Monday, August 31, 2009

Daniel Craig to Star in Morgan Creek Productions' 'Dream House'


Photo Credit: Yahoo Movies

28 Aug 2009 13:00 Africa/Lagos


Daniel Craig to Star in Morgan Creek Productions' 'Dream House'

PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY SCHEDULED TO START IN TORONTO ON JANUARY 25, 2010

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Daniel Craig has signed on to star in the Morgan Creek psychological thriller Dream House, it was announced today by James G. Robinson and Rick Nicita, co-chairmen of Morgan Creek Productions.


Craig will play a successful publishing executive who quits his job in New York City to relocate his family and two daughters to a beautiful house in a small New England town. They soon learn their home was once the murder scene of a mother and her children, believed to be at the hands of the husband who survived.


The film will be directed by master storyteller and acclaimed director Jim Sheridan, who has been nominated for six Oscars, two Golden Globes and has directed seven actors into Oscar-nominated roles. His previous works include My Left Foot, In the Name of the Father, and In America. His next film, Brothers, starring Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaall and Natalie Portman, will be released this December 4.


Daniel Craig is currently preparing for his Broadway debut in A Steady Rain directly by John Crowley and co-starring Hugh Jackman. His previous theatre credits include Hurlyburly with the Peter Hall Company at the Old Vic, Angels in America at The National Theatre, and A Number at the Royal Court Theatre. In 2006 Daniel made his debut as the sixth 'James Bond' in Casino Royale, for which he received a BAFTA Award nomination (Best Actor). 2008 saw Daniel's second outing as James Bond in Quantum of Solace. He recently finished making Steven Spielberg's new film The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn. Other film credits include Defiance, The Road to Perdition, The Golden Compass, Flashbacks of a Fool, Elizabeth, Love is the Devil, The Mother, Sylvia, The Jacket, Layer Cake, Enduring Love, Munich, and Infamous (Independent Spirit Award nomination). Daniel's television credits include the BBC's adaptation of Michael Frayn's award-winning drama "Copenhagen," "Our Friends in the North," "Sword of Honour," and the two-part BBC film "Archangel," based on Robert Harris' book of the same name.


Dream House will be produced by Morgan Creek's James G. Robinson along with David Robinson and Daniel Bobker & Ehren Krueger. The screenplay was written by David Loucka. Principal photography is scheduled to begin in Toronto on January 25, 2010. Universal Pictures will distribute the film in North America. Universal Pictures and Morgan Creek International will distribute internationally.


Source: Morgan Creek Productions

CONTACT: Greg Mielcarz of Morgan Creek Productions, +1-310-432-4851,
GMielcarz@MorganCreek.com


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


Wednesday, August 19, 2009

R. Kelly Set to Release New Album 'Untitled' on October 13th

19 Aug 2009 13:00 Africa/Lagos

R. Kelly Set to Release New Album 'Untitled' on October 13th

Kelly To Headline The "Ladies Make Some Noise!" Tour Kicking Off In October

NEW YORK, Aug. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- R. Kelly is set to release his tenth studio album named, Untitled (Jive Records) on October 13th. The release of Untitled coincides with the launch of Kelly's intimate "Ladies Make Some Noise!" tour which kicks off in Mashantucket, CT on October 8th. Tickets for the tour will go on sale starting August 22nd.


The three-time Grammy winner is off to a great start with the launch of the lead single, "Number One" featuring Keri Hilson"(click on link to stream), which was the "#1 Most Added" record at urban radio when it debuted three weeks ago, and is currently the "#1 Most Added" record at the rhythm/crossover radio format. These early positive indicators of "Number One" attest to the strength of the song and the enduring popularity of the singer/songwriter/producer/musician.


On Untitled, R. Kelly returns to the streets and delivers an album with a renewed energy and enthusiasm. Creatively, he collaborates with a new crew of up and coming producers including Infinity, Lil Ronnie, Chris Henderson and, in a break from almost exclusively recording in Chicago, Kelly recorded some of the material in Atlanta.


Kelly is already generating a buzz with his mix-tape with DJ Skee and DJ Drama, The Demo which contains four exclusive songs including the club smash "Supa Man Featuring OJ Da Juiceman" and remixes of top charting songs by Drake and Jeremih. The Demo is being hailed as one of the best mix-tapes of the year. Commenting on the incredible response to the mix-tape as well as his approach going into his upcoming album, Kelly says, "I wanted to go back to the streets and connect directly to my fans. The love I have received is amazing and this is for them."


Over the years, R. Kelly, has earned accolades for his albums, the comic Trapped In The Closet urban opera series and for his riveting live performances. Newsweek has praised his previous efforts for "seamlessly fusing hip-hop and R&B, with heart-wrenching love songs reminiscent of his musical idols, Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye." The New York Times has observed, "[a]s a songwriter, singer and producer, his output rivals that of any current singer, in any genre. . . he is still an A-list hitmaker and an unpredictable force. . ."


R. Kelly's remarkably consistent career spans decades filled with accomplishments and achievements: he has sold over 34 millions records worldwide, released six No. 1 albums, twelve platinum-plus selling albums and had eleven No. 1 singles. The Chicago native has released thirteen albums total including compilations and collaborations; and nine platinum-certified solo albums. He has collaborated and written songs for some of today's top musical icons from all genres including: Michael Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Pussycat Dolls, Usher, Celine Dion and more. He most recently penned a song, "I Look To You" for Whitney Houston's highly anticipated album.


Tour dates are as follows:

Date City
October 8 Mashantucket, CT
October 9 Boston, MA
October 10 Albany, NY
October 11 Baltimore, MD
October 13 Philadelphia, PA
October 15 Newark, NJ
October 16 New York, NY
October 18 Pittsburgh, PA
October 20 Cincinnati, OH
October 22 Atlanta, GA
October 23 Chattanooga, TN
October 24 Charleston, SC
October 25 Augusta, GA
October 27 Birmingham, AL
October 29 Dallas, TX
October 30 Houston, TX
October 31 New Orleans, LA
November 1 Memphis, TN
November 5 Los Angeles, CA
November 6 Las Vegas, NV
November 7 Oakland, CA
November 12 Indianapolis, IN
November 14 Detroit, MI
November 15 Milwaukee, WI
November 17 Chicago, IL
November 20 Louisville, KY
November 21 Charlotte, NC
November 22 Greensboro, NC
November 24 Washington, D.C.
November 27 Jacksonville, FL
November 28 Miami, FL
November 29 Tampa, FL
December 4 Norfolk, VA
December 5 Richmond, VA
December 6 Cleveland, OH
December 8 St. Louis, MO

http://www.r-kelly.com/
http://www.myspace.com/rkelly
www.youtube.com/rkellytv
www.twitter.com/KellZodiac

Source: Jive Records

CONTACT: Wendy Washington, +1-212-833-6886,
Wendy.Washington@sonymusic.com, or Tice Merriweather, +1-212-833-6479,
Ticeman.Merriweather@sonymusic.com


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

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Friday, August 14, 2009

The World Has Lost a Remarkable Innovator and Musician: Les Paul Passes Away at 94


Les Paul

13 Aug 2009 18:30 Africa/Lagos

The World Has Lost a Remarkable Innovator and Musician: Les Paul Passes Away at 94

1915-2009

NEW YORK, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Les Paul, acclaimed guitar player, entertainer and inventor, passed away today from complications of severe pneumonia at White Plains Hospital in White Plains, New York, surrounded by family and loved ones. He had been receiving the best available treatment through this final battle and in keeping with his persona, he showed incredible strength, tenacity and courage. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks for the thoughts and prayers from his dear friends and fans. Les Paul was 94.


One of the foremost influences on 20th century sound and responsible for the world's most famous guitar, the Les Paul model, Les Paul's prestigious career in music and invention spans from the 1930s to the present. Though he's indisputably one of America's most popular, influential, and accomplished electric guitarists, Les Paul is best known as an early innovator in the development of the solid body guitar. His groundbreaking design would become the template for Gibson's best-selling electric, the Les Paul model, introduced in 1952. Today, countless musical legends still consider Paul's iconic guitar unmatched in sound and prowess. Among Paul's most enduring contributions are those in the technological realm, including ingenious developments in multi-track recording, guitar effects, and the mechanics of sound in general.


Born Lester William Polsfuss in Waukesha, Wisconsin on June 9, 1915, Les Paul was already performing publicly as a honky-tonk guitarist by the age of 13. So clear was his calling that Paul dropped out of high school at 17 to play in Sunny Joe Wolverton's Radio Band in St. Louis. As Paul's mentor, Wolverton was the one to christen him with the stage name "Rhubarb Red," a moniker that would follow him to Chicago in 1934. There, Paul became a bonafide radio star, known as both hillbilly picker Rhubarb Red and Django Reinhardt-informed jazz guitarist Les Paul. His first recordings were done in 1936 on an acoustic--alone as Rhubarb Red, as well as backing blues singer Georgia White. The next year he formed his first trio, but by 1938 he'd moved to New York to begin his tenure on national radio with one of the more popular dance orchestras in the country, Fred Waring's Pennsylvanians.


Tinkering with electronics and guitar amplification since his youth, Les Paul began constructing his own electric guitar in the late '30s. Unhappy with the first generation of commercially available hollowbodies because of their thin tone, lack of sustain, and feedback problems, Paul opted to build an entirely new structure. "I was interested in proving that a vibration-free top was the way to go," he has said. "I even built a guitar out of a railroad rail to prove it. What I wanted was to amplify pure string vibration, without the resonance of the wood getting involved in the sound." With the good graces of Epiphone president Epi Stathopoulo, Paul used the Epiphone plant and machinery in 1941 to bring his vision to fruition. He affectionately dubbed the guitar "The Log."


Les Paul's tireless experiments sometimes proved to be dangerous, and he nearly electrocuted himself in 1940 during a session in the cellar of his Queens apartment. During the next two years of rehabilitation, Les earned his living producing radio music. Forced to put the Pennsylvanians and the rest of his career on hold, Les Paul moved to Hollywood. During World War II, he was drafted into the Army but permitted to stay in California, where he became a regular player for Armed Forces Radio Service. By 1943 he had assembled a trio that regularly performed live, on the radio, and on V-Discs. In 1944 he entered the jazz spotlight--thanks to his dazzling work filling in for Oscar Moore alongside Nat King Cole, Illinois Jacquet, and other superstars --at the first of the prestigious Jazz at the Philharmonic concerts.


By his mid-thirties, Paul had successfully combined Reinhardt-inspired jazz playing and the western swing and twang of his Rhubarb Red persona into one distinctive, electrifying style. In the Les Paul Trio he translated the dizzying runs and unusual harmonies found on Jazz at the Philharmonic into a slower, subtler, more commercial approach. His novelty instrumentals were tighter, brasher, and punctuated with effects. Overall, the trademark Les Paul sound was razor-sharp, clean-shaven, and divinely smooth.


As small combos eclipsed big bands toward the end of World War II, Les Paul Trio's popularity grew. They cut records for Decca both alone and behind the likes of Helen Forrest, the Andrews Sisters, the Delta Rhythm Boys, Dick Hayes, and, most notably, Bing Crosby. Since 1945, when the crooner brought them into the studio to back him on a few numbers, the Trio had become regular guests on Crosby's hit radio show. The highlight of the session was Paul's first No. 1 hit and million-seller, the gorgeous "It's Been a Long, Long Time."


Meanwhile, Paul began to experiment with dubbing live tracks over recorded tracks, also altering the playback speed. This resulted in "Lover (When You're Near Me)," his revolutionary 1947 predecessor to multi-track recording. The hit instrumental featured Les Paul on eight different electric guitar parts, all playing together. In 1948, Paul nearly lost his life to a devastating car crash that shattered his right arm and elbow. Still, he convinced doctors to set his broken arm in the guitar-picking and cradling position. Laid up but undaunted, Paul acquired a first generation Ampex tape recorder from Crosby in 1949, and began his most important multi-tracking adventure, adding a fourth head to the recorder to create sound-on-sound recordings. While tinkering with the machine and its many possibilities, he also came up with tape delay. These tricks, along with another recent Les Paul innovation--close mic-ing vocals--were integrated for the first time on a single recording: the 1950 No. 1 tour de force "How High the Moon." This historic track was performed during a duo with future wife Mary Ford. The couple's prolific string of hits for Capitol Records not only included some of the most popular recordings of the early 1950s, but also wrote the book on contemporary studio production. The dense but crystal clear harmonic layering of guitars and vocals, along with Ford's close mic-ed voice and Paul's guitar effects, produced distinctively contemporary recordings with unprecedented sonic qualities. Through hits, tours, and popular radio shows, Paul and Ford kept one foot in the technological vanguard and the other in the cultural mainstream.


All the while, Les Paul continued to pine for the perfect guitar. Though The Log came close, it wasn't quite what he was after. In the early 1950s, Gibson Guitar would cultivate a partnership with Paul that would lead to the creation of the guitar he'd seen only in his dreams. In 1948, Gibson elected to design its first solidbody, and Paul, a self-described "dyed-in-the-wool Gibson man," seemed the right man for the job. Gibson avidly courted the guitar legend, even driving deep into the Pennsylvania mountains to deliver the first model to newlyweds Les Paul and Mary Ford.


"Les played it, and his eyes lighted up," then-Gibson President Ted McCarty has recalled. The year was 1950, and Paul had just signed on as the namesake of Gibson's first electric solidbody, with exclusive design privileges. Working closely with Paul, Gibson forged a relationship that would change popular culture forever. The Gibson Les Paul model--the most powerful and respected electric guitar in history--began with the 1952 release of the Les Paul Goldtop. After introducing the original Les Paul Goldtop in 1952, Gibson issued the Black Beauty, the mahogany-topped Les Paul Custom, in 1954. The Les Paul Junior (1954) and Special (1955) were also introduced before the canonical Les Paul Standard hit the market in 1958. With revolutionary humbucker pickups, this sunburst classic has remained unchanged for the half-century since it hit the market.


"The world has lost a truly innovative and exceptional human being today. I cannot imagine life without Les Paul. He would walk into a room and put a smile on anyone's face. His musical charm was extraordinary and his techniques unmatched anywhere in the world," said Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar. "We will dedicate ourselves to preserving Les' legacy to ensure that it lives on forever. He touched so many lives throughout his remarkable life and his influence extends around the globe and across every boundary. I have lost a dear, personal friend and mentor, a man who has changed so many of our lives for the better."


"I don't think any words can describe the man we know as Les Paul adequately. The English language does not contain words that can pay enough homage to someone like Les. As the "Father of the Electric Guitar", he was not only one of the world's greatest innovators but a legend who created, inspired and contributed to the success of musicians around the world," said Dave Berryman, President of Gibson Guitar. "I have had the privilege to know and work with Les for many, many years and his passing has left a deep personal void. He was simply put - remarkable in every way. As a person, a musician, a friend, an inventor. He will be sorely missed by us all."


With the rise of the rock 'n' roll revolution of 1955, Les Paul and Mary Ford's popularity began to wane with younger listeners, though Paul would prove to be a massive influence on younger generations of guitarists. Still, Paul and Ford maintained their iconic presence with their wildly popular television show, which ran from 1953-1960. In 1964, the couple, parents to a son and daughter, divorced. Paul began playing in Japan, and recorded an LP for London Records before poor health forced him to take time off--as much as someone so inspired can take time off.


In 1977, Paul resurfaced with a Grammy-winning Chet Atkins collaboration, Chester and Lester. Then the ailing guitarist, who'd already suffered arthritis and permanent hearing loss, had a heart attack, followed by bypass surgery.


Ever stubborn, Les recovered, and returned to live performance in the late 1980s. Even releasing the 2005 double-Grammy winner Les Paul & Friends: American Made World Played, featuring collaborations with a veritable who's who of the electric guitar, including dozens of illustrious fans like Keith Richards, Buddy Guy, Billy Gibbons, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and Joe Perry. In 2008, The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame paid tribute to Les Paul in a week-long celebration of his life which culminated with a live performance by Les himself. Until recently Les continued to perform two weekly New York shows with the Les Paul Trio, at The Iridium Jazz Club in New York City, for over twelve years where a literal who's who of the entertainment world has paid homage. It has been an honor to have Les Paul perform at The Iridium Jazz Club for the past twelve years hosting such luminaries as Paul McCartney, Keith Richards and others and is a tragic loss to owner Ron Sturm both personally and professionally. Iridium intends to celebrate Les Paul's music and legacy every Monday night.


Les Paul has since become the only individual to share membership into the Grammy Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the National Inventors Hall of Fame, and the National Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Les is survived by his three sons Lester (Rus) G. Paul, Gene W. Paul and Robert (Bobby) R. Paul, his daughter Colleen Wess, son-in-law Gary Wess, long time friend Arlene Palmer, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. A private Funeral service will be held in New York. A service in Waukesha, WI will be announced at a later date. Details will follow and will be announced for all services. Memorial tributes for the public will be announced at a future date. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Les Paul Foundation, 236 West 30th Street, 7th Floor, New York, New York 10001.


CONTACTS:
Caroline Galloway/ GIBSON GUITAR/ 615-423-4904 o 440-318-1202/
caroline.galloway@gibson.com
Jim Eigo/ IRIDIUM/ 845-986-1677/ jazzpromo@earthlink.net
Michael K. Braunstein/ Braunstein & Co./ 212-687-3939/
mkb@braunsteinandco.com
Joe Schneider/ 310.854.8140/ jschneider@rogersandcowan.com


Source: Gibson Guitar

CONTACT: Caroline Galloway of GIBSON GUITAR, +1-615-423-4904, or
+1-440-318-1202, caroline.galloway@gibson.com; or Jim Eigo of IRIDIUM,
+1-845-986-1677, jazzpromo@earthlink.net; or Michael K. Braunstein of
Braunstein & Co., +1-212-687-3939, mkb@braunsteinandco.com; or Joe Schneider,
+1-310-854-8140, jschneider@rogersandcowan.com, for GIBSON GUITAR

BC Remembers Music Legend Les Paul:

:Read Ed Driscoll's 2002 Interview with Les Paul

Josh Hathaway Notes Les Paul's Passing:
http://blogcritics.org/music/article/musician-inventor-innovator-les-paul-19151/

Robin Kavanagh Looks at Les Paul's Contributions to Music Technology:
http://blogcritics.org/music/article/music-pioneer-les-paul-dies-at/



Releases displayed in Africa/Lagos time
13 Aug 2009
22:21
EMI Music Remembers the Life and Legacy of Music Legend Les Paul
18:30
The World Has Lost a Remarkable Innovator and Musician: Les Paul Passes Away at 94


Thursday, August 13, 2009

Born To Fit: GAP Introduces America's Best-Fitting Premium Jeans



GAP INTRODUCES AMERICA'S BEST-FITTING PREMIUM JEANS

Gap Celebrates its New 1969 Premium Jeans, which were "Born to Fit," and Encourages Fans to Declare What They Were Born to do with an Interactive Facebook Gallery, StyleMixer iPhone App, Pop-up Shops & the Nation's Largest Simultaneous Acoustic Concert at more than 700 Gap Stores Across the Country

SAN FRANCISCO, August 13, 2009 /PRNewswire/ — Gap jeans were born to fit, what were you born to do? Today, Gap officially launched its all-new 1969 Premium Jeans starting at $59.50. With 40 years of denim experience under its belt, Gap is confident its fresh, new collection with reinvented fits and styles can stand up to more expensive premium brands, but at a price point consumers can afford. Bottom line – Gap's new denim was born to fit. In the same thread, Gap is encouraging fans to reach back to their roots and declare what they were born to do.



In celebration of the new denim collection and its 40th anniversary, Gap is encouraging fans to express their personal style and proclaim what they were born to do through an interactive Facebook gallery, StyleMixer iPhone app and jeans pop-up shops. Gap is also hosting the largest simultaneous acoustic concert nationwide at its more than 700 stores on the evening of August 20th. Musicians across the country will showcase what they were born to do and shoppers will receive discounts on their favorite denim styles.



"Forty years ago, Gap started exclusively as a jeans shop in San Francisco. Denim is our birthright and to celebrate we are reaching back to our roots and leveraging our extensive experience to reinvent an American classic with our new 1969 Premium Jeans – fresh and modern for today's style," said Marka Hansen, president of Gap North America. "Denim is such a foundational part of any wardrobe, but traditionally premium jeans have not been accessible to everyone. We created this new collection to fill the gap – delivering superior fit, finishes and detail at a truly affordable price point."

Born to Fit:
The 1969 Premium Jeans, named in honor of Gap's debut year, were completely reworked and redesigned at every level -from design and fit, to fabric, fasteners and production. The new collection was created with a major focus on fit, premium washes and styles that accommodate different body types.

"Denim is so personal and these days it can be styled for just about any occasion – to the office, on a first date or for a special event," said Gap's EVP of Design, Patrick Robinson. "Our goal in reengineering our denim was to create a range of styles that were cool, sexy and relevant for right now. Every style tells a story and there's a fit for everyone – we created great fitting jeans that really complement and accentuate different body types."

Featuring 12 core fits for women and men, the new premium jeans include classic rinses in hues from the darkest ink to light, distressed finishes. Women's fits include: Always Skinny, Real Straight, Sexy Boot, Long and Lean, Curvy, and Perfect Boot. Men's fits include Straight, Authentic, Standard, Boot, Loose, and Easy. Additionally, Gap is introducing two fashion favorite fits, the Boyfriend for women and Skinny for men.

The 1969 Premium Jeans were made under the strict guidelines of Gap Inc.'s Clean Water Program, which requires that all Gap Inc.-contracted denim laundries treat wastewater to ensure it's safe and clean for local communities. Gap Inc.'s Clean Water Program, one of the first of its kind in the apparel industry, was established five years ago based on clean water standards developed by BSR (www.bsr.org), a global business network and consultancy focused on sustainability.

Born to Share Online:
Interactive Facebook Gallery
Gap transformed its Facebook Fan Page into the ultimate jeans destination. Visitors can check out the 1969 Premium Jeans and participate in the interactive Born to Fit campaign – one of the most robust consumer experiences to-date on Facebook. Launching today at BorntoFit.com, the experience, designed by AKQA, includes:

A Born to Share interactive gallery with pictures of Gap fans telling the world what they were born to do. Visitors can participate by creating and uploading their own "born to" expression.
A virtual, moving runway where fans can watch models sport each fit in three different ways. Visitors can click through to Gap.com and purchase their favorite outfits.
A Fit Spotlight where users can explore the jeans up close and hear commentary about each of the styles from Gap's head designer, Patrick Robinson.
A video of Rada Shadick, Gap's Fit Engineer, discussing the craftsmanship and details of the new jeans.
To provide inspiration, Gap has enlisted celebrities, musicians, entrepreneurs and style-makers to declare what they were born to do, featuring:

Anni Rossi, a young singer, violinist and keyboardist from Minnesota who was born to play.
Tom Szaky, a young Harvard drop-out named the "No. 1 CEO Under 30" by Inc. Magazine in 2006 [beating Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg] for his work as co-founder of TerraCycle, Inc., the world's first products made from and packaged in waste, who was born to inspire.
Ebon Moss-Bachrach, a stage and screen actor known for The Lake House, John Adams and most recently The Marc Pease Experience with Ben Stiller and Jason Schwartzman, who was born to be curious.
Melissa Kushner, founder and executive director of Goods for Good, a non-profit organization that provides essential goods to children in Africa, who was born to do good.
Eisa Davis, a Pulitzer Prize-nominated playwright, actor, singer and songwriter known for writing Angela's Mixtape, who was born to do it all.
Anna Gaskell, an American photographer from Iowa who has participated in Moving Pictures at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, was born to embrace uncertainty.
Alessandro Nivola, an American actor from Massachusetts known for roles in Best Laid Plans and Jurassic Park III, who was born to take risks.
Sonya Walger, a British actress known for her role on HBO's Tell Me You Love Me and the star of ABC's new series Flash Forward, who was born to feel.
Cassidy, actress, songwriter and former lead singer of female rock quintet Antigone Rising, who was born to empower.
Videos were created by Late Night & Weekends.

StyleMixer iPhone App
Gap is also introducing the free StyleMixer iPhone app, designed by AKQA. The social shopping app enables users to mix and match clothes, find inspiration, get advice and more. StyleMixers can organize outfits, get feedback from Facebook friends and the StyleMixer community, integrate images of clothes from their own closets and get ideas from other community members. Leveraging a somewhat untapped iPhone technology, the app unlocks special denim discounts when users are near a Gap store.

Born to Share in Stores
In-Store Parties
Enlisting musicians across the country who were born to perform, Gap is hosting the nation's largest simultaneous acoustic concert at its more than 700 Gap stores on the evening of August 20th. A handful of Gap stores in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Nashville and Minneapolis will be hosting special events, with well-known artists such as Marc Broussard, Cassidy, Single File, Matt White and Parachute. In-store parties take place from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. local times where shoppers will receive $20 off their favorite jeans and an additional 15 percent off their entire purchase.

Gap rounded up more than 700 musicians nationwide to perform and is offering free jeans for their participation. Additionally, one lucky performer will win a recording session with music legend, John Alagia. Gap will also be awarding its dedicated employees with 50 free downloadable tracks from each of the 700+ bands performing.

LA & NYC 1969 Jeans Shops
In addition to the in-store concerts, Gap has also opened its 1969 Jeans Shops on Los Angeles' Robertson Blvd. and New York City's 5th Ave, open now through September. In addition to showcasing the new denim collection, the NYC 5th Ave. shop brings the interactive Facebook experience to life in-store. Shoppers can pick up their "born to fit" jeans, watch "born to fit" influencer videos and record and upload their own video to the gallery.

The Robertson Blvd. shop in Los Angeles also features the new 1969 Premium Jeans plus hand selected pieces from Gap's new fall line, including the Shrunken Schoolboy Blazer, the Zip Leather Jacket and the Boyfriend Chambray woven shirt. To celebrate the opening of the Los Angeles shop, Patrick Robinson hosted a celebrity launch party DJ'd by Joel Madden of Good Charlotte.

The Los Angeles Jeans Shop, situated across from renowned celeb-den The Ivy, is unique for Gap because they are establishing a presence on Robertson Blvd. among some high-end shops where premium denim goes for more than twice as much.

The "Born to Fit" campaign, developed by Laird + Partners, is running in-cinema nationwide and in current and upcoming issues of national magazines including Vogue, Vanity Fair, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, InStyle, US Weekly, People, Interview, Nylon, GQ and Rolling Stone. It is also running in the New York Times, New York Post, and online at the new Coco Perez, Facebook, Sugar.com, Polyvore and Thrillist. Billboards and wild postings can be spotted in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago.

About Gap Inc.
Gap Inc. is a leading global specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories and personal care products for men, women, children and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime and Athleta brand names. Fiscal 2008 sales were $14.5 billion. Gap Inc. operates more than 3,100 stores in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Japan and Ireland. In addition, Gap Inc. is expanding its international presence with franchise agreements in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. For more information, please visit gapinc.com.

Press Contacts:
Julia Burgon
SS+K for Gap
jburgon@ssk.com

212-419-3331
Kim Terry
Gap Marketing + PR
kimberly_terry@gap.com

415-427-4844


Research Shows Healthy Sex Life Could Improve Career

13 Aug 2009 15:00 Africa/Lagos

Research Shows Healthy Sex Life Could Improve Career

Chemistry.com's Love Expert Uncovers Connection between the Bedroom and Boardroom

DALLAS, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- According to research from Chemistry.com's chief scientific advisor Dr. Helen Fisher, success in the bedroom could lead to an upper hand in the boardroom. Dr. Fisher, a renowned biological anthropologist, found that increased sexual activity may lead to an improvement in problem-solving, confidence and teamwork.


(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080613/LAF006LOGO)


"In addition to being great exercise and a stress reliever, sex triggers the release of a number of valuable brain chemicals," said Dr. Fisher. "From improved problem-solving as a result of heightened dopamine levels, to enhanced teamwork skills due to a flood of oxytocin -- there are a number of positive benefits which can improve performance in the workplace."


The following is a sample of Dr. Fisher's study:

-- Problem-solving - The dopamine rush one gets from sex is associated
with improved creativity, so it's likely that those who have regular
sex are more creative at work, resulting in fresh ideas to solve
difficult problems.
-- Teamwork - After sex, men and women receive a boost of oxytocin and
vasopressin, the chemicals that generate feelings of trust, attachment
and calm. Thus, those who have regular sex are likely to feel more
cooperative and agreeable, traits essential to working as a business
team.

-- Confidence - Sex also drives up testosterone, which can give men and
women feelings of competence, self-confidence and well-being. In
higher doses it can also trigger feelings of competitiveness, which
helps boost productivity in the office.



Dr. Fisher's research focused on a sample of 40,000 people on Chemistry.com: 56 percent were female and the average age of participants was 37 years.


About Chemistry.com


Launched by Match.com in February 2006, Chemistry.com was created to bring together independent-thinking, confident, diverse singles that are serious about finding a meaningful relationship. Based on the research of renowned biological anthropologist Dr. Helen Fisher, Chemistry.com uses a proprietary test to predict which two people are most likely to experience a life-changing jolt of chemistry. This approach, combined with its "come as you are" philosophy and private matching technique, makes Chemistry.com the ideal place to find the relationship that is right for each individual, whether it's marriage, romance, a partnership or a long-term commitment. Chemistry.com is an operating business of IAC (NASDAQ:IACI) .


Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080613/LAF006LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: Chemistry.com

CONTACT: Amy Canaday, +1-214-576-9416, amy.canaday@match.com, or
Courtney Pischke, +1-212-468-3391, courtney.pischke@mslworldwide.com, both for
Chemistry.com


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


Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Designer Issey Miyake Debuts a New Fragrance for Women



Designer Issey Miyake Debuts a New Fragrance for Women

New York, NY (August 11, 2009) /PRNewswire/ — This fall, world-renowned Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake continues his quest for the essential with a new women's fragrance called simply 'a scent by issey miyake'. According to the designer, the new fragrance is "a scent as simple and beautiful as the air we breathe", merging technological innovation with nature's poetry. Following his iconic L'Eau d'Issey in 1992, a tribute to water, and Le Feu d'Issey in 1998, an homage to fire and light, 'a scent by issey miyake', marks the designer's latest collaboration with Beauté Prestige International, the Paris-based fragrance division of the Shiseido Cosmetics Corporation.

Issey Miyake's work is renowned as much for its fundamental minimalism as for its ability to surprise, and his newest fragrance continues that tradition. Created in collaboration with perfumer Daphné Bugey of Firmenich, 'a scent by issey miyake' features fresh notes of Hyacinth and Galbanum setting the fragrance's green, floral, delectable tone, enlivened by vivacious hints of Verbena and Jasmine.

Issey Miyake's innate intuition drives him to constantly reinvent by experimenting with new manufacturing techniques. Such is the powerful, avant-garde concept explored by bottle designer Arik Levy, whose unassuming design "does not hide behind plays of color or texture and instead deploys its infinite naked beauty". Levy's innovative design suggests that the bottles are sliced, depending on the desired size, from a single, continuous block of light-filled glass – a remarkable piece of glasswork that tests the boundaries of transparency.

The 'a scent by issey miyake' range of products includes a 5 oz Eau de Toilette ($115.00 USD), a 3.3 oz Eau de Toilette ($89.00 USD), a 1.6 oz Eau de Toilette ($65.00 USD), a 6.7 oz Moisturizing Body Lotion ($48.00 USD) and a 6.7 oz Moisturizing Shower Gel ($42.00 USD). 'a scent by issey miyake' will be available this fall exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom stores nationwide.

Beauté Prestige International was created in 1992 to augment Shiseido's fragrance business with the development of new designer fragrance brands. Beginning with Issey Miyake's L'Eau d'Issey in 1992, the company has slowly and steadily built its brand portfolio to include French designer Jean Paul Gaultier's CLASSIQUE (1993) and American designer Narciso Rodriguez' 'for her' 10 years later. In 2006, BPI USA was selected to administer the sales and distribution of the John Varvatos fragrance and skincare brands, an existing Shiseido subsidiary. Today, Beauté Prestige International's fragrance brands can be found in fine department and specialty stores nationwide.

For more information, contact:
Jessica Barlow, Exec. Director, Public Relations ·212.805.2347· jbarlow@bpi.shiseido.com
Jonathan Leacock, Manager, Public Relations ·212.805.1299· jleacock@bpi.shiseido.com
Cara Krystofiak, Coordinator, Public Relations ·212.805.2380· ckrystofiak@bpi.shiseido.com


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'The Playbook': Change Your Life Forever, the Brutal Truth Regarding Women
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Brian Wilson Single 'What Love Can Do' Biggest Radio Hit in a Decade for Former Beach Boy!
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Cable Programming Highlights


Saturday, August 08, 2009

There Are No Ugly Women

There are no ugly women-only women who don’t care or who don’t believe that they are attractive.
~ Estée Lauder (July 1, 1906 – April 24, 2004)

There are indeed no ugly women in romance.

I have heard and read many posts on Nairaland and other discussion forums where people callled some girls and women ugly and I found them amusing, but I disagree with the common references to those many call ugly.

As an artist and writer who has even being close to both black and white women and have discovered very attractive models, I am well informed to agree with Estée Lauder that no woman is really ugly, except she does not know how to make herself beautiful or attractive. And in romance, a man in love will always see her woman as beautiful.

Thursday, August 06, 2009

COVERGIRL Finds A New Hero




COVERGIRL Finds A New Hero
Heroes Star Dania Ramirez Becomes COVERGIRL’S Newest Spokesmodel


Haga clic aquí para ver este comunicado de prensa en Español.


Dania Ramirez getting glamorous for her COVERGIRL photo shoot with makeup artist, Rebecca Restrepo.

HUNT VALLEY, MD - August 6, 2009 - /PRNewswire/— COVERGIRL announces popular television and movie actress Dania Ramirez has become the newest face of COVERGIRL cosmetics. The announcement will be made this morning at the Mondrian in South Beach, Florida where the 29-year-old Dominican will meet the media for the first time as an official COVERGIRL spokesperson.

Dania is best known for her role as 'Maya Herrera' on NBC's popular hit series Heroes. In 2006, Dania was in the third installment of the X-MEN franchise X-MEN: The Last Stand and had a role on the critically acclaimed HBO drama The Sopranos. She was also featured in the Sony Pictures thriller Quarantine and will soon be seen in two independent films entitled Ball Don't Lie and Brooklyn to Manhattan…Her other credits include films Cross Bronx and Fat Albert.

"Being a COVERGIRL is about recognizing internal and external beauty, regardless of age or background. As a role model, I hope to inspire women to be confident enough to achieve everything they want to achieve," says Dania Ramirez.

"I am truly honored and thrilled to represent a brand I have loved since first discovering it as a teenager and it is a privilege to now be among the highly regarded list of COVERGIRLS."

COVERGIRL print and television advertisements featuring Dania will launch January 2010, featuring the newest makeup lines debuting mid-winter. "Beauty should start with feeling beautiful inside, and Dania's inner beauty and passion for her family, community and work make her an inspirational COVERGIRL," says Esi Eggleston Bracey, Global Vice President of COVERGIRL Cosmetics.

Dania joins the long list of famous COVERGIRLs including: Drew Barrymore, Queen Latifah, Rihanna, Christie Brinkley, Cheryl Tiegs, Rachel Hunter, Tyra Banks, Niki Taylor and Molly Sims. The brand is known for consistently signing spokespersons that embody both inner and outer beauty. Visit www.covergirl.com for more information on CoverGirl makeup and their family of spokespersons.

About P&G Beauty (NYSE: PG)
P&G Beauty & Grooming products help make beauty dreams real for women worldwide and help men look, feel and be their best every day. With more than 100 brands available in nearly 130 countries, P&G's beauty and grooming products delivered sales of nearly $28 billion in fiscal year 2007/08 , making it one of the world's largest beauty and grooming companies. P&G Beauty & Grooming offers trusted brands with leading technology to meet the full complement of beauty and grooming needs, including Pantene®, Olay®, Head & Shoulders®, Max Factor®, COVERGIRL®, DDF®, Frederic Fekkai®, Wellaflex®, Rejoice®, Sebastian Professional®, Herbal Essences®, Koleston®, Clairol Professional®, Nice 'n Easy®, Venus®, Gillette®, SK-II®, Wella Professionals®, Braun® and a leading Prestige Fragrance division that spans from point of market entry consumers to high end luxury with global brands such as Hugo Boss®, Lacoste®, and Christina Aguilera®. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and in-depth information about P&G (NYSE: PG) and its brands.

Contacts:
Adriana Infante
l 305-520-9027
Adriana.Infante@fleishman.com

Iveliesse Malave
l 305-520-9037
Iveliesse.Malave@fleishman.com


What is the Most Ideal Sex Position?


Two lovers

Are you tired after a long day? Well, there's a sex position out there just for you. Are you so inflexible you can barely touch your knees, let alone your toes? There's a sex position for you too! Our Perfect Position Selector will even ask you about your guy's, um, size before choosing a position you'll both love! Check it out now.


Wednesday, August 05, 2009

How Sweet is Your Tweet?



How sweet is your tweet?I know there are over 1, 000, 000 Nigerians on Facebook so far, but I prefer Twitter for my own good reasons and truly loving every minute on it.

Twitter has been quite useful to our Startup Weekend Nigeria and I appreciate all our followers on Startup Weekend NG.


Michael Chima (Orikinla) on Twitter


Tuesday, August 04, 2009

How Red Are Your Sweet Lips For Love?



The following message is from Joinred and I would glad if you oblige to honour the sweet invitation.




Dear (RED) Friend,

We would love your help in putting together a new PRODUCT(RED) online service.

We would like to bring a few of you together late afternoon/early evening on Wednesday, 12th August at 55 Newman Street, London W1 to ask you a few questions about what you think of the new service. It will take about an hour.

We are asking for your help as volunteers in support of (RED), so no fee or expenses will be paid. However, there will be refreshments and a small token of our appreciation. We hope you will enjoy chatting about (RED) with other like-minded spirits!

All personal details will be treated as confidential and will only be used for the purpose of this conversation.

If you are interested, please complete the questionnaire below as soon as possible (or by the very latest end of day on Thursday, 6th August) to consumer@joinred.com. We will then send you further details.

Surname

Forename

Title (Miss, Mrs, Ms, Mr.)

Address

Telephone

Email

Occupation

Age (please tick one)

25-35
35-45
Over 45

Which time slot would suit you on 12th August? (please tick one)

4.30-5.15pm
5.30-6.15pm
6.30-7.15pm
7.30-8.15pm

Do you shop online? (please tick one)



Never
Rarely
Sometimes
Often

Which products do you buy online? (tick relevant options)

Clothes
Stationery
Electronics (phones, computers etc.)
Grocery
Flowers
Cosmetics
Tickets & bookings (travel, theatre, cinema etc.)

How frequently do you purchase online? (please tick one)

Weekly
Monthly
Twice a year
Less often

(Privacy guarantee: all personal details will be treated as confidential and will be only used for this purpose)

Thank you for your continued support!

All the best,

Pat Marshall

__

Pat Marshall
Head of Operations (RED) International


Tel no. +44 (0) 203 003 6580