Country Music Star Sara Evans Hosts Online Auction

You pick the strangest stuff. It’s part of my charm. — LD

NEW YORK -- Country music superstar Sara Evans is playing an important role in combating eating disorders this year by serving as chair of the 3rd Annual Every BODY is Beautiful Online Auction, an exciting fundraising program currently underway by the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA).

Open to the public, the online auction can be accessed by going to http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.cmarket.com. There are more than two hundred items to bid on, including tickets to an upcoming Sara Evans concert; priceless guitars autographed by musicians like Bucky Covington, Eric Clapton and James Brown; and lots of other memorabilia from Country Music Association award winners Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and others. The auction includes many great getaways, memorable dining experiences, art, clothing, jewelry, and much more. NEDA will be accepting bids for auction items through December 2, 2007.

Ms. Evans affiliated with NEDA last year as a means to promote both her interest in educating women about the importance of a positive body image and to generate awareness about eating disorders, which currently affect 10 million women and one million men every year in the U.S. She serves as a NEDA Ambassador, working tirelessly to help the organization with its education, research and advocacy efforts.

"I am committed to helping people with eating disorders," said Ms. Evans, who was named Top Female Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music and is a platinum-selling recording artist. "Too many young women fall victim to the idea that only thin is beautiful and end up with debilitating illnesses. I want people to know that eating disorders are preventable and curable, especially when treated in the early stages."

For more information on the NEDA auction, please visit http://www.NationalEatingDisorders.cmarket.com. If you have questions, email onlineauction@myneda.org or call NEDA's Development office at 206/382-3587 ext. 22. Sara Evan's website is http://www.saraevans.com.

SOURCE: National Eating Disorders Association

Stephen King Loves 'The Mist'

Stephen King? He’s the best! I’m a Dean Koontz man, myself. He came to my bachelor party. — LD

Horror writer sends a
chilling message to filmgoers

NEW YORK -- At a press conference today (Nov. 12 ) for the highly anticipated film ‘The Mist’ by Academy Award nominated director Frank Darabont ("The Green Mile," "The Shawshank Redemption"), Stephen King, whose novella the film is based on, gave his blessing of the film adaptation as well as sent out a chilling message to anyone who dares to give away the film's ending.

Stephen King stated, "Frank wrote a new ending that I loved. It is the most shocking ending ever and there should be a law passed stating that anybody who reveals the last 5 minutes of this film should be hung from their neck until dead."

About “The Mist”
David Drayton and his young son Billy are among a large group of terrified townspeople trapped in a local grocery store by a strange, otherworldly mist. David is the first to realize that there are things lurking in the mist...deadly, horrifying things...creatures not of this world. Survival depends on everybody in the store pulling together...but is that possible, given human nature? As reason crumbles in the face of fear and panic, David begins to wonder what terrifies him more: the monsters in the mist - or the ones inside the store, the human kind, the people that until now had been his friends and neighbors? In this legendary tale of terror from master storyteller Stephen King, the thin veneer of civilization is stripped away, the masks are discarded, and the true horror is revealed as us.

Newsweek – The Year That Made Us Who We Are

1968? Ancient history. Not so much. I wuz there. — LD

Newsweek Magazine Looks Back
at One of the Defining Years of the 1960s:
A Turbulent Period in American History

NEW YORK -- "There was at the end of 1968 an event that remains an inspirational symbol for the challenges ahead. For the Sixties were also the glory years of the American space program, and of astronauts such as Captain Jim Lovell," writes former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw, in his forthcoming book, "BOOM! Voices of the Sixties," which is excerpted in the current issue of Newsweek. "The big goal was leaving Earth's atmosphere and landing on the moon, to keep the pledge President Kennedy had made at Rice University on September 12, 1962."

Brokaw writes that the three astronauts of Apollo 8 trained all year for the mission, which would have the spacecraft orbiting the moon on Christmas Eve, 1968. "When I met Lovell at the Adler Planetarium in Chicago-where he helped organize an elaborate exhibit commemorating the flight-I asked if the astronauts had been aware of all that was going on outside of NASA that year- the riots, the assassinations, the antiwar protests. 'We were all senior military people,' he said, 'and we were so intent on our project we put all of that aside. We did talk about the Tet Offensive in Vietnam, and we worried the cost of the war would eat into the space program.'"

"Lovell says that even though he wasn't paying too much attention, he thought the culture was disintegrating. 'My background,' he says, 'was more patriotic. Listening to your elders, taking direction, trying to be a leader. The hippie movement sort of soured me'," Brokaw writes.

The excerpt is part of the November 19 cover package, "1968: The Year That Made Us Who We Are" (on newsstands Monday, November 12). Senior Writer and Political Correspondent Jonathan Darman reports that while the 1968 election is four decades old, we're still rehashing that moment-that era-in the 2008 contest. Barack Obama was born in the 1960s, but is not of them. Such is the constant promise-I am not the '60s-of his presidential campaign-heartfelt, but ultimately hard to believe. Just look at the gray-haired '60s idealists inside the senator's own brain trust who see him as the fulfillment of 40 years' worth of hard work. John McCain is also the '60s. McCain knows what Obama should have learned by now: the '60s are impossible to escape. They will define the 2008 presidential election, just as they have defined American politics, and American culture, for the past 40 years, he writes.

Also in the cover package, Newsweek looks back at one of the defining years of the 1960s-1968-a turbulent period in American history:

* Editor-at-Large Evan Thomas writes that in a year of tumult, one five-day span in early spring 1968 was disorder distilled. Lyndon Johnson's presidency was collapsing. Robert Kennedy had openly announced his intention to reclaim the throne in the memory of his brother. The year culminated in the assassination of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
* Contributing Editor Ellis Cose's essay recounts the personal impetus" ... that shook my world, upended my life and turned me into a writer," from the July 1966 Chicago Riots to the April 1968 assassination of Dr. King.
* Senior Editor Jerry Adler writes that 1968 wasn't the only year that changed everything in America. Other years, like 1908-this was America's year of destiny-were equally significant and are jostling for starring roles in history.
* Science Columnist Sharon Begley writes that in the spring of 1968 the Beatles traveled to the Maharishi's ashram in northern India to mediate and brought Eastern worship back to the West, most markedly the practice of meditation. Now, some four decades later, meditation is widely accepted within the scientific community as a beneficial practice.
* Senior Editor Barbara Kantrowitz explores feminism and sexual politics of 1968 when women dumped symbols of female oppression-girdles, steno pads, and stilettos-into a "freedom trash can." Bras went in, too, but none were burned, in the midst of the infamous and symbolic protest staged outside the Miss America pageant. Kantrowitz examines where the fight stands now, talks with the lead protester and Miss America 1968.
* Senior Editor David Gates writes that although the times they were a changin', in the arts, only music kept pace. Despite all the potentially rich tension and upheaval, 1968 didn't produce much fiction, film or art worth remembering.

The package also includes a photo essay by photographer Nigel Parry featuring people who spoke out-and stood out-in the monumental events of
1968.

(Read complete cover story at http://www.Newsweek.com.)

http://www.newsweek.com/id/69637 - 1968: The Year That Everything Changed

http://www.newsweek.com/id/69585 - Tom Brokaw Book Excerpt

SOURCE: Newsweek

A Street Car Named 'Survivor' - in New Orleans

A streetcar named “Desire.” A news release named “PR.” — LD

NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans' most venerable survivors -- the historic 1920 era double-ended green streetcars -- has once again rolled down the grassy esplanade on St. Charles Avenue into the heart of the world-famous Garden District on the oldest continually operating streetcar line in the world. The line reopened to Napoleon Avenue during a special ceremony at Napoleon Avenue and St. Charles Avenue on Nov. 10 at 2 p.m. The entire line is expected to reopen in Spring 2008.

Out of commission for more than two years, the streetcar line suffered significant damage from Hurricane Katrina but the historic wood and steel streetcars escaped destruction because the antiquated car barn in which they are housed is on high ground. And there was a streetcar named Desire among the bunch -- "Desire" was the terminus of one of the routes, hence the name.

Recognized by The National Register of Historic Places and a favorite among tourists, founded in 1835, the line is part of the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) and to this day is a revenue-operating division of the city transit system for commuters, students and residents.

As significant as the streetcars are, St. Charles Avenue and The Garden District also are authentic American treasures. Known as the "Jewel of America's grand avenues," St. Charles Avenue is more than 200 years old and in 2007 was named the one of the ten great streets and neighborhoods in America by the American Planning Association.

The oak-lined St. Charles Avenue is an icon of Southern style and is the main artery into the Garden District -- home of Audubon Park, Loyola and Tulane Universities, historic cemeteries, churches, synagogues, schools and restaurants, and a neighborhood of extreme grandeur, graced by some of the most magnificent collections of antebellum Greek revival homes in the world.

This announcement is the latest in a series of milestones for New Orleans: cultural festivals are enjoying record-breaking attendance, airlines are adding new flights to Louis Armstrong International Airport and the French Quarter is cleaner than it has been in decades.

SOURCE: The New Orleans Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau

Harvard Law School Hosts Conference on Poker

Are you buyin’ this? I’m all in. — LD

Speakers Include World Champion Mike Sexton,
Author Jim McManus, Psychologist Alan Schoonmaker

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Students and professors at Harvard Law are hosting a one-day academic conference Saturday examining the educational possibilities of using poker as a teaching tool, and several poker celebrities are expected to attend.

Harvard's Global Poker Strategic Thinking Society (GPSTS) announced the schedule for the conference, which is part of a continuing series at Harvard Law School that examines educational and academic aspects of poker.

The GPSTS has organized student poker societies at several major universities, including UCLA, Stanford, Harvard, and Michigan.

Titled "Innovative Thinking: The Educational Value of Poker," the conference will take place on Saturday, November 10th from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the Austin East lecture room of Harvard Law School's Austin Hall.

Press may register by email at globalpoker@gmail.com

Charles Nesson, the Harvard Law Professor and one of the founders of the GPSTS, said: "This conference underscores that poker is more than just a fun game. It is one of the best tools we have to teach negotiation, risk assessment, strategic thinking and other essential life skills."

"It is also a quintessentially American game that draws on the best traditions in our culture, mixing individualism and sociability, and placing a premium on smarts," Nesson continued. "Poker has real educational possibilities, which I look forward to examining in detail at the conference."

Andrew Woods, the Harvard Law student who is executive director of the GPSTS, said, "We are dedicated to three basic goals at GPSTS: forming local chapters at colleges and universities, presenting academic conferences that highlight the strategic thinking and policy implications inherent in poker, and exploring ways to use poker as a bona fide educational tool to teach life skills.

"We are delighted to have such notable speakers Jim McManus, Mike Sexton and Dr. Alan Schoonmaker join us on the 10th."

Conference Topics

-- Fun and Cool: How Educators Can Reach Students Through Poker – Mike Sexton
-- The History of Poker: How U.S. Luminaries Have Anted Up Throughout History, and Why Our Students Should Too - Jim McManus
-- Poker is Good for You: The Ability Of Poker To Teach Life Skills - Dr. Alan Schoonmaker
-- Tools for Education: Interactive Workshops: Introduction To Poker Literacy and Texas Hold'Em Beginners Workshop - Professor Charles Nesson and Andrew Woods
-- Focusing on Pedagogy: Developing An Effective Curriculum For Different Levels Of Education - Professor Charles Nesson and Andrew Woods

About GPSTS
The Global Poker Strategic Thinking Society views poker as an exceptional game of skill that can be used as a powerful teaching tool at all levels of academia and in secondary education. We use poker to teach strategic thinking, geopolitical analysis, risk assessment and money management. We see poker as a metaphor for skills of life, business, politics and international relations. Our goal is to create an open online curriculum centered on poker that will draw the brightest minds together, both from within and outside of the conventional university setting, to promote open education and Internet democracy.

SOURCE: Global Poker Strategic Thinking Society

Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff

Ewe sum kind-a fan-at-tic? Nah . . . jes' luv da Kettle . . . & da Bell! — LD

Cub Foods donates
$10,000 challenge gift

BLAINE, Minn -- If The Salvation Army's red kettles and ringing bells symbolize Christmastime, then it's official: The holiday season begins Thursday, Nov. 15 at Cub Foods in Blaine, located at 4205 Pheasant Ridge Drive (off I-35W and Lexington Avenue).

That's where The Salvation Army will hold its Kettle Kickoff celebration, a 12-hour fund-raiser themed "Make Big Change". The event runs from 6 a.m. -- 6 p.m. and will feature an eight-foot quarter that has seemingly crashed into the pavement, a 3,000-pound red kettle and free refreshments courtesy of Cub Foods, Old Dutch and Angie's Kettle Corn.

KOOL 108 FM will broadcast live at the event from 6 a.m. -- 12 p.m.

On-air personalities will encourage listeners to become volunteer bell ringers and to donate to The Salvation Army at Cub Foods' 56 Twin Cities Metro area locations, the only places in which red kettles will be set up for the day. The kettle campaign gets underway at all other Twin Cities locations on Friday, Nov. 16 and runs through Dec. 24.

Cub Foods will match contributions up to $10,000 through its Cub Cares Community Foundation, which focuses on hunger relief and youth education.

A Kettle Kickoff ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. with guest speakers Greg Page, CEO of Cargill Inc., and Steve Irland, Cub Foods VP of marketing and advertising.

The Salvation Army is proud to partner with Cub Foods. Last year The Salvation Army raised $865,000 in kettle donations at Cub Foods storefronts.

The Salvation Army serves more than 200,000 people in the Twin Cities. Donations can be made by mailing a check to 2445 Prior Ave, Roseville, MN 55113, online at http://www.thesalarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

SOURCE: The Salvation Army

Thebloogle.com - Blogging & Information Portal

So, you blog . . . I blog, therefore I am. — LD

NOVI, Mich. -- News, views, how-to's and more . . . that's what you'll find at thebloogle.com, a new blogging and information portal.

While there are thousands of blogs on the Internet, entrepreneur Nipa Shah believes the new venture will fill a definite need.

"Blogs that are focused on a particular topic or expertise are quite common. But there are fewer sites where you can find topics of all interests and even fewer that are user-friendly, informational and interesting," said Nipa Shah, president of the online marketing and web site development company Jenesys Group, LLC in Novi, Mich. "This portal will be different. Our goal is to provide a blogging experience that will attract and engage readers and writers alike."

The 14 categories on thebloogle.com range from Books, Films & More, where readers may find book or film reviews, to Dollars & Sense, where authors share financial know-how. Other categories include: Getting Down to Business, Health & Wellness, Kindergarten to College, On the Town, Hobbies & How To, Globally Speaking, Family & Friends, A Higher Power, Sports & Fitness, By Air Land & Sea, Pets and The Tech Place.

Shah, an Internet marketing expert who loves reading, writing and sharing knowledge, added that she is providing a medium for writers and subject matter experts to share their expertise with a global audience. She has teamed up with writer and editor Sue Voyles, president of Logos Communications, Inc. in Canton, Mich., who shares her enthusiasm for sharing information.

"We are confident that readers will find a blog that intrigues, informs or inspires them," said Voyles.

Shah added: "I have a vision to create several portals to meet various needs of online users. It has always been my goal to facilitate knowledge sharing and thebloogle.com was a natural project to help me meet that goal."

Writers and other subject matter experts are invited to contribute articles to thebloogle.com. Simply visit http://www.thebloogle.com to learn more.

About Jenesys Group, LLC
Jenesys Group, LLC (http://www.jenesysgroup.com) is a full-service online marketing and web site design, development, and maintenance company delivering web solutions to companies across the globe. The company's clients include lawyers, marketing companies, other web site development companies, radio show hosts, hardware and software retailers, and many other companies in diverse market segments.

About Logos Communications, Inc.
Logos Communications, Inc. (http://www.logos-communications.com) is a full-service public relations and marketing firm serving a wide range of small to medium-sized businesses. It provides ongoing counsel to the 20,000 member Michigan Business and Professional Association and is Best Practices Certified(TM) through the Management Impact Institute.
Contact: Sue Voyles (734) 667-2005
-or- Nipa Shah (248) 470-6299

SOURCE: Jenesys Group, LLC