TO ENTER, CLICK HERE

TRIP FOR TWO TO THE 2009
NBA ALL-STAR GAME
February 15, 2009 • US Airways Center, Phoenix, Arizona
Our grand prize sweepstakes package includes tickets to the game, airfare on Southwest Airlines, and one night of hotel accommodations, all for you and a guest.

TO ENTER, CLICK HER

The McFarlane Toys (TMPI, Inc.) NBA All Star Sweepstakes
Official Rules

THE “MCFARLANE TOYS (TMPI, Inc.) NBA SWEEPSTAKES” IS INTENDED FOR PARTICIPATION ONLY IN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED ACCORDING TO, AND GOVERNED EXCLUSIVELY BY, UNITED STATES LAW. DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE SWEEPSTAKES IF YOU ARE NOT A LEGAL RESIDENT OF AND PHYSICALLY LOCATED IN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES AT THE TIME OF ENTRY OR YOU OTHERWISE DO NOT FALL WITHIN THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN THE OFFICIAL RULES BELOW.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. You have not yet won.

1. ELIGIBILITY: “MCFARLANE TOYS (TMPI, Inc.) NBA” Sweepstakes (”Sweepstakes” or “Promotion”) is offered and open only to legal residents of the forty-eight (48) contiguous states and the District of Columbia (”United States”) who have reached the age of majority in their state of residence, who currently reside in the United States. Corporate employees, officers and directors of McFarlane Toys (TMPI, Inc.), (”Sponsor”) The National Basketball Association (”NBA”) and its member teams, NBA Properties, Inc. (collectively the “NBA Entities”), Southwest Airlines Co. (”SWA”) and those entities involved in the preparation of materials and/or administration of this Promotion, and their immediate family members (spouse, siblings, children and parents) and those living in the same household as such individuals (whether or not related) (collectively referred to herein including the Sponsor, the NBA Entities, and SWA as the “Sweepstakes Entities” Released Parties) are not eligible to enter. Void in AL and HI and where prohibited.

2. PROMOTION PERIOD: Promotion starts on or about 12:00:00 AM Pacific Time (”PT”) on November 1st, 2008 and ends 11:59:59 PM PT on January 2, 2009 (”Promotion Period”). All time referenced herein is Pacific Standard Time. Sponsor’s clock is the official time keeping device for the Promotion.

3. HOW TO ENTER: During the Promotion Period, there are two ways to enter and you may enter more than once - (1) Enter online during the Promotion Period at www.mcfarlane.com/nba and follow the instructions to link to the official on-line entry form. Complete the information requested in the mandatory information fields: name, complete street address, birth date, daytime phone number and address. When your information is complete, click on the area marked “Enter Sweepstakes.” (2) To enter by mail, hand-print your full name, complete mailing address, telephone number (including area code), and date of birth on a plain 3″ x 5″ piece of paper and mail it in a sealed #10 envelope with proper postage affixed to: McFarlane Toys NBA Promotion, P.O. Box 12230, Tempe, AZ 85284-0038. Mail-in entries must be postmarked by no later than 1/2/09 and received no later than 1/2/09. Entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be returned. Once submitted, entry cannot be modified, deleted or cancelled. In case of dispute, entries will be declared made by the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at the time of entry. “Authorized account holder” is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet access provider, online service provider, or other organization (e.g., business, educational institution, etc.) that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address. Sponsor reserves the right, at its reasonable discretion to refuse, disqualify, or withdraw any Entry and/or entrants at any time during the Sweepstakes. Entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be returned. Sweepstakes Entities assume no responsibility for lost, late, mutilated, damaged, incomplete, inaccurate, stolen, misdirected, or illegible entries; nor for any computer, telephone, cable network, electronic or Internet hardware or software malfunctions, failures, connections, or availability, or garbled, corrupt, or jumbled transmissions; nor service provider, Internet, Web site, user net accessibility or availability, traffic congestion, or unauthorized human intervention or any technical error; nor for unauthorized human intervention, human error, or the incorrect or inaccurate capture of entry or other information; nor for the failure to capture any such information.

4. DRAWING: Within about ten (10) business days following the Promotion Period, a random drawing will be held by Sponsor (or its authorized representative) from all eligible entries received during the Promotion Period. Only the number of prizes stated in these Official Rules will be awarded. In no event will Sponsor be responsible for awarding more than the stated number of prizes. Limit one (1) prize per household. Potential Grand Prize winner will be notified by telephone, email and/or mail (in Sponsor’s discretion) within approximately 2 - 4 weeks of the drawing and will be required to complete, have notarized and return an Affidavit of Eligibility, Liability and, where legal, Publicity Release within ten (10) business days of notification. Failure to timely return or properly complete release documents, or if a prize notification or any prize is returned as non-deliverable, or if potential winner is not eligible or does not comply with these Official Rules, will result in prize forfeiture and an alternate potential winner will be selected.

5. PRIZE/ODDS:
Grand Prize (1): A three (3) day/two (2) night trip for winner and one (1) guest to attend the 2009 NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix, Arizona, February 15th, 2009 consisting of roundtrip air travel on Southwest Airlines from closest major airport to winner’s residence served by Southwest Airlines on published scheduled service (subject to Southwest Airlines terms and conditions; certain restrictions may apply) for winner and guest to Phoenix, AZ; standard double-occupancy hotel accommodations (one(1) room), two (2) tickets to the 2009 NBA All Star Game, and ground transportation to/from the airport and the applicable hotel (Approximate Retail Value (”ARV”) of Grand Prize: $5,300). Actual value of prize will vary depending on winner’s city of departure. Trip must be taken on dates specified by Administrator or prize will be forfeited and, at Administrator’s discretion and time permitting, an alternate Grand Prize winner selected from among all remaining eligible entries. If the designated All Star Game or any other prize-related activity is canceled or postponed for any reason, travel prize will be awarded less applicable prize-related activity(s) and Administrator will substitute that activity(s) with an item(s)/activity(s) of comparable or greater value as determined solely by Administrator. Travel and hotel accommodation restrictions apply. Travel arrangements must be made through Administrator’s agent and on a carrier of Administrator’s choice. Winner and guest are responsible for obtaining all required travel documents. Minor guest (if any) must be the child or legal ward of the winner. Grand Prize winner and guest must travel together on the same itinerary. Winner’s companions must be of legal age of majority in their jurisdictions of residence unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. All prize details are at the sole discretion of Administrator and/or Sponsor as applicable. The terms and conditions of the tickets awarded as prizes will govern in the event of a legal game, as defined by the National Basketball Association, is not played due to weather, an act of God, an act of terrorism, civil disturbance or any other disturbance or any other reason. Administrator and the applicable NBA Entities reserve the right to remove or to deny entry to winner and/or guest who engage(s) in a non-sportsmanlike or disruptive manner, or with intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person at the game or event. The Released Parties will not be responsible for Acts of God, acts of terrorism, civil disturbances, work stoppage or any other natural disaster outside their control that may cause the cancellation or postponement of any National Basketball game(s) or event(s). Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received.

6. GENERAL: By participating, entrants agree to abide by and be bound to these Official Rules and the decisions of Sponsor, which are final and binding in all respects. BY PARTICIPATING, PARTICIPANTS AGREE TO RELEASE, DISCHARGE AND HOLD HARMLESS THE SPONSOR, MCFARLANE TOYS, NBA ENTITIES, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES, ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION AGENCIES, ANDTHEIR OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS, REPRESENTATIVES AND AGENTS FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL ALLEGED AND/OR ACTUAL CLAIMS, ACTIONS, DEMANDS, LOSSES, SETTLEMENTS (WHETHER OR NOT LITIGATION IS COMMENCED), LIABILITIES AND DAMAGES OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER EXISTING NOW OR ARISING IN THE FUTURE (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, BODILY INJURY, PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, DISABILITY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE), COSTS AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES, COURT COSTS, SETTLEMENT AND DISBURSEMENTS) DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF THE ACCEPTANCE, POSSESSION, USE OR MISUSE OF A PRIZE, PARTICIPATION IN ANY SWEEPSTAKES-RELATED ACTIVITY, ACCESS TO WEB SITE, AND/OR PARTICIPATION IN THIS SWEEPSTAKES.
By entering and/or accepting a prize, Entrants and/or winners hereby consent, where lawful, to the use by Sponsor, NBA Entities, and SWA (and its authorized third parties) of their name, image, still, likeness, hometown name, biographical information, and/or voice for publicity, trade, advertising and promotional purposes in all media now known or hereafter developed worldwide, and on the Internet and World Wide Web, without additional compensation, and without the right of review, notification or approval. The information provided is subject to the Privacy Statement on the above stated Web site. To read that policy, access the Web site and click on the Privacy Statement text link.

7. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: Sweepstakes Entities are not responsible for any incorrect or inaccurate information, whether caused by Web site users, human error, tampering, hacking or by any of the equipment or programming associated with or utilized in the Sweepstakes and assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to a Web site. Sweepstakes Entities are not responsible for injury or damage to participants’ or to any other person’s computer related to or resulting from participating in this Sweepstakes or downloading materials from or use of the Web site. Any use of robotic, automatic, macro, programmed or like entry methods will void all such entries by such methods, and disqualify any entrant using such methods. If, for any reason, the Sweepstakes is not capable of running as planned by reason of, but not limited to, infection by computer virus, worms, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes which Sponsor deems, in its sole opinion, could corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this Sweepstakes, Sponsor reserves the right at its discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes and select the winner from entries received prior to the action or as otherwise may be deemed fair and equitable by Sponsor. Sweepstakes Entities shall not be liable to winners or any other person for failure to execute the Sweepstakes, an Event, or supply a Prize or any part thereof, by reason of any act of God, any action(s), regulation(s) order(s) or request(s) by any governmental or quasi-governmental entity (whether or not the action(s), regulation(s), order(s) or request(s) prove(s) to be invalid), equipment failure, terrorist acts, earthquake, war, fire, flood, explosion, unusually severe weather, hurricane, embargo, labor dispute or strike (whether legal or illegal), labor or material shortage, transportation interruption of any kind, work slow-down, civil disturbance, insurrection, riot, or any similar or dissimilar event beyond their reasonable control.
In no event will Sweepstakes Entities, their parents, affiliates, subsidiaries and related companies, their advertising or promotion agencies and/or all their respective officers, directors, employees, independent contractors, representatives and agents, be responsible or liable for any damages or losses of any kind, including direct, indirect, incidental, consequential or punitive damages arising out of your access to, and use of, any participating internet site(s) or the downloading from and/or printing material downloaded from said site(s). Without limiting the foregoing, everything on the site is provided “AS IS” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. Some jurisdictions may not allow the limitations or exclusion of liability for incidental or consequential damages or exclusion of implied warranties.

THIS SWEEPSTAKES IS GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE STATE OF ARIZONA WITHOUT RESPECT TO CONFLICT OF LAW DOCTRINES.

As a condition of participating in this Sweepstakes, participant agrees that any and all disputes that cannot be resolved between the parties and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Sweepstakes shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, exclusively before a court located in Phoenix, AZ having jurisdiction.

8. WINNER’S LIST: For a list of winners, contact Sponsor by mailing a self-addressed, U.S. postage stamped envelope to: McFarlane Toys NBA Promotion, P.O. Box 12230, Tempe, AZ 85284-0038 for receipt by March 31st, 2009.

9. SPONSOR: TMPI, Inc. McFarlane Toys, P.O. Box 12230, Tempe, AZ 85284-0038.

AllStarWeek.com Disclaimer: AllStarWeek.com is not responsible for the content contained within this posting. Please check the listed website for complete details.

DALLAS, Oct. 30, 2008 – Dallas has been selected as the site of NBA All-Star 2010, Commissioner David Stern, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones jointly announced today during a press conference outside the American Airlines Center.

Following the mantra that “everything is bigger in Texas,” the 59th NBA All-Star Game will be played on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010, at the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, which will have a seating capacity in excess of 80,000. This collaboration between the NBA, and the ownership groups of the Mavericks and Cowboys, will afford all Mavericks season ticket holders a chance to partake in the pageantry of the NBA All-Star Game. The T-Mobile Rookie Challenge and NBA All-Star Saturday Night festivities will take place at American Airlines Center, home of the Mavericks. 2010 will mark the first time the All-Star competitions are split between two venues since Houston in 1989 when The Summit hosted All-Star Saturday Night and the Astrodome hosted Sunday’s All-Star Game.

“Dallas is a vibrant city with a passionate sports fan base that will embrace the NBA All-Star experience,” said Stern. “We appreciate the collaborative efforts of Mark Cuban and Jerry Jones on what will surely be one of the most memorable basketball events of all time.”

The 2008-09 season is the 25th year that Turner Sports features NBA All-Star coverage, with the 2010 NBA All-Star Game the eighth consecutive year the All-Star Game will be televised in primetime on TNT. The All-Star Game will be seen by a worldwide television audience in more than 200 countries and will be broadcast in more than 40 languages.

“This is an exciting announcement for the Dallas Mavericks, the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth and most importantly Mavs fans,” said Cuban. “The partnership of the Mavs, NBA and the Dallas Cowboys will create an amazing weekend of fun and excitement with the pinnacle being the NBA All-Star Game in front of the largest crowd to ever see a basketball game.”

“The NBA All-Star Game coming to the Cowboys new stadium is a testament to the vision and passion that Mark Cuban brings to sports,’ said Jones. “We’re proud to be partners with Mark, the Mavericks and the NBA, and we know that North Texas will be a first class host for this world class event.”

Dallas is no stranger to NBA All-Star, as Reunion Arena played host to the event in 1986, when Eastern Conference Coach K. C. Jones guided his squad to a 139-132 victory.

NBA All-Star competitions get underway on Friday, Feb. 12, as the league’s top rookies and second-year players square off in the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge. The following day’s festivities feature an all-inclusive skills showcase known as NBA All-Star Saturday Night, which is comprised of Haier Shooting Stars, a competition featuring NBA and WNBA players and NBA legends, PlayStation® Skills Challenge, a contest of top guards working against the clock to complete a series of passes, free throws, lay-ups and agility drills, and the ever-entertaining Sprite Slam Dunk Contest. Perhaps the most exciting event of NBA All-Star Saturday Night is the Foot Locker Three-Point Shootout, which debuted during the 1986 Dallas NBA All-Star festivities and was won by Larry Bird. The 2010 event will showcase six of the game’s elite marksman vying for the coveted title.

During NBA All-Star 2010, the NBA will continue to celebrate its tradition and commitment to social responsibility with a schedule of NBA Cares events taking place throughout All-Star. NBA Cares will partner with schools, government and local non-profit organizations in Dallas and surrounding areas to highlight the league’s grassroots and community initiatives that reach millions of young people and their parents while providing critical resources to community-based programs.

One of All-Star’s most popular attractions is NBA All-Star Jam Session presented by adidas, the world’s largest interactive basketball theme park, which will be held at the Dallas Convention Center. In its 17th season, Jam Session will feature over 450,000 square-feet of basketball entertainment for fans of all ages. At Jam Session, fans can test their skills on over 30 unique attractions, compare their hand and shoe sizes with those of their favorite NBA players, compete against friends at on-court skills challenges, watch youngsters slam dunk and hit three-pointers at the Kids Zone, and meet some of their favorite players and legends, celebrities and musical performers. Jam Session also offers an extensive trading card and collectibles area, the NBA Store, where fans can purchase exclusive merchandise, and Center Court, the home for All-Star entertainment, where fans can watch practices, dance teams and mascots, and celebrities, NBA, WNBA players in a variety of shooting contests.

The last football stadium to host the NBA All-Star Game was the Alamodome in San Antonio, where the Michael Jordan-led Eastern squad notched a 129-118 victory in front of 36,037 fans in 1996.

The largest crowd ever to watch an NBA All-Star Game was in 1989 when the Western Conference posted a 143-134 victory at the Astrodome in Houston in front of 44,735 fans. Behind 28 points and nine rebounds from Game MVP Karl Malone, the West scored a record 87 first half points. John Stockton, taking over as the West’s floor leader for the injured Magic Johnson, finished with 11 points, five steals, and 17 assists. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Johnson’s replacement on the West roster, played in a record 18th and final All-Star Game.

Promotions Offer Cardholders the Chance to Win Trips to NBA All-Star 2009 and Other NBA Prizes

PURCHASE, N.Y., Dec. 9 /PRNewswire/ — MasterCard Worldwide today announced two promotions that give cardholders the chance to experience the 2009 NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix when they book travel on Southwest Airlines* or book a Better Tomorrows(TM) Offer and pay for their stay at Starwood Hotels & Resorts with their MasterCard(R) card**.

“MasterCard is delighted to give our cardholders the chance to receive very special rewards when they are making travel arrangements during this holiday season,” said Rob Sheets, Senior Vice President, U.S. Merchant Relations, MasterCard Worldwide. “Southwest Airlines passengers and Starwood Hotels & Resorts guests now have the opportunity to win VIP experiences and tickets to one of the sporting world’s most exciting events, the 2009 NBA All-Star Game, simply by paying with their MasterCard cards.”

“NBA All-Star is a marquee event and for one week, the basketball world will converge in Phoenix for a celebration of the game and its greatest players,” said Mark Tatum, Senior Vice President of Marketing Partnerships for the NBA. “We are delighted to partner with MasterCard, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, and Southwest Airlines to provide a one-of-a-kind experience for our fans to attend and experience the excitement of NBA All-Star 2009 in Phoenix.”

How Southwest Airlines Passengers can Fly for a Chance to Win

MasterCard cardholders who book air travel with a valid MasterCard debit or credit card on www.southwest.com/nbabetween Dec. 5 and Dec. 31, 2008 will be automatically entered for the chance to win one of 30 grand prize packages, which include a trip to NBA All-Star 2009, and other NBA-themed prizes.**

“Low fares and the chance to win a trip to the NBA All-Star 2009 game are great reasons to book travel with Southwest Airlines this winter,” said Kevin Krone, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Distribution. “You never know when that flight away for the holidays or a quick getaway could also take you to NBA All-Star 2009 or enable you to win other great prizes.”

Thirty grand prize winners will be selected to win a trip for two to Phoenix, Arizona, for the 2009 NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 15, 2009, which includes round-trip air transportation on Southwest Airlines, standard double-occupancy hotel accommodations for three nights, two tickets to NBA All-Star Saturday Night, the 2009 NBA All-Star Game, and the 2009 NBA All-Star Game Reception, as well as a $200 MasterCard prepaid gift card and NBA merchandise.**

How to Stay for a Chance to Win with Starwood Hotels & Resorts

Between Nov. 17 and Dec. 31, 2008, MasterCard cardholders who use a valid MasterCard debit or credit card to book and pay for a U.S. hotel stay through Starwood’s Better Tomorrows(TM) Offer will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip to NBA All-Star 2009 or other great NBA prizes.** In addition, with Better Tomorrows(TM), for every night guests stay with Starwood, the next night can be 50 percent off when booked at www.starwoodhotels.com/MasterCard between now and March 31, 2009.

One Grand Prize winner will be selected to enjoy a four day, three night trip for four to Phoenix, Arizona for the 2009 NBA All-Star Game on Feb. 15, 2009, including round-trip coach air transportation, two standard double-occupancy hotel accommodations at a Starwood Hotels & Resorts property, four tickets to NBA All-Star Saturday Night and the 2009 NBA All-Star Game, along with the opportunity to meet a NBA player or Legend.**

“This promotion with MasterCard is a great enhancement to our Better Tomorrows offer - giving our customers not only the opportunity to save on their hotel stays, but a chance to attend one of next year’s biggest NBA events, the 2009 NBA All-Star Game,” said Mark Vondrasek, senior vice president of Distribution and Loyalty Marketing for Starwood.

Five First Prize winners will receive a NBA-themed prize package, including a basketball autographed by an NBA All-Star 2009 player and a pair of tickets to a 2009 NBA regular season game. In addition, 100 cardholders will win a 2009 NBA All-Star T-Shirt.**

Southwest Airlines Sweepstakes disclaimer:

** NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sweepstakes open to all legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States, 21 years and older as of December 31, 2008. Sweepstakes starts on 12/5/08 and runs through 12/31/08. Complete rules and alternate form of entry at www.southwest.com/nba. Void where prohibited.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Sweepstakes disclaimer:

** NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void outside of the (50) U.S. & DC & where prohibited. International transactions & purchases at non-participating properties ineligible. Starts 11/17/08. Ends 12/31/08. Restrictions apply. Visit www.starwoodhotels.com/MasterCard for Official Rules, how to enter without purchase, participating Starwood Hotels & Resorts Brands, & complete details.

Inaugural Ball to Support America’s Promise Alliance and Washington, D.C.’s Dunbar High School And the Duke Ellington School of the Arts

NEW YORK, Dec. 15 /PRNewswire/ — BET Networks kicks off the inaugural festivities in Washington, D.C., with the second annual BET HONORS on Saturday, January 17 and concludes with BET’s first-ever Inaugural Ball on Tuesday, January 20.

Hosted by world renowned actress Gabrielle Union, THE BET HONORS will celebrate legendary songstress Mary J. Blige (Entertainment), groundbreaking filmmaker Tyler Perry (Media), celebrated dancer and choreographer Judith Jamison (Education), businessman, philanthropist and basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson (Corporate Citizen), entrepreneur extraordinaire B. Smith (Entrepreneur), and the Honorable Congressman James E. Clyburn (Public Service). The second annual event will take place at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, January 17 and premiere on the network during Black History Month on Monday, February 9 at 9:00 p.m.*

“We are thrilled to kick off this historic inauguration weekend with the return of THE BET HONORS, a truly inspirational event that pays tribute to extraordinary individuals in our community,” said Debra L. Lee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, BET Networks. “And it couldn’t have worked out more perfectly that THE BET HONORS and the Inauguration are happening within days of each other, as President-elect Barack Obama epitomizes all that we had in mind when we first put this show together. I’m certain that this year’s BET HONORS will be even more poignant and powerful than we could have ever imagined.”

“THE BET HONORS recognizes excellence in achievement and celebrates inspiration,” said Stephen Hill, President of Programming, BET Networks. “Last year’s inaugural show had a number of leave-your-seat performances dedicated to our honorees. This year, we’re finding new ways to musically pay tribute so look forward to fresh, unforgettable moments. The pride will show.”

During the historic weekend and following THE BET HONORS, BET Networks will host its first-ever Inaugural Ball and will air a one-hour special, YES WE WILL! BET’S INAUGURAL CELEBRATION, on BET on Tuesday, January 20. Taking place at the Mandarin Oriental hotel, the Ball will be in support of our next generation of national and local leaders, with proceeds benefiting America’s Promise Alliance, the nation’s largest non-profit alliance dedicated to the well-being of children and youth founded by Colin and Alma Powell.

Additionally, the Ball will support two institutions that are committed to the education and advancement of today’s youth in Washington, D.C. - Dunbar High School and the Duke Ellington School of the Arts.

“As we celebrate this historic inauguration and begin a new chapter in our nation’s history, it’s important that we stay focused on our most precious resource — our children and youth,” said Alma J. Powell, chair, America’s Promise Alliance. “We are deeply honored to partner with BET to raise awareness of the challenges facing our young people — and applaud those making a positive difference in their communities. We cannot afford to stand still as more than a million students drop out of high school every year.”

About THE BET HONORS

Last year’s honorees included Alicia Keys, Tyra Banks, Dr. Cornel West, Richard Parsons, the Honorable Maxine Waters and Janice Bryant Howroyd. Hosted by Cedric “The Entertainer,” the first annual event boasted performances and presentations by Stevie Wonder, Jill Scott, Wyclef Jean, Gladys Knight, Brian McKnight, Blair Underwood and Vivica A. Fox, just to name a few.

Stephen Hill, President of Programming, BET Networks, and Lynne Harris Taylor, Vice President of Specials, BET Networks, are the show’s executive producers, along with John Cossette of John Cossette Productions.

For up-to-the-minute and archival press information including releases and photographs, visit BET’s press-only Web site at www.bet.com/pr.

    *All times ET/PT

    About the 2009 BET Honorees

MARY J. BLIGE - Mary J. Blige is an eight-time Grammy Award-winning and Golden Globe-nominated singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, and actress who has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide.

TYLER PERRY - Tyler Perry is a remarkable playwright, screenwriter, actor and director and producer known for his very funny yet poignant plays and movies. Over the years, many credited Perry with resuscitating (and reinventing) African-American theater. Perry’s first eight plays reportedly earned a cumulative gross of more than $75 million in ticket and video sales.

EARVIN “MAGIC” JOHNSON - Earvin “Magic” Johnson is Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises. Through strategic investments, partnerships and endorsements, Magic Johnson Enterprises (MJE) provides products and services that focus on ethnically diverse urban communities. As Chairman and Founder of the Magic Johnson Foundation, he is dedicated to developing programs and supporting services that address the educational, health and social needs of those residing in minority communities. Mr. Johnson is universally known for his 13 year career in the NBA. His honors include: five national championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, three MVP awards, 12 NBA All-Star games, a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Spain and induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Mr. Johnson is also Vice President and part owner of the Los Angeles Lakers.

CONGRESSMAN JAMES E. CLYBURN - Congressman James E. Clyburn is an illustrious politician and House Majority Whip, the third-ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives. In 1992 he became the first African American elected to the House of Representatives from South Carolina since 1897. He proudly represents South Carolina’s 6th Congressional district, the state’s only majority-black district, which includes Florence, Sumter and large portions of Columbia and Charleston. He is second African American (behind Bill Gray of Pennsylvania) and the first South Carolinian to serve as Majority Whip.

JUDITH JAMISON - Judith Jamison is a celebrated dancer, choreographer, and artistic director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, now celebrating its 50th anniversary, and recognized by the U.S. Congress as a vital “American Cultural Ambassador to the World.” One of the most renowned figures in modern dance, she has led the Ailey organization to new heights with the opening of a permanent home in New York City — the nation’s largest building for dance. Dedicated to asserting the prominence of the arts in our culture, Ms. Jamison is an author and a recipient of a primetime Emmy Award and many of the nation’s most prestigious honors given to artists.

B. SMITH - B. Smith is a former fashion model turned restaurateur, television host, author, entrepreneur and entertainer extraordinaire who is widely regarded as an expert when it comes to casual but elegant living. A seasoned culinary expert who was recognized by Elle Décor as one of America’s 10 most outstanding non-professional chefs, Smith is the owner of three successful B. Smith restaurants in New York, Washington D.C., and the scenic Long Island Hampton village of Sag Harbor.

Photo: James Trevenen/Playboy

Some big-name brands flocked to the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, February 17. We touched base with several planners to see what they thought of New Orleans as a host city.

“As far as proximity goes, you couldn’t ask for anything better. Everything is within walking distance or a five-minute cab ride. The footprint of this city is much easier to get around than [last year’s host city] Vegas.”

—Timi Jordan, senior manager of special events marketing, ESPN

“The people of New Orleans couldn’t have been nicer to deal with. They were so genuinely grateful that the NBA chose their city, and they really wanted to showcase how great New Orleans is. They went out of their way to be accommodating.”

—Janet Abbazia, vice president of event marketing, Turner Sports

“We didn’t have trouble with venues at all. Last year, because of our connection to the Palms in Vegas, we didn’t have to do any venue research. This year, though, we came down ahead of time with US Concepts and found a venue [the Foundry] that worked for both of us. New Orleans has a lot of different areas and you want to be in the right area, so it took a little time for us to garner which neighborhood was best, which was closest to the host hotel. And because the NBA events were going on that night—the three-point contest, the slam-dunk contest, etc.—we knew our venue couldn’t be as far out of the downtown area as we were for the Super Bowl. The players had actual game things that they were participating in, so we had to be aware of that when picking a venue.”

—Donna Tavoso, division vice president of creative services, Playboy

“I think there were some challenges presented in New Orleans, in that they just don’t do some stuff there—a lot of our printed materials, for example, we had made in New York and shipped to New Orleans, which led to a couple of shipping issues, of course. We had to have a custom green carpet made in New York, too. But we got really lucky with the venue [Generation Hall]. We started looking a while ago, because it’s definitely a challenge to find a venue that is big enough to host a seated dinner and an after-party for 750 people.”

—April McDaniels, event producer, Strategic Group

Singer Jay-Z set his lawyers in a full force attack against the ICE nightclub when he learned they were promoting his appearance there – at the same time he will be hosting his own party with LeBron James at the rival TAO nightclub in the Venetian tonight. He filed in the 8th Judicial District Court (Case # A536361) and won a temporary restraining order against ICE for its unauthorized use of his name and likeness. His lawyer, Robert Reynolds, told us: “Jay-Z is often misrepresented. False representation of a party at ICE is particularly egregious as his name, likeness, and both of his companies, Rockafella Records and Rocawear, are being used to sell tickets when he has no association with that event. Jay-Z is actually hosting his own party at another location Saturday night in Las Vegas. We will successfully shut down the event at ICE and want to warn innocent attendees of falsely promoted party.”

The city shut down Diddy as fire and safety officials nixed the mogul rapper’s daredevil attempt to repel his way through the open-rooftop of Moon nightclub tonight from a helicopter at The Palms. Less than two hours after LUXE LIFE’s exclusive story of Diddy’s “grand entrance,” the stunt was canceled because of safety and security concerns. Now, Diddy is dreaming a new headline-making opportunity.

Singer Jay-Z set his lawyers in a full force attack against the ICE nightclub when he learned they were promoting his appearance there – at the same time he will be hosting his own party with LeBron James at the rival TAO nightclub in the Venetian tonight. He filed in the 8th Judicial District Court (Case # A536361) and won a temporary restraining order against ICE for its unauthorized use of his name and likeness. His lawyer, Robert Reynolds, told us: “Jay-Z is often misrepresented. False representation of a party at ICE is particularly egregious as his name, likeness, and both of his companies, Rockafella Records and Rocawear, are being used to sell tickets when he has no association with that event. Jay-Z is actually hosting his own party at another location Saturday night in Las Vegas. We will successfully shut down the event at ICE and want to warn innocent attendees of falsely promoted party.”

In fact, Jay-Z, “king of entertainment,” and LeBron James, “king of sports,” will take over the 42,000 square-foot TAO restaurant and nightclub tonight to co-host a private “power dinner” that will consist of a who’s who in the entertainment and sports industries, including many of the CEOs and CMOs from Fortune 500 companies who will be in town for the NBA All-Star Weekend. Following the exclusive dinner, guests will go upstairs to the Asian-themed nightclub where they will be joined by 1,500 stars and athletes who will party to the sounds of DJ Funk Master Flex till dawn. On the guest list are Anthony Kiedis, Ari Emanuelle, Bruce Ratner, Christina Aguilera, Diddy, Donny Deutsch, Gayle King, Harvey Weinstein, Jason Kidd, Kobe Bryant, Larry Johnson, Mary J. Blige, Roy Williams, Steven Stoute, Tiki Barber, Usher and Wayne Newton.

By the way, Beyonce Knowles and her sister were at Okada in the Wynn but no sign — since before Valentine’s Day when they were apart — of her with-longtime beau Jay-Z which could mean they’ve split up as rumored. He was at Nobu in the Hard Rock leaving the girls alone. I’ll be watching tonight at TAO to see if they are back arm-in-arm, but for now, her name isnt’t on the guest-list!!!

Shaq O’Neill also found himself in the center of an alleged $75,000 financial dispute and boycotted a party using his name that a corporate sponsor planned in a buyout of the RAIN nightclub at the Palms where he was staying. Instead, he took off for the rival Tryst nightclub in the Wynn, and as a result with all the traffic congestion he also failed to make it for the Walk of Stars unveiling planned at the Brenden Theatres in the Palms. However, earlier he show with real-estate developer Michael Bellon (picturred) who has built the Pinnacle condo apartments here for a party at celebrity chef Alain Ducasse’s MIX restaurant and ultra-lounge atop THEHotel at Mandalay Bay.

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