Attn. SALTYT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW YORK, Feb. 11 -- An American candy icon has been transformed for Valentine's Day. With the help of The New England Confectionary Company (NECCO), SPLENDA® Brand, the no-calorie sweetener, is offering a new twist on February's favorite candy to prove that you can enjoy the great taste of sugar with fewer calories. Over 16 million of the popular "conversation hearts" will have a 30 percent sugar reduction this Valentine's season. SPLENDA® Brand has teamed with supermodel, super-mom and American sweetheart, Niki Taylor, to share the sweetness and help kick off SPLENDA® Brand Valentine's Week festivities from New York City.
"I'm excited to play a part in the SPLENDA® Brand festivities this Valentine's holiday and to educate the public on how they can eat healthier without sacrificing the joy of taste. SPLENDA® Brand is a great alternative for people who love sweet things, but can do without the calories that come along with them. What's even better is that it is good for the whole family, from kids to grandparents," said Taylor.

By Robert Kahn STAFF WRITER, NEWSDAY

Fernanda Tavares says there's more than one way to, well, uh, skin a cat.

When PETA protesters in November rushed the catwalk at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, Tavares was just a couple of strides behind fellow Brazilian supermodel - and target - Gisele Bundchen, who was accused of being "Fur Scum."

"It was a little bit scary for us, because we were just working," Tavares says.

But yesterday, there was the 5-foot-10 glamazon sitting in the front row for the PETA-sponsored Gaelyn & Cianfarani show.

"I don't think going out on a runway and attacking the models is the right way to show you don't like something. But this - having a show that doesn't use leather or fur - is," Tavares said of the East Village designers' new wares, which included latex dresses and a trenchcoat made of rubber recycled from old tires.

Tavares, who this week has worked the runways for Sean Combs and Diane von Furstenberg, says she was actually a natural convert to the PETA cause.

"I was concerned because Gisele is my friend, but I also wanted to talk to them because I'm against fur and there was a side of me that was happy it happened," she admits.

PETA's newest supporter says she is still willing to work a show that features real fur, but refuses to wear it herself. And she has made her spindly- legged runway sisters one promise. Says Tavares: "I would never go attack someone."