Friday, April 29, 2011

Most Americans Not Willing to Pay to Read News Content Online



29 Apr 2011 16:34 Africa/Lagos


Most Americans Not Willing to Pay to Read News Content Online
Even fewer than said they would pay 15 months ago

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, April 29, 2011

NEW YORK, April 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- As businesses explore best practices for success in the changing landscape created by the Internet, some companies have discussed charging for access to online content that was previously free. Some media outlets have discussed doing this, and The New York Times recently began charging online readers who view over 20 articles per month. But there may be trouble ahead as a recent Adweek/Harris Poll found that a large majority said they would be willing to pay "nothing" per month to read a daily newspaper's content online (80%). Of the one in five who would pay, 14% said they would pay between $1 and $10 per month while very few said that they would be willing to pay between $11 and $20 (4%) or more than $20 per month (2%).

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100517/NY06256LOGO)

These are some of the findings of a new Adweek/ Harris Poll, survey of 2,105 U.S. adults surveyed online between March 29 and 31, 2011 by Harris Interactive.

Interestingly, while online paywalls are becoming more common, fewer people say they would be willing to pay to read content online now, than said so in late 2009—20% say they would be willing to pay for a daily newspaper's content online today, compared to 23% who said so in December 2009.

Other findings of the recent poll include:





* Younger adults are more likely than those older to pay for a daily newspaper's content online—over a quarter of adults aged 18-34 say they would (26%) compared to between 15% and 18% of all other age groups;

* Men are more willing to pay than women are—a quarter of men say they would (25%) with 18% saying they would pay between $1 and $10 per month, while only 15% of women say they would pay anything to read a daily newspaper's content online; and,

* The more education a person has the more likely they are to be willing to pay to read a daily newspaper's content online—over a quarter of college graduates say they would pay (28%) compared to one in five people who have attended some college (19%) and just 15% who have not attended any college at all.


So What?

Currently several major publications charge readers for their content online including the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and most recently The New York Times . Unfortunately it seems that as these companies are adapting to a business environment increasingly dominated by the Internet, their readers are slower to embrace, or are resistant to, certain changes, especially when it comes to paying for something that has been free for so long. This raises several questions and areas for more research, including: how many Americans rely on the Internet for their news content, how particular are Americans about what publication or source they go to for their news, and, how do people think that media companies with large online presences should pay for the work that they do.


Click here for the complete details.



Mystery Writers of America Announces 2011 Edgar Winners

29 Apr 2011 13:30 Africa/Lagos

Mystery Writers of America Announces 2011 Edgar Winners

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, April 29, 2011

NEW YORK, April 29, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mystery Writers of America is proud to announce the winners of the 2011 Edgar Allan Poe Awards, honoring the best in mystery fiction, non-fiction and television published or produced in 2010. The Edgar® Awards were presented to the winners at our 65th Gala Banquet, April 28, 2011 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, New York City.

BEST NOVEL
The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton (Minotaur Books)

BEST FIRST NOVEL BY AN AMERICAN AUTHOR
Rogue Island by Bruce DeSilva (Tom Doherty Associates – Forge Books)

BEST PAPERBACK ORIGINAL
Long Time Coming by Robert Goddard (Random House - Bantam)

BEST FACT CRIME
Scoreboard, Baby: A Story of College Football, Crime and Complicity by Ken Armstrong and Nick Perry (University of Nebraska Press – Bison Original)

BEST CRITICAL/BIOGRAPHICAL
Charlie Chan: The Untold Story of the Honorable Detective and his Rendezvouz with American History by Yunte Huang (W.W. Norton)

BEST SHORT STORY
"The Scent of Lilacs" – Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine by Doug Allyn (Dell Magazines)

BEST JUVENILE
The Buddy Files: The Case of the Lost Boy by Dori Hillestad Butler (Albert Whitman & Co.)

BEST YOUNG ADULT
Interrogation of Gabriel James by Charlie Price (Farrar, Straus, Giroux Books for Young Readers)

BEST PLAY
The Psychic by Sam Bobrick (Falcon Theatre – Burbank, CA)

BEST TELEVISION EPISODE TELEPLAY
"Episode 1" - Luther , Teleplay by Neil Cross (BBC America)

ROBERT L. FISH MEMORIAL AWARD
"Skyler Hobbs and the Rabbit Man" – Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine by Evan Lewis (Dell Magazines)

GRAND MASTER
Sara Paretsky

RAVEN AWARDS
Centuries & Sleuths Bookstore, Forest Park, Illinois
Once Upon A Crime Bookstore, Minneapolis, Minnesota

THE SIMON & SCHUSTER - MARY HIGGINS CLARK AWARD
(Presented at MWA's Agents & Editors Party on Wednesday, April 27, 2011)
The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)

The EDGAR (and logo) are Registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office by the Mystery Writers of America, Inc.

SOURCE Mystery Writers of America

CONTACT: Margery Flax of MWA, +1-212-888-8171; or Meryl Zegarek Public Relations, +1-917-493-3601

Web Site: http://www.mysterywriters.org

About the Best Novel The Lock Artist



Amazon Best Books of the Month, January 2010: Mike Smith is a "boxman." He can open any safe, padlock, or locked door without a combination or a key--a talent that lands him in prison at the age of eighteen. He spends his time writing down the story of his life because that's the only way he can share it. He hasn't spoken in ten years. Not a single word since the tragic day he became known as the "Miracle Boy." Mike is one of those unreliable narrators you can't help rooting for--a traumatized soul fighting his way back from the brink--and the mystery of his silence will have you blazing through pages. A smart, inventive thriller, The Lock Artist is packed with a standout cast of characters, plus enough safe-cracking trade secrets to tempt you to dig up that old combination lock and test your newfound knowledge. --Daphne Durham --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.





Friday, April 15, 2011

Mark Zuckerberg Tops Steve Jobs, Oprah, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffet as Achiever of the Year



Apr 15, 2011 08:10 ET



Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg Tops Steve Jobs, Oprah, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffet as SUCCESS Magazine's Achiever of the Year

LAKE DALLAS, Texas, April 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Facebook has changed the way people connect worldwide, morphing from college fad to global communication force. And co-founder Mark Zuckerberg has guided the addictive social networking site to incredible heights, more than 600 million subscribers.

With those credentials, Zuckerberg was voted 2010 Achiever of the Year by readers of SUCCESS Magazine. He beat out other titans of business, media, technology and philanthropy, including Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffet and Bill and Melinda Gates.

A cover feature on Zuckerberg appears in the May 2011 issue of SUCCESS, dedicated to connecting with effect - reaching the people who matter. The issue delves into how to effectively integrate new media methods with old-school relationship-building skills.

May's issue also includes a feature on love language with marriage communication tips from relationship expert Gary Chapman, profiles of entrepreneur and philanthropist Sheila Johnson and superstar NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon, plus columns on health by Drs. Oz and Roizen, leadership by John C. Maxwell, making it happen by Mel Robbins and much more!

Also, read about how journalist Bob Woodruff gained new insights and a renewed sense of purpose after surviving a bomb attack in Iraq.

The SUCCESS CD inserted in each magazine features publisher Darren Hardy's interviews with entertainment business mogul Peter Gruber, who gives you the four most crucial pieces to the tell-to-win puzzle, arming you with the storytelling skills you need to move others to action, and with Networking with New Media author Mari Smith, who reveals the rest of the rules of the road for driving down the social media highway. Also, in an ongoing chat, leadership expert John C. Maxwell discusses the five levels of influence integral to being the leader you were meant to be. The issue hit newsstands Tuesday, April 5, 2011.

About SUCCESS Magazine

SUCCESS Magazine is designed specifically to serve the growing entrepreneurial and small-business markets. Each month, it features personal-development thought leaders, CEOs, entrepreneurs and other achievers who offer practical advice, ideas, tips and training on leadership, goal attainment, time management, selling, motivation and more. Bound into every issue is also a free CD featuring exclusive audio compilations of success training from leading personal-achievement experts. SUCCESS is distributed on newsstands nationally. Visit http://www.SUCCESS.com for more information.

Contact

Ashley Glenn
SUCCESS Magazine
Marketing Manager
940-497-9901
aglenn@success.com
This press release was issued through eReleases(R). For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE SUCCESS Magazine


Web Site: http://www.successmagazine.com



Thursday, April 14, 2011

YouTube Casting Call for the Broadway Tour of 'Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan'



14 Apr 2011 12:50 Africa/Lagos


YouTube Casting Call for the Broadway Tour of 'Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan'
Children and adults from across the USA will have an opportunity to audition on YouTube for starring roles in the upcoming Broadway national tour of "Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan"


PR Newswire

NEW YORK, April 14, 2011

NEW YORK, April 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Broadway producer Tom McCoy has announced a YouTube casting for the national tour of the Broadway musical "Peter Pan" starring Cathy Rigby.

YouTube video auditions will be accepted for the (non-dance) roles of: Wendy, John, Michael and Smee. In addition, the video with the most YouTube views will win four tickets to see Peter Pan at Madison Square Garden, a backstage meet-and-greet with Cathy Rigby, and a once in a lifetime opportunity to fly with Cathy across the stage. For detailed audition information, visit http://www.peterpancasting.com.

Opening at Virginia's Wolf Trap in September 2011, "Peter Pan" will embark on a 2-year national tour of the USA that includes a stop at Madison Square Garden for the 2011 Holidays.

Previous productions of Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby have grossed over $200 million in ticket sales, winning an Emmy Award for the national television broadcast and multiple Tony Award nominations, including "Best Revival of a Musical."

National Press Contact:

John E. Thomas
Creative Licensing Group
Email: CreativeLicensing@me.com
Phone: 888-557-4070 ext. 220

This press release was issued through eReleases(R). For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE Creative Licensing Group

Web Site: http://www.peterpancasting.com



Rihanna tops nominations for 2011 Billboard Music Awards



14 Apr 2011 03:59 Africa/Lagos

Ultra sexy hip-hop and R&B singer Rihanna leads the nominees for the 2011 Billboard Music Awards with nominations in 18 award categories. The following is the complete news report.


Billboard Announces Finalists for the 2011 Billboard Music Awards

Rihanna Takes the Lead As a Contender in 18 Award Categories


PR Newswire

LAS VEGAS, April 13, 2011




LAS VEGAS, April 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Billboard released the finalists for the 2011 Billboard Music Awards today at a press conference in Las Vegas. The winners will be announced at the Billboard Music Awards show airing on ABC on Sunday, May 22nd at 8-11 PM ET/PT. The awards show will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada in partnership with Chevrolet, and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). This is the first year that ABC will broadcast the event.



Rihanna takes the lead as a finalist in 18 award categories including Top Artist, Top Female Artist, Top 100 Artist, Top R&B Artist, Top Dance/Electronic Artist, Top Radio Songs Artist, Top Digital Songs Artist, Top Digital Media Artist, Top Social Artist and Top Streaming Artist. Her collaboration with Eminem places "Love the Way You Lie" as a contender in six song categories. Eminem is a finalist in 16 award categories including Top Artist, Top Male Artist, Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Digital Songs Artist, Top Social Artist, Top Streaming Artist Top Digital Media Artist and Top Rap Artist.



Lady Gaga follows with 12 categories including three albums all competing for the award of Top Dance/Electronic Album: "The Fame," "The Fame Monster" and "The Remix." "The Fame" is also a finalist for Top Pop Album.

Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber are fan favorites, each earning 11 categories and competing for Top New Artist and Top Male Artist. Other Top New Artist contenders are Ke$ha, Nicki Minaj and Taio Cruz, whose song "Dynamite" is up for five awards including Top Hot 100 Song, Top Digital Song, Top Radio Song, Top Streaming Song (Audio) and Top Pop Song.

The Billboard Music Awards take a holistic look at artist performance based on key fan interactions with music—finalists and winners are determined by chart performance and social and streaming activity as chronicled in Billboard magazine and on Billboard.com during the eligibility period of February 28, 2010 through March 1, 2011. The forty-six award categories are based on measures provided by our data partners including sales data shared by Nielsen SoundScan, radio airplay monitored by Nielsen BDS, streaming data measured by Tubemogul and Nielsen BDS, social media consumption gauged by Next Big Sound and tour grosses tracked by Billboard Boxscore.

Today, Billboard launches a microsite for the 2011 Billboard Music Awards at www.Billboard.com/BBMA. Music fans can also follow news about the show and related events on Twitter at www.twitter.com/billboarddotcom or Facebook at www.facebook.com/billboard. To request media credentials please fill out the form available at www.Billboard.com/BBMA and email to billboard@brandlinkcommunications.com. To download images and video from today's press conference visit www.abcmedianet.com.

The 2011 Billboard Music Awards is co-executed produced by Richard Beckman, CEO of Prometheus Global Media, which owns Billboard, and Don Mischer of Don Mischer Productions.

The finalists for the 2011 Billboard Music Awards are:

ARTIST AWARDS:

Top Artist:
Justin Bieber
Eminem
Lady Gaga
Rihanna
Taylor Swift

Top New Artist:
Justin Bieber
Taio Cruz
Ke$ha
Bruno Mars
Nicki Minaj

Top Male Artist:
Justin Bieber
Drake
Eminem
Bruno Mars
Usher

Top Female Artist:
Ke$ha
Lady Gaga
Katy Perry
Rihanna
Taylor Swift

Top Duo/Group:
The Black Eyed Peas
Bon Jovi
Lady Antebellum
Linkin Park
U2

Top Billboard 200 Artist:
Justin Bieber
Susan Boyle
Eminem
Lady Antebellum
Taylor Swift

Top Hot 100 Artist:
Ke$ha
Bruno Mars
Katy Perry
Rihanna
Usher

Top Digital Songs Artist:
Eminem
Ke$ha
Bruno Mars
Katy Perry
Rihanna

Top Radio Songs Artist:
Drake
Bruno Mars
Katy Perry
Rihanna
Usher

Top Touring Artist:
Bon Jovi
Michael Buble
Lady Gaga
U2
Roger Waters

Top Social Artist:
Akon
Justin Bieber
Eminem
Lady Gaga
Rihanna

Top Streaming Artist:
Justin Bieber
Eminem
Lady Gaga
Rihanna
Shakira

Top Digital Media Artist:
Akon
Justin Bieber
Eminem
Lady Gaga
Rihanna

Top Pop Artist:
Justin Bieber
The Black Eyed Peas
Ke$ha
Lady Gaga
Katy Perry

Top R&B Artist:
Alicia Keys
Monica
Rihanna
Trey Songz
Usher

Top Rap Artist:
Drake
Eminem
Lil Wayne
Ludacris
Nicki Minaj

Top Country Artist:
Jason Aldean
Kenny Chesney
Lady Antebellum
Taylor Swift
Zac Brown Band

Top Rock Artist:
Kings of Leon
Linkin Park
Mumford & Sons
Muse
Train

Top Alternative Artist:
The Black Keys
Kings of Leon
Linkin Park
Mumford & Sons
Muse

Top Latin Artist:
Enrique Iglesias
Pitbull
Prince Royce
Shakira
Wisin & Yandel

Top Dance Artist:
The Black Eyed Peas
David Guetta
Lady Gaga
LaRoux
Rihanna

Top Christian Artist:
Casting Crowns
MercyMe
Skillet
tobyMac
Chris Tomlin

ALBUMS AWARDS

Top Billboard 200 Album:
Justin Bieber -- "My World 2.0"
Susan Boyle -- "The Gift"
Eminem -- "Recovery"
Lady Antebellum -- "Need You Now"
Taylor Swift -- "Speak Now"

Top Pop Album:
Justin Bieber -- "My World 2.0"
Black Eyed Peas -- "The E.N.D."
Ke$ha -- "Animal"
Lady Gaga -- "The Fame"
Katy Perry -- "Teenage Dream"

Top R&B Album:
Monica -- "Still Standing"
Rihanna -- "Loud"
Sade -- "Stronger Than Love"
Trey Songz -- "Passion, Pain & Pleasure"
Usher -- "Raymond v. Raymond"

Top Rap Album:
Drake -- "Thank Me Later"
Eminem -- "Recovery"
Nicki Minaj -- "Pink Friday"
Lil Wayne -- "I Am Not A Human Being"
Kanye West -- "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy"

Top Country Album:
Jason Aldean -- "My Kinda Party"
Lady Antebellum -- "Need You Now"
Sugarland -- "The Incredible Machine"
Taylor Swift -- "Speak Now"
Zac Brown Band -- "The Foundation"

Top Rock Album:
The Black Keys -- "Brothers"
Jack Johnson -- "To The Sea"
Kid Rock -- "Born Free"
Linkin Park -- "A Thousand Suns"
Mumford & Sons -- "Sigh No More"

Top Alternative Album:
The Black Keys -- "Brothers"
Jack Johnson -- "To The Sea"
Kings of Leon -- "Come Around Midnight"
Linkin Park -- "A Thousand Suns"
Mumford & Sons -- "Sigh No More"

Top Latin Album:
Marc Anthony -- "Iconos"
Camila -- "Dejarte De Amar"
Enrique Iglesias -- "Euphoria"
Prince Royce -- "Prince Royce"
Shakira -- "Sale El Sol"

Top Dance/Electronic Album:
Daft Punk -- "Tron Legacy (Soundtrack)"
Lady Gaga -- "The Fame"
Lady Gaga -- "The Fame Monster"
Lady Gaga -- "The Remix"
Owl City -- "Ocean Eyes"

Top Christian Album:
MercyMe -- "The Generous Mr. Lovewell"
Skillet -- "Awake"
tobyMac -- "Tonight"
Chris Tomlin -- "And If Our God is For Us"
Various Artists -- "WOW Hits 2011"

SONG AWARDS

Top Hot 100 Song:
Taio Cruz -- "Dynamite"
Eminem Feat. Rihanna -- "Love The Way You Lie"
Bruno Mars -- "Just The Way You Are"
Katy Perry Feat. Snoop Dogg -- "California Gurls"
Usher Feat. will.i.am -- "OMG"

Top Digital Song:
B.o.B Feat. Hayley Williams -- "Airplanes"
Taio Cruz -- "Dynamite"
Eminem Feat. Rihanna -- "Love The Way You Lie"
Bruno Mars -- "Just The Way You Are"
Katy Perry Feat. Snoop Dogg -- "California Gurls"

Top Radio Song:
Taio Cruz -- "Dynamite"
Eminem Feat. Rihanna -- "Love The Way You Lie"
Bruno Mars -- "Just The Way You Are"
Usher Featuring Pitbull -- "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love"
Usher Feat. will.i.am -- "OMG"

Top Streaming Song (Audio):
Taio Cruz -- "Dynamite"
Eminem Feat. Rihanna -- "Love The Way You Lie"
Lady Antebellum -- "Need You Now"
Bruno Mars -- "Just The Way You Are"
Nelly -- "Just A Dream"

Top Streaming Song (Video):
Justin Bieber Feat. Ludacris -- "Baby"
Eminem -- "Not Afraid"
Eminem Feat. Rihanna -- "Love The Way You Lie"
Lady Gaga -- "Bad Romance"
Shakira Feat. Freshleyground -- "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)"

Top Pop Song:
Taio Cruz -- "Dynamite"
Bruno Mars -- "Just The Way You Are"
Katy Perry Feat. Snoop Dogg -- "California Gurls"
Katy Perry -- "Firework"
Katy Perry -- "Teenage Dream"

Top R&B Song:
Alicia Keys -- "Unthinkable (I'm Ready)"
Rihanna Featuring Drake -- "What's My Name"
Trey Songz Feat. Nicki Minaj -- "Bottoms Up"
Usher Feat. will.i.am -- "OMG"
Usher -- "There Goes My Baby"

Top Rap Song:
B.o.B Feat. Hayley Williams -- "Airplanes"
B.o.B Feat. Bruno Mars -- "Nothin' On You"
Eminem Feat. Rihanna -- "Love The Way You Lie"
Far*East Movement Feat. Dev & The Cataracs -- "Like A G6"
Nelly -- "Just A Dream"

Top Country Song:
The Band Perry -- "If I Die Young"
Lady Antebellum -- "Need You Now"
Miranda Lambert -- "The House That Built Me"
Sugarland -- "Stuck Like Glue"
Taylor Swift -- "Mine"

Top Rock Song:
The Dirty Heads Featuring Rome -- "Lay Me Down"
Florence + The Machine -- "Dog Days Are Over"
Mumford & Sons -- "Little Lion Man"
Neon Trees -- "Animal"
Train -- "Hey, Soul Sister"

Top Alternative Song:
Florence + The Machine -- "Dog Days Are Over"
Linkin Park -- "Waiting On The End"
Mumford & Sons -- "The Cave"
Mumford & Sons -- "Little Lion Man"
Neon Trees -- "Animal"

Top Latin Song:
Enrique Iglesias Featuring Juan Luis Guerra "Cuando Me Enamoro"
Pitbull -- "Bon Bon"
Shakira -- "Gypsy"
Shakira Feat. El Cata -- "Loca"
Shakira Feat. Freshleyground -- "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)"

Top Dance Song:
Lady Gaga -- "Bad Romance"
Lady Gaga Feat. Beyonce -- "Telephone"
La Roux -- "Bulletproof"
Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina -- "Stereo Love"
Yolanda Be Cool & Dcup -- "We Speak No Americano"

Top Christian Song:
Kris Allen -- "Live Like We're Dying"
MercyMe -- "All Of Creation"
Sanctus Real -- "Lead Me"
tobyMac -- "Get Back Up"
Chris Tomlin -- "Our God"

Additionally, Billboard editors identified three bands from six regions of the U.S. based on a variety of factors, including Heat Score, a formula that measures online fan engagement and drives Billboard's Uncharted chart of emerging artists. Through a contest called "Cruze-ing To Vegas" sponsored by Chevrolet, consumers cast over 217,000 votes, narrowing the competition down to one band from each region. These final six group favorites will each receive the keys to a Chevrolet Cruze for a road trip that will take them from their home base to Las Vegas.

A camera crew will follow each of the bands and will document their journey as they play gigs along the way, rock out to the Cruze's standard XM radio, and engage with fans online and in person. The six bands will communicate with their fans while on the road through blogging, tweeting and by creating and sharing playlists, building a viral audience and improving their social Heat Score, one of the many goals as they set their sights on Las Vegas. All six of the bands will arrive at Fremont Street in Las Vegas on May 18th to compete in the ultimate battle of the bands. The winning band will then be honored as the "Dreamseeker Artist of the Year" at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards.

The six finalists for Dreamseeker Artist of the Year are:

From the Northwest, Hotels (Seattle, WA)
From the West, AJ Rafael (Moreno Valley, CA)
From the Southwest, Otenki (Houston, TX)
From the Midwest, Lightning Love (Detroit, MI)
From the Southeast, Side by Side (Charlotte, NC)
From the Northeast, Gentlemen Hall (Boston, MA)

About Billboard

Now in its 117th year, Billboard is the world's premier music brand consisting of Billboard magazine, Billboard Events, Billboard Bulletin, Billboard.biz and Billboard.com—the online destination of choice for millions of music fans. The Billboard brand is built on its exclusive charts and unrivaled reporting on the latest news, issues and trends across all genres of music. Most recently, Billboard launched the new Uncharted ranking of undiscovered artists, tracking their rising popularity across the Internet. Billboard reaches tens of millions of consumers daily through many strategic relationships with major companies including Reuters, SanDisk, Telemundo, Microsoft Zune, Napster, GTech, Motorola, AT&T, Sony Music Entertainment and Amazon. These relationships leverage Billboard's brand recognition, proprietary chart data and information resources to develop products, live events and print, television, radio, digital and mobile platforms. Billboard produces conferences year-round with programming to address music's role in media and entertainment, including music showcases and awards shows to spotlight talent. In addition to North America, Billboard operates businesses in Brazil, Greece, Japan, Korea and Russia.

Billboard is owned by Prometheus Global Media, a diversified company with leading assets in the media and entertainment arenas, including: Music (Billboard and its related conferences and events, including The Billboard Latin Music Awards), Entertainment (The Hollywood Reporter, Backstage, ShowEast, Cineasia, and CineEurope); and Advertising & Marketing (Adweek, Adweek Conferences and The CLIO Awards).

About Chevrolet

Founded in Detroit in 1911, Chevrolet celebrates its centennial as a global automotive brand with annual sales of about 4.25 million vehicles in more than 130 countries. Chevrolet provides consumers with fuel-efficient, safe and reliable vehicles that deliver high quality, expressive design, spirited performance and value. The Chevrolet portfolio includes iconic performance cars such as Corvette and Camaro; dependable, long-lasting pickups and SUVs such as Silverado and Suburban; and award-winning passenger cars and crossovers such as Spark, Cruze, Malibu, Equinox and Traverse. Chevrolet also offers "gas-friendly to gas-free" solutions including Cruze Eco and Volt. Cruze Eco offers 42 mpg highway while Volt offers 35 miles of electric, gasoline-free driving and an additional 344 miles of extended range. Most new Chevrolet models offer OnStar safety, security and convenience technologies including OnStar Hands-Free Calling, Automatic Crash Response and Stolen Vehicle Slowdown. More information regarding Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

About The LVCVA

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) is charged with marketing Southern Nevada as a tourism and convention destination worldwide, and also with operating the Las Vegas Convention Center and Cashman Center. With approximately 149,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas alone and more than 10.5 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space citywide, the LVCVA mission centers on attracting ever-increasing numbers of leisure and business visitors to the area. For more information, go to www.lvcva.com or www.VisitLasVegas.com.

About the MGM Grand Garden Arena

The MGM Grand Garden Arena is home to concerts, championship boxing and premier sporting and special events. The Arena offers comfortable seating for as many as 16,800 with excellent sightlines and state-of-the-art acoustics, lighting and sound. Prominent events to date have included world championship fights between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson as well as Oscar de la Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto; and concerts by The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Bette Midler, George Strait, Janet Jackson, Phil Collins, Billy Joel, U2, 'N Sync, Sting, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Lady Gaga, Jimmy Buffett and the Barbra Streisand Millennium Concert. The MGM Grand Garden Arena also is home to the annual Academy of Country Music Awards and the Frozen Fury NHL pre-season game which features the Los Angeles Kings vs. Colorado Avalanche.

About Don Mischer Productions

Don Mischer is an internationally acclaimed producer and director of television and live events. He has been honored with fifteen Emmy Awards, a record ten Directors Guild of America Awards for Outstanding Directorial Achievement, two NAACP Image Awards, a Peabody Award for excellence in broadcasting and more. Don Mischer Productions credits range from We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial and the 100th Anniversary of Carnegie Hall; to the Super Bowl Halftime Shows (Prince, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen), and the Opening Ceremonies of both the Winter and Summer Olympic Games to name a few.

SOURCE Billboard

CONTACT: ABC Media Relations: Edwin Escobar +1-818-460-7758, Edwin.Escobar@abc.com; or Nicole Marostica, +1-818-460-6783, Nicole.Marostica@abc.com; or Prometheus Global Media for Billboard: Elissa Lumley, +1-212-493-4048, Elissa.Lumley@prometheusgm.com

Web Site: http://www.billboard.com



Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Suzanne Whang Opens Up about Her Journey with Breast Cancer


Suzanne Whang. (PRNewsFoto/Suzanne Whang)

13 Apr 2011 13:15 Africa/Lagos


Suzanne Whang Opens Up about Her Journey with Breast Cancer

Popular TV Host and Comedian Suzanne Whang Breaks her Silence, Asks Fans and Friends for Help

PR Newswire

LOS ANGELES, April 13, 2011

LOS ANGELES, April 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Suzanne Whang is probably best known as the host of HGTV's #1 show House Hunters for ten years, and from her role as the outrageous and hilarious "Polly" the spa manager on NBC's Las Vegas. She recently spent 6 weeks playing the funny and loathsome wedding planner Carol Cheng on General Hospital opposite her real-life best friend and former Las Vegas co-star Vanessa Marcil Giovinazzo. Suzanne is also an award-winning stand-up comic, published author, keynote speaker, ordained minister, and political activist and yes, she was the first person to give Oprah a copy of The Secret . Many fans also remember her as the co-host of ABC's TV's Censored Bloopers with Dick Clark, and as a roving reporter on FOX After Breakfast with Tom Bergeron. After careful consideration and encouragement from her loved ones, this extremely private woman has chosen to openly talk about her 5 year continuing journey with breast cancer. She is also learning a big lesson in humility and is asking her fans and friends for help on her path to recovery.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110413/LA82237)

Suzanne was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. In typical Suzanne fashion, when she got the news, the first thing she said was, "Wow, this is going to be great stand-up comedy material someday." After her lumpectomy, Suzanne named her tumor Igor and sent out a birth announcement to her closest friends. Choosing to approach this challenge holistically, she made major lifestyle changes for the health of her mind, body and spirit. Still, a year later, another tumor appeared. A second lumpectomy was performed in 2009. In February of this year, she was rushed to the hospital, underwent emergency back surgery, and learned that her cancer had metastasized. Her doctors also recommended preventative hip replacement surgery, which she completed three weeks ago.

Suzanne has approached this disease with a great deal of courage, optimism, and humor. She has spent countless hours reading about, researching, and participating in many treatments (Western, Eastern, alternative) throughout her five year ordeal, she has traveled the globe, and she has spent her life savings on her path back to health. She even used revolutionary new technology called ECM (extracellular matrix) powder to successfully regrow skin, tissue and blood vessels in her left breast after her last lumpectomy. Suzanne is currently undergoing concentrated radiation treatment targeting the most affected areas of her body, and is in the process of deciding her next steps.

In the last five years, Suzanne hasn't let the cancer prevent her from continuing to act, write, host, speak at political rallies, volunteer for her favorite charities, give guest sermons, and perform her award-winning comedy. In fact, just two weeks after her back surgery, and less than two weeks before her hip replacement operation, you could find Suzanne co-hosting live commentary throughout the 2011 Oscar telecast on Oscar.com!

"I plan to create a website for people going through cancer where they can share their stories, resources and experiences, and create a community. Other possibilities include a web series, a documentary, a book, a one-woman show… so that I can take what I've learned and experienced, and share it with the world."

Suzanne has learned many spiritual lessons about surrender, acceptance, asking for help, and receiving the love and support she is so accustomed to giving. Now that she has spent her life savings on medical costs not covered by insurance, and cannot work while she is recuperating, she has thrown pride out the window and is humbling herself by asking her fans and friends for help. It is not common for a celebrity to do this, but Suzanne leads an unconventional life.

There will be a fundraiser performance of 'The Circle" for Suzanne, Sunday April 17th, 2:00 -3:30 pm, at The Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles. Tickets are $35. For more details and to purchase tickets in advance: http://www.wakingupfabulous.com/april17.html

Check out www.SuzanneWhang.com to make donations, and for updates on Suzanne's journey back to health.

SOURCE Suzanne Whang

CONTACT: Jeff Jones, +1-818-257-0671, JeffEJonesPR@gmail.com

Web Site: http://www.suzannewhang.com/



330 Days: the Uncensored War in Iraq


330 DAYS: THE UNCENSORED WAR IN IRAQ: A PHOTO DOCUMENTARY - Controversial New Book Exposes the Graphic Truths of the Iraq War through the Eyes of Soldiers. (PRNewsFoto/Christopher Durante and Julian Van Bellinghen)

13 Apr 2011 12:00 Africa/Lagos

330 Days: the Uncensored War in Iraq

Controversial New Book Delivers Groundbreaking Perspective on Iraq War

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, April 13, 2011

NEW YORK, April 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Never before have civilians been able to fully appreciate a soldier's perspective of the military campaign in Iraq. Powerful images of war, from suffering and death to courage and freedom, are ingrained forever in these soldiers' minds. 330 Days: The Uncensored War in Iraq brings the reader to the front lines, revealing the evocative images of warfare. The 256-page photo documentary features uncut and uncensored original photographs from the war, accentuated by the harrowing stories told first-hand by the men who captured and lived through them.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110413/NY81821 )

Co-authored by Army Combat Enginer Pvt. Christopher Durante and Halliburton Contractor Julian Van Bellinghen, 330 Days: The Uncensored War in Iraq is a historical depiction seen through the eyes of those deployed on the ground in Iraq, allowing civilians an authentic glimpse into the chaos and comradeship in the midst of battle.

"It is certainly not for the fainthearted as it contains some extremely poignant, but necessary, images of dismembered bomb victims and those caught in street fighting and ambushes," wrote reviewer Robert Bluffied of Bookpleasures.com. "There is little need for words because the images, in the main, speak volumes about the total barbarity of war. The book is hard-hitting, harsh and concerning and clearly will shock, but they show some of the real dangers the coalition troops were exposed to in Iraq and now in Afghanistan."

Uncut and uncensored, 330 Days: The Uncensored War in Iraq captures personal narratives of the heroes who fought in Iraq and delivers the graphic truth about war that provokes controversy and public discussion. The book is as enlightening as it is controversial about the most prolific topic of the last decade.

330 Days: The Uncensored War in Iraq is now available on Amazon.com and is being adapted for television in a groundbreaking docu-series.

Please contact Brandsway Creative, Kelly Brady to receive a review copy of the book or with interview requests for the authors.

PRESS CONTACT:
Brandsway Creative
Kelly Brady
KB@BrandswayCreative.com
(212) 966-7900

SOURCE Christopher Durante and Julian Van Bellinghen

CLICK HERE TO BUY 330 DAYS: THE UNCENSORED WAR IN IRAQ.






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