http://www.fantastic-multilist.de/ Our international blog en-us Nucleus CMS v3.40 � Weblog http://backend.userland.com/rss http://www.fantastic-multilist.de/ http://www.fantastic-multilist.de/item/2010/03/6th-new-energy-ended-today-with-record-visitor-numbers 20100321-13182412.jpg250 exhibitors from 14 countries, 17,000 visitors from 30 nations 30 (2009: 15,500 visitors), sold out congress events, numerous political delegations from Germany and abroad, and the extremely successful world summit on small wind turbines firmly established this year’s New Energy Husum as the leading international trade fair for the small wind industry, and also as the most successful, most visited renewable energy exhibition event in Germany.

Not just the exhibitors have noticed how international this fair has become in such a short time, but also the visitors from all the German states and 30 other countries who came to Husum. Over the last few days we have welcomed visitors from all over Germany, and even from the Azores, Brazil, India, China and the Emirates in Husum”,  said the fair’s managing director Hanno Fecke.

“Welcome to the Mecca of the small wind industry”, was how Wolfgang Schmidtner from Renergy, one of the 20 speakers at the 3rd Small Wind Turbine Symposium, started his talk on Sunday. On this the final day of the exhibition, numerous representatives of the 52 international small wind turbine exhibitors were proudly showing off their stacks of business cards from new and prospective customers who are interested in distributing the innovative small wind turbines in Europe. “This is where the most important international marketplace for small wind turbines has come into being”, was the opinion of international experts and exhibitors across the board. This is also emphasised by the announcement that the next world summit for the small wind sector will be held once again at New Energy Husum in March 2011, in the new Husum Congress Hall currently under construction on the exhibition site.
“With all the different people and languages at the fair, the atmosphere was very much like that at HUSUM WindEnergy”, said the exhibition’s press officer Gudrun Kromrey, “and we have also seen many familiar faces from the “big” wind industry here, who also wanted to find out more about the “small” turbines. Here we see the definite genesis of a new, successful industry sector.“

The highly topical subject of electrically powered vehicles was also an enormous success at the fair, for visitors and exhibitors alike. At times it was hardly possible to see the innovative vehicles because of the sheer mass of visitors around them. “Here they’re not just looking and marvelling like at other exhibitions. Here they’re buying the E-Mobiles”, was the unanimous and enthusiastic statement of the electric vehicle exhibitors.

The exhibitors from the solar sector were also very satisfied with the mass of visitors prepared to buy systems. “The people who were here are very much aware that solar power is still a profitable and sensible alternative, despite all the contrary reports in the press”, corroborated representatives of the photovoltaic sector.

“At the end of this fair we can confirm that the exhibition space for the next New Energy (17-20 March 2011) is almost sold out. That is perhaps the most clear proof of the high level of satisfaction of the New Energy exhibitors from all the renewable energy sectors!” said a very happy New Energy project manager. “This is our trade fair, and no other!” is how an enthusiastic Frank Fuhlendorf from Aldra Solar summed up his showing at this year’s New Energy. Exhibitors from all sectors were amazed at the great number of European visitors who had come to Husum to develop new business contacts. “We have had very good talks with Danes, Dutch, Spaniards, and even Australians”, enthused Philippa Rogers from the English company quietrevolution. “That was something we never expected in Husum. And you can be sure we’ll be back again next year.”

Many visitors were especially interested in the new regenerative heating systems. “Time and again we are always amazed by the New Energy visitors who come to our stands already well informed, and with specific demands and wishes”, was how Thorsten Hoffmann from Künzel described the particularly high quality of visitors to the fair, something that did not go unnoticed by the other exhibitors either.

“Our congratulations on this exhibition. I’ve known New Energy now since 2004. I’d never have expected you to accomplish this much. New Energy is now quite clearly a leading international exhibition for the use of all renewable energy sources!” was how Thomic Ruschmeyer from the German Solar Mobility Association praised the organisation team. “My goodness, how this has all grown. We come to the New Energy exhibition sum every year, and we will definitely be back again next year. There’s always something new to see. Great!”, confirmed the Hansens from Husum.
]]> General http://www.fantastic-multilist.de/item/2010/03/6th-new-energy-ended-today-with-record-visitor-numbers#c Sun, 21 Mar 2010 18:33:20 +0100 http://www.fantastic-multilist.de/item/2010/01/rock-legend-donovan-gives-a-special-concert-in-munich-on-january-24th As special guest Donovan welcomes Claudia Koreck on stage. She is a talented German singer & songwriter who got her start as a teenager, Claudia was first discovered by a Munich radio station. Born on May 28, 1986, in Traunstein, Koreck started out singing in English, but eventually began singing in a Bayerische dialect. Her big break came about when her single “Fliang” (Flying) in 2007.

The event is supporting the charity project “Schule ohne Stress” and wants to increase attention to the positive effects of Transcendental Meditation (TM) on creativity, intelligence, brain functioning, academic performance, ADHD and other learning disorders, anxiety or depression.

“Social Media meets Music”
The special event “Donovan & Friends” is an invitation from Donovan to his friends in Munich, but also to his friends in the Social Web. The whole concert is promoted, documented and featured on many social media platforms, such as facebook, twitter, YouTube or MySpace. The concert is only using “word of mouth” and viral marketing in the digital media landscape. Tickets are only available online at www.donovan-friends.de, which is supported and realized with the Online Ticketing Solution of Amiando. To provide a new form of transparency the charity donations to the german “Schools without Stress” Foundation will be managed and fulfilled by the social charity platform betterplace.org.
These activities are expanding the live event from the offline into the online world.

The Tickets are on sale now on www.donovan-friends.de and are predicted to be sold out very soon.

Donovan in the Social Web:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DonovanOfficial
Twitter: www.twitter.com/DonovanOfficial
YouTube: www.youtube.com/TheDonovanOfficial
Web: www.donovan.ie

Ahead of Time is an innovation agency for the digital age. They are the next
generation of creative marketing agency, focusing on social media and
mobile media. Find out more at www.aheadoftime.de.

Ahead of Time is the exlusive agency for all activities online and in the social web of the legendary musician Donovan. The company is also in charge of the special concert in Munich, January 24th 2010, combining the power of Music and Social Media.

For Press-Accreditation and Interview Requests please contact Monty Metzger, monty@aheadoftime.de

Ahead of Time GmbH
openpr.de]]> General http://www.fantastic-multilist.de/item/2010/01/rock-legend-donovan-gives-a-special-concert-in-munich-on-january-24th#c Tue, 12 Jan 2010 09:31:07 +0100 http://www.fantastic-multilist.de/item/2009/11/bavaria-expands-afm-slate-with-pick-ups-of-beloved-berlin-wall
Casting a perceptive look at the last days of the GDR, BELOVED BERLIN WALL is a lively comedy set against the harsh historical facts of the then separated Germany and a tale of a love affair that turns into an act of civil courage. German distribution of this Relevant Film production is in the hands of Warner Bros., scheduled for November 19, 2009. Another Warner Bros. hit has found its home at Bavaria again. After the successful cooperation on RABBIT WITHOUT EARS, Bavaria Film International has boarded Til Schweiger's sequel RABBIT WITHOUT EARS 2 (ZweiOhrKüken) that will be available on trailer basis at AFM.

Like the first part, the film is produced by Til Schweiger and Tom Zickler and their mutual production outfit, Barefoot Filmproduktion. Starring Til Schweiger (Inglourious Basterds, Phantom Pain) again opposite Nora Tschirner (KeinOhrHasen), the film will open in Germany on December 3, 2009, in a much anticipated wide release after the prequel generated over $60mio. at the German Box Office alone. Worldwide rights are available excluding German speaking and Eastern Europe. Finally, the prestigious $28mio production HENRY OF NAVARRE (Henry 4) of Ziegler Film, Berlin, will be an AFM flagship for Bavaria Film International even though the film is currently in post-production.

The prolific historic epic is realized by director and co-author Jo Baier (Stauffenberg), with Oscar-winning DoP Gernot Roll (Nowhere in Africa), editors Claus Wehlisch and Alex Berner (Perfume, Baader Meinhof Complex), and features a score from Hollywood icon Hans Zimmer (Pirates of the Caribbean). HENRY OF NAVARRE is a timely adaptation of Heinrich Mann's novel about the "Good King" of France who survived the St. Bartholemew's Day massacre and united his people over religious warfare. Rights are available for the world excluding Germany. The German release is scheduled for March 18, 2010.

ots / www.bavaria-film-international.com]]> General http://www.fantastic-multilist.de/item/2009/11/bavaria-expands-afm-slate-with-pick-ups-of-beloved-berlin-wall#c Wed, 4 Nov 2009 21:59:27 +0100 http://www.fantastic-multilist.de/item/2009/10/south-bay-ballet-opens-30th-anniversary-season-with-the-nutcracker
Under the direction of Diane Lauridsen, this enchanting ballet’s vibrant costumes, stunning sets by Jenny Tomich, along with the brilliant score of Peter Tchaikovsky, present Clara as a young girl who dreams of becoming a ballerina and dances with her Nutcracker Prince in the Kingdom of the Sweets. Audiences will be entertained by the uplifting surprises and exciting new twists exclusive to South Bay Ballet’s Nutcracker. A magical treat for all ages!

More than just a holiday tradition for many Southland families, South Bay Ballet’s production of "The Nutcracker" provides a rare opportunity for more than 80 local ballet students of the Lauridsen Ballet Centre to perform with senior company members of pre-professional standing. Dancers at South Bay Ballet train exclusively at the Lauridsen Ballet Centre in Torrance, nationally renowned for its integrity, strict guidelines and the highest quality training. Students travel from around the world to study the unique curriculum which unites the traditions of the past with state-of-the-art knowledge of anatomy, kinesiology and cross training. Dancers are privileged to study in a professional atmosphere with live piano accompaniment, as well as, guest teachers from world-renowned ballet companies.

INFORMATION & TICKET SALES:
800-832-2787
www.centerforthearts.org

openpr]]> General http://www.fantastic-multilist.de/item/2009/10/south-bay-ballet-opens-30th-anniversary-season-with-the-nutcracker#c Fri, 23 Oct 2009 21:59:17 +0200 http://www.fantastic-multilist.de/item/2009/10/the-brain-that-wouldn-t-die-a-new-musical-world-premiere-at-the-overtime-theater
The plot of the 1959 sci-fi/horror flick is simple: a brilliant young surgeon, Dr. Bill Cortner, is convinced that he can save his bride-to-be, Jan, who has been decapitated in a fiery car crash. The doctor uses his experimental adrenoserum to keep Jan’s head alive in a pan while he looks for a suitable replacement body to transplant.

Dr. Cortner has little time – just one weekend – and his search takes him to strip clubs, a beauty pageant, and finally the studio of a figure model with a badly scarred face. Meanwhile, Jan is horrified at being kept alive in her state and wants revenge on her insane fiancé. She discovers that the serum gives her telepathic powers to communicate with and control the hulking Thing in the Closet – “the sum total of Dr. Cortner’s mistakes.” And so revenge will be hers….

"The Brain That Wouldn’t Die" comes from the same San Antonio theater that produced another cult-movie-turned-musical, "Sheer Bloody Lunacy!" (selected as “one of the Best Shows of 2008” by the San Antonio Express-News). It will contain all of the overcooked dialogue, melodrama, and cheesy special effects of the movie, plus original songs, choreography, and much more!

Several themes run through the movie that are relevant today, such as body issues and the limits of technology and medical research to “make things right,” and these themes are explored in the musical as well. What if you’re in a relationship with someone who is determined to help you – to “fix” you – whether you want their help or not?

Show Dates & Times: October 2-31, 2009. 8 pm Fridays and Saturdays, with two 8 pm Thursday shows (Oct. 22 & 29). The October 31 show will be a Halloween extravaganza with a “Mad Science Ball” party and costume contest after the show!

Ticket Prices: $12 general admission, $9 for teachers, students with ID, and seniors 65+. Tickets can be purchased online using PayPal at theovertimetheater.net/brain.htm.

Location: The Overtime Theater, 1216 West Avenue (corner of West Ave. and W. Olmos), San Antonio, TX 78201. Contact theovertimetheater@gmail.com or 210-380-0326 for reservations or more information.

Cast and Crew Information

Principal Roles: Jan - Christie Walheim; Dr. Bill Cortner - Robert Jerdee; Doris – Julie Vaquera; Kurt - Cary Farrow; and, Dr. Cortner Sr. / Brunette Stripper - Roy Thomas.
Ensemble: Rita Anderson; Sophia Bolles; Lilly Canaria; Rebecca Coffey; Tadeo Garcia (understudy); Camie Gillespie; Kristopher Thomas; and, Liz Vermeulen.

The creative staff for The Brain That Wouldn’t Die includes: Producer - John Poole; Director - Michael Burger; Composer - Phillip Luna; Book Adaptation and Lyricist - Jon Gillespie; Musical Director - Jaime Ramirez; Choreographer - Charles Barksdale; Technical Director/Set & Lighting Designer - Rigel Nunez; and, Costume Designer - Sophia Bolles.

The Overtime Theater was founded in 2006 by John Poole, a San Antonio theater veteran who sought to create a theater “for people who don’t usually go to theater” (San Antonio Express-News). The Overtime is dedicated to providing innovative and accessible entertainment at an affordable price. The shows are all new, original works, or new adaptations of old classics. The Overtime specializes in world premieres of works never before seen on stage! Past productions have included "All Kinds of Hot," "The Good Samaritan," "Johnny Gets Sick," "Poet Faustus," "Sheer Bloody Lunacy," two acclaimed versions of "Sob! Choke…LOVE!," "Lear," "Pirates vs. Ninjas: The Musical," "What Will Happen," and most recently, the world premieres of "Buddha Swings" and "Action Philosophers!"

The Overtime Theater
1216 West Avenue
San Antonio, TX 78201

openpr.com]]> General http://www.fantastic-multilist.de/item/2009/10/the-brain-that-wouldn-t-die-a-new-musical-world-premiere-at-the-overtime-theater#c Mon, 5 Oct 2009 09:54:49 +0200 http://www.fantastic-multilist.de/item/2009/09/msd-2009---international-conference-and-exhibition-on-maritime-security-and-defence-hamburg
A trend at MS&D 2009 is unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) which fly in fully automated mode and can be used for surveillance. The exhibits by Diehl BGT Defence GmbH & Co. KG include a new unmanned helicopter system called CamCopter. It has a rotor with a diameter of about 3 metres, and is fitted with sensors. Its range is about 50 to 60 kilometres. It is operated from a control station, which can be either on a ship or on shore. This very compact helicopter can land without difficulty even on a corvette, so the manufacturers claim. Its purpose is reconnaissance and surveillance, and it has been tested with success by the German Navy. Diehl also exhibits various development projects such as DAVID, an unmanned autonomous undersea vehicle, and IDAS, a missile which can be fired from submarines and serves for self-defence, e.g. against anti-submarine warfare helicopters.

The Zentrum für Funktionswerkstoffe (“Functional Materials Centre”) is a non-profit company associated with the Clausthal-Zellerfeld University of Technology, and can draw on the latter’s research resources. It also brings two newly developed surveillance drones to MS&D 2009. The smaller drone is a helicopter design with a rotor span of 1.80 metres; it is ready for series production, and will demonstrate its flying capabilities at MS&D. The larger drone is still at the prototype stage. It has a rotor span of 5.80 metres and will be presented as a full scale model. The drones are designed for reconnaissance, and can if necessary also carry weapons, e.g. for defence against pirate attacks. The drones seek their own target automatically via thermo-cameras. They can stay in the air for half an hour or more. The Centre will also exhibit an innovative fabric which is coated with conductors. Combat dress made of this material needs no cables for power supply for night-vision devices. “A rarity” is how Grishka Düppe, Head of Research and Development, describes a torpedo which can keep its position under water for six months, and is triggered by special acoustic sensors.

The MS&D exhibitors include a number of leading shipyards that have a great deal of experience and expertise in naval shipbuilding. ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) will show projects including the F125 class frigate. The highlights of this ship includes its extremely long period of deployment in its area of operations (two years rather than the currently usual six to eight months), its reduced manning requirement (only 110 crew rather than 220 or 240 as normally needed for this class of ship), and armament specially designed for combating asymmetric targets and threats. Building of the first four F125s will start in May 2011. The first delivery will be in 2016. Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH, which is a TKMS company and responsible for building submarines with fuel cell propulsion, will show the U-210mod, a submarine design which will undoubtedly attract interest throughout the world. It is specially designed for coastal operations, with displacement as little as 1000 tonnes.

Lürssen are demonstrating their whole range of expertise at MS&D, with a hybrid model. The front of the ship is a naval ship fitted with weapons, while the stern is a superyacht. Fassmer and the Meyer Yachtwerft are represented with special-purpose vessels. The German Navy will present an operations and maritime simulator at MS&D. Fair visitors can get an impression of the tasks of the navy at their stand, for example with a virtual helicopter tour at sea.

Shipowners who want to fit their ships with anti-piracy technology will also find much to interest them at MS&D. Thus Jabsco present their Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD), also known as sonic cannons, a development of the US American Technology Corporation. These are high-powered loudspeakers which can be used for targeted warnings to potential aggressors, even if they are more than a kilometre away. The sonic beam causes pain only at close range. Some cruise vessels are already equipped with these devices. Beluga Shipping, whose freighter MS BBC Trinidad fell into the hands of Somalian pirates in August last year and was released only after payment of a ransom, have tested the LRAD auf on their multi-purpose heavy goods freighter MS Beluga Fantastic. Niels Stolberg, Managing Partner of Beluga Shipping GmbH summarises “We conducted this trial mainly due to recommendation by our German insurer that we should install a defensive protection system.” The ship was not exposed to pirate attack in the six-month trial period. Apart from these warning devices, Jabsco also exhibits 3rd generation low-light amplification systems, which are available exclusively to the professional military and the police. In combination with digital cameras or video cameras, these devices are also capable of night-time surveillance.

Another system designed specially for use against pirates is PITAS (Pirate and Terrorist Aversion System), presented at MS&D by Consist Software Solutions GmbH. The system is designed to use radar, sonar and video monitoring systems, also described as Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), with rapid real-time data evaluation, and an alarm system to reduce the risk of successful attacks by pirates or terrorists.

There are also a large number of marine equipment suppliers at MS&D 2009, showcasing technologies and products which are not in the limelight of security systems, but which are indispensable for functioning of naval vessels and of defence and security systems.

The conference held concurrently with the exhibition will feature high-ranking naval officers and security and defence experts from all parts of the world, who will discuss current security issues such as the threats to international shipping from pirates and terrorists, and general defence issues.

Ed.: Angelika Schennen, Tel.: +49 40-3569-2440, e-mail: angelika.schennen@hamburg-messe.de,

Info at www.msd2009.com

Hamburg Messe
]]> General http://www.fantastic-multilist.de/item/2009/09/msd-2009---international-conference-and-exhibition-on-maritime-security-and-defence-hamburg#c Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:35:13 +0200 http://www.fantastic-multilist.de/item/2009/09/sonu-niigaam-and-michael-jackson---an-indian-superstar-pays-tribute-to-his-idol
Now, of course, as for many musicians and fans, Michael Jackson is an undisputed idol, one of the few truly outstanding individuals who have managed to survive despite all odds in a challenging music biz. For Sonu Niigaam Michael Jackson was and still is a role model who has influenced his early works.

Unfortunately, Michael Jackson died just 3 weeks before his much-announced and already mostly sold-out comeback tour, "This Is It," which should have had its premiere in London.

Jackson lived and died in Los Angeles – and at this time Sonu Niigaam was also there. The Indian superstar has chosen Los Angeles as a second homeland in addition to Mumbai and from there he’d started off to an extended concert tour "Explosion 2009 - Sonu Niigaam, Sunidhi Chauhan and Hard Kaur in Concert" across the United States.

When news of the death of Michael Jackson arrived the U.S. media Niigaam sent out an SMS to his friends, "Michael Jackson Becomes One With the Universe". He joined as well with countless fans of MJ at Jackson's house, to light candles and pray for his idol.

"Billie Jean" in honor of MJ
But this was not enough - in honor of Michael Jackson Sonu Niigaam included a special presentation in his tour concerts. To the surprise of his mostly Indian fans in the U.S., the musicians presented on stage a close-to-perfect performance of Michael Jackson's superhit "Billie Jean" including the famous "Moon Walks". The response of his fans was overwhelming.

However, a very special honor got Sonu Niigaam himself on his final concert on 16 August in Los Angeles. Among the guests and concert-goers were celebrities from the music, fashion and show business in Hollywood and - Jermaine Jackson - Michael Jackson's brother - who is currently busy with the final preparations for the memorial concert for Michael Jackson in Vienna on September 26, 2009th (www.tribute2009.com). Like all other concert-goers Jermaine Jackson was overwhelmed by Sonu Niigaam "Billie Jean" performance and he joined enthusiastically into standing ovation.

"MJ - This One Is for You"
The next coup by Sonu Niigaam, was a specially created song to commemorate Michael Jackson, which was released on Jackson’s birthday on 29 August. It may be one among many, because the idea has been picked up by hundreds or even thousands of musicians,
but the very special thing about this song was the way it was created. So far, unique and almost unbelievable, it has been initiated by fans of Sonu Niigaam and Michael Jackson met over the Internet.

Sonu Niigaam's fan page on Facebook served as a platform. The artist called his fans at first to write and to send in lyrics and then to compos and sent in music according to lyrics. Finally they were searching for singers, who were also selected based on their vocal samples from English songs. Everything was put on the fan page and fans were asked for comments.
Sonu Niigaam, who lately participated as a judge in Indian TV shows like "Indian Idol", "SaReGaMa-Little Champs" (similar to "American Idol") gave also repeatedly tips and examples and guidelines to the young musicians, as to how the song lyrics should be written and a song should be composed.

After the selection process, where the fans were also able to participate on Facebook, it was soon decided who were the aspiring writer, composer and singer: Geetha Balsaara and Sowmya Raoh wrote the text, Saikat-Shankar composed the music and the singers were, besides Sonu Niigaam himself, Natalie Di Luccio, Jonita Gandhi, Devika Mathur, Salman Asif, Parashar Joshi and George Kuruvilla.

The song is available for free as podcast on ITUNES and also on Youtube as a video with pictures of all participants.

BNA - Germany
Bollywood-News-Agency

Alexandra Ccahuana Tito / Openpr.com
]]> General http://www.fantastic-multilist.de/item/2009/09/sonu-niigaam-and-michael-jackson---an-indian-superstar-pays-tribute-to-his-idol#c Sat, 19 Sep 2009 10:51:54 +0200 http://www.fantastic-multilist.de/item/2009/09/iaa-frankfurt---most-important-motor-show-points-ways-out-of-the-crisis
In the light of the latest official figures and statistics from the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) Wissmann emphasized, “There is a fundamental turnaround taking place in the international environmental and climate protection discussion on CO² reduction. The new figures from the KBA show that the German brands are also ahead of the field when it comes to sustainability. We all know that prejudices can be persistent. There is only one way to tackle them, and that is with transparency and hard facts. And this is what we are presenting today.”

“If we take the new registrations in the first seven months and divide them up into the ten vehicle segments, from small cars to the luxury models, we see that in nine out of ten segments German group brands have lower CO² values than the importers,” Wissmann said. This applied to the microcars, compact class, medium class, upper medium class and luxury segment just as it did to the minivans, compact vans, sports cars and off-road vehicles. He added that the speed at which the German OEMs are generating innovations to bring down CO² had increased markedly in recent years – in 2006 the German brands were the leaders in only six out of ten segments.

In relation to the individual models, too, six German vehicles take first place in ten segments. This is the case in the microcar segment (Smart), the upper medium class (Audi A6), the luxury segment (BMW 6-Series), sports cars (Audi TT), minivans (Ford Focus C-Max) and the compact vans (Opel Zafira CNG). Furthermore, German models take second place in six segments and third place in eight of the ten segments. “So the winners, almost without exception, are German models,” Wissmann summarized.

“And also if we look at the ‘classical pollutants’ it is German brands that have achieved the greatest progress in making reductions. According to the KBA, 92 per cent of the 565,000 new vehicles registered in Germany in the period up to July that already meet the coming Euro 5 standard are German brands,” Wissmann said. And German brands made up all of the over 1,000 newly registered passenger cars already meeting the demanding Euro 6 standard, which will not come into force until 1 September 2014. “This means that one in three of the German vehicles newly registered in the current year is already a Euro 5 vehicle – or better,” Wissmann stressed.

“The figures show that the German automotive industry is now leading the world in environmental and climate protection. We will do everything we can to continue expanding that lead through high levels of investment in R&D, even in difficult times. The German automotive industry is consistently pursuing its course of ‘sustainable mobility’ and CO² reduction in all segments. We are not building things like individual ‘eco-cars’ to get short-term marketing benefits. Instead we are developing modern, economic, safe, fuel-efficient and climate-friendly vehicles right across the whole range of models,” the VDA president underscored. He added that a large proportion of the R&D investment – which came to around 19 bn euro last year alone – was being used for precisely this purpose, and over 100 models were already available that consumed less than 5 l to travel 100 km and whose CO² values were less than 130 g CO²/km.

The VDA president emphasized: “The IAA 2009 is being held in the right place at the right time. Consolidation can be seen on major automotive markets. Particularly in view of the current market trends in Germany and Western Europe we are more convinced than ever that some important markets have bottomed out or are even recovering.” This IAA will show “ways out of the crisis,” he said, and can therefore send a signal for a new start on the markets.

The number of world premieres this time is only just under the record level at the IAA 2007. They include the Audi A3 1.2 TFSI with a completely new, very economical 4-cylinder engine, the Audi A4 3.0 TDI clean diesel quattro, the BMW X1, the BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition emitting only 109 g CO²/km, the BMW 5-Series GT Gran Turismo, the BMW X6 Hybrid, the BMW Active Hybrid 7 with lithiumion batteries, the Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell with a fuel cell and an electric engine in a small series, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class T Model with a whole range of new safety and driver-assistance systems, the Mercedes SLS AMG, which revives the myth of the “gullwing” car. Visitors can also catch their first glimpse of the electrified version of this new super-sports car.

The new Opel Astra, a compact car with the technical innovations of the Insignia, will be on display along with the Opel Astra EcoFlex with 109 g CO²/km and the Opel Ampera. Porsche is presenting the 911 GT3 RS, the 911 Turbo, the 911 Sport Classic in a special limited series of 250, and the Panamera, which will be available on the market from 12 September 2009. The Skoda Superb Combi is also celebrating its world premiere, as is the series version of the electric smart, the VW Polo (3-door) and the VW Polo BlueMotion 1.2 TDI with a 3-cylinder engine that at 87 g CO²/km is regarded as the cleanest 4-seater in the world and will go into production at the beginning of 2010. These models will be joined by the VW Golf BlueMotion 1.6 TDI at 99 g CO²/km, which will go into production in November 2009, as will the Passat BlueMotion 1.6 TDI at 114 g CO²/km. For the first time visitors to the IAA can view the new VW Golf Variant, the Golf R and the new VW T5 Multivan.

“These are just some of the new models that will already be on our roads in the coming months. And most of them feature surprisingly low fuel consumption and amazingly low CO² emissions,” Wissmann stated. They mean that this 63rd IAA Cars is consistently continuing the course taken by the IAA in 2007. They are fully directed towards sustainable mobility. Wissmann stressed, “Manufacturers and suppliers have kept their word,” adding that the slogan of this IAA stands for continuity: “A Moving Experience” (2009) follows “See What’s Driving the Future” (2007).

“Visitors to the IAA will be able to experience what is ensuring sustainable mobility today. And at the same time they will also see what is driving the automotive future,” Wissmann said, and pointed out “exciting studies and concept cars for the age of electrical mobility.” Audi is showing the concept car for a sports car with an electric powertrain, the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics is a full hybrid study generating less than 100 g CO²/km, and the Mini Concept Coupé and the Mini Concept Roadster will also be on display. Mercedes-Benz is presenting its E Cell Plus study with a range extender giving it a range of 600 km, 100 km of which are emissions-free; Porsche is presenting its Cayenne with hybrid drive and VW has two studies, one of which is a 1-liter car with an especially aerodynamic shape.

“This makes the IAA once again the world’s largest showcase for the automotive industry. Its new models are proof that the automotive industry is going on the offensive when it comes to the challenge of climate protection and vehicle safety. Here visitors can see the competition for the best technical solutions,” Wissmann underscored.

There is not going to be a “silver bullet,” but we are aiming for the consistent implementation of the “broad-based strategy.” This will include the continuing optimization of classical powertrains. The clean diesel and supercharged downsized gasoline engines with direct injection will be on show at the IAA, as will the advances in electrification of the transmission, ranging from the mild hybrid to passenger cars powered solely by electricity. In addition to further reductions in consumption and in CO² emissions, the focus will be on new types of driver-assistance systems that make driving even safer and more comfortable. Wissmann pointed out that “once again the German exhibitors – OEMs and suppliers alike – are the ones who are setting the pace of innovation.”

There will be 80 IAA press conferences, which is almost the same as the number at the IAA 2007; 55 press conferences will be held on the first Press Day alone. Wissmann said, “This also underscores the role of the IAA as the world’s most important platform for communication and innovation. Those who are not here will be missing a great opportunity.”

In view of the worldwide economic and financial crisis it would certainly be foolish, the VDA president said, to expect a similar number of visitors to the record figure seen at the IAA in 2007, when over 900,000 visitors came through the doors. Other automotive trade shows this year had also all recorded drops in visitor numbers in the high double-digit range, some of them losing over 40 percent of their visitors. In 1993, a comparable recession year, the IAA had attracted around 700,000 visitors. “We are optimistic that this year’s IAA will exceed that figure at any rate. We hope that on the last day of the IAA we will have counted at least 750,000 visitors. In these difficult times that would be a great success,” Wissmann stressed.

The occupied exhibition space at the IAA amounts to 185,000 sq m, which owing to additional bookings is 9 per cent up on the level in the early summer. A large number of specialist events and special activities – such as the off-road circuit, eco-training and the outdoor go-kart track – complement the main program. Then there are also the various “country days,” for instance focussing on India, Mexico, Latin America, Slovakia and Russia. Not only the Federal Chancellor but also politicians from various parties will attend numerous events at the IAA. They will include Federal Minister of Economics zu Guttenberg (CSU), Federal Minister for Environment Gabriel (SPD), Federal Minister of Labour Scholz (SPD), Member of the Bundestag Trittin (The Greens) and the state premiers Oettinger (Baden-Württemberg) and Koch (Hesse). The Hessian ministers Hahn (justice) and Posch (economy), both FDP, have also announced that they will be visiting the IAA.

Eckehart Rotter
German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA)
]]> General http://www.fantastic-multilist.de/item/2009/09/iaa-frankfurt---most-important-motor-show-points-ways-out-of-the-crisis#c Mon, 14 Sep 2009 09:35:58 +0200 http://www.fantastic-multilist.de/item/2009/09/the-hamburg-players-ev-present-in-english-a-christmas-carol-by-charles-dickens Christmas is a time of cheer and joy, but not for pennypinching old Ebenezer Scrooge. Over the years his heart has turned to stone. The only thing that counts is his money – never waste a penny, and certainly not on the poor! Song and dance? Bah, humbug!

But then a chilling thing happens – the tormented ghost of his old partner Jacob Marley comes back to warn him of what lies in store unless he changes his ways. That night the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come call to haunt Mr Scrooge. They remind him of who he once was, confront him with the realities and hardships of the present, and reveal his personal fate if he stays hard-hearted.

Can Scrooge be moved to a change of spirit? Set in Victorian times, and with live music, folk dance and song.

Director: Rebecca Garron

Venue: Theater an der Marschnerstraße, Marschnerstr. 46 (3 minutes on foot from U-Bahn Hamburger Straße).
Dates: 11 to 14 and 18 to 21 November 2009 Wednesdays to Saturdays at 7.30 pm, Matinee performance only on Saturday 14 November 2009 at 3.30 pm
Tickets: tickets@hamburgplayers.de, (040) 713 13 99, (040) 292665, or at the box office on the evening of the performance.

Preview on 11 November, all tickets €10.
Reduced tickets with a valid student ID: €7

Hamburg Players e.V. (founded in 1965) is an English-speaking theatre group which performs 3 plays per year in Theater an der Marschnerstraße in Hamburg.

www.hamburgplayers.de
openpr.com]]> General http://www.fantastic-multilist.de/item/2009/09/the-hamburg-players-ev-present-in-english-a-christmas-carol-by-charles-dickens#c Mon, 7 Sep 2009 10:11:24 +0200 http://www.fantastic-multilist.de/item/2009/08/tango-meets-modern-dance They dance in 2 tango companies: "Argentina" and "All That Tango" of Sebastian Arce in Paris.
They are strongly inspired by Mariano “Chicho” Frumboli and Fabian Salas but have developed a completely unique style of their own that combines Tango with modern dance.
They focus on body expression, individual dancing and meeting each other as a couple in the dance. They are interpreting the music in their very own way, and their changes between slowing down and acceleration create an almost unbelievable fascination.

Their classes are focused on improvisation, musicality, changes of distance in the dance, leading and dissociation. Spontaneity, pleasure and a natural way of moving in the dance are their very basics. They like to give their students the technical skills to develop more and more their own creativity and musical expression.
More about Celine and Damian at celinedamian.free.fr/

Villa La Rogaia is an agriturismo situated near Lago Trasimeno in Umbria, Italy. It offers holiday apartments and a variety of creative classes, such as painting, dancing, cooking, italian language and many others. It offers also special holiday events, like participating in the olive harvest.

Villa La Rogaia is also an organic farm, that cultivates olive trees, produces finest extravergine olive oil and raises medicinal herbs and fragrant plants

http://www.rogaia.com/

Agriturismo La Rogaia, Azienda agricola biologica
di Annette Greifenhagen
openpr.com
]]> General http://www.fantastic-multilist.de/item/2009/08/tango-meets-modern-dance#c Mon, 24 Aug 2009 09:19:36 +0200