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UNDERGEAR ANNOUNCES NATIONAL MALE MODEL SEARCH
OIA Newswire
UNDERGEAR ANNOUNCES NATIONAL MALE MODEL SEARCH
Undergear and Instinct Magazine Partner to Find the Next "Face" of the Undergear Brand;
Model Star Search Spans Five Cities Across the Country
NEW YORK, NY (AUGUST 5, 2008) – "Are you man enough?" Undergear, one of the nation's leading catalog and online providers of men's underwear, workout wear, swimwear and fashion, and Instinct Magazine, the leading independent gay national print publication, have teamed up to search for the next hottest model to represent the Undergear brand in the "Undergear Model Star" search. Kicking off this summer, the 2008 model search competition will determine who will be the next "face" of Undergear in 2009.
"The Undergear Model Star program is an exciting one for our brand and our customers," said Robert Grey, director of merchandising for Undergear. "'We have a long history of recruiting the hottest models for our catalogs and we're excited to partner with Instinct to find a fresh face to represent our brand."
The Undergear and Instinct teams will visit San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami this summer, hosting open call events for Model Star wannabes to strut their stuff in front of a panel of judges and local audience. One winner will be selected in each market and win the opportunity to attend the New York City finale event on October 10. Contestants can also enter to win online by visiting the Undergear Web site (www.undergear.com) and completing the simple entry form including current photo or video. An online winner will join the four regional finalists in Manhattan at the finale.
"Are you man enough?"
In addition to bragging rights, the winner of the "Undergear Model Star" competition will appear on the cover of the Spring 2009 Undergear catalog. The winner will also appear on the cover of Instinct Magazine's annual swimwear issue, which hits newsstands in the first quarter of 2009, and will be shot for the inside fashion spread as well.
"Undergear Model Star" open call events will be held throughout the summer in San Francisco (July 27); Los Angeles (August 21); Chicago (September 12); and Miami (September 20 or 27).
To enter online, log onto www.undergear.com, click on the "Undergear Model Star Contest" banner and upload a photo or quick video of yourself looking your "model best." The five finalists will be judged on the following criteria: visual appeal, perceived magnetism, suitability for promotion/advertising purposes and representation of the brand image of both Undergear and Instinct Magazine. The deadline to enter the contest online is September 30, 2008.
Rules & Regulations
Sweepstakes only open to men, who are legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States (and Washington D.C.), at least 21 years of age or older at time of entry, legally able to work in the US and are not professional models or signed with a modeling agency. For further rules, log on to www.instinctmagazine.com.
About Undergear
Undergear® is a division of Hanover Direct and one of the leading catalog and online retailers for men's fashion underwear, active wear and workout wear for fitness-focused men around the world. By making men's body basics fun and fashionable again, Undergear® is perfect for today's body and fashion conscious male. Undergear® is available by direct mail catalog, via telephone at 1-800-853-8555 or online at ww.undergear.com. Undergear® is also a business unit of Hanover Direct Inc., a leading direct marketing group with a focus on catalog and internet retailing.
About Instinct
Instinct was established in 1997 and has grown to become the leading independent gay national print publication. Audited by BPA Worldwide, Instinct readers are young gay trendsetters who are affluent, highly educated, brand-loyal consumers with high disposable incomes. [8/7/08]
HRC RESPONDS TO COURT RULING IN FAVOR OF GLBT STUDENT GROUP
Human Rights Campaign Responds to Court Ruling in Favor of GLBT Student Group
Ruling allows Florida gay-straight alliance to meet, requires school to provide for the well-being of GLBT students
WASHINGTON – The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization, issued the following statement today on the Florida federal court ruling to allow a gay-straight alliance (GSA) group to meet on school grounds. The ruling follows a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union in November 2006 after students at Okeechobee High School were denied access to meet on campus. U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore upheld his earlier ruling that GSAs do not interfere with Florida's policy of abstinence-only education and, for the first time, held that schools must provide for the well-being of gay students.
Statement from HRC Senior Youth & Campus Outreach Senior Manager Candace Gingrich:
“The ruling makes it crystal clear that students have the absolute right to form Gay-Straight Alliances and that schools need to consider the welfare of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students. This is a victory for all students in Florida – not just those who are GLBT but for their straight allies and those with GLBT family members. For too many GLBT students, school is not a place where they can feel comfortable or safe. Yazmin Gonzales, the student who attempted to form the GSA in this case said it perfectly, ‘You shouldn’t have to grow up feeling like you’re alone.’ Thanks to her bravery, a lot less GLBT students will feel that way.”
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against GLBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
> Full Story. [7/31/08]
FEDERAL JUDGE RULES THAT FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL MUST ALLOW GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE
Federal Judge Rules that Florida High School Must Allow Gay-Straight Alliance > Full Story. [7/30/08]
FLORIDA RED & BLUE CONTINUES TO RALLY BI-PARTISAN SUPPORT AND GENERATE FUNDS TO FIGHT AMENDMENT 2
MIAMI, Fla. (July 24, 2008) – Florida Red & Blue, the bi-partisan, statewide organization running the SayNo2 campaign, which opposes Amendment 2, the so-called "Florida Marriage Protection Amendment," continued to expand its campaign during the second quarter of 2008 by adding to its Advisory Board and staff, and successfully raising funds, among other activities. > Full Story. [7/25/08]
LAMBDA LEGAL FILES FEDERAL LAWSUIT AGAINST GEORGIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY OFFICIALS FOR FIRING TRANSGENDER WOMAN
(Atlanta, Georgia, July 22, 2008) - Today Lambda Legal announced a federal lawsuit against Georgia General Assembly officials on behalf of Vandy Beth Glenn, a transgender woman who was fired from her job as a Legislative Editor after she stated her intention to live as a woman in accordance with her health care providers' recommendations. > Full Story. [7/22/08]
DOLLY NEARING HURRICANE STRENGTH
Dolly Nearing Hurricane Strength
Oil and Ag Concerns in Gulf
 STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – July 22, 2008 – The AccuWeather.com Hurricane Center reports Tropical Storm Dolly is nearing hurricane strength as it moves through the western Gulf of Mexico toward landfall early on Wednesday near the Texas - Mexico border. The gathering storm has raised concerns in the oil and agriculture industries.
The AccuWeather.com Hurricane Center reports Tropical Storm Dolly is expected to reach hurricane strength today as it moves over the warm water of the Gulf of Mexico. There is a strong possibility it could reach Category 2 strength, with winds of 100 mph, before making landfall early on Wednesday near the mouth of the Rio Grande River.
Oil Production Impacts
The storm is not expected to have a major impact on oil and natural gas operations in the Gulf; however, several oil companies have begun to evacuate some rigs and platforms.
 Exxon Mobil spokeswoman Margaret Ross tells AccuWeather.com nonessential personnel have been evacuated from company facilities expected to be in the path of the storm. She adds there has been minimal impact on production.
Royal Dutch Shell on Sunday and Monday evacuated about 185 people from its operations in the western part of the Gulf. Meanwhile, the U.S. Minerals Management Service has activated its Continuity of Operations Plan team to monitor activities in the Gulf until operations return to normal and the storm is no longer a threat.
Landfall Concerns
The strength of the storm by landfall will depend on its forward speed. On Monday, Dolly entered the Gulf at around 18 mph. Today, it has slowed to near 12 mph as it moves west-northwest across the Gulf.
“We are concerned that Dolly has the potential to cause damaging winds and life-threatening, widespread flooding across South Texas and northern Mexico. Rainfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches are likely across the region with locally heavier amounts possible,” said AccuWeather.com Expert Senior Meteorologists Alex Sosnowski and Ken Clark.
The Mexican government has issued a hurricane warning from the U.S. border to Rio San Fernando and a tropical storm warning and hurricane watch from Rio San Fernando to the U.S. border, while a tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch are in effect south of Rio San Fernando to La Pesca. Anyone along the Gulf Coast, especially in the areas under hurricane warnings, should take immediate steps to protect life and property.
Hurricane-force winds will pound the coast of South Texas, while tropical storm-force winds will extend into the mid to upper Rio Grande Valley. In addition, a coastal storm surge of 4 to 7 feet above normal tide levels can be expected, with the strongest surf striking the coast to the north of the eye.
Rio Grande Ag Impacts
Five to 10 inches of rain and locally higher amounts forecast for South Texas and northern Mexico could spark dangerous flash flooding that could threaten lives and property. The rain could have a major impact on agriculture in the Rio Grande Valley, the center of citrus production and the most important area of vegetable production in Texas, producing cotton, sugarcane, maize and a variety of sorghums. > Full Story. [7/22/08]
MIAMI BEACH CITY COMMISSION SAYS NO 2
MIAMI, Fla. (July 18, 2008) – The Miami Beach City Commission condemned Amendment 2, the so-called "Florida Marriage Protection Amendment," during its Wednesday, July 16 meeting. Sponsored by Mayor Matti Herrera Bower, the motion was made by Commissioner Richard Steinberg and approved 7-0. > Full Story. [7/18/08]
FAMIILY GROUP RESPONDS TO MCCAIN COMMENTS ON GAY ADOPTION
THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO KARA SUFFREDINI, Director of
Public Policy FOR THE FAMILY EQUALITY COUNCIL
Senator McCain's comment in the New York Times on Sunday, July 13, stating,
"I think that we've proven that both parents are important in the success of
a family so, no, I don't believe in gay adoption" demonstrates a lack of
knowledge and understanding of the many kinds of families that exist in the
United States. The Family Equality Council, the national organization
working to ensure equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
families, is disturbed and disappointed that a presidential candidate would
make such a biased and ill-informed statement about the most "successful"
kind of family.
These are the facts about American families. According to the 2000 census,
the vast majority‹more than 75%‹of American households differ in structure
from two married, heterosexual parents and their biological children. We are
a nation of blended and multi-generational families, adoptive and foster
families, and families headed by single parents, divorced parents, unmarried
parents, same-sex couples and more. As an adoptive parent himself, McCain
should be well aware of this. As a presidential candidate, he should seek to
honor and support the many kinds of families that exist, rather than dismiss
the vast majority of households in this country as second-tier.
This is what is true about lesbians and gays raising children: 30 years of
scientifically valid research universally demonstrates that LGBT families
are just as nurturing for children's growth and development as heterosexual
families.
Our society¹s primary child welfare organizations, such as the American
Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychiatric Association and the National
Association of Social Workers, have all issued statements supporting
same-sex parents. The American Psychological Association has stated: "Gay
and lesbian parents are as likely as heterosexual parents to provide healthy
and supportive environments for their children."
All of which makes one wonder: What is the basis for Senator McCain¹s
position?
American families may be diverse, but have at least one thing in common‹we
want our children to be safe, healthy, happy and supported. When our
families are politicized, our ability to protect ourselves, each other and
our children comes under attack. After eight years of similarly baseless
attacks on our families, we hope that the next President of the United
States will honor and support the vast array of families that daily work to
raise happy, healthy and productive children. The Family Equality Council
has a proud history of educating political leaders about our families and we
welcome Senator McCain and others whose perspectives affect the most
personal aspects of our lives to contact us and get to know the loving
families he paints as "unsuccessful". > Full Story. [7/14/08]
BERTHA TO SPARE OIL RIGS
Bertha to Spare Oil Rigs First Hurricane of Season Not Concern for Gulf Interests 
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - July 8, 2008 - AccuWeather.com Chief Hurricane Forecaster Joe Bastardi reports “Hurricane Bertha will not be a threat for the Gulf area.”
As the nation’s rising oil prices impact millions of families at the pump, it is welcome news that Bertha will not enter the Gulf of Mexico and will not impact energy producing interests in the Gulf. “The biggest news is that it is not a Gulf problem,” Bastardi says of the first hurricane of the 2008 Atlantic Basin season. “My gut feeling is that, should it miss the connection with the trough to the north, a move close to the coast the middle part of next week is possible, most likely south of Hatteras, but not into the Gulf.” According to Bastardi, the disturbed weather in the western Gulf is not likely to organize now that a new Pacific system is developing on the other side of Mexico. The active pattern is liable to produce another African wave that may be on a track that would be of concern for the Gulf by next week at this time, some 5 degrees south of where Bertha is now. Storms moving across North America this week could influence Bertha’s path. AccuWeather.com meteorologists note Bertha could become virtually stationary by the weekend. All interests along the Southeast coast and anyone planning vacations to beach resorts in the Southeast should monitor the AccuWeather.com Hurricane Center for updates on Bertha's progression over the next week to 10 days
> Full Story. [7/8/08]
UPDATE: TORNADOES AND FLOODING IN THE PLAINS
 UPDATE: Tornadoes and Flooding in the Plains
State College, Pa. -- June 10, 2008 -- AccuWeather.com reported earlier today that severe storms erupting tonight over the Plains would not only bring new concerns for flooding, but would also spawn tornadoes.
Major cities in path of potentially destructive storms tonight include: Omaha, Topeka, Des Moines, Minneapolis and Wichita. On Thursday, the system and the same concerns will shift into the Midwest and middle Mississippi Valley. Areas likely to be targeted by the storms Thursday include: Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Kansas City and Tulsa.
"We expect this activity to continue at least until midnight over the Plains," AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist John Feerick said. "So far, there are 28 reported tornadoes from Minnesota to North Central Kansas. There are some feisty storms out there, so we can expect that number to double or even triple by the end of the night."
Feerick said there have been two confirmed tornado reports in Douglas County west of Omaha. Local Iowa press has reported that a tornado hit a scout camp in western Iowa, injuring 40 with possible fatalities.
Daytime heating added to the instability over the Plains. Tonight, severe storms containing heavy rain, large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes will erupt from western Oklahoma to Minnesota.
> Full Story. [6/12/08]
NO LET UP FROM STORMS OR HEAT TODAY
No Let Up from Storms or Heat Today
Flooding Threat Remains, Record Heat Will Ease by Midweek > Full Story. [6/10/08]
FREEDOM TO MARRY RALLY
Freedom to Marry Rally
WHP CBS 21 Harrisburg • Feb. 14, 2008. 06:54 PM EST > Full Story. [2/15/08]
FLORIDA STATE SCHOOL BOARD SHOULD REJECT RELIGIOUS RIGHT EFFORT TO WEAKEN SCIENCE STANDARDS, SAYS AMERICANS UNITED
FLORIDA STATE SCHOOL BOARD SHOULD REJECT RELIGIOUS RIGHT EFFORT TO WEAKEN
SCIENCE STANDARDS, SAYS AMERICANS UNITED > Full Story. [2/12/08]
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