Latin DVD Conference 3
Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne April 11 2006
MBN
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ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY
Latin DVD 3 Conference
Latin DVD Awards
Paramount Pictures' First-of-Its-Kind Program With Xbox Integrates Movie Content Within the Gaming Environment
Today's Top-Selling Rock, Alternative & Hip-Hop Artists Deliver Radical New Hardcore Sounds on WWE: Wreckless Intent
New Website for Video Gamers Offers Competitive Skilled Wagering for Current and Future Online Home Console Games
'American Idol' Predictions Announced by Wynn Las Vegas
VH1 Soul Blooms in April With Original Programming Including Exclusive Amel Larrieux Album Release Party and World Premiere Videos
Beyond Belief Media Launches Preemptive Strike on Easter
Copies of Controversial Documentary Are Hidden in Churches Throughout U.S.
The 'Kids Are Back! Cabbage Patch Kids
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill's Soul2Soul II is 'Most Requested Event' for First Quarter 2006
MTV and VH1 will paint their respective broadband and mobile platforms "pink"
Move over MTV
Under-30 Crowd Will Drive Media Future
UPFRONT at ABC great
SPORTS & AUTOS
Oakland and Dodger baseball
CBS, Discovery Channel Descend on Hurley Waterfalls as Kayaker Plummets 110 Feet
Gatorade Sports Science Institute Issues Hydration Recommendations for Boston Marathon Runners
USA TODAY and NADA Name Winner of Dealer Innovation Award
The All-New Audi TT in Fashion in New York City
DOD
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
DoD Announces Winners of Annual Modeling and Simulation Awards
NEWS
'Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs' Brings an Estimated $150 Million to Fort Lauderdale During Its Four-Month Run
Hubble Finds 'Tenth Planet' Is Slightly Larger Than Pluto
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ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION,
TECHNOLOGY
Latin DVD Conference 3
Today I attended the third annual Latin DVD conference held by Home Media Retailing.
Its moderator was Thomas K Arnold.
The conference was devided up in the following sessions:
Opening remarks about the industry from Univision Television group representative, Adriana Olvarez.
about the industry from Univision Television group representative, Adriana Olvarez.Generation Si:The evolving face of the market hosted by Mr. Arnold with panelists Ana Aguilar direcxtor of marketing Univision Home Entertainment, Elart Coello, present Laguna Productions, Greta Nodar, director of sales and Latin programming Image Entertainment, Julio Noriega director of the film division Venevision international and Antonio Sosa Vp of multicultural sales Warner Home Studio.
hosted by Mr. Arnold with panelists Ana Aguilar direcxtor of marketing Univision Home Entertainment, Elart Coello, present Laguna Productions, Greta Nodar, director of sales and Latin programming Image Entertainment, Julio Noriega director of the film division Venevision international and Antonio Sosa Vp of multicultural sales Warner Home Studio.This was followed by a networking break where I talked to otherrs there about the market.
Next was Latino Niches: Beyond The Basic Drama: The host was Stephanie Prange of Home Media Retailing. Panelists included Christ Lynch EVP and GM of Ventura Home Entertainment, Michael Rathauser VP marketing Lionsgate, Monica Ricardez national Latin product director Tower Records and Video,Leigh Savidge present Xenon Pictures, Soumya Sriraman Vp marketing & operations Visual Entertainment.
This was followed by lunch and the Latin DVD Awards hosted by Joey Madina a young Latin whose Latin Palooza DVD will be coming out July 18th, 2006.
After lunch was Talent Talk: The Latinos Behind the Films hosted by Angelique
Flores of Home Media Entertainment with panelists Julio Caro, producer,writer actor Rick Najera, and Leonard Villareal producer.
Much valuable information was given at the conference including clues as to why the fuss about immigration reform.
There are currently 40 to 50 million Latinos in this country at the moment and growing. One out of every five children being born in this country are Latinos. They are fastest growing minority in this nation making up over 47 percent of the total population growth.
In Los Angeles county 72 percent of all those under the age of 30 are Latino and most are born in the USA. 28 percent of all under 30 in this country are Latin and 80 percent born here. They represent 30 percent of the box office in this country.
They like family entertainment and skew towards the types of family entertainment produced in the 40’s 50’s and 60’s by the major American production companies.
While the English speaking sales of records, CD’s and DVD’s have fallen or stalled the Latin market is up by 12 percent.
In this country as of last estimate they are a 700 billion dollar a year buying force and by 2025 will be a three trillion dollar a year force.
The younger Lations tend to speak Spanish more then do their parents.
Over 10 million own DVD players.
They tend to be more family oriented hence the desire to seek family entertainment out.
More to come tomorrow
William Hoehne
Latin DVD Awards
Cronicas," a thriller about a Miami TV reporter who investigates a string of gruesome child murders in Ecuador, won top honors at the second annual Latino DVD Awards, presented Tuesday in West Hollywood.
The film, directed by Sebastian Cordero was named best of show, beating more than 30 contenders that were entered into the annual contest, produced by trade publication Home Media Retailing magazine.
The film also won for best special features, with one judge calling the "Cronicas" DVD "a model for U.S. releases, with its well-crafted menu, detailed introductions to deleted scenes and shocking alternate ending." It was released by Palm Pictures and Visual Entertainment.
A panel of entertainment journalists judged the contest, in which Spanish-language DVDs
released domestically in 2005 competed in seven categories.
The other winners:
Best theatrical DVD: "The Sea Inside" (New Line Home Entertainment), director Alejandro Amenabar's true-life story of a Spanish man who fought a 30-year campaign in support of euthanasia.
Best nontheatrical DVD: "Flores De Otro Mundo" (Image Entertainment), about three women and three men whose lives connect at a bachelor party.
Best classic/catalog DVD: "The Mambo Kings Special Edition" (Warner Home Video), the 1992 film about two musician brothers who leave Cuba for the U.S. in the 1950s in the hopes of making it big in the booming Latino music scene.
Best U.S. production: "Carlito's Way: Ultimate Edition," (Universal Studios Home Entertainment), the Brian De Palma gangster film with Al Pacin as a Puerto Rican ex-con trying desperately to go straight.
Best children's DVD: "The Three Wise Men" (Buena Vista Home Entertainment), the tale of the Magi.
The second annual Latino DVD Awards were part of the third annual Latino DVD Conference
Paramount Pictures' First-of-Its-Kind Program With Xbox Integrates Movie Content Within the Gaming Environment
Campaign Launches With 'Mission: Impossible III' and 'Nacho Libre'
Paramount Pictures and Xbox have pioneered the first-ever Xbox Movie Showcase cross-platform marketing program between a movie studio and Microsoft's Xbox Live. Launching tomorrow (April 12, 2006), the Xbox Movie Showcase will feature free, high-definition, downloadable content from two of the most highly anticipated films of the summer: the action-thriller "Mission: Impossible III," starring Tom Cruise and directed by J.J. Abrams (the creator of "Lost" and "Alias"), hitting theaters May 5, and "Nacho Libre," a comedy starring Jack Black and directed by Jared Hess, the director of "Napoleon Dynamite," in theaters June 16.
The Xbox Movie Showcase content includes HD movie trailers, exclusive theme packs, and graphics allowing Xbox gamers to customize their gaming experiences, theming their Xbox Live experience to "M:i:III" and "Nacho Libre." In addition, as part of this first-of-its kind agreement, stars of Paramount films, including Jack Black, will participate in Xbox's "Game with Fame," where gamers can enter for a chance to play a game online against their favorite celebrities. Taking the program off-line, Paramount's DVDs will be featured in a Digital Entertainment Lifestyle video promoted across Xbox kiosks in 30,000 retail stores worldwide.
Commenting on the announcement, Gerry Rich, president of worldwide motion picture marketing, said, "This ground-breaking agreement takes interactive marketing and digital entertainment to new heights, representing the perfect match between gamers and the summer movies they can't wait to see."
"Paramount shares our commitment to providing an entertaining and meaningful gaming experience for Xbox gamers," said Aaron Greenberg, Group Marketing Manager, Xbox Live. "We're excited to be starting out on this multi-picture campaign and look forward to continuing to provide compelling entertainment experiences to gamers everywhere."
Xbox Live momentum has accelerated since Xbox 360 was launched, with more than half of all Xbox 360 owners connecting with the online games and entertainment service, which boasts a worldwide community of more than 2 million members. Xbox Live has grown into a social community with 600,000 text messages sent every day between members and its Marketplace has reached over 10 million downloads.
Paramount's relationship with Xbox began in December with the unveiling of the HD teaser trailer for "Mission: Impossible III."
Paramount Pictures presents a Cruise|Wagner production, "Mission: Impossible III." The film is directed by J.J. Abrams and produced by Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner, from a screenplay written by Alex Kurtzman & Roberto Orci & J.J. Abrams, based on the television series created by Bruce Geller. The film stars Tom Cruise, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ving Rhames, Billy Crudup, Michelle Monaghan, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Keri Russell, Maggie Q, and Laurence Fishburne. The film is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of frenetic violence and menace, disturbing images, and brief sensuality.
Paramount Pictures presents a Nickelodeon Movies and Black & White production of a Jared Hess film, "Nacho Libre," starring Jack Black. The film also stars Ana de la Reguera, Hector Jimenez, Richard Montoya, and Peter Stormare and is directed by Jared Hess. The screenplay is written by Jared Hess & Jerusha Hess & Mike White. "Nacho Libre" is produced by Mike White, Jack Black, Julia Pistor, and David Klawans. The executive producer is Steve Nicolaides. This film is not yet rated.
Paramount Pictures is part of the entertainment operations of Viacom Inc., one of the leading global entertainment content companies, with prominent and respected brands in focused demographics across virtually all media.
Source: Paramount Pictures
Today's Top-Selling Rock, Alternative & Hip-Hop Artists Deliver Radical New Hardcore Sounds on WWE: Wreckless Intent
Scorching New Collection of WWE(R) Superstar Theme Music Features Head-Crunching Original Tracks by Saliva, P.O.D., Motorhead & Others Including First New Music From Three 6 Mafia Since Oscar Night
Available Tuesday, May 23
Columbia Records is set to release WWE: Wreckless Intent -- a knock-out compilation of World Wrestling Entertainment's Superstars' entrance theme music performed by today's hottest hardcore rock, alternative and hip-hop artists -- on Tuesday, May 23.
The songs on WWE: Wreckless Intent are the massively powerful wrestlers' themes heard during the WWE's enormously successful TV shows -- "SmackDown!(R)," "RAW(R)," "WrestleMania(R)," and "Saturday Night's Main Event(TM)" -- as performed by today's top-selling aggro-rock and rap artists. The album features the first new music -- "Some Bodies Gonna Get It" (as associated with the WWE talent Mark Henry(TM)) -- from Three 6 Mafia since the dirty south rappers took home the Academy Award for Best Original Song earlier this month.
"Once again, we've merged some of today's cutting edge musical acts along with the premiere sports entertainment company and the WWE Superstars that reach fans around the world," said Neil Lawi, General Manager WWE Music Group. "WWE: Wreckless Intent is filled with entrance themes from both RAW(R) and Friday Night SmackDown(R) Superstars as performed by some of today's hottest rock and hip-hop artists. This album will further push our brand into pop culture, and additionally solidify our commitment to working within the music industry and artists on a global basis."
WWE: Wreckless Intent
Artists - Tracks - WWE talent:
Saliva - "I Walk Alone" - Batista(TM)
Mercy Drive - "Burn In My Light" - Randy Orton(R)
Homebwoi - "Hard Hittin'" - Coach(TM)
Brand New Sin - "Crank It Up" - Big Show(R)
Desiree Jackson - "Holla" - Candice(TM)
Eleventh Hour - "A Girl Like That" - Torrie Wilson(R)
Kaballon - "Quien Soy Yo (Who I Am)" - Carlito(TM)
Theory of a Deadman - "Deadly Game"
Silkk the Shocker - "I'm Comin'"
Shadows Fall - "Fury Of The Storm" - Rob Van Dam(R)
Three 6 Mafia - "Some Bodies Gonna Get It" - Mark Henry
Zebrahead - "With Legs Like That" - Maria(TM)
Killswitch Engage - "This Fire Burns"
P.O.D. - "Booyaka 619" - Rey Mysterio(R)
Motorhead - "King of Kings" - Triple H(R)
Tracks on WWE: Wreckless Intent will be integrated into all aspects of World Wrestling Entertainment programming including syndicated television, Pay-Per-View, online initiatives, consumer products and live events including "WrestleMania," "RAW(R)," and "SmackDown!(R)" TV in the month of April.
WWE: Wreckless Intent is being released in conjunction with the "WrestleMania 22" DVD.
World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. is an integrated media and entertainment company, principally engaged in the development, production and marketing of television programming, pay-per-view programming and live events, and the licensing and sale of branded consumer products featuring the highly successful World Wrestling Entertainment brand. WWE is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in London, Los Angeles, New York and Toronto. WWE is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WWE.
Founded by Vincent and Linda McMahon, World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. has been involved in the sports entertainment business for more than 20 years, developing into one of the most popular forms of entertainment today.
http://www.columbiarecords.com/wwe
Source: Columbia Records
New Website for Video Gamers Offers Competitive Skilled Wagering for Current and Future Online Home Console Games
The future of online gaming is now upon us with the launch of UGX1.com (Under Ground X-Change). The website is a breath of fresh air for the gambling public interested in skilled wagering for popular online home console video game tournaments.
With the release of online video games, gamers have logged hundreds of thousands of playing hours and counting. UGX1 provides a place for the world's best gamers to meet and bet against one another for cash in head-to-head or tournament style competitions 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This service was developed to give gamers a chance to improve game play and earn cash after every tournament, unlike LAN Tournaments, where only a few players reign as winners.
UGX1.com gamers play in the comfort of their own home, with fewer opponents, yielding greater statistical tournament results. Our members have real-time account adjustments and tournament ladders; they also set their own wager amounts, interact with other gamers in our chat rooms, and can easily set up potential four or eight person tournaments at their discretion.
"I usually play multiplayer games with my friends, and when I'm not working we play online tournaments. UGX1.com tournaments have brought Las Vegas to my home console controller," says Theo, a UGX1 member. With lightning quick payouts, the days of waiting weeks or months to receive tournament monies are extinct.
UGX1.com is revered as the supreme online gaming community, servicing adult video gamers across the globe. In a rapidly expanding gaming marketplace growing at a rate of 15% a year, video gamers are taking their skills to new levels, literally in their own hands, as tournaments have become an outlet for fierce competition.
UGX1.com honors Under Ground Gamers who now call UGX1.com home to all their skilled wagering needs. The time has come for Online Gamers to reap the rewards of their hard work, sleepless nights, sore hands and broken controllers. "It's not just for bragging rights anymore!"
Source: UGX1.com
Web site: http://www.ugx1.com/
'American Idol' Predictions Announced by Wynn Las Vegas
John Avello, Director of Race & Sports Operations, Releases His Weekly Odds for the Fox Reality Show All eyes -- and bets -- are on the Fox reality show "American Idol" to generate the most intense competition of the year, according to John Avello, director of race & sports operations for Wynn Las Vegas.
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Avello, whose purview normally covers all on-site sports bets and nationwide horse racing for the Las Vegas Strip venue, has assessed all "Idol" contestants since the launch of the show. He has a near perfect record, pegging advance #1 rankings to winners Ruben Studdard, Fantasia and Carrie Underwood weeks before their crowning.
As of today, Avello has given open odds to win the 2006 season of "Idol" as follows:
#8 Bucky: 35/1
#7 Taylor: 25/1
#6 Kellie: 15/1
#5 Elliott: 12/1
#4 Paris: 10/1
#3 Katharine: 8/1
#2 Ace: 5/1
and the best bet to win the fifth season of "American Idol":
#1 Chris: 4/1
"This competition is all about the voters at home, but they're not necessarily voting based on talent," says Avello, who has also supplemented his sports focus with other entertainment odds-making including the Oscars, Emmys and Grammys. Avello will update his "American Idol" odds each week until the series finale on May 24.
Odds to win attached are for wagering entertainment purposes only.
About Wynn Las Vegas
Wynn Resorts is traded on the NASDAQ stock exchange under the ticker symbol WYNN and, since December 2004, it has been part of the NASDAQ-100 Index. Wynn Las Vegas, a $2.7 billion luxury hotel and destination casino resort located on the Las Vegas Strip, opened to the public on April 28, 2005. Wynn Las Vegas features 2,716 luxurious guest rooms and suites; an 111,000 square foot casino; 22 food and beverage outlets; an on-site 18-hole golf course; approximately 223,000 square feet of meeting space; an on-site Ferrari and Maserati dealership; and approximately 76,000 square feet of retail space. For more information, visit www.wynnlasvegas.com.
Source: Wynn Las Vegas
VH1 Soul Blooms in April With Original Programming Including Exclusive Amel Larrieux Album Release Party and World Premiere Videos
Acclaimed Gospel Singer Kirk Franklin to Host "Inspirational Soul Show" on Easter Sunday, April 16 at 8:00 AM Coming off its recent re-launch, VH1 Soul continues its momentum by presenting a new episode of "Inspirational Soul Show" featuring famed soul and gospel artist Kirk Franklin, an Album Release Party for Amel Larrieux, and world premiere videos by new R&B artists Raheem Devaughn and Corinne Bailey Rae.
Famed gospel singer Kirk Franklin will host VH1 Soul's "Inspirational Soul Show" on Easter Sunday, April 16 at 8:00 AM. The hour-long program will showcase viewers' video requests and will also highlight some of Franklin's favorite inspirational videos. The program will re-air on April 16 at 4:00 PM and 12:00 midnight.
Then on Friday, April 21 through Tuesday, April 25, VH1 Soul will air an exclusive Album Release Party spotlighting Amel Larrieux's upcoming album, "Morning." The release party will include airing the new album in its entirety and a block of Amel Larrieux's music videos as well as exclusive interviews and live performances and concerts.
On Monday, April 17 at the top of every hour, VH1 Soul will World premiere Raheem Devaughn newest video "You" and on Monday, May 8 the network will debut Corinne Bailey Rae's newest video "Put Your Records On" at the top of each hour.
In addition, VH1 Soul continues to support R&B artists such as Anthony Hamilton and Heather Headley by presenting their current tours which includes promoting the concerts and ticket information on the channel and at the VH1 Soul web site (www.vh1soul.com). VH1 Soul has already presented tours by Leela James, Jaguar Wright, Kindred, the Family Soul and Floetry.
VH1 Soul re-launched on February 1 in nearly 20 million homes with its first-ever line-up of 10 separate themed music video program blocks that spotlight the top names and new faces in R&B music today. VH1 Soul programming blocks include The Soul Player," "Top 10: Best In Soul," "Soulphrodisiac" and "Speak Your Soul."
Launched in 1997, VH1 Soul is the 24-hour network that brings music lovers the hottest, soul, neo-soul an R&B hits from the 90s and today featuring core artists such as Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, Outkast, Mary J. Blige and Usher. VH1 Soul, the premier source for all R&B and soul music, is now seen in the Top 20 U.S. markets for African-Americans and is available in nearly 20 million U.S. households.
Web site: www.vh1soul.com
Beyond Belief Media Launches Preemptive Strike on Easter
Copies of Controversial Documentary Are Hidden in Churches Throughout U.S.
Declaring War on Easter, Beyond Belief Media has launched a preemptive attack on the Christian holiday, the company announced today. "Operation Easter Sanity" has already begun (www.waroneaster.org)
Using its documentary THE GOD WHO WASN'T THERE as the chief weapon, Beyond Belief Media is covertly planting DVDs of the film in churches throughout the United States. The popular movie, currently ranked #1 on Amazon.com's independent documentaries list, is critical of the irrational beliefs of Christians and asserts that Jesus Christ did not exist.
A total of 666 DVDs will be hidden like "Easter eggs" in sanctuaries, church yards and other holy areas by Beyond Belief Media's national team of volunteers. The DVDs will be slipped into hymnals and other locations where they are likely to be discovered by unsuspecting worshippers.
Some DVDs of THE GOD WHO WASN'T THERE will be planted by undercover operatives among actual Easter eggs at churches holding egg hunts on Easter Sunday.
"People go to churches to hide from the truth," explained Beyond Belief Media president Brian Flemming, a former Christian fundamentalist. "At no time is this more apparent than Easter, when Christians get together to convince each other that a man died, stayed dead three days, rose from the dead and then flew into the air above the clouds.
"Our nonviolent campaign sends the message that nowhere in the country is safe from the truth. Wherever Christian leaders are indoctrinating children with 2000-year-old fairy tales, the truth may just find its way there.
"Our 'War on Easter' is of course completely without violence of any kind. Christians believe that beating a man to a pulp and nailing him to a cross somehow solves all the world's problems. Beyond Belief Media does not."
A website offering more details, including "battle reports" from covert operatives, is on the web at: http://www.waroneaster.org/
Source: Beyond Belief Media
The 'Kids Are Back! Cabbage Patch Kids(R): The Patch Puppy Rescue Now Available for Game Boy(R) Advance From D3Publisher of America
Just in time for Spring, the Cabbage Patch Kids(R) are back on the scene and finding their way into the hands of Game Boy(R) Advance players. D3Publisher of America (D3PA), a publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software, announced today the release of Cabbage Patch Kids: The Patch Puppy Rescue for Game Boy(R) Advance, where players can help rescue the mischievous puppies that have escaped from the Babyland Playroom.
"Two generations later, Cabbage Patch Kids are still one of the most beloved and popular children's products of all time," said Careen Yapp, vice president of licensing and business development for D3PA. "We are proud to introduce a new generation of children to the fun and adventures of the 'Kids in a whole new way on Game Boy(R) Advance."
While seeking out the lost puppies, players may choose from a randomly generated selection and play as a unique Cabbage Patch Kid. Players will have the ability to help fellow 'Kids find their puppies, each into their own mischief, while encountering different events in town. By helping friends, players will be given hints to the whereabouts of the puppies. All environments and puppies are interactive and there is a variety of exciting, unlockable content, including hidden story elements, characters and cool mini games.
Since the birth of Cabbage Patch Kids in 1983, more than 100 million one-of-a-kind 'Kids have been "adopted" throughout the world. Now in the 21st century, this must-have toy of the 1980's has found a new home, inside a video game, the new trend of entertainment. Cabbage Patch Kids: The Patch Puppy Rescue for Game Boy(R) Advance is now available with an MSRP of $19.99.
About D3Publisher of America, Inc.
D3Publisher of America, Inc. is a subsidiary of D3Publisher, with headquarters in Tokyo. D3Publisher of America's strategic focus is on licensed and original titles from leading third-party developers that appeal to mass-market consumers or gaming enthusiasts. Based in Los Angeles, D3Publisher of America distributes and publishes software for personal computers and the major console platforms including Game Boy(R) Advance, Nintendo GameCube(TM), Nintendo DS(TM), PlayStation(R) game console, PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, PSP(TM) portable entertainment system and the Xbox(R) video game system from Microsoft. For additional information on D3Publisher of America and its products, visit the website at http://www.d3publisher.us/
About Original Appalachian Artworks
Original Appalachian Artworks, Inc. (OAA) founded in 1978 by Cabbage Patch Kids creator, Xavier Roberts, is a privately held corporation located in Cleveland, Georgia. Owners of the world famous Cabbage Patch Kids brand and home to BabyLand General(R) Hospital, one of Georgia's top tourist attractions, OAA also manages a wide range of other projects, while continuing to deliver hand-stitched one-of-a-kind, soft-sculpture Cabbage Patch Kids. For more information visit www.cabbagepatchkids.com.
About 4Kids Entertainment, Inc.
Headquartered in New York City with international offices in London, 4Kids Entertainment, Inc. is a global provider of children's entertainment and merchandise licensing. 4Kids, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, provides domestic and international merchandise licensing; television, film, music and home video production and distribution; media planning and buying; product development and Web site development. 4Kids represents all merchandise licensing rights for the Cabbage Patch Kids. For further information, please visit the Company's Web sites at www.4KidsEntertainment.com and www.4Kids.TV.
(C)2006 Original Appalachian Artworks Inc., All Rights Reserved.
Source: D3Publisher of America, Inc.
Web site: http://www.cabbagepatchkids.com/
Web site: http://www.4kidsentertainment.com/
Web site: http://www.4kids.tv/
Web site: http://www.d3publisher.us/
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill's Soul2Soul II is 'Most Requested Event' for First Quarter 2006
Billy Joel and Jimmy Buffett Rank 2nd and 3rd on Ticketmaster Chart
The "Soul2Soul II" blockbuster concert tour, featuring husband & wife Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, was the "most requested event" in the first quarter of 2006 according to Ticketmaster, the world's leading ticketing company. Following closely behind on the chart ranked by online page views, information requests, and ticket sales from 1/1/06 - 3/31/06 were Billy Joel and Jimmy Buffett.
"The public has clearly embraced Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's Soul2Soul II tour," said Ticketmaster's David Goldberg. "Jimmy Buffett, Billy Joel, and David Gilmour also proved that their long time fans continue to be both loyal and enthusiastic."
Following are the Most Requested Events for the first quarter of 2006:
Q1 2006 Number of Number of
RANK MOST REQUESTED EVENTS Events Markets
1 SOUL2SOUL II WITH TIM MCGRAW AND FAITH HILL 71 32
2 BILLY JOEL 37 10
3 JIMMY BUFFETT 20 14
4 DAVID GILMOUR 13 4
5 BON JOVI 29 17
6 COLDPLAY 35 17
7 KENNY CHESNEY 44 21
8 MICHAEL BUBLE 27 20
9 GEORGE STRAIT 21 14
10 FALL OUT BOY 45 30
Ticketmaster's ranking of the nation's most requested events is based on online page views, information requests, and ticket sales through Ticketmaster sales channels (1/1/06 - 3/31/06).
MTV and VH1 will paint their respective broadband and mobile platforms "pink"
with content from an exclusive flashmob concert in New York City with platinum-selling LaFace/Zomba artist Pink. The concert footage features music from Pink's latest album, "I'm Not Dead."
The "flashmob" concert was the result of a contest launched last fall in conjunction with Honda and its advertising agency RPA to promote the launch of the 2006 Honda Civic. MTV and VH1 worked with Honda to develop the extensive 12-week "Honda Civic Under The Hood" campaign featuring a unique series of music-based interstitials that drove viewers to various media platforms to enter their zip codes, giving the region with the most entries a "flashmob" concert by a national music artist. VH1 and MTV joined forces for the first time ever in creating a cross-channel multiplatform campaign that amplified the reach of the networks' live music franchises to support the launch of the 2006 Honda Civic.
On April 5, text messages and emails went out to contest entrants informing them of the Pink "flashmob" concert in New York that evening. The first 200 to respond to the message won access to the event at Crobar.
Beginning April 13, footage from the exclusive concert, including full songs from Pink's performance will be available on VH1 and MTV's broadband channels VSPOT (http://vspot.vh1.com/) and Overdrive (http://overdrive.mtv.com/).
Fans will also be able to enjoy video clips of the concert on MTV Mobile and VH1 Mobile cross-carrier.
Pink appeared on MTV's "Total Request Live" the day of the concert and upon her exit took a few of the members of the audience and escorted them to the show. In addition, a half-hour version of the concert will air on MTV on Friday, April 14 at 5:30 P.M. ET.
VH1 will also produce a video podcast interview with Pink that will be available for download on VH1.com and iTunes.
The Pink "flashmob" concert is sponsored by Honda Civic.
MTV and VH1 are registered trademarks of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 100 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services -- MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 95 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.
Source: MTV; VH1
Web site: http://vspot.vh1.com/
http://overdrive.mtv.com/
Move over MTV
News Corp. is making an early grab for ad dollars aimed at the 12- to 24-year-old demographic and is retooling its sales operation to make it easier for marketers to be attached to properties such as "American Idol" across TV, the Web and mobile.
News Corp. is doing an integrated sell across its properties, emphasizing its 12-24 year-old audience.
News Corp. companies made an unprecedented joint pitch to media agencies in the past few days as part of an initiative dubbed "Generation Fox." In addition to laying out for buyers the strengths of News Corp. assets from MySpace to Mobizzo, the executives also explained how it is broadening the company's cross platform offering. Jean Rossi is set to head cross-company deals as president, Fox Entertainment Group, integrated sales, and as exec VP, Fox Broadcasting Co. sales. Nancy Croston, senior VP-integrated sponsorships and specials at Fox, is also heavily involved in getting advertisers what they need across the board.
Extoling cross-platform buys
To make sure buyers get the message, News Corp. rolled out its most senior executives. In an hour-long presentation, Peter Chernin, News Corp. president-chief operating officer, joined the heads of all the main Fox companies to extol the virtues of buying Fox properties in the upfront, now little more than a month away. Fox faces competition for such youth-targeted ad budgets from the likes of Viacom's MTV Networks and from the CW, the joint CBS/Time Warner-backed broadcast network.
Fox's president-ad sales, Jon Nesvig, who attended last week's presentation, said: "We basically talked about the 12-to-24 year olds and the different platforms that reach them. The emphasis was on MySpace.com, IGN.com and the network and syndication and the Mobizzo people. This company is still dominant [in capturing the young adults]." Mobizzo is a global phone-content company from Fox Mobile Entertainment.
"It was clearly the A-Team," said Jason Kanefsky, VP-account director, MPG, who also attended the presentation. "It did show the breadth of what they have and their desire to integrate advertising to the level they want. A lot of times advertisers get pushed to the side. They understand the need to embrace advertisers."
When asked whether he was persuaded to move ad dollars towards News Corp. properties as a result of the presentation, he said, "They really share the 12-24s with Viacom, but no one owns them, because they move around so wildly. People have always assumed Viacom owns [the demo], but now News Corp. is staking a claim on the real estate."
"They are packaging their assets to appeal to a younger audience. There were a lot of statistics that were new," said Larry Blasius, exec VP-director of negotiations at Magna Global. "It just reminds people they are factor in that marketing."
While Fox executives have made joint presentations before, this time a much wider range of top brass came before media agencies to extol their cross platform offerings. Media buyers have repeatedly stated they want traditional TV players to tell them what's available beyond the small screen.
News Corp. responded by spending $1.2 billion in recent months to boost its Web credentials. The company snapped up Intermix Media, which created MySpace.com; Scout Media's sports sites; and IGN Entertainment, known for its array of gaming sites.
And while the network has done little in the way of cable video on demand (it has a VOD deal with sibling DirecTV) or iTunes, it has a niche in mobile entertainment and Web sites connecting so-called communities. News Corp.'s Web properties now range from Americanidol.com to Rottentomatoes.com to MySpace, among others. News Corp. claims that 65 million unique users a month to its Web operations, making it a formidable player when taken in aggregate.
Fox VP-Mobile Entertainment Mitch Feinman and Ross Levinsohn, president of Fox Interactive Media, took part in the presentations. Mr. Levinsohn is said to be close to unveiling a new sales structure for the Web sites, having merged the sales teams of My Space.com and IGN.com.
For buyers who might have missed the presentation, the News Corp. teams even set up a Web site, www.generation-fox.com, to showcase their offerings. The "Family Guy" animated baby Stewie Griffin introduces the show reel with trademark Fox bravado -- "Pay attention or suffer the consequences." Buyers can then click on any of the company's myriad web sites to see what's being offered.
The reel highlights Fox Broadcasting's programming strength in the demographic with shows such as "American Idol," "24," "The O.C." and the network's animated shows including the veteran series "The Simpsons." Tony Vinciquerra, president-CEO, Fox Network Group, and Mr. Nesvig were among the powerhouse lineup, alongside colleagues Lou LaTorre, president-ad sales at Fox Cable Networks, and Twentieth Television syndication chief Bob Cesa.
The presentation claims young adults control $350 billion in spending power and that Fox is the place to "engage" the demographic.
Among the Fox cable properties are Fox Reality channel, youth action channel Fuel TV and Fox Soccer channel. Twentieth Television is out selling syndicated properties including "Malcolm in the Middle" and "King of the Hill."
Under-30 Crowd Will Drive Media Future
If you want to look at the future of media, look no further than the under-30 crowd -- that was one of the messages from the opening of the National Cable & Telecommunications Association Show at the World Congress Center in Atlanta on Sunday.
The annual gathering of cable network and distributor executives, in line with most every media and advertising industry gathering of the past two years, focused on the competition for consumers. But in addition to aggregating eyeballs to reap advertising revenue, the cable industry is also competing directly for consumers' dollars, as telecom companies roll out their own video services and time spent with broadband video threatens time spent viewing traditional cable TV.
"We've been looking at a group called millennials, which are people ages 8 to 27," said Anne Sweeney, president of Disney Television Group. "In this group 40% go home at night after work and school and use between five and eight different technologies. Then you have 40% of baby boomers who go home at night and watch TV. That's what's directing so many of our efforts in technology and content, especially as we look at our brands going forward and how they're going to be used going forward."
Ms. Sweeney was careful -- especially in the presence of thousands of cable distribution executives -- to explain that Disney's nonlinear platform programming is meant to be additive to the company's primary platform of TV networks, both broadcast and cable.
Comcast CEO Brian Roberts agreed and said media companies aren't putting content on multiple devices because they think they have to completely replace existing business models. "It's about making the [media consumption] pie bigger," he said. "People say 'Oh, TV's going to be free on the Web and I won't need cable anymore.' I can't believe that's HBO's or CNN's or Anne's business model."
To be sure, the media pie is expanding. Veronis Suhler Stevenson estimates that per-person media consumption will expand by more than 800 hours from 1998 to 2008. And one of Sunday's more interesting panels, a look at how 10 tech-savvy college students from Atlanta-area colleges consume media, suggest some existing business models are in grave danger.
When asked what technological device or service they would most likely pay for after college, the cellphone topped the list. A few students suggest they could survive with cable Internet and not cable TV, and one student relayed the story of his friend who'd watched "Lost" on TV for the first time last Wednesday, but it wasn't the first time he watched the hit ABC show -- he had seen every episode from iTunes and BitTorrent.
Students downplayed the importance of having a consumer device that "does it all," explaining that the laptop is already pretty close. Another student said he was budgeting $700 to buy the iPod convergence device that rumors suggest Apple will unveil come fall. The device, he said, would be a cellphone, planner, media device and have AV hookups so users could watch iPod-stored shows on a big screen TV.
Nine of the 10 students used social media networks, most of them favoring the college-targeted Facebook over MySpace thanks to Facebook's more stylized design and better interface. One student drew laughter when he related how some college students were giving up Facebook for Lent.
The panel's audience filled only about half the chairs in the room, which surprised media analysts and researchers in attendance.
"I think every CEO of every company here should have been watching this panel," said Richard Greenfield, managing director and media analyst at Pali Research.
The low attendance could have been a product of scheduling: The panel was held Sunday, before many people arrived. Yesterday's opening panel, by contrast, included Disney's Ms. Sweeney, Comcast's Mr. Roberts and Time Warner CEO Richard Parsons, as well as executives from Sprint, Motorola and Cisco, and the audience packed a massive convention hall. NCTA executives expect 16,000 to 17,000 attendees this year.
When asked about all the other entities coming after cable companies, Mr. Parsons joked "everyone but the investors." In seriousness, he noted cable was the only media able to provide bundled widespread data, voice and video now. And soon, through its joint venture with Sprint, cellular service.
Mr. Roberts said he was buoyed by the explosion of broadband and credited Google and Yahoo with driving the demand for broadband in the home.
"The No. 1 broadband company is us, in terms of connecting homes, is Comcast, so thank you [Google and Yahoo]. I'd rather be in the broadband business than any other business right now. Broadband is just scratching the surface and we're sitting here with the best pipe. How great is that?"
UPFRONT at ABC great
ABC is the only broadcast network to experience ratings growth for the past two years. While the Walt Disney Co. network turned out all the breakout hits in the 2004-2005 season, this year it has had more modest success with "American Inventor" looking good and "Boston Legal" growing. Still, other shows crumbled. The much-anticipated "Emily's Reasons Why Not" was gone after a single episode, and "Crumbs" and "Sons & Daughters" have also failed to win a following.
What You'll Hear: This year ABC has a new night to sell, Mondays. How it will program the night this year is anyone's guess, but it's a safe bet that "Grey's Anatomy" will end up there. Cross-platform sales are also high on the TV-buyer radar this upfront and ABC will be touting its pilot initiative online. The network is planning to allow users to visit the site and download broadcast network programming. On the sales front, Mr. Shaw is pushing the firm's nascent research capabilities in the form of the M4 Optimizer.
Last year's upfront: ABC was praised last year for not gouging advertisers, despite the phenomenal success of "Desperate Housewives," "Lost" and "Grey's Anatomy." The network went for relatively small rate increases between 4% and 6%. That upset rivals who weren't able to get much more no matter what their individual ratings performance.
The buyer's verdict: Gail Ettinger, exec VP-director of national broadcast, KSL Media, said: "They have kept the momentum going. ... In terms of pricing, they have yet to climb on a high horse. They may be losing 'Monday Night Football,' but they've been used to programming it [Monday] for half a year. If they have something really good to come out [on Monday] it remains to be seen." NBC will have 'Sunday Night Football,' but I don't think it will hurt 'Desperate Housewives."'
SPORTS & AUTOS
Oakland 6, Minnesota 7 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome
Oakland Record: (5-3)
Winning pitcher - Brad Radke (2-0)
Losing pitcher - Dan Haren (0-1)
SV - Joe Nathan (1)
OAK HR - E. Chavez (5) B. Crosby (1)
MIN HR - T. Batista (2) J. Morneau (3)
Los Angeles 6, Pittsburgh 7 at PNC Park
Los Angeles Record: (4-4)
Winning pitcher - Salomon Torres (1-1)
Losing pitcher - Lance Carter (0-1)
SV - Mike Gonzalez (1)
LAD HR - R. Ledee (1) B. Mueller (2)
PIT HR - J. Burnitz (2) R. Doumit (2) C. Wilson (2) J. Wilson (2)
CBS, Discovery Channel Descend on Hurley Waterfalls as Kayaker Plummets 110 Feet
Sports Illustrated has called him the best kayaker in the world. Tuesday, Tao Berman chalked up another first as he, already aboard his kayak, was dropped from a helicopter into the Montreal River just above Superior Falls. From that point he raced over the rocky cascade squeezed within a 190-foot canyon, rapidly dropping 110 feet to the base of the canyon several yards from Lake Superior.
The 27 year old Seattle paddler has already racked up an impressive record as a member of the U.S. Freestyle team and with a record waterfall drop that got him into the Guinness Book of World Records at 98.4 feet. Berman set his sights on Hurley located in Wisconsin's Iron County, adjacent to Lake Superior and Michigan's Upper Peninsula because of an abundance of waterfalls.
During April, Hurley is a sleepy town, resting after the huge ski and snowmobile season where their unique micro-climate nets them an average annual snowfall topping 200 inches. Yet now as the snow pack rapidly melts and spring rains fall, the rivers become engorged and waterfalls roar like at no other time during the year. Within a half-hour of downtown Hurley, people discover public access to some 30 waterfalls, including six of Wisconsin's 10 tallest cascades.
For the last several days, the site around Superior Falls swarmed with CBS Television crews from Los Angeles producing a half hour "Stunt Junkies" program for the Discovery Channel that will air later this spring. More than 10 cameras were strategically placed to capture Berman's fete, including one mounted on his own helmet.
The waterfalls around in the greater Hurley area all flow northward to Lake Superior, the world's largest freshwater lake. The area is unique in Wisconsin. One might say you're well beyond the dairy part of the dairy state when you reach the ancient Penokee Mountains, vast forests, hidden canyons and remote waterfalls of Iron County because of the pre-glacial land formations.
Web site: http://www.hurleywi.com/
Gatorade Sports Science Institute Issues Hydration Recommendations for Boston Marathon Runners
Guidelines to Help Participants Prevent Both Dehydration and Hyponatremia in This Year's Race To help runners have a safe and successful performance at the 110th Boston Marathon, the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI) has developed hydration recommendations to aid runners in managing the risk for both dehydration (the loss of body fluid) and hyponatremia (low blood sodium levels due to excessive drinking and inadequate sodium intake). These recommendations have been distributed to all Boston Marathon participants in preparation for this year's race.
"The health and safety of all participants in the Boston Marathon has always been our priority," said Chris Troyanos, ATC, medical coordinator for the Boston Marathon. "Dehydration and hyponatremia are both serious concerns, and we believe that these hydration recommendations will provide important guidance to runners to help them reduce the risk of these conditions on race day. It's essential that runners keep hydration top of mind, and make sure to drink enough to prevent dehydration, but avoid overdrinking."
The recommendations developed by GSSI focus on the importance for runners to gauge their own fluid needs, rather than drinking according to thirst or following a specific rule of thumb for fluid intake. An effective hydration strategy combines adequate fluid and electrolyte intake -- not too much, not too little. According to the hydration recommendations, runners can gauge their individual needs by weighing before and after training runs to understand if they typically lose or gain weight. Based on this information, they can adapt their fluid intake accordingly to minimize their losses or gains.
For the vast majority of runners, dehydration, not hyponatremia, will be the key challenge. However, runners should be cautioned that hyponatremia during marathons is the result of aggressive over-drinking of any beverage -- actually drinking so much that substantial weight is gained before, during, or after the event -- and under those circumstances, runners should cease drinking immediately.
The GSSI hydration recommendations also highlight the importance of ingesting sodium during a marathon, especially for heavy sweaters and salty sweaters. Research shows that consuming sports drinks during a marathon helps runners replace some of the sodium lost in sweat and that will help assure proper hydration -- reducing the risk of both dehydration and hyponatremia. Also, newly published research in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (40:98-105, 2006) concludes that sodium-containing sports drinks will delay the development of hyponatremia compared to consuming just plain water (for those who do not over-drink any type of fluid).
"The two most important things runners can do to protect themselves from hydration-related problems is to drink according to their individual fluid needs and make sure to consume adequate sodium," said Dr. Bob Murray, director of the Gatorade Sports Science Institute.
Research conducted by GSSI with endurance athletes has shown that during long-distance training and competitions, such as preparing for or competing in a marathon, sweat and sodium losses can be substantial. To help offset these losses, athletes should increase their sodium intake throughout the day and during training and racing. The GSSI research led to the development of the specialized Gatorade Endurance Formula which was introduced last year. Gatorade Endurance Formula contains approximately twice the amount of sodium (200 mg/per 8 oz) of Gatorade Thirst Quencher to help meet the needs of athletes during prolonged exercise. For the first time ever, the Boston Marathon will be providing Gatorade Endurance Formula on course at this year's race. An estimated 30,336 gallons -- or over 647,000 servings -- of Gatorade Endurance Formula will be served at the race.
To learn more about Gatorade Endurance Formula and their hydration needs, runners can visit http://www.itsonthecourse.com/ .
The Gatorade Sports Science Institute is a research and educational facility dedicated to enhancing the performance and well-being of athletes. A team of sport scientists conducts research in sports nutrition, exercise science, fluid replacement and temperature regulation. Each year, hundreds of athletes are tested at the GSSI facility, which is equipped with state-of-the-art scientific equipment, to study the effects of nutrition on exercise and performance. More information is available online at
Source: GatoradeWeb site: http://www.itsonthecourse.com/ 
web site http://www.gssiweb.com
USA TODAY and NADA Name Winner of Dealer Innovation Award
USA TODAY and the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) will present the Dealer Innovation Award today to Andrew Budd, owner of Country Chevrolet, in Warrenton, Va. Budd was selected from among four finalists as the national winner of the annual award.
The USA TODAY Dealer Innovation Award, conducted in association with NADA, recognizes dealers who took a leadership role in the use of technology to improve their business operations.
Budd created a new-vehicle inventory management software system to quickly analyze sales and inventory data and better serve customers by reducing order- to-delivery time. The system significantly improved efficiency and enabled the dealership to stock broader inventory. It also increased productivity and retention of sales staff, while reducing floorplan interest expense and dealer trade volume. The software proved so successful that Budd formed a company to make the software available to other dealers.
The Dealer Innovation Award will be presented to Budd by USA TODAY and NADA at a special awards ceremony today held in conjunction with the New York International Auto Show.
USA TODAY is the nation's top-selling newspaper, with a total average daily circulation of 2.3 million. It is published via satellite at 36 locations in the USA and at four sites abroad, and is available worldwide. USA TODAY is published by Gannett Co. Inc. The National Automobile Dealers Association, founded in 1917 and based in McLean, VA, represents approximately 20,000 new car and truck dealers holding nearly 43,000 separate franchises, domestic and international.
Source: USA TODAY
The All-New Audi TT in Fashion in New York City
Audi has announced today that the all-new TT will make its North American debut at the 2006 New York Auto Show. New York has long been one of the premier cities for fashion and design trends through out the world. This makes New York the perfect place for the 2008 TT to make its auto show debut.
These fashion and design trends will be on display during the Audi press conference at 3:10 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12. Acclaimed New York fashion designer Doo.Ri Chung will be present to show off some of her new Spring 2006 line as Audi ties automotive design with fashion. Supermodel Tajana Patitz will assist Doo.Ri Chung during the press conference, and will also help introduce the new Audi TT.
When the original Audi TT debuted in 1998, it caught the automotive world by storm, and forever changed people's perceptions of design and style. The new 2008 TT will be no different. Now embodying direct gasoline injection and Aluminum Space Frame (ASF) technology, the new TT will be a leader in technology as well as design.
For more information, please visit http://www.media.audiusa.com/ .
Source: Audi of America, Inc.
Web site: http://www.media.audiusa.com/
New Rabbit
In a surprise move, Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that its all-new fifth generation Golf, which debuted at the 2006 Chicago Auto Show, is going back to its roots with the original Rabbit nameplate for the U.S. and Canadian markets. The Rabbit will hop into the market in early summer, after its official introduction at the New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, April 12, 2006, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center.
"The Rabbit was always exclusive to the U.S. and Canadian markets; while the rest of the world had the Golf, we had the iconic Rabbit," said Volkswagen's Director of Brand Innovation, Kerri Martin. "The reintroduction of the Rabbit represents Volkswagen's commitment to this market and is a nod to the passionate North American enthusiasts who have an emotional connection with the Rabbit name."
"Volkswagen customers want a relationship with their cars. Names like The Thing, Beetle, Fox, and Rabbit support this," Martin added.
The Rabbit goes on sale this summer in both two and four-door versions, with pricing starting at $14,990 for the two-door. Standard features include an advanced ABS braking system, traction control, active front head restraints, front side airbags, air conditioning and anti-theft alarm system with remote locking. Always known for its value, this latest Rabbit is no exception, offering a high level of standard features and equipment at an attractive starting price.
The Rabbit was the first Volkswagen produced in the United States and its appeal grew rapidly, with sales of over 1.3 million in its 10-year lifespan. The Rabbit's popularity can be credited to the wide array of standard features it offered at an attractive price. The 2006 Rabbit promises a return to the high-value, iconic status of the original.
"The Rabbit's return to Volkswagen's family is not an attempt to recreate the original car; today's Rabbit is manufactured at our Wolfsburg production facility alongside the all-new GTI," Martin said.
The Rabbit, or Golf as it is well known throughout the rest of the world, is the world's best-seller with over 25 million cars sold over five generations. This latest generation has already won more than 25 awards in more than sixteen countries. And, yesterday, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), announced that the 2006 Rabbit four-door received the Top Safety Pick, Silver award, based on the Institute's frontal offset, side impact, and rear crash protection ratings.
Martin adds, "Even the name 'Rabbit' dramatizes the enhanced performance, playing off the car's clever design, efficient size, agility and nimbleness. The Rabbit is back."
The 2006 Rabbit benefits from its laser-welding production process, class- leading fit and finish, heightened body strength, crash protection, driving dynamics, and reduced interior noise. Drivers of the Rabbit will benefit from its fully independent suspension system that uses a multi-link rear and optimized front axle, and will enjoy the new optional six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic(R) (five-speed manual standard). A new powerful engine with a larger displacement of 2.5 liters and five-cylinders generates 150 horsepower.
Also among the most impressive new driving advancements are a standard electro-mechanical steering system, and an optional advanced Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP). The Rabbit also promises more interior room than ever with a large rear hatch opening. Legroom has also increased in this new version.
For added assurance, the Rabbit will come with 24-hour Roadside Assistance for four years with unlimited mileage and new vehicle warranties including:
* Five-year/60,000 mile (whichever occurs first) Powertrain Limited Warranty
* Four-year/50,000 mile (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty
* 12 year unlimited mileage Limited Warranty against corrosion perforation
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, Jetta, Passat, Touareg and Phaeton through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers.
All trademarks used in this document are the property of their respective owners.
Source: Volkswagen of America, Inc.
DOD
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. James W. Gardner, 22, of Glasgow, Ky., died in Tal Afar, Iraq, on April 10, from a non-combat related cause. Gardner was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, 101st Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died of injuries sustained in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, on April 9, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV during combat operations. The soldiers were assigned to the Army's 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky. Killed were: Sgt. 1st Class Randall L. Lamberson, 36, of Springfield, Mo., died in Balad, Iraq on April 10th. Spc. David S. Collins, 24, of Jasper Ga., died in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, on April 9th.
Five U.S. soldiers have died in Iraq in recent days, and the Defense Department has identified four other recent casualties. Three Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers died after a roadside bomb exploded near the vehicle they were riding in north of Baghdad today, military officials reported. A soldier assigned to 2nd Battalion 28th Brigade Combat Team died yesterday from wounds suffered from enemy action April 9 in Anbar province, officials announced today. They also announced today a soldier from the 130th Engineer Brigade was killed April 9 when his combat patrol struck a roadside bomb near Balad. Another soldier was wounded and was taken to a military medical treatment facility, officials added. They provided no report on the wounded soldier's condition. The soldiers' names are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Meanwhile, the Defense Department has identified three soldiers and a Marine who died recently in Iraq: - Army Sgt. 1st Class Gregory S. Rogers, 42, of Cincinnati, died in Ramadi on April 9 when a roadside bomb exploded near his Humvee during a convoy. Rogers was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky. - Army Pfc. Joseph I. Love, 22, of North Pole, Alaska, died in Balad on April 9 when a roadside bomb exploded near his Humvee during a convoy. Love was assigned to the 94th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), 8th Sustainment Command (Theater), Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. - Army Pvt. Jody W. Missildine, 19, of Plant City, Fla., died in Tal Afar on April 8 when a roadside bomb exploded near his Humvee during a convoy. Missildine was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 37th Armored Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg, Germany. - Marine Lance Cpl. Juana Navarro Arellano, 24, of Ceres, Calif., died April 8 from wounds received while supporting combat operations in Anbar province. Arellano was assigned to 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Pfc. Joseph I. Love, 22, of North Pole, Alaska, died in Balad, Iraq, on April 9, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during convoy operations. Love was assigned to the 94th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), 8th Sustainment Command (Theater), Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Lance Cpl. Juana Navarro Arellano, 24, of Ceres, Calif., died April 8 from wounds received while supporting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. She was assigned to 9th Engineer Support Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan.
Lance Cpl. Bryan N. Taylor, 20, of Milford, Ohio, died April 6 after being shot by an Iraqi Army soldier on a coalition base near Al Qaim, Iraq. He was assigned to the 2nd Combat Engineer Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. The incident is currently under investigation. Cpl. Richard P. Waller, 22, of Fort Worth, Texas, died April 7 from wounds received while conducting combat operations in Al Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif
DoD Announces Winners of Annual Modeling and Simulation Awards
The Department of Defense announced today that five winners have been selected for the eighth annual Department of Defense Modeling and Simulation (M&S) Awards. The winners for each category are: _Acquisition: Joint Attack Munitions Systems (JAMS) Project Office, U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Missiles and Space. Team award for developing an innovative approach for simulation based acquisition. The team's synergistic process of taking advantage of tri-service government technical expertise, developed over years of experience on legacy, as well as ongoing programs in an integrated product team environment to develop an integrated flight simulation and accompanying tool set, will reduce risk, lead to a better product in a shorter period of time and at a lower cost to the taxpayer. _
Analysis: Weapon Effects Analysis and Probability System (WEAPS) Team, Air Force Materiel Command. Team award for developing and maintaining a world-class software simulation tool that is highly valued by the warfighter and supports combatant command requests for campaign, theater, and engagement analyses of air-to-surface munitions effectiveness. WEAPS makes a critical contribution to theater-level models such as the Combat Forces Assessment Model and is a key tool in the annual Non-Nuclear Consumables Annual Analysis process. _
Test and Evaluation: U.S. Air Force Maj. Kelly A. Greene, Ph.D., Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation. Individual award for significant contributions to advancing M&S in support of test and evaluation (T&E). Greene innovated and transformed T&E at both the Air Force and joint levels, altering the use of live, virtual, and constructive distributed M&S environments in support of T&E. Greene is directly responsible for the largest progression of distributed T&E ever recorded in a single year. _
Training: U.S. Army Maj. Daniel P. Ray, Office of the Army Deputy Chief of Staff, G-2. Individual award for developing the "Every Soldier is a Sensor Simulation" to increase a soldier's situational awareness on the battlefield. He took the concept from infancy to a low-cost working prototype in 90 days.
Following the success of the prototype, he spearheaded further development, delivering a product that is being used to train thousands of soldiers that are daily having a direct impact on the Global War on Terrorism. _Cross-Function: Training Improvised Explosive Device (TIED) Team, Army Program Executive Office for Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation.
Team award for providing a safe and realistic training system to replicate the IEDs employed against coalition forces by insurgents in Iraq. The TIED Team, jointly with the U.S. Joint Forces Command, rapidly developed, coordinated, contracted, developed and fielded this crititcal capability to the warfighter. The annual awards recognize achievement in support of DoD M&S objectives. Seventy-nine nominations were received from across DoD. The awards will be presented to winners May 2 at the DoD Modeling and Simulation Conference in Baltimore, Md
News
'Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs' Brings an Estimated $150 Million to Fort Lauderdale During Its Four-Month Run
Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale Extends Hours for King Tut's Final Florida Weekends
After opening on December 15, 2005, "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs," sponsored by Northern Trust at the Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale (MoA | FL), has made its mark on the city by bringing in an estimated $150 million in revenue. With high demand for tickets during the exhibit's final days in Florida, additional viewing times up to 10 p.m. have been added on Friday and Saturday nights for the final two weekends before it closes on April 23. The exhibit is organized by National Geographic, AEG Exhibitions and Arts and Exhibitions International, with cooperation from the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities, and is sponsored locally by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida.
With more than 640,000 tickets sold to date, the entire state of Florida has been abuzz with tourists coming to see the exhibition, helping boost Florida's profile as a cultural destination. Approximately one-third of tickets sold to the exhibition came from outside the tri-county area, and six of the top-performing zip codes in terms of ticket sales came from outside the state of Florida. Tut hotel packages brought in more than $1 million in room night revenue alone.
"It has been a tremendous honor for Florida to host the 'Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs' exhibition, and we are thrilled its hours have been extended to give even more visitors a chance to experience this awe-inspiring collection. This exhibition features some of Egypt's most magnificent treasures, and has been an unparalleled success highlighted by record attendance and a positive impact on Floridians, as well as the local and state economies," said Governor Jeb Bush. "Florida and Fort Lauderdale have once again proved to be rich centers of world history, culture and art. As one of the top travel destinations in the world, we thank those who have come from far and wide to view the King Tut exhibit, and warmly welcome the many visitors who will continue to come to the Sunshine State to see this amazing cultural display."
"We are proud to be among the four institutions to host this amazing exhibition as it travels the U.S.," said Irvin M. Lippman, president and executive director for MoA | FL. "This exhibition was a major coup not only for the great state of Florida, but for our museum as well. Our member base increased by 150 percent since King Tut opened, allowing us to introduce a whole new audience to this mystical ancient world. "
TICKET AND TOUR INFORMATION
Visitors to "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs" can view more than 130 artifacts from the tombs of King Tut, several of his relatives and his 18th Dynasty (1555 B.C. to 1305 B.C.) contemporaries. All of the treasures in the exhibit are between 3,300 and 3,500 years old.
"Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs" school group rates and individual tickets range from $14 to $30. The exhibit is open seven days a week and tickets are sold on a timed entry basis, with entry times every 30 minutes from 9 a.m. through 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, until 8:30 p.m. on Thursdays and Sundays and 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. For information on MoA | FL, please call 1-877-TUT-TKTS or visit www.ticketmaster.com, www.KingTut.org or www.moafl.org. Tickets also can be purchased through the Broward Center for the Performing Arts at 1-877-787-7711. Due to high ticket demand, advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended. For more information on the exhibition, please visit www.nationalgeographic.com/tut or www.KingTut.org.
The exhibit ended its premiere U.S. run in Los Angeles on November 20, 2005, with more than 937,000 visitors. After its stay at the Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale (Dec. 15, 2005 to April 23, 2006), it will head to The Field Museum, Chicago (May 26, 2006 to Jan. 1, 2007) and The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia (Feb. 3 to Sept. 30, 2007).
Treasures from Tutankhamun's tomb were last displayed in the United States during a seven-city tour from 1976 to 1979 that set traveling exhibition attendance records with some eight million visitors.
ABOUT MUSEUM OF ART/FORT LAUDERDALE
On the strength of such exhibitions as "Saint Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes," "Diana: A Celebration," and now "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs," the Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale has become one of South Florida's leading cultural institutions. Among its permanent collections are major works by the American Impressionist William Glackens and an extensive selection of CoBrA art from the movement based in Copenhagen, Brussels, and Amsterdam. In recent years the Museum has begun to collect contemporary work from Cuba and other Latin American countries. The Museum also hosts solo and group exhibitions presenting artists of regional, national, and international acclaim. An Artist in Residence program was inaugurated in 2004, guided docent tours are offered regularly, and there's a year-round Studio Arts Program with classes for all ages in a variety of media. Other programming includes jazz concerts, lectures and symposia, film series, and yoga sessions.
Source: Museum of Art | Fort Lauderdale
Web site: http://www.ticketmaster.com/
Web site: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/tut
Web site: http://www.kingtut.org/
Web site: http://www.moafl.org/
Hubble Finds 'Tenth Planet' Is Slightly Larger Than Pluto
WASHINGTON, April 11 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time, NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has seen distinctly the "tenth planet," currently nicknamed "Xena," and has found that it is only slightly larger than Pluto.
Though previous ground-based observations suggested that Xena's diameter was about 30 percent greater than Pluto, Hubble observations taken Dec. 9 and 10, 2005, showed Xena's diameter as 1,490 miles (with an uncertainty of 60 miles). Pluto's diameter, as measured by Hubble, is 1,422 miles.
"Hubble is the only telescope capable of getting a clean visible-light measurement of the actual diameter of Xena," said Mike Brown, planetary scientist at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, Calif. Brown's research team discovered Xena, officially cataloged as 2003 UB313, and its results have been accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal.
Only a handful of images were required to determine Xena's diameter. Located 10 billion miles from Earth with a diameter a little more than half the width of the United States, the object is 1.5 pixels across in Hubble's view. That's enough to make a precise size measurement.
Because Xena is smaller than previously thought, but comparatively bright, it must be one of the most reflective objects in the solar system. The only object more reflective is Enceladus, a geologically active moon of Saturn whose surface is continuously recoated with highly reflective ice by active geysers.
Xena's bright reflectivity is possibly due to fresh methane frost on its surface. The object may have had an atmosphere when it was closer to the sun, but as it moved to its current location farther away this atmosphere would have "frozen out," settling on the surface as frost.
Another possibility is that Xena leaks methane gas continuously from its warmer interior. When this methane reaches the cold surface, it immediately freezes solid, covering craters and other features to make it uniformly bright to Hubble's telescopic eye.
Xena's takes about 560 years to orbit the sun, and it is now very close to aphelion (the point on its orbit that is farthest from the sun). Brown next plans to use Hubble and other telescopes to study other recently discovered Kuiper Belt objects that are almost as large as Pluto and Xena. The Kuiper Belt is a vast ring of primordial icy comets and larger bodies encircling Neptune's orbit.
Finding that the largest known Kuiper Belt object is a virtual twin to Pluto may only further complicate the debate about whether to categorize the large icy worlds that populate the belt as planets. If Pluto were considered to be the minimum size for a planet, then Xena would fulfill this criterion, too. In time, the International Astronomical Union will designate the official name.
The Hubble Space Telescope is an international cooperative project between NASA and the European Space Agency. The Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore conducts Hubble science operations. The Institute is operated for NASA by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy, Inc., Washington.
For electronic images and more Hubble news, visit:
Source: NASA
Web site: http://www.nasa.gov/
