Author Archives: Chuck Gregory

4,000 Athletes to Compete This Weekend in the Philadelphia Triathlon

More than 4,000 athletes from 27 states will swim, bike and run their way through Fairmount Park this weekend as the city welcomes back one of the top ranked multi-sport events in the country — The Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon presented by Suzuki.

Taking place June 20-22, The Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon has staked its claim as a premier triathlon. Held on the Schuylkill River and throughout Fairmount Park, the race was named a top-five triathlon in the United States by Outside Magazine last year and was lauded as one of the top big city triathlons in the January 2008 issue of Inside Triathlon Magazine. Founded in 2005, the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon has grown from a one day event into a triathlon festival weekend with three days of competition and activities.

The first day of racing is Saturday when 1,500 athletes will compete in the Sprint distance triathlon (.9K swim, 24K bike and 5K run) and 100 children will take part in the Kids Fun Run and Kids Duathlon. The main event takes place on Sunday when 2,500 professional athletes and age-groupers compete in the Olympic distance race (1.5K swim, 40K bike and 10K run). There is a $13,500 prize purse for the Olympic Distance Race. The event expo, located on Smith Memorial Field next to Memorial Hall in West Fairmount Park, runs from Friday through Sunday.

Sunday’s Olympic Race will also serve as the USA Triathlon Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship. Participants in this race are eligible to qualify for the 2008 USA Triathlon National Age Group Championship. The top 33% or top 5 finishers (whichever is greater) in each age group will qualify for the National Age Group Championship.

“We are thrilled to welcome more than 4,000 athletes and thousands of spectators to town this weekend for the Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon presented by Suzuki,” said Lars Beck, Race Director. “Thanks to the tremendous support of the city, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, Suzuki, and all of our sponsors, this event has grown into one of the premier triathlon events in the country. Additionally, it’s a great honor to serve as the USA Triathlon Mid-Atlantic Regional Championship and we look forward to hosting some of the top age-groupers and pros on our challenging and beautiful course in Fairmount Park!”

Returning for the third year as the event’s Title Sponsor is Philadelphia Insurance Companies online as Car insurance toronto and others.

“Philadelphia Insurance Companies is proud to once again sponsor one of the top triathlons in the U.S.,” said James J. Maguire, Jr., President and CEO, Philadelphia Insurance Companies. “We have been a partner in the event’s growth over the last few years and seeing the passion and dedication of the more than 4,000 athletes makes us very proud to host this world-class event here in our hometown.”

Joining the sponsor ranks this year is Suzuki Auto who has signed a multi-year commitment to become presenting sponsor of the event.

Top professionals will once again compete in the Olympic distance race on Sunday including Rebeccah Wassner, winner of the 2007 women’s race and David Thompson, winner of the 2006 Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon. The professional wave will start at 6:55 A.M. on Sunday.

The official charity of the 2008 Philadelphia Insurance Triathlon is the Cancer Center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training® will also serve as a charitable beneficiary of the event. Athletes and teams from around the country will compete in this year’s event to raise money for CHOP and for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

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Pharmacopia's Healing Touch

This handy, go-anywhere zippered vinyl tote gives you petite sizes of five rich healing products. A great way to have Pharmacopia's full range of exquisite aromatherapy scents on hand. It's perfect for moms and babies, travel and carry-on bags.

Set Contains:

  • 2 oz organic Body Wash (citrus)
     
     

  • oz organic Body Lotion (lavender)
     
     

  • oz Body/Massage oil (ginger)
     
     

  • oz Bath Salts (scent will vary)
     
     

    • PLUS single-use pillow packs of:

  • Hand Cream
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    Volunteer Opportunities in DC

    :. Volunteer Opportunities

    Have you been wondering where to go to help others and improve the community we live in? Here are some places where you can help:

    • Miriam's Kitchen
      2401 Virginia Avenue NW
      202-452-8927
      Helps homeless people in the Washington area through breakfast programs to case management programs.

       

    • Capital Area Food Bank
      645 Taylor St. NE
      202-526-5344
      The largest public, non-profit food and nutrition education resource in the D.C. Metro Area.

       

    • Greater DC Cares
      1725 I Street, NW, Suite 200
      202-777-4440
      Bridges community resident's skills, time, and goods with community needs to improve lives and strengthen D.C. region.

       

    • American Hospice Foundation
      2120 L Street, NW, Suite 200
      202-223-0204
      Supports programs that serve the needs of the terminally ill and grieving individuals of all ages.

       

    • National Alliance to End Homelessness
      1518 K Street NW, Suite 206
      202-638-1526
      Its mission is to mobilize the nonprofit, public and private sectors of society in an alliance to end homelessness.

       

    • The National Park Foundation
      11 Dupont Circle NW, Suite 600
      202-238-4200
      Chartered by Congress in 1967, NPF's mission is to raise private support for National Parks, and to build a broad community of people who care about their parks.

       

    • American Red Cross
      2025 E Street, NW
      202-303-4498
       

    :. Donation and Support

    Consider a donation of support through one of these sites:

    • Center for Community Change
      1000 Wisconsin Ave. NW
      202-342-0519
      CCC is committed to reducing poverty and rebuilding low income communities.

       

    • Resources for the Future
      1616 P Street, NW
      202-328-5000
      An independent institute analyzing environmental, energy, and natural resource policies.

       

    • Goodwill of Greater Washington
      It's mission is to educate, train, employ and place people with disadvantages and disabilities, creating a stronger workforce and a more vital community while building dignity for the people we serve through the removal of barriers to personal success.

       

    • Cars4Charities
      An overview of the benefits of donating a car in DC, including links to DC charities represented by cars4charities.

     

    :. Other Volunteering and Charity Resources

    More information about volunteer activities and charity organizations in Washington D.C.:

    • dosomething.org
      – a volunteer network. Type in your zipcode and find many ways you can help in the DC area.
       

    • KSD Partners
      An international fundraising and management consulting firm committed to helping non-profit organizations achieve their development goals.
      Clients | Approach | Resources
       

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    Healthy Product Placements

    Pharmacopia’s celebrity fans list is steadily growing. Recently, they’ve received orders from Tatum O’Neill and Sandra Bernhardt. New and expecting moms Heidi Klum, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jenna Elfman, Marcia Cross, Bridget Moynahan and Tori Spelling are using Pharmacopia products as they focused on clean and safe products during pregnancy as Capsules of Kratom that are clean and healthy.

    Alicia Silverstone, a vegan, and PETA activist, is a long time fan, and Amy Smart, a big supporter of organics and sustainable living is a loyal customer of HMB supplement.

    Other Pharmacopia celebrity fans include:

    Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu, who used our products on the set of Charlie’s Angel’s.

    Marisa Tomei, Shirly Jones and Julia Roberts, who picked up oils and hand creams at the Academy Awards.

    Our decorative packaging has won us placement on the sets of several shows and movies as well, including:

    Stepford Wives: in a day-at-the-spa scene with Nicole Kidman, Glenn Close and Bette Midler.

    Sex and the City: Pharmacopia products were prominently displayed in Miranda’s medicine cabinet in an episode in season six.

    On NBC's hit comedy “Will & Grace.” Our Body Lotion, Bath Salts and Candles were in their apartment.

    In the psychological thriller “Stay” with Ewan McGregor, Naomi Watts, Bob Hoskins, Ryan Gosling and Janeane Garafalo.

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    Travelzoo North America President C.J. Kettler Steps Down

    Travelzoo (NASDAQ:TZOO), a global Internet media company, today announced that C.J. Kettler has stepped down as president of North America, effective immediately. Shirley Tafoya, Travelzoo's senior vice president of sales, has been named president of North America on an interim basis.

    “We thank C.J. for her leadership over the past seven months as we look forward to accelerating execution of the company's strategy,” said Ralph Bartel, chairman and chief executive officer, Travelzoo.

    The company will begin a search for a new North America president immediately. Tafoya, who joined Travelzoo in 2001, will also retain her senior vice president of sales responsibilities. The company does not expect to make any additional structural changes or executive leadership changes at this time.

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    Dems Have Party Planner Now Blogging in Denver

    After a long day rubbing elbows with pundits and politicos, where can a hungry Democrat (especially one that didn’t think to make reservations a month ago!) go for relaxed conversation, cool vibes and a taste of the Denver nightlife?

    Forget the concierge and forget the Yellow Pages. THE place to get connected in the Mile High City during the Democratic National Convention is “DNC After Dark,” a new blog created by Metzger Associates that helps visitors maneuver and take full advantage of Denver – whether it’s dinner reservations, recommendations for the coolest music venues or event planning for intimate groups – during the DNC weekend (Aug. 25-28).

    From the best coffee shops with speedy Wi-Fi or the best bars with micro-brewed beers and speedy Wi-Fi; to below-ground martini bars and rooftop patios with killer views of the Rockies; to the only place in town that serves Rocky Mountain rainbow trout and free-range buffalo prime rib, “DNC After Dark” gives a “locals-only” perspective that will show a side of Denver few out-of-towners, regardless of political persuasion, ever get to see.

    With more than 10 years of experience in event planning and management, Denise Smith is heading up Metzger Associates’ new strategic events planning practice and is managing the “DNC After Dark” blog, and if you want to Rent a house for a party he has the best recommendations for you. Not only can visitors get her expert take on the out-of-the-way places only a local would know, Smith is available to help set up special dinners or events.

    While the convention presents an obvious financial opportunity for many businesses, actually reaching potential customers through advertising or marketing is more than cost prohibitive for most (some sites are charging up to $10,000). “DNC After Dark,” on the other hand, will offer the 35,000 delegates, politicians, media and political enthusiasts descending on Denver a free guide to the city’s myriad of cultural attractions, restaurants, bars and more. And while the mainstay eateries, hotels and entertainment venues of downtown Denver have been booked-out well in advance, the option to check out some of the Mile High City’s best kept secrets and hidden treasures is ripe for the picking.

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    Sin City About To Go Dark

    Sin City is about to go dark. In another bold move from the world's most iconic vodka, ABSOLUT(R) is encouraging consumers and bar/nightclub owners to save energy through a series of “Lights Out” parties, kicking off in Las Vegas this weekend in celebration of its ABSOLUT Global Cooling(TM) campaign. Borne from the brand's “In An ABSOLUT World” advertising campaign, ABSOLUT Global Cooling(TM) encourages consumers to reduce the effects of global warming by offering simple steps they can implement in their daily lives.

    Lights Out Las Vegas

    On June 21, the eve of summer solstice, ABSOLUT Vodka and Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino will turn off the lights at approximately 9:30 pm for 60 seconds during the Outernational Music Festival featuring Gnarls Barkley, Thievery Corporation and special guest Bebel Gilberto. Thievery Corporation will enact the first “Lights Out” moment on stage, as both towers and all marquees at Mandalay Bay, including all concert lights, shut down for one minute. Kicking off a series of “Lights Out” bar promotions across the country, Lights Out Las Vegas is a symbolic gesture to call attention to the vision that “In An ABSOLUT World” — if every consumer committed to turning off their lights, the effects of global warming could be reduced and the planet would literally be a cooler place.

    “There is no better place than Las Vegas to see what could happen when the lights go out, and the Outernational Music Festival is the perfect forum for this symbolic gesture as we bring together two great musical acts, one of the biggest and best properties in Sin City and thousands of the coolest partygoers on the planet,” said Ian Crystal, Brand Director, ABSOLUT Spirits Company, Inc. “With many 'Lights Out' events to follow, ABSOLUT Vodka is taking the lead in the spirits industry to communicate environmental responsibility to consumers, which will hopefully inspire them to make simple changes in their daily lives.”

    To help Las Vegas cool down, ABSOLUT is hosting a series of eco-friendly activities over the weekend:

    — ABSOLUT Global Cooling(TM) -branded Prius hybrid cars will offer safe, eco-friendly and complimentary rides to Mandalay Bay guests on June 21 following the concert.

    — “Make a Statement” photo stations will be set up at the concert for guests to pledge their commitment to the environment and get a Global Cooling photo to commemorate this special night in Las Vegas.

    — Live Earth, a partner in the Global Cooling initiative, will screen a series of short films during the concert's music breaks.

    Lights Out On-Premise Promotions

    Following Lights Out Las Vegas, ABSOLUT will continue its series of “Lights Out” parties in bars and nightclubs across the country from July through September. At these events, ABSOLUT will invite consumers to take an active role in their commitment to the environment by seeing first hand how alternative sources of energy can turn the lights out on global warming.

    By visiting the Global Cooling stations during the bar promotions, consumers can compete to produce energy through human-powered generators and bicycles. At the end of the evening, ABSOLUT will turn the lights off at each participating venue for five minutes, which will reveal to bar patrons if they have generated enough “heat” to keep the party going. If enough energy is created, a six-foot replica of an ABSOLUT bottle will be fully lit — demonstrating their “cool” contribution to the lights out initiative.

    Every Sip Makes a Statement

    Part of the ABSOLUT Global Cooling campaign is the year-long “Every Sip Makes a Statement” promotion. The program encourages consumers at all touch points to get involved in Global Cooling by registering their ABSOLUT bottle or cocktail codes at www.absolut.com/GlobalCooling, where they have the opportunity to activate their eco-donation to one of three eco-charity partners. The charities selected were based on their creative solutions to making the Earth a “cooler place” and include the Environmental Media Association*, The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation(TM)* and The Ocean Foundation(TM)*. Throughout 2008, ABSOLUT will donate up to $500,000 to support these Global Cooling initiatives.

    An ABSOLUT Approach to the Climate Crisis

    ABSOLUT Vodka is the first company in the spirits industry to introduce carbon offsetting as part of its environmental work, and since 2003, has reduced its carbon dioxide emissions by 60 percent (per liter vodka). Today, ABSOLUT has one of the world's most energy efficient distilleries, decreasing its use of energy by 30 percent through a very high level of energy recovery and reducing its use of fossil fuel.

    Every bottle of ABSOLUT VODKA is made of 100 percent concept cultivated wheat, which minimizes nitrogen leaching and reduces use of chemical pesticides. ABSOLUT strives to optimize its use of natural resources, and to choose eco-friendly alternatives as much as possible. As an example, the ABSOLUT bottle is made of 43 percent recycled glass. ABSOLUT is determined to continuously reduce packaging, increase the re-use of transport packaging and improve waste separation at source, and to find a market for waste products.

    For more information on ABSOLUT Global Cooling(TM), please visit www.absolut.com/GlobalCooling

    About The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc.

    An official partner of Live Earth, The Absolut Spirits Company, Inc., a subsidiary of V&S Group, produces and markets ABSOLUT(R) VODKA, Level (TM) Vodka, FRIS(R) Vodka, Plymouth(TM) Gin and Cruzan(R) Rum. The Absolut Spirits Company focuses on reducing the impact on climate change, sustainable agriculture and optimizing use of natural resources as mandated by V&S Group. To view details on the company's efforts to combat global warming, visit www.vsgroup.com and click on “Corporate Responsibility/Environment.”

    About Live Earth

    Based in Los Angeles, Live Earth is an organization that seeks to leverage the power of music and integrated entertainment to combat climate change. On July 7, 2007, Live Earth held the largest global entertainment event in history, staging simultaneous concerts in New York, London, Sydney, Tokyo, Shanghai, Rio de Janeiro, Johannesburg and Hamburg, as well as special broadcast events in Antarctica, Kyoto and Washington, DC. The day featured more than 150 musical acts — a mix of legendary artists like The Police, Genesis, Bon Jovi and Madonna with the latest headliners like Kanye West, Kelly Clarkson, Black Eyed Peas and Jack Johnson. Through TV, radio and the Internet, the concert reached an estimated two billion people.

    Live Earth's 24 hours of music across seven continents delivered a worldwide call to action and the solutions necessary to answer that call. With this maiden event, Live Earth has launched a multi-year campaign to drive individuals, corporations and governments to take action to solve the climate crisis. Live Earth is partnered with former Vice President and recent Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore and his Alliance for Climate Protection. Live Earth was founded by Kevin Wall, CEO of Control Room, the company that produced the concerts globally. For more information, please visit www.LiveEarth.org

    *Please contact Sarah Bessette or Zlata Faerman for more information about the ABSOLUT Global Cooling(TM) charity partners and how the donations will be used. For more information on the eco-charities, please see Addendum A (attached).

    ADDENDUM A
    BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON GLOBAL COOLING CHARITIES

    The ABSOLUT Global Cooling(TM) charities include:

    — The Environmental Media Association – Linking the power of celebrity to environmental awareness, EMA believes that through television, film and music, the entertainment community can affect change in a positive way. To reduce the number of plastic bags discarded into the environment, ABSOLUT is partnering with EMA to create stylish, reusable tote bags and inspire the use of tote bags for all shopping. These limited bags, designed by celebrities, will be available free of charge nationwide beginning in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Austin and San Francisco. For more information, visit www.ema-online.org

    — The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation(TM) – The FTPF is dedicated to planting edible, fruitful trees and plants to benefit needy populations and improve the surrounding air, soil, and water. In order to help directly offset carbon dioxide emissions, ABSOLUT is partnering with FTPF to plant fruit tree groves called “ABSOLUT Global Cooling Zones” in metropolitan areas with an emphasis towards those locations devastated by natural disasters. For more information, visit www.ftpf.org

    — The Ocean Foundation(TM) – The Ocean Foundation's mission is to support, strengthen and promote those organizations dedicated to reversing the trend of destruction of ocean environments around the world. Similar to planting trees on land, planting seagrass beds will help increase the rate at which near-shore coastal shelves sequester carbon from the atmosphere. Proceeds from ABSOLUT will go towards replanting coastal seagrass beds near Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami and Boston. For more information, visit www.oceanfdn.org

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    Elton John's 200th Performance of 'The Red Piano'

    Elton John will once again thrill fans as he takes the stage for his show stopping, 200th performance of “The Red Piano” on June 21st at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas.

    Elton John's “The Red Piano” debuted at the famed Colosseum in February of 2004 and critics were as one in their admiration and excitement for his performance.

    “A must see.” “A Triumphant step forward” – Los Angeles Times

    “Eye-popping, jaw-dropping…Elton John is Still Standing as one of pop's
    indestructible talents.” – USA Today

    “Most exciting show in Las Vegas 2004” – Las Vegas Review-Journal

    “Elton John remains one of the world's genuine superstars” – London Telegraph

    “People from virtually every major country have traveled to Caesars to see Elton John's 'The Red Piano,' and long after the standing ovations have ended, they leave us with treasured memories of one of the great performer/songwriters of this or any era,” said Gary Selesner, president of the famed resort. “We are deeply grateful to Elton and his talented band for giving so much joy to hundreds of thousands of Caesars Palace guests.”

    Elton John's “The Red Piano” will return to Caesars Palace for additional engagements, starting on July 23rd and then again beginning Oct. 22nd of this year. Later this year, fans in Europe will also have the opportunity to experience “The Red Piano”.

    19-Nov-08 Birmingham NIA, Birmingham, England, UK
    22-Nov-08 Olympiahalle, Munich, Germany
    24-Nov-08 Color Line Arena, Hamburg, Germany
    26-Nov-08 Kolnarena, Cologne, Germany
    29-Nov-08 Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark
    01-Dec-08 Hartwall-Areena, Helsinki, Finland
    04-Dec-08 Globe Arena, Stockholm, Sweden
    05-Dec-08 Spektrum, Oslo, Norway
    09-Dec-08 Palais Omnisports Bercy, Paris, France
    11-Dec-08 02 World, Berlin, Germany
    13-Dec-08 02 Arena, London, England, UK
    16-Dec-08 Birmingham NIA, Birmingham, England, UK
    17-Dec-08 Liverpool Echo Arena, Liverpool, England, UK
    18-Dec-08 Liverpool Echo Arena, Liverpool, England, UK
    20-Dec-08 Manchester MEN Arena, Manchester, England, UK
    21-Dec-08 Manchester MEN Arena, Manchester, England, UK

    For new photos of Elton John's “The Red Piano” please visit http://www.yardnet.co.uk/presspix2008z64.

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    Michelle Obama Dress Style Makes News Once Again

    Michelle Obama, wife of Senator Barack Obama, wore White House | Black Market's Tank Leaf Print Dress on ABC's The View! When complimented by her co-hosts on her look, Ms. Obama responds by telling viewers where she bought the dress and says, "It's fun to look pretty." White House | Black Market's Tank Leaf Print Dress (retail: 8) is available at White House | Black Market stores nationwide or by calling 1.877.948.2525.

    White House | Black Market offers an assortment of stylish, yet affordable clothing and accessories inspired by the latest trends. From wearable classics to sexy, elegant looks for a special night out, to casual separates perfect for any vacation, women trust the versatility of the collection.

    White House | Black Market's motto, "Make Women Feel Beautiful," extends to every aspect of the company's operation; from the design of the clothing, to the elegant layout of the stores, to its commitment to superior customer service. When a customer walks into a White House | Black Market boutique, she feels as though she's in an intimate, upscale boutique whose first-class service reflects that sensibility.

    White House | Black Market operates 322 boutiques and 19 outlets nationwide. White House | Black Market was acquired by Chico's FAS, Inc. (NYSE:CHS) in September of 2003. The headquarters is located in Ft. Myers, Florida.

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    Smoothies in the Sun

    Sun Shower’s™ Superfood Fruit ‘N Yogurt Smoothies

    With approximately 100 calories in an eight ounce serving, Sun Shower’s™ Fruit ‘N Yogurt Smoothies come in four tantalizing flavors: Strawberry Banana, Berry Blast, Orange Passion and Piña Colada. Both delicious and nutritious, they are fortified with Lifeguard™ Protection, 15 essential, vitamins, minerals and electrolytes, including:

    Non-fat Yogurt (protein) – Lean source of protein containing no saturated or trans fat and is low in cholesterol
    Vitamin A (antioxidant) – Helps protect cells against cancer by neutralizing free radicals.
    Vitamin C (antioxidant) – Highly effective at protecting indispensable molecules in the body.
    Vitamin E (antioxidant) – An immunity booster that fights to slow the aging process.
    Calcium (electrolyte) – Builds strong bones and aids in muscle action.
    Vitamin D – Aids in maintaining healthy bones and with absorption of calcium.
    Niacin (B3) – Important for converting calories from protein, fat and carbohydrates into energy.
    Potassium (electrolyte) – Helps kidneys function normally, promotes healthy skin and may help lower blood pressure.
    Magnesium (electrolyte) – Maintains fluid and acid base balance in body.
    Folate (antioxidant) – Folic acid is a key vitamin in cellular function and repair.
    Also contains essential B vitamins (B3, B5, B6 & B12), powerful antioxidants (A, C & E) for increased protection, energy, strength and focus.

    The Sun Shower™ 100% Juice Superfood Smoothie

    The Sun Shower™ all natural 100% juice superfood smoothie line is comprised of five single-minded nutritional benefit driven products, all containing Lifeguard™ Protection.

    1. Stamina (Fruit Smoothie-Grape Apple) – Fights fatigue and enhances energy. Charged with electrolytes and powerful antioxidant vitamins A, C, & E. Fortified with 20-plus essential vitamins, nutrients, amino acids, electrolytes and herbs. Grab a few G’s and soar through life healthy™.

    2. Strength (Protein Smoothie-Orange Crème) – Fuels and repairs muscles, it also relaxes your body making it feel lighter. This powerhouse is packed with 30 grams of protein per 12 oz bottle and contains essential amino acids to help keep your body moving. Fortified with 15-plus essential vitamins, nutrients, amino acids, electrolytes and herbs. Healthy meal in a bottle™.

    3. Revitalize (Fruit Smoothie-Apple Kiwi Mango) – Restores balance and essential elements for your body. Boosts immune system and promotes longevity. Charged with electrolytes and fortified with 25-plus essential vitamins, nutrients, amino acids, electrolytes and herbs. Revitalize and live healthy™.

    4. Defense (Fruit & Veggie Smoothie-Berry) – Immunity booster which fights stress and fatigue. Provides increased energy and two servings of fruit and one serving of vegetables in every 12 oz bottle. Fortified with 25-plus customized and essential vitamins, nutrients, amino acids, electrolytes and herbs. Defend your health™.

    5. Heart Healthy (Fruit Smoothie-Tropical Passion) – Contains essential B vitamins and bioflavonoids to promote heart health. Fights stress and fatigue with powerful antioxidant vitamins A, C & E. Fortified with 15-plus customized and essential vitamins, nutrients, amino acids, electrolytes and herbs. Heart healthy for life™.

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    80,000 Steinway to Benefit Operation of Hope

    World-renowned and groundbreaking concert pianist/composer Carter Larsen is selling his piano collection of twenty-five years to benefit the arts and humanities. Inaugurating the sale is his 1876 Steinway, representing the flagship to an unparalleled collection of the world's finest pianos. The 0,000 Steinway will be on display in the Burgundy Room at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel June 23, 2008 and auctioned through eBay, CraigsList, and OperationofHope.org starting tomorrow. The composer will perform pieces created on this piano from his revolutionary Fantasia Suite at 2:00pm.

    Fifteen percent of the proceeds go to Operation of Hope after a birthday wish to change his life, Larsen explains, "I wish to spread the fortune I have received. This is a spiritual decision and my responsibility to humanity." Operation of Hope is an international organization that provides free reconstructive surgeries to individuals in Zimbabwe and Ecuador for the past twenty years. PEOPLE will run an eight-page article on this amazing organization in coming weeks. http://www.operationofhope.org/.

    Larsen's one of a kind, customized, 1876 Victorian Steinway commemorates the centennial of America with a stunning New York Vintage Brazilian Rosewood case in high-gloss, representing the quintessential instrument-a hybrid of romance, fantasy and high-tech German Steinway's Renner-action sound board and strings. The piano was exhibited in the 2003 Namm Show, displayed by Chateau at the Pacific Design Center during 2004 in Los Angeles, and played on by Pierce Brosnan and Sir Anthony Hopkins who came to the composer seeking musical advice. Larsen's Steinway celebrates the 300th anniversary of the piano and the 150th anniversary of Steinway.

    Steinway's artist Carter Larsen says, "This piano goes beyond its credentials. It has been a magical piano inspiring a continuous flow of creativity." Larsen is renowned as a concert pianist in Europe with over four-hundred concerts to his credit; performances include the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and London Symphony Orchestra as soloist with television appearances on BBC and PBS.

    Larsen's pianos also have a legacy of twenty years of composition, writing for the major studios such as Fox, Paramount, PBS, BBC, and Discovery. He has composed music for over thirty prestigious films including Paramount's Star Trek, Nosferatu, Masterpiece Theatre, and the Mark of Zorro. The composer is currently scoring Martin Scorcese's new film, Something to Believe In, directed by Bonnie Palif.

    Larsen is also offering a bonus to the buyer-a private performance of his magnum opus Fantasia Suite, created on his Steinway piano. "Carter Larsen's innovative artistry has universal appeal and promises to set the course for the next wave in contemporary music" says Omega Medina, ten year head of the classical Grammies, who will be present on the 23rd.

    The composer just returned from a sensational tour introducing his music to China's thirty million pianists. "Fantasia Suite is about projecting and reflecting a brighter world," says Larsen whose sale will benefit nonprofits, organizations both nationally and internationally, as well as the arts and humanities. For more information visit http://www.carterlarsen.com/.

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    Memoirs of a Male Model Makes Mayhem

    If you think being a male supermodel is all parties, exotic locations and flings with the female of his species, you're right. At least it was for Bruce Hulse.

    The face of Calvin Klein and Gillette during the '80s and '90s dishes on his sexcapades with Elle Macpherson, Andie MacDowell and Paulina Porizkova, among others, in his book “Sex, Love and Fashion: A Memoir of a Male Model.”

    The sensitive, spiritual, six-pack-sporting hunk admits he was “smitten” with the “self-effacing and genuine” MacDowell while on a shoot in Greece. Putting the moves on the “Four Weddings and a Funeral” actress in his sparse hotel room, he gallantly tossed his T-shirt over a lamp to “create ambience.” The mood was ruined when the place nearly caught fire.

    And how many men have shot down Elle, “The Bod”? Hulse found Macpherson “rather boyish in her manner and extremely open, with an incredible sense of humor – a real guy's girl.” Alas, Hulse was getting over a breakup with another model. He gave the Aussie glamazon the vintage “It's not you, it's me” line.

    “No worries Brucie, let's just be friends then,” she said.

    Porizkova wasn't so instantly warm and fuzzy, requiring a candlelight dinner in Paris before giving what Hulse claims was the ride of his life.

    “It was like a professional wrestling match,” he tattles. “I'd never had such energetic, wild sex with anyone before.”

    But one woman Hulse swears he never bedded was Janice Dickinson. “She had a negative aura,” he says of the loudmouthed model. “It was unsettling.” Maybe for you, but she makes a great reality show.

    And Hulse may be one of the few fans Naomi Campbell has left. He describes her as a “young, sweet, lovely English girl,” insisting that her diva attitude is just an act to help her get through modeling with her sanity intact.

    Hey Bruce, if mugging for the camera doesn't pay the bills, you could always be a publicist!

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