With the NBA and NHL pre-season games only three months away, Verizon is taking further action to end Cablevision's illegally denying Verizon and its FiOS Television subscribers access to high-definition feeds of MSG and MSG+ regional sports programming.

Under new FCC rules, Verizon on Monday (June 28) filed a supplement to its previous Program Access Complaint with the Federal Communications Commission.  The new filing asks the commission to require Cablevision and Madison Square Garden, L.P. to sell Verizon access to the high-definition sports feeds of the MSG and MSG+ networks.

Program distributors like Cablevision are presumed to be in violation of the new FCC rules if they do not make terrestrially delivered regional sports programming that they own or control available to other video providers on nondiscriminatory terms.

While Cablevision supplies the high-definition sports programming to itself and certain other providers - including the other cable incumbents - it refuses to provide access to Verizon and its subscribers on any terms.  

"Cablevision's anticompetitive withholding of programming is harming not only Verizon, but also consumers by denying them competitive choice," Verizon said in its FCC filing.  "Consumers who would otherwise have FiOS as an alternative to Cablevision do not view FiOS as a competitive option due to the lack of MSG and MSG+ in HD."

Verizon's original Program Access Complaint against Cablevision was filed on July 7, 2009.  The FCC updated and strengthened its rules in the 2010 Program Access Order in January.  The new order enabled Verizon to supplement its original complaint.

"Consumers continue to be denied the full benefits of meaningful competitive choice because Verizon still cannot offer its customers access to the high-definition feeds of the must-have regional sports programming that defendants own and control," Verizon said in its filing.  "Verizon requests that the commission act promptly to grant our complaint."  

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving nearly 93 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 217,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

Courage Center's Jr. Rolling Timberwolves basketball team won the team's third consecutive national wheelchair basketball title in the Varsity Division. These talented youth athletes competed at the 2010 National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) National Championships in Denver, Colo., April 7-10.

The Jr. Rolling T-Wolves became the first team in NWBA Varsity Division history to "three-peat" after knocking off the Rancho Renegades from California, 70-32 in a battle of No. 1 and No. 2 seeds.

"This is such a great group of kids," said Mike Bauler of Minneapolis, head coach of the Jr. Rolling Timberwolves. "They are best friends on and off the court. These kids practice 10-12 hours a week together and countless hours on their own. Their hard work and the support of Courage Center is the secret of our success, no question."

New Brighton resident Robby Wilhelm led all scorers in the championship game with 32 points. Joe Dixon of Lakeville pitched in 17 for the Jr. Rolling T-Wolves. Courage Center sent three other teams to the NWBA tournament. Courage Center's Rolling Rowdies finished 4th in the Prep Division (ages 6-12). Other highlights from the tournament include:

• Robbie Wilhelm - MVP, Varsity Division Championship Game and Tournament MVP
• Robbie Wilhelm and Derrick Bisnett, named to the 1st Team All-Tournament Team
• Joe Dixion, named to the 2nd Team All-Tournament Team
• Rose Hollerman, named to the Girl's All-Tournament Team

In addition, seven players from the Rolling T-Wolves and Rolling Rowdies were named to the NWBA's Northern Division All-Academic Team. Players include:

• Derrick Bisnett, Bismarck, N.D., Jr. Rolling Timberwolves
• Mark Braun, Mounds View, Minn., Jr. Rolling Timberwolves
• Sabrina Braun, Mounds View, Minn., Rolling Rowdies
• Abby Donkers, Farmington, Minn., Rolling Rowdies
• Joe Dixon, Lakeville, Minn., Jr. Rolling Timberwolves
• Jonathan Laing, Lakeville, Minn., Rolling Rowdies
• Dan Kosanda, Maple Grove, Minn., Rolling Rowdies

Members of Courage Center's 2009-10 Jr. Rolling Timberwolves team are:

• Derrick Bisnett, Bismarck, N.D., a junior at Century High School
• Jon Bluem, Eden Prairie, Minn., a senior at Eden Prairie High School
• Thomas Bowlin, Eagan, Minn., a senior at Eagan High School
• Luke Braun, of Mounds View, a sophomore at Irondale High School
• Mark Braun of Mounds View, Minn., a sophomore at Irondale High School
• Joe Dixon of Lakeville, Minn., a junior at Lakeville North
• Robert Doyle, Eden Prairie, Minn., a junior at Eden Prairie High School
• Rose Hollerman, of Elysian, Minn., an 8th grader at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown School
• Guthrie Lindquist of Mankato, Minn., a sophomore at Mankato West High School
• Josh Scanlon of Delano, Minn., a senior at Watertown-Mayer High School
• Robbie Wilhelm of New Brighton, Minn., a senior at Irondale High School

Courage Center is a nonprofit rehabilitation and resource center that advances the lives of children and adults experiencing barriers to health and independence. At Courage Center, we specialize in treating brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke, chronic pain, autism, and disabilities experienced since birth. Founded in 1928, Minneapolis-based Courage Center offers advanced technologies and innovation provided in part through the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors. For more information visit CourageCenter.org.

Baseball season is heating up and so is Turkey Hill Dairy's Phillies Graham Slam Sweepstakes. The sweepstakes features a grand prize trip for two to spring training 2011 and a season-long series of biweekly drawings that will reward 81 fans with four Phillies home game tickets each.

The new grand prize includes a four-day, three-night stay in Clearwater, Florida, with roundtrip airfare, hotel accommodations and two tickets to a spring training game.  

"Phillies fans represent quintessential baseball fans because they are exceptionally loyal and show true sportsmanship," said Turkey Hill Dairy President Quintin Frey. "Many Turkey Hill consumers are Phillies fans and the sweepstakes is a chance for us to reward those particular customers who are loyal to our brand."

To enter the sweepstakes, fans must look for the code found on specially-marked containers of Phillies Graham Slam Premium Ice Cream and enter it at turkeyhill.com/Phillies.

Turkey Hill will donate five cents for every container of Phillies Graham Slam sold to the team's Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities™ program. For every Phillies win, the Dairy will also donate $100 to the program.

The sweepstakes began on March 17, 2010, and will end on Sept. 4, 2012, with one grand prize awarded each season. Available in Citizens Bank Park and in most stores where Turkey Hill ice cream is sold, Turkey Hill's Phillies Graham Slam is the Phillies' official ice cream flavor, along with Phillie Phanatic Double Play.

Located in the rich farming country of Lancaster County, Pa., Turkey Hill Dairy produces the fifth largest-selling premium ice cream brand and the top-selling refrigerated iced tea brand in the nation. The third-generation, family-run dairy sells its products in a market that extends along the East Coast from Maine to Florida -- and as far west as Oregon, Washington and Alaska. For more information about Turkey Hill, visit turkeyhill.com.

In an industry where shoes on the Internet go through NASDAQ-style price swings, collectors will be eagerly awaiting the latest entrant into the footwear parade. Nike and Aston Martin have combined efforts in the design and production of a shoe themed behind the infamous Kobe Bryant commercial which debuted in 2008. In the commercial, Kobe Bryant effortlessly jumps over an Aston Martin DB9 and touts his audience with a pair of Nike Hyperdunks. The commercial spread like a virus on YouTube, and penetrated the blogosphere; it sent sneaker geeks into a buying frenzy as collectors shed up to $2000 for the Marty McFly Nike Hyperdunk.

The shoe made its unofficial debut on www.osneaker.com, priced at a cool $700 the shoe is said to be limited to 500 pairs, and is scheduled to make its official debut some point during the spring. www.osneaker.com also makes note that this special pair of shoes will be accompanied with an Aston Market Jacket. Sneaker collectors began reeling up the hype machine on website SneakerNews.com generating a buzz over the esthetics of the shoe.

The Nike Hyperdunk Aston Martin edition features reflective leather, which is used on the toe and midfoot areas, similar to the car in the video.  Sporting a fading gray on both sides and accompanied by fly wire technology, allows the side panels to subtly blend in with the rest of the shoe.  Quality red leather surrounds the inner lining; hiding behind the tongue is Kobe Bryant's autograph silk screened in gold. A carbon fiber emblem is stitched onto the front of the shoe baring the infamous Nike swoosh, an Aston Martin logo and Kobe Bryant's signature.

Wearing expensive shoes isn't out of the ordinary for a culture that is known to camp out for special releases overnight. This special collaboration marks a pivotal point for the sneaker industry; collectors continue to grow across the globe.  The business has established a network of resellers, who purchase sneakers from authorized Nike dealers and sell them for a profit on famed sneaker marketplace's and swap meets. Trade gatherings like Sneaker Con allow footwear connoisseurs to sell their shoes onto the open market. "At our events we have vendors as young as 12 years old displaying and selling their shoes, a lot of these kids raise up to $4000 selling rare used and new kicks," says Alan Vinogradov founder of Sneaker Con.

SOURCE Osneaker

The Winter Olympics aren't the only snowy weather events taking the spotlight in Canada right now.  MichCanSka 2010 is an international snowmobiling charity ride from Michigan to Alaska (through Canada) that benefits the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), a world leader in cure-focused diabetes research.  Participants from several states started out on February 15th with a ceremonious ride around the famous Soo I-500 snowmobiling track in Sault Ste. Marie, MI, and will finish in Tok, AK, after 20 days.  

To date, the effort has raised more than $40,000 for the DRI, and onlookers continue to hand in donations as the snowmobilers ride near their towns.  Billed as the "Iditarod of Snowmobiling," the event is the brainchild of Bill Bradfield of Cadillac, MI, a retired sheet metal worker and Vietnam veteran who has type 2 diabetes.

"It is my passion of a lifetime to ride from Sault Ste. Marie, MI, 4000 miles on a snowmobile through the dead of winter to Tok, AK, to raise awareness of the need for future research for this dreaded disease," said Bradfield, who has been snowmobiling for 41 years.  Throughout his career with the Building and Construction Trades Department (AFL-CIO), Bradfield has been raising funds and awareness for the Diabetes Research Institute.

"It gave me a tremendous feeling of gratitude being able to help people less fortunate than myself, not knowing that someday I too would be stricken with this horrible disease," he said.

Some participants have diabetes.  Others are riding in honor or in memory of a loved one with diabetes.  All riders are in it for the thrill-seeking adventure of a lifetime.  Maintaining a distance of 200 miles per day, participants set out in three groups each a day apart.  Their travels are being documented and videotaped daily at MichCanSka.com.  Their snowmobiles will carry them across rugged terrain and spectacular landmarks, such as the Trans Canada Trail, the Yukon Territory, and the original gold rush mining town of Dawson City, plus a grand finale of riding across the Top of the World Highway in Alaska.

On Day 10, Group 1 was riding through Saskatchewan, Canada, and "searching for snow at this point," according to a blog post.  They are expected to reach their final destination in Tok, AK, on March 7 (subject to change), where there will be a presentation to local officials in celebration of this great adventure, funds raised and sights seen.  Those who are interested in supporting the Diabetes Research Institute through MichCanSka 2010 can make a secure donation online at http://www.firstgiving.com/michcanskadri.

The Diabetes Research Institute, a center of excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is a recognized world leader in cure-focused research. Since its inception in the early 1970s, the DRI has made significant contributions to the field of diabetes research, pioneering many of the techniques used in islet transplantation. The DRI is now building upon these achievements by bridging cell-based therapies with emerging technologies to restore insulin production. For the millions of families already affected by diabetes, the Diabetes Research Institute is the best hope for a cure.  For more information, visit DiabetesResearch.org or call 1-800-321-3437.

SOURCE Diabetes Research Institute

College football fans made their voices heard and selected the best college football player in the country. AT&T* announced today that University of Texas quarterback Colt McCoy is the AT&T All-America Player of the Year, the only major college football award chosen exclusively by fans. Receiving more than 137,000 text votes, McCoy is the people's choice for best college football player in the nation.

McCoy led his team in total offense with 3,328 passing yards and 368 rushing yards, averaging 308 yards per game. During the Longhorns' undefeated season, he threw 27 passes for touchdowns and rushed for three. McCoy's 70.5 completion percentage ranks third nationally. McCoy is the first player in the school's history to be nominated twice as a Heisman finalist. In addition, he won AT&T's All-America Player of the Week in week 13 when he passed for 304 yards and ran for a career-high 175 yards with five total touchdowns in Texas' win at Texas A&M. He beat out an impressive field of nominees for the AT&T All-America Player of the Year award, including University of Alabama running back and Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram placing second, and University of Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, placing third and fourth, respectively.

"AT&T congratulates Colt on having a spectacular season and for winning the AT&T All-America Player of the Year award," said Jamie Kerr, senior manager, AT&T National Sponsorships.

"We are proud to offer this unique award that enables fans to vote for the player they believed excelled on the field throughout the entire season. Congratulations again to Colt and the other nominees, and thanks to all the college football fans who participated and voted all season long."

Fans - regardless of wireless carrier - were invited to submit a text message to vote for their pick among the following candidates:

• Colt McCoy (University of Texas)
• Mark Ingram (University of Alabama)
• Ndamukong Suh (University of Nebraska)
• Tim Tebow (University of Florida)

Polls stayed open until midnight ET Wednesday, Jan. 6. In addition to the AT&T All-America Player of the Year award, AT&T offered fans the chance to vote for the AT&T All-America Player of the Week awards through text message voting, all season long.

Last year, Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell was honored as the AT&T All-America Player of the Year, edging out Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford of Oklahoma, Texas' Colt McCoy and Florida's Tim Tebow.

AT&T customers can view video highlights and photos of each candidate and track select teams through AT&T's wireless NCAA Football Portal, which is accessible on AT&T handsets equipped with AT&T MEdia(TM) Net by launching the application and clicking through to the sports category.

Through the AT&T MEdia Net, fans can also download fight song ringtones from more than 150 colleges and universities. Animated screensavers and 3-D mobile wallpaper are available for more than 100 colleges and universities.

 

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

Richard Childress Racing (RCR) recently announced it has signed Tim George Jr. as a developmental driver to compete full-time in the 2010 ARCA Racing Series, presented by RE/MAX.

As the season is scheduled to start on February 6, 2010 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL., RCR will field the No. 31 Chevrolet Impala for Tim throughout the twenty-race ARCA Series season. A crew chief will be named at a later date.

"The goal of RCR's driver development program is to enhance and strengthen the skills needed to compete at NASCAR's top levels," explains Mike Dillon, Vice President, Competition for RCR who also oversees the Driver Development Program. "A second season in the ARCA Series will allow Tim to further develop his driving skills in a stock car since he only has one year of experience. We'll put together a strong crew chief and team that will allow Tim the opportunity to develop his talents to the fullest."

In the 2009 ARCA RE/MAX Series, his rookie season, Tim finished 11th in point standings, with a best finish of 5th at New Jersey after starting second-to-last. Tim made his RCR debut on November 13, 2009 at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Phoenix International Raceway, qualifying 26th and finishing 29th after getting caught up in an accident on lap 132.

"I am honored by the opportunity to work with, and learn from, Richard Childress, Mike Dillon and the rest of the RCR team. I am ready to absorb as much as possible in 2010 from the wealth of knowledge that the organization holds," says Tim. "My No. 1 goal is to enhance my ability at setting up these cars. Another season in the ARCA Series will allow me to better focus on such. At the moment, we are in the process of finding the right crew chief that will help me learn the most. I'm looking forward to testing with my new team at Daytona later this month."

About Tim George Jr.: Tim George Jr. has transformed his childhood passion into a professional motorsports career, with the ultimate goal of becoming a NASCAR Spring Cup Series driver. In 2009, Tim competed in the 2009 ARCA RE/MAX Series, and select Grand-Am Rolex events, NASCAR Truck, Nationwide and Whelen Series events. Graduating from the University of Miami with a B.A. in English and a Double Minor in History and Economics, Tim was drawn to motorsports in 2004, catering events for the Ferrari Challenge Series. By 2007, Tim was competing in the Grand-American Koni Challenge Series where he earned a podium experience in his first season of professional motorsports. Tim moved up to compete in the Grand-Am Rolex Series with The Racer's Group. Earning the title of 2008 MESCO "Building for the Future" Rolex Rookie of the Year, Tim finished fourth place in the Rolex GT Championship.

SOURCE Tim George Jr.

Calling all coaches--- Little League, Pop Warner, Police Athletic League, college, professional, football, soccer, hockey, baseball, current or past ---you're invited to join Eagles' wide receiver DeSean Jackson as he hosts The DeSean Jackson Show live from the aloft Philadelphia Airport Hotel, beginning at 7 p.m. on Dec. 21. Tight end Brent Celek will join the event to sign autographs and mingle with the crowd at the aloft's w xyz Bar.

Coaches Are Also Pals

Most athletes can identify at least one coach who has had a profound impact on his or her life. Great coaches foster positive self-image, athletic prowess, learning and self-actualization. Plus, studies show that getting kids involved in athletics early reduces the chances of childhood obesity.

On Dec. 21, the night belongs to coaches. Not only will Jackson host his one-hour ESPN radio show in front of a live audience and, as always, pepper his commentary with his favorite game stories, but coaches and their guests will also have the chance to make a difference in the lives of children. All admission fees are donated to the Police Athletic League (PAL) of Philadelphia to fund health education that will impact the lives of Philly's future athletes. Can it get any better? It sure can!

Celek will arrive as Jackson's show wraps up and will be on hand to meet the coaches, sign autographs and take pictures. Throughout the evening, coaches and their guests will enjoy drinks and food specials.

"aloft Philadelphia Airport Hotel is thrilled to have the Eagles' hot and up-and-coming players at this hot and up-and-coming hotel. DeSean and Brent are two of the Eagles' most dynamic players. Hats Off to Coaches Night is an opportunity to pay tribute to coaches who have invested their time and energy in the physical and emotional growth of their teams. And, of course, what better team players to have on hand to lead the round of applause for that special group of people who willingly give of their time and talent," said aloft Philadelphia Airport Director of Sales and Marketing, Nina Timani.

Not a coach but know a great one? E-mail the details about what makes your coach noteworthy and/or a picture and he or she will be recognized at "Hats Off to Coaches" Night.

About Hats Off to Coaches Night

Admission is $10 and includes food and fun with Jackson and Celek. Proceeds will be donated to PAL to fund health education for disadvantaged inner-city youth, directly impacting the lives of Philly's future athletes. To reserve a spot for the event, RSVP by December 18 to (215) 884-6499 or e-mail Nicole@comsolutionsgroup.com.

As the United Football League's "Premiere" season is coming to a close, the League announced today that its season-end recognition awards will be determined by the fans through online voting and texting. The UFL's Championship Game, featuring the Florida Tuskers and the Las Vegas Locos, will be held on November 27th in Las Vegas at Noon PST. The UFL also announced that its fans will determine the Championship Game MVP using a text messaging campaign to vote. Candidates for the award will be announced at the beginning of the fourth quarter during the VERSUS telecast.

Beginning today, fans can vote online at www.ufl-football.com for the UFL's Motorola Season MVP and Men's Wearhouse Coach of the Year. On November 22nd, fans can vote for StubHub's Fan Favorite Play of the Year. Fans will have the opportunity to vote for the Title ElectroEnergy Drink Championship Game MVP during the game's fourth quarter via text messaging.

"The UFL is truly about the fans and we wanted to make sure their voices were heard when recognizing coaches and players at the conclusion of our 'Premiere' season," said Michael Huyghue, UFL Commissioner. "By utilizing our website and text messaging platforms, we are integrating all forms of communication to engage our fans."

The UFL was developed to fulfill the unmet needs of football fans in major markets currently underserved by professional football by providing a high quality traditional football league comprised of world class professional football players. The UFL will serve the communities with pride, dedication and passion, and uphold a leadership role in the development of football worldwide. The UFL will provide every fan with an affordable, accessible, exciting and entertaining game experience. Scheduled to debut in October 2009, the UFL's headquarters is in New York, N.Y. and has satellite offices in Jacksonville, Fla. and Rutherford, N.J. The UFL is led by Commissioner Michael Huyghue, COO Frank Vuono and is being funded by a consortium of private investors. For more information on the UFL and how to purchase tickets for the UFL's "Premiere" season, please visit www.ufl-football.com. For group ticket sales, please call 877.UFL.2009.

SOURCE UFL

 Lori Alf, Owner of Palm Beach Ice Works, is thrilled to announce that figure skating luminary Patrick Chan has signed on to train at the new rink in West Palm Beach. The World medalist and his trainer Don Laws have chosen the rink located at 1590 North Florida Mango Road as Patrick's major training facility for his Olympic medal pursuit.

Lori Alf, who bought and developed the ice rink, stated, "I feel so blessed to have created a facility that can attract figure skaters of Patrick Chan's caliber. It's hard to describe how proud I feel watching him skate there."

Patrick Chan is a Canadian figure skater who first took to the ice at the age of five. He has since dominated Canada's skating scene with his most recent accomplishments including the 2009 Four Continents champion, the 2009 World silver medalist, the 2007 World Junior silver medalist and the 2008 & 2009 Canadian Champion. Don Laws became Chan's primary trainer in 2007.

Lori Alf continues, "I've done really well for myself by just staying committed...and being goal oriented. One reason I created the rink is because I see sports as a great way to transfer that quality to kids. I also can't imagine a better role model for the young skaters here than Patrick Chan."

Palm Beach Ice Works is located just one minute north of the West Palm Beach Airport, and has a 200x100 feet (Olympic size) rink in order to create an optimal training environment for the competitive skater. The small country club like atmosphere enforces goal-oriented conditioning for both the figure skater and serious ice hockey player. The rink provides facilities and services such as off-ice conditioning, an indoor running track, Dartfish (sport video training), Ballet and Pilates, and Sports Psychology. There will also be a half pad of ice (60x120 feet) that will offer an introduction to figure skating and beginner hockey.

Lori Alf is also CEO of technology solutions company Tracking Innovations. For more information on the rink please visit www.palmbeachiceworks.com.

SOURCE Palm Beach Ice Works