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Manta Spreads its Watery Wings at SeaWorld San Diego

Joe Kleiman
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San Diego, CA, USA (May 26, 2012) — The wait for Manta is over! After 18 months of construction and years of planning, SeaWorld guests are officially Riding the Ray and Feeling the Rush on San Diego’s first double-launch, multi-media roller coaster, Manta!

A festive grand opening ceremony hosted by SeaWorld Park President John Reilly and attended by San Diego City Council President Tony Young and San Diego City Council Member Lori Zapf preceded the first official Manta launch. Following a dramatic performance and drum roll by ensemble group TAIKOPROJECT and a “kelp ribbon” cutting, the first riders on Manta were students from the Elementary Institute of Science — a science enrichment program dedicated to nurturing the intellectual curiosity of San Diego’s young people by providing hands-on experiences to stimulate an ongoing appreciation and understanding science, technology and the environment. As part of the grand opening, SeaWorld made a $10,000 donation to the nonprofit program and invited 20 students to be the first riders on opening day.

With Manta, SeaWorld has combined the thrill of an amazing double-launch roller coaster with an incredible, hands-on animal experience. The coaster features multiple twists and turns, an exciting 54-foot drop and a launch station with a 270-degree enveloping screen. Plus, riders and non-riders alike may enjoy dozens of rays, which can be seen in a 100,000-gallon aquarium through eight acrylic viewing windows, and, they can even reach in and touch and feed rays in a shallow pool.

Manta is located just north of Dolphin Point. SeaWorld worked with German ride design company MACK, which also engineered the marine-life park’s popular ride, Journey To Atlantis.

USA Pavilion at Yeosu Expo 2012 Welcomes 100,000th Visitor

Joe Kleiman
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Jung family at USA Pavilion

Yeosu, South Korea (May 25, 2012) — The USA Pavilion at Expo 2012 in Yeosu, Korea has received more than 100,000 visitors since opening on May 12. Large crowds arrive daily to experience the USA Pavilion’s themes of Diversity, Wonder and Solutions and interact with its 40 Korean-speaking Student Ambassadors.

The USA Pavilion’s 100,000th visitors were the Jung family from Ulsan, Korea. Mr. Jung Byeong Chun, Ms. Nam Geum Na and their sons Jung Gi Du and Jung Ji Hoon drove to the Expo and their first visit of the day was the USA Pavilion. They were greeted and escorted through the Pavilion experience by USA Pavilion Student Ambassadors.

“We are very pleased that the USA Pavilion’s themes and multi-dimensional attractions are resonating with so many visitors from Korea and around the world,” said Andrew Snowhite, Chief Executive Officer, USA Pavilion 2012. “Our goal is to engage and inspire hundreds of thousands more people this summer to take action for a brighter future.”

USA Pavilion 2012 is a public-private partnership and the U.S. Department of State has partnered with explorer, environmentalist and social entrepreneur Philippe Cousteau Jr., to design, build and operate the USA Pavilion. It is funded exclusively through private donations. Corporate sponsors include: Chevron; Citi; Boeing; Hyundai Motor Company; Kia Motors America; Coca-Cola; Lockheed Martin; Samsung Electronics America, Inc.; Corning Incorporated; General Electric; and Becton Dickinson.

For more information about the USA Pavilion, please go to http://www.pavilion2012.org/.

Newlyweds Soar at Fiesta Texas

Joe Kleiman
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San Antonio, TX, USA (May 25, 2012) /PRNewswire/ — Brides and grooms soared into their future together on the all-new SkyScreamer at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. The park hosted a special high flying wedding ceremony to celebrate the tower ride’s grand opening. Festivities included live entertainment, photos, and a special wedding reception for the couples and their wedding guests. SkyScreamer will open to park guests Sunday, May 27.

Towering 200 feet above the ground, SkyScreamer will surpass the height of the park’s quarry walls. Thirty-two guests will board the ride and sit two across in open air swings as they are raised to the top of the SkyScreamer tower while spinning round and round. At full swing, guests will soar in a 98-ft. circle at speeds of 40 mph with the rest of the park far below their dangling feet. By day, guests will have an aerial view for miles past the cliff walls and provide exciting views of downtown San Antonio.

“SkyScreamer will provide a breathtaking, panoramic view towering above our unique park setting. From the vantage point of these thrilling, open-air swings, guests will have an unusual birds’ eye perspective of the San Antonio skyline as they soar to new heights,” said park president Martin Bozer.

In addition to boasting a full lineup of thrilling rides, Six Flags Fiesta Texas is America’s favorite show park. Take a trip back to when Rock-and-Roll was young, saddle shoes were the rage and poodle skirts were in fashion during Rockin’ at Rockville High — 20th Anniversary. Set in the Rockville High Theatre, this nostalgic ’50s era show tells the story of teenage love, school spirit and dreams from a simpler time. Inspired by the original ’92 production this show features classic music of the time.

Country Chart Toppers showcases the diverse sounds and styles of country music. Set in Sundance Theatre, this show features current favorites destined to be tomorrow’s classics, including “Sparks Fly” and “Don’t You Wanna Stay.” Beginning June 9, join our performers and live band for Grassroots Country,which pays tribute to some favorite Bluegrass and Country classics in Sundance Theatre.

White Water Bay water park is now open weekends and will begin daily operation June 2. White Water Bay is FREE with park admission! For extreme water thrills, Big Bender delivers plunging dips, dark twisting tunnels, and energizing waterfalls, watch out for that 50-foot drop! The excitement continues in Lone Star Lagoon, a Texas shaped wave pool and for the little ones, there’s a special area designed just for them!

The bright lights of Broadway also return June 2, with Ovation! Set in the Zaragoza Theatre, this exciting new production incorporates video projection, special effects, unique lighting and elaborate costumes to create an electric, high-energy event. Ovation features approximately 20 performers, many from other award-winning park shows, and a nine-piece band highlighting Broadway classics and recent Broadway hits.

Go Fireworks! Go Six Flags Fiesta Texas! Experience a salute to Texas unlike any other as with the Lone Star Nights Laser and Fireworks Celebration. With remarkable pyrotechnics and special effects, there’s no better way to end your night than with a bang! Broadcast on a football field-sized section of the park’s quarry walls, the production includes enhanced video projection, new lasers, audio, custom pyrotechnics and special effects. The celebratory storyline is a salute to the Lone Star State of today, highlighting the various cultures, places and people that make Texas unique. Lone Star Nights Laser and Fireworks Celebration will be featured Saturdays and Sundays and nightly summer operation beginning June 9.

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with $1.0 billionin revenue and 19 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For more than 50 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions including up-close animal encounters, Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park. For more information visit sixflags.com .

TEA and AECOM to release TEA/AECOM 2011 Theme Index: Global Attractions Attendance Report

Joe Kleiman
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Magic Kingdom, world’s most attended theme park according to new TEA/AECOM report. Photo copyright Disney

Burbank, California USA, 25 May 2012 – The Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) and AECOM have released a preview of the TEA/AECOM 2011 Theme Index: Global Attractions Attendance Report. The full report will be published within a few days. This definitive, calendar-year study of attendance at major theme parks, amusement parks and water parks is an established, annual resource provided free of charge and widely used by land developers, creative professionals, the travel industry, the business community, the media and theme park fans. The Theme Index is the collaboration of TEA, international non-profit for the visitor attractions industry, and the Economics practice at AECOM, global provider of technical and management support services. It is distributed online and in print. The full report will be available online at http://www.TEAConnect.org/pdf/2011Report.pdf  and http://www.aecom.com/economics.

The 2011 figures point to economic recovery and to increased globalization of the themed entertainment industry. Having for the first time crossed the 100 million mark in attendance, Asia now represents 1/3 of the global visitor attractions market and could in time surpass the US. The quality of the guest experience at Asian attractions is also rising fast. In North America, Universal Studios Orlando and SeaWorld San Diego were standouts in attendance growth, and Orlando tourism has rebounded. In Europe, hospitality packages and holiday specials have helped theme parks maintain patronage and profitability.

“In the 20 years since TEA was founded, the international attractions industry which it serves has had its ups and downs – but overall it has grown and our members have grown with it,” says TEA president Rick Rothschild. “The landscape is more international; attractions and audiences are more diverse; and a new generation of creative storytellers and technical specialists is emerging alongside the veterans. The TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report is one of the critical resources our association provides to help the industry thrive – an annual snapshot to mark important  trends, to facilitate networking and the exchange of information, to celebrate excellence and to foster business.”

The preview of the report, below, includes quotes from the economics experts at AECOM, and key figures.

Quotes from the economics experts at AECOM

In the Americas, bold reinvestment produces dramatic growth

John Robinett, Senior Vice President – Economics

“A pair of outstanding performers – Universal Orlando and SeaWorld San Diego – are a lesson to all operators on how to apply reinvestment to beat the business cycle. Overall, without Harry Potter, North America grew at North America grew at 2.9% in 2011; subtract Harry Potter, and it grew at 1.6%. It takes guts to invest in the teeth of a recession, and it’s these bold management moves that have led to the success of our leaders this year. As full economic recovery in North America and Europe is going to take a while, operators should take this to heart and apply their imaginations.”

Brian Sands, AICP, Vice President – Economics + Planning

“The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, with its remarkable (dare I say “magical”?) increase of 1.725 million attendees accounted for about half of the total estimated increase in attendance at the Top 20. From the West Coast comes another impressive example: SeaWorld San Diego, which in 2011 opened the new One World One Ocean show with Shamu and Baby Shamu, as well as Turtle Reef, a multi-faceted attraction, and also experienced double-digit (13%) attendance growth.

“For top parks in Latin America, estimated total attendance grew modestly by 0.7 % to 13.4 million in 2011. Leading the pack in terms of growth were Parque Mundo Aventura and El Salitre Magico in Bogota, Colombia. Both parks made substantial additions to their attractions.”

Asia passes the 100 million mark

Chris Yoshii, Global Director, Asia

“The various parks that did significant capital improvements were strongly rewarded by the market. They include Ocean Park and Disney in Hong Kong (up 36% and 13% respectively), Lotte World in Seoul (up 37%), Nagashima Spa Land in Japan (up 30%) and Dinosaur Park Changzhou, which saw the greatest growth at 52%… The Asia market loves shows and live entertainment and there is a growing market for high end shows and show elements, multimedia spectaculars, night shows, lake shows that are well choreographed, with Cirque du Soleil type acrobatics… Southeast Asia is quietly growing a substantial attractions industry – particularly waterparks which require a smaller footprint and capital investment… In Asia overall, we are still a good way from the saturation point.”

John Robinett

“With 105.1 million (to North America’s 127 million) Asia represents about one-third of global theme park attendance. The gap will close substantially when Shanghai Disney opens – and we already know of several other major Asian theme parks planned or under construction. By adding 5-10 more theme parks, Asia will probably catch up to North America and then surpass it.”

Europe holds its own

David Camp, Vice President – Europe/Africa/Middle East

“For the previous 3-4 years, the recession has been reasonably good to theme parks round Europe; attendance has grown and for the most part revenues too, with the more tourist-oriented parks showing more volatility and local parks holding up well. But this year, almost all of the top 10 parks have grown in attendance, including Disney (up 4.7%), Efteling (up 3.1%), Tivoli (up 7.2%) and PortAventura (up 15.5%)… People are becoming ever more budget-conscious but are still taking short breaks and days out… The majority of the top 20 parks in Europe have hotel accommodation now and these hotels are busy with guests who often visit the park on two days for each overnight stay. It’s become an important business driver.”

Key Figures from

TEA/AECOM 2011 Theme Index:

Global Attractions Attendance Report

·         198.1 million: Total attendance for top 25 worldwide parks, +4.8 % difference to 2010

·         127 million: Total visits to top 20 theme parks in North America, +2.9 % difference to 2010

·         105.1 million: Total visits to the top 20 Asian theme parks, +9.4 % difference to 2010

·         57.8 million: Attendance for the top 20 European theme parks, +2.8 % difference to 2010

·         24.4 million: Top 20 worldwide waterparks attendance in 2011, +9.4 % difference to 2010

·         13.4 million: Total visits to top 10 Latin American theme parks, +0.7 % difference to 2010

·         12.1 million: Total visits to top 10 Asian water parks, +22.3% difference to 2010

·         Top 5 theme parks worldwide, ranked by attendance: Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World (Orlando), Disneyland (Anaheim), Tokyo Disneyland, Tokyo Disney Sea, Disneyland Park at Disneyland Paris (full Top 10 with numbers will be published in the complete report)

·         Top 5 theme park groups worldwide, ranked by attendance: Walt Disney Attractions, Merlin Entertainments Group, Universal Studios Recreation Group, Parques Reunidos, Six Flags (full Top 10 with numbers will be published in the complete report).

The full TEA/AECOM 2011 Theme Index will shortly be published online at http://www.aecom.com/economics or http://www.TEAConnect.org/pdf/2011Report.pdf.

Previous editions:

About the TEA/AECOM 2011 Theme Index:

Global Attractions Attendance Report

The 2011 TEA/AECOM Global Attractions Attendance Report – previewed here, and to be published in full within a few days – identifies the top commercial theme parks and waterparks around the world and reflects their performance for the calendar year. Global attendance data are broken down by geographic region, by chain and by type of venue. The report is a valuable business reference and resource for the visitor attractions industry, developers and the media, and widely read among the community of theme park fans. It is available free of charge from TEA and AECOM.

AECOM obtains the figures used to create the TEA/AECOM Theme Index through statistics furnished directly by theme park operators, financial reports, the investment banking community, local tourism organizations and other sources. The global market is studied as a whole, and its main regions are also studied separately: The Americas, Europe and Asia. There is also a table of the top waterparks in the world and in the United States and Asia, and of the top international group operators.

About TEA

The TEA (Themed Entertainment Association) is an international nonprofit alliance founded in 1991 and based in Burbank, Calif. TEA represents some 7,000 creative specialists, from architects to designers, technical specialists to master planners, scenic fabricators to artists, and builders to feasibility analysts working in more than 780 firms in 40 different countries. TEA presents the annual Thea Awards and the TEA Summit and hosts the annual SATE conferences (Story, Architecture, Technology, Experience) in both Orlando and Europe. TEA  produces a variety of print and electronic publications, including the annual TEA/AECOM Theme Index, TEA Project Development Guidelines and TEA Annual & Directory. Visit TEA: on the web at www.TEAconnect.org; on LinkedIn and on Facebook.

About AECOM

AECOM is a global provider of professional technical and management support services to a broad range of markets, including transportation, facilities, environmental, energy, water and government. With approximately 45,000 employees around the world, AECOM is a leader in all of the key markets that it serves. AECOM provides a blend of global reach, local knowledge, innovation and technical excellence in delivering solutions that create, enhance and sustain the world’s built, natural, and social environments. A Fortune 500 company, AECOM serves clients in more than 130 countries and had revenue of $8.2 billion during the 12 months ended March 31, 2012. More information on AECOM and its services can be found at www.aecom.com.

Motorcycle That Floated Across Pacific After Japan Tsunami to Join Collection of Harley-Davidson Museum

Joe Kleiman
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Milwaukee, WI, USA (May 25, 2012) /PRNewswire/ — A Harley-Davidson motorcycle recovered on the coast ofBritish Columbia after drifting for more than a year and 4,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean following last year’s Japanese Tsunami will be preserved by the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee as a memorial to the tragedy that claimed more than 15,000 lives, in accordance with the wishes of its owner, Ikuo Yokoyama.

The remarkable story of the 2004 FXSTB Softail Night Train motorcycle’s survival and recovery by Canadian Peter Mark made international headlines after he found it washed ashore on a remote beach onBritish Columbia’s Graham Island at low tide. Mark discovered the motorcycle, still bearing its Japanese license plate, along with several other items in the remains of an insulated cargo van container where the motorcycle was being stored by Yokoyama prior to the Tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, 2011.

Working with news agencies and representatives from Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada and Harley-Davidson Japan, contact was made with 29-year-old Yokoyama, who lost his home and currently lives in temporary housing in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. Harley-Davidson offered to return his bike. But still struggling to rebuild his life in the aftermath of the disaster, Yokoyama respectfully declined. Although grateful for the offer to repatriate his motorcycle and touched by the outpouring of support from Harley riders around the world, Yokoyama requested to have it preserved in the Harley-Davidson Museum in honor of those whose lives were lost or forever changed by the disaster.

“It is truly amazing that my Harley-Davidson motorcycle was recovered in Canada after drifting for more than a year,” said Yokoyama. “I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt appreciation toPeter Mark, the finder of my motorcycle. Due to circumstances caused by the disaster, I have been so far unable to visit him in Canada to convey my gratitude.

“Since the motorcycle was recovered, I have discussed with many people about what to do with it. I would be delighted if it could be preserved in its current condition and exhibited to the many visitors to the Harley-Davidson Museum as a memorial to a tragedy that claimed thousands of lives. I am very grateful to Harley-Davidson for offering me an opportunity to visit the museum, and I would like to do that when things have calmed down. At the same time, I would like to meet Peter, who recovered my motorcycle, to express my gratitude. Finally, I would like to thank all people around the world once again for their wholehearted support of the areas hit by the earthquake and Tsunami. I would like to ask them to help convey messages from the Japanese people about the tragedy of the Great East Japan Earthquake, which was a disaster of historic proportions.”

“My heart really goes out to Ikuo Yokoyama and all the survivors of the Tohoku earthquake and Tsunami for everything that was taken from them. I cannot even begin to comprehend the loss of family, friends and community,” said Mark. “I think it is fitting that the Harley which was swept across the Pacific Ocean by the Tsunami will end up in the Harley-Davidson Museum as a memorial to that tragic event. It has an interesting and powerful story to convey preserved in its current state.

“I look forward to one day meeting Mr. Yokoyama face to face. I would also like to express my gratitude to all those that have taken part in the retrieval of the motorcycle, especially Ralph Tieleman, Steve Drane, and Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada.”

The motorcycle was recovered by Mark with the help of friends and transported to Victoria with support from Ralph Tieleman and Steve Drane of Steve Drane Harley-Davidson. It has since been transferred to Deeley H-D Canada in Vancouver. Plans for its transportation to and display at the Harley-Davidson Museum are being developed.

“I’ve always felt Harley-Davidson motorcycles have a soul, and their owners obviously have an emotional attachment to their bikes. I just wanted to reunite this bike with its owner,” said Steve Drane of Steve Drane Harley-Davidson in Victoria, B.C.

“The Harley-Davidson Museum is honored to receive this amazing motorcycle to ensure that its condition is preserved and can be displayed as a memorial to the Japan Tsunami tragedy,” said Bill Davidson, Vice President of the Harley-Davidson Museum.

harley-davidson.com.

The Dream of Manned Spaceflight Continues as Space Camp Turns 30

Joe Kleiman
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Huntsville, AL, USA (May 24, 2012) /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ —  June 15, 2012, marks the 30th anniversary of  Space Camp®, the internationally-recognized program that today counts four astronauts, one cosmonaut, and nearly 600,000 other alumni, many in careers on the frontiers of technology.

The U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) in Huntsville, Alabama – home of Space Camp – is hosting a weekend of family-friendly activities from June 14-16, 2012, as a Space Camp alumni reunion and community celebration. The spotlight event is the Space Camp Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Dinner on Friday evening at 6 p.m. in the Saturn V Hall at the USSRC. Captain Robert “Hoot” Gibson, U.S. Navy (Ret.) and five-time Shuttle astronaut, International Space Station (ISS) Flight Director Ed Van Cise and Liz Warren, Ph.D., ISS Physiologist, along with Meteorologist Stephanie Abrams from The Weather Channel, will be inducted into the Space Camp Hall of Fame at the ceremony. Other special events include the Retro Night Social with a special showing of Space Camp the movie and a silent auction at the Space Camp Hall of Fame Dinner to benefit the Scholarship Fund, which supports financial scholarships for eligible students.

“We are proud to welcome home alumni for the 30th anniversary celebration of Space Camp and the 2012 Space Camp Hall of Fame,” said Dr. Deborah Barnhart, CEO and Executive Director of the USSRC. “We have a fun agenda planned for alumni and look forward to meeting their families and hearing their stories of success since attending.”

Space Camp was the vision of Dr. Wernher von Braun, the pioneer of America’s space program and architect of the Saturn V rocket. Based on his dream of putting children and adults through astronaut training at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, nearly 600,000 trainees have graduated from the program.

The mission of Space Camp has always been to inspire, motivate and develop a greater affinity for learning, particularly in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. Data from student surveys document the educational benefits of the program. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center surveyed nearly 10,000 Space Camp trainees who attended between 1987 and 1992. More than 90% of the alumni said they took more science courses particularly physics and chemistry in the years following their camp attendance and more than 90% also reported taking more math courses. Nearly 75% said they learned about their current careers from Space Camp.

This supports a competent, qualified workforce for hundreds of companies and for the U.S. government. Today alumni work for companies like Boeing, Honeywell Aerospace, Teledyne Brown, ATK, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne, Lockheed Martin and many others. Thousands more found their inspiration at Space Camp to work for the government on world-class programs like the Space Shuttle Program, the International Space Station, the Hubble Telescope, and numerous other aerospace, defense and technology projects. Dottie Metcalf Lindenberger flew aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery on STS-131 in April, 2010, becoming the first Space Camp alumna to go into space. Other astronaut alumni are Serena Aunon and Kathleen Rubins, NASA; Samantha Cristoforetti, European Space Agency; and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Lazutkin.

If Space Camp has touched your life or you are a graduate of the program, connect with other alumni at www.spacecamp.com/community or for tickets and a complete listing of activities planned for the anniversary weekend, visit www.spacecamp.com/30th.

Egyptian Girl Moves Into New Digs Across from USC

Joe Kleiman
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Los Angeles, CA, USA /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The west coast premiere of Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt , featuring the largest collection of its kind ever assembled, opened May 23, 2012 at the California Science Center. More than 150 priceless Egyptian artifacts illuminating the life of Cleopatra VII, one of the most provocative and powerful women in history, will be on view including colossal statues, jewelry, coins, and handwritten notes from her lost palace in Alexandria.

Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt immerses visitors in the experience of two present-day searches, on both land and sea, for the elusive queen which extend from the sands of Egypt to the depths of the Bay of Aboukir near Alexandria. The artifacts weigh in at about 30 tons in total, including two 16-foot granite statues of a Ptolemaic king and queen from the 4th – 3rd centuries B.C.

“We are thrilled to host the west coast premiere of this extraordinary exhibition,” said Jeffrey Rudolph, president and CEO of the California Science Center. “Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egyptwill help our guests explore the science of archaeology and the process of recovering these artifacts which reveal new and fascinating details of Cleopatra’s life.”

The artifacts in Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt are woven into the story of her rule and life in ancient Egypt during the Ptolemaic period. After Egypt succumbed to Roman forces and Cleopatra famously took her own life following the suicide of her lover Mark Antony, the Romans attempted to wipe her legacy from the pages of history. Cleopatra has remained one of history’s most intriguing enigmas, and her final resting place is one of Egypt’s great unsolved mysteries. The story of her life and time unfolds in a dramatic setting with high definition multimedia and original soundscapes, including a complimentary audio tour, provided to every guest, making the exhibition a rich, multisensory experience.

The exhibition is organized by National Geographic and Arts & Exhibitions International, with cooperation from the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities and the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM).

Visitors to the exhibition follow the modern-day parallel stories of two expeditions led in Egypt by Dr. Zahi Hawass, a world-renowned archaeologist, and Franck Goddio, French underwater archaeologist and director of IEASM.

The exhibition also showcases artifacts from Franck Goddio’s continuing underwater search off the Mediterranean coast of Egypt, such as the two 16-foot granite statues of a Ptolemaic king and queen. His search, sponsored by the Hilti Foundation, began in 1992. Goddio’s remarkable finds bring visitors inside his search for the lost world of Cleopatra, including remnants from the grand palace where she ruled.

“The aim of our work is to reveal traces of the past and bring history back to life. We are delighted to present our underwater archaeological achievements and discoveries off the coast of Egypt to the American public,” said Franck Goddio.

“Cleopatra is one of the most fascinating figures of ancient Egypt,” said Terry Garcia, National Geographic’s executive vice president for Mission Programs. “This exhibition tells her remarkable story through rare artifacts excavated from two ongoing archaeological projects, bringing ancient Egypt’s famous last pharaoh back to life through modern-day exploration.”

Cleopatra, the last great pharaoh before Egypt succumbed to Roman opposition, lived from 69 – 30 B.C., with a rule that was marked with political intrigue and challenges to her throne. She captivated two of the most powerful men of her day, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, as she attempted to restore Egypt to its former superpower status.

“Cleopatra’s story of love, power, glamour and tragedy has intrigued us for centuries and has fueled archeologists to continue searching for greater understanding,” said John Norman, president of Arts and Exhibitions International. “Visitors to this new exhibition will gain insight into her life by discovering objects from Cleopatra’s world, even as efforts continue today to piece together new insights into the life of one of history’s most remarkable leaders.”

To enhance the guest experience during the run of Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt , the Science Center IMAX Theater will be featuring Mysteries of Egypt. The National Geographic film transports audiences to a distant time and place with spectacular imagery and a compelling story. Legendary screen actor Omar Shariff portrays a grandfather who enchants his granddaughter, played byKate Maberly, with tales of an ancient people. Re-enactments are used to illustrate events such as building the pyramids, the reign of the pharaohs, and the discovery of Tut’s tomb. Beginning May 23,Mysteries of Egypt will show daily at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m., with additional shows Saturday & Sunday at 5:30 p.m. Combo tickets for the exhibition and Mysteries of Egypt or any IMAX film are available.

About National Geographic
The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations. Founded in 1888 to “increase and diffuse geographic knowledge,” the Society works to inspire people to care about the planet. It reaches more than 400 million people worldwide each month through its official journal, National Geographic, and other magazines; National Geographic Channel; television documentaries; music; radio; films; books; DVDs; maps; exhibitions; live events; school publishing programs; interactive media; and merchandise. National Geographic has funded more than 10,000 scientific research, conservation and exploration projects and supports an education program promoting geographic literacy. For more information, visit nationalgeographic.com.

About Arts & Exhibitions International (AEI)
Founded in 2003 by President John Norman and international vice president Andres Numhauser, AEI produced the award-winning exhibition “Diana: A Celebration” in association with the Althorp Estate in theUnited Kingdom; two touring exhibitions dedicated to the treasures of King Tutankhamun; “Real Pirates: The Untold Story of the Whydah from Slave Ship to Pirate Ship”; and “America IAM: The African American Imprint” in partnership with Tavis Smiley. Norman and Numhauser have 40 years combined experience in the entertainment and exhibition business, working over the years on such projects as “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit” and “Saint Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes.” The company has relationships with the most important museums in the world and has presented traveling exhibitions on five continents. AEI is part of AEG Exhibitions, an affiliate division of AEG LIVE. AEG LIVE is the live-entertainment division of Los Angeles-based AEG, one of the leading sports and entertainment presenters in the world. For more information, visit www.artsandexhibitions.com.

About the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology (IEASM)
Founded in 1987 as a French non-profit organization by President Franck Goddio for the location, exploration, excavation and restoration of sunken sites. The Institute calls upon scientists and specialists of different scientific field to support its research missions, study and publish the findings. Furthermore it sets up exhibitions allowing the general public to get access to its discoveries. For more information, visit:www.franckgoddio.org.

About the California Science Center
The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults and children can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs and awe-inspiring films. Its mission is as follows: “We aspire to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences, because we value science as an indispensable tool for understanding our world, accessibility and inclusiveness, and enriching people’s lives.” www.californiasciencecenter.org

Oregon Aquarium Opens Interactive Exhibit for the Under 10 Crowd

Joe Kleiman
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Newport, OR, USA, (May 25, 2012) /PRNewswire/ — The Oregon Coast Aquarium (www.aquarium.org) will open summer travel with The Sea & Me, a new children’s interactive exhibit, Memorial Day weekend May 26-28, 2012. The opening of the exhibit coincides with the Aquarium’s 20th anniversary and will run through December 2013.

Opening weekend will include a performance by Radio Disney, face painting, a children’s craft, behind the scenes tours, Sea & Me giveaways, sea lion kisses/encounters and interpretive dives.

The Sea & Me is designed to be fun and imaginative, offering play experiences that are developmentally appropriate for children 4 to 10 years old, but kids of all ages will find interactive discoveries to enjoy.

“Visitors to The Sea & Me will delve into the ocean on our submarine, haul in a catch on our fishing boat, dig in the sand for seashore treasures and see, hear and touch some really cool animals,” said Kerry Carlin-Morgan, Aquarium Director of Education & Volunteer Services. Carlin-Morgan said the intent of The Sea & Me is to encourage kids and families to get outdoors, connect with nature and engage their curiosity.

Components of The Sea & Me include a Submarine Sea Lab, Fishing Gallery, play area, touch pool and marine displays. The Submarine Sea Lab allows children to explore the ocean through interactive displays and the power of imagination. Children can learn to be a deep water scientist aboard a mini submarine and “descend” into a coral reef. The submarine will feature a working periscope, simulated ocean views using live animals and modern technology with gadgets to push, flip, turn and twist.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium gratefully acknowledges The Sea & Me sponsors: Meyer Memorial Trust,Henry Lea Hillman, Jr. Foundation, Maybelle Clark Macdonald Fund, Rose E. Tucker Charitable Trust, Wheeler Foundation, Jeanette B. Hennings Foundation, Jackson Foundation, Pacific Power Foundation, Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, Autzen Foundation and more than 140 individuals individual donors.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a private, not-for-profit aquatic and marine science educational facility offering a fun and interesting way to learn about Oregon’s unique coastal ecosystem. The Aquarium is dedicated to teaching marine wildlife and ocean conservation through responsible management and exhibition of marine life. For more information, visit aquarium.org or call 541-867-FISH.

SkyVue Las Vegas Completes Phase 1 Construction of Western Hemisphere’s Largest Observation Wheel

Joe Kleiman
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Las Vegas, NV, USA /PRNewswire/ — SkyVue, an iconic 500-square-foot observation wheel rapidly taking shape on the Las Vegas Strip, has completed the first phase of construction, is beginning its vertical climb and has begun excavation on its retail and dining experience. Upon opening, SkyVue will be the largest observation wheel in the Western Hemisphere and the first attraction of its kind in Las Vegas.

Situated across from Mandalay Bay, SkyVue will deliver unobstructed panoramic views of the world’s most famous boulevard. Strategically located just north of the famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign, SkyVue is set to become one of the most photographed and recognized landmarks on the Strip. Each side of the wheel will feature a 50,000-square-foot LED screen (the largest in the world), that will be visible across the entire tourist corridor, and host concerts, sporting events, product launches and more.

Located on prime Las Vegas Boulevard frontage, SkyVue’s two-story shopping and dining experience will boast 140,000 square feet of retail space, a 21,000-square-foot convention facility and a food court. SkyVue projects the center to draw between five and eight million consumers annually.

The project will bring more than 700 construction jobs to the community in addition to an estimated 500 full-time positions once the development opens in Q4 2013.

About SkyVue:
SkyVue, located directly across from Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip, will forever change the landscape of America’s playground. Set to become the largest observation wheel in the Western Hemisphere, the 500-foot iconic attraction will feature the world’s largest HD LED multimedia displays – each measuring larger than a football field – and 32 glass-walled gondolas. Offering unparalleled views of the city, the gondolas will be available for private and corporate events. Led by Howard Bulloch and David Gaffin of Compass Investments, the project will also include 21,000 square feet of convention space and 140,000 square feet of retail space, dining and entertainment options. SkyVue is slated to open Q4 2013. For more information on SkyVue, visit http://skyvuelasvegas.com.

Six Flags St. Louis Sends Wedded Bliss Down the Drain

Joe Kleiman
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Eureka, MO, USA (May 24, 2012) /PRNewswire/ — Six Flags St. Louis debuted the new Bonzai Pipelinewater slide today with the help of four couples who took the Xtreme plunge by riding the park’s first looping body slide to feature dual launching capsules, while exchanging their wedding vows. The Bonzai Pipeline water slide is located in Hurricane Harbor, Missouri’s only free water park with theme park admission.

Bonzai Pipeline is the ultimate wipeout experience featuring twin, looping slides and the Proslide Skybox launching capsule. Once guests reach the top of the 6-story structure they step into one of two capsules. After the capsule doors are closed, the floor drops out beneath riders sending them free-falling down the 290-ft. slide at up to 40 mph. Before reaching the bottom, riders will surf through a 360 degree “super loop” in Bonzai Pipeline’s clear tubes which allows spectators below to follow all the high-speed action.

“Hurricane Harbor offers a great variety of water attractions,” said Dave Roemer, Six Flags St. Louis park president. “Bonzai Pipeline will be the most intense water ride by far with the suspense of being launched from the capsules and traveling through the enclosed, looping tubes. We promised our guests an Xtreme experience and Bonzai Pipeline delivers.”

The four couples who took their wedding vows were winners of a local contest. Each couple exchanged vows at the top of the structure and was pronounced husband and wife as they splashed down at the end of the slide. Bonzai Pipeline is manufactured by Proslide Technology, Inc.

Bonzai Pipeline is the latest addition to the park’s exciting new offerings for 2012. Earlier in May, Six Flags St. Louis put a new twist on one of its most popular roller coasters as guests now launch backward and experience the entire ride in reverse. Also new this season, several in-park shows; a Coca-Cola Freestyle™ Room where guests can mix their own drinks/sodas from over 120 flavors; and the new Season Dining Pass which offers guests two meals each time they visit the park for unlimited visits.

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with $1.0 billionin revenue and 19 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For more than 50 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions including up-close animal encounters, Fright Fest and Holiday in the Park. For more information, visit sixflags.com.  Twitter: twitter.com/sixflags  Facebook: facebook.com/sixflagsstlouis

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