Author Archives: Chuck Gregory

Gee, It's a GiiNii!

Genie in a bottle? Not quite.

Last holiday season, it seems the Ritz Camera's of the world had a hard time keeping up supplies of the digital photo frames. So taking a cue and an early target toward the upcoming holiday season (hopefully it will be picture perfect), a new product is hitting the web shelves.

It's called GiiNii. Yup, that's the name.

GiiNii offers a full line of easy-to-use, feature-rich, economically priced digital photo frames that enable consumers to see, share and store their favorite digital photos. Available in a variety of sizes and finishes, GiiNii digital picture frames offer a wide range of features and prices so consumers can find the right one for any room in their homes.

All GiiNii digital picture frames come ready to use with three high-resolution photos pre-installed. When we turned on our review device sent by the PR folks, the frames instantly started playing a vivid color slide show, making them so easy to get up and running, they’re perfect for gift-giving. An auto rotate function, which the company first introduced on its products in 2007, automatically displays photos in their correct landscape or portrait orientation when the frame is turned. 8-Inch Ultra-Thin Digital Picture Frame Product Description

The GiiNii 8-inch Ultra-Thin Digital Picture Frame sports a sleek, sophisticated design. At .78 inches, it is 54 percent thinner than conventional digital picture frames, making it a beautiful addition to any home or office. The frame’s high-resolution (800 x 600), digital LCD screen displays crisp, vivid images and is viewable from the widest possible angle, Its 4:3 aspect ratio means standard photos are displayed as they are taken, with little or no cropping. With 128 MB of internal memory, the unit can store hundreds of photos. It also plays music and videos, and a collage feature lets it display multiple photos at once. It offers 2 design options: with the wooden frame, or without it for a more contemporary, all-metallic look, With an MSRP of 5, the GiiNii 8-Inch Ultra-Thin Digital Picture Frame offers exceptional value. Product Features

The GiiNii 8-Inch Ultra-Thin Digital Photo Frame’s features include: • 8-inch high-resolution (800 x 600) digital LCD screen, viewable from virtually every angle • 4:3 aspect ratio, which displays standard photos with little or no cropping, so you see your photos as you took them • .78-inch thickness, which is 54 percent thinner than conventional digital picture frames • 128 MB (minimum) memory for storage of hundreds of digital pictures (optional memory upgrade to 512 MB is available at some retailers) • Three pre-installed, high-resolution photos, so the frame is ready to use right out of the box • Instantly plays photos from memory cards • Pre-installed sound track • 6-in-1 slot memory card reader and memory stick socket that supports SD Card, MS Card, MMC, MMC+, MS Duo and xD • Additional slot for Compact Flash (CF Type 1), and Micro SD and Mini SD, both with adaptor (not included) • USB 2.0 port for flash drives • Mini USB port for cable connectivity to most computers (PC and Mac) • SmartCopy™ for quickly and easily transferring images • Auto rotate, for displaying images in portrait or landscape mode when frame is turned • Collage presentation, for displaying two or three photos at once • Slide show (in-order or random, plus transitions) • JPEG, TIF and GIF image support • MP3 or WMA music playback • Speakers • AVI or MOV (MJPEG format) video playback • Calendar, clock and alarm • Smart Sleep with light sensor, for sleep mode programming • On-screen navigation • Remote control • Zoom in and thumbnail viewing • Brightness and contrast adjustments • Detachable wood frame • 24×7 toll-free customer support at 866-909-3550 Getting Started

Each GiiNii 8-Inch Ultra-Thin Digital Picture Frame package includes: • Digital picture frame • Wood frame • AC power cord • Remote control • Instruction manual • Quick Start guide • Detachable, changeable back stand The GiiNii 8-Inch Ultra-Thin Digital Picture Frame is easy to get up and running. Just plug it in and instantly see a vivid color slideshow of three high-resolution, pre-installed images. Simply insert a memory card to view your personal photos. On-screen programming makes it easy to change settings. Customer Support

To help users get the most out of their GiiNii products, GiiNii offers: • 24×7 toll-free telephone support at 866-909-3550 • Instructional videos and FAQs at the GiiNii Web site • Coming Soon! Webinars with live product demonstrations and “Ask The Expert” sessions Availability and Pricing www.amazon.com, www.walmart.com and Wal-Mart retail locations.

Wine That Shines: Alamos Malbec 2007 Catena

The 2007 Alamos Malbec has a dark, blackish purple color. The nose shows ripe black fruits, black pepper spice and floral notes. The mouthfeel is full yet soft and supple, with black raspberry and currant flavors mingled with notes of sweet spice and a touch of leather. The finish is long and persistent with soft, sweet tannins. This Malbec, sent over to us by the generous PR folks at Springfield, Virginia-based Billington Wines, was the instant winner among the reds we poured at the consumer product tasting lab we held last week. Our reviewers loved the vino for it oozes dried raisiny fruit character and has ripe sweet tannins, resulting in an incredibly approachable wine. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-5 years.

READ OTHER CONSUMER PRODUCT REVIEWS FROM THE PARTY DIGEST LAB…

Democrats, Republicans Spar on Bar Behavior

While there is no ballot box at the bar, DC's best bartenders can identify political preference by cocktail selection and bar behavior. According to a survey released today, Democrats are seen as better tippers, have better pick-up lines and give better toasts.

Republicans heavily outweigh Democrats when it comes to ordering their drink straight up. Parties are at a stalemate over drinking hours, with Republicans edging out for the first to arrive at happy hour and Democrats being the last to go home.

The survey was issued today by Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc. [Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO) ], a global leader in premium spirits, in collaboration with Clarus Research Group. Approximately 100 bartenders in the Washington, DC area were surveyed on their opinions of patrons' cocktail preferences.

"According to the survey results, bartenders in Denver should know that they'll hear better toasts while the bartenders in Minneapolis won't need as much ice with their patrons ordering drinks straight up," stated Bobby "G" Gleason, master mixologist for Beam Global Spirits & Wine.

The full survey questions and results include:

— Who is a better tipper? Democrats 60%, Republicans 38%

— Who is more likely to order a drink straight up? Democrats 14%, Republicans 82%

— Who is more likely to order a fruity (pink) drink? Democrats 58%, Republicans 34%

— Who has the better pick-up lines? Democrats 74%, Republicans 14%

— Who is better at giving a toast? Democrats 63%, Republicans 36%

— Who is more likely to arrive first to happy hour? Democrats 48%, Republicans 50%

— Who is more likely to be the last to go home? Democrats 53%, Republicans 46%

Whether consumers find themselves at the conventions or watching from home, election-themed cocktails will surely set the stage for both Democrats and Republicans: The Grand Ole Party Bartender: Pat M., Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN 2 parts Canadian Club(R) Whisky 1 part DeKuyper(R) Signature Creme de Menthe (clear) 1 part DeKuyper(R) Blustery Peppermint Burst Schnapps Combine ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice. Fill an old-fashioned glass with shaved ice, strain spirits over ice and serve with straw.

The Running Mate Bartender: James Lee, West End Tavern, Boulder, CO 2 parts Maker's Mark(R) Bourbon 1 part simple syrup 2 wedges of lemon 1 slice of watermelon Muddle lemon and watermelon with simple syrup. Add Maker's Mark and ice. Shake and strain into a large old fashioned glass with fresh crushed ice. Garnish with a slice watermelon & lemon wheel

The Donkey Bartender: Jim Hewes, Round Robin Bar, Willard InterContinental, Washington, D.C. 2 parts Knob Creek(R) Bourbon 1 part DeKuyper(R) Triple Sec 1 teaspoon sugar 6 mint sprigs Splash of DeKuyper(R) Pucker(R) Raspberry Schnapps Fresh raspberries and blueberries to garnish Add sugar, bourbon and mint into an old-fashioned glass with crushed ice and muddle the fruit. Garnish with berries and mint. Beam Global reminds legal purchase age consumers to drink responsibly after casting their vote.

Local Wine Company Donates $30K from Big Tattoo Wines To Charity

During September and October, Big Tattoo Wines will donate 50 cents from every bottle sold nationwide to Breast Cancer Network of Strength, whose mission is to ensure through information, empowerment and peer support that no one faces breast cancer alone.

Big Tattoo Wines is a brand born as a tribute to a mother who lost her own battle with cancer in 2000. The mission behind the brand is to raise and donate 50 cents per bottle sold to charity. Since the project’s beginning in 2002, it has not strayed from this mission, and has in fact been the path through which distributors, retailers and restaurants have also begun donating portions of their own profits.

To date, Big Tattoo Wines, since inception, has raised more than ,200,000 in charitable funds, with breast cancer research and awareness initiatives being one of the major beneficiaries. Alex Bartholomaus, president and CEO of Billington wines, along with his brother Erik, an accomplished tattoo artist, developed Big Tattoo Wines in honor of their mother Liliana.

The pair pooled their talents, Alex sourcing the wines and Erik designing the label using Liliana’s favorite symbol, the fleur de lys. “The fight against breast cancer is a very important cause to my brother and me. We are very proud to be able to honor our mother in this way and we hope that our donations will help make a difference to support families likes ours who need immediate emotional support and relief when facing a breast cancer diagnosis,” said Alex Bartholomaus.

This year, in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Big Tattoo Wines, for the first time ever, will embark on a national partnership donating proceeds to one national charity – Breast Cancer Network of Strength. In addition to this donation, Big Tattoo Wines will continue to make their already promised donations to local charities nationwide. Breast Cancer Network of Strength, formerly known as Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization is the nation’s oldest breast cancer organization. This year the Chicago based organization marks its 30th anniversary of working to ensure no one faces breast cancer alone. Their mission is accomplished by programs such as the YourShoes™ a 24/ breast cancer support center, which receives calls and offers support in over 150 languages 24 hours a day, seven days a week. YourShoes is composed of breast cancer survivors who are trained peer counselors and truly understand what callers are going through.

Big Tattoo Wines is excited to join forces in this mission. If you or some one you know has been touched by breast cancer you can call YourShoes for immediate support at 800-221-2141 or visit www.networkofstrength.org. Big Tattoo Wines, a partnership between brothers Erik and Alex Bartholomaus, began in 2002 as a way to raise funds for charity in memory of their mother, Liliana S. Bartholomaus.

Fifty cents from every bottle of Big Tattoo sold is donated in their mother’s name to charity, with a portion benefiting the community where the wine is sold. Due to the success of the original Big Tattoo Red, the Big Tattoo project has expanded to include six different wines available in restaurants and retailers nationwide. By 2007, over 70 charities in approximately 33 states have benefited from the more than million raised. For more information, visit www.billingtonwines.com.

 

BIG TATTOO The Big Tattoo line includes the original bottling, Big Tattoo Red, for which the project was named, as well as Big Tattoo White and Big Tattoo Syrah.

Wine-friendly Storage System Now For Homes

With the Wine Saver PRO technology, you are about to experience the newest and best in preserving your fantasy wines at home.

Wine Saver HOME (Wine Saver PRO's home version) offers the same technology that fine restaurants, wine bars and wineries use to preserve their finest wines, now in a portable, home-friendly system. Wine Saver HOME is versatile With its ease-of-use and reliability, Wine Saver HOME and Wine Saver PRO are found in many private wine cellars.

But not only is Wine Saver HOME the perfect addition to your home wine bar, along side a cappuccino maker in luxury kitchens, designers are installing safe, easy-to-use, Argon-powered Wine Saver HOME systems.

Wine preservation made easy! Just place your favorite wines into the system and you are ready to preserve and simultaneously serve. It’s that simple – and you'll enjoy a glass of your favorite fantasy wine, whenever you want it.

For more information, visit WineSaverHome.com.

Wine-friendly Storage System Now Available For Homes

With the Wine Saver PRO technology, you are about to experience the newest and best in preserving your fantasy wines at home. Wine Saver HOME (Wine Saver PRO's home version) offers the same technology that fine restaurants, wine bars and wineries use to preserve their finest wines, now in a portable, home-friendly system.

Wine Saver HOME is versatile

With its ease-of-use and reliability, Wine Saver HOME and Wine Saver PRO are found in many private wine cellars. But not only is Wine Saver HOME the perfect addition to your home wine bar, along side a cappuccino maker in luxury kitchens, designers are installing safe, easy-to-use, Argon-powered Wine Saver HOME systems. Wine preservation made easy!

Just place your favorite wines into the system and you are ready to preserve and simultaneously serve. It’s that simple – and you'll enjoy a glass of your favorite fantasy wine, whenever you want it. For more information, visit WineSaverHome.com.

Exotic Jams From the Jungle

In a mission to highlight the finest and most rare gourmet products the world has to offer, Sun-Rich International has a launched a premium line of African products which include eight exotic Sweet Serenade jams, Dominique Macquet’s Fleur de Sel, Patés de Fruits and Pure Honey with internationally-renowned Chef and Mauritian native, Dominique Macquet. Driven by a desire to support the economic growth of under-developed countries, Sun-Rich International has explored various unknown markets such as Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Nicaragua, Nepal, India and more, discovering unique products of unparalleled taste and quality.

One of America’s most innovative and sought-after culinary artists, award-winning Chef Dominique Macquet is excited to introduce these African delicacies direct from his hometown of Mauritius, Africa. Chef Dominique Macquet holds an impressive resume that includes cooking Nelson Mandela’s first meal out of prison, entertaining the White House and receiving significant praise from the nation’s top food critics.

As a growing international purveyor of gourmet goods, Sun-Rich International seeks partners who share their commitment to endorsing employee wellness programs and kind-hearted labor practices. To further their commitment to philanthropy, Sun-Rich International collaborates with several charities in Africa and around the world. It is their way of building bonds between cultures and finding the right harmony between the best from the earth and compassion towards all.

In addition to this new line of African Products, Sun-Rich International also offers a selection of eight coffees, eight Darjeeling teas, five Dessert Toppings, Praline Pecans, Whole Cashews, Mixed Nuts, and handmade English toffee. More info: www.sunrichgourmet.com

Pittsburgh Makes World Record For Most Wedding Vows in One Day

Guinness World Records has made it official: Pittsburgh now holds the record for the most couples, 624 to be exact, to simultaneously renew their wedding vows. The attempt occurred on Feb. 10, 2008, when participants filled the Carnegie Music Hall, part of Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, for Re-Union: The World's Largest Wedding Vow Renewal Ceremony, and said “I Do” all over again. Re-Union took place in collaboration with VisitPittsburgh and the Reunion and Homecoming Committee of Pittsburgh 250 — a year-long celebration of Pittsburgh's 250th anniversary — and was the committee's first major reunion event.

Guinness World Records(TM) requires extensive evidence of the event; consequently, photographic and video documentation, witness statements, media clips, and a photocopy of the original marriage certificate of each couple were organized, labeled, and mailed to the United Kingdom for approval. Earlier this week, Guinness World Records(TM) officially notified Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh that the record claim was accepted, beating out the previous record of 272 couples who simultaneously renewed their vows in Sydney, Australia, in September 2007.

The event was conceived by Kitty Julian, director of marketing at Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History and Reunion committee member, and organized by Leigh Kish, also of Carnegie Museums. Reunion committee co-chair, Esther Bush, was master of ceremonies. Co-chair Jeffrey Letwin, introduced the witnesses to the event: Judge Cynthia Baldwin; Allen Kukovich, Pittsburgh Office of Governor Rendell; Patrick Dowd, Pittsburgh City Councilman; and Rebecca Whitlinger, author of Always a Bridesmaid: 89 Ways to Recycle That Bridesmaid Dress. Recognition of participants was provided by Allegheny County Executive Dan Onorato, and City of Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl officiated. It was his first wedding ceremony as mayor.

“Achieving this record confirms to the world what we already know of Pittsburgh: it's a place where people are committed–to the city, to their community, and to each other,” said James E. Rohr, Chairman of the Pittsburgh 250th Anniversary Commission.

“This ceremony was probably the only way I would ever make it into the Guinness World Record so I signed us up as soon as I heard about it,” said Lynne Glover, a Pittsburgh resident who renewed wedding vows with her husband, Paul Alessio. But the icing on the proverbial wedding cake was that it turned out to be a really special evening, she added. “It sounds corny, but everything that night was just so sweet, romantic and even emotional. Paul and I simply had a wonderful time and we're glad to have been a part of making history, too.”

Major sponsors for the event were TWOgether Pittsburgh, an intensive marriage support initiative in the Pittsburgh area; Great Western Champagne; and radio sponsor Star 100.7.

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

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…

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…