A survey out Thursday from the Mercer consulting fast found that 59% of companies mean to keep down rising health care costs in 2009 by raising workers' deductibles, copays or out-of-pocket spending limits.
More info
Tuesday 9 September 2008
Health care costs expected to rise 5.7% in '09
NEW YORK (AP) ? Get ready for another hike in copays and deductibles.
More info
More info
Wednesday 20 August 2008
Harley-Davidson Reveals Final Entertainment Line-Up for the 105th Anniversary
MILWAUKEE, Aug. 14 -- Today Harley-Davidson announced the
final amusement line-up for the hundred-and-fifth Anniversary celebration scheduled
this Labor Day weekend in Milwaukee. Among those slated to headline the
four day event that will feature motorcycles, music and more ar Bruce
Springsteen and the E Street Band, Foo Fighters, Daughtry and Kid Rock.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28TH
The Harley-Davidson hundred-and-fifth Anniversary will kick-off with CLUB H.O.G.(R)
25, which celebrates the twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Harley Owners Group
(H.O.G.), the world's largest factory-sponsored owners group boasting more than
than 1 million members around the world.
CLUB H.O.G.(R) 25 will be hosted on the exterior grounds of Miller
Park. Admission is free to H.O.G members and one client per penis. The
event will feature the following acts:
CLUB H.O.G. 25 -- Harley Stage CLUB H.O.G. 25 -- Beer Garden
11:00 a.m. DB Bryant Band 11:30 a.m. Big Bob and the
Ballroom Blitz
1:00 p.m. Jason Michael Carroll 3:30 p.m. Joan Jett and the
Blackhearts
3:45 p.m. The Billy Bob Thornton Band 5:30 p.m. Comedian Greg
Giraldo
6:00 p.m. Sugarland 6:30 p.m. Comedian Jim McCue
9:00 p.m. Kid Rock 7:30 p.m. Comedian Lewis
Black
In addition to the H.O.G. event and ticketed events outlined below,
Harley-Davidson will too offer unblock musical entertainment that is open to
the general public at Main Street at the Lakefront and the Harley-Davidson
Museum campus, Thursday through Sunday.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 29TH
The Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary will keep pealing at the
Summerfest Grounds and Roadhouse at the Lakefront on Friday.
Access to the Summerfest Grounds will require a 105th Anniversary
Celebration ticket bundle, which is currently on sale for $60.00 plus
$5.00 tax, shipping and handling at http://www.harley-davidson.com/105th.
The ticket package includes a laminated event ticket good for a two-day
entry to the Summerfest grounds, a signature hundred-and-fifth folio, a one-time
final amusement line-up for the hundred-and-fifth Anniversary celebration scheduled
this Labor Day weekend in Milwaukee. Among those slated to headline the
four day event that will feature motorcycles, music and more ar Bruce
Springsteen and the E Street Band, Foo Fighters, Daughtry and Kid Rock.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28TH
The Harley-Davidson hundred-and-fifth Anniversary will kick-off with CLUB H.O.G.(R)
25, which celebrates the twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Harley Owners Group
(H.O.G.), the world's largest factory-sponsored owners group boasting more than
than 1 million members around the world.
CLUB H.O.G.(R) 25 will be hosted on the exterior grounds of Miller
Park. Admission is free to H.O.G members and one client per penis. The
event will feature the following acts:
CLUB H.O.G. 25 -- Harley Stage CLUB H.O.G. 25 -- Beer Garden
11:00 a.m. DB Bryant Band 11:30 a.m. Big Bob and the
Ballroom Blitz
1:00 p.m. Jason Michael Carroll 3:30 p.m. Joan Jett and the
Blackhearts
3:45 p.m. The Billy Bob Thornton Band 5:30 p.m. Comedian Greg
Giraldo
6:00 p.m. Sugarland 6:30 p.m. Comedian Jim McCue
9:00 p.m. Kid Rock 7:30 p.m. Comedian Lewis
Black
In addition to the H.O.G. event and ticketed events outlined below,
Harley-Davidson will too offer unblock musical entertainment that is open to
the general public at Main Street at the Lakefront and the Harley-Davidson
Museum campus, Thursday through Sunday.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 29TH
The Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary will keep pealing at the
Summerfest Grounds and Roadhouse at the Lakefront on Friday.
Access to the Summerfest Grounds will require a 105th Anniversary
Celebration ticket bundle, which is currently on sale for $60.00 plus
$5.00 tax, shipping and handling at http://www.harley-davidson.com/105th.
The ticket package includes a laminated event ticket good for a two-day
entry to the Summerfest grounds, a signature hundred-and-fifth folio, a one-time
Sunday 10 August 2008
Philip Seymour Hoffman directing play
'Riflemind' rig to open in London on Sept. 18
Producers tell Oscar-winning thespian Philip Seymour Hoffman will direct a play in London's West End later this year.
"Riflemind" tells the story of a rock band acquiring back together 20 long time after its members split up up.
The playact is by Australian writer Andrew Upton, husband of Cate Blanchett. The product will principal Scottish doer John Hannah, whose credits include "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and "The Mummy" series.
Hoffman is co-artistic director of New York's LAByrinth Theater Company. He won a best-actor Oscar in 2006 for "Capote."
Producers announced Friday that "Riflemind" will open Sept. 18th at London's Trafalgar Studios.
More info
Producers tell Oscar-winning thespian Philip Seymour Hoffman will direct a play in London's West End later this year.
"Riflemind" tells the story of a rock band acquiring back together 20 long time after its members split up up.
The playact is by Australian writer Andrew Upton, husband of Cate Blanchett. The product will principal Scottish doer John Hannah, whose credits include "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and "The Mummy" series.
Hoffman is co-artistic director of New York's LAByrinth Theater Company. He won a best-actor Oscar in 2006 for "Capote."
Producers announced Friday that "Riflemind" will open Sept. 18th at London's Trafalgar Studios.
More info
Tuesday 1 July 2008
The Sounds Of Nature
Artist: The Sounds Of Nature
Genre(s):
Ambient
New Age
Alternative
Discography:
Thunderstorm Symphony
Year: 1996
Tracks: 6
Tropische Passatwinde
Year: 1994
Tracks: 6
Sparkling Springtime
Year: 1994
Tracks: 10
Mountain Paradise
Year: 1994
Tracks: 9
Gentle Island Surf
Year: 1994
Tracks: 6
Eine Zuflucht im Regenwald
Year: 1994
Tracks: 6
Die sanften Riesed des Meeres
Year: 1994
Tracks: 6
Winters Glow
Year:
Tracks: 3
Der Mystischer Schrei des Tauchers
Year:
Tracks: 6
Thursday 19 June 2008
Babyshambles play last-minute show
Pete Doherty surprised charity goers in east London's Brick Lane last night (June 12) by performing a set with his band Babyshambles.
Doherty, who had recently designed a pair of Vans trainers to auction at the Teenage Kicks event, came straight to venue to perform the surprise gig straight from the airport after a stint in Sweden.
Arriving just after 10.30 (BST), Doherty and co performed to a packed-out 93 Feet East, much to the gathered crowd's delight.
Doherty became involved in the charity after his teenage friend became sick with cancer.
One of the event's organisers, Joel Martin, said: "Pete pulled up with the manager and the guys - he'd literally landed and came straight from the airport to see us."
Martin added: "Pete's heart's certainly in the right place."
Earlier in the evening the charity event, co-organised by celebrity tattooist Dan Gold, saw a skate ramp installed into the back yard of 93 Feet East.
This was the first time in ten years that one had been allowed in the area.
Graffiti artists were also adorning boards with artwork around the venue's outside space.
Also on display around the venue were trainers designed by artists and musicians (including Doherty and Zandra Rhodes) which are to be auctioned off in the next ten days.
All proceeds made from the auction will go to Teenage Cancer Trust.
Other acts performing on the night included Frank Turner, Robots In Disguise and The Thirst.
From more information and to watch live footage of the event, including the Babyshambles show, go to Teenagekicks2008.com
Doherty, who had recently designed a pair of Vans trainers to auction at the Teenage Kicks event, came straight to venue to perform the surprise gig straight from the airport after a stint in Sweden.
Arriving just after 10.30 (BST), Doherty and co performed to a packed-out 93 Feet East, much to the gathered crowd's delight.
Doherty became involved in the charity after his teenage friend became sick with cancer.
One of the event's organisers, Joel Martin, said: "Pete pulled up with the manager and the guys - he'd literally landed and came straight from the airport to see us."
Martin added: "Pete's heart's certainly in the right place."
Earlier in the evening the charity event, co-organised by celebrity tattooist Dan Gold, saw a skate ramp installed into the back yard of 93 Feet East.
This was the first time in ten years that one had been allowed in the area.
Graffiti artists were also adorning boards with artwork around the venue's outside space.
Also on display around the venue were trainers designed by artists and musicians (including Doherty and Zandra Rhodes) which are to be auctioned off in the next ten days.
All proceeds made from the auction will go to Teenage Cancer Trust.
Other acts performing on the night included Frank Turner, Robots In Disguise and The Thirst.
From more information and to watch live footage of the event, including the Babyshambles show, go to Teenagekicks2008.com
Friday 13 June 2008
Tori Spelling - Spelling Has A Baby Girl
Former BEVERLY HILLS, 90210 star TORI SPELLING has given birth to her second child with actor husband DEAN MCDERMOTT.
The 35-year-old actress welcomed a baby girl into the world at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles on Monday (09Jun08) - calling her first daughter Stella Doreen MCDermott.
The tot was delivered by Caesarian section and weighed 6 lbs 8 oz.
The couple already have one-year-old Liam Aaron. MCDermott has a nine-year-old son, Jack, from a previous marriage.
And the star was ecstatic to have a daughter, telling People.com, "I've always wanted a little girl since I'm such a girly girly.
"I immediately started crying. I couldn't believe it. I have my beautiful little boy and now I'll have my little girl! It's amazing."
See Also
Friday 6 June 2008
Michael Jackson - Jackson Stuns Designer By Showing Up At His Birthday Party
MICHAEL JACKSON and BRITNEY SPEARS dazzled at designer CHRISTIAN AUDIGIER's 50th birthday party on Friday night (23May08) - stunning the Ed Hardy founder by showing up.
Spears had told the designer she might turn up to join other stars including Pamela Anderson, Mean Suvari, Fergie and French star Johnny Halliday, who performed at the bash.
But Jackson was a big surprise.
Unfortunately the pop superstars, who are both rumoured to be in talks for spectacular shows in Las Vegas, didn't meet - Spears left for another party minutes before Jackson arrived.
See Also
Spears had told the designer she might turn up to join other stars including Pamela Anderson, Mean Suvari, Fergie and French star Johnny Halliday, who performed at the bash.
But Jackson was a big surprise.
Unfortunately the pop superstars, who are both rumoured to be in talks for spectacular shows in Las Vegas, didn't meet - Spears left for another party minutes before Jackson arrived.
See Also
Saturday 31 May 2008
Chaos Theory - movie review
When you take a film class, the first thing you're told is that if you can't capture
the attention of your audience in the first five minutes, you will lose them for
the duration of the narrative. For the most part, in practice, this is actually true.
Think about the number of times you've waited for a film to get better and it simply
hasn't, then you walk out of the theater lamenting the loss of those two hours of
life.
In sharp contrast to this rule, Chaos Theory's first ten minutes are painful, followed
by a moving journey that follows one couples' path to forgiveness after the realization
of infidelity. The last few minutes mirror the beginning in their annoyingly simplistic
banality, but the middle hour of the film is completely engaging. Even more impressive
is that, though it is mainly Frank's (Ryan Reynolds) story, the separate actions
of both he and his wife (Emily Mortimer) are treated as equally important in terms
of how they impact their family unit. The chemistry between parents and child feel
lived-in.
In flashback, Frank is revealed to be an efficiency expert that is just beginning
to get hired for public speaking events after the recent publication of a booklet
on saving time. At this first lecture, an attendee attempts to seduce Frank, whose
wife, Susan, calls at an inopportune moment to hear another woman in the background.
Frank escapes the room, remaining mostly faithful to his wife, but ends up in a car
accident with a pregnant woman, whom he escorts to a hospital. His name ends up on
the kid's birth certificate by mistake, which ends with Frank fighting against hard
evidence that he's leading a double life. The tide turns, however, when DNA testing
reveals that not only is he not the father of the baby in question, he's not the
father of his own child either. He's sterile. Now Susan's past becomes an issue.
Normally you'd assume that the story of a guy breaking loose from his uptight foundations
when everything he's known for eight years changes would be a blas� venture. After
all, people are always changing their lives drastically in a movie when they find out
something enormously upsetting. But Frank's internal battling, and the random explorations
he invents for himself on index card lists, build nicely to support why he could
choose to either return home or to stay away. For once, the requisite "best friend"
character (Stuart Townsend) gets to do more than just show up to say a line you
can predict from several scenes away. The acting of both Mortimer and Reynolds is
superb, especially when they finally have a conversation about what his being a parent
means to their child, regardless of biology.
It's unfortunate that a film that is only 86 minutes long is bracketed by 20 minutes
of aggravation, bookends that almost feel like they were shot by PBS or Disney to
cushion the adult content in the middle. The fairly unique ideas that Chaos Theory expl
ores are worth watching if you can get past the schmaltz.
We're thinkin' babies.
See Also
Thursday 29 May 2008
3 Doors Down, Staind, Hinder book more shows
Alt-rockers 3 Doors Down [ tickets ], Staind [ tickets ] and Hinder [ tickets ]--who earlier this month announced plans for a late-summer tour--have added a number of new dates to their itinerary, including a formidable foray into Canada.New to the bands' schedule are nine dates spread across August and early September, five of which are set in the Great White North. Though all three groups are scheduled to appear on most dates, Staind and Hinder will each miss some shows; Finger Eleven [ tickets ] will fill in on a couple of those dates. Details are included below.As previously reported, the outing kicks off on the Fourth of July, and more dates are expected, according to a press release.The upcoming tour isn't the first time Staind and 3DD have joined forces. "Ah, we're good friends with them," Staind frontman Aaron Lewis told Blabbermouth.net recently. "And it'll be fun. I can't wait to hook up with 'em."Staind is currently working on a follow-up to 2005's platinum-selling "Chapter V." A video diary of the band's progress in the studio is posted at its MySpace page. The album's working title is "The Illusion of Progress."Staind frontman Aaron Lewis has undertaken several brief solo tours over the last year, and reportedly is working on his first solo album, although a release date hasn't yet been announced.3 Doors Down's self-titled fifth studio album is due in stores next Tuesday (5/20). The group will usher in the set with a Monday (5/19) appearance on the long-running syndicated radio show "Rockline." Details on which radio stations will carry the broadcast are available at Rockline's website.Hinder released its debut album, "Extreme Behavior," in 2005. The band is reportedly working on a follow-up LP, with no release date currently set.
Michael Stipe - The Things They Say 8320
"I listen to it sometimes and I can't believe where it came from, and I can't believe I had anything to do with it. It's just an incredible song." MICHAEL STIPE on R.E.M. hit EVERYBODY HURTS.
See Also
Live Nation launches Facebook app
Users can search for and buy tickets
DENVER -- Live Nation unveiled a Facebook application that lets users search for and buy concert tickets directly from their profile on the popular social networking site.
The application is simply an extension of the My Live Nation Web site, which lets users create customized concert searches based on their favorite artists by reading their digital music libraries.
The Facebook application is simply a widget of the same, but allows other Facebook users to see each others' concert calendars, acting as a viral marketing tool for both the widget as well as the concerts listed in it.
DENVER -- Live Nation unveiled a Facebook application that lets users search for and buy concert tickets directly from their profile on the popular social networking site.
The application is simply an extension of the My Live Nation Web site, which lets users create customized concert searches based on their favorite artists by reading their digital music libraries.
The Facebook application is simply a widget of the same, but allows other Facebook users to see each others' concert calendars, acting as a viral marketing tool for both the widget as well as the concerts listed in it.
Sharon Osbourne Turns on the 'Charm' and Teaches The 'Rock of Love' Girls a Thing or Two About Being a Rock & Roll Leading Lady
VH1's Second Installment of "Charm School" Hosted by Sharon Osbourne Puts
14 of Bret Michael's Most Memorable Ladies Through Etiquette Class 101
SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 20 -- Rock and roll royalty
Sharon Osbourne is taking on a new role as headmistress of VH1's "Rock of
Love Girls: Charm School" premiering on VH1 in the Fall 2008. Osbourne has
been given the task of teaching some of the most notorious contestants from
"Rock of Love with Bret Michaels" the art of becoming more lady-like.
Whether you love them or love to hate them, there's no denying that these
rough-around-the-edges women need a respectable mentor who knows what it
takes to become a rockin' leading lady.
"Sharon Osbourne is undoubtedly one of the most successful women in the
industry and truly an icon in the rock world. We knew she would immediately
capture the imagination and attention of our cast and our audience," said
Jeff Olde, EVP Programming & Development, VH1. "Not only is she a true
master at the art of the business, but Sharon is a master at the art of
being herself and we are thrilled to have her spearheading this show."
Breakout stars from both seasons of "Rock of Love" will come together
under one roof to learn and grow in areas of etiquette, fashion, manners,
and moderation. They will be refined in hopes to graduate "Charm School" as
sophisticated and polite ladies. And who better to push these girls down
the road to renewal and re-discovery than Sharon Osbourne. As Headmistress
of "Charm School," Sharon will attempt to strip the girls of their former
rebellious and wild ways. And with some help from experts, hopefully
transform the girls into fully rockin' ladies.
The contestants will focus on one lesson a week followed by a demanding
test. Whoever doesn't measure up to the challenges of "Charm School" will
be expelled. In the end, the last one standing will be rewarded with
$100,000 to put towards her new and improved life.
Sharon Osbourne is the daughter of legendary manager Don Arden and the
wife of the "Godfather of Heavy Metal" "Rock Legend," Ozzy Osbourne. Sharon
has spent over fifty years fully emerged in the world of rock and roll,
juggling the roles of wife, mother, author and manager to Black Sabbath,
Electric Light Orchestra, Smashing Pumpkins, Motorhead and Slade. In 1996,
Sharon created and produced the biggest and most successful hard rock
touring festival in America: Ozzfest. Among her many television credits,
Osbourne was most recently seen in the 4th season of the UK's hit "X
Factor" and soon in the 2nd season of the U.S. hit "America's Got Talent."
Sharon has also started the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Foundation. The
Foundation's mission is to provide free screenings, support and healthcare
to those who can't afford it.
VH1's "Charm School" is created and executive produced by Mark Cronin
and Cris Abrego for 51 Minds Entertainment, LLC. an Endemol Company, who
also produce the record-breaking series "Rock of Love," "Flavor of Love,"
"Charm School," "I Love New York," "The Surreal Life" and "My Fair Brady."
The production teams' programming launched VH1 into their highest ratings
ever and their ratings continue to outperform their previous successes. Ben
Samek also executive produces for the series and the company.
Jeff Olde, Jill Holmes and Kristen Kelly oversee the series for VH1.
VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter
to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online
content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 90 million
households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and
services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1Games and extensive
broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.
Contacts: Chris Delhomme/VH1 Maura Wozniak/VH1
310-752-8635 212-846-7325
See Also
14 of Bret Michael's Most Memorable Ladies Through Etiquette Class 101
SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 20 -- Rock and roll royalty
Sharon Osbourne is taking on a new role as headmistress of VH1's "Rock of
Love Girls: Charm School" premiering on VH1 in the Fall 2008. Osbourne has
been given the task of teaching some of the most notorious contestants from
"Rock of Love with Bret Michaels" the art of becoming more lady-like.
Whether you love them or love to hate them, there's no denying that these
rough-around-the-edges women need a respectable mentor who knows what it
takes to become a rockin' leading lady.
"Sharon Osbourne is undoubtedly one of the most successful women in the
industry and truly an icon in the rock world. We knew she would immediately
capture the imagination and attention of our cast and our audience," said
Jeff Olde, EVP Programming & Development, VH1. "Not only is she a true
master at the art of the business, but Sharon is a master at the art of
being herself and we are thrilled to have her spearheading this show."
Breakout stars from both seasons of "Rock of Love" will come together
under one roof to learn and grow in areas of etiquette, fashion, manners,
and moderation. They will be refined in hopes to graduate "Charm School" as
sophisticated and polite ladies. And who better to push these girls down
the road to renewal and re-discovery than Sharon Osbourne. As Headmistress
of "Charm School," Sharon will attempt to strip the girls of their former
rebellious and wild ways. And with some help from experts, hopefully
transform the girls into fully rockin' ladies.
The contestants will focus on one lesson a week followed by a demanding
test. Whoever doesn't measure up to the challenges of "Charm School" will
be expelled. In the end, the last one standing will be rewarded with
$100,000 to put towards her new and improved life.
Sharon Osbourne is the daughter of legendary manager Don Arden and the
wife of the "Godfather of Heavy Metal" "Rock Legend," Ozzy Osbourne. Sharon
has spent over fifty years fully emerged in the world of rock and roll,
juggling the roles of wife, mother, author and manager to Black Sabbath,
Electric Light Orchestra, Smashing Pumpkins, Motorhead and Slade. In 1996,
Sharon created and produced the biggest and most successful hard rock
touring festival in America: Ozzfest. Among her many television credits,
Osbourne was most recently seen in the 4th season of the UK's hit "X
Factor" and soon in the 2nd season of the U.S. hit "America's Got Talent."
Sharon has also started the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Foundation. The
Foundation's mission is to provide free screenings, support and healthcare
to those who can't afford it.
VH1's "Charm School" is created and executive produced by Mark Cronin
and Cris Abrego for 51 Minds Entertainment, LLC. an Endemol Company, who
also produce the record-breaking series "Rock of Love," "Flavor of Love,"
"Charm School," "I Love New York," "The Surreal Life" and "My Fair Brady."
The production teams' programming launched VH1 into their highest ratings
ever and their ratings continue to outperform their previous successes. Ben
Samek also executive produces for the series and the company.
Jeff Olde, Jill Holmes and Kristen Kelly oversee the series for VH1.
VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter
to them most with TV series, specials, live events, exclusive online
content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 90 million
households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital channels and
services including VH1Classic, VH1 Soul, VH1 Mobile, VH1Games and extensive
broadband video on VH1.com. Connect with VH1 at VH1.com.
Contacts: Chris Delhomme/VH1 Maura Wozniak/VH1
310-752-8635 212-846-7325
See Also
Ghost forces Winehouse out of home
Troubled singer Amy Winehouse fled has her London home - claiming ghosts were trying to harm her.
Madonna seeks delay in Malawi adoption case
BLANTYRE - Madonna has asked a Malawian court to delay a hearing to finalize her adoption of a boy from the southern African nation, a lawyer close to the case said.The singer's law firm in Malawi filed an application requesting the High Court in Lilongwe to hear her adoption of David Banda on May 15 instead of April 22, as originally scheduled, the lawyer said, speaking on condition of anonymity.Madonna's need to travel to the United States for business reasons was cited as the reason for the delay, the lawyer said.Court officials refused to confirm the application."Adoption is a confidential matter and we separate adoption files from the regular case files," Thomson Ligowe, assistant registrar in the High Court, told Reuters.Malawi's government recommended earlier this month that the court approve the adoption of Banda.The pop diva met the boy in an orphanage in 2006 and began adoption proceedings soon after. He has been living with Madonna and her film director husband Guy Ritchie in London since shortly after the adoption process began.
The adoption has been controversial, with critics accusing the government of skirting laws that ban non-residents from adopting children in Malawi, one of the countries in Africa hardest hit by AIDS.The epidemic has left an estimated one million orphans in the country.- REUTERS
The adoption has been controversial, with critics accusing the government of skirting laws that ban non-residents from adopting children in Malawi, one of the countries in Africa hardest hit by AIDS.The epidemic has left an estimated one million orphans in the country.- REUTERS
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