Author Archives: Chuck Gregory

Top 13 Haunted Hotspots in America

With Halloween right around the corner, the haunt industry's official list of the Top 13 Professional Haunted Attractions in the country was released Friday.

These attractions are being recognized for their attention to detail, high-quality special effects, and overall scare factor.

Ranging from haunted hotels and prisons to spooky hayrides, the list represents the best haunted attractions the nation has to offer, as selected by the industry. In an industry that has reached the multi-billion dollar mark, these haunts are leading the way in scream-inducing innovations.

“The haunts industry fits into a special niche of the entertainment world, where the main goal is to provide an intensely frightening experience, yet leave customers exhilarated enough to return next year, or even next week,” said Editor-in-Chief of Hauntworld Magazine, Larry Kirchner. “In order to accomplish this, a tremendous amount of production is involved in each successful haunt. Owners have behind-the-scenes teams of master Hollywood special effects technicians, make-up artists, set designers, and trained actors — this list represents the best-of-the-best in the country.”

2008 Top 13 Professional Haunted Attractions
1. 13th Gate – Baton Rouge, Louisiana – www.midnightproduction.com
2. The Darkness – St. Louis, Missouri – www.scarefest.com
3. Netherworld – Atlanta, Georgia – www.fearworld.com
4. Haunted Overload – Lee, New Hampshire – www.hauntedoverload.com
5. Scarehouse – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – www.scarehouse.com
6. House of Torment – Austin, Texas – www.houseoftorment.com
7. Bates Motel – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – www.thebatesmotel.com
8. Headless Horseman – Ulster Park, New York – www.headlesshorseman.com
9. Dead Acres – Columbus, Ohio – www.deadacres.com
10. Spookywoods – High Point, North Carolina – www.spookywoods.com
11. House of Shock – New Orleans, Louisiana – www.houseofshock.com
12. Erebus – Detroit, Michigan – www.hauntedpontiac.com
13. Cutting Edge – Dallas, Texas – www.cuttingedgehauntedhouse.com

Other notable haunts recognized by Hauntworld Magazine include:

Top 10 Amusement Park Halloween Events

1. Universal Studios Horror Nights – Orlando, FL – www.halloweenhorrornights.com

2. Knott's Scary Farm – Los Angeles, CA – www.halloweenhaunt.com

3. 'Phantom Fright Nights' – Kennywood Amusement Park – Pittsburgh, PA – www.kennywood.com

4. Universal Studios Horror Nights – Hollywood, CA – www.halloweenhorrornights.com

5. Tampa Busch Gardens – Tampa, FL – www.howl-o-scream.com
6. Busch Gardens – Williamsburg, VA – www.howl-o-scream.com
7. Kings Island Haunt – Cincinnati, OH – www.visitkingsisland.com
8. Cedar Point Haunt – Sandusky, OH – www.cedarpoint.com
9. Six Flags Fright Fest – Freehold, NJ – www.frightfest.com
10. Old Tucson Studios Nightfall – Tucson, AZ – www.oldtucson.com

Top Haunted Amusement Attractions 2008

1. House of Horror – Universal Studios Hollywood – www.universalstudioshollywood.com

2. Disney World Haunted Mansion – Orlando, FL – www.disney.com

3. Ghostwood Estates – Kennywood Amusement Park, Pittsburgh, PA – www.kennywood.com

4. Towers of Terror – MGM Studios, Orlando, FL – www.disney.com

5. Revenge of the Mummy Ride – Universal Studios Hollywood, CA – www.universalstudioshollywood.com

Best Haunted Hayride 2008
1. Headless Horseman – Ulster Park, NY – www.headlesshorseman.com
2. Bates Motel – Philadelphia, PA – www.thebatesmotel.com

Best Home Haunted House 2008
1. Graveside Manor – Coventry, CT – www.gravesidemanor.com
2. Rot Haunted House – Thousand Oaks, CA – www.rothauntedhouse.com
3. DC Cemetery – Mountain View, CA – www.dc-cemetery.com

Cook For The Cure To Be Held Oct. 16

Cook for the Cure© on Thursday, October 16th, is a delicious way for breast cancer survivors and their supporters to help fight the battle against breast cancer while enjoying great food and fun cooking demonstrations. This one-of-a-kind event in Denver features top local chefs including, Chef Mick Rosacci of Tony’s Markets, Chef Michael Long of Opus and Chef Keegan Gerhard of D Bar Desserts & the Food Network. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Denver Metropolitan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The 2nd Annual Cook for the Cure© will be hosted by Kimball Distributing, Colorado’s exclusive Viking appliance distributor. Tony Rosacci’s Fine Catering, the sister company of Tony’s Market, a locally owned specialty foods market, is donating food while logistical support and media coordination is being provided by Home and the Range, Colorado’s only all Viking© showroom. Additionally, Celebrating Pink, a survivor owned company selling products supporting breast cancer awareness and resources for survivors and co-survivors, is also an integral partner.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at any Tony’s Market or at Home and the Range.

Cook for the Cure©

Cook for the Cure© is a registered trademark of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The Denver Metropolitan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure was founded in 1994, the year after the first Komen Denver Race for the Cure®, to carry out the mission of our National organization — to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease through advancing research, education, screening and treatment. The Affiliate continually strives to meet this mission through three core activities — education, fundraising and grant making.

For more information including locations to purchase tickets: www.TonysMarket.com or www.HomeandtheRange.com.

Local Eats 127 Jalapenos in 8 mins

Chicagoan Bertoletti won La Costena's jalapeno eating championship by eating 127 whole jalapeno in eight minutes.

Speed eating hundreds of whole jalapenos is considered by many to be the most grueling and entertaining sanctioned event on the Major League Eating circuit. More than 30,000 people witnessed La Costena's annual gastronomical competition, which has become a premiere attraction at the annual Chicago Mexican Independence Day festival.

La Costena jalapenos are the number one jalapeno sold in America. This annual professional eating competition caps the brand's summer-long La Costena Feel the Heat Jalapeno Eating Challenge Tour, which spiced up some of the nations largest cities this year including: Los Angeles, Dallas, San Antonio, Houston, Atlanta and Chicago.

La Costena is a Mexican company with more than 85 years of experience manufacturing, distributing and marketing high quality canned foods. Its delicious variety of products, including peppers, salsas, beans, mole, mayonnaise, and tender cactus, among other favorites, preserve the flavor of traditional Mexican cuisine, making its products the preferred choice for millions of consumers worldwide. For additional product information, please visit http://www.lacostena.com.mx/.

Play Yoplait In Your Daily Diet

According to a recent Yoplait Yo-Plus™ survey, nine-out-of-ten women have become committed to their digestive health in the last five years and eight-out-of-ten prefer to regulate their digestion through foods. When considering foods that help aid digestion, women now have the option of Yo-Plus with probiotic cultures which is specifically designed for digestive health.

Eaten regularly, Yo-Plus can naturally regulate the balance of microorganisms in the digestive system, while offering consumers the great taste they can always expect from Yoplait. “Irregular digestion is not only uncomfortable, but affects your everyday life,” said Ryan Stalker, Associate Marketing Manager for Yo-Plus. “Yo-Plus is the only yogurt on the market with Optibalance™, which can help maintain or put digestion back on track. And, with the smooth texture and rich flavors – including our recently introduced flavors Cranberry Raspberry and Blackberry Pomegranate – consumers do not have to sacrifice taste.”

Optibalance™, a unique blend of probiotic cultures and natural fiber, may help consumers regulate their digestive system when eaten daily. When compared side-by-side with Dannon’s Activia, both Yo-Plus and Activia contain active probiotic cultures and both are a good source of calcium (Yo-Plus provides 15 percent of the recommended Daily Value).

However, only Yoplait’s Yo-Plus has the added benefit of dietary fiber, with three grams per 4-ounce serving, which provides additional digestive health benefits, plus vitamins A and D (10 percent of the recommended Daily Value). In addition to the special probiotic culture Bifidobacterium, Yo-Plus also contains the live and active yogurt cultures L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus. With women looking for more natural ways to regulate their digestion through food choices, probiotics continue to gain notoriety. In fact, according to the Yo-Plus survey, nearly two-thirds of women are familiar with probiotics, a strong indication that this health trend is gaining momentum as women become more aware of their options for healthy eating.

“Probiotic cultures are beneficial to health when consumed in adequate amounts,” said Christina Meyer-Jax MS, RD of the General Mills Bell Institute of Health and Nutrition. “Consuming probiotics on a regular basis, along with plenty of fiber and fluids, is a natural way to help regulate your GI tract.”

Yo-Plus flavors include: Strawberry, Vanilla, Cherry, Peach, and the recently introduced Cranberry Raspberry and Blackberry Pomegranate. The newest Yo-Plus flavor, Blueberry Acai, will be in grocery stores in January 2009. Yo-Plus is available at a suggested retail price of .79 per 4-ounce cup 4-pack.

For more information, please visit www.Yo-Plus.com or www.yoplait.com.

World Grad School Tour Comes To DC Sept. 18

Washington DC 18 September, 5:00 – 8:00pm

National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW

Meet face-to-face with admissions directors and international officers from the world's top grad schools to help you find your ideal masters or PhD

www.topgradschool.com

Win a QS Masters/PhD Scholarship of US$10,000 (only applicable to candidates who attend a QS World Grad School Tour Fair in 2008)

Pre-fair admission panel Forums Focusing on Science Technology Engineering Mathematics [STEM]:

Corporate Presentation Expert Workshops from top Professors at McGill University

FREE GRE Courses by Kaplan Test Prep (a draw will be held with one winner announced at each fair)

GRE Admissions Seminar by Kaplan

Test Prep 1-2-1

Meetings with Top University Admissions Directors

Complete A to Z of graduate studies, with special focus on Finance Accountancy, Read More Here to learn more about banking and finance. Management Economics International affairs Administration Biological sciences Psychology Science Technology Engineering Mathematics Communications/media Law/legal studies Education/training Languages

Participating grad schools include: American University Concordia ESADE George Washington Georgetown HEC Keck Queens University UCL Warwick And Many More…

World Grad School Tour Comes To NYC Sept. 20

Meet face-to-face with admissions directors and international officers from the world's top grad schools to help you find your ideal masters or PhD

www.topgradschool.com

  • Win a QS Masters/PhD Scholarship of US$10,000 (only applicable to candidates who attend a QS World Grad School Tour Fair in 2008)  
  • Pre-fair admission panel  
  • Forums Focusing on Science Technology Engineering Mathematics [STEM]:  
  • Corporate Presentation  
  • Expert Workshops from top Professors at McGill University  
  • FREE GRE Courses by Kaplan Test Prep (a draw will be held with one winner announced at each fair)  
  • GRE Admissions Seminar by Kaplan Test Prep  
  • 1-2-1 Meetings with Top University Admissions Directors Complete A to Z of graduate studies, with special focus on  
  • Finance  
  • Accountancy  
  • Management  
  • Economics  
  • International affairs  
  • Administration  
  • Biological sciences  
  • Psychology
  • Science  
  • Technology  
  • Engineering  
  • Mathematics  
  • Communications/media  
  • Law/legal studies  
  • Education/training  
  • Languages
  • Participating grad schools include: American University Concordia ESADE George Washington Georgetown HEC Keck Queens Warwick UCL And Many More…

Hollywood Goes Lovey Dovey Once Again

For the 60th Annual Primetime Emmy® Awards Diamond Anniversary, Hollywood is in for a sweet treat from DOVE® Chocolate—
the ultimate indulgence!

As the official chocolatier of the 60th Primetime Annual Emmy® Awards, DOVE® Chocolate will provide Hollywood’s hottest stars like Christina Applegate, Sally Field and Tina Fey, a moment to indulge with silky smooth chocolate. Whether it is at the Governors Ball or shopping on Rodeo Drive, what better way is there to take a break to relax from the frenzy of the Emmys® than with decadent, silky smooth chocolateä

All of tinseltown and chocolate lovers will find DOVE® chocolate everywhere for the 60th Annual Primetime Emmys® Awards!

 The exclusive Nominee Reception will feature a DOVE® Chocolate Oasis – the ultimate chocolate experience—a decadent display of the DOVE® Chocolate collection on rotating pedestals around a four-tier Chocolate Fountain where guests can help themselves to an indulgent moment. Sherry Yard, Wolfgang Puck’s Executive Pastry Chef at Spago Beverly Hills will also have a presence there creating decadent desserts featuring DOVE® Chocolate products where guests will have the opportunity to take a moment and indulge on these tasty treats

 The Governors Ball will feature official table favors created by DOVE®—a special keepsake box filled with four new DOVE® Large bar flavors will be found at each place setting. The exclusive box will be covered in a “silky finish” fabric and closed with pink satin ribbon so attendees can slip the keepsake into their purse or jacket pocket as a souvenir from the special evening or steal a small indulgent moment to themselves. To meet the fifties theme this year, DOVE® Girls will be passing around a selection of DOVE® chocolate. Attendees of the Governors Ball will also get to indulge in decadent chocolate desserts featuring DOVE® Chocolate as an ingredient

 DOVE® Chocolate will be sampled at high-profile places where celebrities stay such as The LUXE Rodeo Drive and “suites” where stars are pampered such as the HBO Luxury Lounge at The Four Seasons in Beverly Hills

DOVE® Chocolate is known and appreciated for delivering the best tasting and best quality chocolate experience with its silky smooth, rich taste and texture. Extending the indulgence beyond chocolate and ice cream, DOVE® recently introduced desserts and large bar flavors. New DOVE® Desserts include two succulent flavors—Milk Chocolate Bananas Foster and Dark Chocolate Tiramisu. The DOVE® Brand also debuts six new, decadent flavors in its large bar collection, including Peanut Toffee Crunch, Cranberry Almond, Blueberry Almond, Roasted Hazelnut, Dark Chocolate Roasted Almond and Extra Creamy Milk Chocolate. In addition, the innovators at DOVE have developed DOVE® Milk Chocolate with Almond singles.

Whether taking a “moment” on your own or sharing a “moment” with a loved one, DOVE Chocolate offers the perfect indulgence for any occasion — “My Moment. My DOVETM

Britney Spears Unveils Hidden fantasy Fragrance Ad

Britney Spears is unveiling the national ad for her fragrance HIDDEN fantasy BRITNEY SPEARS(TM) today. This is the newest addition to her fragrance collection from Elizabeth Arden and follows her globally successful fragrances, Curious BRITNEY SPEARS, Fantasy BRITNEY SPEARS, and BRITNEY SPEARS Believe. HIDDEN fantasy BRITNEY SPEARS(TM) will be available in January 2009.

“I'm so excited for everyone to see what I've been working on for HIDDEN fantasy,” said Britney. “I just love the ad! It's sexy and mysterious, and really represents what the fragrance means. My fans are so supportive of all of my fragrances, and I can't wait for them to try this one.”

HIDDEN fantasy BRITNEY SPEARS(TM) is a seductive scent that is all about expressing the many mysterious sides of a woman. In the ad, Britney appears through the trees of an alluring forest, and asks, “What do you have to hideä” daring you to share your hidden fantasy. The cherry red HIDDEN fantasy BRITNEY SPEARS(TM) bottle is decorated with luminous pink crystals, symbolizing love, femininity and warmth.

DC’s Best Halloween Parties

The Washingtonian compiled a list of the best parties for Halloween:

October 28, High Heel Race
Head to 17th and Q streets near Dupont Circle to watch the annual High Heel Race. It begins at 9, but spectators should show up as early as 6 to grab a good spot.

October 31, Graveyard Jam
Young professionals can win a trip to Aruba, enter a raffle for a guitar, and enjoy dancing to live music at this year’s Graveyard Jam at the Hard Rock Cafe. Prizes will be awarded for the scariest, prettiest, and most original costumes of the night. Early arrivals can enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drink specials. Costumes are preferred but not required, and sneakers can be worn only as part of a costume. Tickets are $10, and the party runs from 9 PM to 3 AM, Party Bus Services from https://thebostonpartybus.com/ will be provided.

October 31, Halloween Fiesta
Throw on a costume and head to La Tasca for its fifth annual Halloween Fiesta. Those in costume enjoy $3.50 drink specials and have the chance to win a $100 gift certificate. A DJ will provide the tunes starting at 11. Guests ages 18 to 20 are invited to dance.

October 31, Piratz Tavern Halloween Party
Need a last-minute costume ideaä A pirate is easy to pull together, so grab some mascara, hoop earrings, and a bandana, and head to Piratz Tavern for its Halloween party. As of the full moon on October 14, “de tavern be haunted,” and Piratz will have a haunted VooDoo Luau leading up to Halloween. If you wish the holiday would never end, get two extra days of celebration with the Zombie Lurch on November 1 and the Day of the Dead celebration on November 2.

October 31, Trick-or-Treat on Embassy Row
Going from house to house might be unacceptable unless you’re accompanied by a child on Halloween—so what are adults to do for their candy fixä Participate in Trick-or-Treat on Embassy Row to try international sweets from 6:30 to 9. Getting a peak inside some of the embassies is a special treat but not guaranteed. Purchasing a ticket to this event automatically gets your name on a list for the Graveyard Jam at Hard Rock Cafe. Tickets are $30.

October 31, Hollywood Ballroom Dance Party
Singles are invited to the Halloween dance party at the Hollywood Ballroom. Free two-step lessons will be offered at 8 by Steve Ferrara, and the party starts at 9.

October 31, Nightmare on M Street
DC’s largest roaming costume party/bar crawl is in its ninth year. From 6 PM to 2 AM, treat yourself to Halloween specials, including $2 Miller Lite bottles, $4 rail drinks, and more. The party starts early, but be sure to catch the costume contest at midnight at McFadden’s. Advance tickets are needed for James Hoban’s Irish Bar, but Front Page and Rumors accept walk-up tickets. If purchased in advance, tickets will start at $12 and will increase over time, while walk-up prices are $20 at the door or a $10 cover at each bar without an event wristband.

October 31, Clarendon Ballroom Monster Bash
Do you start planning your Halloween costume on November 1 for the following yearä If so, the Halloween Monster Bash costume contest at Clarendon Ballroom is for you. To enter, download the entry form and drop it off at the registration table upon arrival. Judges will pick 30 semi-finalists from 9:35 to 10:15, which will be narrowed down to 10 with the best and most original costumes. These contestants will compete, and the crowd will pick the winners. First-, second-, and third-place winners receive $200, $100, and $50, respectively, and the most original costume also takes home $50. Get more information and the application here. Doors open at 6, and tickets start at $10.

October 31, McGinty’s Public House
McGinty’s is giving away $200 in prizes for this year’s best costumes. Live rock music will be provided by Still Counting.

October 31, Synetic Theater’s Vampire’s Ball
After a performance of Edgar Allen Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher at Rosslyn Spectrum Theatre, stick around for the Vampire’s Ball. Food and drinks will be available, and prizes will be awarded for the costume contest; 8 PM.

October 31, Yorktown Bistro
The Yorktown Bistro will award prizes for sexiest and most original costume. Come dressed to impress to participate and enjoy live music.

October 31, 9:30 Club Halloween Bash
Head to the 9:30 Club to watch the Pietasters, the Toasters, and Deals Gone Bad, and participate in the costume contest. The grand-prize winner takes homes tickets to every 9:30 show in November and December. Tickets to the bash cost $15, and doors open at 8 PM.

October 31, ’80s Halloween Bash
If the ’80s was your favorite decade, pull your hair in a side pony and throw on stone-washed jeans before heading to Tortoise and Hare for its throw-back bash. Eighties cover band Members Only will perform.

October 31, Best Halloween Show Ever
Palace of Wonders hosts The Best Halloween Show Ever, featuring burlesque performances, a go-go show, and more. Participate in the costume contest and enjoy candy. Costumes are highly encouraged. The fun starts at 10; $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

October 31, Jammin’ Java Halloween Bash
Some people can get by on Halloween without a costume—but not at Jammin’ Java. Get creative because the costume is a must, and impress the bands because they will be voting on the best costume. Mambo Sauce, Future, Flex Matthews, and Jon Braman will provide entertainment, and a special Halloween happy hour starts at 8.

October 31, Alice in Helixland
Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum cocktails will be served at Helix Lounge as well as complimentary tea party-themed hors d’oeuvres for this Halloween charity bash benefiting the Whitman-Walker Clinic. Get lost in Wonderland and participate in the costume contest or bid on an item during the silent auction. The admittance fee includes two drink tickets. 7-10 PM; $10.

October 31, 14th Annual Halloween Bash
Check out the Old Post Office Pavilion for the 14th Annual Halloween party featuring Judo Chop and the Winn Brothers Band. Costumes are required, and awesome prizes will be awarded: Best group costume wins a $500 bar tab, and the person with the best costume wins a $300 tab at Smith Point. The entrance fee includes an open bar, Red Bull Bar and free admission to the Rookery for an afterparty. Tickets cost $60 for the first 300 people who purchase in advance, $80 if purchased before 10 PM on October 30, and $100 at the Rookery between 4 and 9 PM on Halloween. 9 PM-1 AM.

October 31: ICDC Halloween Dance Party
The International Club of DC is hosting a Halloween dance party at the Sports Club of LA. Kick the night off with a salsa lesson at 8:15, then dance to the Latin grooves of Origem at 9. Costumes aren’t required, but c’mon—who wants to go to a Halloween party not dressed upä Bring a can of food for the homeless, which will be donated to the Capital Area Food Bank. Tickets cost $15 for the dance party or $20 for the party and the salsa lesson, but register now because prices will increase.

Tom Cruise Plans Lavish Dubai Bash for New Year's Eve

Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise and wife Katie Holmes are planning a lavish New Year’s Eve party at luxury hotel Atlantis the Palm, according to US media reports on Wednesday.

US television news show 'Extra' said the power couple will host a star-studded bash at Dubai's newly opened resort on the Palm Jumeriah.

A spokesperson for the Atlantis told Arabian Business the hotel could not comment on the reports.

Story continues below ↓
advertisement

Regardless of whether reports are false or not, the hotel does not breach guest confidentially, the spokesperson said.

Cruise and Holmes, who are keen advocates for high-profile religion Church of Scientology, married in 2006 and have a 2-year old daughter.

Last month British media reported celebrity couple David and Victoria Beckham had been offered $1 million to attend the Atlantis opening party which takes place on November 20.

Australian singer Kylie Minogue has already been confirmed as headlining the grand opening party, which has become one of the most talked about events on the Dubai calendar.

The Atlantis, a 1,539-room resort encompasses 46-hectares with 17 hectares of water-themed amusement parks, an open air marine habitat, beaches, opened on Sept. 24.

Sir Anthony Hopkins Scores Big With Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas audiences were abuzz last night in anticipation of hearing original compositions created by famed actor Sir Anthony Hopkins. No one in the full house crowd anticipated Hopkins himself taking the podium and leading the great Dallas Symphony Orchestra in an encore performance of his original work Schizoid Salsa.

Sir Anthony Hopkins, or Tony as he prefers to be called, was greeted by a rousing standing ovation last night as he made his first ever bows from the podium stage. The musicians greeted his performance with rambunctious stomping – the common sign of appreciation given by orchestra musicians to only the finest of conductors.

It was an absolute thrill to not only hear my work performed by such an incredible orchestra, but to actually lead them in a performance; a performance that included music that up until that point I had only heard in my imagination
I decided this was a rare occasion, and that I would regret the missed opportunity
“It was an absolute thrill to not only hear my work performed by such an incredible orchestra, but to actually lead them in a performance; a performance that included music that up until that point I had only heard in my imagination,” said Hopkins. “What a rush!”

Hopkins, originally slated to only briefly introduce his compositions and then take a seat in the audience, was asked to conduct one of his pieces during rehearsal. With the support of the DSO musicians, he decided to conduct during the performance as well. “I decided this was a rare occasion, and that I would regret the missed opportunity,” said Hopkins.

In addition to Schizoid Salsa, the program included The Masque of Time, a new original composition by Hopkins, and music he created for the films Slipstream and August, as well as other original compositions and pieces from some of his films written by others.

Last nights world premiere of music by Anthony Hopkins is just another example of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s commitment to showcasing modern works. In addition to works by Hopkins, during the 2008-2009 season the DSO will premiere three major pieces. Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Steven Stucky’s August 4, 1964 – A Day in History received its world premiere in September, followed by the DSO co-commissioned premiere of Bright Sheng’s Harp Concerto featuring Yolanda Kondonassis. Alexander Raskatov’s Violin Concerto will receive its world premiere in April, with DSO Concertmaster Emanuel Borok as soloist. Past major world premieres have included works by Roberto Sierra, Augusta Read Thomas, George Tsontakis, Lowell Liebermann and many more.

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra proudly presented An Evening of Music with Anthony Hopkins & the DSO – A World Premiere Friday, October 17, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets for this event ranged from $35 to $75.

Examiner.com Does Criminal Background Check of Bloggers!

A reader, Star Lawrence, who belongs to a local writers group, reports:

“I got a telephone call from Examiner.com about their blogging work–it wasn’t too switft, blog for clicks sort of. Since I could change my daily health item in about a second and post it, I thought, well, maybe…Then they sent the forms–they wanted to do a criminal background check on writers. It said not a credit check, but there was info on the Fair Credit Reporting Act, so I was dubious on that count, too. We should be checking THEIR criminal records, some of these so-called employers. No way!”

Star Lawrence

http://healthsass.blogspot.com

_______________________________________

Here is a copy of the e-mail Examiner sent to Star in an effort to recruit her:

Hi Star, Thanks for the phone chat, and first of all, congratulations on being approved to be an Examiner!

My name is George Shirk, a regional content editor at Examiner.com. I work with Molly Gilford, the program manager. Together, we’re in charge of getting you all set up with your page and profile. You may have already received an email with the instructions below, but we wanted to reach out to say hi, and welcome you to the team as well.

If you haven’t already done the following, please email the material listed below directly to Molly so she can be sure it gets into the right hands. About the background check: Examiner.com is doing a background check on all Examiners in order to make sure no one writing on the site might use the site for criminal activity.

This is not a check on credit, employment or anything other than criminal stuff. It is attached.

About compensation: We pay .50 per 1,000 page views. We do this through PayPal and you get paid when you hit the minimum threshold. This site is scaled to get very big, so we expect traffic to be excellent as we grow. Having said that, we’d like you to do two things to get you started:

1. Smile for the camera! If you;ve taken a look at the Examiners on the site, you’ll see that they all have a photo of themselves on their page. Please make sure it is horizontal/ landscape as opposed to portrait. If you send a close up which is vertical, when we go to crop, we end up having to take off some of the top of your head, or your chin (so that’s why we specify wider than it is tall. Just so you know, it ends up being 90 pixels wide by 75 pixels tall. We will resize the photo for you, just please send it as an attachment and not embedded in the email.

2. We also would like to have a bio of 35 words or less (right in the body of the email is preferable, as opposed to an attachment, but either will work). This bio will be placed next to your picture and will tell readers who you are and what you talk about on your page.

There’s really no reason to tell people where you went to school or your whole life story, a simple statement of your experience and your topic will work fine, but do make sure to give readers a sense that you are credible. Here are examples of a bad bio and the same bio done the right way:

a. John Johnson attended The University of Texas at Austin from 1982-1986 and got a BA in Fine Arts. He went on to get his Masters in Film from NYU in 1989. He has loved film since he was a child when he first saw ‘Gone With The Wind’ on NBC over Thanksgiving. Now, he has a successful film studio and makes a living critiquing films for publications like The New York Times, US Weekly, and Newsweek. Come along with John as he takes you on a ride through the American cinematic landscape.

b. John Johnson loved film from on early age, so much so that he got a Masters degree in the topic. Now, he works in the film industry and writes reviews for major publications. When it comes to movies, John’s your go-to guy. Also attached is a background form that we use to check criminal background (make sure you check “no” to any other questions on the form. The form goes directly to Molly, so don’t worry about safety in sending it. She is very careful and keeps them locked away at all times. You can print it out, fill it in, sign it and then either scan it and email it to her at mgilford@examiner.com, or if you prefer, you can fax it to 303-299-1505.

The fax comes directly to her desk, so there is no need for a cover sheet. If you have already sent it, please ignore this portion of the email.

Again, congratulations! We are all very excited to have you as a new examiner and we’re eager to get you up and running as soon as possible. As soon as we can get you up and live on the site, the better. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or Molly.

Her email address is mgilford@examiner.com, and my own contact information is below.

george

George Shirk | Content Director Examiner.com/ San Francisco

gshirk@examiner.com 760-965-4268 (Skype)

Yahoo IM: george.hawkeye52

——————————————————————————————–

Here is a copy of the credit report that Examiner asked to do on Star:

Consent to Procure Consumer Report

Notice of Intent to Procure Consumer Report (Background Check)

 

Pursuant to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. Section 1681

procedure for employment, promotion or retention, we may obtain and review consumer report(s) and/or investigative consumer

report(s) for employment purposes concerning you (Background Check). These report(s) will be obtained through the following

Consumer Reporting Agency:

Louisiana driving history records (DMV/MVR) will be obtained through ADR (American Driving Records). You have the right to

make a written request, within a reasonable period of time after receiving this notice, for additional disclosures as to the nature and

scope of any consumer report(s) we obtain. You are also entitled to receive a copy of the Federal Trade Commission’s

publication, “A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act” which you will find attached to this document.

You may have additional rights under state law.

et seq., this notice is to inform you that as part of our evaluationFrasco® Profiles, 215 W. Alameda Avenue, Burbank, CA, 91502; Phone: (800) 820-9029.

Authorization to Conduct Background Check:

 

By signing below, I authorize Frasco

results to the employer named below. I understand this report may contain information as to my character, general reputation,

personal characteristics, or mode of living, such as my work habits, work performance and experience, reasons for discipline or

termination from any current or prior employment, history of earnings, credit worthiness, credit standing or credit capacity,

criminal history, civil history, driving history, and other related matters that may concern my eligibility for the position or

promotion I am seeking. Frasco® Profiles will not provide any information where such disclosure is restricted by federal or state

law.

By signing below, I authorize any present or past employer, supervisor or agent of the employer; high school, college, university or

other institution of learning; local, state or federal court; department of motor vehicles, military branch or the national personnel

records center; state sex offender registry, state licensing board, state workers’ compensation agency, credit bureau, personal or

professional reference; to release records or information to Frasco

history, social security number, earnings history, credit file, address history, educational history, character, reputation, and

employment (including documented reasons for termination or discipline) and release such from any and all liability for any

damage that may result from the furnishing of this information. This authorization shall be valid in original, faxed or photocopied

form. This authorization shall expire upon termination of my employment with the employer named below.

® Profiles, to conduct an employment-related free background check on me and to provide the® Profiles concerning my name, criminal history, motor vehicle

Report to be Released to: THE ANSCHUTZ CORPORATION & EXAMINER

Applicant Name:

Any other Names used for Employment or Education:

Applicant Address:

Social Security Number: Date of Birth:

Driver’s License Number: State:

May we contact your current employer?

Signature: Date:

? YES ? NO ? Not Currently Employed

* I understand that if the above named employer requests a copy of my consumer report for employment purposes, I have the right

under

understand that by checking “yes” below, a copy will be provided to me at the address I provided above.

receive a copy of my consumer report (background check) (CA, MN, OK only) ? Yes ? No

215 W. Alameda Ave.

Burbank, CA 91505

(800) 820-9029

www.frascoprofiles.com

 

Para informacion en espanol, visite www.ftc.gov/credit o escribe a la FTC Consumer Response Center, Room 130-A 600

Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. , Washington, D.C. 20580.

 

A Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act

The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) promotes the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of information in the files

of consumer reporting agencies. There are many types of consumer reporting agencies, including credit bureaus and specialty

agencies (such as agencies that sell information about check writing histories, medical records, and rental history records).

Here is a summary of your major rights under the FCRA.

rights, go to www.ftc.gov/credit or write to: Consumer Response Center, Room 130-A, Federal Trade Commission, 600

Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580.

For more information, including information about additional

?

type of consumer report to deny your application for credit, insurance, or employment – or to take another adverse action

against you – must tell you, and must give you the name, address, and phone number of the agency that provided the

information.

You must be told if information in your file has been used against you. Anyone who uses a credit report or another

?

a consumer reporting agency (your “file disclosure”). You will be required to provide proper identification, which may

include your Social Security number. In many cases, the disclosure will be free. You are entitled to a free file disclosure if:

You have the right to know what is in your file. You may request and obtain all the information about you in the files of

?

a person has taken adverse action against you because of information in your credit report;

?

you are the victim of identity theft and place a fraud alert in your file;

?

your file contains inaccurate information as a result of fraud;

?

you are on public assistance;

?

In addition, by September 2005 all consumers will be entitled to one free disclosure every 12 months upon request from

each nationwide credit bureau and from nationwide specialty consumer reporting agencies. See www.ftc.gov/credit for

additional information.

you are unemployed but expect to apply for employment within 60 days.

?

information from credit bureaus. You may request a credit score from consumer reporting agencies that create scores or

distribute scores used in residential real property loans, but you will have to pay for it. In some mortgage transactions, you

will receive credit score information for free from the mortgage lender.

You have the right to ask for a credit score. Credit scores are numerical summaries of your credit-worthiness based on

?

incomplete or inaccurate, and report it to the consumer reporting agency, the agency must investigate unless your dispute is

frivolous. See www.ftc.gov/credit for an explanation of dispute procedures.

You have the right to dispute incomplete or inaccurate information. If you identify information in your file that is

?

incomplete or unverifiable information must be removed or corrected, usually within 30 days. However, a consumer

reporting agency may continue to report information it has verified as accurate.

Consumer reporting agencies must correct or delete inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information. Inaccurate,

?

agency may not report negative information that is more than seven years old, or bankruptcies that are more than 10 years

old.

Consumer reporting agencies may not report outdated negative information. In most cases, a consumer reporting

?

valid need – usually to consider an application with a creditor, insurer, employer, landlord, or other business. The FCRA

specifies those with a valid need for access.

Access to your file is limited. A consumer reporting agency may provide information about you only to people with a

?

information about you to your employer, or a potential employer, without your written consent given to the employer.

Written consent generally is not required in the trucking industry. For more information, go to www.ftc.gov/credit.

You must give your consent for reports to be provided to employers. A consumer reporting agency may not give out

?

You may limit “prescreened” offers of credit and insurance you get based on information in your credit report.

Unsolicited “prescreened” offers for credit and insurance must include a toll-free phone number you can call if you choose

to remove your name and address from the lists these offers are based on. You may opt-out with the nationwide credit

bureaus at 1-888-567-8688.

?

a furnisher of information to a consumer reporting agency violates the FCRA, you may be able to sue in state or federal

court.

You may seek damages from violators. If a consumer reporting agency, or, in some cases, a user of consumer reports or

?

www.ftc.gov/credit.

Identity theft victims and active duty military personnel have additional rights. For more information, visit

States may enforce the FCRA, and many states have their own consumer reporting laws. In some cases, you may have

more rights under state law. For more informat
on, contact your state or local consumer protection agency or your

state Attorney General. Federal enforcers are:

TYPE OF BUSINESS: CONTACT:

Consumer reporting agencies, creditors and others not listed below Federal Trade Commission: Consumer Response Center – FCRA

Washington, DC 20580 1-877-382-4357

National banks, federal branches/agencies of foreign banks (word

“National” or initials “N.A.” appear in or after bank’s name)

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

Compliance Management, Mail Stop 6-6

Washington, DC 20219 1-800-613-6743

Federal Reserve System member banks (except national banks, and

federal branches/agencies of foreign banks)

Federal Reserve Board

Division of Consumer & Community Affairs

Washington, DC 20551 1-202-452-3693

Savings associations and federally chartered savings banks (word

“Federal” or initials “F.S.B.” appear in federal institution’s name)

Office of Thrift Supervision

Consumer Complaints

Washington, DC 20552 1-800-842-6929

Federal credit unions (words “Federal Credit Union” appear in

institution’s name)

National Credit Union Administration

1775 Duke Street

Alexandria, VA 22314 1-703-519-4600

State-chartered banks that are not members of the Federal Reserve

System

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

Consumer Response Center, 2345 Grand Avenue, Suite 100

Kansas City, Missouri 64108-2638 1-877-275-3342

Air, surface, or rail common carriers regulated by former Civil

Aeronautics Board or Interstate Commerce Commission

Department of Transportation, Office of Financial Management

Washington, DC 20590 1-202-366-1306

Activities subject to the Packers and Stockyards Act, 1921 Department of Agriculture

Office of Deputy Administrator – GIPSA

Washington, DC 20250 1-202-720-7051

 

 

 

California, Minnesota, and Oklahoma law to receive a copy of that consumer report from the employer free of charge. II would like to

 

AUTHORIZATION TO CONDUCT BACKGROUND CHECK