Pay-Per-View Now Features Rampage vs. King Mo In Light Heavyweight Tournament Finals & Interim Lightweight Title Fight Between Michael Chandler vs. Will Brooks

Newport Beach, Calif. (May 10, 2014) – Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez has suffered a head injury before his scheduled May 17^th Lightweight Title fight with Michael Chandler and has been removed from the fight card. In his place, Lightweight Tournament winner Will Brooks will now face Chandler for the Interim Lightweight World Title. The nights headlined by the Light Heavyweight Tournament Final between MMA icon Rampage Jackson and King Mo, along with Tito Ortiz battling Middleweight World Champion Alexander Shlemenko, all on Pay-Per-View.

“Injuries are part of MMA, but so are great opportunities, as we move forward with an incredible, must see night of fights this Saturday on Pay-Per-View,” Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney said. “This is a great card for MMA fans with huge value highlighted as Rampage Jackson is finally getting the opportunity to battle King Mo for a shot at the World Title, one of the most exciting young phenoms in MMA, Will Brooks getting a title shot against Michael Chandler, and of course Tito Ortiz in a crazy fight against Alexander Shlemenko. I can’t wait for this night of fights on May 17^th.”

“This has been a crazy few days with a wide range of emotion, but with Will now in the picture, I know we are going to have fireworks on May 17^th,” Chandler said. “I wish Eddie the best, and I’m looking forward to finishing our trilogy, but now I’m focused on the task at hand.”

“I’ve always said I’m ready to fight anyone with hesitation, and now this is my chance to back that up,” Brooks said. “I want that belt around my waist more than anyone, and I’m ready. This is just a great opportunity that I’m ready for. I’m ready to jump into the fire.”

The full fight card for the Bellator Pay-Per-View on May 17^th is below:

Bellator Pay-Per-View Fight Card:
Bellator Light Heavyweight Tournament Final: Rampage Jackson (34-11) vs. King Mo (12-3)
Bellator Interim Lightweight World Title Fight: Michael Chandler (12-1) vs. Will Brooks (13-1)
Bellator Light Heavyweight Fight: Alexander Shlemenko (50-7) vs. Tito Ortiz (16-11-1)
Bellator Heavyweight Tournament Final: Blagoi Ivanov (11-0) vs. Alexander Volkov (20-4)
Bellator Welterweight Fight: Rickey Rainey (7-2) vs. Michael Page (5-0)

Bellator Spike TV Fight Card:
Bellator Heavyweight Fight: Cheick Kongo (20-9) vs. Eric Smith (6-1-1)
Bellator Featherweight Fight: Shahbulat Shamhalaev (12-2) vs. Fabricio Guerreiro (19-3)
Bellator Featherweight Fight: Goiti Yamauchi (16-2) vs. Mike Richman (16-4)

Bellator Spike.com Fight Card:
Bellator Featherweight Fight: Zach Underwood (12-5) vs. Austin Lyons (10-3)
Bellator Heavyweight Fight: Justin Frazier (6-1) vs. Mike Wessel (13-7)
Bellator Welterweight Fight: Ben Brewer (6-1) vs. Andy Uhrich (8-4)
Bellator Welterweight Fight: Anthony Lemon (2-3) vs. Codie Shuffield (4-0)
Bellator Bantamweight Fight: Cortez Phelia (2-0) vs. Brain Hall (7-2)

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA, follow Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney @BjornRebney and check out Bellator on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BellatorMMA

About Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is the world’s largest tournament based Mixed Martial Arts organization. Televised to nearly 500 Million homes worldwide in over 140 countries, Bellator’s majority owner is entertainment giant Viacom.  In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. With over 175 world-class athletes under contract, Bellator is home to many of the sport’s top mixed martial artists. Bellator’s founder & CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment executive with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes.  Bellator’s core philosophy is that title shots should be earned, not given. This belief gave rise to Bellator’s real sport, tournament-based format, which gives Bellator’s tournaments a true playoff feel that keeps the sport true and distances itself from the subjective side of fighting sports found in organizations that utilize a matchmaking/casting formula.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Newport Beach, California.

About Spike TV:
Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Anthony Mazzuca 
(949) 222-3400
Anthony@Bellator.com

David Schwarz
(212)767-8639
David.Schwarz@MTVStaff.com

The best personal development ideas and business practices summarized

Carlsbad, CA, May 9, 2014-Brad McMurrey’s The Success Ladder will enable young working people to stand out from the crowd with decades of extra experience at their fingertips. The book is a comprehensive 30 year collection of motivational, self-improvement, and work-related “how to” knowledge from hundreds of sources organized as more than 500 specific actions.

Readers are shown explicitly how to get motivated, assess and improve their characteristics, capabilities, and behavior, then set and pursue their goals. At work they’ll know step by step how to perform: Time Management, Weekly Planning, Decision Making, Problem Solving, Leadership, Public Speaking, Marketing, Project Planning and Execution, Negotiation, and many more work activities.

The Success Ladder is the perfect complement to a student’s classroom education and provides a detailed blueprint for personal and career success. “I’ve done the research to compile the best ideas and advice on these subjects so readers don’t have to,” said Brad. “They can save countless hours and avoid serious mistakes.”

“An outline for top rung success…definitely a book that would have benefited me and propelled my career upward…a real asset to anyone, especially those fresh out of college,” said R.T. Sedgwick, PhD., a retired research scientist and principal investigator.

Brad McMurrey is retired after years of managing the development of multi-million dollar computer systems. He has also written The Love Ladder, a collection of the great relationship ideas to find and grow love. The print books are $8.99 at Amazon; eBooks are $4.99. Read more with order links to Amazon, the iBookstore, and the Nook Store at http://www.loveandsuccessladders.com/

Contact: bradmcvv@gmail.com

Newport Beach, Calif. (May 7, 2014) – The Toughest Tournament in Sports continues from Ontario’s Casino Rama for Bellator 119 on Friday, May 9^th live on Spike TV. The event will feature the Bellator Featherweight Tournament finals, the return of Canadian fan-favorite John Alessio and a full card of local talent.

The event will broadcast live at 9 p.m. EST/ 8 p.m. CST on Spike TV. The preliminary card will be streamed live and free on Spike.com beginning at 7 p.m. EST/ 6 p.m. CST. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.ca, Bellator.com, or by visiting the Casino Rama Box Office.

Combining for 54 professional fights, Daniel Weichel will fight Desmond Green in the Bellator Featherweight Tournament Final.  Weichel has 25 wins by KO or submission and will use his previous experience in the cage against Green, who has only two professional losses.

No stranger to the Bellator cage, Marlon Sandro will be fighting Chris Horodecki.  Currently tied with Pat Curran and Daniel Straus for second most wins in Bellator featherweight history, Sandro is a two-time featherweight tournament finalist and will put his skills to the test against Hodecki who returns to Bellator after going unbeaten in three fights outside the organization.

The full fight card is listed below.

MAIN CARD:
Bellator Featherweight Tournament Final: Daniel Weichel (33-8) vs. Desmond Green (11-2)
Featherweight Feature Fight: Chris Horodecki (20-4-1) vs. Marlon Sandro (24-5-1)
Welterweight Feature Fight: Marius Zaromskis (19-8) vs. Vaughn Anderson (16-2-1)
Heavyweight Feature Fight: Raphael Butler (8-0) vs. Nick Rossborough (23-18)

PRELIMINARY CARD:
Catchweight Feature Fight (160 lbs): Eric Wisely (22-8) vs. John Alessio (34-17)
Middleweight Feature Fight: Brian Rogers (10-6) vs. Adrian Miles (14-5)
Heavyweight Feature Fight: Stuart Austin (7-0) vs. Craig Hudson (4-3)
Lightweight Feature Fight: Jason Meisel (4-3) vs. Remy Bussieres (3-0)
Catchweight Feature Fight (130 lbs.): Chris Kelades (6-0) vs. Malcolm Gordon (4-0)
Lightweight Feature Fight: Behrang Yousefi (5-4) vs. Chad Freeman (8-5)

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA, follow Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney @BjornRebney and check out Bellator on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BellatorMMA

About Bellator MMA
Bellator MMA is the world’s largest tournament based Mixed Martial Arts organization. Televised to nearly 500 Million homes worldwide in over 140 countries, Bellator’s majority owner is entertainment giant Viacom.  In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. With over 175 world-class athletes under contract, Bellator is home to many of the sport’s top mixed martial artists. Bellator’s founder & CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment executive with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes.  Bellator’s core philosophy is that title shots should be earned, not given. This belief gave rise to Bellator’s real sport, tournament-based format, which gives Bellator’s tournaments a true playoff feel that keeps the sport true and distances itself from the subjective side of fighting sports found in organizations that utilize a matchmaking/casting formula.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Newport Beach, California.

About Spike TV:
Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Anthony Mazzuca 
(949) 222-3400
Anthony@Bellator.com

David Schwarz
(212)767-8639
David.Schwarz@MTVStaff.com

Future Care Scholarships Help Support

Students Pursuing Careers in Healthcare Industry

Ft. Washington, PA, May 1, 2014 – McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc., the makers of TYLENOL^®, announces the 24^th annual TYLENOL^® Future Care Scholarship, and is now accepting applications through June 30, 2014.

The 2014 TYLENOL^® Future Care Scholarship program will award a total of $250,000 in scholarship funds to 40 undergraduate or graduate students pursuing an education in healthcare. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than half of the top 20 fastest growing professions are in healthcare[1] and the industry has been projected to continue to grow at an annual rate of 2.6 percent, adding 5 million more jobs between 2012 and 2022[2].  TYLENOL^® Future Care Scholars will receive awards of $5,000 or $10,000 to help them manage the rising costs of education and be poised to enter dynamic and compelling occupations as nurse practitioners, pharmacists, dentists or family doctors, which are among the numerous career opportunities poised for growth.

“Over the past 24 years, the TYLENOL^® Future Care Scholarship program has awarded more than $8.9 million in scholarship funds to more than 6,700 students embarking on a variety of diverse healthcare career paths,” said Emile Lee, Vice President of Communications, McNeil Consumer Healthcare.  “The TYLENOL^® brand is dedicated to caring for people who are committed to caring for others and our scholarship program allows us to encourage and empower students who are passionate about making an impact on the increasingly important future of healthcare.”

TYLENOL^® Future Care Scholars will be selected based on their leadership qualities, academic performance, and community involvement.  To be eligible, students must complete at least one year of undergraduate or graduate study by the Spring of 2014 at an accredited two or four year college, university, or vocational/technical school.

The application period is now open and submissions must be received by June 30, 2014.  Scholarship award decisions will be made in July and awards will be distributed to selected students in August 2014.    To learn more or apply visit: www.Tylenol.com/Scholarship  and join the conversation on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TylenolScholarship.

This year, in addition to the Future Care Scholarship, the makers of TYLENOL^® have partnered with RITE AID to give students pursuing a college degree the chance to win a $500 gift card towards textbooks for the upcoming semester. One winner will be randomly selected each day, beginning June 2^nd through June 30^th.[3]  For more information beginning May 20^th, please visit: www.riteaid.com/tylenolbooks.

About McNeil Consumer Healthcare:
McNeil Consumer Healthcare Division of McNEIL-PPC, Inc. markets a broad range of well-known and trusted over-the-counter (OTC) products around the globe. McNeil Consumer Healthcare is most widely recognized for the TYLENOL^® brand. Other McNeil Consumer Healthcare brands include BENADRYL^®, ZYRTEC^® and ZYRTEC^®-D allergy medicines, IMODIUM^® A-D anti-diarrheal, MOTRIN^® IB pain reliever and fever reducer, and SUDAFED^® and SUDAFED PE^® nasal decongestants.

Media Contacts:
Janine Berstein
Tel: (646) 489-1770
Email: jberstein@mac.com

Ania Tyski
McNeil Consumer Healthcare
Office: 215 273-8895
Mobile: 267-408-9528
Email: atyski@its.jnj.com

###

Dantas Injury Leads to Interim World Title Fight

Newport Beach, Calif. (April 26, 2014) – Reigning Bellator Bantamweight Champion Eduardo Dantas will be sidelined indefinitely after suffering a head injury in training. Originally scheduled to face Joe Warren on Friday, May 2^nd, the Brazilian phenom will be replaced by 21-3 Bellator Bantamweight Tournament winner Rafael Silva, as he battles “The Baddest Man On The Planet” Joe Warren for the Bellator Interim Bantamweight World title live on Spike.

“We take head injuries very seriously, and when we were notified that Eduardo was dealing with a head injury, we immediately flew him from Brazil to California to be examined by some of the leading specialists in the field. We are hopeful Eduardo will be able to resume his career later this year, but in the interim we have two incredible tournament winners ready to challenge for the Bellator World Title.  Two of the best on the planet in Joe Warren and Rafael Silva will fight for the title and when Dantas is able to return, he will challenge the winner for the undisputed Bellator World Title.”

“This is setback for me,” Dantas said. “I’m not feeling right at the moment, but I am a fighter and have been a fighter since my childhood and I promise that I will be back stronger than ever. I want to thank Bjorn and Bellator for taking care of me during this process, for flying me across the world to get top specialists to see me. And, when I am ready to fight, I will show everyone once again why the belt has been wrapped around my waist.”

No stranger to championships fights, Warren looks to capture his second World Title as the former Featherweight Champion looks to dominate the 21-3 Silva. Warren punched his ticket to a title shot with his Season 9 Tournament run that included two dominate finishes, and will be looking to make quick work of Silva.

“It doesn’t matter which Brazilian they throw at me, I’m going to destroy who is ever across the cage from me,” Warren said. “It sucks Dantas got injured as I was focused on destroying him and taking his belt.  But, now I’ll destroy Silva and Dantas can try to come and take my belt.”

Riding a dominant 13 fight win streak stretching over four years, Silva has his sights set on moving his record to 22-3 with the biggest victory of his career when he faces Warren. The Brazilian finisher recently suffered a setback after dealing with a knee injury that required surgery, but now healthy, Silva is looking to take the next step in his career with a World title win over Warren.

“I’m healthy, and I’m ready to fight,” Silva proclaimed. “I know Warren always likes to talk, but this fight isn’t going to be about talking, it’s going to be about who is the better fighter, and everyone is going to see who that is on May 2^nd. I’ve always wanted to face Dantas, and now Joe Warren is in my way. I’ll take care of that shortly.”

The full fight card for Bellator 118 is listed below:

MAIN CARD:
Bellator Interim Bantamweight Title Fight: Rafael (21-3) vs. Joe Warren (10-3)
Bellator Welterweight Tournament Semifinals: Andrey Koreshkov (15-1) vs. Sam Oropeza (11-2)
Bantamweight Feature Fight: Marcos Galvao (15-6-1) vs. Thomas Vasquez (7-0)
Bellator Light Heavyweight Opening Round: Liam McGeary (6-0) vs. Mike Mucitelli (6-0)

PRELIMINARY CARD:
Welterweight Feature Fight: Gemiyale Adkins (8-6) vs. Dante Rivera (15-7)
Middleweight Feature Fight: Jesus Martinez (8-5) vs. Ryan Contaldi (7-7)
Middleweight Feature Fight: Tim Woods (6-4) vs. Eugene Fadiora (13-1)
Featherweight Feature Fight: Joe Pingitore (4-1-1) vs. Darrion Caldwell (4-0)
Featherweight Feature Fight: Jay Haas (11-13) vs. Lester Caslow (11-9)
Catchweight Feature Fight (151lbs): Julian Lane (6-3-1) vs. Anthony Morrison (18-10)
Lightweight Feature Fight: Mike Bannon (5-1) vs. Sidney Outlaw (2-0)
Featherweight Feature Fight: Amran Aliyev (3-2) vs. Kevin Roddy (13-15-1)

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA, follow Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney @BjornRebney and check out Bellator on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BellatorMMA           

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is the world’s largest tournament based Mixed Martial Arts organization. Televised to nearly 500 Million homes worldwide in over 140 countries, Bellator’s majority owner is entertainment giant Viacom.  In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. With over 175 world-class athletes under contract, Bellator is home to many of the sport’s top mixed martial artists. Bellator’s founder & CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment executive with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes.  Bellator’s core philosophy is that title shots should be earned, not given. This belief gave rise to Bellator’s real sport, tournament-based format, which gives Bellator’s tournaments a true playoff feel that keeps the sport true and distances itself from the subjective side of fighting sports found in organizations that utilize a matchmaking/casting formula.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Newport Beach, California.

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Anthony Mazzuca 
(949) 222-3400
Anthony@Bellator.com

David Schwarz
(212)767-8639
David.Schwarz@MTVStaff.com

Santa Clara, Calif., April 22, 2014 – Years of hard work have led to this moment. You’re graduating. You have suffered through 8 a.m. classes, drowned in 20-page papers and possibly spent nights frustrated about delays caused by using outdated technology. Graduation marks the end of your college experience, the beginning of the next stage of your life, and an opportunity to de-clutter your digital life and upgrade your technology to set you up for success.

Do you still have that clunky device from freshman year that has your first English essay saved on it, as well as your lengthy music collection and photos of you and your friends from the dorm? Is it slowing you down when you want to be productive, or keeping you from an enjoyable experience when you want to entertained?

A recent Intel survey fielded by TNS revealed that younger Americans (ages 18-34 years old) are the nation’s creative class with a staggering 81 percent wishing they could do more with their devices, including creating art, making music, quickly producing photo and video montages and being able to easily share content from compute device to other screens such as HDTVs.

Graduation marks a time to start fresh. A time to do more with your digital memories.  It’s a great chance to add a technology upgrade to your graduation gift wish list, or use the money you get at your graduation party to purchase a new device that reflects the fast-pace lifestyle that awaits you. Check out the list below for some of the coolest technology devices available today.

Tablets: Tablets offer the opportunity to experience the Web in the palm of your hand. Boasting all-day battery life, Intel-powered tablets offer lightning-fast browsing, super-responsive apps and seamless downloads so you can enjoy entertainment or be productive on the go. You can multitask effortlessly by editing photos, streaming online videos, updating presentations and playing rich immersive games, all on one thin and light device. The Acer Iconia A1-830 and Toshiba Encore 8 are two great tablet options.

2 in 1 Devices: You no longer need to make an “and/or” decision when it comes to deciding what technology to buy next. Intel-powered 2 in 1 devices offer the mobility of a tablet combined with the power of laptop in one sleek device. Simply detach, flip or slide a 2 in 1 device to go from work to play. You can run full versions of the most advanced photo and video editing software, use popular programs that help get tasks done, enjoy favorite media applications, sync MP3 devices and playlists, and more. Looking for the latest models? Check out the Lenovo IdeaPad Yoga 11S and ASUS Transformer Book T100.

Portable All-in-One PCs: If your old desktop computer just won’t cut it after graduation, upgrade to a portable all-in-one PC like the HP ENVY Rove²⁰ or Dell XPS 18. Combining the performance of a full PC with tablet-like capabilities, and offering a clutter-free and touch-responsive design, Intel-powered portable all-in-one PCs are perfect for getting work done and are also the ultimate entertainment and social hub for game nights and sharing photos and videos.

To learn more about the latest technology devices perfect for the next chapter of your life, visit intel.com.

About Intel

Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) is a world leader in computing innovation. The company designs and builds the essential technologies that serve as the foundation for the world’s computing devices. Additional information about Intel is available at newsroom.intel.com and blogs.intel.com.

CONTACT:
Jessica L. Hansen
480-552-1759
jessica.l.hansen@intel.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 18, 2014

Net Impact releases sustainability consulting toolkits to help students make a tangible impact with real-world businesses and organizations

San Francisco, CA (April 18, 2014) – Net Impact, the premiere global nonprofit that inspires a new generation of leaders to put their values to work for a more sustainable future, has released a free green energy survey toolkit. This new resource allows students to make a tangible impact in their communities by consulting with local organizations on their sustainability measures. The green energy survey toolkit offers step-by-step instructions that teach students how to conduct a one to three hour green energy audit and then make recommendations for change, offering students valuable sustainability consulting experience and a valuable skills-based learning opportunity.

Net Impact, in partnership with Green Impact Campaign, has stated a nationwide goal of 100 energy surveys completed, identifying 1 million kWh of energy savings over the next two months. The project is designed to be easily accessible to students who care about sustainability in business.

“Small businesses in the U.S. currently account for roughly $60 billion dollars in energy costs and are responsible for half a billion metric tons of carbon emissions every year,” said Daniel Hill, co-founder of Green Impact Campaign and creator of the toolkit. “The average small business has the potential to cut their energy consumption by 15-20% through simple, low-cost energy-efficiency upgrades. However, most of them don’t know where to begin.”

“For many of our student members, sustainability engagements in school can lead to a lifelong impact career,” says Net Impact CEO, Liz Maw. “Once students see how much of an impact they can make by applying their business skills to social and environmental causes, many of them seek out ways to spend more of their working hours on these issues.”

The green energy survey toolkit is available for a free download at http://www.netimpact.org/energysurvey.

About Net Impact
Net Impact is the leading nonprofit that inspires a new generation to work within and beyond business to tackle the world’s toughest social and environmental problems. We support student and professional leaders to act locally through our vibrant chapter network and connect globally online and through our flagship conference. By doing so, we show the world that it’s possible to make a positive net impact that will transform our lives, our organizations, and the world. Learn more at netimpact.org .

Media Contact

Laura Diez
Projects for Good Program Associate, Net Impact
ldiez@netimpact.org

 ###

Bellator 117 Full Card Finalized at Iowa’s Mid-America Center on

Friday April 18^th 

Douglas Lima Faces Rick Hawn for the Welterweight Title

and the Bellator Lightweight Semifinals 

Newport Beach, Calif. (March 27, 2014) – Douglas Lima and Rick Hawn will headline a packed night of fights from Iowa’s Mid-American Center on April 18^th as the two clash in a Bellator Welterweight Title fight live on Spike TV.  The event will also feature the Bellator Lightweight Semifinals with Brazilian knockout artist Patricky Pitbull facing Derek Campos and the undefeated Derek Anderson will fight polish phenom Marcin Held, along with a full card of local talent.

The event will broadcast live at 9 p.m. EST/ 8 p.m. CST on Spike TV. The preliminary card will be streamed live and free on Spike.com beginning at 7 p.m. EST/ 6 p.m. CST. Tickets for the event are on sale now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, Bellator.com or by visiting the Mid-American Center Box Office.

Kicking off the Spike.com portion of the night will be a battle of Iowa natives as Joe Vedepo faces Ben Crowder.  Both known for finishing fights quickly, Vedepo has won 12 of his 14 professional victories by KO or submission, but will have to hold off Crowder who has grabbed his last four wins by first round submission.

At 28-0 Julio Cesar Neves is making his Bellator debut against Josh Arocho. Known for his knockout power, Neves has won 17 victories by knockout with 11 coming in the first round and is looking for a KO in his fight against Arocho.

With only one professional loss, Jordan Parsons will fight Tim Bazer in a lightweight battle. Parsons enters the cage on a two-fight win streak and will need to get past Bazer who has recorded nine victories by submission.

After making his Bellator debut in September, Larue Burley returns to the Bellator cage to face Cliff Wright Jr. With all eight of his professional victorious coming by submission, Wright will look to his ground game to take down Burley who holds an undefeated professional record.

Looking to make his mark in the Bellator cage, Matt Uhde will fight Houston Alexander on April 18^th. With 25 professional fights under his belt, Alexander has 10 wins by KO and will rely on his powerful punching to stop Uhde.

Returning to the cage after nearly two years, Martin Brown will meet Jared Downing under the bright lights.  No stranger to the Bellator cage, Downing is ready to put his skills to the test against Brown who has won three of his previous four fights.

Combining for 78 professional fights, Victor Moreno will fight Anthony Smith in a middleweight battle. No stranger to MMA, Moreno has 27 wins by KO or submission and is ready to put on an explosive and exciting fight in front of his home state crowd.

MAIN CARD:
Welterweight World Title Fight: Douglas “The Phenom” Lima (25-5) vs. Rick “Gengis” Hawn (18-2)
Bellator Lightweight Semifinal: Patricky Pitbull (12-5) vs. Derek Campos (14-3)
Bellator Lightweight Semifinal: Derek Anderson (11-0) vs. Marcin Held (17-3)
Welterweight Feature Fight: Karl Amoussou (16-6) vs. TBA

PRELIMINARY CARD:
Lightweight Feature Fight: Jordan Parsons (9-1) vs. Tim Bazer (14-15)
Featherweight Feature Fight: Josh Arocho (13-12) Julio Cesar Neves (28-0)
Middleweight Feature Fight: Victor Morena (32-18) vs. Anthony Smith (17-11)
Middleweight Feature Fight: Ben Crowder (10-11) vs. Joe Vedepo (14-8)
Lightweight Feature Fight: Larue Burley (3-0) vs. Cliff Wright Jr. (8-5)
Lightweight Feature Fight: Martin Trey Brown (6-2) vs. Jared Downing (9-4)
Light Heavyweight Feature Fight: Matt Uhde (3-4) vs. Houston Alexander (15-10)

For more information, visit Bellator.com, follow Bellator on Twitter @BellatorMMA, follow Bellator Chairman & CEO Bjorn Rebney @BjornRebney and check out Bellator on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BellatorMMA           

About Bellator MMA

Bellator MMA is the world’s largest tournament based Mixed Martial Arts organization. Televised to nearly 500 Million homes worldwide in over 140 countries, Bellator’s majority owner is entertainment giant Viacom.  In the United States, Bellator can be seen on Spike TV, the MMA television leader. With over 175 world-class athletes under contract, Bellator is home to many of the sport’s top mixed martial artists. Bellator’s founder & CEO, Bjorn Rebney, is an experienced fighting sports and entertainment executive with a deep commitment to the purity and integrity of the sport of MMA and its athletes.  Bellator’s core philosophy is that title shots should be earned, not given. This belief gave rise to Bellator’s real sport, tournament-based format, which gives Bellator’s tournaments a true playoff feel that keeps the sport true and distances itself from the subjective side of fighting sports found in organizations that utilize a matchmaking/casting formula.  Bellator MMA is comprised of an executive team that includes top industry professionals in television production, live event orchestration, fighter development/relations, venue procurement, sponsorship creation/development, international licensing, marketing, advertising, publicity and commission relations.  Bellator is based in Newport Beach, California.

About Spike TV:

Spike TV is available in 98.7 million homes and is a division of Viacom Media Networks.  A unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), Viacom Media Networks is one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.  Spike TV’s Internet address is www.spike.com and for up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs, visit Spike TV’s press site at http://www.spike.com/press.  Follow us on Twitter @spiketvpr for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Anthony Mazzuca 
(949) 222-3400
Anthony@Bellator.com
David Schwarz
(212)767-8639
David.Schwarz@MTVStaff.com

The ItaliaRail Study Abroad in Italy Scholarship program for the Fall 2014 semester is accepting applications now.

Somerville, MA April 15, 2014

ItaliaRail, the experts on train travel to, from and around Italy, has launched its scholarship program for the Fall 2014 semester. Students who have been accepted to a study abroad program in Italy can apply for the $1,000 award now at www.italiarail.com/scholarship.

Interested students should have a GPA of 3.0 or higher at a recognized US university or college and currently be receiving financial aid, plus possess an overall dedication and enthusiasm for studying abroad in Italy. Applications can be found at www.italiarail.com/scholarship and will be accepted through May 31, 2014. Winners will be announced mid-July.

Last semester ItaliaRail awarded two undergraduate students $1,000 each. Victoria Immel, from Chapman University in Southern California, and Mary Hartwick, of Siena College in Loudonville, New York, were the appreciative awardees. “The scholarship has helped me greatly . I have already had the opportunity to travel to most of Tuscany on day trips.  I have also been to Rome.  The scholarship has allowed me to relax about the money aspect of traveling, and just enjoy this wonderful opportunity. I am also planning a trip to Pompeii and Capri, as well as  a trip to Northern Italy when my family comes to visit.  Many of these trips would not be possible had it not been for your very generous award,”  said Mary Hartwick from her Siena Italian Studies program in Siena , Italy.

The Boston-area based company awards two scholarships each semester  to university/college undergraduate students who intend to study abroad in Italy.“We are proud to provide support to outstanding students who have demonstrated a great deal of dedication and enthusiasm toward spending a semester in Italy. Studying in this historic country, immersed in its rich culture, is sure to enhance their overall academic experience,” said Mike Fuller, President and CEO of ItaliaRail.

The scholarship program is ongoing . Application details for the Spring 2015 semester will be released closer to the date.

About ItaliaRail:
ItaliaRail are the experts on Italy train tickets and passes. In cooperation with Trenitalia, Italy’s only national railway, ItaliaRail provides a direct connection to Trenitalia’s reservation system allowing rail travelers access to the most routes at the best prices. Travelers are able to book in multiple currencies and knowledgeable customer service agents are available to answer questions and give advice on train travel throughout Italy. ItaliaRail was launched in 2005 and is a division of International Rail, LLC.

Media Contact:
Mary Ekelund
mary@interrail.com
(617) 519-5660

“The Bloom Film Challenge” Kicks Off April 25; Open to All U.S. College Students

April 14, 2014 – San Francisco – Students of the World, a nonprofit organization that supports a diverse national network of university students and emerging filmmakers who produce media to inspire social change, today announced the Bloom Film Challenge in collaboration with Pivot TV and Silk. University students across the country are invited to enter the challenge where they will have ten days to produce, shoot and edit a two-minute documentary-style short film. The challenge will kick-off when a secret prompt for the films is revealed Friday, April 25.

“The spirit of this competition is to help aspiring filmmakers bloom,” said Students of the World Founder Courtney Spence. “We’re excited to partner with Silk and Pivot TV to support students’ creativity and encourage them to follow their passions.”

Participating students will compete for $3,500 in cash prizes and a chance to see their films air on Pivot, a new TV channel from Participant Media that reaches 45 million homes nationwide. Awards will also be given out in various categories, such as best editing, best cinematography and best soundtrack.

“Students of the World is founded on the idea that Millennials have the creative energy and talent to help the global community in new and meaningful ways,” said Spence. “The Bloom Film Challenge is a great opportunity for these young change makers to show off the power of their visual storytelling skills.”

“Pivot strives to provide a platform that reflects the diverse viewpoints, identities and creative expressions of our audience,” said Kent Rees, EVP of Marketing, Scheduling, and Operations at Pivot. “The Bloom Film challenge is a great opportunity to support Students of the World and showcase the work of students and emerging filmmakers committed to positive social change.”

The film challenge will run Friday, April 25, through Saturday, May 3. Films will be evaluated by a select panel of judges, with the finalist announced Thursday, May 8. The top five finalists will then go head-to-head in a final round of editing and two winners will be chosen for the chance to have their films air on Pivot TV.

Applications are now open. For more info about the film challenge, visit bloomfilmchallenge.com.

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About Students of the World

Students of the World (SOW) was founded in 2000 by Courtney Spence while she was an undergraduate at Duke University. The nonprofit network of university students and emerging filmmakers produces original media content to highlight cause-driven organizations and programs. SOW now has 15 campus chapters and has created media projects for more than 50 causes in 27 countries. SOW is currently focusing its efforts on amplifying causes in communities across the U.S. To learn more, visit www.studentsoftheworld.org.

About Silk

Silk, the company sponsoring the Bloom Film Challenge, is passionate about fostering creativity, encouraging growth and sharing stories of Millennials living their lives in full bloom. Silk has sought to make the world a better place from the start, by creating products that taste better for consumers and are better for the planet.

About Pivot TV

Pivot (Pivot.tv), which launched nationally August 1 is a television network from Participant Media serving passionate Millennials (18-34) with a diverse slate of talent and a mix of original series, acquired programming, films and documentaries. Pivot focuses on entertainment that sparks conversation, inspires change and illuminates issues through engaging content and, through its website TakePart.com, connects audiences to a wealth of content and customizable actions. Pivot is available via traditional Pay TV subscription and integrating a Live and on demand streaming option via its interactive, downloadable Pivot APP. Follow Pivot on Twitter at @pivot_tv and on Facebook at facebook.com/pivottelevision.

For more information on The Bloom Film Challenge, please contact David Cirilli at dave@ddcstrategies.com or 646.727.0063