Beat the Economic Blues at the Chicago Public Library

Beat the Economic Blues at the Chicago Public Library

Tuesday, December 30, 2008 | 12:24 PM

See the story complete with video:
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources&id=6578139


Parents may not have been able to buy their children as many gifts as in past years.

The Chicago Public Library has come up with inexpensive and fun ways to help support their child's education. These programs and resources are fun, educational and FREE for everyone who has a library card (which is free to all Chicago residents).

These include:

FREE Wi-fi

Music Downloads

Movie Rentals

Audio Book Rentals (they have this VERY VERY cool thing they call a "Takeaway" it looks like an iPod but it's pre-loaded with a complete audio book)

Free meeting space (community groups, small businesses)

Educational kids' activities

More activities organized by age: from for pre-schoolers through high school

· "Backpacks" - Kids (with parents) check out the backpack and includes everything the kids need to explore. The first two items are for pre-schoolers

· Language Development Backpack. The Language Development Backpack was created to support early childhood literacy. Included in the backpack are books, alphabet blocks and word games. All of the contents of this backpack promote word recognition and phonics building.

· Mother Goose Backpack (Recipe for Fun).
The backpack includes a "First Mother Goose" book, Mother Goose building blocks and one cassette of Mother Goose nursery rhymes. This back pack was created to introduce young children to phonics and promote word recognition through visuals and audio.

· Environment CPL's "Bird Watching Backpack"
This backpack (which kids check out all together) contains everything a child would need to go bird watching. It has books on various types of birds, binoculars, informational cards that include information various types of birds and it also includes an audio bird identifier. Children can use this gadget to identify birds by the type of sounds they make.

· Science Chicago
Science Chicago takes place throughout the fall at various library branches and talks about the value of science and math education. CPL actually has a resident scientist that runs this. It's a very hands-on program  not just about the books.

· Teen Volume
This is for high school students. Developed to engage teens and increase literacy amongst the teen population, Teen Volume is a series of programs designed for teens by teens. Teen Volume offers teen Money Smart (financial literacy) Programs, Reading Lists, Book Discussions, Reader's Theater Programs, Creative Writing Workshops and Author Visits. The visual elements here are mostly books, but CPL has a Teen Volume Advisory Council and one of the teenagers could perhaps be part of the segment.

· College Students
CPL believes that most college students get their educational needs fulfilled at their academic libraries, so the CPL is there for entertainment. CPL has more than 11,000 movie titles, thousands of CDs and downloadable music and audio books. All are FREE with a CPL library card (which is also free!). Lots of great visuals here including newly released DVDs, Playaways (a portable audiobook, the size of a deck of cards), newly released CDs and possibly an iPod to translate the downloadable media

Kilo Kai Brings its “Take No Prisoners”™ Attitude to Arizona

Kilo Kai™. We Make Rum. Real Rum.
Kilo Kai Brings its “Take No Prisoners”™ Attitude to Arizona

Chicago, IL – Arizona residents will no longer have to cross state lines to California or Vegas in order to get their new favorite rum, Kilo Kai. The Chicago makers of Kilo Kai announced this week that the brand is now available throughout the State of Arizona, part of an ongoing nationwide expansion. Kilo Kai is now available in thousands of locations throughout California, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada and Wisconsin. As the rum rolls out statewide in Arizona, consumers can visit www.KiloKai.com for a list of bars, nightclubs, as well as grocery and liquor stores where they can buy Kilo Kai.

Kilo Kai has expanded because of its great taste and its decision to affiliate with music and nightlife. The brand made national headlines after it was featured in the 2008 GRAMMY® Awards Gift Bag. Kilo Kai has sponsored numerous music events featuring artists such as The Bouncing Souls, Wu-Tang Clan, Flosstradamus, Pegboy, The Glamour, Reverend Horton Heat, The Las Vegas, Twista and The Supersuckers. The rum has developed a devoted following with its own facebook group and evangelistic bloggers.

Many also read about the brand’s clever promotion during the 2008 Republican National Convention in Minneapolis. Cut-out footprints appeared on bathroom floors with the Kilo Kai logo and the tag “Tap your foot if you want to hook up with Kilo Kai,” a reference to the Minneapolis airport bathroom scandal featuring Idaho Republican Senator Larry Craig. [Promo Magazine]

“You will hear about Kilo Kai mostly through bartenders, musicians, waiters and others connected to nightlife, culture and hospitality,” said Brad Trayser, president of Apostrophe Brands, the Chicago-based Kilo Kai importer. “Kilo Kai is the rum you will drink when you have decided taste is more important. We’re excited to share our great rum with our friends in Arizona.”

Better Tasting Rum
Compared to the market leader, Chris Null of the popular online liquor review site, DrinkHacker.com, gave Kilo Kai an “A” rating and said it was "spiced the way rum ought to be. … Kilo Kai was much smoother, with a creamy texture and a clear flavor of honey and cinnamon." Bill Jones of the music website PunkBands.com wrote, "I now have a great new choice when buying rum. (Compared to other brands) Kilo Kai tastes a hell of a lot better on its own." Theresa Carter, Chicago NBC5.com blogger and author of the popular website TheLocalTourist.com wrote, "Kilo Kai has convinced me to switch (rums) ... because it tastes good.” Julie Lawrence of OnMilwaukee.com commented that Kilo Kai was “smoother … This is a rum I’d actually consider drinking on the rocks.” Kevin Kosar of popular website AlcoholReviews.com gave Kilo Kai 4 out of 5 stars.

About Kilo Kai
Created by three generations of master rum distillers in Curacao, Kilo Kai is a spiced rum blended with the unique flavors and scents of the Caribbean. The complexity arises in the flavors of anise, vanilla, banana, cherry, nutmeg and orange peels. Crafted with 1-year-old and 3-year-old rums, Kilo Kai is the perfect rum for aficionados and novices alike because its complexity and unique blend of flavors allows it to be mixed in a favorite cocktail or enjoyed straight. The innovative package design features real skateboard tape on the bottle and is complete with Kilo Kai’s iconic logo. To learn more about Kilo Kai’s “Take No Prisoners” attitude, visit www.KiloKai.com. Please enjoy Kilo Kai responsibly.

Geothermal Power - DudeWeCanFixIt.com

There is a better way than through this kind of "geothermal power." Want to learn more, visit www.DudeWeCanFixIt.com to learn how you we can work together to fix the climate crisis. Video and website donated by All Terrain integrated marketing, www.allterrain.net. Dude We Can Fix It

The Golden Ticket

What a Night!

Four Cities Named Finalists for 2014 Gay Games

Boston, Cleveland, Miami and Washington DC Will Bid to host Gay Games IX

Cape Town, South Africa (28 October 2008) -- Groups from Miami (Florida), Cleveland (Ohio) Boston (Massachusetts), and Washington (D.C.), have submitted letters of intent to bid for the ninth edition of the Gay Games, to be held in 2014, officials announced at the close of the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) annual meeting in Cape Town, South Africa.

“Fourteen (14) cities worldwide had expressed interest in hosting the 2014 Gay Games,” said Darl Schaaff, co-chair of the Federation’s Site Selection Committee. “We are very excited to now have four highly qualified bidders for the 2014 Gay Games who met the 20 October 2008 letter-of-intent deadline.”

Bid documents are due to the FGG in March of 2009. FGG Site inspectors will then visit each city between May and August of 2009. After final multi-media presentations, the 2014 Gay Games host city will then be selected by the Federation of Gay Games Assembly at its 2009 annual meeting in Cologne, Germany next October. The FGG Assembly is comprised of organisations representing sports clubs, city teams, and cultural groups from around the globe.

Previous Gay Games have been held in San Francisco, USA (1982, 1986), Vancouver, Canada (1990), New York, USA (1994), Amsterdam, The Netherlands (1998), Sydney, Australia (2002) and Chicago, USA (2006). Gay Games VIII will be held 31 July – 7 August 2010 in Cologne, Germany. Gay Games Cologne registration officially launches worldwide on 31 October 2008 at www.games-cologne.com.

Organisers from Cleveland and Miami had representatives present in Cape Town, South Africa, in support of their intent to bid for Gay Games IX 2014.

The Gay Games is the largest and longest running multi-sport event on the international LGBT calendar, with more than eleven thousand participants taking part in approximately 30 sports and cultural events every four years. Ever since the organisers of the first two Gay Games in San Francisco decided to send the event to other cities, groups from dozens of cities on four continents have sought the honour of hosting the Gay Games. A wide range of government officials, Olympic athletes, celebrities and community leaders now support local bid groups in their efforts to showcase the Gay Games.

“We extend our best wishes to the groups from Boston, Cleveland, Miami, and Washington D.C. who have entered this stage of the bidding process,” Communications Officer Kelly Stevens said. “The FGG looks forward to working with them during the bidding cycle.”

For information on how to sponsor or participate in Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010, visit www.games-cologne.com. For information concerning sponsors of the Federation of Gay Games, go to www.gaygames.org. Images for press and promotion of Gay Games are available on the gallery link at www.gaygames.org or by request.

About The Federation of Gay Games:

The Federation of Gay Games is the international governing body that perpetuates the quadrennial Gay Games and promotes the event's founding principles of “Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best”™. The Gay Games were conceived by Dr. Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, and were first held in San Francisco in 1982. Participation in the Gay Games is open to anyone without pre-qualifications regardless of sexual orientation, physical ability, age, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religions, political conviction, race, or health status. For more information, visit www.gaygames.org.

“Gay Games”, “Federation of Gay Games”, the interlocking circles device, and the phrase “Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best” are trademarks of the Federation of Gay Games, Inc. Trademarks are registered in the USA, Canada, Benelux, the UK, Germany and Australia.

CONTACTS: Kevin Boyer, FGG Spokesperson, Kevin.Boyer@allterrain.net, +1 312-588-3713

Invite the Family Home for the Holidays- But Have Them Stay at the Hyatt

“Home for the Holidays” Rate Special at Hyatt Regency Woodfield

Schaumburg, IL – What’s better than having family come home for the holidays? Having them stay at a hotel, of course!

This coming holiday season, the Hyatt Regency Woodfield is offering a special “Home for the Holidays” $79 room rate special at their newly renovated property at 1800 East Golf Road. Located in Schaumburg in Suburban Chicago, just minutes from O’Hare Airport, the Hyatt’s special rates are good Thursday to Sunday nights from Thanksgiving night (November 27) through December 30.

Conveniently located close to O’Hare, the Woodfield shopping district and with easy access to downtown Chicago, the Hyatt is a perfect place for your parents, returning children or other relatives who would otherwise just use your fancy guest towels. With a 24-hour gym, in-room Wi-Fi, deluxe bath with rainfall shower head and complimentary shuttle to the Woodfield Shopping Center, you might be tempted to book a room for yourself down the hall from your loved ones.

To book their rooms, call the Hyatt Regency Woodfield at (800) 233-1234 and mention “Home for the Holiday” special rate. To convince your family to stay at the Hyatt instead of your house, show them the list of amenities and photos at http://woodfield.hyatt.com.


About Hyatt Regency Woodfield
Experience the incomparable service you deserve at New* Hyatt Regency Woodfield. Superbly positioned to offer easy access to downtown Chicago, O’Hare, local businesses and area attractions, our exceptional hotel in Schaumburg is dedicated to ensuring a remarkable stay from start to finish. Take advantage of services designed to keep up with your busy schedule or enjoy your free time with a round of golf organized by our knowledgeable Concierge. Host important businesses events with confidence, backed by the Hyatt Regency Woodfield hotel’s onsite team of expert planners and renowned caterers. Great restaurants, deluxe amenities and unparalleled attention to detail add the finishing touches that make us the outstanding choice among Schaumburg, Illinois hotels. *$32 million renovation completed December of 2008. Visit http://woodfield.hyatt.com for more information.

DudeWeCanFixIt.com - There's a better way to save our planet than through this kind of "water conservation." Want to learn more, visit www.DudeWeCanFixIt.com to learn how you we can work together to fix the climate crisis.







DudeWeCanFixIt.com - There's a better way to save our planet than through this kind of "wind power." Want to learn more, visit www.DudeWeCanFixIt.com to learn how you we can work together to fix the climate crisis.

Oct 5: Notre Dame and Chicago Machine To Host Lacrosse Exhibition Game in Downtown Chicago

Exhibition game to follow lacrosse clinic for youth up to high school age

Chicago, IL – A team of pro lacrosse players, many from the Chicago Machine, and top college club players will play the Notre Dame Men’s Lacrosse Team in a free “Fall Ball Exhibition” game open to the public at 1:30 pm on Sunday, October 5. Prior to the game, top Chicago Machine pros including Kevin Leveille, Steven Brooks, Mike Gabel and Jake Dean will conduct a lacrosse clinic for youth up to high school age from 11 am to 1 pm.

The event will be held at the Lower Hutchinson Field at Grant Park, south of South Columbus Drive and East Balbo Drive. The event is free to the public. The lacrosse clinic and exhibition game are co-sponsored by the Chicago Machine, Chicago Park District, Notre Dame Lacrosse, Chicago YMCA and Peapod.

For information on the youth lacrosse clinic, call the Chicago Machine at (312) 255-1522.

The Notre Dame Men’s Lacrosse team finished the spring 2008 season ranked #6 in the Nike/Inside Lacrosse Magazine poll with a 14-3 record. They advanced to the quarter finals of the Division I national lacrosse championships before falling by just two goals to eventual National Champion Syracuse University.

About the Chicago Machine
The Chicago Machine is Chicago’s outdoor professional men’s lacrosse team, members of the Western Conference of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). Having just concluded their third season, the Chicago Machine plays at TOYOTA PARK, 15 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago. Led by head coach, John Combs, the team has top players from nationally ranked college programs such as Notre Dame, Cornell, UMass, Virginia, Johns Hopkins, Navy and Syracuse. For 2009 game schedule, ticketing, team and player information, visit http://www.chicagomachine.com/. To receive score and team news updates, text “Machine” to 28546.

Kilo Kai Co-Sponsors "Fear No Fashion"

http://nbc5streetteam.wordpress.com/2008/09/15/kilo-kai-presents-fear-no-fashion/

read the complete article

Fashion is something not to fear darling, and to prove it Kilo Kai spiced rum is co-sponsoring “Fear No Fashion”. Snap!

“Fear No Fashion” is a wonderful event that includes a HOT fashion show, tantalizing burlesque acts, silent auction and my favorite- complimentary drinks featuring Kilo Kai from 4-5pm.

The event will benefit the PAVE Foundation (Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment).PAVE is a Chicago- based national grassroots nonprofit organization that uses education and action to shatter the silence of sexual and domestic violence.
So, although it’s a fun night out on the town you’ll be helping a GREAT cause!

The event takes place at Cubby Bear Lounge (1059 W. Addison Street) on Sat., September 28th, from 4pm-8pm. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at http://www.fearnofashion.org/ and for more info on Kilo Kai rum visit them at http://www.kilokai.com/

Rum Campaign Tweaks Twin Cities Political Scandal

http://promomagazine.com/news/rum_campaign_twin_cities_political_scandal_0902/

Republican conventions are known for being tightly scripted, unsurprising and pretty bland, and signs indicate this week’s gathering in St. Paul, MN, won’t break that basic mold. But upstart rum brand Kilo Kai hopes to throw a little swerve into the party’s stride this week with a guerrilla promotion that takes aim at a political sex scandal well known in the Twin Cities.
The spiced rum brand and its agency All Terrain sent teams out Monday to place promotional footprints in the public bathrooms of hotels, bars and nightspots around the Twin Cities and also around the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, where the 2008 Republican National Convention is being held this week. The footprints ask stall occupants to “Tap your toe if you want to hook up with Kilo Kai.”

The stunt refers to a 2007 political scandal involving Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID), who was arrested about a year ago for lewd conduct in a bathroom at the Minneapolis-St. Paul airport. Craig pled guilty to a lesser charge of disorderly conduct and promised to resign his Senate seat, then tried to withdraw his plea. When a federal judge denied that motion, Craig took back the resignation promise. He opted not to run for re-election this year.

“I’m a firm believer that public relations is a big part of the marketing mix,” said Brad Trayser, president of Kilo Kai’s parent company, Apostrophe Brands. “I would rather have editorial coverage than a billboard any day. People do adopt brands because of public relations, but not because they saw a cool billboard.”

Kilo Kai had recently branched out from its home market into six or seven new states, so Trayser asked promotional agency All Terrain to brainstorm some ideas that would generate press outside of the average product launch notices.

Since one of those new state markets was Minnesota, the agency began thinking about all those political journalists converging on St. Paul and how to grab their attention.
“They came up with the idea of the footprints,” Trayser said. “I liked it because it’s fun and in keeping with the spirit we’re establishing for the brand—maverick, irreverent. Being placed on the floor of a public bathroom isn’t necessarily the context most brands want to be seen in, but overall, I think the unserious spirit of the campaign is right on.”

All Terrain teams will not saturate the Twin Cities with the footprints, according to agency spokesperson Julie Lu. Instead they will place about 300 of the signs on Monday.
The teams will then go back on Wednesday and lay down replacements where zealous janitors or sensitive Republicans may have removed the first set.

Trayser downplays the potential for harming the Kilo Kai brand by associations with either illicit sex or political chicanery.

“A lot of beverage companies forget that drinking is about having a good time,” Trayser said. “Drinking Kilo Kai should put a smile on your face, and the advertising and marketing activities should do that too.”

Unlike rival spiced rum Captain Morgan, which combined a marketing campaign to elect its iconic captain president with in-bar events around Denver during last week’s Democratic National Convention, Kilo Kai is not running any special on-premise activations around the footprint campaign.

“Our goal is to make this as viral and guerrilla-style as possible,” All Terrain’s Lu said in an e-mail.

“We don’t want to alienate either Republicans or Democrats,” Trayser added. “If that’s the effect, then you’re probably taking things too seriously.”

All Terrain Named to Inc. 5000

Chicago Firm Celebrates 10th Anniversary with a Rank of 717 on List of America’s 5,000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies

Number 35 on List of Top 100 Businesses in Chicago Region
Number 54 on List of Top Advertising & Marketing Companies

NEW YORK, August 20, 2008 – All Terrain, a national integrated marketing agency based in Chicago, was ranked today as No. 717 on Inc. Magazine’s annual ranking of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the country. The list is the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy – America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs. Taken as a whole, these companies represent the backbone of the U.S. economy.

“Our second annual Inc. 5000 continues the most ambitious project in business journalism,” said Inc. 5000 Project Manager Jim Melloan. “The Inc. 5000 gives an unrivalled portrait of young, underreported companies across all industries doing fascinating things with cutting-edge business models, as well as older companies that are still showing impressive growth.”

The magazine also ranked All Terrain as the 35th fastest growing private company in the Chicago area and the 54th fastest growing advertising/marketing company in the U.S. (as measured by Inc. Magazine). All Terrain experienced a growth of 478.5% during a 3-year period ending December 31, 2007.

Earlier this summer All Terrain was also named to the Promo 100 list of the country’s largest promotional agencies by Promo Magazine. All Terrain was listed as the 3rd fastest growing promotional agency on the Promo 100. All Terrain has also launched a new section of their website - http://allterrain.net/casestudies/ - featuring successful client case studies.

“We are honored to be part of the Inc. 5000,” said Sarah Eck-Thompson, co-president of All Terrain. “We have grown into new markets and new services through client referrals and expanded client assignments. In September we will celebrate our 10th anniversary, and for ten years we have delivered cost-effective, integrated, measurable results for our clients. The Inc. 5000 ranking is validation of our approach and a great way to celebrate our accelerating growth.”

“Lots of agencies can help with word-of-mouth, digital, advertising or PR strategies,” said Brook Jay, co-president of All Terrain, “but when was the last time you actually felt good about a brand interaction? People gravitate to experiences that are relevant to their lives and aspirations. All Terrain has grown because we know how to break through the clutter and speak to people authentically where they live, breathe and buy."

About All Terrain
All Terrain is a full-service integrated marketing communications agency that personalizes and connects brands with relevant consumers across a full spectrum of formats. Born as an events and experiential agency, All Terrain has evolved into a full-service agency offering experiential marketing, lifestyle and entertainment branding as well as creative/advertising, integrated digital and public relations services. All Terrain clients include major brands such as General Motors, Underwriters Laboratories, Anheuser-Busch, Red Bull, Tribune Company, Cirque du Soleil and Diageo as well as regional and emerging brands. All Terrain is headquartered in Chicago. For more information and successful case studies, visit http://allterrain.net/casestudies/ or call (312) 421-7672.

About Inc. 5000
The 5000 companies that made the list reported aggregate revenue of $185 billion and median three-year growth of 147 percent. Most important, the 2008 Inc. 5000 companies were engines of job growth, having created more than 826,033 jobs since those companies were founded. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and a list of the fastest-growing companies that can be sorted by industry and region can be found at www.inc5000.com.

Kilo Kai Rum Expands Into Missouri -“Take No Prisoners” Attitude Available Statewide Starting August 1

• Starting Friday, August 1, 2008, Missourians will finally have a chance to taste the hot new rum that people across the river in Illinois have been enjoying since last October. Fast growing Chicago-based Kilo Kai Rum announced today it will expand the acclaimed spiced rum into Missouri starting in August. As the rum rolls out statewide, consumers can visit http://www.kilokai.com/ for a list of bars, nightclubs, as well as grocery and liquor stores where they can buy Kilo Kai.
  
  Business Facts
  • Kilo Kai launched in October of 2007 in Illinois by Apostrophe Brands. Kilo Kai is the sole product of Apostrophe Brands.
  • Several of the owners of Apostrophe Brands were part of the team that created Effen Vodka.
  • Kilo Kai is already available in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Nevada.
  • On August 1, Kilo Kai will also expand into Michigan, Missouri, California, Arizona and Indiana.
  • Glazer Midwest, located in St. Charles is the Missouri distributor.
  
  Product Attributes
  • Kilo Kai is distilled on the island of Curacao, off the coast of Venezuela, by a third generation master distiller from a recipe developed in cooperation with Apostrophe Brands.
  • Kilo Kai’s complex flavor includes essences of vanilla, cinnamon, anise, banana, cherry, nutmeg, and orange. It is 70 proof (35% alcohol by volume).
  • Recipes online at http://www.kilokai.com/ illustrate its ability to be enjoyed straight up or on the rocks, in a traditional rum and cola, or as a mixed tropical or martini-style drink.
  • The iconic Kilo Kai logo was designed by famed product design firm Turner-Duckworth (London/San Francisco).
  • Kilo Kai is sold in 750 ml bottles at a suggested retail price of $19.99.
  
  Quotes
  Brad Trayser, President of Apostrophe Brands
  • “Kilo Kai is the perfect rum for aficionados and novices alike because its complexity and unique blend of flavors allows it to be mixed in a favorite cocktail or enjoyed straight up.”
  • “Kilo Kai’s growth has come primarily from word of mouth. Most people hear about Kilo Kai Rum mostly through bartenders, musicians, waiters, and others connected to nightlife, culture, and hospitality.”
  • “Kilo Kai is the rum you drink when you have decided that taste is more important.”
  
  Reviews – “They Like Us … They Really Like Us”
  • Chris Null, Drinkhacker.com: “A” rating - “spiced the way rum ought to be … Kilo Kai was much smoother, with a creamy texture and a clear flavor of honey and cinnamon.”
  • Bill Jones, PunkBands.com: “I now have a great new choice when buying rum. (Compared to other brands) Kilo Kai tastes a hell of a lot better on its own.”
  • Theresa Carter, NBC5.com / TheLocalTourist.com: “Kilo Kai has convinced me to switch (rums) … because it tastes good.”
  • Julie Lawrence, OnMilwaukee.com: Kilo Kai was “smoother … this is a rum I’d actually consider drinking on the rocks.”
  • Kevin Kosar, AlcoholReviews.com: “4 out of 5 stars”
  • Mancow Muller, The Mancow [Radio] Show: “I love Kilo Kai!”

Links, Social Marketing Websites
Myspace.com
KiloKai.com
Recipes

Keywords
Rum, spiced rum, Kilo Kai, Curacao, rum and cola, cocktails, Brad Trayser, Apostrophe Brands, smooth, take no prisoners, Chicago, Missouri, taste, Leanez Family

About Kilo Kai
Created by three generations of master rum distillers in Curacao, Kilo Kai is a spiced rum blended with the unique flavors and scents of the Caribbean. The complexity arises in the flavors of anise, vanilla, banana, cherry, nutmeg and orange peels. Crafted with 1-year-old and 3-year-old rums, Kilo Kai is the perfect rum for aficionados and novices alike because its complexity and unique blend of flavors allows it to be mixed in a favorite cocktail or enjoyed straight. The innovative package design features real skateboard tape on the bottle and is complete with Kilo Kai’s iconic logo. To learn more about Kilo Kai’s “Take No Prisoners” attitude, visit http://www.kilokai.com/. Please enjoy Kilo Kai responsibly.

Chicago Machine Major League Lacrosse Team Sports Style

Need another reason to watch the Chicago Machine Major League Team? Go to ABC 7 News Chicago and see the video - Watch the Chicago Machine strut their style.

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources&id=6268032

Chicago Machine Teams with Cartridge World Chicago for eWaste Recycling Event

Story link: http://www.newswiretoday.com/news/37079/

The Chicago Machine, in partnership with the 30 area Cartridge World stores, is hosting a recycling event for computers, monitors, cell phones, printers, phones, ink and laser cartridges and more. The goal is to encourage consumers to reuse, refill and recycle electronics and cartridges. Chicago Surplus Computer will be on hand to haul away and responsibly recycle all e-waste products dropped off. Those participating in this unique e-waste program will receive discount admission to that day’s Chicago Machine Lacrosse game and a coupon for a free inkjet cartridge refill.

WHEN:

Sunday, July 20, 2008, 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm

WHERE:

Toyota Park, 7000 S. Harlem Avenue, Bridgeview, IL 60455

WHY:

Electronic waste accounts for 70 percent of the overall toxic waste that is currently in landfills;

• In 2005 alone almost two million tons of e-waste ended up in landfills;

• In addition to valuable metals like aluminum, electronics often contain hazardous materials like lead and mercury;

• It does not take much lead or mercury to contaminate an area’s soil or water supply;

• It takes at least 450 years for one ink cartridge to break down in a landfill, allowing harmful materials to seep into the earth;• Some components made of industrial grade plastics will take over one thousand years to decompose;

• Seventy percent of cartridges used worldwide are thrown out;

• It’s estimated that there are over 500 million used cell phones ready for disposal now;

• Cell phone batteries were originally composed of nickel and cadmium (Ni-Cd batteries);

• Cadmium is linked as a human carcinogen that causes lung and liver damage;

• Mercury is contained in computer circuit boards, which also include lead and cadmium;

• With the fact that the FCC is going to require all televisions to run a digital signal by February 19, 2009, we could see a lot of lead from older TV’s (cathode ray tubes – CRT) heading for landfills.

About the Chicago Machine

The Chicago Machine is Chicago’s outdoor professional men’s lacrosse team, members of the Western Conference of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). Now in their third season, the Chicago Machine plays at TOYOTA PARK, 15 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago. Led by head coach John Combs, the team has top players from nationally ranked college programs such as Notre Dame, Cornell, UMass, Virginia, Johns Hopkins, Navy and Syracuse. Season tickets and individual game tickets are now available. To receive score and team news updates, text “Machine” to 28546.

About Cartridge World Chicago

Cartridge World provides consumers and businesses with an alternative to save money and reduce the impact of millions of cartridges thrown away into landfills each year. Most Cartridge World cartridges are refilled or re-manufactured locally, the most environmentally friendly way to utilize empty printer cartridges. The Chicagoland area is home to 30 of the company’s over 1,600 stores worldwide. It uses only the highest quality imaging supplies, and is the leader in the refilling and re-manufacturing of empty printer cartridges. Each store refills cartridges for most home and small business printers, including fax, printer, copier, postage and multi-function, by all major brands, including HP, Dell, Canon, Lexmark and Epson. Cartridge World stores also stock a wide assortment of brand name cartridges and offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Cartridge World is a proud member of the Environmental Protection Agency Waste Wise program.

Gay Games VIII to expand and refine drug testing

Read the complete article at:

http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=3150

Gay Games VIII to expand and redefine drug testing

Three Chicago Machine Players Named Major League Lacrosse All-Stars

Kevin Leveille, Mike Gabel and Steven Brooks will play in July 17 MLL All-Star

Chicago, IL – Three players from the Chicago Machine pro lacrosse team – Kevin Leveille (#19, Attack), Mike Gabel (#9, Goalie) and Steven Brooks (#10, Midfield) - have been selected to play in the seventh annual Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game. Announced today by David Gross, commissioner of Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the All-Stars were selected by the League's head coaches, general managers and players. For a full roster of MLL All-Stars, visit http://www.majorleaguelacrosse.com/.

The MLL All-Star game will take place on Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 8:00 PM MT at Denver’s INVESCO Field at Mile High. For the second consecutive year, the game will match-up players from the Eastern Conference against their Western Conference counterparts. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN2.

About Kevin Leveille (Attack - 19)
Arguably one of the league’s best players, Chicago Machine attackman Kevin Leveille began his lacrosse career as a standout in high school in Albany, New York. Named a high school All American in lacrosse, he was a multi-sport athlete and was captain of both his high school lacrosse and hockey teams. During his four-year career at the University of Massachusetts/Amherst he finished 11th on the all-time UMass scoring list, was an All American, and was a finalist for the Tewaaraton Trophy, Lacrosse’s Heisman. He started his pro career with the Boston Cannons where he played until being traded to Chicago at the end of the 2005 season. This year he is Chicago’s top scorer, is 3rd in the league in points, 2nd in goals scored, and has a 42-game scoring streak dating back to 2004.

Kevin’s brother, Mike Leveille, joined the Chicago Machine this season and the two now play together on the same team. When not playing lacrosse, Kevin works as the upper Midwest Sales Manager for Warrior and Brine Sports. He’s a huge music fans and has 6,000 songs on his MP3 player. His favorite bands include Phish, Grateful Dead, and the Talking Heads. In addition, he plays the guitar and enjoys going to concerts and hockey games.

About Mike Gabel (Goalie - 9)
Goalie Mike Gabel is one of the original players of the Chicago Machine franchise, now in his 3rd pro year. Mike is having a break-out year in 2008, currently ranked 2nd in the league in save percentage and goals-allowed-average. Mike’s college career at Vermont was record-breaking. His save percentage was 11th best in the country in 2005 and he ended his career breaking Vermont school records for “goals-allowed-average” both in a season and in a career.

When not protecting the cage for the Chicago machine, Gabel stays very busy as the co-founder of True Lacrosse with teammate Jake Deane. At True Lacrosse, Gabel and Deane train high school and college athletes, preparing them for college and professional lacrosse careers.

About Steven Brooks (Midfielder - 10)
Libertyville, Illinois, native Steven Brooks is known to the world of lacrosse as a powerhouse, having most recently played for the 2008 NCAA National Champion lacrosse team at Syracuse University. He’s already making a name for himself, ranking in the top 25 in the MLL in points scored and in the top five of the 2008 Rookies. To be named to the All Star team in his rookie season is certainly a portent of great things to come.

Steven’s teammates and friends know him as “Brooksie,” a fun-loving, superstitious, and outgoing guy. His spirit, despite some personal tragedies in his life, has helped strengthen the team. Steven’s lacrosse stick has the initials of his mother who passed away while he was in high school. He continues that tradition with his Chicago Machine stick as well.

About the Chicago Machine
The Chicago Machine is Chicago’s outdoor professional men’s lacrosse team, members of the Western Conference of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). Now in their third season, the Chicago Machine plays at TOYOTA PARK, 15 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago. Led by head coach John Combs, the team has top players from nationally ranked college programs such as Notre Dame, Cornell, UMass, Virginia, Johns Hopkins, Navy and Syracuse.

The Chicago Machine play the Los Angeles Riptide at 3:30 pm on Sunday, July 6, 2008, at TOYOTA PARK in suburban Chicago. For game schedule, ticketing, team and player information, visit http://www.chicagomachine.com/. To receive score and team news updates, text “Machine” to 28546.

Media Contact: Kevin Boyer, (312) 588-3713, Kevin.Boyer@allterrain.net

Chicago Drinks: Kilo Kai at the Drawing Room

Chicago Drinks Video on YouTube features Kilo Kai at the Drawing Room in Chicago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjExJu8OWi8

Pro Lacrosse Game Preview: Chicago Machine vs. Barrage: June 14, 2008

Chicago Machine Play Defending MLL Champs Look to Rebound from Tough Losses

Game Time: 5:00 pm Central
Live Webcast: ESPN360.com
TV Broadcast: Comcast Sportsnet Tape Delay – June 15, 7:30 pm Central

St. Louis, MO - The Gateway City will be in for a treat when Major League Lacrosse (MLL) brings the reigning champions the Barrage and underdog Machine together at Anheuser-Busch Center Saturday. Both teams will be looking to rebound from losses last weekend.

The 2007 MLL champs suffered a 22-12 blowout defeat at the hands of the Long Island Lizards last week and are riding a two-game losing streak. The Barrage (2-2) is currently fifth in the Eastern Conference behind Long Island and Boston.

The Machine (1-3) is also suffering after a tough 15-14 loss in overtime to the San Francisco Dragons and are on a three-game losing streak as well. Chicago’s latest loss saw them to slip into last place in the Western Conference. Two of the losses, however, have been by just one goal.

This will be just the second time the teams have ever met. The last battle took place during the 2006 season, when the Barrage needed an overtime victory to squeak past the Machine 13-12.

The Machine and Barrage bring strongly contrasting squads into the game. The Machine, the youngest team in the league, sports a mass of fresh talent, while the Barrage relies on experience and guile. The Barrage, however, is unsure whether reigning Warrior Goalie of the year, Brian “Doc” Dougherty, will be able to play this weekend. Dougherty is questionable after suffering a shoulder injury during the game against Long Island last week.

Last week, Machine coach John Combs took a gamble and threw another rookie onto the field, midfielder Terry Kimener. Comb’s luck paid off when Kimener provided the much-needed firepower by scoring three goals in his MLL debut. In the last two games, the Machine has played four members of their rookie class from the 2008 MLL Collegiate Draft. Mike Leveille (2G, 5A), Will Barrow (1G), Steven Brooks (4G, 4A), and Terry Kimener (3G) have combined for 19 points total in just two games.

The Machine defense reduced the number of penalties it took from 10 against Washington to just four against San Francisco last week. The Dragons, however, took advantage of those power plays and netted three goals on four power play opportunities.

The Machine defensive unit of Jeff Bigas, Rob Smith, Steve Whittenberg and goalie Mike Gabel will have to put together a strong effort to neutralize Barrage firepower from the likes of Matt Striebel (8G, 7A), Seth Goldberg (12G, 1A) and Ryan Boyle (4G, 9A). Chicago’s penalty-killing unit will have to step up this weekend to shut down the Barrage’s 36-percent powerplay advantage.

On face-offs, Machine midfielder Doug Shanahan should have some success considering the Barrage have only won 41 percent of its draws in the last four games.

Catch the Chicago Machine on Metromix TV

Catch Bahar Takhtehchian of Chicago's Metromix TV interviewing Mike Culver of the Chicago Machine, Chicago's very own major league lacrosse team.

http://cltv.trb.com/video/?clipId=2567476&topVideoCatNo=77888&c=77888&autoStart=true&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage&clipFormat=

About the Chicago Machine

The Chicago Machine are Chicago's outdoor professional men's lacrosse team, members of the Western Conference of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). Now in their third season, the Chicago Machine play at Toyota Park, 15 minutes southwest of Downtown Chicago. Led by head coach John Combs, the team is has top players from nationally ranked college programs such as Notre Dame, Cornell, UMass, Virginia, Navy and Syracuse. The Chicago Machine open their third season at home on Sunday, May 18, 2008, against conference rival San Francisco Dragons. Season tickets and individual game tickets are now available. For game schedule, ticketing, team and player information, visit www.chicagomachine.com.

Chicago Machine’s Mike Leveille wins Tewaaraton

“Heisman Trophy of Lacrosse” goes to Chicago’s #1 Draft Pick

Chicago, IL - Newly acquired Chicago Machine attackman Mike Leveille (Delmar, N.Y.) has been named the winner of the 2008 Tewaaraton Trophy as the player of the year in college lacrosse. Leveille was chosen from a group of five finalists by the selection committee, which is made up of 11 current and former head coaches.

The Tewaaraton Trophy has been presented to top lacrosse player in the nation each year since 2001. Leveille was selected over finalists Matt Danowski and Zack Greer of Duke, Paul Rabil of Johns Hopkins and Ben Rubeor of Virginia.

"Mike has been one of the real leaders of this team all year long," SU head coach John Desko said. "This is a great reward for him, the team and the University for all that he's accomplished. He was the main cog in our run to the national championship."

Leveille powered SU to victories against Virginia and Johns Hopkins at Gillette Stadium en route to the school's 10th NCAA title. A first-team All-American, Leveille was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, tallying 19 points, including 11 goals, in the Orange's four playoff victories.

He concluded the season ranked third nationally in points per game (4.61), seventh in goals per game (2.72) and seventh in assists per contest (1.89). Leveille led Syracuse in all three categories, notching 49 goals, 34 assists and 83 points. His 49 tallies are tied for seventh on the school's single-season list and his 83 points is tied for the 10th-best season total in SU history. Leveille finished his career ninth all-time at Syracuse in goals scored (132), 12th in career assists (83) and 12th in career points (215).

The Tewaaraton Trophy is the latest in long list of honors bestowed on Leveille in 2008. Last weekend he was named the second winner of the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award for men's lacrosse. The award is presented to the sport's most outstanding student-athlete. Leveille also won Syracuse's Male Athlete of the Year Award and was the school's male recipient of the Soladay Award for athletic and academic excellence.

Look for Leville to contribute in Sunday’s Chicago Machine matchup against the Washington Bayhawks at TOYOTA PARK. Several Machine players are questionable due to injuries from last week’s game. Leveille may replace Eric Pittard at attack this weekend after Pittard was hurt last week. The opportunity will allow Mike to join his brother, Kevin Leveille on the field for the first time ever. The duo will become an asset for the Chicago offense along with midfielders Brad Heritage, Brian Clayton and Pat Heim, who have combined for 10 goals so far this season.

About Chicago Machine
The Chicago Machine is Chicago’s outdoor professional men’s lacrosse team, members of the Western Conference of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). Now in their third season, the Chicago Machine plays at TOYOTA PARK, 15 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago. Led by head coach John Combs, the team has top players from nationally ranked college programs such as Notre Dame, Cornell, UMass, Johns Hopkins, Virginia, Navy and Syracuse.

The team returns home for a Sunday, June 1, 2008, matchup with the Washington (DC) Bayhawks. Game time is 3:30 pm at Toyota Park. Tickets and information are available at http://www.chicagomachine.com/ or by calling the ticket hotline at (312) 255-1540. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN360.com, and on Comcast SportsNet (Tape Delay) on Monday, June 2, at 3 pm CT. To receive game updates, text “LAX Updates” to 28546.

Media Contact: Kevin Boyer, (312) 588-3713, Kevin.Boyer@allterrain.net

Bud Light, Chicago Machine and Duffy’s Tavern & Grille present June 1 is Pro Lacrosse Sunday Fun-Day

Ride the Lacrosse Party Bus from Duffy’s/Lincoln Park to the
June 1 Chicago Machine Pro Lacrosse Game at Toyota Park

Chicago, IL – Bud Light, Chicago Machine pro lacrosse and Duffy’s Tavern & Grille are teaming up to take a bus of lacrosse fans – new and old – to the Sunday, June 1, 2008, Chicago Machine home game against the Washington (DC) Bayhawks. For just $25, fans of the fastest sport on two feet receive a bus ride to and from TOYOTA PARK, free draft Bud Light on the bus, a souvenir Bud Light cup, a souvenir Bud Light lacrosse t-shirt, a ticket to the game and a pass to the on-field VIP area – the “Bud Light Filling Station.”

“The opportunity to watch the game from the Bud Light Filling Station is the real prize here,” said Michael Culver, Chicago Machine Assistant General Manager. “With complimentary Bud Light and food, plus tables and seating literally feet from the edge of the playing field, fans in the Bud Light Filling Station feel like they’re right in the game.” Tickets that include access to the Filling Station are typically priced at $75.

“The cheering fans in the Bud Light Filling Station were a real boost to the players in last Sunday’s win over San Francisco,” said Chicago Machine Defenseman Jake Deane. “We love playing for the fans at home in Chicago.”

The Bud Light Party Bus leaves from Duffy’s Tavern & Grille, 420 ½ West Diversey, Chicago, at 2:30 pm. Game time is 3:30 pm. To pre-purchase seats on the bus, e-mail Tom Flynn at tom_flynn@bar1events.com, or call the Chicago Machine at (312) 255-1522.

The Chicago Machine faces the LA Riptide this Sunday, May 25 in Los Angeles. Fans can follow the live web broadcast of the game on ESPN360.com. The game will also be broadcast on Comcast Sportsnet on Monday, May 26, at 3 pm CDT. The team returns home for a Sunday, June 1, 2008, matchup with the Washington (DC) Bayhawks. Game time is 3:30 pm at Toyota Park. Tickets and information are available at http://www.chicagomachine.com/ or by calling the ticket hotline at (312) 255-1540.

The Chicago Machine is Chicago’s outdoor professional men’s lacrosse team, members of the Western Conference of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). Now in their third season, the Chicago Machine plays at TOYOTA PARK, 15 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago. Led by head coach John Combs, the team has top players from nationally ranked college programs such as Notre Dame, Cornell, UMass, Virginia, Navy and Syracuse. The Chicago Machine opened their third season at home with a 10-9 win over conference rival San Francisco.

Media Contacts: Josh Cole, Chicago Machine, (312) 255-1522, jcole@chicagomachine.com
Kevin Boyer, (312) 588-3713, Kevin.Boyer@allterrain.net

Chicago Machine Goalie Mike Gabel Named MLL Goalkeeper of the Week

Major League Lacrosse, the premier professional outdoor lacrosse league, announced Monday that it had named Chicago Machine goalkeeper Mike Gabel as its Goalkeeper of the Week for the week ending May 18, 2008, according to MLL Commissioner David Gross.

Gabel was named as the Goalkeeper of the Week for the second time in his MLL career after leading the Machine to a 10-9 victory over San Francisco on Sunday afternoon. He made 19 saves, including 10 in the first half, to lead the Machine to the first season-opening victory in the team’s three-year history. With 32 seconds left in the fourth quarter, he made a game-saving stop to protect the Machine’s one-goal lead. For his effort, the MLL also named Gabel their “Bud Light Player of the Game.”

Denver Outlaws face-off specialist Geoff Snider was honored as the League’s Defensive Player of the Week and Rochester Rattlers attackman Jeff Zywicki was named Offensive Player of the Week.

The Chicago Machine faces the LA Riptide this Sunday, May 25 in Los Angeles. Fans can follow the live web broadcast of the game on ESPN360.com. The game will also be broadcast on Comcast Sportsnet on Monday, May 26, at 3 pm CDT. The team returns home for a Sunday, June 1, 2008, matchup with the Washington (DC) Bayhawks. Game time is 3:30 pm at Toyota Park. Tickets and information are available at www.chicagomachine.com or by calling the ticket hotline at (312) 255-1540.

About the Chicago Machine
The Chicago Machine is Chicago’s outdoor professional men’s lacrosse team, members of the Western Conference of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). Now in their third season, the Chicago Machine plays at TOYOTA PARK, 15 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago. Led by head coach John Combs, the team has top players from nationally ranked college programs such as Notre Dame, Cornell, UMass, Virginia, Navy and Syracuse. The Chicago Machine opens their third season at home on Sunday, May 18, 2008, against conference rival San Francisco Dragons. Season tickets and individual game tickets are now available. For game schedule, ticketing, team and player information, visit www.chicagomachine.com.

About Major League Lacrosse
Major League Lacrosse, a 10-team professional outdoor lacrosse league, was founded in 1999 by fitness entrepreneur Jake Steinfeld, CEO of Body by Jake Global L.L.C., and founding partners Dave Morrow, a former champion lacrosse player and now CEO of Warrior Lacrosse, a leading global provider of innovative and high performance lacrosse equipment; Timothy B. Robertson, former CEO of The Family Channel and the current chairman of Bay Shore Enterprises, L.L.C., an investment holding company with activities in international media and Internet technology ventures; and Jim Davis, Chairman of New Balance. The MLL commenced play in June of 2001. The MLL is comprised of two conferences. The Eastern Conference contains the original six teams, Boston, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Rochester and Washington. The Western Conference debuted in the 2006 season with MLL expansion franchises Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Additional league information can be found at www.majorleaguelacrosse.com.

Media Contacts: Josh Cole, Chicago Machine, (312) 255-1522, jcole@chicagomachine.com
Kevin Boyer, (312) 588-3713, Kevin.Boyer@allterrain.net

"Chicago Machine" MLL Lacrosse Players on NBC 5 Morning News

If you missed the NBC 5 News this morning - you can still catch the video

Chicago Machine Isn't Just Politics Anymore

Members of Chicago's pro LaCrosse team join Rob and Zoraida on the plaza with their "Top 10 Reasons." - Watch the handsome members of Chicago's Major League Lacrosse team tell us why they love playing lacrosse for the Chicago Machine.

Watch the video:




http://video.nbc5.com/player/?fid=21182#videoid=252078

Chicago Machine Signs TV Deal with Comcast SportsNet

Chicago, IL – Comcast SportsNet and the Chicago Machine have signed a deal to broadcast Chicago Machine pro lacrosse games on Chicago area cable television. Combined with a previously announced deal between Major League Lacrosse and ESPN, this means that all Chicago Machine games will be available on local cable television as well as streamed live on the web.

All Chicago Machine games, except for the July 26 game against Denver which is the ESPN2 Game of the week, will be available on tape delay on Comcast SportsNet throughout the Chicago area, including Northwest Indiana and Southeastern Wisconsin. The complete schedule of games and broadcast is as follows:

Date Game Time TV Broadcast Web Broadcast
05/18/08 San Francisco @ Chicago 3:30 CT CSN-TD 7:30 pm CT ESPN360.com Live
05/25/08 Chicago @ Los Angeles 7:00 PT ^ CSN-TD 5/26 3:00 pm CT ESPN360.com Live
06/01/08 Washington@ Chicago 3:30 CT ^ CSN-TD 6/2 3:00 pm CT ESPN360.com Live
06/07/08 Chicago@ San Francisco 7:00 PT ^ CSN-TD 6/10 3:00 pm CT ESPN360.com Live
06/14/08 Chicago @ Philadelphia in St. Louis 5:00 CT ^ CSN-TD 6/15 7:30 pm CT ESPN360.com Live
06/21/08 Chicago @ Denver 7:00 MT ^ CSN-TD 6/22 7:30 pm CT ESPN360.com Live
06/29/08 Denver @ Chicago 3:30 CT CSN-TD 7:30 pm CT ESPN360.com Live
07/06/08 Los Angeles @ Chicago 3:30 CT CSN-TD 7:30 pm CT ESPN360.com Live
07/12/08 Chicago @ San Francisco 7:00 PT ^ CSN-TD 7/13 7:30 pm CT ESPN360.com Live
07/20/08 Los Angeles @ Chicago 3:30 CT CSN-TD 7:30 pm CT ESPN360.com Live
08/10/08 Rochester @ Chicago 3:30 CT CSN-TD 7:30 pm CT ESPN360.com Live


07/26/08 Chicago @ Denver 4:00 MT ESPN2-TD 7/29 2:30 pm ESPN360.com Live
07/17/08 2008 MLL All-Star Game – Denver 8:00 MT ESPN2-Live ESPN360.com Live
08/23/08 2008 MLL Semi-Finals #1, Boston 12:00 ET ESPN2-Live ESPN360.com Live
08/24/08 2008 MLL NB Zip Championship, Boston 1:00 ET ESPN2-Live ESPN360.com Live

* CSN-TD = Comcast SportsNet Tape Delay.
* ESPN2-TD = ESPN2 Tape Delay
^ Note that some games are broadcast on a date other than the game date.

The Chicago Machine home opener is Sunday, May 18, at 3:30 pm (CT) when the Machine plays their division rival the San Francisco Dragons TOYOTA PARK. Tickets to the game are still available at www.chicagomachine.com or by calling (312) 255-1540.

About the Chicago Machine
The Chicago Machine is Chicago’s outdoor professional men’s lacrosse team, members of the Western Conference of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). Now in their third season, the Chicago Machine plays at TOYOTA PARK, 15 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago. Led by head coach John Combs, the team has top players from nationally ranked college programs such as Notre Dame, Cornell, UMass, Virginia, Navy and Syracuse. The Chicago Machine opens their third season at home on Sunday, May 18, 2008, against conference rival San Francisco Dragons. Season tickets and individual game tickets are now available. For game schedule, ticketing, team and player information, visit www.chicagomachine.com.


Media Contact: Kevin Boyer, (312) 588-3713, Kevin.Boyer@allterrain.net
Josh Cole, Chicago Machine, (312) 255-1522, jcole@chicagomachine.com

Michelle Ferris, Cycling World and Olympic Silver Medalist, Named Gay Games Ambassador

Federation of Gay Games names elite Australian athlete to join international roster of
sports and cultural stars promoting the quadrennial Gay Games

(San Francisco – 15 May 2008) Australian Michelle Ferris, one of cycling’s all-time sprint stars with multiple world and Olympic medals to her credit, has been selected by the Federation of Gay Games (FGG) to be the newest Gay Games Ambassador, an international group of prominent individuals supporting the Gay Games.

The eighth edition of the quadrennial Gay Games takes place in Cologne, Germany 31 July to 10 August 2010.

“I relish the opportunity to be a Gay Games Ambassador”, said Ferris. “The Gay Games provide a unique opportunity for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender athletes and artists from around the world to come together in celebration. By highlighting our sporting and cultural achievements under the three Gay Games principles of ‘Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best’, we have the opportunity to celebrate our accomplishments in a safe and supportive environment.”

Ferris’ 20-year cycling career peaked with a series of silver medals in the sprint and 500 metre time trials at the Olympic games in 1996 and 2000 and at the UCI World Cycling Championships from 1997-1999. She captured her country’s heart at Sydney’s 2000 Olympics when, after finishing in the runner-up position in the sprint to her perennial rival Felicia Ballanger of France, she said it didn’t matter because the most important thing was that she’d set a new personal best.

After retiring from the rigors of full-time cycling training and traveling, Ferris climbed back on her bike for the competitive yet less pressure-packed 13th UCI World Masters Track Cycling Championships held in 2007 in Sydney. She won gold in both the sprint and 500 m. time trials in the 30-39 age category and added a third gold in the 12.5 km. points race for ages 30-44.

Today, Ferris sees her athletic accomplishments as a way to bring attention to other important issues, such as those epitomized by the Gay Games.

“Until we have full legal and societal equality”, stated Ferris, “gays and lesbians, especially those with a public profile, should come out. Elite athletes have the responsibility and the honour of serving as role models for the LGBT community, and we can do this by living our lives proudly”.

The Gay Games Ambassadors represent a broad range of achievement in sports, the arts, business and government. Michelle Ferris joins an illustrious roster that includes: from the U.K., musician Sir Elton John, world power lifting gold medallist Chris Morgan, and former National Basketball Association player Jon Amaechi; from South Africa, Olympic beach volleyball player Leigh Ann Naidoo; from Germany, world and Olympic champion cyclists Petra Rössner and Judith Arndt; from Australia, world champion trampoline gymnast Ji Wallace; and, from the U.S., tennis legend Billie Jean King, Olympic gold medal diver Greg Louganis, Olympic gold medal swimmer Bruce Hayes, champion figure skater Rudy Galindo, rock star Melissa Etheridge, former U.S. Ambassador James Hormel, former Major League Baseball player Billy Bean, former National Football League players David Kopay and Esera Tuaolo, actors Judith Light and Amanda Bearse, and photographer Tom Bianchi.

“The selection of Michelle Ferris to be a Gay Games Ambassador is the FGG's way of recognizing her contributions to the international sport and culture community as a world champion, an Olympic medallist and an elite cyclist”, said Kate Rowe, Sydney-based FGG board member and Vice President for Diversity. “We feel truly honoured that Michelle Ferris has accepted our invitation to become an Ambassador for the Gay Games”.

Ferris and the other Gay Games Ambassadors will promote the upcoming Gay Games VIII around the world at sporting events and public gatherings in collaboration with the FGG. Although retired from elite competitions, Ms. Ferris continues participating in Masters cycling events and is looking forward to competing at her first Gay Games in Cologne.

For information on how to sponsor or participate in Gay Games VIII, visit www.games-cologne.com. For information concerning sponsors of the Federation of Gay Games, go to www.gaygames.org.

###

About The Federation of Gay Games:
The Federation of Gay Games is the international governing body that perpetuates the quadrennial Gay Games and promotes the event's founding principles of “Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best”™. The Gay Games were conceived by Dr. Tom Waddell, an Olympic decathlete, and were first held in San Francisco in 1982 with 1,350 participants. Subsequent Gay Games were held in San Francisco (1986 - 3,500 participants), Vancouver (1990 - 7,300 participants), New York (1994 - 12,500 participants), Amsterdam (1998 - 13,000 participants), Sydney (2002 - 11,000 participants), and Chicago (2006 - 11,700 participants). Gay Games VIII will be held in Cologne, Germany on July 31, 2010 to August 7, 2010.

“Gay Games”, “Federation of Gay Games”, the interlocking circles device, and the phrase “Participation, Inclusion and Personal Best” are trademarks of the Federation of Gay Games, Inc. Trademarks are registered in the USA, Canada, Benelux, the UK, Germany and Australia.


Media Contacts: Kelly Stevens, FGG Officer of Communications, kstevens@gaygames.org, +1 (206) 367-4064 - Kevin Boyer, North American Media Relations, kevin.boyer@allterrain.net, +1 (312) 588-3713

ESPN360.com To Stream Live All 2008 Chicago Machine Games

ESPN360.com To Stream Live All 2008 Chicago Machine Games
Deal augments ESPN2 and local market television coverage of pro lacrosse team

Chicago, IL – Starting with the very first home game on Sunday, May 18, fans of lacrosse, and especially of the Chicago Machine, will have an unprecedented opportunity to watch the hard-hitting action of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). The premier professional outdoor lacrosse league and ESPN360.com have announced that every MLL game this season will be streamed live on ESPN’s signature broadband network. Additionally, games will be archived and available for on-demand replay for a period of time after they are completed.

The MLL/ESPN deal includes coverage of all 60 regular season MLL games, July’s All-Star Game, both Semi-Final match-ups, and the NB ZIP Championship Game. A total of 64 Major League Lacrosse games will be available on ESPN’s broadband network in 2008.

“Being featured on ESPN360.com is a tremendous step both for the league and for the sport of lacrosse,” said MLL Commissioner David Gross. “For the first time, fans will have the chance to catch the full line-up of MLL action each and every week. This commitment from ESPN goes hand in hand with our goal to greatly expand our offering of lacrosse on the web this summer.”

ESPN360.com streamed its first MLL game on June 9, 2007 from INVESCO Field at Mile High when the Denver Outlaws defeated the Los Angeles Riptide by a score of 18-15. ESPN360.com went on to stream 5 more MLL events last season, including the NB ZIP Semi-Finals and Championship Game from PAETEC Park in Rochester, New York.

Television Coverage
In addition to the live online streaming, the ESPN2 cable television channel will air 11 MLL games this season. The Saturday, July 26, 2008, Chicago Machine game at Denver will be ESPN2’s MLL Game of the Week, airing at 2:30 pm CT. A local cable television deal for the Chicago Machine is also being negotiated.

ESPN and Major League Lacrosse have worked in agreement since 2003, when ESPN2 became the League’s national television home. In 2004, ESPN aired the New Balance Championship Game, making it the first live national telecast of a Major League Lacrosse competition.

Home Opener May 18
Fans of the Chicago Machine can tune-in on Sunday, May 18, at 3:30 pm (CT) when the Machine plays their division rival the San Francisco Dragons in their home opener at TOYOTA PARK. Tickets to the game are still available at http://www.chicagomachine.com/ or by calling (312) 255-1540.

About the Chicago Machine
The Chicago Machine is Chicago’s outdoor professional men’s lacrosse team, members of the Western Conference of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). Now in their third season, the Chicago Machine plays at TOYOTA PARK, 15 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago. Led by head coach John Combs, the team has top players from nationally ranked college programs such as Notre Dame, Cornell, UMass, Virginia, Navy and Syracuse. The Chicago Machine opens their third season at home on Sunday, May 18, 2008, against conference rival San Francisco Dragons. Season tickets and individual game tickets are now available. For game schedule, ticketing, team and player information, visit http://www.chicagomachine.com/.


Media Contact:
Kevin Boyer, (312) 588-3713, Kevin.Boyer@allterrain.net
Josh Cole, Chicago Machine, (312) 255-1522, jcole@chicagomachine.com


###

Ministry's Al Jourgensen - The Blackhawk's Fan

Check out Al in his Blackhawks garb in the May 2008 issue of the Illinois Entertainer.

Chicago Machine Pro Lacrosse Training Camp Starts April 26

Chicago Machine Pro Lacrosse Training Camp Starts April 26
35 Players – Including 5 Open Tryout Walk-Ons – To Compete for 23-Man Roster

Chicago, IL - Thirty-five of the nation’s top lacrosse players will compete for a spot on the 2008 roster of the Chicago Machine Major League Lacrosse team at three weekend training camps starting this Saturday & Sunday, April 26-27. Chicago Machine training camps will take place at the Chicago Academy, 3400 North Austin Boulevard, April 26-27, May 3-4 and May 10.

The final training camp will take place Sunday, May 11, at Toyota Park, 7000 S. Harlem, Bridgeview, the site of Chicago Machine home games. The final Chicago Machine roster will be announced May 12. The season opens Sunday, May 18.

Chicago Machine training camps are open to the public. “This is another Chicago professional sports team filled with great young players who are rising stars,” said John Meister, president and general manager of the Chicago Machine. “In just our third season, we have great expectations from this year’s team and welcome people to come to Chicago Academy to watch our training camp, cheer on our players, and support this great sport.”

Saturday sessions (April 26, May 3, and May 10) take place from 9:30 am to Noon and from 4 pm to 6 pm. Sunday sessions (April 27, May 4 and May 11) take place from 10 am to Noon.

Youth Lacrosse Clinic
A special Youth Lacrosse Clinic will take place on Saturday, April 26, from Noon to 2 pm. Youth interested in participating in the clinic should call (312) 255-1522. “We want to grow lacrosse in the Chicago area,” said Meister. “Watching training camp and participating in our clinic should benefit and inspire the region’s top youth lacrosse players.”

Five Selected for Training Camp from Open Tryout
Invitations to Chicago Machine training camp were extended to five players selected from Open Tryouts held on April 13. Paul Stansik (Defenseman, Bucknell University), Mike Kruger (Goalie, Fairfield University), Joe Barile (Midfielder, Hofstra University), Ryan O'Connor (Defenseman, Dartmouth College) and Sidney Jones (Midfielder, University of Minnesota) were selected from more than three dozen hopefuls and will join the team for training camp.

“These five players distinguished themselves at our open tryouts,” said Machine Head Coach John Combs. “We are excited to run them through the paces at training camp and see how they perform.”

About the Chicago Machine
The Chicago Machine is Chicago’s outdoor professional men’s lacrosse team, members of the Western Conference of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). Now in their third season, the Chicago Machine plays at Toyota Park, 15 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago. Led by head coach John Combs, the team has top players from nationally ranked college programs such as Notre Dame, Cornell, UMass, Virginia, Navy and Syracuse. The Chicago Machine open their third season at home on Sunday, May 18, 2008, against conference rival San Francisco Dragons. Season tickets and individual game tickets are now available. For game schedule, ticketing, team and player information, visit www.chicagomachine.com.


Contact: Kevin Boyer, (312) 588-3713, Kevin.Boyer@allterrain.net
Media

April 20: Kilo Kai Rum "Take No Prisoners" Launch Party at The Moct, Milwaukee

April 20: Kilo Kai Rum “Take No Prisoners”
Launch Party at The Moct, Milwaukee
Chicago’s Flosstradamus and Milwaukee’s Diamonds (The Glamour) to perform

Chicago, IL – Kilo Kai Rum, the new spiced rum that launched in Wisconsin March 10 will host a launch party in Milwaukee at “The Moct,” 240 E. Pittsburgh Ave, on Sunday, April 20, from 9 pm to 2 am. Traveling from Chicago to perform will be “Flosstradamus” with Milwaukee’s own Diamonds (The Glamour) rounding out the music bill. The party is a private, ticketed cocktail party and music event, but tickets will be free and available through Milwaukee area bars and clubs that carry Kilo Kai as well as through some promotions between now and April 20.
“Take No Prisoners Milwaukee” will help launch Kilo Kai Rum in the Milwaukee area. Available in Wisconsin as of March 10, consumers can now buy Kilo Kai at Milwaukee’s top bars and restaurants. Launched in Chicago and throughout Illinois in October of 2007, Wisconsin is the first stage of an expansion that will make the new rum a national brand by the end of 2008. To find Kilo Kai in your area visit http://www.KiloKai.com.

Kilo Kai’s popularity has been in part due to its affiliation with music. The brand recently made national headlines after it was featured in the 2008 GRAMMY® Awards Gift Bag. Kilo Kai has sponsored numerous music events featuring artists such as The Bouncing Souls, Wu-Tang Clan and The Supersuckers. “You will hear about Kilo Kai mostly through bartenders, musicians, waiters and others connected to nightlife, culture and hospitality,” said Brad Trayser, president of Apostrophe Brands, the Chicago-based Kilo Kai importer. “Kilo Kai is the rum you will drink when you have decided taste is more important.”

Flosstradamus
Chicago’s Flosstradamus describe themselves as “2 DJs, 4 turntables, and lots of people getting buck on the dance floor.” Unabashedly proud of their Midwestern roots, Daytrotter.com said “Flosstradamus make nights fashionable and have been doing so with great success, packing clubs left and right.” Their unique sound of hip hop, house and rock beats gained them a spot on the main stage at 2007 Coachella. The DJ duo is often associated with rising rap superstar Kid Sister (whose older brother is Flosstradamus’ J2K). Both Flosstradamus and Kid Sister have signed with influential Brooklyn record label Fool’s Gold which was founded by Kanye West’s DJ, A-Trak. After taking the Chicago music scene by storm, they have spent the last year performing at various venues across the U.S. and Australia. For more details visit www.myspace.com/flosstradamus.

Diamonds/The Glamour:
The music of Milwaukee duo “The Glamour” is deeply rooted in the Midwest dance party scene. Dirty clubs, dive bars, and sweaty house parties provided the band with a perfect place to throw their Do-It-Yourself style events. Asher "Diamonds" Gray is half of the Milwaukee based party duo The Glamour and the founder of 24Carat Design. For more details visit http://www.myspace.com/diamonds.

About Kilo Kai
Created by three generations of master rum distillers in Curacao, Kilo Kai is spiced rum blended with the unique flavors and scents of the Caribbean. The complexity arises in the flavors of anise, vanilla, banana, cherry, nutmeg and orange peels. Crafted with 1-year-old and 3-year-old rums, Kilo Kai is the perfect rum for aficionados and novices alike because its complexity and unique blend of flavors allows it to be mixed in a favorite cocktail or enjoyed straight. The innovative package design features real skateboard tape on the bottle and is complete with the Kilo Kai iconic logo. To learn more about Kilo Kai’s “Take No Prisoners” attitude, visit www.kilokai.com. Please enjoy Kilo Kai responsibly.

Media Contact: Kevin Boyer, (312) 588-3713, Kevin.Boyer@allterrain.net

All Terrain Retained by Chicago Machine (Major League Lacrosse)

March 20, 2008

Chicago-based firm to provide public relations and marketing support

Chicago, IL – All Terrain Public Relations, a division of Chicago-based All Terrain, a full-service marketing agency, announced today that it has been retained by the Chicago Machine, Chicago’s professional outdoor Major League Lacrosse team, as public relations and marketing counsel. All Terrain will work to increase the visibility of the Chicago Machine team and its players and increase attendance at Chicago Machine Games at Toyota Park through sports and non-sports media.

“Lacrosse is one of America’s fastest growing sports with a 68% increase in participation nationally at the high school and college level since 2001,” said Brook Jay, All Terrain President. “In just their third season, the Chicago Machine has attracted top-level lacrosse players from throughout North America; players that make the team competitive and the games exciting to watch. We are excited to be working directly with management and the players to introduce more fans to this great sport.” The Chicago Machine account will be managed by Kevin Boyer, All Terrain’s Director of Public Relations and Marketing.

“Lacrosse is attracting new players and fans because of its fast-pace, combining the best of basketball, soccer and hockey,” said John Meister, Team President of the Chicago Machine. “We are excited to have engaged All Terrain as part of our marketing strategies to increase interest in the sport, the team and raise the profile of our players.”

About All Terrain
All Terrain Public Relations is a division of All Terrain, a 10-year-old full-service marketing agency that personalizes and connects brands with relevant consumers across a full spectrum of formats. From one night only experiential events to integrated multi-site, multi-city, multi-platform campaigns, our distinctive solutions yield high returns because we engage people in ways that build meaning and loyalty. All Terrain clients include major brands such as General Motors, Anheuser-Busch, Red Bull, Tribune Company, Stolichnaya, and Pernod-Ricard. All Terrain Public Relations was founded in 2007 and clients include Chicago Blackhawks Hockey, Underwriters Laboratories, Apostrophe Brands/Kilo Kai Rum, and Jameson Irish Whiskey.

About the Chicago Machine
The Chicago Machine are Chicago’s outdoor professional men’s lacrosse team, members of the Western Conference of Major League Lacrosse (MLL). Now in their third season, the Chicago Machine play at Toyota Park, 15 minutes southwest of Downtown Chicago. Led by head coach John Combs, the team is has top players from nationally ranked college programs such as Notre Dame, Cornell, UMass, Virginia, Navy and Syracuse. The Chicago Machine open their third season at home on Sunday, May 18, 2008, against conference rival San Francisco Dragons. Season tickets and individual game tickets are now available. For game schedule, ticketing, team and player information, visit http://www.chicagomachine.com/.

Media Contact: Kevin G. Boyer, (312) 588-3713, Kevin.boyer@allterrain.net

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