November 2012
ANGEL’S ENVY BOURBON ANNOUNCES LONG-ANTICIPATED CASK STRENGTH LIMITED RELEASE
Louisville, KY — November 1, 2012 – Louisville Distilling Company and Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson today announced the extremely limited-edition release of Angel’s Envy Cask Strength. Due to the scarcity of barrels necessary for the enhanced finishing process, the living legend will only release 600 total bottles this upcoming holiday season in Kentucky and (Nashville) Tennessee.
As with Angel’s Envy, the critically acclaimed super-premium bourbon of uncompromising character and quality, the Louisville Distilling Company gave Lincoln complete creative freedom to achieve a specific taste profile for Cask Strength. Using locally sourced grains and Kentucky limestone water, Lincoln aged this Expression to the perfect level of richness and maturity in the few American white oak barrels that made the cut. He then chose to blend those barrels into a single batch and age the bourbon in hand-selected port casks until he tasted a previously undiscovered sweet spot.
“Once in a blue moon, we find barrels with unique characteristics that we squirrel away for special things,” says Lincoln Henderson, Master Distiller, Angel’s Envy. “Perfection is a patient man’s game and, at my age, I know a little something about maturity.”
“The secondary maturation for Cask Strength is unchartered territory,” says Wes Henderson, Chief Operating Officer and Master Ambassador, Angel’s Envy. “We judge only a handful of barrels exceptional enough for this lengthy finishing process, which yields a rare and rich bourbon worth savoring.”
The suggested retail price for a 750ml bottle, which may vary by market, is $149. A remarkably complex bourbon at 121-proof and 60.5% alcohol by volume, Cask Strength is best enjoyed with just a bit of water to release the flavor nuances.
As a special bonus for bourbon enthusiasts that purchase Cask Strength, Lincoln Henderson will extend a special invitation to join him in raising a glass during an upcoming brand event in January 2013. Attendees are encouraged to bring their bottle for Lincoln to autograph.
The iconic bottle, made from perfume-grade glass in Italy and then ceramic stamped with the brand’s iconic wings, is hand-filled, corked and crated in Louisville, Kentucky.
For more information about Angel’s Envy Cask Strength, please visit us at www.angelsenvy.com or on facebook and twitter (@angels_envy).
October 2012
THEY HATE PIMPLES INTRODUCES FIRST ZIT CAMOUFLAGE FOR GUYS: Finally, a no-shame solution for the 32 million guys who zit-out during their lifetime
New York, NY — October 22, 2012 – They Hate Pimples, the first zit camouflage product for guys, announces its launch and mission to help guys get rid of pimples fast. Each month, millions of guys hopelessly search the Internet for solutions to their pimple problems. When a pimple arrives, a guy has to suffer through several days of shame and ridicule before it fades away. And until now, there have been only two solutions for dealing with a pimple: pop it or drown it in acne medication.
Now, the 32 million guys that “zit-out” during their lifetime have a solution that delivers an immediate impact and covers up their pimple problems. Built for guys, by guys, They Hate Pimples is a hypoallergenic cream with a high-quality formulation that contains tea tree oil, an ingredient known to fight pimples.
Sold exclusively online in three varieties to match any guy’s skin tone – Pale Ale, Medium Lager and Amber Ale – They Hate Pimples can be put on any size zit (even the big ones) and hide it in a matter of seconds. Guys can buy They Hate Pimples in the privacy of their own home by visiting TheyHatePimples.com for $19.95 plus shipping, delivered by Amazon Fulfillment.
For more information, please visit http://www.TheyHatePimples.com/ “Like” us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/TheyHatePimplesand follow us on Twitter @TheyHatePimples
Click HERE for video to see how They Hate Pimples helps get rid of pimples fast!
About They Hate Pimples — They Hate Pimples is a product of NoodleShop Brands. It delivers instant zit camouflage, with pimple fighting ingredient, specifically designed for guys who want their zit to go undetected. NoodleShop Brands was founded in April 2012.
September 2012
DECISION 2012: VOTE FOR THE MO THIS MOVEMBER
LOS ANGELES, CA — September 20, 2012 – Calling all moustache aficionados! Movember 2012 kicks off its 6th year in the US, challenging men to grow and women to support the Mo (slang for moustache) for the month of November to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues, specifically prostate and testicular cancer initiatives. In support of National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and the 1 in 6 men who will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, Movember encourages men and women to register at Movember.com to join the movement.
Once registered, men, known as Mo Bros, start Movember 1st clean-shaven and grow their moustache for 30 days, getting friends, family and colleagues to donate to their Mo-growing efforts. During that time they become walking, talking billboards for men’s health. Female participants, called Mo Sistas, play a crucial role during the campaign by acting as team captains, recruiting others to join, sparking conversations, lending support to Mo Bros who grow, and raising general awareness for the importance of men’s health.
“The growth of a new moustache is the key to opening up much needed dialogue around men’s health issues, as we’ve found that each moustache generates 2,413 conversations during the month, raising awareness which can save lives,” said Adam Garone, CEO and co-founder of Movember. “Our success is due to the 855,203 amazing Mo Bros and Mo Sistas who participated globally in 2011, raising $126.3 million world-wide, making Movember the largest non-government funder of prostate cancer research in the world.”
In 2011, more than145,000 Americans grew and supported the Mo, raising over $15 million for the cause. In the US, fundsraised are directed to programs run by Movember and its men’s health partners, Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) and LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
“The progress being made by Movember-funded research teams at world-leading institutions such as the University of Michigan, MIT, Harvard Medical School, The Dana Farber Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical School are moving us to a day when we can over-treat less and cure more,” said Dr. Jonathan Simons, MD, president and CEO of PCF. “This will ultimately allow prostate cancer patients to live longer, more productive lives.”
Together, Movember, PCF and LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation work to ensure that Movember funds are supporting a broad range of innovative, world-class programsin the areas ofawareness and education, survivorship and research.
- Awareness and Education: Each year, Movember funds and delivers a high-impact awareness program, which aims to communicate men’s health messages to the Movember community and its supporters. Through this, Movember endeavors to inspire action through education. In 2011, 79% of participants discussed their health with friends, family or colleagues, 71% of participants further educated themselves on men’s health issues and 69% of our participants scheduled a general health checkup.
- Survivorship: With LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Movember helps fund their Cancer Navigation Center, which provides free, confidential services to help guide men through the cancer journey from treatment to recovery.
- Research: With the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Movember funds research that is accelerating the discovery of better treatments, and ultimately a cure, for prostate cancer.
“Thanks to all the men who grew moustaches and the support of Movember, LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation is able to improve access to care for men affected by cancer while empowering them to take charge of their health,” said Doug Ulman, president and CEO of the Lance Armstrong Foundation.
For more information, please visit www.movember.com.
Connect with Movember on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, flickr, and Pinterest.
About Movember: Movember aims to forever change the face of men’s health through the power of the moustache, by raising awareness and funds for prostate and testicular cancer initiatives. Since 2003, more than 1.9 million participants have raised over $299MM for the cause, with official Movember campaigns taking place in 21 countries. For more information please visit www.movember.com. Movember is a registered 501(c)(3) charity.
About Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF): The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) is the world’s leading philanthropic organization funding and accelerating research. Founded in 1993, PCF has raised more than $479 million and provided funding to over 1,600 research projects at nearly 200 institutions in 15 countries around the world. PCF advocates for greater awareness of prostate cancer and more efficient investment of governmental research funds supporting transformational cancer research. Our efforts have helped produce a 20-fold increase in government funding for prostate cancer. More information about PCF can be found at pcf.org.
About LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation: LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation serves people affected by cancer and empowers them to take action against the world’s leading cause of death. With its iconic yellow wristband, LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation became a symbol of hope and inspiration to people throughout the world affected by cancer. Created in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, LIVESTRONG, the Lance Armstrong Foundation provides free patient navigation services to survivors with financial, emotional and practical challenges that accompany the disease. Known for its powerful brand – LIVESTRONG — is also a leader in the global movement on behalf of 28 million people living with cancer today. Since its inception in 1997, LIVESTRONG has raised nearly $500 million for the fight against cancer. For more information, visit LIVESTRONG.org.
September 2012
LEADING NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS SITE EXPANDS TO AUSTIN & DENVER
CHICAGO, IL — September 18, 2012 – EveryBlock, (www.everyblock.com) the place for all your neighborhood news and talk, expanded to Austin & Denver today, giving residents in both cities a simple way to track and contribute to neighborhood news online.
EveryBlock is a free service that helps city residents be better neighbors. Users can monitor news in their neighborhood (e.g. crime reports, business reviews, real estate listings) and connect with people that live near them around community issues to stay “in the know” and effect positive change in the real world.
Launched in 2008, EveryBlock is available in hundreds of neighborhoods within 18 U.S. cities, several of which exceed 10,000 users. As the modern day newspaper for the neighborhood, EveryBlock has turned into a force for good, helping neighborhood residents collaborate, solve problems, share information and stay informed. Neighbors have used EveryBlock to grow a community group, fundraise for a local resident in need, organize street cleanup projects, celebrate local heroes, establish farmers markets and more.
“Until now, Austin & Denver residents didn’t have one place to keep track of all their neighborhood news and talk,” said Brian Addison, president of EveryBlock. “EveryBlock is proud to provide a single place for neighbors to read, share and discuss local news and happenings in real time.”
To generate awareness of the new site in Denver, EveryBlock will partner with Denver B-Cycle, a popular station-to-station bike-sharing program. In addition to a three-month branding campaign on five stations in focus neighborhoods, EveryBlock will award residents who locate one of two EveryBlock-branded bikes a free 24-hour pass. Participants simply upload a picture of themselves with the EveryBlock bike onto B-Cycle’s facebook page to be eligible to win.
In Austin, EveryBlock will partner with Capital Pedicab to brand 20 city Pedicabs, which will also be used to transport residents to sponsored meet-up groups and community events. EveryBlock will also work with community pet organizations to distribute complimentary branded travel water bowls to neighbors for their dogs.
EveryBlock also recently introduced a newly refreshed iPhone application, which users can download for free at the iTunes® App Store – to easily read neighborhood news and discussions on the go.
Visit EveryBlock today to create a free account, customize your neighborhood news and start a discussion with your neighbors.
About EveryBlock
EveryBlock is the best way to follow neighborhood news and connect with your neighbors. EveryBlock is available in 18 cities: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle and Washington, D.C. Visit www.everyblock.com to join discussions about what’s happening in your neighborhood. You can find EveryBlock at facebook.com/EveryBlock and twitter.com/EveryBlock. EveryBlock is wholly owned by NBC Universal. The team is headquartered in Chicago. EveryBlock. Be a better neighbor.
August 2012
EVERYBLOCK ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE “I LOVE MY BLOCK” CONTEST IN TIME FOR SEATTLE NIGHT OUT
SEATTLE, WA — August 1, 2012 – EveryBlock, the place for all your neighborhood news and talk, today announced winners of the “I Love My Block” contest, which will give Seattleites the opportunity to make their Seattle Night Out block party even more memorable.
The contest encouraged Seattle EveryBlock users to celebrate the communities good neighbors have built. Entries were judged on participants’ ability to share thoughts or stories about what specifically makes their block great and whether they planned to have a block party for Seattle Night Out.
Darcy B. in Ballard won the grand prize – a visit from the incomparable Skillet Street Food Airstream on August 7, 2012 – with this entry:
“…I love 18th Ave NW for our bicycle parades, Friday cocktail nights, Thanksgiving street tent, the roaming children, happy dogs and our solid communication. …Mostly, I love that an entire street supported my family in January while my husband was in the hospital. Every night food and cards would appear on my porch in a cooler. …I would love to return the favor and feed each and every one to thank them for their support and love…”
Skillet and EveryBlock will make that dream a reality by providing her block party (up to 100 guests) with a “small bites” menu.
Three second-prize winners – Caitlin R. in Columbia City, Holly H. in Georgetown and Nancy M. in Ravenna – will receive a visit from an EveryBlock ice cream truck and receive frozen treats for up to 100 party guests during their respective Seattle Night Out block parties.
All winning entries can be read here.
Finally, EveryBlock conducted a random drawing to award five lucky participants with “The Skillet Cookbook: A Street Food Manifesto.” They include: Susan C. in Sunset Hill, Jessica L. in West Seattle, Genny K. in Queen Anne, Jamie C. in Pinehurst and Yelena N. in Ballard.
EveryBlock congratulates all of the winners and wishes everyone a happy and safe Seattle Night Out! For complete program details and links to the official rules, please visit the EveryBlock blog.
About EveryBlock
EveryBlock is the best way to follow neighborhood news and connect with your neighbors. EveryBlock is available in 19 cities: Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle and Washington, D.C. Visit www.EveryBlock.com to join discussions about what’s happening in your neighborhood. You can find EveryBlock at facebook.com/EveryBlock and twitter.com/EveryBlock. You can find EveryBlock Seattle atfacebook.com/EveryBlockSeattle and twitter.com/EBseattle. To download the new EveryBlock iPhone application, please visit the iTunes® App Store. EveryBlock was acquired by msnbc.com in August 2009. The team is headquartered in Chicago. EveryBlock. Be a better neighbor.
July 2012
ENTER THE EVERYBLOCK “I LOVE MY BLOCK” CONTEST FOR THE CHANCE TO ENHANCE YOUR SEATTLE NIGHT OUT
CHICAGO, IL — July 2, 2012 – Love your neighborhood block? Think you have the best neighbors in all of Seattle? EveryBlock, the place for all your neighborhood news and talk, today launched the “I Love My Block” contest, which will give Seattleites the opportunity to make their Seattle Night Out block party even more memorable by winning a visit from the incomparable Skillet Street Food Airstream on August 7, 2012.
The contest, which runs from July 2 through July 24, encourages Seattle EveryBlock users to celebrate the communities good neighbors have built. Entries will be judged on participants’ ability to share thoughts or stories about what specifically makes their block great and whether they plan to have a block party for Seattle Night Out.
Skillet will provide the Grand Prize winner with a “small bites” menu for up to 100 party guests. Three Second Prize winners will receive a visit from an EveryBlock ice cream truck – which will hand out frozen treats for up to 100 party guests – during their respective Seattle Night Out block parties. Finally, EveryBlock will conduct a random drawing to award five lucky participants with the soon-to-be-released Skilletcookbook: “The Skillet Cookbook: A Street Food Manifesto.”
“We’re excited to add an extra element of block pride leading up to Seattle Night Out,” said Brian Addison, president of EveryBlock. “Strengthening neighbor connections through news and events is exactly what EveryBlock represents.”
To participate, sign into http://seattle.everyblock.com/ today and create a free account, which will allow you to customize your neighborhood news and start a discussion with your neighbors. Then, simply fill out and submit the“I Love My Block” nomination form. Winners will be announced on July 31, 2012. For further program details and links to the official rules, please visit the EveryBlock blog.
About EveryBlock
EveryBlock is the best way to follow neighborhood news and connect with your neighbors. EveryBlock is available in 16 cities: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle and Washington, D.C. Visit www.EveryBlock.com to join discussions about what’s happening in your neighborhood. You can find EveryBlock at facebook.com/EveryBlock and twitter.com/EveryBlock. You can find EveryBlock Seattle at facebook.com/EveryBlockSeattleand twitter.com/EBseattle. To download the new EveryBlock iPhone application, please visit the iTunes® App Store. EveryBlock was acquired by msnbc.com in August 2009. The team is headquartered in Chicago. EveryBlock. Be a better neighbor.
June 2012
NATURE’S HAND® INTRODUCES GONOLA® FOR ACTIVE GRANOLA LOVERS ON THE GO!
CHICAGO, IL — June 15, 2012 – Nature’s Hand®, a leading-producer of granola since 1971, today introduced GoNola®, a great-tasting, single-serve pouch of granola that’s a convenient and healthy solution for your family’s snacking needs. This “freaky good granola” that’s now available in two flavors — Maple Pecan Madness and Wild Blueberry Wave — was recently proclaimed a “hit” by Supermarket Guru Phil Lempert, one of the leading consumer trend watchers.
Unlike most candy bars, potato chips and energy bars that are loaded with preservatives, sugar, sodium or trans fats, GoNola is a tasty and satisfying snack that’s higher in nutritional value and lower in calories, fat and sugar. GoNola is made from all-natural ingredients, including 100% whole grain oats that are toasted to perfection and blended with wheat, nuts, seeds and honey.
“Healthy snacking choices are still pretty limited today,” says Kevin Hannan, president of Nature’s American Co. “Consumers are seeking great-tasting, convenient, healthy snack options that suit their busy lifestyles. This product fills that void.”
GoNola will be available for the suggested retail price of $0.99 for a 1.1-ounce serving. The convenient, hand-held package, which will be sold across all retail channels, means you can pick-up GoNola on your way to work, school or whenever you’re on the go. GoNola makes a great snack any time of day, pairs well with coffee or tea and makes a wonderful topping for yogurt and ice cream. To find GoNola near you, please visit www.EatGoNola.com
About GoNola® & Nature’s Hand®
GoNola is a product of Nature’s Hand Granola (www.natureshand.com), the flagship brand at retail for Nature’s American Co., which has been manufacturing great-tasting granola cereals and snacks since 1971. Nature’s Hand currently offers six unique granola blends that are available at supermarkets, specialty grocery stores and online stores across the country. Nature’s Hand is proud to be the official granola of Outward Bound U.S.A., www.outwardbound.org. For more information, visit us at www.eatgonola.com or on facebook and twitter (@eatgonola).
June 2012
EVERYBLOCK AWARDS $10,000 TO DONORSCHOOSE.ORG TO SUPPORT LOCAL CLASSROOM FUNDRAISERS
CHICAGO, IL — June 1, 2012 – EveryBlock, the place for all your neighborhood news and talk, will proudly donate $10,000 to DonorsChoose.org to support their classroom fundraisers in Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle. The donation, which resulted from the recent EveryBlock neighbor recruitment drive, will help to fund classroom project requests made by local public school teachers to help students in need. See here for a full list of schools and how each classroom benefitted from the donation.
“We’re proud to give back to these communities,” said Brian Addison, president of EveryBlock. “Through this partnership, thousands of students in EveryBlock neighborhoods will receive materials to improve their education.”
Visit EveryBlock today to create a free account, customize your neighborhood news and start a discussion with your neighbors. For further program details and links to the official rules, pleasevisit the EveryBlock blog.
About EveryBlock
EveryBlock is the best way to follow neighborhood news and connect with your neighbors. EveryBlock is available in 16 cities: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle and Washington, D.C. Visit www.EveryBlock.com to join discussions about what’s happening in your neighborhood. You can find EveryBlock at facebook.com/EveryBlock and twitter.com/EveryBlock. EveryBlock was acquired by msnbc.com in August 2009. The team is headquartered in Chicago. EveryBlock. Be a better neighbor.
About DonorsChoose.org
Founded in 2000, DonorsChoose.orgis an online charity that makes it easy for anyone to help students in need. Public school teachers from every corner of America post requests, and individuals can give directly to the ones that inspire them. To date, 225,000 public and charter school teachers have used DonorsChoose.orgto secure $111 million in books, art supplies, technology, and other resources that their students need to learn.
May 2012
mike’s hard lemonade® DOES SUMMER DIFFERENT IN NEW AD CAMPAIGN
CHICAGO, IL — May 9, 2012 – mike’s hard lemonade® today announced the launch of an unconventional national marketing campaign that delivers the message: different is refreshing in life and in a beverage. The brand, which has consistently owned the summer season with 49% of all PAB sales, is leading by example with a multi-million dollar campaign that includes TV, digital, mobile and social media. But expect the unexpected as mike’s will take a unique approach to each medium.
The centerpiece of the campaign – and the first work from Grey New York, the brand’s new advertising agency – is a series of original television commercials featuring guys interacting at familiar drinking occasions, like golf and fishing. But, in a bold departure from traditional beer category advertising, each of the commercials will start with the same scene, but then reveal a rotation of four hilarious and unexpected finales to reinforce that when guys bring mike’s to the occasion, they never know how things will turn out. All the spots end with the tagline: “mike’s hard lemonade: Always Different, Always Refreshing.”
In one vignette, a golfer goes to retrieve his ball from the cup and two convicts on the lam burst from under the green with a policeman in pursuit. In another, he takes his ball out of the hole and a spontaneous lottery drawing ensues.
“We wanted to make good on our tagline of being ‘Always Different and Always Refreshing’ in this campaign,” said Andy Horrow, chief marketing officer of mike’s hard lemonade. “By using multiple refreshing endings, we engage and entertain our target guy and celebrate mike’s differentness in a way that’s as unexpected and unique as the brand itself.”
The 30- and 15-second spots begin airing May 9th on guy-targeted television outlets, including: Comedy Central, E!, ESPN, F/X, NBA TV, SPIKE, TBS, Turner Sports, NBC Sports, Fuel and Speed and digital channels such as: hulu, ABC, NBC and Discovery Network.
Uncovering Brand Insights
The foundation for the creative campaign came from a six-month, in-depth exploration of consumers’ passion for the brand through a series of online communities, ethnographies, in-situation parties and co-creation workshops conducted by Kelton, a brand insights and marketing strategy consultancy.
“The new mike’s campaign provides a jarring disruptive twist that makes you stop and take notice of the different and refreshing content,” says Tom Bernthal, CEO & founder at Kelton Research. “While advertising has become ubiquitous and often talks at consumers, mike’s engages and involves its audience by keeping them guessing and laughing.”
Consumers Make the Call
While TV ads will show consumers how to Do Summer Different, mike’s will also present a series of unique digital engagement initiatives that include video, mobile and social media that empower consumers to change things up and choose how the promotion plays out. The first execution (of nine total) is the invention of Cuatro de Mayo, a holiday sponsored by THE CLASSIC MARGARITA by mike’s®. Facebook fans can submit fun song recommendations to an “unclassic Mariachi band” online and watch them play the song of their choice live on May 4th. But this and all other digital and mobile initiatives only happen if enough consumers green light the idea.
mike’s will also engage adventure-seekers via a breakthrough experiential partnership with LivingSocial in key brand markets. In a first for the beverage alcohol category, mike’s will serve as the exclusive adult beverage and sponsor for LivingSocial’s Adventures 21+ Memorial Day Weekend Summer Camp in New York; Labor Day Weekend Summer Camps in Washington, DC and New York; and one-day Adventures in Seattle, Los Angeles and Chicago featuring fun-in-the-sun type activities.
And Now for Something Completely Different…
In another unique move, mike’s will launch cinema advertising in more than 750 theaters nationwide. The back-to-back 15-second spots begin May 9th, courtesy of Horizon Media. TPN Chicago will manage retail activation, promotional activity and point-of-sale materials for the summer campaign, under the banner of “Do Summer Different.”
About Mike’s Hard Lemonade
Chicago-based Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co. defined the $1.7 billion dollar flavored malt beverage category with the introduction of its ground breaking mike’s hard lemonade® in 1999. Mike’s core product line is comprised of premium malt beverages including mike’s hard lemonade®, mike’s HARD PUNCH®, and THE CLASSIC MARGARITA by mike’s®. For further information, visit www.mikeshard.com.
May 2012
EVERYBLOCK iPHONE APP REFRESH REVOLUTIONIZES HOW USERS READ & SHARE NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
CHICAGO, IL — May 1, 2012 – EveryBlock, the place for all your neighborhood news and talk, today announced the release of its newly refreshed iPhone application.
The free application, which initially launched in late 2009, makes the core features of the EveryBlock website (www.everyblock.com), available to iPhone users. Most importantly, users can now easily read, create and share content with their neighbors in real time. Upon login, users will see their preferred news and neighborhood settings reflected in the app.
“Our refreshed iPhone app makes it much easier for EveryBlock users to connect around their neighborhood news as it happens, whether posting a message to inform others or asking a question about something they’ve just seen,” said Brian Addison, president of EveryBlock. “It’s a natural next step that has us more encouraged than ever about our growth potential.”
According to Pew Internet Research, nearly three quarters (72%) of adults are quite attached to following local news. The new features of the EveryBlock application allow users to:
- Keep up with the news from places they care about, down to the block level
- Act as citizen journalists by sharing news (and photos) as it unfolds
- Join conversations with their neighbors and start their own by posting a message or asking a question
To support the launch of the new application, EveryBlock will run ads in Chicago bus shelters and New York subway stations throughout the month of May. The advertisement bears the headline, “EveryBlock: Fit your neighborhood into your pocket.”
To download the application, please visit the iTunes® App Store. And visit EveryBlock today to create a free account, customize your neighborhood news and start a discussion with your neighbors.
About EveryBlock
EveryBlock is the best way to follow neighborhood news and connect with your neighbors. EveryBlock is available in 16 cities: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle and Washington, D.C. Visit www.EveryBlock.com to join discussions about what’s happening in your neighborhood. You can find EveryBlock at facebook.com/EveryBlock and twitter.com/EveryBlock. EveryBlock was acquired by msnbc.com in August 2009. The team is headquartered in Chicago. EveryBlock. Be a better neighbor.
April 2012
ANGEL’S ENVY CELEBRATES THE KENTUCKY DERBY WITH A POP-UP BOURBON BAR
CHICAGO, IL — April 27, 2012 – Angel’s Envy is inviting bourbon enthusiasts in Louisville to an exclusive, limited engagement “pop-up bourbon bar” to celebrate the upcoming Kentucky Derby. The exclusive bourbon bar will feature some of region’s finest bartenders serving up finely crafted cocktails. The artisan bourbon brand transformed the vacant space (a former coffee shop) at 400 E. Main Street (at Preston, directly across from Slugger Field) in just four days. All proceeds will benefit the Kentucky Bourbon Historical Society whose mission is to open and operate a bourbon museum in downtown Louisville. The bar is open to the public through Saturday, May 5 (except April 29 & 30) from 5:00pm – 12:00am. Must be 21 years old to attend.
Angel’s Envy is an artisan bourbon from Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson that’s aged for 4-6 years in American white oak barrels and then an additional 3-6 months in hand-selected port casks. For more information, visit www.angelsenvy.com
April 2012
EVERYBLOCK PARTNERS WITH DONORSCHOOSE.ORG TO SUPPORT PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
CHICAGO, IL — April 1, 2012 – EveryBlock, the place for all your neighborhood news and talk, is proud to partner with DonorsChoose.org to support their classroom fundraisers in Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle. The online charity, which allows public school teachers in your neighborhood to post classroom project requests, makes it easy to help students in need.
For every new neighbor who joins the website (www.everyblock.com) from April 1-30, 2012, EveryBlock will donate $1 to a DonorsChoose.org classroom fundraiser in that person’s city. At the conclusion of the program, EveryBlock will award a $500 bonus to the three neighborhoods in each of those five cities that tallies the most new users.
“We’re proud to give back to these communities and to give them something to rally around,” said Brian Addison, president of EveryBlock. “As a local resource for news and talk, EveryBlock only gets better with new neighbors.”
“We are so thankful for the generosity of EveryBlock,” said Katie Bisbee, CMO of DonorsChoose.org. “Through this partnership, thousands of students in EveryBlock neighborhoods will receive books, pencils, violins, microscopes and more, to improve their education.”
Take advantage of the opportunity to support public schools in your neighborhood and to strengthen your EveryBlock community at the same time. Visit EveryBlock today to create a free account, customize your neighborhood news and start a discussion with your neighbors. For further program details and links to the official rules, pleasevisit the EveryBlock blog.
About EveryBlock
EveryBlock is the best way to follow neighborhood news and connect with your neighbors. EveryBlock is available in 16 cities: Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle and Washington, D.C. Visit www.EveryBlock.com to join discussions about what’s happening in your neighborhood. You can find EveryBlock at facebook.com/EveryBlock and twitter.com/EveryBlock. EveryBlock was acquired by msnbc.com in August 2009. The team is headquartered in Chicago. EveryBlock. Be a better neighbor.
Visit www.donorschoose.org/intro to hear Oprah Winfrey and Stephen Colbert tell the DonorsChoose.org story.
March 2012
LAUNCH YOUR NIGHT™ WITH mike’s ON THE ROCKS™
CHICAGO, IL — March 26, 2012 – The makers of mike’s hard lemonade® today launched mike’s ON THE ROCKS™ (mOTR), a new line of mixed drink inspired beverages that will LAUNCH YOUR NIGHT™ every time with incredible flavor.
Now available in two classic varieties, Hurricane & Long Island Iced Tea, mOTR is a great alternative to mainstream beer, a category that continues to lose share (domestic beer -2.3%, imports flat +.5%) to spirits and wine. As consumers’ tastes evolve, mOTR offers a flavorful new beverage option rooted in distilled spirits that’s sure to re-energize the beer aisle and further grow the PABs category (+11%)
Inspired by the famous drink from New Orleans, the mike’s® ON THE ROCKS HURRICANE will blow consumers away with an assortment of tropical citrus fruit juices, back notes of rum and a hint of Angostura Bitters flavor to cut the sweetness. The mike’s® ON THE ROCKS LONG ISLAND is reminiscent of the bar favorite that’s made with vodka, gin, tequila, rum, a splash of sour mix and cola. Both varieties offer a great, modern taste in a 16 oz. ice-cold can.
“mike’s ON THE ROCKS injects flavor and excitement in an otherwise flat beer aisle,” said Andy Horrow, Chief Marketing Officer, Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co. “It’s an innovative new beverage option that meets consumers changing needs and helps them set the stage for a memorable night.”
To launch the new brand, mOTR is hosting an online sweepstakes to give adult consumers the chance to win hundreds of prizes, including those essential items guys need to create their own personal launch pad. For more information, please visithttps://www.facebook.com/mikesontherocks)
mOTR will be sold in on- and off-premise locations for a suggested retail price of $8.99 per 4-pack. Consumers can visitwww.mikeshard.com for more information, including a product locator that indicates where mike’s products are sold, alongside beer in grocery, liquor, club and convenience stores nationwide. Please also follow mOTR on facebook at facebook.com/MikesOnTheRocks or twitter @mikesONTHEROCKS
About Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co.
Seattle-based Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co. defined the $1.7 billion dollar flavored malt beverage category with the introduction of its ground breaking mike’s hard lemonade® in 1999. Mike’s core product line is comprised of premium malt beverages including mike’s hard lemonade®, mike’s HARD PUNCH®, and THE CLASSIC MARGARITA by mike’s® and mike’s lite hard lemonade®. For further information, visit www.mikeshard.com.
MIKE’S IS HARD. SO IS PRISON. DON’T DRIVE DRUNK. ®
February 2012
NEW LOFTI™ & DUO™ LAUNDRY DRYING SYSTEM REVOLUTIONIZES HOW PEOPLE DRY THEIR CLOTHES
BOZEMAN, MT — February 29, 2012 – The New Clothesline Company will debut the LOFTi™ and DUO™ — a modern and timeless laundry drying system — at the upcoming International Home & Housewares Show in Chicago this March. The makers of the two compatible clothes-drying racks are inspiring a lifestyle change in America’s laundry rooms — to leave a smaller carbon footprint by using the dryer less.
The LOFTi is a practical and stylish drying rack that suspends from the ceiling by an easy-to-use pulley system. Designed to hold an entire load of soaking laundry, it uses the warmth of the home to dry clothes without a drop of fossil fuel. With its adjustable tubes, LOFTi is easy to install and can fit into nearly any space.
Featuring 16 hooks, DUO is the perfect small-item drying accessory that easily attaches to LOFTi™ or can hang independently from a built-in center hook. Its ability to neatly fold up, makes it a perfect travel companion.
Go Green, Save Green
In addition to being environmentally friendly, this new ‘spin’ on drying will help the average American home save $20.00 on their monthly energy bill – about three loads of laundry per week or 4.4 pounds of carbon per load. Air-drying with the LOFTi-DUO system also extends the life of your clothes and eliminates clutter on the floor, allowing you to move freely around the laundry room.
“The LOFTi and DUO drying system enhances consumers’ everyday lives,” says Carol Bildahl, creator and president of The New Clothesline Company. “It’s better for the environment, extends the life of your clothes and takes dollars off your energy bill.”
Everything Old is New Again
To create LOFTi & DUO, Carol Bildahl and her husband James, of Bozeman, Montana, took a page from the past. They were inspired by years of traveling to Ireland to visit Carol’s grandparents, who lived a slow-paced life dictated by the simplicity of just getting things done. Her grandmother’s clothes-drying rack seemed to best exemplify this simple and effective lifestyle. Modestly constructed, the wooden drying rack hung prominently in her kitchen, utilizing only warmth from the stove to dry clothes.
On a recent visit, the couple was amazed to see the same old wooden drying racks were still in use. Upon returning home, they recreated a drying rack for their own active family. After some market research, they realized the need for this product in today’s energy conscience world and worked with a designer to create a timeless and modern version of Carol’s grandmother’s drying rack: the LOFTi™ and DUO. The two products follow the spirit of the ‘Slow Movement’, which advocates a cultural shift toward slowing down life’s pace. Now, people are encouraged to wash their clothes, hang them on LOFTi™ and DUO, raise the rack into the warm air and savor their time. Whether you choose to bike, bake or walk the dog, your laundry will dry on its own.
LOFTi has a suggested retail price (SRP) of $79.99 and is available in white or lime green. DUO comes in Caribbean Blue, Lime Green or Canary Yellow for an SRP of $19.99. Both are available for purchase at: www.TheNewClotheslineCompany.com
January 2012
MIKE’S LITE HARD LEMONADE® DARES CONSUMERS TO MAKE A REFRESHING RESOLUTION IN 2012
SEATTLE, WA — January 10, 2012 – Mike’s Hard Lemonade Co. is daring consumers to ditch the same old lite beer they’ve been drinking for something new and refreshing this year: mike’s lite hard lemonade®. The innovative new offering is made with 100 percent natural sweeteners and contains fewer calories than the leading light beer. With a light, crisp and all natural taste, mike’s lite hard lemonade® is less filling and provides a refreshing alternative for light beer drinkers.
A pioneer in the flavored malt beverage category, Mike’s Hard Lemonade created mike’s lite hard lemonade® using all natural sweeteners – the first light flavored malt beverage (FMB) of its kind. The combination of real, fresh lemon juice and the company’s proprietary neutral malt base create a smooth and refreshing taste that is full of flavor, but not calories. mike’s lite is available in two flavors, lemonade and cranberry lemonade. Both beverages are gluten-free and permanent additions to the Mike’s roster of products.
In early 2012, mike’s lite is collaborating with TruTV’s new show “Impractical Jokers” to create a series of viral videos full of wild pranks. In addition, mike’s lite’s very own Dare Hunter will also be seeking out bold individuals to take on some refreshing challenges of their own, all caught on film of course! Videos will be shared far and wide…as will a lot of mike’s lite.
mike’s lite hard lemonade® and mike’s lite hard cranberry lemonade® are available in 6-packs for the suggested retail price of $7.99 (varies by market). We’re so confident you’ll love the flavor of mike’s lite that if you don’t, we’ll cough up the cash as part of our latest in-store retail promotion ($3 mail-in rebate.)
Consumers can visit www.mikeshard.com for more information, including a product locator that indicates where mike’s products are sold, alongside beer in grocery, liquor, club and convenience stores nationwide.
January 2012
CHICAGO BREW HO-HO SET TO SHOWCASE LOCAL BREWERS
CHICAGO, IL — January 3, 2012 – Chef Won Kim (Marketing Event Chef At Whole Foods Lincoln Park and Private Chef) and his crew of brewing bandits are ready for another installment of the only event in Chicago to highlight home brewing! The Brew Ho Ho has been set for Saturday, January 21 from 2:00-7:00pm and will feature (8) home brewers that will dole out one-of-a-kind brews, each paired with a variety of edible baked treats. Featured brewers include: Brutally Honest Brewing, Powell Brewhouse, Big Dicks Brewing, Soma Ale Works, Corazon, Rockwell Brewing, New Oberpfalz and Second Story Brewing. The Brew Ho Ho (previously known as the Brew Hey Heyand Brew Ha Ha) promises to deliver rare, one-of-a-kind beers that you can’t find anywhere else. If the beer and baked goods aren’t enough, attendees will also enjoy Angel’s Envy, (www.angelsenvy.com) an artisan bourbon from Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson, that’s aged for four to six years in American white oak barrels and three to six additional months in hand-selected port casks. The event is open to the public, but you must RSVP to [email protected] at which time you’ll receive an email confirmation with the location of the event. For $20 at the door, attendees will receive 10 beer samples, five treat tickets and a sample of Angel’s Envy bourbon.
December 2011
MOUSTACHES RAISE OVER $107 MILLION DURING MONTH OF MOVEMBER
LOS ANGELES, CA — December 8, 2011– Movember, the global men’s charity that raises awareness and funds for men’s health and cancers affecting men, is proud to share that 853,682 men and women participated in its fifth annual campaign, raising a remarkable $107,333,340. In the US, 144,453 grew and supported the moustache, raising $13,912,621 for Movember’s men’s health partners,Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG. While Moustache Season is officially over, it is still possible to donate, to do so visitwww.movember.com.
“We are humbled to see such incredible support from across the country – fire and police departments, businesses, politicians, teachers, students, musicians and professional sporting teams, to all 144,453 Americans that acted as walking billboards for cancers affecting men.”said Adam Garone, CEO and Co-Founder, Movember. “In the coming months, we will be working hard to ensure your funds raised are facilitating game changing research, awareness, education and survivorship programs. Thank you for helping to change the face of men’s health.”
Movember is a month long fundraising campaign where male participants, known as Mo Bros, start the month of November with a clean-shaven face, then grow stylish moustaches, and only moustaches, throughout the month. This hairy ribbon is designed to start conversations about cancers affecting men and they health issues they face.Women, or Mo Sistas, show their support by raising awareness and funds, and recruiting Mo Bros to participate.
“We are so grateful for the power of the moustache as a tool for raising awareness and funding for game changing prostate cancer research. Millions of men and their families around the world are going to benefit from the generosity of the 2011 men and women of Movember.” said Jonathan W. Simons, MD, president and CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation. “As Movember continues to grow globally, we are seeing a profound increase in public awareness for prostate cancer and in improving men’s health in general.”
What happens next?
In the interim, Movember will work closely with Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG on the best quality programs for funds to support. It goes without saying that Movember takes this process extremely seriously; it’s not simply a matter of handing over the funds. It is a collaborative process and we work together with our partners to fund world-class research, and developing and funding awareness, education, and survivorship programs in line with our long-term strategic goals, to have an everlasting impact on the state of men’s health.
Over the coming year, Movember will be updating www.Movember.com and our social networks with details of programs funded. Full details on projects currently funded by Movember are available here.
Still to come
For Mo Bros and Mo Sistas, there are some great prizes to be won, so keep up the good work.The close for prizing is December 9th, 2010. The International Man of Movember will be announced in December.
For more information on Movember, please visit www.movember.com.
October 2011
HALLOWEEN IS FOR KIDS; MOVEMBER’S EVE IS FOR CANCERS AFFECTING MEN
LOS ANGELES, CA — October 31, 2011– Today isn’t just Halloween, it’s the eve of Movember, the global moustache charity event for men’s health. Once the sugar high has worn off, you’ll notice tens of thousands of moustaches sprouting up across the country to raise awareness and funds for cancers affecting men. Every Movember, the month formerly known as November, men register atwww.movember.com, start the month clean-shaven and grow a moustache for 30 days. The moustache becomes the hairy ribbon for men’s health and the guys growing them become walking, talking billboards for the cause. To date, over 1.1 million men and women have supported Movember, raising $174 million through the power of the moustache.
“Movember is truly becoming a movement for men’s health in the US,” said Adam Garone, CEO and Co-Founder of Movember. “Through the simple act of growing a moustache, we are funding successful awareness and education programs through the Movember Foundation, research through our partner Prostate Cancer Foundation, and support programs through our partner LIVESTRONG.”
Movember funds are hard at work. Thanks to support of their Mo Bros and Mo Sistas, Movember is funding a number of prolific outcomes in the US, including:
- PCF Research Program: Whole Genome Sequencing For the first time ever scientists have constructed a complete genetic map of prostate cancer.
- PCF Research Program: 25+ Subtypes of Prostate Cancer Researchers have identified 25+ subtypes of prostate cancer.
- LIVESTRONG Movember Partnership Initiative Providing free cancer navigation resources for any man affected by any cancer at any stage.
For full details on programs and more please visit www.movember.com.
Getting involved in Movember is simple – men and women register to join the campaign at www.movember.com. Whether on their own or as part of a team, they have the month of November to grow and show their Mo or support, in the case of the women. Friends, family, and colleagues can show their support by sponsoring the Mo-growing efforts. Women who register are key to the campaign’s success. They act as ambassadors for the Mo, spreading the word about men’s health and showing their support for the men in their life.
Participants have the opportunity to repurpose their Halloween costumes at the end-of-Movember Gala Partés to celebrate their journey. Supporters come dressed in costume to complement their or a friend’s moustache. These events see many impersonators, the likes of Tom Selleck, Burt Reynolds, Mike Ditka, and Hulk Hogan, among others.
Movember 2011 US major partners include TOMS and The Art of Shaving.
About Movember
Movember aims to forever change the face of men’s health through the power of the moustache, by raising awareness and funds that will reduce the number of preventable male deaths by cancer. Since inception as a charity event in 2004, over 1.1 million participants have raised over $174 M for the cause, with official Movember campaigns taking place in ten countries. For more information please visitwww.movember.com. Movember is a registered 501(c)(3) charity.
September 2011
SERIES 2011 CHICAGO, INC. HITS THE 35TH ANNUAL GAY SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES OUT OF THE PARK
CHICAGO, IL — September 6, 2011– Series 2011, which took place in Chicago from August 29 through September 3, wrapped up a successful 35th annual Gay Softball World Series (GSWS) this past weekend.
The softball tournament drew 150 teams from 41 cities in North America. Champions were crowned in five divisions: A (Atlanta Venom), B (Boston Alley Gators), C (Las Vegas Rat Pack), D (Boston Club Cafe Good Times) and Master’s on Saturday, September 3. Chicago Sidetrack Classics scored a special victory by winning the inaugural Master’s Division Championship, which features players over the age of 50 years.
In addition to the softball tournament, Series 2011 selected three local charity partners to benefit from the event’s annual Talent Show: Howard Brown Broadway Youth Center, Illinois Safe Schools Alliance & The Families’ & Children’s AIDS Network. Each organization received a check for $5,000 during the Closing Awards Ceremony on Saturday, September 3 at Center on Halsted. The Series also raised $10,000 for the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, the world’s first foundation dedicated to raising awareness of the long-term, damaging effects of bullying, and funding those doing real-world work to stop it.
“We are a very proud board having just pulled off an incredibly successful Softball World Series on and off the field,” said Ted Cappas, President, Series 2011. “In one short week, we played 600+ softball games, raised $25,000 for charity and showcased our beautiful city and neighborhoods. We are grateful to all of our amazing sponsors, media partners and volunteers, without whom this event would not be possible.”
This past Sunday, the Chicago Cubs (a Series 2011 sponsor) welcomed representatives from the winning teams onto Wrigley Field for a special recognition ceremony prior to their 1:20pm game against the Pittsburgh Pirates – which also happened to be Pride Day at Wrigley, brought to you by the Windy City Times, a Series 2011 media partner.
Series 2012 will be held in Minneapolis. Prior to the start of the softball competition, the NAGAAA Board selected Washington D.C. to host Series 2013.
July 2011
NATURE’S HAND GRANOLA INTRODUCES ENHANCED PRODUCT & NEW PACKAGING
CHICAGO, IL — July 18, 2011– For the first time in the Company’s 40-year history, Nature’s American Co. is bringing something new to the table. While many granolas are loaded with preservatives, sugar, sodium or trans fats, Nature’s Hand granola was created for health-conscious consumers who still love the taste of authentic granola, and uses only the world’s finest ingredients.
The new product, which features an improved texture and more clustered blend, is made with roasted oats and wheat, tasty nuts and seeds and delicately sweetened with caramelized brown sugar and honey. Nature’s Hand uses only premium all-natural ingredients like soy oil, which is full of fiber, protein and antioxidants. The brand is low in sugar and contains no artificial colors or flavors, preservatives, cholesterol, trans fats or sodium.
“The granola category grew +5.6 percent in 2010 as busy consumers search for convenient, healthy food choices,” says Kevin Hannan, president of Nature’s American Co. “Nature’s Hand offers women and their families a healthy, convenient and affordable breakfast and snack option to suit their lifestyles.”
The new premium packaging is bright and colorful and features a new resealable top and literally gives consumers a preview window to the 100% natural goodness inside. The bold colors used to identify each of the six unique granola blends — French Vanilla Almond, Cranberry Delight, Wild Blueberry, Raisin Hazelnut, Cinnamon Apple, Maple Pecan – means the brand will assume a place of prominence on the shelf for an affordable suggested retail price of $4.99.
Nature’s Hand provides a delicious and nutritious breakfast, especially served with yogurt; is convenient for on-the-go snacking; and serves as an ideal baking ingredient in your favorite recipes, including cookies, pie crusts and more.
Summer Rewards
To celebrate the new product and packaging, Nature’s Hand will reward consumers this summer with special contests, buy-one, get-one free coupons and recipes. Please visit us at www.natureshand.com and on our facebook http://on.fb.me/34D209 and twitter (@naturalgranola) pages for more information.
Granola On the Go!
For an even more convenient snack on-the-go, Nature’s Hand offers Go>Nola, a single-serving (1.75 oz) of Nature’s Hand Granola contained in a convenient, hand-held package that’s a healthy choice for snacks, lunch boxes, toppings and more. It is available in two unique blends – Vanilla Almond and Maple Pecan – and will be sold in grocery and convenience stores for a suggested retail price of $0.99.
Outward Bound
Nature’s Hand is proud to be the official granola of Outward Bound U.S.A., www.outwardbound.org, and to support their Youth Intercept Program. In addition, Nature’s Hand gladly donates more than 10,000 lbs of granola annually to local women’s shelters.
About Nature’s Hand
Nature’s Hand Granola is the flagship brand at retail for Nature’s American Co., which has been manufacturing great-tasting granola cereals and snacks since 1971. Nature’s Hand currently offers six unique granola blends that are available at supermarkets, specialty grocery stores, and online stores across the country. For more information, visit us at www.natureshand.com or on facebook and twitter.
Jun 2011
SERIES 2011, INC. SELECTS NAVY PIER FOR OPENING CEREMONIES, ANNOUNCES TALENT LINEUP
CHICAGO, IL — June 30, 2011– The 35th annual Gay Softball World Series (GSWS), which will take place in Chicago from August 29 through September 3, 2011, is pleased to announce it has selected the Grand Ballroom of historic Navy Pier for its’ Opening Ceremonies, which will officially kick-off a week of softball and social events. Opening Ceremonies will take place on Monday, August 29, beginning at 5:00p.m.
“We can’t think of a better venue and more picturesque setting to host the Opening for the 2011 Gay Softball World Series, said Ted Cappas, President, Series 2011. “We’ve assembled an incredible program for the evening, which will welcome our athletes and feature national and local entertainers alike.”
The GSWS Opening Ceremony will feature a top-notch talent lineup including Leslie Jordan, star of the stage and screen; Ben Cohen, Rugby World Cup Champion and founder/chairman of the Ben Cohen “Stand Up” foundation; Pandora Boxx, Drag Superstar; and hometown favorites Amy Armstrong, singer and entertainer; and Matthew Harvat, DJ and event producer.
Sports enthusiasts and members of the LGBT and greater Chicagoland community are welcome and encouraged to attend the Opening Ceremony for a $10 suggested donation at the door, which will benefit the Ben Cohen “Stand Up” foundation. The softball tournament, which begins on Tuesday, August 29, is expected to draw 175 teams from 43 cities in North America in five divisions: A, B, C, D and Master’s. Play occurs at three separate complexes in Schaumburg, Elmhurst and St. Charles, with the championships (Schaumburg Complex) on Saturday, September 3.
Series 2011, Inc. is currently seeking volunteers, sponsors and donations (financial and in-kind). Visit the tournament website to learn more – http://chicagoseries2011.com
Apr 2011
SELF-PROFESSED SUPERMODEL RAJA SASHAYS PAST THE COMPETITION TO WIN RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE
NEW YORK, NY — April 26, 2011– When the time came to lip-sync for her life, Raja ruled the runway and “worked” her way to the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar” during the season three finale of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” the reality competition series produced by World of Wonder Productions and hosted by RuPaul. Now, Logo and ABSOLUT®, the world’s most iconic vodka brand, will sashay across the country with the Los Angeles native on a multi-city tour beginning on May 14 in Denver.
Raja edged out runner-up Manila Luzon with her charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent. Along with the title, Raja received a $75,000 cash prize and will get a true taste of fame while headlining Logo’s Drag Race Tour featuring ABSOLUT® VODKA: Cocktails Perfected, at top venues in Denver (May 5/14), Miami (5/20), Dallas (5/26), Los Angeles (6/3), Boston (6/8), Philadelphia (6/10), San Francisco (6/15) and Chicago (6/16). Consumers can log on to LogoTV.com for tour locations and details.
During Logo’s Drag Race tour, ABSOLUT will feature the ABSOLUT® COSMO – made withABSOLUT® CITRON – and ABSOLUT® WILD TEA, a blend of black tea and elderflower. Thebrand’s fierce new flavorburst onto the scene earlier this year and willgive cocktailconnoisseursanother reason to drinkexceptionally. All ABSOLUT flavors are made from all-natural ingredientsand contain no sugar or added preservatives.
“Of all the three seasons, this year was all about girls gone wild,” said Jeffrey Moran, ABSOLUT spokesperson, who served as a guest judge for the ABSOLUT challenge. “And yet, the wild ride has just begun as we introduce our newest flavor to our loyal consumers on the tour this summer.”
Earlier this season, ABSOLUT® challenged the show’s contestants to record a RuPaul hit song in different musical genres. Contestants were judged on their charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent. In the end, Raja hit the highest notes with her punk version of RuPaul’s new single “Superstar” en route to winning the challenge.
For more information about ABSOLUT: Cocktails Perfected, please visit facebook.com/absolut.
Mar 2011
LIVING LEGEND SELECTS KENTUCKY TO LAUNCH ANGEL’S ENVY
LOUISVILLE, KY — March 4, 2011– Louisville Distilling Company announced today that it has chosen Kentucky – the birthplace of bourbon whiskey – as the first launch market for Angel’s Envy, a super-premium bourbon of uncompromising character and quality.
The highly anticipated small batch artisan bourbon is the culmination of Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson’s storied career. One of the original pioneers of the premium bourbon and whiskey categories in the U.S. and an inaugural member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, Lincoln came out of retirement to create the world’s finest bourbon – on his own terms. The local Kentuckian, which many refer to as a living legend, brings with him more than 40 years of experience, having worked on world-class brands, such as Woodford Reserve and Jack Daniels.
“Launching Angel’s Envy in Kentucky first was a no-brainer,” says Lincoln Henderson, Master Distiller, Angel’s Envy. “It’s my life’s work that takes into account over 200 years of bourbon heritage and mingles it with over 400 years of port wine heritage. Who better to share it with than my fellow Kentuckians – a passionate people who appreciate the nuances of bourbon whiskey.”
Each batch will be guided by Lincoln’s hand and allowed to develop naturally, creating nuances in the bourbon from year to year. This year’s release is Expression 10/10, which possesses a warm spirit, lacking any hint of edginess with ephemeral hints of port wine and a rich amber hue. The expression is distilled three times for an unparalleled smoothness, aged a minimum of four years in new, charred white oak barrels and finished with an advanced maturation process in use two different types of port cherry casks (Vintage and Ruby). The result is an exceptionally smooth, nuanced and refined bourbon.
The Company has already pre-sold more than 400 cases or half of their allocation for Kentucky to fine on- and off-premise establishments, such as Corbett’s & Equus Restaurants, Westport Whiskey & Wine and The Party Source. Local bourbon aficionados will begin to see Angel’s Envy in both on-and off-premise establishments beginning in March.
Mr. Henderson, his son Wes, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, and grandson Kyle, will host a private industry tasting to officially launch the brand at Proof on Main (702 W. Main St.) on Monday, March 14 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Josh Durr of Hawthorn Beverage Group in Louisville will debut several classic bourbon cocktails he created that feature a modern twist.
“We have been eagerly anticipating the launch of Angel’s Envy,” said J. Troy Ritchie, Director of Service for Corbett’s & Equus Restaurants. “Our successful partnership with Lincoln spans more than 20 years and we are confident he will deliver something unique to further elevate the bourbon category.”
“My team recently sampled Angel’s Envy and were very impressed,” said Chris Zaborowski, Owner, Westport Whiskey & Wine. “We specifically took note of the richness of the color, fragrant fruit profile, round mouth-feel in the mid-palate, how the port wood flavors pulled the taste to the back of the tongue and an aftertaste that was long, lingering and inviting. We look forward to introducing it to our customers.”
“Angel’s Envy will be very special given Lincoln’s long and profound experience compared to most of the micro-distillers,” said Jay Erisman, Fine Wine & Spirits Manager at The Party Source. “The guy who built one of the biggest whiskey brands of the last generation is literally starting over. That hasn’t been done before.”
“Lincoln Henderson is one of the most important Master Distillers of our time. His work, including the launch of such iconic brands as Woodford Reserve, has contributed to the global revival of the American Whiskey category and growth of super premium bourbons, said Frank Coleman, SVP, Distilled Spirits Council and Whiskey Magazine 2010 North American Whiskey Ambassador of the Year. “His latest endeavor, Angel’s Envy, produced in cooperation with his affable son Wes, is sure to please aficionados and casual imbibers alike with its stunning depth of flavor drawn from the quality of the whiskey interwoven with the mellow Port cask finish.”
The bottle will be as iconic as the bourbon inside. Made from perfume-grade glass in Italy and ceramic stamped with our iconic wings, the bottle is hand-filled, corked and crated in Louisville, Kentucky. “We were inspired by early 20th century whiskey bottles found in the Louisville area,” said Samira Seiller, EVP & Director of Marketing, Angel’s Envy. “Its distinct shape and iconic angel’s wings mean it will assume a place of prominence on the shelf at home or in the bar.”
As far as the name, it’s well accepted in bourbon circles that each distillery owes a percentage of the bourbon in their barrels to the angels – known as the Angel’s Share. But, Lincoln sat the angels down and got them to agree that they could take a larger share if they agreed to leave behind something even better. The result is Angel’s Envy.
Angel’s Envy will be available in Louisville for the suggested retail price of $44.99 per bottle. The Company is also in the final stages of site selection to build a distillery in downtown Louisville, which is pending submission and approval of economic incentives from the city. Please visit us at www.angelsenvy.com or on facebook.
Jan 2011
ABSOLUT VODKA CONTINUES ITS WILD ‘TEA’ RIDE…READIES FOR LOGO’S PREMIERE OF RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE SEASON 3
NEW YORK, NY — January 18, 2011– ABSOLUT®, the world’s most iconic vodka, continues its wild ride as presenting sponsor of the third season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” the reality competition series produced by World of Wonder Productions and hosted by RuPaul in search of America’s Next Drag Superstar.
Following the finale, the Season 3 winner will cross the country for Logo’s Drag Race Tour featuring ABSOLUT Vodka: Cocktails Perfected. Beginning in June, the winner will get a true taste of fame while headlining at top venues in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas, Miami, Boston and San Francisco during a series of fashion-forward events. Consumers can log on to LogoTV.com for tour locations and details.
ABSOLUT VODKA will be featured in the March 21 episode (10/9C) entitled “RuPaul-a-palooza,” which challenges each contestant to record a RuPaul hit song in different musical genres. Contestants will be judged on their charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent by RuPaul, Michelle Visage and celebrity guest judges Carmen Electra and Jody Watley. The episode will also introduce viewers to ABSOLUT WILD TEA – the brand’s newest flavor – a revolutionary blend of black tea and elderflower.
Additionally, six ABSOLUT/Logo co-branded integration spots created by Logo will air on the network beginning January 24th as the series premieres. Each features a specific contestant from Season 2 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” including Jessica Willd, Jujubee, Pandora Boxx, Raven, Tatiana and Tyra Sanchez and focuses on the ABSOLUT exceptional moments/exceptional cocktails messaging. ABSOLUT Vodka will also be fully integrated into LogoTV.com throughout the season, including exposure on the RuPaul show page and the network’s homepage. Last year’s spots were nominated for a GLAAD award.
“ABSOLUT yet again paves the path as presenting sponsor of a show that will go from mild to wild this season,” said Jeffrey Moran, Vice President at Pernod Ricard USA and spokesperson for ABSOLUT Vodka. “With such exceptional contestants, we knew we had to really put them through their paces, and the special ABSOLUT episode will test their ability to balance their creativity while staying true to themselves.”
“As a charter sponsor of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” we couldn’t be happier to have ABSOLUT VODKA on board for a third season,” said Amy Wigler, Vice President, Integrated Marketing, Logo. “From our co-branded ad spots and episode featuring The ABSOLUT challenge to our multi-city event tour, ABSOLUT and ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ will go hand-in-hand throughout the season.”
RuPaul returns as host, mentor and judge of this unique reality competition. The series has gathered the next generation of outrageous, up-and-coming drag queens to fight for the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar. Each of the contestants must capture the over-the-top style and flair of a drag queen superstar and impress the roster of celebrity judges from Margaret Cho to Johnny Weir.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” is produced by World of Wonder Productions, with Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato, Tom Campbell and Chris McKim serving as Executive Producers. The series premieres on Logo on January 24 at 10/9C. More information can be found at LogoTV.com. For more information about ABSOLUT, and a selection of exceptional drinks, please visit facebook.com/absolut.
Dec 2010
OVER 447,000 MO BROS AND SISTAS JOINED MOVEMBER’S ANNUAL FIGHT AGAINST CANCERS AFFECTING MEN RAISING $63MM; 65,000 AMERICANS HAVE RAISED $7MM FOR THE PROSTATE CANCER FOUNDATION AND LIVESTRONG
LOS ANGELES, CA – December, 2010 – Movember, the global men’s health charity, is proud to share that more than 65,000 Americans across the country joined the movement by growing a Mo (slang for moustache) to raise awareness and funds for a critical cause- cancer affecting men. This year almost $7 million has been raised for The Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG, with funds continuing to pour in. Globally, 447,612 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas have raised $63 million (USD).
“It is very humbling to see so many people embrace the Movember movement,” said Movember Co-Founder and CEO Adam Garone. “Thank you to all the passionate Mo Bros and Sistas that have engaged their families, friends, colleagues and communities to be a part of Movember. Every moustache makes a difference, together we will change the face of men’s health.”
Movember is a month long fundraising campaign where male participants, known as Mo Bros, start the month of November with a clean-shaven face, then grow their stylish moustache throughout the month. This hairy ribbon is designed to start conversations about prostate cancer and men’s health issues. Women, or Mo Sistas, help by getting the word out, recruiting, and supporting participating Mo Bros.
“Because of Movember more research progress has been made in the last 2 months than 5 years,” said Dr. Jonathan Simons, CEO and President, Prostate Cancer Foundation. “Moustaches will be the end of prostate cancer the way that dimes in the ‘March of Dimes’ was the end of polio. To all the Mo Bros and Sistas that continue to support Movember, we can’t thank you enough.”
Since its inception in 2003, more than a million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas have joined the Movember movement, having raised over $154 million (USD) globally. Movember is the world’s largest charity event raising funds for prostate cancer research.
Nov 2010
MOUSTACHES WORK TO CURE CANCER THIS NOVEMBER
LOS ANGELES, CA – November, 2010 – Rates of prostate cancer in men are comparable to breast cancer rates in women, with a man being diagnosed with the disease every 2.7 minutes. According to recent findings, men are 40 per cent more likely than women to die from cancer due to the simple act of putting off doctor visits and failing to lead a proactively healthy lifestyle.
Movember, the month formerly known as November, aims to change these statistics by creating a global focus on cancers affecting men. Each Movember, men are challenged to start the month clean-shaven and grow a moustache. The moustache becomes the hairy ribbon for men’s health and the guys growing them become a walking billboard for 30 days. The growth of a new moustache sparks hundreds of conversations about the seemingly taboo topics of men’s health and prostate cancer.
Movember began in 2003 over a few beers in Melbourne, Australia. The guys behind it joked about 80s fashion and decided it was time to bring back the moustache. In order to justify their “Mo” (Aussie slang for moustache), they used their new looks to raise some
awareness and money for prostate cancer research… never dreaming their efforts would lead to a global movement for men’s health. To date, more than 627,000 Movember “Mos” have been grown to raise over $100 million to change the face of men’s health.
“Its hard to believe what began as a bit of a joke has turned into a global movement for men’s health. It’s humbling to see so many men and women passionately support this cause,” said Adam Garone, CEO and Co-Founder of Movember. “These days you can’t grow a moustache without people asking what’s going on, and that leads to amazing conversations about cancers that affect men.”
This November will mark the 4th Movember campaign in the US, which will continue to raise funds for the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) and LIVESTRONG. In 2009, over 28,000 men grew moustaches to raise more than $3.2 million for our beneficiary partners.
“I would like to thank Movember for again choosing LIVESTRONG as a beneficiary of their great work. We are grateful with their extraordinary ability to reach younger generations often overlooked in the cancer community,” said Doug Ulman, LIVESTRONG President and CEO and three- time cancer survivor. “We look forward to building upon last year’s successful Movember campaign and continuing our shared mission to make cancer a global priority.”
Participation in Movember is not only fun, but simple. Beginning October 1st, men and women can register to join the campaign at www.Movember.com. Whether on their own or as part of a team, they have the month of November to grow and show their “Mo”. Friends,
family, and colleagues can show their support by sponsoring the Mo-growing efforts and donating funds to support the PCF and the LAF. Women who register to join the campaign act as ambassadors for the “Mo,” spreading the word and showing their support for the men
in their life.
“The Prostate Cancer Foundation is very excited to be working with Movember.” said Dan Zenka, vice president of the PCF and a recently diagnosed prostate cancer patient. “Movember brings the important message of prevention and early detection and treatment to a
younger demographic that mobilizes behind the cause and raises awareness for this disease that strikes 1 out of 6 American men. The funds raised by the Mo Bros and Mo Sistas will be deployed rapidly by PCF to accelerate research for better diagnostics, treatments and
cures.”
Participants celebrate their “Mo” at the end of November, attending Movember’s official Gala Partés or hosting their own local event. The campaign is largely run online, making it a unique digital charity campaign.
Oct 2010
EQUAL SWEETENER INTRODUCES NEW SMART PACK
CHICAGO, IL – October, 2010 – Equal, a trusted brand for more than 25 years, is introducing the Smart Pack, which contains all three leading zero calorie sweetener categories in one box: Equal Classic Blue (250 ct.), new Equal Yellow (500 ct.) and new Equal Pink (250 ct.).
This Equal Smart Pack was created to meet all the zero calorie sweetener needs of food service operators – one convenient box at a very competitive price that delivers high-quality products with the taste their patrons expect. The new Smart Pack is also easy to store and helps to reduce excess inventory of zero calorie sweeteners.
“As a leader among zero calorie sweeteners, Equal is proud to introduce the Smart Pack,” said Yann Kervoern, Merisant Vice President, Managing Director of the Americas. “This innovative offering is a great example of Merisant’s commitment to providing our partners with high-quality products, better value and convenience.”
The new Equal Smart Pack is an extension of a nationally branded offering, which includes the four leading zero calorie sweetener “colors” under the Equal® and Pure Via™ brand names. This development allowed Merisant to market “yellow” (sucralose) and “pink”
(saccharin) offerings under the Equal name and offer a best-in-category value on Pure Via, a stevia-based sweetener.
For more information on, contact your local Stratas Food representative, visit www.equalpurevia.com or call 1-888-658-1948.
Aug 2010
THE COMMUNITY CURRENCY EXCHANGE ASSOCIATION SET TO DISTRIBUTE KITS FOR UNDERPRIVELEDGED KIDS
CHICAGO, IL – August, 2010 – The Community Currency Exchange Association of Illinois (CCEA) in partnership with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago will distribute 8,400 Kits for Kidz – a 26 percent increase from 2009 – on August 18 as part of the Back 2 Schoolprogram that provides school supplies to needy children. The event will take place from 11AM to 6PM at the South Side YMCA at 6330 South Stoney Island.
Now in it’s 6th year, the Back 2 School program raised more than $100,000 in 2010 from corporate sponsors and online donations from the public. 100% of the money donated from the public goes toward buying calculators, pens, backpacks, paper, notebooks and other tools these kids will need to succeed in the classroom. The Back 2 School program began in 2004 and has since provided hundreds of thousands of school supplies to needy children in the Chicagoland area. Funding this year’s program is especially important amidst a challenging economy and Illinois school budget cuts.
“Illinois families need our help more than ever to ensure their children have the tools necessary for a successful school year,” said John Iberl, president of the Community Currency Exchange Association.
“Education is critical to our future. By providing whatever it takes to help kids succeed, whether it’s school supplies or after-school tutoring, the YMCA is always there for kids. With the CCEA and other partners, we’re making a difference in a very tangible way,” said Richard H. Malone, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.
Jul 2010
EQUAL GOES BEYOND BLUE
CHICAGO, IL – June 14, 2010 – Merisant Company is making life sweeter by introducing a national branded offering which includes the four leading zero calorie sweetener “colors” under the Equal® and Pure Via™ brand names. This revolutionary development provides an exceptional value to foodservice operators and again positions Equal as a leader among zero calorie sweeteners.
Equal, a trusted brand for more than 25 years, will now market “yellow” and “pink” offerings that will bear the brand name and deliver the quality and taste patrons expect. Earlier this year, Equal consumers expressed their support for these new branded offerings during proprietary research conducted by Technomic Inc., the pre-eminent food service industry research company. The new collection also includes Pure Via, an all natural, zero calorie sweetener, for those operators looking to satisfy patrons’ requests for a stevia-based sweetener in the “green” segment.
“We are thrilled to help food service operators fill their tabletop caddy with a full portfolio of zero calorie sweeteners with nationally recognized brands,” said Yann Kervoern, Merisant Vice President, General Manager, Americas. “Strong consumer awareness and broad foodservice distribution allowed us to extend the Equal brand equity into additional pink and yellow offerings, and to offer Pure Via at a very competitive price.”
The proprietary research also revealed the most important factors among foodservice operators when selecting a zero calorie sweetener.
“Foodservice operators told us loud and clear that price and national brand recognition were paramount,” said Bill Buehner, Director of Foodservice Sales for Merisant. “The new Equal portfolio proposition delivers a nationally branded, single-source solution that reduces operator food costs and helps to streamline their operations. The switch will also satisfy their patrons’ sweetener preferences without compromising their sweetener offering.”
For more information, pricing and a free sample, call 1-888-658-1948 or visit www.equalpurevia.com.
Jun 2010
GOVERNOR QUINN SET TO SIGN ANTI-BULLYING LEGISLATION
CHICAGO, IL – June 27, 2010 – In a major victory for anti-bullying advocates, Governor Quinn will publicly sign Senate Bill 3266 into law today, prior to the start of the Annual Gay Pride Parade. Known as the Illinois Prevent School Violence Act, the bill is a modification of current law that comprehensively defines bullying for the first time in Illinois law (including cyber bullying), explicitly prohibits bullying against vulnerable groups of students and creates the Illinois Bullying Prevention Task Force.
Dr. Chris Koch, Superintendent of the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) says the agency will move quickly to convene experts from across the state, including youth, to establish the Illinois Bullying Prevention Task Force. “This law will assist ISBE in identifying best practices and supporting schools as they implement prevention programs,” said Dr. Koch. “It strengthens efforts already underway across the state to address the social and emotional skills children need.”
The Illinois Safe Schools Alliance (the Alliance), along with more than 50 organizational partners in the Prevent School Violence Illinois coalition, advocated for these groundbreaking changes to Illinois law for more than 12 years.
“The previous state law did not give the appropriate guidance to school districts on how to address bullying behaviors,” said Shannon Sullivan, Executive Director of the Alliance. “We proudly partnered with the Illinois State Board of Education to craft language based on effective models from other states and are thrilled that the law clearly prohibits bullying based on sexual orientation and gender identity along with other critical and vulnerable groups of students in schools.”
Jun 2010
COMMUNITY CURRENCY EXCHANGE ASSOCIATION AND THE METROPOLITAN YMCA OF CHICAGO KICKOFF SIXTH ANNUAL BACK 2 SCHOOL FUNDRAISING EFFORT
CHICAGO, IL – June 14, 2010 – The Community Currency Exchange Association of Illinois (CCEA) in partnership with the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago today launches their sixth annual Back 2 School fundraising effort, which provides school supplies to needy children. The event, which takes place at Wildfire on 159 W. Erie Street, will also honor Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White with the CCEA 2010 Education Award.
The Back 2 School program began in 2004 and has provided hundreds of thousands of school supplies to needy children in the Chicagoland area. In 2009, the program raised more than $110,000 from corporate sponsors and online donations from the public, which helped to provide a record 6,100 YMCA children and their families with school supplies. 100% of money donated goes toward buying calculators, pens, backpacks, paper, notebooks and other tools these kids will need to succeed in the classroom. Funding this year’s program is especially important amidst a challenging economy and recent Illinois school budget cuts. “Illinois families need our help more than ever to ensure their children have the tools necessary for a successful school year,” said John Iberl, president of the Community Currency Exchange Association.
Donations can be made from June 15 – August 15 at any Currency Exchange or at www.mycurrencyexchange.com.
CCEA Honors Jesse White & 2010 Scholarship Winner
During today’s luncheon, the CCEA will also honor Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White with their 2010 Education Award for his dedication as State Librarian to helping kids read and his commitment to physical education as founder of the Jesse White tumblers and serving as an athletic coach.
Building on a commitment to helping Illinois residents in their pursuit of education, the CCEA is also pleased to announce Ms. Jamese Dunlap of Chicago as their 2010 scholarship winner. She will receive a $2,500 academic scholarship and plans to attend Northwestern University this fall.
May 2010
MISTERMEETMISTER GIVES GAY MEN A FORUM TO FIND REAL RELATIONSHIPS & GENUINE FRIENDSHIPS
NEW YORK, NY – May 21, 2010 – According to a recent MisterMeetMister (MMM) survey, 50 percent of gay men who use online dating sites are looking to hook-up. But, now there’s a place for the other 50 percent who are looking for friends, a long-term relationship, activity partners or even a travel buddy.
When asked for the qualities people seek in a friend or a potential relationship, in that same survey, the majority of respondents chose descriptions such as real (66%), genuine (59%), intelligent (53%) and fun (47%) over sexy (40%), muscular (31%) or discreet (31%).
“A lot of men tell us they’ve reached a point in their life where they want more than a casual hook-up,” says Scott Seitz, president of SPI Marketing. “The site offers men an alternative to other social networking websites and focuses on building real relationships and genuine friendships.”
MMM is an inclusive web destination where like-minded men come together to socialize, network, date, chat and attend events. MMM is for singles and couples, those in a relationship and those looking for a relationship. It’s a new concept for those men who are tired of social networking sites that are just about sex, or sites that just connect you to people you already know.
MisterMeetMister features a clean site design with advanced features that make looking for relationships and friendships fun, including:
- A robust profile section: MMM digs deep to truly peel back layers and proposed the best possible connections
- Testimonial section: Allows members to comment on your profile
- Idea forum: Provides members tips or things to do, where to go, etc.
- Matchmaker: An advanced keyword search helps to identify similarities
Additional site features include:
- Group and individual chat
- Blogs that are free for members
- Free classified ads for members
- The ability for members to create and manage groups
- Profiles that feature the option of uploading video or audio
MMM is now offering a FREE 30-day trial to all those who sign up with no credit card required. As an additional bonus, MMM runs monthly contests that reward members who refer the most friends to the site. Prizes include tickets to events, grooming kits and much more.
Apr. 2010
RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE WINNER WILL HEADLINE LOGO’S DRAG RACE TOUR FEATURING EXCEPTIONAL ABSOLUT DRINKS
NEW YORK, NY – April 27, 2010 – After a season of divas, drama and drag, the gentlemen have cooled their engines – and the best woman won. Tyra Sanchez clawed her way to the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar” last night, and captured the crown during the finale of the second season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” the reality competition series produced by World of Wonder Productions and hosted by RuPaul. Now, Logo and ABSOLUT®, the world’s most iconic vodka brand, are ready to sashay across the country with America’s self-proclaimed sweetheart on a multi-city tour beginning in Denver on May 14 at Tracks. The “other” Tyra, as the judges referred to her, edged out runner-up Raven with her charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent. Along with the title, Tyra received a $25,000 cash prize, courtesy of ABSOLUT and Logo, and will get a true taste of fame while headlining at top venues in cities such as Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles and San Francisco during a series of fashion-forward events. For more information on event dates and venues, please visit: http://www.logotv.com/about/events.jhtml
During the Logo Drag Race tour, ABSOLUT will also introduce ABSOLUT® BERRI AÇAÍ, an on-trend blend of açai, blueberry and pomegranate with an elegant focused berry aroma. The brand’s eleventh flavorbursts onto the scene just in time for the Tour, and will give cocktail connoisseurs a new reason to drink exceptionally. Like all ABSOLUT flavors, ABSOLUT BERRI ACAI is made from all-natural ingredients and contains no sugar and no addedpreservatives.
“Last year’s sponsorship of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ and the post-show ‘Real Fruit’ tour was among our most successful LGBT promotions,” said Jeffrey Moran, ABSOLUT spokesperson, who served as a guest judge for the ABSOLUT challenge. “We were thrilled to return to the runway for a second season and can’t wait to take the show on the road to introduce our new flavor to loyal consumers.”
Earlier this season, ABSOLUT® challenged the show’s contestants to conceptualize a memoir highlighting exceptional moments in their lives. They then had to pitch their memoir and plug new ABSOLUT BERRI AÇAÍ during satellite interviews with veteran entertainment reporter Mark Malkin. Contestants were judged on their charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent. In the end, Raven gave the most intriguing and pitch-perfect interview en route to winning the challenge.
For more information about ABSOLUT, and a selection of exceptional drinks, please visit facebook.com/absolut.
Apr. 2010
RO-BRO EARNS FEATURE ARTICLE IN CHICAGO SUN-TIMES FOR BODY TRANSCENDENCE
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/health/2143244,FIT-News-Trans07.article
Apr. 2010
RO-BRO GUEST BLOGS FOR ELON UNIVERSITY & TEACHES STUDENTS HOW TO TAKE THE “WORK” OUT OF NETWORKING
http://liveoakcommunications.wordpress.com/
Feb. 2010
ABSOLUT® VODKA ‘RETURNS TO THE RUNWAY’ FOR “RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE” SEASON 2
NEW YORK – February 1, 2010 – ABSOLUT®, the world’s most iconic vodka, announces its return to the runway as the presenting sponsor of the second season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” the reality competition series produced by World of Wonder Productions and hosted by RuPaul in search of America’s next top drag superstar. From April 15 through June 16, the Season 2 winner will cross the country for Logo’s Drag Race Tour featuring exceptional ABSOLUT Drinks. The winner will get a true taste of fame while headlining at top venues in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Boston and San Francisco during a series of fashion-forward events. ABSOLUT will also provide a $15,000 cash prize to the winner. ABSOLUT VODKA will be featured in an episode on March 22 at 9PM ET/8PM CT entitled “Once Upon a Queen,” in which contestants must conceptualize a memoir highlighting exceptional moments in their lives. Contestants will be judged on their charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent. Additionally, six ABSOLUT/Logo co-branded ads, created by Logo, are airing on the network. Each ad features a specific contestant from season one of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and focuses on the ABSOLUT exceptional moments/exceptional cocktails messaging. ABSOLUT Vodka will also be fully integrated into LogoTV.com throughout the season, including exposure on the RuPaul show page and the network’s homepage. “ABSOLUT is thrilled to return as presenting sponsor of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ a show that has become known for exceptional moments,” said Jeffrey Moran, Vice President of Multicultural Marketing, ABSOLUT Vodka. “We’re happy to give them an opportunity to show the world how exceptional they are during an episode that showcases the brand’s extensive flavor portfolio and the drinks ABSOLUT has helped popularize in modern day cocktail culture.” “ABSOLUT is a long-time supporter of the LGBT community, and we couldn’t be happier to have the brand on board for the second season of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ for more amazing antics by the show’s glamour gals,” said Amy Wigler, Vice President, Integrated Marketing, Logo. “From our co-branded ad spots and episode featuring The ABSOLUT challenge to our multi-city event tour, ABSOLUT and ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ will go hand-in-hand throughout the season.” RuPaul returns as host, mentor and judge of this unique reality competition. The series has gathered the next generation of outrageous, up-and-coming drag queens to fight for the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar. Each of the 12 contestants must capture the over-the-top style and flair of a drag queen superstar and impress the roster of celebrity judges from Kathy Griffin to Debbie Reynolds. The series premieres on Logo on February 1 at 9PM ET/ 8PM CT. More information can be found at LogoTV.com. For more information about ABSOLUT, and a selection of exceptional drinks, please visit facebook.com/absolut.
Jan. 2010
HEALTHFOCUS® STUDY REVEALS INFORMATION GAP REGARDING SODIUM INTAKE
CHICAGO – January 14, 2010 – A recent HealthFocus® International (HFI) study reveals significant confusion and concern among consumers regarding acceptable sodium levels in the foods and beverages they regularly consume. While nearly two-thirds (65%) of all consumers express some concern about sodium intake, 79% do not know the recommended daily intake of 1500-2400mg.
An alarmingly low number of shoppers (29%) look for the sodium content consistently in each individual food they eat. But, even those consumers that monitor sodium do so intuitively, mostly by avoiding certain foods or categories, rather than by actually understanding their total daily sodium intake. One reason for this lack of diligence is likely that a large number of consumers, while concerned about sodium, are not concerned for health reasons, but rather for cosmetic and personal reasons. The perception among women that excess sodium causes water weight gain is a greater motivator for avoiding sodium than high blood pressure.
Sodium Misconceptions & The Blame Game
In addition to lack of knowledge, most consumers have misconceptions about the best way to reduce the amount of sodium in their diet. More than half of consumers (55%) reduce salt at the table when, in reality, it is only a small contributor to actual dietary sodium intake. And, nearly two-thirds believe sea salt (78%) is a healthier alternative.
Sodium concerns are lowest when consumers cook from scratch at home, which allows them to better monitor their sodium intake by reading nutritional labels and controlling the amount of salt they add while preparing food. However, their task is much more complex with fast food and certain prepared foods because these labels often don’t exist.
Overwhelmingly, consumers correctly identify processed packaged foods and fast food restaurants as the two big contributors to sodium intake. Specific foods and beverages include: french fries, hamburgers, and chicken from a fast-food restaurant, and frozen meals, and cured/processed meats, at the retail level. And, even though most consumers are able to correctly identify foods high in sodium, only approximately 1/3 of consumers are likely to avoid these foods.
“Most consumers are pointing the finger at certain food categories and at fast food operators when it comes to high sodium content,” says Barbara Katz, president of HealthFocus International. “The solution will be found in shared responsibility. Consumers need to be aware of acceptable sodium levels in their overall diet and its role in health and, manufacturers need to provide better options. It is very difficult to stay within the recommended daily levels if you consume processed foods.”
Taste Presents Greatest Barrier to Low-Sodium Products
Most shoppers say that they are interested in purchasing lower sodium products. However, for those shoppers that are not interested, the clear barrier is still the perception that they won’t taste as good. Indeed, when presented with a list of ten potential sodium claims such as “low sodium,” “sodium free” and “reduced salt,” there was little difference between the levels of interest in each claim. However, the claim that was most likely to entice consumers to buy a product was “reduced salt, same taste.” Consumers clearly want to be assured that lower sodium does not mean less taste.
Nov. 2009
HEALTHFOCUS® STUDY REVEALS SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON SHOPPING PATTERNS AMONG HIGH INCOME CONSUMERS
CHICAGO – November 24, 2009 – A recent HealthFocus® International (HFI) study reveals that cutting costs has expanded into higher income groups; namely, those with annual incomes upwards of $75,000. A significant source of cost cutting is happening at the grocery store as nearly three quarters of shoppers indicate a higher level of concern about the cost of groceries, which has resulted in them buying less overall and cutting back on non-essential food and beverage items.
This study is a follow-up from the HFI report in April 2009 on Grocery Buying in the Current Economy and surveyed 1,000 primary grocery shoppers to explore how shoppers with income reduction (versus unemployment or loss of income) are dealing with recent change brought on from the economy. Reduction of income is affecting one out of three shoppers and is likely the key factor in bringing cost into play as a more permanent factor in determining behavior. These most recent findings reveal a significant shift in shopper actions and attitudes.
“The extended economic uncertainty has had a very profound and deepening impact on consumer attitudes and behavior,” says Barbara Katz, president of HealthFocus International. “The resulting practice of shoppers using cost cutting strategies could have a lingering impact, irrespective of whether or not economic conditions improve.”
Shopping Patterns Changing Among High Income Shoppers
Among individuals who earn more than $75,000, nearly three quarters of this group’s food and beverage shopping patterns have been impacted to a significant degree. They are more aggressive than six months ago in their commitment to manage costs in the following categories:
- Almost half cut coupons more for grocery shopping, up from 15%
- Almost half spend less on entertainment, up 12%
- 40% buy private label or store brands more often
Cost Cutting Continues
While concern about the economy overall may have shifted down slightly from six months ago (80% vs. 90%), almost three quarters of shoppers have a higher level of concern about the cost of groceries. Additionally, one-third of shoppers identify as “very nervous” about the economy and are taking action to manage down expenses including:
- Buying Grocery Items on Sale — Over half of shoppers are now buying grocery items on sale. Shopping on sale has increased in almost all groups studied and over half the shoppers in almost every group are buying on sale more
- Eating out less at fast-food restaurants — Almost 60% of shoppers reported eating out at fast-food restaurants less
- Eating out less at sit-down restaurants — four out of five are eating out at sit-down restaurants less, up 11%
- Cutting coupons more — almost 60% claim they are cutting coupons more, up 12%
- Cutting down on groceries — over half (54%) are cutting down on the quantity of groceries purchased to save money, up from 42%
- Eating less/fewer meals — almost a quarter (22%) of them are actually trying to eat less food or fewer meals up from 11%
- Buying fewer non-essential items — Items that shoppers may see as “luxuries,” like Convenience, Desserts, Snacks, and Candy are the categories where more shoppers are cutting back. The top 10 items that shoppers attitudinally consider to be some of the most expendable to save money include: Fast Foods, Pizza Delivery, Sodas, Grocery Store Prepared Meals/Items, Cookies, Beef, Ice Cream, Chocolate, Frozen Snacks, Other Desserts
Oct. 2009
MOVEMBER’S MOUSTACHES CHANGE THE FACE OF MEN’S HEALTH THIS NOVEMBER
Movember Supports the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Lance Armstrong Foundation in the Continued Fight Against Prostate and Testicular Cancers
LOS ANGELES – September 15, 2009 – Movember kicks off its third annual campaign in the United States, rallying men to grow moustaches for the month of November to raise funds and awareness for prostate and testicular cancer. In the United States, funds raised by Movember will benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) as well as the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF), two organizations dedicated to fighting cancers affecting adult men of all ages.
Movember, the largest global event dedicated to men’s health, was born in 2003 when three friends in Melbourne, Australia decided it was time to bring back the moustache as a tool for men to break the ice in talking about a taboo subject – their health. To date, over $47 million has been raised to support men’s health issues through official moustache-growing campaigns in the US, Canada, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia and Spain.
Beginning September 15th, men and women can register to join the campaign at www.Movember.com. Whether on their own or as part of a team, men, called “Mo Bros,” have the month of November to grow, and show their “Mo” (slang for moustache). Friends, family, and colleagues can show their support by sponsoring the Mo-growing efforts and donating funds to support the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Women who register to join the campaign, “Mo Sistas,” act as ambassadors for the “Mo Bros,” spreading the word and showing their support.
Participants celebrate their “Mo” at the end of November, attending Movember’s Gala Partés in Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, Austin, Aspen, Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego and Boston dressed in costume to suit their moustache and vying for the title of “Man of Movember.”
Ro-Bro is proud to support the Movember campaign – you can join our Movember team at: http://us.movember.com/register/401