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Datebook.Navigation: Main page Author: Burton, DanielleEkman, Monica M.Hook, Carol S.Jack, Jennifer L.Konieczko, Jill
FRIDAY, JUNE 9 • HIS MAJESTY'S DAY. The world's longest-reigning monarch, Thailand's beloved King Bhumibol Adulyadej, celebrates 60 years on the throne, capping three decades marked by social and political turmoil. Royalty from 30 countries will attend events to honor the 78-year-old king, as Bangkok observes a two-day holiday. A fleet of hand-carved teak ships, powered by 2,200 oarsmen, will glide down the Chao Phraya River on June 12. The next night, the king and royal family host a state banquet inside the Grand Palace. Also marking the anniversary is the ongoing expansive restoration project of more than 150 of Thailand's religious and historical sites. • PASS THE CUP. The 2006 FIFA World Cup kicks off in Germany, as 32 countries--including first-timers Angola, Ivory Coast, and Ukraine--vie for the global soccer championship. Although no team outside Europe or South America has ever hoisted the cup in victory, the U.S. team enters the competition this year ranked in the top five. With a real shot at a U.S. victory and more convenient TV viewing times, more Americans are expected to tune in. Queen Elizabeth is so confident in the British team that she has already set aside July 10 to welcome home the presumptive victors. More than just international bragging rights are at stake. World Cup sponsors, which include Visa, Coca-Cola, Adidas, Sony, Yahoo, McDonald's, and MasterCard, commit upwards of $200 million each for the privilege of connecting their brands to the event. All 3 million tickets for the 64 matches have already been sold, and hotels have confirmed over a million overnight stays for fans from 72 countries. Germans are hopeful that the infusion will help pull them out of a five-year economic slump. SATURDAY, JUNE 10• REACHING THE SUMMIT. Female leaders in business, the professions, and government gather for the Global Summit of Women in Cairo. "The Davos for Women," as the conference is known, will bring together participants from more than 83 countries, including the first lady of Mexico, Marta Sahagun de Fox, and executives from Microsoft, IBM, and Cisco Systems. The focus this year is on using technology to improve women's economic progress and to enhance global business alliances. SUNDAY, JUNE 11• NIGHT OF NIGHTS. Time was when winners of the Tony Awards were presented with cigarette lighters and compacts. The prize, now a medallion with the masks of comedy and tragedy on one side and Antoinette Perry on the other, carries a lot more weight. Broadway has much to celebrate these days, including boffo attendance and big box-office grosses--not surprising with tickets to hot Broadway shows going for as much as $300 each. In honor of its 60th year, the ceremony at Radio City Music Hall (broadcast on CBS) will feature 60 celebrities presenting the honors. Leading the nominations: The Drowsy Chaperone, a tribute to the musicals of the 1920s; The Color Purple, produced by Oprah Winfrey; and The Pajama Game, a revival starring Harry Connick Jr. MONDAY, JUNE 12• ONLINE OSCARS. When the first Webby Awards were introduced 10 years ago, prizes for achievement in interactive media were awarded in just 15 categories. Today, the competition extends to over 65 categories, including new ones this year for political and business blogs. When the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences holds its celebration in New York, it will present prizes to Flickr, Google Earth, Epicurious.com, and BBC News, among others. Members of the academy select the nominees and Webby Award winners, and the online community chooses the People's Voice Award honorees. In a hallmark of the ceremony, winners are limited to five-word acceptance speeches. Memorable ones from last year: "Live the American dream. Rent" (Apartments .com, People's Voice Winner for Best Real Estate Site) and "Please don't recount this vote" (Al Gore, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award). TUESDAY, JUNE 13• FAITH FEST. The Episcopal Church holds its 75th General Convention in Columbus, Ohio. More than 800 clergy members and church representatives are expected to discuss things like the election of the 26th presiding bishop, who succeeds the Most Rev. Frank Griswold, by a majority vote of the 311 members of the church's House of Bishops. Attendees will also address a proposal for the church to "express regret" over the election of a gay bishop, Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, in 2003. Some conservative and evangelical members were so offended by Robinson's election that they have threatened to split from the Anglican communion. Presumably less controversy will mark the 30th anniversary this year of the Episcopal Church's authorization of women to be ordained as priests. As of last fall, Episcopal women accounted for 4,607 priests, 1,329 deacons, and 12 bishops. PHOTO (COLOR): JUNE 9. Japan and Germany in a heady scrimmage ~~~~~~~~ By Danielle Burton With Monica M. Ekman; Carol S. Hook; Jennifer L. Jack and Jill Konieczko in the Fair Use guidelines of the 1976 U.S. Copyright Act. info [at] singlearticles.com Powered by CommonSense |
Have iPod, Will Travel. Grid-tied Solar Money Management. (cover story) Did Someone Say Bubble? |
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