After successful exploration runs in 2013 and 2015 the Dutch polar cruise company Oceanwide Expeditions has announced two new expeditions to the Ross Sea in 2017. The ice-strengthened vessel “Ortelius” will be accommodated with helicopters for the two Antarctica cruises, sailing from the South-American continent to the Antarctic Peninsula, crossing the Polar Circle, further west to Peter I Island, sailing in the Bellingshausen sea along the ice-edge of “deep Antarctica” into the Ross Sea. The voyage continues to the uninhabited sub-Antarctic Campbell Island and ends after 32 days in New Zealand. The second cruise offers the same itinerary, but in reverse.
The Ross Sea Challenge
The Ross Sea region of Antarctica has always presented a dream but also a challenge to visit to explorers. The Ross Ice Shelf prevents a full seasonal operation and distances are enormous. Apart from the extremes, landing sites are still difficult to reach. “With the advantages of the “Ortelius” in combination with the use of helicopters, our travelers are having some great opportunities exploring Antarctica’s most fascinating sites”, says CEO Michel van Gessel.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7726051-oceanwide-expeditions-new-ross-sea/
Persil® ProClean®, Henkel North America’s new premium laundry detergent brand, made its first-ever Super Bowl® advertising debut with a commercial that aired in the second quarter of Super Bowl 50. As a new brand in the U.S. Persil ProClean has only been available to U.S. consumers since early 2015, but the Persil brand has been globally renowned for over a century. Its exceptional stain-fighting, whitening, and freshness have translated into impressive repeat-purchase rates, showing that once consumers try it, they love it.
Persil ProClean chose this coveted platform to launch their 2016 advertising campaign featuring the brand’s debonair tuxedo-wearing, stain-fighting superhero, “The Professional,” played by Peter Hermann. “The Professional” brings humor to a historically predictable category, while showing off some serious stain-fighting to relay a simple yet impactful message to viewers. Packed with powerful stain-fighting technology, Persil ProClean 2in1, received the highest laundry detergent rating in recent rankings by a leading consumer testing publication. Persil ProClean 2in1 didn’t only beat market-leader Tide, it beat every single detergent tested.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7750351-persil-proclean-super-bowl/
Cuba was witness once again to the largest annual international event celebrating the Habano culture. The festival has come to an end with the celebration of the Gala Evening that paid tribute to the Cohiba brand on its 50th Anniversary, with exclusive tastings of its new releases. The gala hosted 1,200 guests that enjoyed live performances by Cuban pianist and composer, Chucho Valdes; the Spanish flamenco singer, Estrella Morente; and the Uruguayan singer-songwriter Jorge Drexler.
This year the traditional humidor auction of seven collector items reached a total of 865.000€ that will be entirely donated to the Cuban Public Health System. This edition has been especially unique thanks to the auction of the first humidor (01/50) of the exclusive special series “Cohiba 50 Aniversario”, which raised 320.000 euros. This humidor is an authentic work of art and a unique collector's item, and heralds a true innovation in terms of traditional craftsmanship and technical design and development.
During the evening, the “Maestro de Maestros” was chosen in the XV International Habanosommelier Contest. The winner was Juan Jesús Machín from Cuba. Luis Manuel García Urrea (United Arab Emirates) and Pedro Tejeda (Cuba) were runners-up in second and third place respectively.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/uk/7779251-international-stars-xviii-habanos-festival/
The Big Apple today is playing host to the world debut of the all-new 2017 Kia Cadenza at the New York International Auto Show. The stunningly beautiful Cadenza improves upon all the elements that made its predecessor an award-winning success, boasting a precisely crafted cabin, cutting edge technology for connectivity and driver assistance, a stronger body structure, and powertrain enhancements for a more premium experience behind the wheel.
“The new Cadenza adds an extra dose of excitement to the large-car segment with its striking, aggressively handsome looks and premium refinements,” said Orth Hedrick, vice president of product planning, Kia Motors America. “Everything you see and touch in the Cadenza’s cabin has been improved, but it’s underneath where the Cadenza truly shines with a stiffer and lighter chassis, eight-speed transmission and vastly improved driving dynamics.”
The second-generation Cadenza is set to go on-sale in late 2016, and pricing will be announced closer to the vehicle’s launch date.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7731856-2017-kia-cadenza-nyias/
Three out of seven large pickup trucks evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in a new round of crash tests earn an acceptable or higher rating for occupant protection in a small overlap front crash.
IIHS evaluated two body styles of each 2016 model-year pickup — crew cab and extended cab. Crew cabs have four full doors and two full rows of seating. Extended cabs have two full front doors, two smaller rear doors and compact second-row seats.
IIHS last year decided it would test the two most popular variants of large pickups instead of just one after discovering that the Ford F-150 extended cab lacked structural countermeasures that helped the crew cab earn the top rating of good in the small overlap test. The test replicates what happens when a vehicle runs off the road and hits a tree or pole or clips another vehicle that has crossed the center line.
Ford improved the 2016 model F-150 SuperCab to clinch a good rating in the small overlap crash test, up from the 2015 model’s marginal rating. The F-150 is the only large pickup in the latest test group to earn the Institute’s top rating in the test. It joins the F-150 SuperCrew in earning a 2016 TOP SAFETY PICK award when equipped with Ford’s optional basic-rated forward collision warning system.
Vehicles that earn a basic rating for front crash prevention plus good ratings in the small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint evaluations qualify for TOP SAFETY PICK. To qualify for 2016 TOP SAFETY PICK+, a vehicle must earn good ratings in the five crashworthiness tests and an advanced or superior rating for front crash prevention.
Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. (NASDAQ:ISLE) today announced the winners of its second charitable social media contest awarding a share of $50,000 to five local nonprofit organizations.
Southern Heritage Air Foundation - $25,000 – Tallulah, Louisiana
Family and Youth Opportunities Division - $15,000 – Clarksdale, Mississippi
Fayette Community Service Organization - $5,000 – Fayette, Mississippi
Guttenberg Gallery & Creativity Center - $2,500 – Guttenberg, Iowa
Walking In The Sun Rescue - $2,500 – Collinston, Louisiana
“With over 69,000 votes cast in Community Aces Challenge and over 200 applications to participate, our second charitable social media contest has proven to be a wonderful way to give back to the communities where we operate,” said Virginia McDowell, Isle’s president and chief executive officer.
“The 123 participating nonprofit organizations registered in January and coordinated their own individual voting campaigns which ended on April 1,” said McDowell. “This year the winners offered a wide variety of missions – from getting fit in rural Mississippi to enhancing creativity of young people in Iowa. Our first place winner is dedicated to educating people about the history and impact of aviation and our second place winner is refurbishing an old school to become a community center.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7805451-isle-of-capri-casinos-community-aces-challenge/
Meredith Corporation, (NYSE:MDP; www.meredith.com) the leading media and marketing company serving 100 million American women and 72 percent of U.S. millennial women, today announced that Natalie Morales, TODAY show News Anchor and Third-Hour Co-Host; Erica Hill, NBC News’ Anchor and National Correspondent; and Carolyn Manno, NBC Olympics Host, will host and run the 2016 MORE/SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon and kick off one of the largest women’s-only half-marathons in the country.
The race, held by Meredith’s SHAPE magazine in conjunction with the New York Road Runners (NYRR), will take place on Sunday, April 17, and draw 10,000 female runners and walkers of all ages, from around the world, to New York’s Central Park.
Morales and Hill are returning for the second year, after hosting the 2015 MORE/SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon and completing the race in an impressive 1:38:59 and 2:06:52, respectively.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7788252-more-shape-womens-half-marathon-hosts/
Sabra Dipping Company, maker of America’s best-selling hummus, has launched the most significant campaign in U.S. hummus history and along with it… a more mindful pre-dinner meal occasion for the American consumer. A national broadcast and digital campaign introduces the ‘Unofficial Meal,’ inviting consumers to foster a pre-dinner ritual that revolves around fresh, real food and human connections.
“We are on a mission to inspire consumers to start a tradition around the kitchen counter, creating a daily ritual of enjoying fresh food together,” said Eugenio Perrier, Sabra’s chief marketing officer. “Eating wholesome food should be easy as should finding fresh ways to create connections, embrace those you care about and enjoy a relaxed moment together. It is this sentiment we seek to bring to life through the Unofficial Meal.”
The campaign titled “Sabra. Welcome to the Unofficial Meal” debuts April 18th with 15 and 30 second spots that depict the Unofficial Meal as family and friends finally unwind, gather and graze after a long day. Fresh dips and vegetables are laid out on the countertop and it is clear that for this moment, it is perfectly fine to help yourself, open up, share a laugh and leave behind formalities. The creative includes filmed footage, animation and a charismatic voice to convey the enjoyment of this occasion. Fully integrated digital, PR, social and experiential activations will help deliver campaign messaging across platforms.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7754651-sabra-campaign-unofficial-meal/
For six weeks this spring, America’s PrepareAthon! and other preparedness partners will focus on various hazards and provide simple actions that people and communities should take to prepare for each particular hazard.
This second week highlights tornadoes. Individuals, communities, businesses, schools, and houses of worship around the country are holding preparedness discussions, conducting drills, and taking specific steps to prepare for tornadoes and other disasters.
America’s PrepareAthon!SM is a grassroots, community-based campaign for action to get families, organizations, and entire communities better prepared for tornadoes and other emergencies.
According to the National Weather Service, tornadoes caused $320 million in damages in 2015.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7770531-fema-national-prepareathon/
Today, Atom Factory CEO Troy Carter announced plans to host a second season of Smashd Labs from September 6 to November 18. For the inaugural class, there were over 200 applicants in two weeks, six startups in the inaugural cohort, 30 mentors, founders as young as 19 years old, and over $2M raised from investments within six months of the lab’s concluding Demo Day.
“We’re proud of the success the participating startups have had to date, and look forward to growing the Smashd Labs family by adding an additional set of startups led by talented founders with platforms and tech that can disrupt entertainment and culture,” stated Atom Factory CEO Troy Carter, who most recently served as a guest shark on the latest season of ABC’s hit prime-time show Shark Tank.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7817451-atom-factory-smashd-labs-startups/
Clayton, one of America’s largest homebuilders, today announced it has acquired Gallatin, Tenn.-based Goodall Homes, a builder of new single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums since 1990. Goodall is the second site-built housing company to become part of Maryville-based Clayton, a subsidiary of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway. Clayton acquired Atlanta-area builder Chafin Communities last fall.
Clayton, through its site-building group, Clayton Properties, entered the site-built housing market to expand its portfolio of housing options to homebuyers. The acquisition of Goodall Homes includes approximately 3,600 lots and 180 homes under construction in a five-county area in Middle Tennessee. Goodall Homes closed 436 homes last year.
“Adding great builders like Goodall to our team is exciting,” stated Clayton home building group President, Keith Holdbrooks. “As we continue to grow and expand into the site-built market, it is important to partner with teams that share our culture of providing an excellent customer experience.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7716454-clayton-acquires-goodall-homes/
The 11th annual Amgen Tour of California presented by AEG entered its second decade as America's most prestigious annual cycling event, welcoming an unsurpassed field of professional teams for the race start in San Diego. One of the most important races on the international calendar, the 8'day event attracts some of the brightest cycling stars in the world to the golden state each May. This year’s field features 11 World Champions, five Olympic medalists and Rio Olympic hopefuls, with more than 30 countries represented.
The 2016 Amgen Tour of California includes 10 UCI WorldTour Teams, the most in race history, as some of the top cyclists in the world face off across nearly 800 miles of California terrain May 15-22, visiting 12 Host Cities from San Diego to Sacramento.
2016 marks the debut of the UCI Women's WorldTour, which brings the highest level of professional women's cycling competition to cities around the world. The four-day Amgen Breakaway from Heart Disease Women's Race Empowered with SRAM May 19-22 marks the U.S. debut of the Women’s WorldTour and will showcase some of the best talent in the sport. The peloton will include two-time Olympic champion Kristin Armstrong and eight Rio Olympic hopefuls.
The eight-stage men’s event began Sunday with 18 of the world’s most decorated and esteemed teams competing for one of the sport’s most coveted titles. World Champion and reigning race champion Peter Sagan of Tinkoff roared to victory in a bunch sprint to the finish line in Mission Beach, San Diego, putting him back into the yellow leader jersey he wore at the race’s conclusion last year.
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7831951-amgen-tour-of-california/