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Thank You, Axl Rotten (And R.I.P.)

Friday, May 27, 2011

Programming Alert: Randy Savage Tribute On Tomorrow's Edition Of 'Hillbilly Jim’s Moonshine Matinee'

These days, I rarely work, so, publicly, I've been quiet about the passing of Randy "Macho Man" Savage.

I did want to take this time, however, to make mention of a four-hour tribute to Savage, and an exclusive interview with Lanny Poffo, which will take place on tomorrow's episode of 'Hillbilly Jim’s Moonshine Matinee,' which can be heard from 10 AM - 2 PM ET (Sunday replay: 2 PM - 6 PM ET), on channel 60 of SiriusXM Satellite Radio.

HDNET’S “INSIDE MMA” TO FEATURE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS WITH DANA WHITE AND RAMPAGE JACKSON

Plus, Guest Host Tito Ortiz and Dan Henderson –TONIGHT at 9:00 p.m. ET

DALLAS (May 27, 2011) The eyes of the MMA world are on Las Vegas, where UFC 130 will take place this weekend. Tonight at 9:00pm ET on HDNet, “Inside MMA” previews the big event featuring exclusive interviews with UFC President Dana White and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.

Ron Kruck talks with White about the card, the recent rash of injuries in the UFC, and the prospects for sanctioning in New York. And Bas Rutten sits down with Rampage to breakdown his fight with Matt Hamill.

In the studio, Kenny Rice is joined by guest host Tito Ortiz.

“The Huntington Beach Bad Boy” made headlines recently for a confrontation with Matt Mitrione at the UFC Fighter Summit. An emotional Ortiz opens up about the incident for the first time as he fires back publicly at Mitrione.

Dan Henderson is the featured guest on this week’s show. He talks about the lawsuit between him and Matt Lindland over Team Quest and goes inside the Tapout Cage to breakdown his rumored fight with Fedor Emelianenko.

A preview clip of the program is available at: http://blip.tv/play/h5R0gr35YwA.html

“Inside MMA” premieres this Friday at 9:00 p.m. ET on HDNet followed immediately by the LIVE broadcast of “HDNet Fights: Titan Fighting Championship 18” at 10:00 p.m. ET.

About HDNet

HDNet (www.hd.net) is the independent network with unique and thought-provoking content that appeals to men of all ages and is delivered in true high definition.

HDNet is the exclusive, high definition home for popular, original programming, including the network’s Emmy Award winning HD news feature programs, "HDNet World Report," and "Dan Rather Reports," featuring legendary journalist Dan Rather. Only HDNet goes beyond the headlines to deliver real news that is redefining the way we look at our world. HDNet News is provocative, sometimes controversial and always relevant - telling the important stories of our time in-depth, with attitude and with independence. HDNet is also the exclusive high definition home to critically acclaimed and award winning documentaries, airing as part of the “HDNet ‘Round The World” series. "NASA on HDNet" presents all live shuttle launches through 2011.

HDNet presents championship sports coverage featuring the best of Mixed Martial Arts with its Friday night series, "HDNet Fights" (www.hdnetfights.com). "HDNet Fights" works with leading MMA promoters including DREAM, Sengoku, XFC, K-1, K-1 Max, MFC and more. HDNet produces more live Mixed Martial Arts events than any other network and HDNet's "Inside MMA" is the hottest Mixed Martial Arts program on television, giving fans their weekly fix for everything MMA, while "Fighting Words with Mike Straka," goes one-on-one with some of the biggest names in the sport. HDNet also features live coverage of regular season games from the United Football League.

HDNet also delivers the world's largest and most diverse concert line-up through the HDNet Concert Series. The HDNet Concert Series features leading artists and bands including Paul McCartney, Mariah Carey, John Mayer, Nickelback and more. HDNet also features revealing lifestyle programming featuring "Art Mann Presents," "Girls Gone Wild®," "Deadline" and "Get Out!"

Only HDNet Movies (www.hdnetmovies.com) delivers exclusive Sneak Previews of new movies before they hit theaters. The HDNet Movies Sneak Preview series features top Hollywood stars in critically acclaimed performances including Gwyneth Paltrow, Joaquin Phoenix, Demi Moore, Michael Caine, Tom Hanks, Vera Farmiga, Parker Posey, Brian Cox, Matthew Broderick, Kirsten Dunst, Ryan Gosling, John Malkovich, Emily Blunt, Robin Williams, Charlize Theron and Kim Basinger.

In addition to being the exclusive home of Sneak Previews, HDNet Movies viewers enjoy the best films from the classics of the 1950s-1970s, to favorite films from the 1980s and 1990s, to recently released theatrical films.

HDNet Movies offers subscribers a premium movie viewing experience in true HD, and more original movies shot entirely in HD than any other network.

Launched in 2001 by Mark Cuban and General Manager Philip Garvin, the HDNet networks are available in the U.S. via AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast, DIRECTV, DISH Network, Insight, Suddenlink and Verizon FiOS and in Canada via Access Communications, Cogeco, Rogers, Shaw Cable and Shaw Direct.

The HDNet networks can be followed via Facebook at facebook.com/HDNet, facebook.com/HDNetFights and facebook.com/HDNetMovies and via Twitter at twitter.com/hdnet, twitter.com/hdnetfights and twitter.com/hdnetmovies.

Source: HDNet

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

IO World Media Announces Live And Uncensored Broadcast Of The MMA “Big Fight” Saturday May 28th From The MGM Grand In Las Vegas

Listen Live on www.radioio.com Channel Bubba 1 Starting at 9:00p.m. ET to the Debut of Live MMA Coverage on the Internet

TAMPA, Fla., May 24, 2011 -- IO World Media (“IOWorld” or “the Company”) (OTCQB: IWDM) IO World Media announces the debut of Live, Uncensored Coverage of Mixed Martial Arts on www.radioio.com Channel Bubba 1. This first of its kind broadcast will feature no holds barred content for the true MMA fan. It will include live play-by-play, pre and post fight breakdowns, expert commentary. This new type of uncensored fan experience will also include interactive fan participation by call in to the fan hotline at 888-692-8222. Coverage will begin Saturday May 28th at 9:00p.m. ET and will be broadcast live from the “Big Fight” at the MGM Grand Las Vegas.

“As we have proven with the launch of RadioioLive, the internet is the new and optimal content delivery vehicle for the true connoisseurs of unique, and highly entertaining programming,” said Thomas Bean, CEO of IO World Media. “Our ability to offer MMA fans an experience like none other is part of the genesis of multiple new programming options that we believe will set the Company apart from other internet providers. By continuing to provide listeners with unique, high quality, unduplicateable content, we will continue to grow our listening audience which will in turn lead to increased revenue.”

Available on your computer, smart phone or any internet enabled device, Saturday’s broadcast will be at no charge as the Company hopes that all fans will take advantage of the new type of MMA experience available only at Radioio Live®.

To get full access to all Radioio and Radioio Live® programing monthly and annual subscription packages are available at www.radioio.com.

Certain statements in this release could constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise stated in this news announcement, IO World Media, Inc. does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements because of new information or future events.

Source: IOWorldMedia, Inc.

Monday, May 23, 2011

NICK DIAZ WILL CONTINUE MIXED MARTIAL ARTS CAREER

DON CHARGIN PRODUCTIONS

Northern California, May 23, 2011 - Mixed Martial Arts Champion, Nick Diaz will continue pursuing his Mixed Martial Arts career instead of professional boxing as it has been deemed that it be in Nick's best interest to focus on his primary combat sport and profession.

Team Diaz had contemplated transitioning over to the boxing world in a legitimate attempt to pursue a high-level boxing career. These discussions began in 2009 with long-time boxing promoter, Don Chargin and proceeded up until recent times.

Never before in the history of both sports had a pound-for-pound MMA combatant in his prime had the desire or been contractually free to attempt to transition over to boxing.

The landscape of Mixed-Martial Arts moves at a rapid pace and while Diaz's chance to make history, becoming the first true cross-over MMA star to enter the boxing ring, an opportunity arose for Nick to make a different sort of history in his primary field of fighting.

Don Chargin states, "Nick is a good kid and a very exciting fighter. Right now he has an opportunity of a lifetime as it pertains to his MMA career. While I don't doubt that Nick and his team were serious about taking the big step into boxing, it only makes sense for him to finish what he started and see how far he can go in MMA before he does anything in boxing. It's all about timing... we began these discussions over two years ago and nobody would have imagined the type of demand that there currently is for Nick as a mixed martial artist."

Cesar Gracie (Nick's manager) states, "There are some people that have said we were just posturing to go into professional boxing and they don't understand that this thing is something we had been working on since 2009. It wasn't just out of nowhere but at this point in time, there's a certain chance that comes along once in a very long while and it only makes sense to stick to MMA as of right now. Nick's been working really hard to get to this point in his MMA career and it wouldn't make sense for us to make that transition into boxing right now. If this were a couple months ago or if certain fights had played out differently, we'd definitely be ready to go into boxing, but that's not how it played out. Don Chargin is a great boxing promoter and he understood our dilemma completely and I thank him for that."

While the intrigue for the proposed Nick Diaz-Jeff Lacy bout had drawn a massive amount of media interest in its rumored status, this type of cross-over match-up will have to take place at a later date.

Diaz's MMA career will undoubtedly have some major changes within a short while as he's ready to transition into the next phase of his fighting career.

Don Chargin continued, "I've had a long promotional career filled with numerous big events dating back the 1960s. Taking Nick Diaz into boxing would have undoubtedly been a big one but this is Nick's career and his legacy as a MMA fighter needs to be solidified now. I wish him all the luck going forward and know that Zuffa will have itself one very exciting fighter for many years to come."

Source: Mario Serrano

Monday, May 9, 2011

The Moneris Spending Report Confirms The High Impact Of UFC On Spending In Toronto

TORONTO - May 9, 2011 – Moneris Solutions, Canada’s largest credit and debit card processor, today released data confirming the positive economic impact of the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event in Toronto. The Moneris Spending Report showed a substantial increase in dollars spent on Saturday, April 30, the day of this much-anticipated event.

Restaurants in Toronto realized one of the largest increases, with 19.2 per cent jump in dollars spent compared week-over-week. Similarly, bars and pubs experienced 15.7 per cent increase as fans were abuzz with excitement. These results confirm that in addition to the estimated 55,000 people at the Rogers Centre, many more watched this popular event outside their home.

The Moneris Spending Report also showed a sizable increase in other categories. The influx of people making their way to downtown core brought much-welcomed increase in retail spending. Apparel and sporting goods stores saw 41.3 per cent and 33 per cent increase in dollars spent, respectively.

In addition, many travelled to Toronto to experience the event in person, as evidenced by the 20.3 per cent increase in dollars spent at hotels. The focus was however truly on the UFC event – the entertainment category, which includes cinemas and theatre saw a decline of -0.8 per cent.

“UFC brought a knockout result to Toronto. Special events bring an injection of excitement to cities, and result in a win for businesses of all sizes,” said Santo Ligotti, Vice President, Marketing, Moneris Solutions. Events, such as St. Patrick’s Day, were a great success this year, generating 21.22 per cent and 10.95 per cent growth for restaurants and drinking places, compared to 2010. On St. Patrick’s Day, spending was up 65.82 per cent at drinking places, compared to the previous week.

About The Moneris Spending Report

The Moneris Spending Report provides a snapshot of consumer spending activity in Canada by analyzing credit and debit card transaction data. As the market leader with the largest merchant base, Moneris presents detailed analysis and insight on a quarterly basis. The percentages cited are derived from actual sales volumes – the dollar values of credit and debit card transactions being processed by merchants.

About Moneris Solutions

As one of North America's largest providers of payment processing solutions, Moneris offers credit, debit, wireless and online payment services for merchants in virtually every industry segment and processes more than three billion transactions annually. Through its Ernex division, Moneris offers electronic loyalty and stored-value gift card programs. With more than 350,000 merchant locations, Moneris provides the hardware, software and systems needed to improve business efficiency and manage payments. For more information please visit www.moneris.com.

SOURCE: MONERIS SOLUTIONS

Friday, May 6, 2011

Jeff Lacy Signs To Fight MMA Champion Nick Diaz

May 6, 2011 - The hottest fighter in the mixed martial arts landscape right now is Stocktons own, Nick Diaz. He is currently riding an 11-fight win streak and has been mentioned as a potential super-fight candidate to face-off against UFC welterweight champion George St. Pierre at the end of 2011.

Due to the structuring of Diaz's contract with MMA outfit, Strikeforce, he is in a unique position where he can contractually pursue a professional boxing career in addition to his mixed-martial arts title reign.

While rumors of opponents such as former champions Fernando Vargas and Roy Jones Jr. have been floated around, neither mans team have yet solidified a contract with the young champion.

A few moments ago, former IBF super-middleweight champion & devastating knockout artist, Jeff "Left Hook" Lacy, officially signed on the dotted line to square off against Diaz in the Fall of 2011.

Lacy possesses the type of dangerous punching power in both hands that can end the double digit win streak of the rugged Northern California champion.

Don Chargin states, "This is a very dangerous fight for both men. Not only is this fight dangerous but stylistically it is very intriguing. I expected more resistance from fight fans and media in regards to this match-up but its amazing as to the hundreds of calls and e-mails I've received from fans on both sides wanting to see this match-up take place. I've received more than a few inquiries from some other very high-profile boxers that want to step up and fight Nick. Its been a real whirlwind."

Chargin continues, "I've been around boxing for quite some time and I've seen a lot of great, tough fighters in my six decades within the sport. I believe that if Nick had been one of those kids who had picked up boxing from a youth, he'd undoubtedly be a world-champion today. Sometime within the next 2 weeks I'll be personally making the trek to Cesar Gracies gym to setup a private, closed door sparring session between Nick and a few nameless top-level contenders I have in mind."

Can Jeff Lacy refocus his career to regain the once promising glory that lingered at his fingertips just a few short years back?

Can Nick Diaz's granite chin withstand the devastating punching power of arguably the hardest punching 168-pound fighter on the planet?

These questions will definitely be answered before the end of 2011 as the fight titled, "Breaking History" is fairly self-explanatory.

Source: Mario Serrano