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Simple Minds New Songs For New LP

Scottish rockers 'Simple Minds' have been busy writing new songs for their next eagerly anticipated new studio album, and have enough material for two new albums. The band released their last studio album 'Black and White 050505', three years ago but have been so inspired by recent writing sessions in their native Glasgow, they've got more than enough quality material for a double header.

Simple Minds 30th Anniversary Tour Dates:

* Manchester MEN Arena - November 27th

* Birmingham NEC - November 28th

* London Wembley Arena - November 29th

* Sheffield Arena - December 1st

* Cardiff International Arena - December 2nd

* Newcastle Metro Arena - December 3rd

* Glasgow SECC -December 4th

* Belfast Odyssey Arena -December 6th

For further information please contact Tracy Gosling at Noble PR Consultancy Ltd. Tel. 0207 272 7772, Email: tracy@noblepr.co.uk

Which Professionals are the Most Generous?

Management consultants and HR specialists are the most ‘giving’ when it comes to supporting charities through their professional skills.

Research conducted by people4charity.com, which matches freelance workers to registered charities, reveals that business advisers and personnel experts top the league table for offering preferential rates for third sector organisations. Finance and accounting professionals offer the lowest average discount.

The study of 9,000 freelance professionals shows that almost four in 10 freelance management consultants and HR specialists are prepared to cut their rates by around 15 percent for the charity sector, closely followed by one in three freelance lawyers (14.9 percent discount) and IT specialists (14.7 percent discount). .

“In this season of goodwill, it is interesting to see that management consultants are confounding their stereotype, while HR professionals are perhaps living up to theirs,” says Duncan Taylor of people4charity.com.

“What is noteworthy from this research is that giving to charity through skills is on the increase among freelance workers – our research shows that over 35 percent of independent professionals will now work for the third sector at a discount that averages out at 14 percent.”

The people4charity.com research involved more than 9,000 freelance professionals across 10 industry sectors.

www.people4charity.com

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Media enquiries to:

Philip Colley, Harvest
Tel: 023 9244 9655
Mob: 07785 306378

Kids Parties Stress Mums!

Three quarters of British mums find organising a child’s party stressful and 26% feel under pressure to throw bigger, better parties each year according to a recent survey undertaken by children’s party organisers Les Enfants (www.lesenfants.co.uk). The survey investigated what mums think about a range of party-related issues, from how much to spend, to food, and the thorny issue of party bags, with the intention to provide guidance to stressed out mums who are unsure where to start.
Of the respondents, full-time working mothers find party organising most stressful and feel the most pressure to throw better parties each year, in comparison to stay-at-home mums or mums who work part time. Full-time working mums are also more likely to spend more on parties and they’re least in favour of party bags.

The survey revealed that the average cost of a child’s party is in the region of £200. Given that 64% of respondents said they hold birthday parties every year and 70% had more than one child, the costs start to add up. Most parents (44.9%) spend between £100 and £200 per party while 35.8% spend less than £100. However, 11% spend up to £300, just under 5% spend up to £500 and almost 3% are willing to fork out up to £1000 per party.

Melissa Talago
Peekaboo Communications
Tel: 01635 248 496 or 07994 914 917
Email: melissa@peekaboocoms.co.uk

More Visit Art Galleries than Go To Football

Cool Britannia? Creative Britannia more like… From the Beatles to Brit Pop, from David Hockney to Damian Hirst – we’ve always prided ourselves on being a creative nation – now the first report of its kind attempts to measure how creative we really are and can reveal Britain’s top 20 creative towns.
These results have come from a unique piece of research carried out by Sharpie Markers using an extensive panel of experts and sources (see notes 1 for full details).

If definitively reveals how important creativity is to business and as part of the social fabric of British lives:

• In 2006, over 42 million of us visited an art gallery, more than attended a football match

• Creative industries are growing twice as fast as the rest of the economy and contribute 8.2% of GDP (according to government body UK Trade & Investment)

• The creative industries are also now an acknowledged strategic priority for Regional Development Agencies (many worked with us on the Sharpie Index)

• The number of design and art students climbed by 35% between 1995 and 2002

• A total of £826m was spent on arts and craft products, up £400m from 10 years ago (according to the Arts Council)

• Art investment is becoming increasingly popular with 11% of the population buying a piece by a living artist

Perhaps unsurprisingly, London was highlighted as the most creative town in the UK, followed closely by Manchester and Liverpool respectively. Our research found however that its not ‘grim up north’ its innovative! The Sharpie Creativity Index showed that creativity in Britain is being driven by Northern and Scottish cities - such as Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Leeds, Sheffield, Newcastle and Nottingham – with only two other Southern cities, Bristol and Brighton making it into the final top ten.

Top 20 Creative Towns in the UK:

London
Manchester
Liverpool
Glasgow
Brighton
Edinburgh
Birmingham
Leeds
Sheffield
Bristol
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
Nottingham
Huddersfield
Cardiff
St Ives
Oxford
Cambridge

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For more information contact Jackie Cooper Public Relations:

Sarah Smith / DL: 0207 2087 242Email: sarah_smith@jcpr.com

Curious George gets ship-shape with Stena Line

Travelling abroad with kids can be more than a handful, but Ferry Company Stena Line have come up with a new way to entertain the youngsters and keep them from monkeying around. Following on from the successful summer campaign, Stena Line will be re-introducing famous cartoon chimp -Curious George, who will appear in full costume onboard five of their ships on the Irish Sea during the October half term holidays, and then again over the Christmas break.

The monkey business will be taking place in the Stena Line kids' areas, where Curious George will appear on the following ships: Stena Voyager, (Stranraer – Belfast route) Stena Explore (Holyhead – Dun Laoghaire route), Stena Adventurer, (Holyhead – Dublin route), Stena Europe, (Fishguard – Rosslare route), Stena Express, (Fishguard – Rosslare route).

Children travelling on these lines will also receive Curious George goodies, including a set of postcards to colour in and a foldable frisbee, plus lots of other treats. On the Irish Sea sailings, there will also be the opportunity to win a family holiday to Universal Studios Hollywood with an onboard kids colouring prize draw. The money-can’t-buy prize will include a VIP tour to meet the Curious George animators.

Curious George first started life as a series of children's books in 1941 which later became a series of animated TV films, a video game and then a full length feature film in 2006 (starring the voices of Drew Barrymore and Will Ferrell). The story features Ted, a museum guide who travels to Africa in an attempt to obtain a huge ancient ruin which is under threat from demolition, which could save his struggling museum. Instead, Ted brings back a mischievous, childlike monkey who inadvertently causes all kinds of trouble for him.

A new TV series of Curious George, due be broadcast on ITV, will see Curious George return with another set of adventures, narrated by primetime Emmy Award winner William H. Macy (Seabiscuit, Pleasantville).

Curious George TV: TM & © Universal Studios and/or HMCo.

About Stena Line

In the UK alone, Stena Line offers over 30 daily crossings on its five different routes to Ireland: Stranraer to Belfast, Fleetwood to Larne, Holyhead to Dublin, Holyhead to Dun Laoghaire and Fishguard to Rosslare as well as two daily crossings on its Harwich to Hook of Holland route providing fast and efficient crossings with excellent onboard services and facilities.

Stena Line PR Contact:

info.uk@stenaline.com
Tel: 08705 70 70 70
http://www.stenaline.co.uk/

Perfect Gravy Every Time with Antony Worrall Thompson

Cooks rejoice as Antony Worrall Thompson launches his new range of gravy pastes that ensure you can make fresh, home cooked gravy in less than two minutes!
The authentic ambient gravy pastes ensure that lumps, powdery clumps and stress are a thing of the past. They are carefully crafted so that all you need to do is disperse two teaspoons of the smooth paste into 280ml/1/2 pint of cold water, bring to the boil and then simmer and stir until the gravy thickens to the desired consistency.

There are three authentic flavours to choose from:
• A robust Beef gravy that is especially popular with carnivores
• A full-flavoured Chicken gravy that is equally good with chicken pieces or a complete roasted bird: it is also terrific with turkey so can save time and stress on Christmas Day
• A savoury Onion gravy, suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

All are gluten free and made from fresh, natural ingredients. Look out for the 250g amber glass jars with wrap-around labels featuring the favourite family chef.

Antony says: “Gravy can really make or break a meal but it can also be one of the hardest parts of a dish to get right - especially in those final, heated moments just before serving. Even I find gravy making a hassle sometimes and that’s why I decided to develop these pastes so that cooks can enjoy fresh, tasty gravy in minutes. These pastes mean no powder, no granules, no lumps and no worries.”

The Antony Worrall Thompson ambient gravy pastes are available at Tesco priced from £1.99.

To find out more about Antony’s range of food, kitchen and lifestyle products click onto: www.awtonline.co.uk

Nikon launches the D3

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the revolutionary Nikon D3 Professional Digital SLR that defines a new benchmark in professional photography.
“Nikon has eclipsed the competition with the D3, a cutting edge camera that will change how professional photographers take pictures,” said Robert Cristina, Brand Manager, Nikon Professional Products, Europe. “The incredible speed, resolution and flexibility of the D3 will enable photographers to capture images under conditions previously thought impossible.”

The D3, the result of years of development and feedback from professional photographers, combines many innovative Nikon technologies. These include an exclusive 12.1 effective megapixel FX format (36.0x23.9mm) image sensor with 12-channel read out, a blazing-fast 9 fps frame rate, expandable ISO settings from 200-6400, a completely new 51-Point autofocus system, a 3-inch VGA LCD screen with Live View and a cutting-edge image processing system.

FX Format Image Sensor
The D3 FX format CMOS imaging sensor was designed from the ground up to offer exceptional light transmission properties, so photographers can acquire outstanding image quality even in low light conditions. With a high signal to noise ratio, a pixel pitch 15% larger than competitive cameras, gapless surface micro-lenses and advanced on-chip noise reduction means high-quality images under very low light levels are now possible. The sensor enables an ISO settings range from 200-6400, expandable up to the equivalent of 25,600 or down to 100.

EXPEED Image Processing System
The EXPEED image processing system is at the heart of the D3’s ability to capture and process massive amounts of data at high definition. The EXPEED system includes both hardware and years of Nikon image processing experience. The D3 EXPEED system features 14-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion with 16-bit image processing, both of which contribute to delivering results with Nikon’s signature ‘look and feel’ of rich accurate colours, smooth skin gradations and exceptional detail.

Scene Recognition System
The D3 features a radical new approach to calculating exposures and white balance with intelligent support for Autofocus tracking performance as well. At the heart of the Scene Recognition System is Nikon’s renowned 1005-pixel RGB metering sensor that has been modified to distinguish subjects' shape and position for improved auto exposure and Autofocus accuracy.

Advanced Autofocus
Building on years of development through both the analogue and digital SLR era, Nikon has once again raised the bar for optical Autofocus systems. The D3 and D300 feature a completely new 51-Point autofocus system designed to acquire and track subjects’ movement more accurately.

The result of intensive studies into how professional sports and news photographers use autofocus, the Multi-CAM3500 AF module features the most AF points ever developed for a SLR camera. The inspired coupling of the AF module with Nikon’s easy-to-use 8-direction multi selector button makes selecting instant individual AF points simple and fast. As one would expect the AF system can be completely customised for every possible shooting condition.

Scorching Speed, Intuitive Response
The image quality of the D3 is combined with outstanding frame rate options. At 9 fps, the D3 is the world’s fastest FX format D-SLR1, with an even faster 11fps2 consecutive shooting possible in DX crop mode. A second crop mode is also premiered in the D3, with 5:4 (30mm x 24mm) aspect ratio. Shutter release time lag is an imperceptible 41 milliseconds (CIPA standard), while the image sensor’s integrated high-speed 12-channel readout contributes both to burst speed and Live View performance. The D3 also gets to work quickly; startup time is just 0.12 seconds and mirror black out is only 74ms.

Shutter Unit
The D3 incorporates an all-new Nikon manufactured shutter unit tested to over 300,000 cycles. The shutter blades are constructed from a durable composite KevlarTM and carbon fibre material to deliver unmatched durability and accuracy even in the most demanding of conditions.

Picture Control
Nikon’s new Picture Control system, developed with the help of extensive feedback from photographers, offers improved productivity for JPEG shooters. Picture Control lets users of all levels manage and customise the appearance of their images in camera. This on-board processing saves significant post processing time. With a variety of default settings, photographers can also customize and share settings. Nikon anticipates photographic communities might develop their own Picture Control settings for specific subjects and conditions. Picture Control replaces the existing Colour Mode settings of current Nikon cameras.

High Contrast Subjects, Low Risk
The Active D-Lighting feature of the D3 adds to its JPEG capabilities. Prior to shooting under high contrast conditions, users can apply a pre-set curve that processes images with improved shadow and highlight details, without affecting overall contrast.

Designed for definition
Everything about the D3 is high definition. From the HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) port for output to the latest HD displays to the 3-inch VGA LCD screen with 170-degree viewing angle, images can be played back at very high levels of detail. The new VGA screen also comes into its own when using the new Live View function premiered in the D3 and D300. Unlike other live view technologies, autofocus in possible in all Nikon Live View modes.

Flexible Image Storage
The D3 is the world’s first D-SLR to offer dual CompactFlash card slots for outstanding storage flexibility. A photographer can shoot images to each card one after the other, or simultaneously, as back up. When shooting combined NEF and JPEG files, the NEF image can be written to one card and the JPEG version to the other. Image files can also be selected and copied from one card to the other after shooting.

One Tough Customer
Long the choice of professionals, Nikon SLRs are renowned for withstanding the most challenging conditions. From freezing temperatures of the arctic to the humidity of the rainforest, Nikon's keep working long after other cameras have ceased to operate, and the D3 is built to continue this tradition. Magnesium alloy is used for the exterior cover, chassis and mirror box, while the seams and buttons of the camera body are sealed against the affects of dust and moisture.

Wireless Networking
Nikon pioneered wireless image transmission. Now, with the new Nikon Wireless Transmitter WT-43, the era of the multi camera network has arrived. Not only can one transmit (‘push’) images to servers and remotely control the camera from afar, the WT-4 also enables remote browsing of the camera’s image thumbnails as well.
In a wireless environment, networks of up to 5 D3 and D300 cameras can be established. At a sports event, for example, photo editors could browse all thumbnails on each camera simultaneously, selecting (‘pulling’) the images they need, while the photographers continue shooting.

Five New NIKKOR Lenses
Five new NIKKOR lenses are also launched today. They include a ground-breaking extreme wide-angle zoom lens, the AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED and a slim line standard zoom, the AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED. Nikon has also launched three all-new super telephoto lenses with VR (Vibration Reduction), the AF-S 400mm f/2.8G ED VR, AF-S 500mm f/4G ED VR and AF-S 600mm f/4G ED VR.

The D3 body measures 159.5 (W) × 157 (H) × 87 (D) mm and weighs 1,390 grams including battery. It will be available in Europe from November 2007.

1. As of August 2007.
2. Autofocus tracking disabled.
3. WT-4 versions vary according to regional/national radio frequency regulations

Nikon has taken every effort to ensure that the claims and specifications are accurate at time of writing, they remain subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

For more information about Nikon’s award winning products please visit: www.nikon.co.uk

Heaven And Hell / Black Sabbath's The Dio Years - UK Nov 2007 Tour

Heaven And Hell, comprised of Black Sabbath's Tony Iommi (guitar), Geezer Butler (bass) and Ronnie James Dio (vocals), and Vinny Appice (drums), will reunite for the first time in 15 years for a major UK arena tour in November 2007. Special guests include Lamb of God and Iced Earth.

Click here for the online press release - http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/live_nation/heaven_and_hell.htm

The UK tour kicks off on November 7th at Newcastle Metro Radio Arena, followed by Glasgow SECC (Nov 6), Sheffield Hallam Arena (Nov 7), Manchester MEN Arena (Nov 9), London Wembley Arena (Nov 10), Brighton Centre (Nov 11), Birmingham NEC (Nov 13), Cardiff Int Arena (Nov 14), Nottingham Arena (Nov 15), Plymouth Pavilions (Nov 17) and Bournemouth BIC (Nov 18). Ticket Hotline: 0870 400 0688 (24 hours), www.livenation.co.uk.

With its bewitching stage set and truly timeless, classic metal, the Heaven And Hell tour highlights Ronnie James Dio's tenure with Black Sabbath and features selections from all three Sabbath/Dio studio albums, 'Heaven And Hell' (1980), Mob Rules (1981) and Dehumanizer (1992), as well as the newly recorded tracks.

For interview opportunities review tickets and photo passes, please contact: Tracy Gosling & Peter Noble at Noble PR:

Tel. 0207 272 7772, Email: tracy@noblepr.co.uk, peter@noblepr.co.uk

Noble PR Ltd, Central Ignition, 1 Mercers Mews, London, N19 4PL

Galaxy Dance Anthems out August 20th

Galaxy Dance Albums is 50 massive club classics available on CD and Download from August 20th.

This is the most comprehensive dance music album bringing together floor fillers from the past 15 years. Featuring the biggest club hits from artists including Moloko, Fatboy Slim, Bob Sinclar, Underworld, Jason Nevins Vs Run DMC, S Express, Black Box, Roger Sanchez, The Shamen, Technotronic plus many more.

Galaxy Dance Anthems press release link:
http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/gut/galaxy_dance_anthems.htm

contact Tracy Gosling @ Noble PR Ltd
Email: tracy@noblepr.co.uk
Tel: (020) 7272 7772
www.noblepr.co.uk

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"The Jam Unseen" Photographic Exhibition

A rare, never-before-seen collection of limited edition photographic prints of Britain's best loved band, The Jam.

Saturday 6th October until Saturday 20th October

The Movie Poster Gallery, 1 Colville Place, London, W1T 2BG

Private View - Wednesday 3rd October at 6-9pm

Twenty selected photographs from the forthcoming photographic book "The Jam Unseen" will be on sale for the first time as a series of limited edition prints for a limited time only at London's The Movie Poster Gallery from Saturday 6th October to Saturday 20th October 2007. The exhibition will display rare never-before-seen photographs of the original Jam line-up - Bruce Foxton (bass, vocals), Paul Weller (vocals, guitar) and Rick Buckler (drums).

For the official press release, click here - http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/from_the_jam/jam_unseen.htm

The exhibition coincides with the 30th Anniversary of The Jam and when they originally signed to Polydor Records in 1977, and also follows the release of the photographic book "The Jam Unseen" published by Cyan Books on 6th August 2007.

The exhibition occurs one month before two-thirds of the original line-up of The Jam, Bruce Foxton (bass, vocals) and Rick Buckler (drums) embark on a nationwide UK tour under the moniker of "From The Jam: Bruce Foxton and Rick Buckler".

The 20-date UK Autumn tour kicks off at the Plymouth Pavilions on 24th November, and takes in cities including Cardiff, Grimsby, Liverpool, Glenrothes, Preston, Leicester, Leeds, Nottingham, Manchester, Sheffield, Bristol, Southampton, Norwich, Newcastle, Glasgow, Cambridge, Birmingham, and London.

Click here for info about the autumn tour - http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/from_the_jam/from_the_jam2.htm

For further information about The Jam Unseen Photographic Exhibition and 2007 Autumn Tour, please contact Peter Noble and Noble PR - Email: peter@noblepr.co.uk, Tel. 0207 272 7772, Noble PR, London, England, N19 4PL

Samuel L. Jackson in The Return Of Superfly

The Return Of Superfly

DVD Out 3rd September 2007
Samuel L. Jackson plays Nate Cabot in The Return Of Superfly- an action packed thriller also staring Nathan Purdee as former Harlem heroin Kingpin, Priest. Directed by Sig Shore, gangster flick 'The Return Of Superfly' is based on the true story of the rise and fall of Harlem drug lord, Frank Lucas.

The Return Of Superfly press release link:
http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/liberation/return_of_superfly.htm

To request competition and review copies please contact Tracy Gosling @ Noble PR Ltd
Email: tracy@noblepr.co.uk
Tel: (020) 7272 7772
www.noblepr.co.uk

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That's Showbiz!

Kalypso media today rolled out the red carpet for the announcement Hollywood Pictures 2 for PC this September.

The aim of the game is producing blockbuster hits for the movie hungry masses. Starting with a shoestring budget, amateur camera crews, wannabes, ‘has-beens’ and ‘never-has-been’ actors, dig out a winner and you’ll soon find your way on the road to Scorsese status.

For more details please click here

Issued by: Bastion, 32-38 Saffron Hill, London EC1N 8FH Tel: +44 (0)20 7421 7600

Bastion Press Centre created by Games Press Ltd.

Contador Turns Heat On Rasmussen

After yesterdays Tour de France heroics from Alexandre Vinokourov, today it was the turn of the young Spaniard Alberto Contador to display his credentials as a genuine tour contender.

In an amazing battle with race leader Micheal Rasmussen, the two riders battled their way up the final climb of the day, the Hors Category Plateau-de-Beille.

Contador, knowing Rasmussen needed to set the pace to develop a time gap to his other rivals, sat on the Dane's rear wheel, pouncing in the final few hundred metres to take the stage victory.

It was a bad day for Vinokourov, who blew up on the first of the days severe climbs, his race now effectively over. His Astana team-mate Andreas Kloden, along with Cadel Evans also saw 2 minute time losses on both Contador and Rasmussen.

It now seems likely the race will not be decided until the final time trial next Saturday, with Rasmussen desperate to build up time advantages in the mountains before then.

Our Vera To Quit Street

Actress Liz Dawn, who plays Vera Duckworth in Coronation Street, is to leave the popular soap opera due to ill health, the News of the World reports.

Ms Dawn, who has played her character for over 34 years, will leave the ITV show before Christmas.

According to the report, the 68-year-old actress has the lung disease emphysema and has told Granada she is too sick to continue. She said she wanted to "thank everyone" for "the best time of my life" during her years on the Street.

Her character's husband Jack Duckworth, played by Bill Tarmey, will remain in the show.

Dylan Ronson Remix Premiere August 1st

Celebrated producer and recording artist Mark Ronson has remixed Bob Dylan's 'Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I'll Go Mine)', the 1966 recording that was originally released on Dylan's classic Blonde On Blonde LP. The remix will have its global radio premiere on 1st August 2007 in advance of the October 1st worldwide release of the "DYLAN" retrospective.

Click on the link below to view the press release in full:
http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/sonybmg/bob_dylan_remix.htm

This is the first time a hip hop or dance music record producer has been allowed to remix one of Dylan's songs. Says Ronson, "I'm a huge Dylan fan, so it's a great honour."

"DYLAN", released worldwide on 1st October via Columbia Records, is the definitive Bob Dylan collection chronicling the artist's four decades of groundbreaking studio recordings, as well as his unparalleled influence on popular music and culture.
To view the press release detailing the DYLAN campaign in full - click on the link below:
http://www.noblepr.co.uk/Press_Releases/sonybmg/bob_dylan.htm

For more information, please contact Cat Hollis at Noble PR Ltd
Email: cat@noblepr.co.uk
Tel: (020) 7272 7772
Fax: (020) 7272 2227
1 Mercers Mews, London, N19 4PL
www.noblepr.co.uk

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