 29, 2008

While many sports fans are talking about Tom Brady versus Eli Manning this week, the 18 to 35-year-old demographic has its’ eyes on an even bigger matchup. That matchup, of course, falls on “Super Saturday” at UFC 81: Breaking Point™. That’s when Ultimate Fighting Championship® heavyweight Frank Mir takes on former WWE® superstar Brock Lesnar in what many are calling the most highly anticipated mixed martial arts (MMA) fight of all time.

“This fight is absolutely huge and it’s been building up for months now,” says Mika Casey, 25-year-old CEO of MMAWarehouse.com, one of the largest MMA clothing and fight gear retailers in the world. “Like many people, I grew up watching pro wrestling. When I started watching MMA, I always wondered how some of my favorite pro wrestlers would do in a real fight, and now we get to find out!”

Other than a curiosity in the fight’s outcome, Mr. Casey’s company has also invested its biggest marketing dollars to date in both the fight and its surrounding events. Highly viewed mixed martial arts events, such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship(r), have created entirely new channels for advertisers that are not that unlike sponsorships of NASCAR(r) drivers.

Frank Mir, whom MMAWarehouse.com has sponsored for his last four fights, will have the company’s name plastered across the posterior of his fight shorts and on a banner which will be hung behind him during the official fighter introductions. Companies will also bid for other locations on his shorts as well as on the fight shirt he wears out to The Octagon™. With viewers estimated to be in the millions, a fighter’s clothing has become valuable real estate.

Even after all the punches have been thrown and a victor has been declared, the advertising opportunities don’t end. MMAWarehouse.com has signed on as a presenting sponsor of Mr. Mir’s official after-party at the Rum Jungle nightclub located at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, where the fight is being held. Fighters often earn just as much or more from their sponsorships as they do from their actual fight purse.

Casey added, “We’re really excited to be involved with not only this fight, but also the entire weekend as I feel it will draw a lot of crossover fans to the sport. Whether they watch it on PPV or travel out to Las Vegas to watch it in person, we want let them know that we’re the place to get the latest MMA clothing as well as gear such as MMA gloves and fight shorts.” He further added, “Being associated with a high-profile fighter like Frank is a great way to establish that credibility.”

About MMAWarehouse.com:

MMAWarehouse.com was founded in 2004 to provide consumers a wide selection of MMA clothing and fight gear. The company physically warehouse 99% of its inventory, stocks over 30 of the most popular brands on the market and ships most orders out same day.

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Vocus©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Fan Community Is Full Speed Ahead

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Fan Community Is Full Speed Ahead











Mooresville, NC (PRWEB) February 13, 2008

With the new year in full throttle, Dale Earnhardt Jr. shows no signs of slowing down. This week the legendary driver launched the brand-new JR Nation fan club. The new fan community comes close on the heels of major change for Earnhardt Jr. who left a long history with Dale Earnhardt Inc. to drive the No. 88 Mountain Dew AMP/National Guard Chevrolet Impala SS in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series for Hendrick Motorsports.

“The 2008 season is a fresh start for me,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “In appreciation of all of the fans who’ve supported me over the years, we’ve launched a new fan club. We want to make it better than ever as I shift into the next part of my career.”

The JR Nation fan club will be the best way for fans to get together and show support for their favorite driver. Announcements will be posted directly from Earnhardt Jr.’s headquarters at JR Motorsports in Mooresville, NC Contests and giveaways will be a hallmark of the club, including a regular-running Race Reporter contest which gives fans a chance to report on the action. Race Reporter winners will have the opportunity to have their recap published on JR Nation and receive a commemorative lanyard. Near the end of the season, the best Race Reporter selected by JR Nation members will win an ultimate flyaway for the final race before the Chase for the Cup begins.

“Dale Jr. is one of the most respected figures in racing, both for his on-track victories and his grace and dignity off. Having won the 2007 NASCAR NMPA Chex® Most Popular Driver for the fifth consecutive year it is clear that Dale Jr.’s fans will follow him anywhere and we’re honored he chose us to grow the JR Nation Fan Club,” said Lawrence Peryer, UltraStar President. “We’re thrilled to show NASCAR that we can bring excellence to online communities in the racing world just like we’ve done for 10 years in the music business.”

In honor of the launch, JR Nation is giving new members opportunities to win special prizes during the first 88 hours. From launch at 3:00 pm ET today through 7 a.m. ET on Friday, anyone who purchases a JR Nation membership is entered to win a grand prize 88-year JR Nation membership, an $ 88 gift card to ShopJRNation.com and a commemorative plaque signed by Dale Jr. All fans who join in the first 88 hours will be eligible for one of several other gift cards for ShopJRNation.com, and every new member will receive a special bonus gift with their 2008 membership kit. Anyone visiting JR Nation during the 88 hour celebration can also register for a free two-week limited access trial to the fan club.

Membership in JR Nation is just $ 34.88, and will provide full access to JR Nation online including access to exclusive media, contests, members-only message boards and chats, 10 percent off merchandise at ShopJRNation.com, and an annual JR Nation Crew Kit. The exclusive 2008 kit includes a welcome letter from Earnhardt Jr., vinyl banner, license plate frame, decal, zipper pull, collapsible can coolers, soft-sided cooler and membership card all emblazoned with JR Nation Crew.

“The new fan club will have cool, interactive features to help give fans a better look into my life both on and off the track,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “The new club will have access to the all-new JR Nation online community that offers the latest announcements, behind-the-scenes multimedia, a members-only message board and chat room, discounts on merchandise at JR Nation and a ton of other features.”

To visit the new JR Nation fan club, go to http://www.DaleJr.com and click on “Fan Club”. For Dale Jr.’s official website, visit http://www.DaleJr.com. For Dale Jr. gear, check out the official online store at http://www.ShopJRNation.com.

About JR Motorsports:

Established in 1999, JR Motorsports is the management company and racing operation for professional stock car driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. JRM competes in multiple racing divisions, including the NASCAR Nationwide Series, in which it fields two full-time teams. Earnhardt Jr.’s organization is based out of a 66,000-square foot facility in Mooresville, NC, and includes the JR Nation retail store and Dale Jr. Fan Experience. In 2006 Earnhardt Jr. introduced Hammerhead Entertainment, a full-service production company under the JR Motorsports banner. For more information on JR Motorsports, visit http://www.DaleJr.com.

About UltraStar Entertainment:

A Live Nation Artists Company, UltraStar Entertainment, part of the Live Nation Artists family of companies, provides official web sites and fan clubs for dozens of entertainers. UltraStar also produces and syndicates original video content through its Virtual Ticket solution, delivered as online video and exclusive DVDs. The company offers full service marketing capabilities to integrate and manage their clients’ entire online presence through contests, partnerships, affiliate marketing, social networking and grass roots outreach. The company is entrusted with the online business for brands such as the Rolling Stones, The Police, Kenny Chesney, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Elvis Presley, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Genesis, and over 20 others. For additional information, visit http://www.ultrastar.com.

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Vocus©Copyright 1997-

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Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.







Sports Museum of American to Open May 2008 in New York City

Sports Museum of American to Open May 2008 in New York City











New York, NY (PRWEB) March 11, 2008

The Sports Museum of America (SmA), the nation’s first and only interactive, multi-media all sports museum experience, is set to open in New York City in early May 2008. As the first museum to pay tribute to the history and excitement of all sports, SmA has partnered with more than 50 single-sport Halls of Fame, national governing bodies and other top athletic organizations, to showcase inspiring exhibits, memorabilia, stories and heroes that resonate with fans of all ages. In addition to hosting the first women’s sports hall of fame, SmA will also be the new permanent home of the Billie Jean King International Women’s Sports Center and the legendary Heisman Trophy and annual televised presentation.

Located at 26 Broadway, in the heart of Lower Manhattan and at the corner of Broadway and Beaver Streets, SmA will be steps away from the “Charging Bull” statue, the Statue of Liberty and Staten Island ferries, Wall Street, South Street Seaport and the 9/11 memorial currently under construction.

“The Sports Museum of America will, for the first time, offer visitors one destination where they can come to experience the feeling of triumph at the core of all great athletes and all sports,” said Philip Schwalb, the museum’s Founder & CEO. “With the tremendous support of our partners in top professional athletic organizations and the generosity of some of the nation’s greatest and most legendary athletes, we’ll be able to share their stories, and through them, showcase the excitement, grandeur and significance of sports in American culture.”

Partners include the USA Football and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, NASCAR, USA Basketball and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the NCAA Hall of Champions, USA Hockey, the Hockey Hall of Fame, the Women’s Sports Foundation, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center, U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum, USA Track & Field, the National Track and Field Hall of Fame, and many more.

SmA has also tapped some of the most decorated, iconic sports stars in America for its Honorary Board of Trustees. Founding members of the Board include 7-time NBA All-Star Jason Kidd, Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie, Olympic Hall of Famer Mary Lou Retton, former World Heavyweight Boxing Champion Joe Frazier, racing legend Mario Andretti, tennis great Martina Navratilova, 7-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, and Basketball Hall of Famer Julius “Dr. J” Erving.     

The Sports Museum of America will be the permanent home of one of sports most revered honors – the Heisman Trophy and annual presentation – as well the Billie Jean King International Women’s Sports Center, which includes the first and only hall of fame dedicated to the athletes and pioneers in women’s sports.

The Heisman Trophy is one of the most recognized trophies in all of sports. Since the events of 9/11, the Heisman has been presented in various Lower Manhattan locations, but will take permanent residence in SmA’s Heisman Gallery. The Gallery will present the history of the award, define the attributes that make a Heisman winner, and pay tribute to all Heisman winners past and present. At the center of the gallery, visitors will be able to touch and take a picture with the original Heisman Trophy, and can cast their votes for the next Heisman winner, who will be awarded the trophy each December at the Sports Museum of America.

About the Sports Museum of America

The Sports Museum of America (SmA) is the nation’s first and only interactive, multi-media all-sports experience, richly showcasing the history, grandeur and significance of sports in American culture. Created in exclusive partnership with over 50 single-sport Halls of Fame, National Governing Bodies, and other sports organizations across North America, SmA features amazing state-of-the-art interactive technologies, dramatic original films and an iconic collection of sports memorabilia. SmA is also the new permanent home of the legendary Heisman Trophy (and annual televised presentation), and the Billie Jean King International Women’s Sports Center including the first ever women’s sports hall of fame. Located at 26 Broadway just footsteps from the Statue of Liberty ferry, the Sports Museum of America will open in early May 2008. http://www.sportsmuseum.com.

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Vocus©Copyright 1997-

, Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.
Vocus, PRWeb, and Publicity Wire are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vocus, Inc. or Vocus PRW Holdings, LLC.