World Cup Hitch Hiking the English Way: World Cup Companions

Ah, I have been off the grid for a little while. Therefore it is high time that I catch you up on the latest developments in world cup news.

The English have harnessed the power of social networking to help them get the party started in Cape Town. World Cup Campanions is an online tool that will bring the latest information on pub gatherings, match meetups and roommate requests.

Talk about a hitch hiker's dream. What's going on American squad? Let's get something up and goin' so I have somewhere to crash after the match!

Get Wings & Go to South Africa: Red Bull Calls All Freestyle Footballers

Are you ready for 3 minutes, 2 competitors and 1 ball? Well, you should be.

Red Bull is offering American freestyle footballers an opportunity to battle for a chance to represent in the 2010 World Championship in South Africa.

If you love soccer, tricks, music (and an ultra hip crowd), it is an event that you can't miss. I will be in the building for what promises to be an all out, no holds barred U.S. Final.

Now here's the kicker (no pun intended), there are still some coveted spots left! If you want to put your skills on display or know someone who can rep the red, white and blue in Cape Town, go to Red Bull Street Style and then shoot me a message so I can tell the "powers that be" to be on the lookout for your vid.

Seize the opportunity!

LACF Kickoff: World Cup 2010 Packages on Sale Now

Have you been dragging your feet to get tickets to see the US play in South Africa? If so, the LACF will be a game saver for 48 corporate sponsors. Tickets to the 2010 World Cup are already sold out, but soccer lovers can still see the U.S. team in action, live in South Africa, by becoming a sponsor of the LAFC Foundation, the charitable umbrella for one of America's largest youth soccer organizations.

Through the LAFC Foundation website, 48 corporate "Follow the USA Ticket & Tour Packages" are available exclusively to sponsors.

These packages include:

•June 11: World Cup Opening Game: South Africa vs. Mexico
•Three USA pool games:
•June 12: U.S. vs. England
•June 18: U.S. vs. Slovenia
•June 23: U.S. vs. Algeria
•June 21: Portugal vs. North Korea

Get them while they're hot!

Musician Sting Promotes Hope Is A Game Changer

Musical legend Sting joins the blogosphere for the very first time as a contributor to ReadersDigest.com. Sting's blog details his work with philanthropist Bobby Sager.

Sting's blog, "Sting and Sager Deliver Hope for the Holidays," is the magazine's first foray into celebrity blogging. Sting's words will also be translated for the magazine's global websites, including Reader's Digest Poland, Singapore, Germany, Spain, Portugal, India, Taiwan/Hong Kong, and Canada.

The blog entry petitions readers to look inward and ask themselves whether they are doing enough to help someone else in the world. Sting tells of his own deep connection to the Hope Is a Game Changer project, which he founded with Sager to deliver thousands of indestructible soccer balls to children in need around the world.

Within the blog, Sting describes his relationship with Sager and his book The Power of the Invisible Sun, the proceeds of which go entirely toward the Hope Is a Game Changer project. "Bobby and I share the unwavering belief that hope really is a game changer, especially for children," Sting writes. "We believe that each indestructible ball delivered will come to represent a lasting symbol of hope. A light no matter how small--that is the power of the invisible sun."

To view Sting's blog, visit www.ReadersDigest.com/Sting.

Sony Brings 3D FIFA 2010 Experience to Rio

Want to enjoy the total FIFA 2010 experience without leaving the sandy beaches of Copacabana? Now, you can.

Sony Corporation and FIFA are collaborating to produce the world's first FIFA World Cup(TM) in 3D. Up to 25 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa(TM) matches will be produced using Sony's 3D professional cameras, which will provide coverage of the action that is unprecedented in depth, vividness and excitement to people around the world.

Viewers will be able to enjoy 3D experiences at the following locations:

- During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, FIFA will host the "International FIFA
Fan Fest(TM)" public viewing events in 7 cities around the world (Berlin,
London, Mexico City, Paris, Rio De Janeiro, Rome, and Sydney). At Sony's
commercial displays located within the "Fan Fest," people will be able to
enjoy and experience promotional highlight trailers of the FIFA World Cup
in 3D.

- In anticipation of the Official 3D Film, viewers will be able to watch
promotional trailers for the film of the World Cup in 3D at retail
outlets(including Sony stores) that sell Sony products around the world.

- Sony Pictures Home Entertainment plans to produce and distribute the
Official 3D Film on the Blu-ray Disc*[1] and other formats.

Walmart Officially Joins the World Cup 2010 Team

Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has announced that it will join the World Cup 2010 sponsorship team. The global, low price retailer will operate 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) Official Event Stores in nearly all of its retail markets around the world. The retailer will feature FIFA event branded shops inside select stores that will offer exclusive FIFA World Cup(TM) official licensed products and host special events leading up to the games.

All 2010 FIFA World Cup(TM) branded merchandise will be customized for the country where it will be sold. With everything from hats and bags, to soccer balls and T-shirts, fans who visit the shops will be able to support their team like never before.

INTERSPORT Brings Africa to Paris

Do you dream of seeing your African squad? INTERSPORT, the world's leading Sports Retailer, is bringing your Black Stars, Les Elephants and Indomitable Lions to the "City of Lights."

INTERSPORT announced a new partnership agreement to cooperate with three major PUMA African Football Federations: Ghana, Ivory Coast and Cameroon.

Starting with the Orange African Cup of Nations, INTERSPORT will sponsor a host of online and in-store activities for fans. The marquee event will be the unique "African experience", which will bring Ghana, Ivory Coast and Cameroon to Paris in preparation for the FIFA World Cup.

Mark your calendars for footballer sightings, interviews and training camp sneak peaks in Paris.