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.

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.

"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.

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

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

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.

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

Hicks, owner and executive chairman of Capstar Partners, conceived of the ride, the Rise Across Texas Challenge, as a fundraiser for the Rise Schools of Texas, which educate typical children alongside those with developmental disabilities. Lance Armstrong is the ride's honorary captain; Mack Brown and Gene Stallings are honorary coaches.

Hicks is appealing to riders as determined as he is. "For my 50th I showed lots of people a good time, but for my 60th I want to give something back to the world," he says. "Some adventurous types have already signed on for the full ride. Anyone raising a minimum can join for part of the ride, too."

Proceeds will launch a campaign to build a permanent home for the Rise School in Austin, which currently leases space. Subsequent funds will benefit Rise Schools in Dallas, Houston, and Corpus Christi.

Hicks is not an elite biker -- far from it, at least now. When not recruiting sponsors, he's relearning something that one proverbially never forgets. "I got my cycling merit badge as a Boy Scout, and that's pretty much it," he says. "Right now I'm trying to get used to being on the bike without falling." Never fear, though: Kevin Livingston, six-time Tour de France Rider and U.S. National Champion, has agreed to train the riders for their venture.

Towns slated as ride stops include Kountze, Montgomery, Brenham, Bastrop, Austin, Wimberley, Kerrville, Leakey, Brackettville, Del Rio, Sanderson, Marathon, and Marfa.

Event sponsors to date include DMX, Harden Healthcare, Livestrong, Mellow Johnny's, Pedal Hard and Texas Monthly. Trek Travel is the official bike tour operator.

For more information on the Rise Across Texas Challenge, please visit riseacrosstexas.org

SOURCE Rise Across Texas Foundation

For all baseball fans, a World Series involving two east coast powerhouses means that Amtrak is the best way for fans to travel to the games.

Few American icons have a history as closely linked as that of baseball and train travel. From the beginning of "the national pastime," baseball players have traveled by train. When the Phillies and Yankees met in 1950, the teams traveled by train, and for this year's World Series, appropriately dubbed the Amtrak Series, the most convenient and comfortable way for fans and players to travel is on board Amtrak.

Amtrak offers three services between New York and Philadelphia - Acela Express, Northeast Regional, and Keystone. There are 15 Acela Express frequencies in each direction, 21 Northeast Regional frequencies in each direction, and 10 Keystone frequencies in each direction every weekday, making it convenient for Phillies and Yankee fans to travel to see their teams. Reservations can be made online at Amtrak.com or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. Amtrak Guest Rewards members can earn double points for travel - including to the Amtrak Series -- through December 19 just by registering at Amtrakguestrewards.com.

The Amtrak Series features the hometown teams from two of Amtrak's busiest stops - New York and Philadelphia. During fiscal year 2009, New York was Amtrak's busiest train station with more than 7.8 million passengers boarding or alighting at Penn Station. Philadelphia's 30th Street Station ranked third, with 3.7 million Amtrak passengers using the station to board or detrain (Washington, DC was second).

In addition to fans, the Yankees and Phillies players will also be traveling to the World Series by train just as their predecessors did when the teams first met in the 1950 World Series. This year the Phillies and Yankees will be traveling via chartered trains, just as professional teams from all of the major sports have this year. During fiscal year 2009 Amtrak operated 32 sports charters including six for Major League Baseball teams. These chartered trains allow players and coaches to travel in a relaxed atmosphere before and after their games.

Fans can do the same. Amtrak's Acela Express and Northeast Regional services offer passengers wide seats with lots of leg room and a cafe car with a wide selection of snacks, sandwiches, and beverages, making the 91-mile trip between New York and Philadelphia a home run! Reservations for a trip to the Amtrak Series can be made at Amtrak.com.

Source: Amtrak

The Pepperdine University Department of Athletics has announced that seven of its all-time greats, Doug Christie, Geoffrey Clark, Bob Ctvrtlik, Katherine Hull, Kelly Jones, John Rettberg and Rod Wilde will all be honored at the ceremony.

"The Pepperdine Athletics Hall of Fame is enriched each year as they continue to add some of the most distinguished and accomplished student-athletes in the program's history," said Pepperdine Director of Athletics John Watson. "These are seven individuals that are very well deserving of this honor. We look forward to honoring them and recognizing their achievements, both what took place at Pepperdine and in their professional lives."

The Pepperdine Athletics Hall of Fame was established in 1980. These seven will join 77 individuals and 12 teams that have already been enshrined.

To be eligible for induction, nominees must have competed, coached for or rendered an extraordinary service to Pepperdine University Athletics. After a list of nominations was gathered, Pepperdine's Hall of Fame Committee made the decision on this year's inductees.

"I'm extremely honored to have been chosen for this years' Pepperdine Hall of fame induction along with such an elite class. My years attending Pepperdine were some of the best of my life, from all of my teammates and their diligence, hard work and support, to Coaches, Tom Asbury, Bob Hawkins, Bob Williams and David Campbell, and all the wonderful staff I am forever grateful," states Doug Christie, on the heels of a stellar 14 year NBA career where Doug played with NBA teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Clippers. Christie established himself as a premier perimeter defender. During his seasons with the Sacramento Kings (2000-2005) Christie was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team consecutively, as well as being named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, and was also recognized as one of the league's best all around players. Christie has since co-written a best selling book with his wife Jackie, titled: No Ordinary Love, A True Story of Marriage and Basketball! as well as in 2009 Doug founded Christie Sports Management Athletes Training Firm, his company that trains athletes and NBA players in Mind, Body and Basketball. This induction is a solid testament to the strong foundation Doug received while attending Pepperdine University and carries with him throughout his professional career and beyond.

About Pepperdine: Pepperdine University is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. The University is located on 830 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, California. The University is recognized nationally for its excellent academic programs and enrolls approximately 7,500 full-time and part-time students in its five colleges and schools.

About Doug Christie: Doug Christie Former Pepperdine Wave ... Played three seasons (1989-90 through 1991-92) ... A guard/forward from Seattle, Wash. ... A two-time All-American (1991 and 1992) ... The WCC Player of the Year in both 1991 and 1992 ... MVP of the 1992 WCC Tournament ... A four-time WCC Player of the Week ... As a senior, led team in scoring (19.5), assists (4.8) and steals (2.0) ... As a junior, led team in scoring (19.1), assists (4.8) and steals (2.2) ... As a sophomore, averaged 8.9 points and led the team in assists (4.0) ... Ended his career #13 on Pepperdine's all-time scoring chart with 1,392 points (now #15) ... On career lists, still ranks #3 in assists (395), #3 in steals (168) and #10 in blocked shots (86) ... Team won both the WCC regular season and the WCC Tournament and advanced to the NCAA Tournament in both 1991 and 1992 ... Selected in the first round (17th overall) of the 1992 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics ... Had a 15-year career in the NBA.

For more information visit:

www.dougchristie.com

www.pepperdine.edu

SOURCE Christie Sports Management/Athlete Training Firm