This penguin-shaped cup may look cute and cuddly, but it has a noble purpose: encourage guests to help the planet, one refill at a time.

(Video coming soon! Yes, Brian got all sorts of silly at SeaWorld!)

In conjunction with SeaWorld‘s epic new attraction and ride Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin™ opening Memorial Day weekend, SeaWorld has created the Cup That Cares™ – a new reusable cup program with a twist of technology. The innovative, interactive cup was designed specifically to connect with Coca-Cola Freestyle^® beverage dispensers in the new realm.

The new Cup That Cares engages guests in a personalized manner to reuse materials and reduce their carbon footprint. An RFID chip embedded in each Cup That Cares interacts with software at Coca-Cola Freestyle^® dispensers to calculate and tell guests how they are being more environmentally responsible by choosing to reuse.

SeaWorld will donate $1 from each Cup That Cares purchase to the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens^® Conservation Fund, a not-for-profit foundation that helps protect wildlife around the world.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Technology embedded in the Cup That Cares calculates the amount of CO2 each guest saves from entering the atmosphere when they choose to reuse the cup for refills at Coca-Cola Freestyle machines in Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin. With each refill at the designated machines, exclusive software developed by Coca-Cola and SeaWorld serves up an onscreen message that is customized to that guest’s Cup That Cares history.  The message thanks the guest for choosing to reuse, tracks how many refills the Cup That Cares has been used for, and calculates the running total of CO2 the guest has saved from entering the atmosphere.

Each refill with a reusable cup prevents the emission of approximately 27 grams of CO2.

Create A Cup That Cares™ – Guests may build their own personalized penguin-shaped character cup by choosing from more than 40 accessories such as eyes, hair, glasses, hats, bow tie, necklaces and even miniature Shamu® ice cream bars and SeaWorld shopping bags. The Create A Cup That Cares will be sold in the Antarctica gift shop, and includes a free first fill at the nearby Antarctica beverage stations. Create A Cup That Cares experience starts at $15.95 with the option to add accessory items.

“Just as penguins do within their colonies, humans also can band together to make a big difference through small actions,” said Dan Brown , Chief Operating Officer of SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Aquatica Parks. “We see great potential with this new program because it encourages guests to be more aware of their actions – and reduce their carbon footprint — in an easy, fun and innovative way. Each step may be small, but it all adds up when we work together.”

Refills throughout the park for both Cup That Cares options are $.99 each.

PLUS — NEW custom Coca-Cola flavor served up only at Antarctica  

The Cup That Cares concept was developed in partnership with the park’s beverage partner Coca-Cola, whose Coca-Cola Freestyle dispensers offer guests more than 100 different beverage brands.  Also only in Antarctica, Coca-Cola Freestyle will offer an all-new, vanilla-infused choice – South Pole Chill™.

For more information, visit www.SeaWorldOrlando.com.

Related: SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Parks Say Good-bye to Plastic Bags

Video Preview:

Today, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra announced it is in the process of purchasing The Plaza Live, located at 425 N. Bumby Avenue, near downtown Orlando.The Philharmonic is planning extensive renovations to the historic building to create office space, a rehearsal hall and a music library, and update the existing 1000-seat music hall to accommodate chamber music concerts, while maintaining a schedule of rock, jazz, comedy and contemporary music events. The Plaza Live will continue to operate as one of Florida’s premier concert venues during and after the renovations.

“The Orlando Philharmonic is pleased and proud to continue the process of purchasing The Plaza Live,” said Executive Director David Schillhammer. “We praise and thank our partners at Orlando Shakespeare Theater, who have allowed us to rent part of their space over the past 15 years. As we move into our third decade, The Plaza provides a unique opportunity for us to have our own permanent residence, a high-quality rehearsal space, and the flexibility to schedule and perform a variety of events throughout the year.”

Beginning in fall 2014—after renovations have been completed—The Plaza Live will be home to the orchestra’s four-concert “Focus” chamber orchestra series and its five-concert “Sounds of Summer” chamber music series. Schillhammer said the venue will continue to present a wide range of live music events during and after renovations.

“The Plaza has become known and respected as a great live music venue in Florida,” he said. “As we work to create a permanent home for the orchestra, we will ensure it continues to serve a broad live music community. We expect that the venue will continue to present more than 100 diverse concerts per year.”

Plaza Live General Manager Kirk Colvin said, “The Philharmonic is a natural fit to acquire the Plaza Live and we are excited to begin working with people who are as passionate about music as our staff and patrons are. The Plaza Live mission has always been about the music, and we look forward to continuing that tradition under the Philharmonic.”

The orchestra will continue performing its large-scale classical, pops and opera events at Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre in downtown Orlando, and eventually at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, following the completion of its 1,700-seat, multi-form acoustic hall. The Plaza Live acquisition and renovation will provide the Philharmonic with office space, a music library, storage, rehearsal space and a small-scale acoustic performance venue not provided by either of those centers.

The Philharmonic plans to release additional information about the purchase later this summer. Current information is available at www.orlandophil.org/Plaza

Entering its 21st season in 2013-2014, the Orlando Philharmonic is Central Florida’s resident professional orchestra, comprised of talented musicians recruited from around the world. The Philharmonic inspires audiences with over 125 musical experiences annually, ranging from classical and chamber music concerts to pops performances, staged opera productions, outdoor concerts and education programs for all ages. Committed to building a sustainable future for classical music, the Philharmonic currently has a budget of $3.6 million, holds an endowment of $4 million, and has maintained a balanced budget every year of its existence. Learn more at www.orlandophil.org

The Plaza Live was originally built as Orlando’s first multi-screen movie theatre in 1963. After years of passing between owners, it was given new life in the late 2000s when it was transformed into a concert venue.  The Plaza Live currently hosts more than 135 rock, jazz, comedy, and contemporary music events annually, selling over 65,000 tickets per year. In 2010, it was ranked by Pollstar as one of the Top 100 Worldwide Club Venues. Learn more about The Plaza Live at www.plazaliveorlando.com

No-annual-contract wireless provider kicks off new service with launch in first three markets

Aio provides new choices, seamless customer experience, and simplified service and offerings to value-conscious customers interested in an unlimited talk/text/data plan with no annual contract.  Aio expects the service to roll out in multiple markets across the U.S. over the next year, with an initial launch today in select stores in Houston, Orlando and Tampa, and with additional stores in these three markets opening in the coming weeks.  Store locations and Aio information will be available at www.aiowireless.com. Aio (pronounced “A-O”) is a brand name that encapsulates Aio’s brand promise:  simply, delightfully, more.

“We talked with no-annual-contract customers and created our service around what they want.  They want simple, easy plan choices with unlimited offers; first-class service at affordable prices; great devices; nationwide voice and data coverage; and no annual contracts. Today’s wireless customers don’t want to compromise,” said Jennifer Van Buskirk, president of Aio Wireless. “We are set up to win over value-conscious customers who are increasingly moving towards smartphones and mobile broadband.” 

Aio makes prepaid wireless easy for customers with a friendly in-store and on-line experience, three simple rate plans to choose from, and an attractive portfolio of devices that include smartphones, tablets, and feature phones from a variety of manufacturers, including Samsung, Nokia, ZTE and others. Aio’s

unlimited talk, text, and data rate plans range from $35 to $70 per month, with pricing varying by market, and will offer 4G download speeds of up to 4Mbs per second. Customers will also have the opportunity to bring a compatible, unlocked device for activation on the Aio network.  Aio will delight customers with an attitude of gratitude, easy pre-payment options, and an involvement in the local communities in which we serve.

Aio Wireless is a subsidiary of AT&T Inc.  AT&T does not expect this announcement to change AT&T’s January 2013 financial guidance.

About Aio Wireless

Aio Wireless (pronounced A-O) was created for today’s value-conscious connected consumers who want it all.  We created a new class of service for individuals who expect a first class wireless service at a value price – one with no-annual contract, friendly service, uncomplicated plans and the mobile phones and tablets you love.   All of Aio’s phone plans include unlimited talk, text and data, with taxes and fees included – the price you see is the price you pay. Aio Wireless is a subsidiary of AT&T Inc.  Visit www.aiowireless.com to find out more.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5

Finnhenry’s Public House opened in 2008.

http://www.finnhenrys.com/

39 N. Orange Ave
Orlando , FL 32801

Like Finnhenry’s Public House on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/FINNHENRYSPUBLICHOUSE

Fact: The FDA bans gay men from donating blood 4 life.

Join the movement ending this discriminatory policy!!

“Our blood can save lives. Our hearts can change the world.”
-Blake Lynch, Founder Banned4Life

Learn more @ banned4life.org

Save the date: Coming this fall

“National Donate 4 All Day” Orlando,FL will be hosted by Spectrum of Rollins College. This is an opportunity to come out and donate blood in place of those who are Banned4Life. Come out and have fun with family, friends and local vendors.

More details 

Follow @ https://twitter.com/Banned4Lifeorg

Like @ https://www.facebook.com/banned4life.org

The show itself will be featuring carnival, sideshow, and circus themed artwork from over 40 tattoo artists from across the country.

Some really awesome artists are involved!

The show will start at 7 pm and close sometime around 11 pm. Admission is free and the art will be for sale!

Head over to our instagram page @TheShowMustGoOnArt to see some previews.

http://instagram.com/TheShowMustGoOnArt

Address:

205 W State Rd 434, Longwood, FL 32750

This is National!

The National Day of Civic Hacking is the largest ever national convening of civic hackers coming together tackle issues that are most pertinent to you and your community.  The first annual National Day of Civic Hacking will take place in communities across America (including the White House) on 1-2 of June 2013.

Downtown Orlando – you are Techy! Special Invite and Details:

“Join us on Saturday, June 1st for an event that will bring together citizens, developers, and entrepreneurs to collaboratively think, talk about, and create new solutions to the challenges facing our communities (our neighborhoods, cities, county, state, and country).

EVENT AGENDA:
- Local Code for America Brigade Captains Andy Chen and Matt Sokoloff will do a presentation on civic hacking, provide a national perspective and updates on local initiatives and projects

- White boards and large Post-it note boards will be available for participants to pitch ideas for local civic hacking projects. We want to know what you think are the challenges relevant to Orlando/Florida, what you think a solution looks like, and the partnership necessary to create that solution.

- We’ll be serving a light lunch around noon. During this time you’ll get 3 post-it notes to up-vote the best idea(s).

- If you’re familiar with an idea jam, consider this a Hack for Orlando Idea Jam. We’ll have a couple teams form around the strongest ideas (the number of teams will be dependent on the number of participants, and a “strong idea” is based on the number of votes, feasibility, and relevance). These teams will have some time to further elaborate on their idea. This time could be used to wire frame an app, figure out where the data for the project could come from, discuss who could benefit from this project, or how other cities could adopt it. Afterwards, each team will be brought front stage and center to present their idea. This isn’t a competition, so there won’t have any voting here—instead there’ll be a feedback session in which everyone gets a chance to write comments on each project.

- Of course there will be beer, wine, and networking afterwards.

Still unsure if you’re a civic hacker?
Check out this video from the Sunlight Foundation

More jobs coming soon- Be sure to check back for more!

Consider sharing this or let us know if you hear of a great gig!  (Here)

Vice President, Consumer Brand Marketing Group- Universal:

Specifically, this position is responsible for planning, organizing, staffing, mentoring and managing brand marketing functions to achieve objectives of brand equity, park attendance, sales, growth, profitability. Collaborates with all Sales & Marketing areas and other key Divisions to ensure that strategy and plans remain relevant to consumers, support the brand promise and deliver the business objectives. (Universal Orlando Resort has created some of the world’s most innovative theme park attractions based on pop culture’s most compelling films and stories.) Full post on Linkedin.com 

 General Manager – Banana Republic Factory Store

Our Banana Republic Factory Store General Managers guide team members who are genuine, optimistic, joyful and responsible. They have an in-service mindset and are dedicated to doing what’s right for our customers. They are passionate about working for Banana Republic Factory Stores and growing their career at Gap Inc. This position reports to the District Manager. (Banana Republic is an accessible-luxury brand that brings modern, soulful, effortless style to men and women around the world.) Full Details

Course Director, Social Media Metrics and ROI-Full Sail

Full Sail University is now accepting applications for the Course Director, Social Media Metrics and ROI position in its Public Relations Master of Arts Degree Program.

Course Directors ensure excellence in teaching skills and classroom content. They manage instructors and lab personnel to deliver the same excellence in the labs, and ensure personal service to students. Course Directors maintain continuing education as defined in the faculty development plan. They design and or maintain curriculum to ensure industry standards are being met.

(Full Sail University offers a unique, hands-on, real world education to over 18,000 students from all over the world.) Full Details

Urban Think Foundation- Partime Fundraiser: Downtown Orlando

Make a difference in the Central Florida community by utilizing your fundraising, sales, and administrative skills. The Urban Think Foundation is seeking a Fundraising Coordinator to join its growing team, helping foster new and existing donors and corporate sponsor relationships that support the Urban Think Foundations missions of Burrow Press, Page 15 and Urban ReThink. Full Details 

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