Author Archives: Chuck Gregory

Wines from Spain Event Heads to NYC

The 15th annual Great Match:
Wine and Tapas

Preview more than 200 wines produced from versatile Spanish varietals, representing many of Spain’s 67 denominations of origin. These comprehensive afternoon tastings, open exclusively to wine and food professionals and press, will give you a first-hand taste of the latest releases from Spain.

New York will have an additional evening consumer event, featuring ten chefs preparing a menu of ‘tapas’ paired with more than 300 Spanish wines. Tickets will be sold starting August 1st.

Click the City to Make Your Complimentary Reservation

SPRING EVENTS:

FALL EVENTS:

Scottsdale

Monday, May19
Sanctuary
Camelback Mt. Resort & Spa
5700 E McDonald Dr
Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
Seminar:  12noon–1:00pm
Main Tasting:  1:30–6:00 pm
GET MAP

Las Vegas

Thursday, May 22
The Stirling Club
2827 Paradise Road
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Seminar:  12:30 – 1:30 pm
Main Tasting:  1:30 – 6:00 pm
GET MAP

Dallas
Thursday, October 2
Old Red Museum
100 South Houston Street,
Dallas, TX 75202
Seminar:  12:30 – 1:30 pm
Main Tasting:  1:30 – 5:30 pm
GET MAP

New York
Tuesday, October 7 Metropolitan Pavilion
125 West 18 Street,
New York, NY 10011
Trade: 1:00 – 5:00 pm
Consumer: 6:00 – 8:30 pm
GET MAP

Orlando
Friday, October 24
World Showplace at Epcot
Orlando, FL
Trade: 11:00 – 2:30 pm
Consumer: 6:30 – 9:00 pm
GET MAP

About the Great Match

Media Information

Exhibitors Information &
Registration Forms

Contact Us

Links:
• Wines from Spain USA
• Wines from Spain
• Spanish Wine Cellar
• Spain Business
• ICEX

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Did President Bush's Stimulus Checks Create 'Shock and Awe' in The Porn Industry?

An unforeseen and surprising beneficiary of the Economic Stimulus Plan, a plan that George Bush contends will "boost our economy and encourage job creation," has surfaced this week. An independent market-research firm, AIMRCo (Adult Internet Market Research Company), has discovered that many websites focused on adult or erotic material have experienced an upswing in sales in the recent weeks since checks have appeared in millions of Americans' mailboxes across the country.

According to Kirk Mishkin, Head Research Consultant for AIMRCo, "Many of the sites we surveyed have reported 20-30% growth in membership rates since mid-May when the checks were first sent out, and typically the summer is a slow period for this market."

Jillian Fox, spokeswoman for LSGmodels.com, one of the sites reporting figures to AIMRCo, added, "In a June 15, 2008 survey to our members, thirty two percent of respondents referenced the recent stimulus package as part of their decision to either become a new member, or renew an existing membership."

The economic stimulus plan, which includes a check for up to 0 for individuals and 00 for married couples (among other benefits), is the product of an agreement between House leaders and the Bush Administration, focused on reviving a struggling economy in the wake of a flagging economy.

Fox also added, "Getting more people to buy porn was probably the last thing Bush had on his mind when he came up with his 'stimulus package,' but we'll take it." 
 

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Largest Gathering of World-Renown Artists Ever to Visit Detroit

Park West(R), the largest art gallery conducting fine art auctions on more than 85 cruise ships and auctions at sea in other locations throughout the world ranging from Venice, Italy, to St. Petersburg, Russia, marks its 40th anniversary this July by bringing more than 40 artists to Detroit in celebration of "40 Years of Art and Art History."
 

In 1969, Park West(R) Founder Albert Scaglione left his career as an assistant professor of mechanical engineering sciences at Wayne State University working with NASA and others and started his own fine art gallery. In the early 70's, Scaglione developed very close relationships with artists Yaacov Agam, Peter Max and Victor Vasarely, the estate of M.C. Escher, and directly with the major dealers who represented Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Joan Miro and Salvador Dali and launched a new way to introduce their art to a much larger segment of the American public.
 

As Park West(R) developed, its range of artists included Itzchak Tarkay, Norman Rockwell, Romero Britto, Marcel Mouly, and many others from all four corners of the globe. Today its range includes South African realist painter, Andrew Bone who paints in the Bush of Africa, British artist Simon Bull whose last project has been painting the life of Muhammad Ali, to American photo- realist painter Scott Jacobs who is licensed by the estates of Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe and is an official licensed artist for Harley Davidson(TM). The works of the Park West(R) artists have been exhibited in literally hundreds of museums and universities worldwide.
 

Since its establishment, by working directly with the artists, Park West(R) has provided fine artwork with a high level of dynamic creativity and quality to more than 1.2 million clients in more than 70 countries around the world and helped launch the careers of hundreds of artists. From its humble beginnings in a storefront in Southfield, Mich., it has now become the world's largest dealer of fine art selling more original artworks than any other gallery or company.
 

Park West(R) employs more than 20 artists from the local metro Detroit area as art restorers and supports artist groups throughout the world. Through its artists and affiliations with universities and organizations, Park West(R) supports young artists throughout the world. Its philosophy is that all artists seriously endeavoring in their work should be encouraged to exhibit their work and have the opportunity to be recognized.
 

In celebration of its 40-year history, more than 40 world renowned artists will be staying at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham, Mich. and convening at Park West's(R) 63,000 square foot gallery in Southfield, Mich. for the July 16th and 17th appearance in the Detroit area. The list is continuing to expand but now includes:
 

— Yaacov Agam — Marc Kanovich — Shan Merry
— Howard Behrens — Thomas Kinkade — David Najar
— Jackie Holland- — Anatole — Peter Nixon
Berkley Krasnyansky — Dominic
— Andrew Bone — Fanch Ledan Pangborn
— Simon Bull — Jay Lewkowitz — Jean-Claude
— Alexander Chen — Charles Lee Picot
— Hua Chen — Linda LeKinff — Giuseppe Pino
— Marcus Glenn — Csaba Markus — Schaefer-Miles
— Alfred Gockel — Marko Mavrovich — Itzchak Tarkay
— Lisa Grubb — Peter Max — Yuval Wolfson
— Scott Jacobs — Igor Medvedev — Tim Yanke

Disney artists: Representatives from Special guests:
— Dave Bossert the Estates of: — Ron Dinicola,
— Toby Bluth representative
— James Coleman — Norman Rockwell of Muhammad
— Harrison Ellenshaw — Pierre Eugene Cambier and Lonnie Ali
— Noah — Marcel Mouly
— David Willardson — Zamy Steynovitz

Photographers: Experts and art historians:
— Ron Agam — Anthony Janson Ph.D.
— Tom Murray — Eleanor Hight Ph.D.
(Beatles — Joseph Jacobs
photographer) — Bernard Ewell A.S.A.
— Caroline Ashleigh A.A.A.

Park West(R) has recently sponsored a project of painting the life of Muhammad Ali with Simon Bull and Peter Max and also is the exclusive representative for all signed objects and photographs of Muhammad Ali on cruise ships worldwide. Mr. Ali will be represented by Ron Dinicola, Esq. President of Muhammad Ali Enterprises.
 

Roy E. Disney, Director Emeritus and Consultant for the Disney Company will give a video presentation and world renowned art experts such as Bernard Ewell A.S.A., the most recognized expert on Salvador Dali, will also be at the celebrations in Southfield and Birmingham, Mich.
 

According to Park West(R) CEO, Scaglione, "Peter Max's work is recognized all around the world and Yaacov Agam arguably has created more monumental works than any other artist in history. Agam is installing a 75 foot by 33 foot sculpture in front of the new Olympic Stadium in Taiwan, China. He is coming directly from meetings there to our Park West(R) event. Simon Bull has been working for the past year-and-a-half on more than one hundred original paintings of Muhammad Ali, four of which were selected by him and are now hanging in his new home in Louisville, Ky. I am truly energized by the agreement from all of these creative, artistic talents to come together in one place at one time so that this book can be created. Louis Postel the editor of the book has been able to retain the writers Anthony Janson Ph.D., co- author of the Janson History of Art, the most widely used art textbook in the world; Eleanor Hight Ph.D. Assistant Professor at the University of New Hampshire; Joseph Jacobs, noted art writer and historian, and many other important art historians and writers will be at the event as the editorial writing team is still being put together."
 
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A Capitol Fourth on PBS Goes for the Gold With a Special Olympic Tribute to Team USA Led By Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton

On July Fourth, there's no place like our nation's capital for America's biggest birthday party. The 28th annual broadcast of A Capitol Fourth, hosted by Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor Jimmy Smits, will feature a special salute to our country's summer Olympians. Gold medal winner Scott Hamilton will lead the tribute to Team USA, honoring past and present Olympians on stage before a crowd of hundreds of thousands live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. A musical tribute from the National Symphony Orchestra with maestro Erich Kunzel will include John Williams' "Olympic Fanfare" and the inspirational song "This is the Moment" performed by Tony Award-winning Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell. Kunzel will also conduct the Cincinnati Pops at the Beijing Olympics this summer, the only American orchestra to perform in this year's Olympic Games. Olympians to be honored during the tribute include: Eli Bremer (Modern Pentathlon); Tim Morehouse (Fencing); Dominic Grazioli (Shooting), Jake Deitchler (Wrestling), Kendrick Farris (Weightlifting), Nancy Rios (Sailing), Bob Malaythong (Badminton) and Jessica Long (2006 Paralympian of the Year). The multi-award winning event will be broadcast in high definition and commercial free on PBS Friday, July 4, 2008 from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET (check local listings), simulcast on National Public Radio and around the world to our troops on the American Forces Network. 

 

"I can't think of a better venue than the U.S. Capitol to honor and pay tribute to my fellow Olympians," said Scott Hamilton. "These athletes represent all of the qualities that have made America so great and it's only fitting that we give Team USA a patriotic send off to Beijing on the 4th of July when we celebrate our nation's birthday!"

 

 

 

The most popular and beloved male figure skating star in the world, Scott Hamilton is also a network TV skating commentator, actor, performer, producer, Emmy Award nominee, best-selling author, role model, humanitarian and philanthropist. As a cancer and brain tumor survivor, he is constantly reminding others that, with fortitude and determination, anything is possible. In 1990, Hamilton was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, adding that achievement to his more than 70 titles, awards and honors. This includes winning four consecutive U.S. Championships (1981-1984), four consecutive World Championships (1981-1984) and the 1984 Olympics. Also in 1990, he became a privileged member of the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame. Scott appears regularly on television. He has recently signed a three year exclusive agreement with NBC Sports to cover all of their skating broadcasts including the upcoming winter Olympics in 2010. This past season, he hosted Fox's reality series Skating with Celebrities. On the big screen, Hamilton recently starred in the mega box office motion picture comedy hit Blades of Glory with Will Ferrell and Jon Heder. An acclaimed author, Hamilton received critical praise for his New York Times best-selling autobiography Landing It (Kensington Books, October 1999), an intimate, candid and insightful look at his professional and personal life on and off the ice. His new inspirational book, The Great Eight, will be published by Thomas Nelson Publishing in January 2009.

 

 

 

A Capitol Fourth will include special performances by Grammy Award-winning musicians Huey Lewis and the News, American Idol winner Taylor Hicks, Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame legend Jerry Lee Lewis, Tony Award-winning Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell, classical superstar Hayley Westenra and American soprano Harolyn Blackwell in performance with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Erich Kunzel.

 

 

 

A Capitol Fourth 2008 is made possible by grants from The Boeing Company, the National Park Service, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Department of the Army, the National Endowment for the Arts, PBS and public television stations nationwide. Air travel is provided by American Airlines.

 

 

ALSO READ: Celebrate July 4th with Uncle Sam-wich.  

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'Pittsburgh's Ultimate Haunt' Returns on Sep. 26th

The ScareHouse is a high-tech haunted attraction utilizing digital technology and Hollywood- quality special effects, props, and prosthetics. Last year's record-breaking production received acclaim from thousands of customers from all across the Tri-State area and was selected for inclusion in a national DVD entitled "America's Best Haunted Houses."
 

This year, The ScareHouse(R) offers three terrifying haunts for just one low price: Hall of Nightmares, Screamatorium, and a brand new attraction: Delirium 3-D!
 

In Delirium 3-D, guests will enter a deranged and demented world filled with color, creatures, and the crazed imagination of a very twisted mind. The 3-D glasses will protect your eyes, but your brain may never be the same! Are you ready for your date with Delirium?
 

It takes nearly ten months of design and construction for The ScareHouse(R) "Scream Team" of artists and producers to turn nightmares into reality. This year's production features a ghoulish assortment of unique and original costumes, music, special effects, and monsters.
 

Meet the Ghost Hunters at The ScareHouse(R)
 

The ScareHouse(R) is also offering a rare chance for local fans to meet three stars from television's top-rated paranormal phenomenon: Ghost Hunters! Steve Gonsalves, Dave Tango, and Kris Williams will meet with fans, sign autographs, and pose for photos on Saturday, October 4th. Tickets and information are available at www.scarehouse.com.
 

The ScareHouse(R) opens for a sneak preview weekend on Friday and Saturday, September 26 and 27. It will be open Thursdays through Sundays from October 2 through November 1. Doors open at 7pm.

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Boston Says Aloha!

aloha! Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) and its much-anticipated new lifestyle brand, aloftsmhotels opens its first New England location in Lexington, MA today, July 1, 2008. Designed to meet the needs of today’s forward-thinking travelers, the hotel will offer 136 rooms, a variety of intuitive technologies and playful public spaces. Located at 727 Marrett Road in Lexington, just off Route 128, aloft Lexington is a unique destination for value-conscious business and leisure travelers craving a sassy, savvy hotel experience.

 

As a Vision of W Hotels, the new-to-market aloft brand is shaking up the lodging industry with urban-influenced design, accessible technology, style and a social atmosphere. aloft Lexington offers a total sensory experience, with guest rooms featuring loft-like nine-foot ceilings and oversized windows to create a bright, airy environment. The centerpiece of the guest room is the ultra-comfortable signature bed, and large stylish bathrooms equipped with vanity units from https://www.bathroomsandmorestore.co.uk/product-category/bathrooms/oak-stone-units/ complement the guest experience with oversized walk-in showers and amenities created by bliss® spa. Each guest loft is also a combination high-tech office and entertainment center, featuring wireless internet access and a one-stop connectivity solution for multiple electronic gadgetry such as PDAs, cell phones, mp3 players and laptops – all linked to a 42” flat panel LCD ready television for optimal sound and viewing.

 

Designed in conjunction with world renowned David Rockwell and the Rockwell Group, aloft stays true to the W Hotel brand’s heritage, offering atmosphericpublicspaces designed to draw guests from their rooms to socialize and make friends. Guests can read the paper, work on their laptops via hotel-wide wireless internet access, play a game of pool or grab a drink with friends at the re:mix communal lobby area and bar w xyzSM. The re:charge fitness center and splash, the indoor pool, give travelers options to de-stress and re-energize; while re:fuel by aloftSM — a one-stop food and beverage area — offers sweet, savory and healthy food, snacks and beverages to grab & go, 24-hours a day.

 

“aloft Lexington will appeal to youthful-minded travelers with its urban flair and social interplay,” said Brian McGuinness, Global Brand Leader of aloft and element hotels. “Alive with the energy of discovery and interaction, aloft will be a perfect match for business and leisure travelers, alike.”

 

“We are thrilled to introduce aloft to the Boston Metro area, as it will bring a combination of sophistication and playfulness to the hotel scene in Lexington and the surrounding Route 128 communities,” said Chris Hartzell, general manager for aloft Lexington. “We feel that aloft, with its innovative, fresh perspective on lodging will provide a welcome alternative for travelers.”

 

aloft Lexington offers 87 king guest rooms and 49 double queen guest rooms at prices that range from $109.00 up. The hotel is taking reservations now. To reserve a room or for more information, visit www.alofthotels.com or call               1.877.GO.ALOFT        (              1.877.462.5638       ).

 

The first aloft property opened its doors at the Montreal Airport on June 5, 2008. The first US locations, Ontario-Rancho Cucamonga, CA and Rogers-Bentonville, AR have recently opened, as well. Look for additional aloft properties in Chicago O’Hare, IL, Minneapolis, MN, and Philadelphia Airport, PA, as well as Beijing, China yet this year. In 2009, aloft will open its doors in Brooklyn, NY, Denver International Airport, CO, Dallas, TX, Atlanta, GA, Las Vegas, NV and Toronto, Canada. All rates are market driven with an average of $150 a night.
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American Kennel Club Offers Suggestions for Obama’s New “Number Two”

Vice President isn’t the only high-level position that Barack Obama is currently trying to fill. It’s been widely reported that – win or lose – the Obamas have promised their two daughters a dog after the presidential election. With 158 breeds registered by the American Kennel Club® (AKC®) – each with its own unique temperament, coat type, size, energy level and appearance – the search for a canine cabinet member is on.

“Deciding what breed to get is as important as deciding whether to get a dog in the first place,” says AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “The first step in being a responsible pet owner is to do some serious and careful research to determine which breed of dog is right for you and your family.”

The Obama family will be adding a dog to their household for the first time, but according to an Associated Press survey Republican Presidential nominee John McCain and his wife already have 24 pets, including four dogs. The “McCain canines” are an English Springer Spaniel named Sam, two Yorkshire Terriers named Lucy and Desi, and a mixed-breed named Coco. Making up the rest of McCain’s menagerie are a cat, two turtles, a ferret, three parakeets and 13 saltwater fish.

As for a breed for the Obamas, the AKC has scoured all of the “canine candidates” to assess each breed’s credentials as potential “first pet.” Choices were narrowed significantly due to their daughters’ allergies. Therefore, AKC experts made the selection from their list of hypoallergenic breeds.

In the true spirit of doggy democracy, the AKC is asking Americans to vote on the breed they think the Obama family should select. The short list of “canine candidates” chosen by the AKC are:

  • The Bichon Frise (pronounced BEE-shon Free-ZAY) – A small yet sturdy dog with a white, loosely curled double coat, Bichons are naturally sociable. They have a self-assured temperament and are likely to get along with just about everyone (including members of Congress, regardless of party affiliation). Their active, alert and curious personalities make them easy to train, and the breed’s history of being a companion to noblemen in the courts of 16th-century France have primed it for a high-profile life in the White House. Learn more at http://www.akc.org/breeds/bichon_frise/.

  • The Chinese Crested – Their Chinese and African heritage makes for an exotic pedigree, and with its unique appearance it’s certain to turn heads. Coming in two varieties, hairless and the powderpuff, Cresteds are lively, playful and alert dogs with plenty of energy. While they are exceptionally loving and affectionate with children, they are only appropriate for mature children who can be taught to handle this diminutive breed gently and responsibly. Learn more at http://www.akc.org/breeds/chinese_crested/.

  • The Poodle – Although often considered high-maintenance show dogs, Poodles are exceptionally smart and athletic. They excel in obedience training and even as hunting companions. The breed comes in three sizes. While their coat does require frequent grooming, their intelligence and versatility more than make up for the extra care. The Poodle is currently the eighth most popular breed in the U.S., according to AKC registrations statistics (AKC® registration statistics), but it spent more than two decades in the top spot — a testament to its suitability as a family pet. Learn more at http://www.akc.org/breeds/poodle/.

  • The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier – The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier’s coat grows longer on his chin and over his eyes, giving him a scruffy appearance, but this intelligent, affectionate and loving breed makes a dignified companion. The breed’s playfulness and courageous spirit would likely make him an ambassador of goodwill in the White House. Despite their affable and gentle nature, they are true terriers and thus must be handled firmly, fairly and with consistency. Learn more at http://www.akc.org/breeds/soft_coated_wheaten_terrier/.

  • The Miniature Schnauzer – Schnauzers also come in three sizes (although unlike the Poodle, each size is considered a separate breed). The Miniature Schnauzer is the most popular of the three breeds and is an active, alert dog who loves to be the center of the household. This versatile breed makes a sturdy playmate for kids, is highly intelligent and an excellent watchdog (qualifying him for Secret Service duties perhaps?). Learn more at http://www.akc.org/breeds/miniature_schnauzer/.

Cast your vote wisely, making sure to consider the distinct characteristics of each breed and whether it’s uniquely suited for the Obama family. In addition to having a hypoallergenic coat, other required qualifications to fill the vacant “presidential pet” post include: child-friendly (Obama has two daughters aged 6 and 9 years); a good travel companion (aboard Air Force One); moderate energy level (appropriate for a child to walk), and of course a stable and social temperament – able to adapt to varied visitors – from heads of state to members of the press corps.

“The breeds we’ve chosen for the Obama family represent a variety of sizes, energy levels and temperaments, yet all are well-established in their coat type, to ensure that they are a good match for any allergy sufferer,” adds Peterson. “Dogs that are AKC registered have pedigrees reaching back often hundreds of years, and so the characteristics that make them better companions for allergy suffers are fixed through decades of breeding for consistent breed type and predictability.”

Place your ballot online at www.presidentialpup.com before August 19, 2008. Check the site for the announcement of the winning breed.

Additional information on choosing a hypoallergenic breed can be found online at http://www.akc.org/about/faq_allergies.cfm. To learn more about all 158 AKC registered breeds and responsible dog ownership, visit www.akc.org.
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Mirassou Winery Celebrates Summer With Outdoor Entertaining Sweepstakes

Summer is officially here and with it comes a season filled with outdoor entertaining on backyard patios and decks across the country. In celebration of the arrival of summertime, Mirassou Winery has announced its "Celebrate Summer with Mirassou" sweepstakes. What better reason than summer to get outside and spend time with your family and friends?
 

One lucky winner will receive the summer celebration of a lifetime, with Mirassou Winery playing host to an outdoor get-together for up to 30 of the winner's friends and family. Mirassou will provide everything needed for an outdoor summer bash to remember!
 

Visit http://www.mirassou.com/ to enter the "Celebrate Summer with Mirassou" sweepstakes. Just like summer, this sweepstakes won't last forever, so be sure to enter to win before July 31, 2008.
 

Also available online at http://www.mirassou.com/ are delicious recipes with wine pairing suggestions, as well as a food and wine pairing interactive tool, to help make pairing the food and wine at your next summer gathering a bit easier.
 

About Mirassou Winery: The Mirassou family has been growing grapes and crafting superior wines since 1854, earning them the distinction of being America's oldest winemaking family. Today, the Mirassou wine style is light bodied, refreshing and fruit-forward. Mirassou's premium wines — Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon — retail for approximately $12 per bottle and are widely available in all 50 states. They can be located through Mirassou.com's "Where to Buy" section, purchased through TheBarrelRoom.com or by calling (888) MIRASSOU.
 

No purchase necessary to enter or win a prize. Sweepstakes open to legal residents of one of the 48 contiguous United States or the District of Columbia who are at least 21 years old at time of entry. Void in AK, CA, HI, TN, UT, WA, PR, outside the 48 contiguous United States, and where otherwise prohibited by law. Limit one (1) entry per person, per household, or per valid e-mail address. Sweepstakes ends 7/31/08. Please visit http://www.mirassou.com/ for complete Official Rules. California Table Wine (C)2008 Mirassou Winery, Modesto, Stanislaus Co, CA. All rights reserved.
 

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Beauty May be Skin-Deep But Most Americans In It Knee-Deep

While 77% of Americans say that beauty is primarily about non-physical attributes, almost half would change something about their looks if they could, according to a recent survey by global market research firm Synovate.

Synovate recently tackled a range of beauty issues in a global survey of over 7,000 people in nine countries, included 500 people in the United States. The survey asked people to spill their beauty secrets … how do people define beauty? Where do people from different cultures see themselves on the beauty scale? And would they want to do anything to change their looks?

Virginia Weil, Senior Vice President of Synovate's Consumer & Business Insights group, said beauty is an issue that spawns as many opinions as it does products.

"Humans are complex. Some of us are quite open about wishing we were beautiful, others feel they already are, and many dismiss beauty as an 'on-the-surface' issue. Still more of us think all these things at once!"

While much of the survey was about beauty-on-the-outside, Synovate first asked respondents to define beauty, with two thirds of all people surveyed choosing a definition about something other than physical appearance. Overall, 41% of Americans attribute beauty to 'what's on the inside' and another 36% say it's all about confidence. For 16%, beauty means attracting other people while only 5% said that beauty is 'all about having good looks.'

Not everyone can actually be beautiful but culture, gender and confidence influence whether you think you are. Synovate asked respondents to place themselves on the beauty continuum, anywhere from 'I am beautiful and do not need to change anything about the way I look' through to 'I do not think I am beautiful or attractive and want to change the way I look'.

Interestingly, Americans had the poorest self image when it comes to beauty compared to the other countries surveyed. While almost one third of Americans think they are good looking 'but there's always room for improvement', another 25% think they look ordinary or unattractive and would like to change their looks. Only 6% think they are beautiful and do not need to change anything about their looks.

More than half (57%) of people globally do not want to change the way they look (whether they believe they are beautiful or not), but that means over 40% would change their looks if they could.

According to the survey, nearly half of all people globally think beauty advertisements help make women feel inadequate, including 64% of Americans. However, when it comes to beauty tips in magazines, 41% of everyone surveyed and one third of Americans say they pay attention to them.

So where does all this leave beauty marketers? Operating in a minefield of mixed beliefs, feelings and motivations, says Weil.

"What a challenge marketers face! Creating and positioning a product for people who feel beautiful and confident, versus those who feel ordinary and happy, versus unattractive and not that happy about it, is a modern marketing dilemma."

Added Bob Michaels, Senior Vice President in Synovate's Consumer Insights group, "While not everyone believes that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, perception of beauty certainly varies widely depending upon one's cultural peers. The study findings show some of the strongest differences across countries that we've seen, with causes likely ranging from heavy media influence, such as in the U.S., to strong traditional values in developing countries."

Overall, the majority of all people surveyed agreed that beauty is more about looking after yourself than being naturally attractive. Two thirds think facial or beauty products make a person more attractive – 72% of women and 62% of men believe this is the case. What's more, if money were no object, 46% of women and a quarter of all men would spend more on branded facial and beauty products in the belief these products would work their magic.

When asked about plastic surgery, the number of Americans who would consider it (if money was no object) was quite high at 26%, while 19% of respondents across the globe would consider this more radical beauty intervention and people is less scared of facial plastic surgery procedures and go to the top clinics in NY to get them. In nearly every market, the number of women who would yield to the knife or needle was more than double the number of men.

The survey also found that, even if money were no object, there are still three in ten people across the globe who are comfortable enough with their beauty (within or without, or both) to do nothing at all… no extra products, no spa treatments, no tanning, no skin whitening or surgery, although some people have remove hair treatments in some spas. And that's a beautiful thought.

For more information on this study visit www.synovate.com/insights/infact/issues/200806.
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Pizza Hut Debuts New Spanish Language Ad For Tuscani Pastas With Real people on Hidden Camera

Pizza Hut will begin a new Spanish language advertising campaign for Tuscani Pastas featuring real people captured on hidden camera who are surprised by the restaurant-quality of the new dishes.

The new spot, titled “Cooking Show,” was shot in Mexico City, where people on the street were invited to a taping of the new cooking show “Cocina Tuscani.” After watching the chef prepare his specialty pasta dishes, the audience sampled the two pasta styles- Meaty Marinara and Creamy Chicken Alfredo. Only after sampling did the participants learn that the pastas were not created by a chef from a five-star restaurant in Rome, but were instead prepared by Pizza Hut.

“In less than three months, Tuscani Pastas have been an extremely popular addition to our menu and have established Pizza Hut as a leader in the pasta restaurant industry,” said Brian Niccol, Pizza Hut chief marketing officer. “Our new Spanish language ads again capture the strong positive reactions we receive on the quality and great taste of our pasta."

In April, Pizza Hut introduced Tuscani Pastas, the first restaurant-quality pastas delivered by a national pizza chain. Since the debut, Tuscani Pastas have been a welcome addition at dinner tables across the country, with more than two million units sold in the first month. The launch ad for Tuscani Pastas featured real people being surprised to learn that their gourmet pasta meal at the grand opening of a restaurant was delivered by Pizza Hut.

The hidden-camera concept of real people enjoying the quality of the Tuscani Pastas was carried into the Spanish language television and radio spots. The new spots were created by Dieste Harmel and Partners and will begin airing nationally on June 29.

Among pasta consumers, Hispanic households eat pasta more often than the national average, according to data from Mintel research. Hispanic households enjoy a complete package pasta dinner 5.7 times over a 30-day period, compared to 5.0 times for all households and also eat canned/jarred spaghetti or macaroni 2.7 times per month versus 2.2 times for all households.

Tuscani Pastas come in two chef-inspired styles: Creamy Chicken Alfredo and Meaty Marinara, which are delivered right to your door. Both recipes feature rotini pasta and a delicious blend of sauce and cheese that’s added to the pasta before it is oven baked. Each of the Tuscani Pastas is over three pounds and come with a bag of five freshly baked breadsticks.

Tuscani Pastas are priced at .99 and can be ordered online at pizzahut.com, or through Pizza Hut’s newest method of ordering, Total Mobile Access, using text messaging or mobile Web on your cellular phone. You can also download Pizza Hut’s new desktop ordering widget and order Tuscani Pastas directly from your computer in just a few clicks.

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Yves François and Rocambu Jazz at the Art Institute of Chicago

Yves François and Rocambu Jazz

Art Institute of Chicago · Chicago 

Yves François Courtesy Art Institute of ChicagoWhen: August 2, 2008 Price: Free with admission to the Art Institute Adult ; Child ; Child (12 and under) Free Phone:               312-443-3600         
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The Buzz — While Chicago feels the heat of August, listen to the appropriate tunes presented by the Art Institute of Chicago. With their retro Afro-Caribbean sound, Yves François and Rocambu Jazz represent a wide range of jazz from the African Diaspora. Surely an event to attract a diverse range of people, the short music concert will be a place for great conversation before and after. Take advantage and peruse the museum after you've let the soulful tunes into your heart. Official Event Website » 

 

 

 

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