Patriotism + fighting malaria + Diddy = a piss-up

by | Jul 2, 2009 | Cooperation and coherence, Influence and networks, North America, Off topic

If one man can see the links between global health risks and national security, it’s Diddy:

“Official Vodka of Summer” and Diddy Celebrate Military Service with an Invitation to the Summer’s Most Exclusive Party

NEW YORK, June 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ – CIROC Ultra Premium Vodka, the “Official Vodka of Summer,” and Sean “Diddy” Combs today have invited Tanya Vinson of the United States Air Force to serve as Diddy’s personal guest as he celebrates our nation’s independence during his world-famous White Party on July 4, 2009 in Los Angeles, California, which this year is co-hosted by ‘Malaria No More,’ a non-profit, non-governmental organization determined to end the malaria crisis in Africa.

As a sponsor of the event, CIROC Vodka launched a program in April to honor several American service men and women with entry to this exclusive event. The grand prize winner, Tanya Vinson, has received the ultimate CIROC White Party experience for two, including round trip airfare, hotel accommodations, and transportation, in recognition of her outstanding commitment to the armed forces.

“As we celebrate Independence Day at this year’s White Party, it’s only fitting that we show our gratitude for the heroic men and women who protect our freedom every day,” said Combs, who entered into a strategic marketing alliance with the ultra-premium spirit more than one year ago. “I am proud to honor our military by personally hosting Tanya at my Fourth of July White Party.”

A staple on the celebrity party circuit, Diddy’s White Party is revered as one of the most sophisticated and stylish events of the year. Although traditionally held at the end of summer, this year’s fete – themed ‘We Are Family’ – will occur on Independence Day in honor of our nation’s independence and the historic presidential election.

Ms. Vinson, a recruiter in the United States Air Force, holds what has become one of the toughest jobs in the military. As one of the faces for this branch of service, she is tasked with replenishing the ranks of our military during one of the most challenging times in our nation’s history.

The maker’s of CIROC Vodka would like to remind all consumers to celebrate life responsibly this Fourth of July. Use a designated a driver. Those without a designated driver can text “DRIVESAFE” to 44264 from their wireless devices to receive taxi information in their area.

Diageo
Taylor PR

Tammy Thompson
Alexandra Sklansky

Tammy.Thompson@diageo.com
asklansky@taylorpr.com
203-229-4876
212-714-5702

Hat-tip: The Intoxocologist

Killer (probably not) in the rain

by | Jul 2, 2009 | Climate and resource scarcity, North America

Raymond Chandler got it wrong:

In fact, an analysis by The New York Times of rainfall and homicides for the last six years shows that when it rains substantially in the summertime, there are fewer homicides.

When there was no precipitation, there was an average of 17 homicides every 10 days. But when there was an inch or more of rain, the average dropped to 14.

That does not surprise Vernon J. Geberth a former Bronx homicide squad commanding officer. He said that when there was a downpour, the police would sometimes joke, “The best cop in the world is on duty tonight.”

The gap is even wider when looking just at Saturdays in the summer. Those are the days that typically post the highest number of homicides in a year. When there was no rain, the average number of homicides for every 10 Saturdays in summer jumped to 24. For every 10 Saturdays doused with at least an inch of rain, the average number was 18.

These numbers may add up to something of a bright spot for a city that officially entered summer with the second wettest June on record, according to meteorologists at Pennsylvania State University. With a little more than 200 homicides so far this year, the city is on pace for a low not seen since the early 1960s. The first few days of July promise more of the same damp weather, with a chance of rain every day.