Iron Mike loses daughter
Mike Tyson's four-year-old daughter died May 26 of injuries sustained in a freak home accident. The champion boxer immediately flew to Arizona.
Exodus Tyson was found Monday morning hanged from a cord that was connected to a treadmill in the family’s activity room in their Phoenix, Arizona home. She was discovered when her mother, who was cleaning in another room, sent the girl’s seven-year-old brother in to check on her.
Police are treating the case as an accident, saying it appears the child was playing on or near the treadmill and became tangled in the cord. The girl’s mother was administering CPR when paramedics arrived on the scene. Exodus died a day later of her injuries.
Tyson was in Las Vegas at the time of the incident but rushed to his daughter’s side upon being notified of the tragedy.
“Mike was very dedicated to that baby,'' said Sig Rogish, a longtime friend of Tyson and his former agent. “I think every parent's greatest fear is that they live beyond their children. I know Mike has had his troubles in his life, but he's always been a good father.”
The troubles Rogish refers to are numerous. Tyson’s father left the family when Mike was two; his mother died when he was 16. By the age of 13 he had been arrested 38 times, but was saved from a life on the streets after juvenile hall when a counselor discovered his boxing talent.
His short-lived marriage to actress Robin Givens ended amidst allegations of physical and emotional abuse and mental illness. He was convicted of raping a beauty queen and spent three years in prison for the crime. He was stripped of his boxing license for a year after biting off a chunk of Evander Holyfield’s ear during a match, went to prison again on new assault charges, filed for bankruptcy in 2003 after squandering nearly $300 million -- around the same time his second marriage ended due to his reported infidelities -- and was arrested again in 2006 on charges of DUI and felony drug possession.
Tyson knows his life has been one big tragedy of Shakespearean proportions. In 2005 he told USA Today:
"My whole life has been a waste -- I've been a failure. I just want to escape. I'm really embarrassed with myself and my life. I want to be a missionary. I think I could do that while keeping my dignity without letting people know they chased me out of the country. I want to get this part of my life over as soon as possible. In this country nothing good is going to come of me. People put me so high; I wanted to tear that image down."
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About the author: As the owner of Bloom Creatives, Caroline Gutierrez Goddard tells stories with words and photos -- and as such, is a regular contributor here at SheKnows.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
LeTourneau hosts 'Hot for Teacher' night at Seattle bar
Mary Kay LeTourneau, who was imprisoned as a 34-year-old teacher for raping a sixth-grade student, will host a "Hot for Teacher" night this weekend at a Seattle bar, KOMO-TV and the Associated Press report.
KOMO reports that Mike Morris, owner of the Fuel Sports Eats & Beats bar, says the event "is all in fun, and he hopes people take it in the right spirit."
LeTourneau, now 47, later married the student, Vili Fualaau, now 26, after serving 7 1/2 years in prison. Fualaau will also be at bar, working as the D.J. for the Top 40 event.
"It's turned into sort of a love story," says Morris. "I realize it had a sick twist at the beginning, but they're both adults now. They're both married by the state of Washington. So, it's just go and have fun on a Saturday night -- and if people are looking to have some fun, just come check us out."
Morris tells KOMO that this is actually the third time that the pair, who have two children together, have hosted the event, but the first two times were kept low-key.
The couple first met when Fualaau was in the second grade. Their relationship became sexual when he was 12 and she was a married mother of four, the AP says. LeTourneau was released from prison in August 2004.
source
http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2009/05/mary-kay-le-tourneau-the-teacher-who-went-to-prison-for-more-than-seven-eyars-for-raping-a-sixth-grade-teacher-will-be-host.html
KOMO reports that Mike Morris, owner of the Fuel Sports Eats & Beats bar, says the event "is all in fun, and he hopes people take it in the right spirit."
LeTourneau, now 47, later married the student, Vili Fualaau, now 26, after serving 7 1/2 years in prison. Fualaau will also be at bar, working as the D.J. for the Top 40 event.
"It's turned into sort of a love story," says Morris. "I realize it had a sick twist at the beginning, but they're both adults now. They're both married by the state of Washington. So, it's just go and have fun on a Saturday night -- and if people are looking to have some fun, just come check us out."
Morris tells KOMO that this is actually the third time that the pair, who have two children together, have hosted the event, but the first two times were kept low-key.
The couple first met when Fualaau was in the second grade. Their relationship became sexual when he was 12 and she was a married mother of four, the AP says. LeTourneau was released from prison in August 2004.
source
http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2009/05/mary-kay-le-tourneau-the-teacher-who-went-to-prison-for-more-than-seven-eyars-for-raping-a-sixth-grade-teacher-will-be-host.html
Love tangle for power broker: Citigroup's Richard Parsons has love child with model MacDella Cooper
It's no secret that Citigroup board Chairman Richard Parsons has been working for months to repair the financial giant. But, until now, even his closest associates didn't know he also was wrestling with a personal crisis - how to tell his wife and three children he has fathered a child with another woman.
Parsons and model-philanthropist MacDella Cooper are the parents of a baby girl named Ella. The 61-year-old former Time Warner chairman said only: "This is a private matter, and I prefer not to talk about it at this time." Cooper, 32, also declined to discuss the circumstances of her daughter's birth."My private life is private," the striking beauty said. "I'm sure you can draw your own conclusions."
Cooper gave birth last August, according to a source, who said Parsons will support the child and has set up a trust fund for her education. The widely admired executive is said to have become close to the former model - who says she has worked for Ralph Lauren and appeared in Glamour magazine - through his support of her MacDella Cooper Foundation, which she founded in 2004 to help orphans and abandoned children in her homeland of Liberia.
Besides making donations, Parsons was the keynote speaker at her foundation's gala in October 2007.A press release for the foundation said it was "proud to have earned the devotion of such esteemed individuals as ... Richard Parsons." Having attended benefits for the foundation, Parsons was regularly seen going into Cooper's midtown apartment building, where she lives and works, a source said.
Parsons is due to mark his 31st wedding anniversary with his wife, the former Laura Ann Bush, in August. They have three grown children: Gregory, Leslie and Rebecca. Parsons met Laura, a community activist with a doctorate in child psychology, at the University of Hawaii, and he has frequently credited her with his success. "I'm certain I would not have followed the career track that I ended up following if it hadn't been for my wife," he told Megan Basham, author of "Beside Every Successful Man."
"I can expose her to problems and issues, and she will ask very sound baseline questions that cause me to think about it in a different light. ... I very much need Laura's input." His wife has said that she encouraged him to go to law school because he enjoyed arguing.
His career, which has made him one of the most prominent African-American businessmen in the world, has been an incredible journey of success. He worked as a part-time janitor to pay his tuition at Albany Law School and scored the highest marks out of the nearly 4,000 lawyers who took the New York State bar exam in 1971.
Parsons appears well-equipped to support his latest offspring. In 2008, he received a total compensation package from Time Warner of $10,399,000. He receives no cash from federally subsidized Citigroup, but did get 240,000 shares of stock and 6,512 options. He enjoys the fruits of his success, with a home in Manhattan's fashionable Tribeca and a vineyard in Italy.
Read more: "Love tangle for power broker: Citigroup's Richard Parsons has love child with model MacDella Cooper" - http://www.nydailynews.com/money/2009/05/21/2009-05-21_love_tangle_for_power_broker.
Parsons and model-philanthropist MacDella Cooper are the parents of a baby girl named Ella. The 61-year-old former Time Warner chairman said only: "This is a private matter, and I prefer not to talk about it at this time." Cooper, 32, also declined to discuss the circumstances of her daughter's birth."My private life is private," the striking beauty said. "I'm sure you can draw your own conclusions."
Cooper gave birth last August, according to a source, who said Parsons will support the child and has set up a trust fund for her education. The widely admired executive is said to have become close to the former model - who says she has worked for Ralph Lauren and appeared in Glamour magazine - through his support of her MacDella Cooper Foundation, which she founded in 2004 to help orphans and abandoned children in her homeland of Liberia.
Besides making donations, Parsons was the keynote speaker at her foundation's gala in October 2007.A press release for the foundation said it was "proud to have earned the devotion of such esteemed individuals as ... Richard Parsons." Having attended benefits for the foundation, Parsons was regularly seen going into Cooper's midtown apartment building, where she lives and works, a source said.
Parsons is due to mark his 31st wedding anniversary with his wife, the former Laura Ann Bush, in August. They have three grown children: Gregory, Leslie and Rebecca. Parsons met Laura, a community activist with a doctorate in child psychology, at the University of Hawaii, and he has frequently credited her with his success. "I'm certain I would not have followed the career track that I ended up following if it hadn't been for my wife," he told Megan Basham, author of "Beside Every Successful Man."
"I can expose her to problems and issues, and she will ask very sound baseline questions that cause me to think about it in a different light. ... I very much need Laura's input." His wife has said that she encouraged him to go to law school because he enjoyed arguing.
His career, which has made him one of the most prominent African-American businessmen in the world, has been an incredible journey of success. He worked as a part-time janitor to pay his tuition at Albany Law School and scored the highest marks out of the nearly 4,000 lawyers who took the New York State bar exam in 1971.
Parsons appears well-equipped to support his latest offspring. In 2008, he received a total compensation package from Time Warner of $10,399,000. He receives no cash from federally subsidized Citigroup, but did get 240,000 shares of stock and 6,512 options. He enjoys the fruits of his success, with a home in Manhattan's fashionable Tribeca and a vineyard in Italy.
Read more: "Love tangle for power broker: Citigroup's Richard Parsons has love child with model MacDella Cooper" - http://www.nydailynews.com/money/2009/05/21/2009-05-21_love_tangle_for_power_broker.
Hawaii's Hanalei Bay Tops List of 10 Best Beaches in 2009
HANALEI, Hawaii — Here is the list of top 10 beaches for 2009 from Stephen P. Leatherman, director of Florida International University's Laboratory for Coastal Research, also known as Dr. Beach. He has compiled the list annually since 1991 using 50 criteria, including water quality and temperature, cleanliness, weather, sand, safety and facilities.
1. Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii
2. Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Fla.
3. Coopers Beach, Southampton, N.Y.
4. Coronado Beach, San Diego.
5. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii.
6. Main Beach, East Hampton, N.Y.
7. Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, N.C.
8. Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Fla.
9. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Mass.
10. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, S.C.
source..
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,521189,00.html/
1. Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii
2. Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Fla.
3. Coopers Beach, Southampton, N.Y.
4. Coronado Beach, San Diego.
5. Hamoa Beach, Maui, Hawaii.
6. Main Beach, East Hampton, N.Y.
7. Cape Hatteras, Outer Banks, N.C.
8. Cape Florida State Park, Key Biscayne, Fla.
9. Coast Guard Beach, Cape Cod, Mass.
10. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, S.C.
source..
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,521189,00.html/
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The ‘American Idol’ Finale: Kris Allen Wins
In a turn of events that viewers have variously found surprising, validating and frustrating, the underdog contestant Kris Allen was named the winner of “American Idol” on Wednesday night, receiving more votes than Adam Lambert, who was perceived (by some) to be the likely champion. Even Mr. Allen was slightly stunned by the news: after the host Ryan Seacrest had told him he had won, he said, “Adam deserves this.” (By contrast, Simon Cowell appeared to lodge a silent protest from his seat, declining to stand and applaud Mr. Allen’s victory with his fellow judges.)
If you missed any portion of Wednesday’s show, we blogged it all, from the guest appearances by Steve Martin, Kiss and Rod Stewart to the unlikely duet between Kara DioGuardi and Katrina “Bikini Girl” Darrell. A recap of the program can be found below, and here’s Alessandra Stanley’s take. We’ll have more to come in the days ahead. ArtsBeat out!
If you missed any portion of Wednesday’s show, we blogged it all, from the guest appearances by Steve Martin, Kiss and Rod Stewart to the unlikely duet between Kara DioGuardi and Katrina “Bikini Girl” Darrell. A recap of the program can be found below, and here’s Alessandra Stanley’s take. We’ll have more to come in the days ahead. ArtsBeat out!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
U.S. investigators probe FTC Capital for fraud
NEW YORK, May 20 (Reuters) - U.S. investigators searched the New York offices of FTC Capital Markets Inc for evidence in a suspected investment fraud possibly involving hundreds of millions of dollars, a source familiar with the probe said on Wednesday.
The source, who asked not to be identified because of the ongoing investigation, said officers from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service were looking into whether two FTC Capital executives misled companies over purported investments.
One of the executives, Lina Lopez, was arrested in Miami, the source familiar with the case said.
No further details were immediately available about the search, which took place on Tuesday night.
Criminal charges have not been filed. The case stems from a civil lawsuit by Citgo Petroleum Corp [PDVSAC.UL] and PDV Holding Inc in March that accused FTC, several related entities and two executives of fraud.
Representatives of New York-based FTC, which is a registered broker-dealer that also has an investment advisory business, did not answer telephone calls seeking comment on Wednesday.
In a civil lawsuit on March 9 in Manhattan federal court, Citgo and PDVH alleged that FTC executives Lopez and Guillermo David Clamens "diverted and misused" the plaintiffs' investment funds. Houston-based Citgo is a subsidiary of PDVH, which is owned by Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA [PDVSA.UL].
The lawsuit charges the two with creating a "slush fund to finance self-interested, unauthorized and speculative trading in unregistered, risky, illiquid investments in which they had financial interests, the full extent of which remain unknown."
Clamens and Lopez made undisclosed and unauthorized purchases into the Citgo account of $10 million worth of bonds issued by Venezuela, the complaint said. It said they diverted $19.3 million of Citgo's $100 million investment to "self-dealing, risky and unauthorized note and bond purchases."
It said that in April 2008, FTC opened accounts at BNP Paribas (BNPP.PA) bank in the name of Citgo and PDVH. The complaint said that instead of investing $200 million into 7-day BNP CD's for Citgo, Clamens and Lopez deposited the money into a daily income money market fund.
Several related entities were also being investigated, including FTC Group, which advertises offices in New York, Miami, London, Caracas, Lima and Mexico. The group's website says it provides investment banking services to foreign banks, pension funds, insurance companies, asset managers and financial advisers.
Clamens, is president and chief executive based in New York, and Lopez is employed in Miami, according to the lawsuit.
The civil case is Citgo Petroleum Corp and PDV Holding Inc v FTC Capital Markets Inc, FTC Emerging Markets Inc, FTC Holdings LLC, FTC Group, Guillermo David Clamens and Lina Lopez 09-2116 in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (Manhattan) (Reporting by Grant McCool; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)
The source, who asked not to be identified because of the ongoing investigation, said officers from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service were looking into whether two FTC Capital executives misled companies over purported investments.
One of the executives, Lina Lopez, was arrested in Miami, the source familiar with the case said.
No further details were immediately available about the search, which took place on Tuesday night.
Criminal charges have not been filed. The case stems from a civil lawsuit by Citgo Petroleum Corp [PDVSAC.UL] and PDV Holding Inc in March that accused FTC, several related entities and two executives of fraud.
Representatives of New York-based FTC, which is a registered broker-dealer that also has an investment advisory business, did not answer telephone calls seeking comment on Wednesday.
In a civil lawsuit on March 9 in Manhattan federal court, Citgo and PDVH alleged that FTC executives Lopez and Guillermo David Clamens "diverted and misused" the plaintiffs' investment funds. Houston-based Citgo is a subsidiary of PDVH, which is owned by Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA [PDVSA.UL].
The lawsuit charges the two with creating a "slush fund to finance self-interested, unauthorized and speculative trading in unregistered, risky, illiquid investments in which they had financial interests, the full extent of which remain unknown."
Clamens and Lopez made undisclosed and unauthorized purchases into the Citgo account of $10 million worth of bonds issued by Venezuela, the complaint said. It said they diverted $19.3 million of Citgo's $100 million investment to "self-dealing, risky and unauthorized note and bond purchases."
It said that in April 2008, FTC opened accounts at BNP Paribas (BNPP.PA) bank in the name of Citgo and PDVH. The complaint said that instead of investing $200 million into 7-day BNP CD's for Citgo, Clamens and Lopez deposited the money into a daily income money market fund.
Several related entities were also being investigated, including FTC Group, which advertises offices in New York, Miami, London, Caracas, Lima and Mexico. The group's website says it provides investment banking services to foreign banks, pension funds, insurance companies, asset managers and financial advisers.
Clamens, is president and chief executive based in New York, and Lopez is employed in Miami, according to the lawsuit.
The civil case is Citgo Petroleum Corp and PDV Holding Inc v FTC Capital Markets Inc, FTC Emerging Markets Inc, FTC Holdings LLC, FTC Group, Guillermo David Clamens and Lina Lopez 09-2116 in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York (Manhattan) (Reporting by Grant McCool; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)
Amy Mickelson diagnosed with breast cancer
Amy Mickelson, wife of golfer Phil Mickeslon, has been diagnosed with breast cancer after undergoing testing.
The diagnosis is expected to lead to major surgery in the next two weeks.
Mickelson has canceled the next two tournaments on his schedule, this week's HP Byron Nelson and next week's Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, where is the defending champion
The diagnosis is expected to lead to major surgery in the next two weeks.
Mickelson has canceled the next two tournaments on his schedule, this week's HP Byron Nelson and next week's Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, where is the defending champion
Taste the Hot Dog That Knocked the Others Out of the Park
Oscar Mayer to Give Away up to $1 Million in Hot Dogs To Celebrate Taste Test Victory; Chef Rocco DiSpirito Heats-Up Times Square Celebration to Kick-Off Giveaway
It's official! As compared to the leading beef franks, the best-tasting beef hot dog has a name; its O-S-C-A-R. That's right, Oscar Mayer Jumbo Beef Franks beat Ball Park(R) and Hebrew National(R) in a national taste test(1).
To celebrate the win and kick-off barbeque season, the Oscar Mayer brand will give away up to $1 million worth of hot dogs and let everyone in America in on the game on one very special day. On May 20, starting at 9 a.m. EDT, simply log on to OSCARMAYER.com for a free coupon for a whole pack of Oscar Mayer Jumbo Beef Franks. That's right, Oscar Mayer is giving away up to $1 million worth of hot dogs, while supplies last.
To help spread the word, the Oscar Mayer brand invited chef Rocco DiSpirito to host a pre-giveaway grill-out yesterday in Times Square. Flanked by the world famous Wienermobile vehicles, Rocco gave New Yorkers a taste of the dog that knocked the others out of the park and helped donate 20,000 hot dogs to Feeding America. Oscar Mayer has committed to donating a minimum of $100,000 worth of hot dogs to Feeding America(2) throughout summer.
The "Best In Taste" Dog
Oscar Mayer Jumbo Beef Franks are made with quality cuts of 100% pure beef to deliver a beefy, juicy hot dog with a taste the whole family will love. The brand also launched two new 'dogs' this season, Oscar Mayer Premium Beef & Cheddar Franks and Oscar Mayer Jalapeno & Cheddar Franks.
In Search of Our Best-Dressed Dog - All Summer Long
Although these beefy, juicy champs have little need for improvement, everyone has their favorite topping combination. Whether mustard only, pickle and ketchup, chili, cheese and onions or "the works," preferences differ from person to person and city to city.
To harness the passion for how Americans dress their 'dogs,' the Wienermobile vehicles are cruising the country asking hot dog fans how they'd top the best-tasting Oscar Mayer Jumbo Beef Franks. Those who visit Wienermobile events will get the chance to dress a larger-than-life Jumbo Beef Frank with their favorite topping combinations, and get their photo taken with their creation.
On-site, hot dog fans can also enter a sweepstakes(3) for a chance to win a Labor Day grill-out, complete with a visit from the Wienermobile, a top of the line grill and most importantly - bragging rights! Oscar Mayer Premium Beef Franks are available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $3.99. Visit OSCARMAYER.com for more information on Oscar Mayer Jumbo Beef Franks or the national taste test.
It's official! As compared to the leading beef franks, the best-tasting beef hot dog has a name; its O-S-C-A-R. That's right, Oscar Mayer Jumbo Beef Franks beat Ball Park(R) and Hebrew National(R) in a national taste test(1).
To celebrate the win and kick-off barbeque season, the Oscar Mayer brand will give away up to $1 million worth of hot dogs and let everyone in America in on the game on one very special day. On May 20, starting at 9 a.m. EDT, simply log on to OSCARMAYER.com for a free coupon for a whole pack of Oscar Mayer Jumbo Beef Franks. That's right, Oscar Mayer is giving away up to $1 million worth of hot dogs, while supplies last.
To help spread the word, the Oscar Mayer brand invited chef Rocco DiSpirito to host a pre-giveaway grill-out yesterday in Times Square. Flanked by the world famous Wienermobile vehicles, Rocco gave New Yorkers a taste of the dog that knocked the others out of the park and helped donate 20,000 hot dogs to Feeding America. Oscar Mayer has committed to donating a minimum of $100,000 worth of hot dogs to Feeding America(2) throughout summer.
The "Best In Taste" Dog
Oscar Mayer Jumbo Beef Franks are made with quality cuts of 100% pure beef to deliver a beefy, juicy hot dog with a taste the whole family will love. The brand also launched two new 'dogs' this season, Oscar Mayer Premium Beef & Cheddar Franks and Oscar Mayer Jalapeno & Cheddar Franks.
In Search of Our Best-Dressed Dog - All Summer Long
Although these beefy, juicy champs have little need for improvement, everyone has their favorite topping combination. Whether mustard only, pickle and ketchup, chili, cheese and onions or "the works," preferences differ from person to person and city to city.
To harness the passion for how Americans dress their 'dogs,' the Wienermobile vehicles are cruising the country asking hot dog fans how they'd top the best-tasting Oscar Mayer Jumbo Beef Franks. Those who visit Wienermobile events will get the chance to dress a larger-than-life Jumbo Beef Frank with their favorite topping combinations, and get their photo taken with their creation.
On-site, hot dog fans can also enter a sweepstakes(3) for a chance to win a Labor Day grill-out, complete with a visit from the Wienermobile, a top of the line grill and most importantly - bragging rights! Oscar Mayer Premium Beef Franks are available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $3.99. Visit OSCARMAYER.com for more information on Oscar Mayer Jumbo Beef Franks or the national taste test.
Taste the Hot Dog That Knocked the Others Out of the Park
Oscar Mayer to Give Away up to $1 Million in Hot Dogs To Celebrate Taste Test Victory; Chef Rocco DiSpirito Heats-Up Times Square Celebration to Kick-Off Giveaway
It's official! As compared to the leading beef franks, the best-tasting beef hot dog has a name; its O-S-C-A-R. That's right, Oscar Mayer Jumbo Beef Franks beat Ball Park(R) and Hebrew National(R) in a national taste test(1).
To celebrate the win and kick-off barbeque season, the Oscar Mayer brand will give away up to $1 million worth of hot dogs and let everyone in America in on the game on one very special day. On May 20, starting at 9 a.m. EDT, simply log on to OSCARMAYER.com for a free coupon for a whole pack of Oscar Mayer Jumbo Beef Franks. That's right, Oscar Mayer is giving away up to $1 million worth of hot dogs, while supplies last.
To help spread the word, the Oscar Mayer brand invited chef Rocco DiSpirito to host a pre-giveaway grill-out yesterday in Times Square. Flanked by the world famous Wienermobile vehicles, Rocco gave New Yorkers a taste of the dog that knocked the others out of the park and helped donate 20,000 hot dogs to Feeding America. Oscar Mayer has committed to donating a minimum of $100,000 worth of hot dogs to Feeding America(2) throughout summer.
The "Best In Taste" Dog
Oscar Mayer Jumbo Beef Franks are made with quality cuts of 100% pure beef to deliver a beefy, juicy hot dog with a taste the whole family will love. The brand also launched two new 'dogs' this season, Oscar Mayer Premium Beef & Cheddar Franks and Oscar Mayer Jalapeno & Cheddar Franks.
In Search of Our Best-Dressed Dog - All Summer Long
Although these beefy, juicy champs have little need for improvement, everyone has their favorite topping combination. Whether mustard only, pickle and ketchup, chili, cheese and onions or "the works," preferences differ from person to person and city to city.
To harness the passion for how Americans dress their 'dogs,' the Wienermobile vehicles are cruising the country asking hot dog fans how they'd top the best-tasting Oscar Mayer Jumbo Beef Franks. Those who visit Wienermobile events will get the chance to dress a larger-than-life Jumbo Beef Frank with their favorite topping combinations, and get their photo taken with their creation.
On-site, hot dog fans can also enter a sweepstakes(3) for a chance to win a Labor Day grill-out, complete with a visit from the Wienermobile, a top of the line grill and most importantly - bragging rights! Oscar Mayer Premium Beef Franks are available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $3.99. Visit OSCARMAYER.com for more information on Oscar Mayer Jumbo Beef Franks or the national taste test.
It's official! As compared to the leading beef franks, the best-tasting beef hot dog has a name; its O-S-C-A-R. That's right, Oscar Mayer Jumbo Beef Franks beat Ball Park(R) and Hebrew National(R) in a national taste test(1).
To celebrate the win and kick-off barbeque season, the Oscar Mayer brand will give away up to $1 million worth of hot dogs and let everyone in America in on the game on one very special day. On May 20, starting at 9 a.m. EDT, simply log on to OSCARMAYER.com for a free coupon for a whole pack of Oscar Mayer Jumbo Beef Franks. That's right, Oscar Mayer is giving away up to $1 million worth of hot dogs, while supplies last.
To help spread the word, the Oscar Mayer brand invited chef Rocco DiSpirito to host a pre-giveaway grill-out yesterday in Times Square. Flanked by the world famous Wienermobile vehicles, Rocco gave New Yorkers a taste of the dog that knocked the others out of the park and helped donate 20,000 hot dogs to Feeding America. Oscar Mayer has committed to donating a minimum of $100,000 worth of hot dogs to Feeding America(2) throughout summer.
The "Best In Taste" Dog
Oscar Mayer Jumbo Beef Franks are made with quality cuts of 100% pure beef to deliver a beefy, juicy hot dog with a taste the whole family will love. The brand also launched two new 'dogs' this season, Oscar Mayer Premium Beef & Cheddar Franks and Oscar Mayer Jalapeno & Cheddar Franks.
In Search of Our Best-Dressed Dog - All Summer Long
Although these beefy, juicy champs have little need for improvement, everyone has their favorite topping combination. Whether mustard only, pickle and ketchup, chili, cheese and onions or "the works," preferences differ from person to person and city to city.
To harness the passion for how Americans dress their 'dogs,' the Wienermobile vehicles are cruising the country asking hot dog fans how they'd top the best-tasting Oscar Mayer Jumbo Beef Franks. Those who visit Wienermobile events will get the chance to dress a larger-than-life Jumbo Beef Frank with their favorite topping combinations, and get their photo taken with their creation.
On-site, hot dog fans can also enter a sweepstakes(3) for a chance to win a Labor Day grill-out, complete with a visit from the Wienermobile, a top of the line grill and most importantly - bragging rights! Oscar Mayer Premium Beef Franks are available nationwide for a suggested retail price of $3.99. Visit OSCARMAYER.com for more information on Oscar Mayer Jumbo Beef Franks or the national taste test.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Visible Vote Now On iPhone, Blackberry and Facebook
Have you ever wondered how your elected official has voted on certain issues and could not have found it? Two tech enthusiasts have created an application called Visible Vote helping iPhone, Blackberry and Facebook users to easily see how their congressmen and senators vote on issues.
According to NBC's WIS10 Paul Everton and Stephen Trac created the "Visible Vote" application shortly after Congress passed the $750 billion bank bailout. This new application allows you to select your U.S. House Representative and Senator. It then keeps a tally of his or her voting record.
In fact Visible Vote allows you to send feedback and your opinion to your representative in case you agree or may disagree with the way he or she voted on a particular issue. You can also write the Congress personal notes and and letters right from your mobile device such as iPhone, Blackberry and also Facebook by using Visible Vote.
The website is visiblevote.us, but it's still under construction or Beta version. However, you can visit the Visible Vote on Facebook. That's the message on the site.
Visible Vote "is dedicated to making government transparent and accountable. Visible Vote allows you to vote on the same issues your legislators are voting on. It then cross compares your votes to your legislators over time. Visible Vote even updates your legislators with your votes for you via FAX. You can also FAX a personal letter to your representatives," reads the message on the site.
Visible Vote instructions for Blackberry Users
For the Blackberry Storm, Blackberry Bold and 8900 Curve please do the following:
1) Point your Blackberry Browser to: http://visiblevote.us/bb/new/visiblevote.jad
2) Download and install the application
3) Run the program and create a password and put in your zip code. Then you should be complete!
4) If you have a facebook account visit us on Facebook and go to the Settings on Visible Vote. Then synchronize your blackberry to it.
Visible Vote iPhone instructions and screenshots are available here.
What you can do with Visible Vote:
1) Send a letter to your Legislators through your iPhone.
2) Track how your legislators are voting on issues you care about.
3) Vote on the same Bills as your legislators.
4) Look at each issue your legislator agrees or disagrees with you on.
Based on materials gathered from Visiblevote.us and other media reports.
According to NBC's WIS10 Paul Everton and Stephen Trac created the "Visible Vote" application shortly after Congress passed the $750 billion bank bailout. This new application allows you to select your U.S. House Representative and Senator. It then keeps a tally of his or her voting record.
In fact Visible Vote allows you to send feedback and your opinion to your representative in case you agree or may disagree with the way he or she voted on a particular issue. You can also write the Congress personal notes and and letters right from your mobile device such as iPhone, Blackberry and also Facebook by using Visible Vote.
The website is visiblevote.us, but it's still under construction or Beta version. However, you can visit the Visible Vote on Facebook. That's the message on the site.
Visible Vote "is dedicated to making government transparent and accountable. Visible Vote allows you to vote on the same issues your legislators are voting on. It then cross compares your votes to your legislators over time. Visible Vote even updates your legislators with your votes for you via FAX. You can also FAX a personal letter to your representatives," reads the message on the site.
Visible Vote instructions for Blackberry Users
For the Blackberry Storm, Blackberry Bold and 8900 Curve please do the following:
1) Point your Blackberry Browser to: http://visiblevote.us/bb/new/visiblevote.jad
2) Download and install the application
3) Run the program and create a password and put in your zip code. Then you should be complete!
4) If you have a facebook account visit us on Facebook and go to the Settings on Visible Vote. Then synchronize your blackberry to it.
Visible Vote iPhone instructions and screenshots are available here.
What you can do with Visible Vote:
1) Send a letter to your Legislators through your iPhone.
2) Track how your legislators are voting on issues you care about.
3) Vote on the same Bills as your legislators.
4) Look at each issue your legislator agrees or disagrees with you on.
Based on materials gathered from Visiblevote.us and other media reports.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Latest News About Frontier Communications
By Roger Cheng
Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Frontier Communications Corp. (FTR) has a proven track record of integration, and should be able to quickly absorb Verizon Communications Inc.'s (VZ) rural assets, according to Frontier Chief Executive Maggie Wilderotter.
While the deal is structured as a tax-free spin-off and merger, Frontier will have to raise roughly $3.3 billion in funds through a debt offering, the proceeds of which will be paid to Verizon. Even though Frontier is raising debt, the acquisition of Verizon's assets allows the company to approach investment grade rating, she said during a conference call on Tuesday.
Verizon Chief Executive Ivan Seidenberg said he sees the deal creating value for both sides, noting that he expects approval to happen in a year.
Verizon has paid less attention to the rural areas as it focuses on wireless, FiOS and its global enterprise businesses. Chief Financial Officer Donald Shassian said he does expect revenue decline in the 3.5% to 4% range with the Verizon territories before the company takes over.
Wilderotter noted that the deal will be accretive to Frontier on a free cash flow basis by the second year, noting the $500 million in merger cost savings.
Further value could be created by building out high-speed Internet access to Verizon's territory, which could yield more revenue for the company, Wilderotter said.
"Rural America is our business," she said, noting the company's "manical focus on local."
One of the biggest integration hurdles is the conversion of billing systems from Verizon to Frontier. Wilderotter said she is confident that the conversion will be smooth. She added that ahead of the deal closing, Frontier will set up its products, promotions and offerings in the Verizon system.
"We can hit the ground running," she said.
Wilderotter said she doesn't foresee any problems with the unions representing the 11,000 Verizon employees moving to Frontier.
-By Roger Cheng, Dow Jones Newswires; 201-938-2020; roger.cheng@dowjones.com
(Updates with additional executive comments)
By Roger Cheng
Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Frontier Communications Corp. (FTR) has a proven track record of integration, and should be able to quickly absorb Verizon Communications Inc.'s (VZ) rural assets, according to Frontier Chief Executive Maggie Wilderotter.
While the deal is structured as a tax-free spin-off and merger, Frontier will have to raise roughly $3.3 billion in funds through a debt offering, the proceeds of which will be paid to Verizon.
Verizon Chief Executive Ivan Seidenberg on Wednesday said he sees the deal creating value for both sides, noting that he expects approval to happen in a year.
Verizon has paid less attention to the rural areas as it focuses on wireless, FiOS and its global enterprise businesses. Chief Financial Officer Donald Shassian said he does expect revenue decline in the 3.5% to 4% range with the Verizon territories before the company takes over.
Even though Frontier is raising debt, the acquisition of Verizon's assets allows the company to approach investment grade rating, Wilderotter said during a conference call on Wednesday. Shassian added that the company is changing its credit strategy in actively pursuing an investment grade rating.
Wilderotter noted that the deal will be accretive to Frontier on a free cash flow basis by the second year, noting the $500 million in merger cost savings.
As a result of the deal, Frontier is lowering its dividend payout ratio. Wilderotter said the move was designed to sustain its long-term dividend strategy, and frees up some cash for investment into Verizon's territories.
Further value could be created by building out high-speed Internet access to Verizon's territory, which could yield more revenue for the company, Wilderotter said. Improving the local presence in those regions will be key, she added.
"Rural America is our business," she said, noting the company's "manical focus on local."
Frontier can also tap into the stimulus package's focus on broadband investment.
"It's clear the Obama administration has a focus on bring broadband to rural America," she said.
One of the biggest integration hurdles is the conversion of billing systems from Verizon to Frontier. Wilderotter said she is confident that the conversion will be smooth. She added that ahead of the deal closing, Frontier will set up its products, promotions and offerings in the Verizon system.
"We can hit the ground running," she said.
Wilderotter said she doesn't foresee any problems with the unions representing the 11,000 Verizon employees moving to Frontier.
Wilderotter added that she approached Verizon on pursuing a deal. The company said talks had gone on for the past two months.
-By Roger Cheng, Dow Jones Newswires; 201-938-2020; roger.cheng@dowjones.com
Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Frontier Communications Corp. (FTR) has a proven track record of integration, and should be able to quickly absorb Verizon Communications Inc.'s (VZ) rural assets, according to Frontier Chief Executive Maggie Wilderotter.
While the deal is structured as a tax-free spin-off and merger, Frontier will have to raise roughly $3.3 billion in funds through a debt offering, the proceeds of which will be paid to Verizon. Even though Frontier is raising debt, the acquisition of Verizon's assets allows the company to approach investment grade rating, she said during a conference call on Tuesday.
Verizon Chief Executive Ivan Seidenberg said he sees the deal creating value for both sides, noting that he expects approval to happen in a year.
Verizon has paid less attention to the rural areas as it focuses on wireless, FiOS and its global enterprise businesses. Chief Financial Officer Donald Shassian said he does expect revenue decline in the 3.5% to 4% range with the Verizon territories before the company takes over.
Wilderotter noted that the deal will be accretive to Frontier on a free cash flow basis by the second year, noting the $500 million in merger cost savings.
Further value could be created by building out high-speed Internet access to Verizon's territory, which could yield more revenue for the company, Wilderotter said.
"Rural America is our business," she said, noting the company's "manical focus on local."
One of the biggest integration hurdles is the conversion of billing systems from Verizon to Frontier. Wilderotter said she is confident that the conversion will be smooth. She added that ahead of the deal closing, Frontier will set up its products, promotions and offerings in the Verizon system.
"We can hit the ground running," she said.
Wilderotter said she doesn't foresee any problems with the unions representing the 11,000 Verizon employees moving to Frontier.
-By Roger Cheng, Dow Jones Newswires; 201-938-2020; roger.cheng@dowjones.com
(Updates with additional executive comments)
By Roger Cheng
Of DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--Frontier Communications Corp. (FTR) has a proven track record of integration, and should be able to quickly absorb Verizon Communications Inc.'s (VZ) rural assets, according to Frontier Chief Executive Maggie Wilderotter.
While the deal is structured as a tax-free spin-off and merger, Frontier will have to raise roughly $3.3 billion in funds through a debt offering, the proceeds of which will be paid to Verizon.
Verizon Chief Executive Ivan Seidenberg on Wednesday said he sees the deal creating value for both sides, noting that he expects approval to happen in a year.
Verizon has paid less attention to the rural areas as it focuses on wireless, FiOS and its global enterprise businesses. Chief Financial Officer Donald Shassian said he does expect revenue decline in the 3.5% to 4% range with the Verizon territories before the company takes over.
Even though Frontier is raising debt, the acquisition of Verizon's assets allows the company to approach investment grade rating, Wilderotter said during a conference call on Wednesday. Shassian added that the company is changing its credit strategy in actively pursuing an investment grade rating.
Wilderotter noted that the deal will be accretive to Frontier on a free cash flow basis by the second year, noting the $500 million in merger cost savings.
As a result of the deal, Frontier is lowering its dividend payout ratio. Wilderotter said the move was designed to sustain its long-term dividend strategy, and frees up some cash for investment into Verizon's territories.
Further value could be created by building out high-speed Internet access to Verizon's territory, which could yield more revenue for the company, Wilderotter said. Improving the local presence in those regions will be key, she added.
"Rural America is our business," she said, noting the company's "manical focus on local."
Frontier can also tap into the stimulus package's focus on broadband investment.
"It's clear the Obama administration has a focus on bring broadband to rural America," she said.
One of the biggest integration hurdles is the conversion of billing systems from Verizon to Frontier. Wilderotter said she is confident that the conversion will be smooth. She added that ahead of the deal closing, Frontier will set up its products, promotions and offerings in the Verizon system.
"We can hit the ground running," she said.
Wilderotter said she doesn't foresee any problems with the unions representing the 11,000 Verizon employees moving to Frontier.
Wilderotter added that she approached Verizon on pursuing a deal. The company said talks had gone on for the past two months.
-By Roger Cheng, Dow Jones Newswires; 201-938-2020; roger.cheng@dowjones.com
Who Won The Biggest Loser Season 7
Helen Phillips has won the biggest loser 2009 Finale!
amazing weight loss of 54.47% has given Helen Phillips that extra edge to beat out all the other contestants and grab the title of biggest loser with a booty of $250,000 to take home. The season premiered on January 6, 2009, with eleven overweight couples. This was highest percentage of weight loss in Biggest Loser history, 54.47%. She also became the third consecutive winner to originate from the Pink Team. Mike came in a close second, and Tara was third.
Jerry won the $100,000 at-home prize with a total percentage of weight loss of 47.97%
The Biggest Loser is an American reality television show that began broadcasting on the NBC network on October 19, 2004. The seventh season began on January 6, 2009. As of May 2009, NBC is casting for an ninth season
amazing weight loss of 54.47% has given Helen Phillips that extra edge to beat out all the other contestants and grab the title of biggest loser with a booty of $250,000 to take home. The season premiered on January 6, 2009, with eleven overweight couples. This was highest percentage of weight loss in Biggest Loser history, 54.47%. She also became the third consecutive winner to originate from the Pink Team. Mike came in a close second, and Tara was third.
Jerry won the $100,000 at-home prize with a total percentage of weight loss of 47.97%
The Biggest Loser is an American reality television show that began broadcasting on the NBC network on October 19, 2004. The seventh season began on January 6, 2009. As of May 2009, NBC is casting for an ninth season
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