The World Pizza Champions Announced
Written by Joyce L Chow & William Hoehne April 10 2006
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ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY
The World Pizza Champions Announced
Desperate Housewives' Goes To Lifetime Television
Mount Everest coming to Disney World
MTV NETWORKS HIGHLIGHTS SUCCESS OF SHORT-FORM MUSIC
The Clip Joint
PMA Cameraphone Shoot-Out winners announced at CTIA Wireless 2006
CBS RADIO's WFAN-AM to Launch Live Online Streaming Beginning Tuesday, April 11
Every Concert on Jimmy Buffett's Upcoming Tour Will be Broadcast Live on SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Shamu to Join Johnson at Daytona in July
NASA Announces Media Opening of Smithsonian Earth Science Exhibits
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ENTERTAINMENT, ART, FASHION, TECHNOLOGY
The World Pizza Champions Announce:
6 Medals Won at the World Pizza Championship
Salsomaggiore, Italy April 3-6, 2006
The World Pizza Champions brought home a total of six medals from the World Pizza Championship in Salsomaggiore, Italy.
Never before has any team captured so many medals in one year. The World Pizza Champions brought home an award in every category, including the Gold Medal in the Team Acrobatic.
GOLD: Team Acrobatic - Tony Gemignani, Michael Shepherd, Siler Chapman, Joe Carlucci, Giorgio Giove, Justin Wadstein, Sean Brauser & LeeAnna Shepherd
Team Acrobatic - Tony Gemignani, Michael Shepherd, Siler Chapman, Joe Carlucci, Giorgio Giove, Justin Wadstein, Sean Brauser & LeeAnna ShepherdSILVER: Individual Acrobatic - Giorgio Giove
Individual Acrobatic - Giorgio GioveBRONZE: Individual Acrobatic - Siler Chapman
Individual Acrobatic - Siler ChapmanBRONZE: Largest Stretch - Michael Shepherd
Largest Stretch - Michael ShepherdBRONZE: Fastest Dough - Bruno DiFabio
Fastest Dough - Bruno DiFabioBEST PIZZA FROM THE USA: John D'Ambriosio
John D'Ambriosio"You guys really lived up to your name" were the words spoken by a spectator of the team acrobatic competition.
The World Pizza Champions won the Gold with a Star Wars themed acrobatic skit - pitting Jedi against Sith, complete with Darth Vader and a StormTrooper.
The World Pizza Champions beat out eight other teams from Italy, Germany, Japan and another team from the USA.
Last year the team placed 2nd with the Matrix inspired routine.
For Full Details About the Team Click Here....
Tony Gemignani, Michael Shepherd, Joe Carlucci, Siler Chapman, Sean Brauser, Ken Bryant, Kevin Osborn, Giorgio Giove, Justin Wadstein, LeeAnna Shepherd, Bruno DiFabio, John Gristina, Paul Cataldo, Anthony and Joe Cuccinella, John D'Ambrosio, and Andy Costa all pulled together as a real team to create this year's success.
About the World Pizza Champions
Professionals of the Pizza Industry
The World Pizza Champions are made up of members Michael Shepherd of Michael Angelo's Pizza in Kenton & Rushsylvania, Ohio; Tony Gemignani & Ken Bryant of Pyzano’s Pizzeria in Castro Valley, CA; Joe Carlucci of Famous Joe's in Danbury,CT; Siler Chapman of Pizza Works in Fort Mills, SC and Sean Brauser of Romeo's Pizza in Medina, OH.
Each member has earned the highest awards in several different categories in the pizza industry. They are considered by many pizza operators worldwide as professionals and pioneers.
Team members have appeared on the Today Show, Tony Danza Show, The Tonight Show, The Ellen Show, ESPN, the Food Network, Good Morning America, BBC Radio, and numerous industry magazine covers.
They have come together to form an affiliation to promote their restaurants and their skills. Individually each of them have performed on shows across the nation, but now they plan to tour the world as a team. The World Pizza Champions perform and/or compete at numerous festivals, fairs, sporting events, and food shows all year long.
America's #1 Pizza Team, The World Pizza Champions, will be in a town or on a TV near you.
Website: http://www.worldpizzachampions.com
Desperate Housewives' Goes To Lifetime Television
Lifetime Television Acquires Exclusive Basic Cable Rights From Buena Vista Television For Emmy Award-Winning ABC Series 'Desperate Housewives' Beginning In 2008
Lifetime Television Acquires Exclusive Basic Cable Rights From Buena Vista Television For Emmy Award-Winning ABC Series 'Desperate Housewives' Beginning In 2008Lifetime Also Acquires First Season Repurposing Rights Beginning in August '06 The Women of Wisteria Lane have just found a second home! Lifetime Television announced today that it has acquired the exclusive basic cable rights from Buena Vista Television, along with the repurposing rights, for the smash-hit, Emmy Award-winning series "Desperate Housewives." Along with the repurposing rights starting September 2008, Lifetime will begin airing the first season of "Desperate Housewives" on a weekly basis this August.
Now in its second season, "Desperate Housewives," which stars Marcia Cross, Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman, Eva Longoria and Nicollette Sheridan in a comedic look at suburbia -- where the secret lives of housewives aren't always what they seem -- averages 22.5 million total viewers and 8.3 million W18-49 during its 9PM (ET/PT) run on ABC and is the number one scripted series among W18-49 in the current 2005-06 broadcast season.
In making the announcement, Leslie Glenn-Chesloff, Senior Vice President, Planning, Scheduling & Acquisitions, Lifetime Entertainment Services, said, "This brilliant water-cooler series makes us laugh and makes us cry with its insightful windows into the lives, emotions, dreams and disappointments of diverse women. As a pop-culture icon with powerful appeal to women viewers, 'Desperate Housewives' is a perfect addition to our schedule."
"We view Lifetime, the leader in women's television, as the ideal partner for 'Desperate Housewives,'" added Jed Cohen, Executive Vice President, General Sales Manager at Buena Vista Television. "'Desperate Housewives' has had a tremendous impact on the primetime landscape and we believe that Lifetime Television is the perfect environment to extend the success of this distinguished and popular series."
Marc Cherry ("The Golden Girls") is executive producer and creator. Tom Spezialy ("The District," "Ed") is executive producer of "Desperate Housewives," which is from Touchstone Television.
Buena Vista Television (BVT) is the domestic television distribution arm of The Walt Disney Company. BVT is a leader in the pay TV, video-on-demand and pay-per-view arenas, and a pioneer in new media, capitalizing on licensing opportunities within broadband, wireless and digital technologies. The syndication veteran also boasts a powerful cache of highly-anticipated off- network hits, first-run programming and top movie packages. Buena Vista Television is a wholly owned subsidiary of Disney Enterprises, Inc.
LIFETIME is the leader in women's television and one of the top-rated basic cable television networks. A diverse, multi-media company, LIFETIME is committed to offering the highest quality entertainment and information programming, and advocating a wide range of issues affecting women and their families. LIFETIME Television, Lifetime Movie Network, Lifetime Real Women, Lifetime Home Entertainment and Lifetime Online are part of LIFETIME Entertainment Services, a 50/50 joint venture of The Hearst Corporation and The Walt Disney Company.
Source: Lifetime Television
Web site: http://www.lifetimetv.com/
Mount Everest coming to Disney World
Ancient legend holds that high in the Himalayan Mountains lives an enormous creature that fiercely guards the route to Mount Everest.
In Florida, the legend of the ferocious yeti dramatically roared to life today at Walt Disney World Resort with the official opening of Expedition Everest, a runaway train adventure that combines coaster-like thrills with the excitement of a close encounter of the hairy kind.
"Expedition Everest is a shining example of what we do best at Disney - create unique, high-quality and innovative experiences to delight our guests from around the world," said Bob Iger, president and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, who presided at the opening. "Though our mountain may be slightly smaller in scale to the one you find in Asia, it is remarkable in its authenticity.
Expedition Everest's trains depart from the mythical village of Serka Zong - like the mountain a marvel of authentic detail. The village consists of several buildings, including a hotel, Internet cafe and trekking supply store, all reflective of today's Nepalese architecture. A canopy of prayer flags, an ornamental monastery, intricately carved totems, and a garden of stone carvings of the yeti clutching the mountain immerse guests in a far-off realm.
The yeti's role as protector of the sacred mountain is reinforced in this detail-rich environment as a result of extensive research that included an expedition to the region.
"This extraordinary expedition is another example of the lengths to which Walt Disney Imagineering will go to research subject matter in developing our story lines," said Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo. "Our passion for bringing great stories to life has taken Walt Disney Parks and Resorts to amazing places over the past 50 years. Over the next 50 years, we will continue to scale new heights in our ongoing quest to create great experiences for our guests."
Towering nearly 200 feet high and occupying a 6.2-acre site, Expedition Everest is located in the Asia section of Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. It is one of 18 mountain attractions created by Walt Disney Imagineering at Disney theme parks worldwide.
The creation of Expedition Everest is among the topics explored through Discovery Networks original programming that takes viewers behind the scenes and above the clouds to explore the majesty and mystery of Mount Everest and the exhaustive Disney Imagineering efforts to achieve authenticity. Later this year, more new theme park fun is in store for Walt Disney World guests:
"Finding Nemo-The Musical," debuting late 2006 at Disney's Animal Kingdom, will bring the undersea world that charmed audiences in the Disney presentation of the Pixar Animation Studios film "Finding Nemo" to life in an all-new stage spectacular featuring original songs by Tony Award-winning "Avenue Q" composer Robert Lopez and a cappella musical "Along the Way" composer Kristen Anderson-Lopez; and
The Seas with Nemo & Friends, opening fall 2006 at Epcot, will be a whimsical and visually stunning attraction in The Living Seas pavilion featuring technology that for all appearances has the stars of "Finding Nemo" swimming amid the live marine life of the huge aquarium in an adventure that picks up where the motion picture left off.
Officials also announced that Disney's Magical Express, which offers airport shuttle and luggage delivery between Orlando International Airport and select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, will continue beyond 2006 and remain complimentary. To take advantage of the popular service, guests affix special tags to their luggage before leaving home, then skip a trip to baggage claim and board modern motor coaches for the Vacation Kingdom, and have their luggage delivered directly to their guest rooms.
Magical Express, which offers airport shuttle and luggage delivery between Orlando International Airport and select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, will continue beyond 2006 and remain complimentary. To take advantage of the popular service, guests affix special tags to their luggage before leaving home, then skip a trip to baggage claim and board modern motor coaches for the Vacation Kingdom, and have their luggage delivered directly to their guest rooms.
Source: Walt Disney World
Apr 06, 2006 11:01
BlogStar Launches Celebrity-Driven Mobile Entertainment Service First on Sprint
LOS ANGELES & LAS VEGAS --(Business Wire)-- April 6, 2006 BlogStar:
-- Bam Margera, Jessica Simpson, Ashlee Simpson, The Game, Nicky Hilton, Nick Lachey, Kelly Slater, David Arquette, Wesley Snipes, Alicia Silverstone, Caprice, Juliette Lewis, West Coast Customs, among others..
BlogStar, LLC today announced the launch of BlogStar's groundbreaking mobile blogging entertainment service that features daily mobile entertainment content co-produced directly with celebrity and artist partners. BlogStar is now accessible to Sprint subscribers directly through select Sprint phones.
"We are thrilled to announce that Sprint will be the first to offer our service that we are launching with some of the most innovative artists who want to produce mobile content with us," said Keith Yokomoto, CEO of BlogStar, LLC. "As we create new and innovative experiences for national and international distribution, we want to provide celebrities with a direct connection to their global fan communities, as well as the ability to distribute content to a fan's wireless phone on a real-time daily basis."
"Sprint is committed to bringing the most exciting content directly to our customers' wireless phones so they can do whatever they want, whenever they want, no matter where they are," said John Styers, director of data communications for Sprint. "Sprint is pleased to be the first to offer BlogStar Mobile, which will allow customers to keep up with their favorite celebrities day-to-day."
The BlogStar Mobile service can also be accessed by consumers at http://www.blogstar.com or by text messaging the word "BlogStar" to 25647 ("blogs").
BlogStar has agreements with a roster of high-profile celebrities, including Bam Margera, Jessica Simpson, Ashlee Simpson, The Game, Nicky Hilton, Nick Lachey, Kelly Slater, David Arquette, Wesley Snipes, Alicia Silverstone, Caprice, Juliette Lewis, West Coast Customs, among others.
"I am tremendously pleased with the depth and breadth of our artist roster," said Ted Field, Co-Chairman of BlogStar. "In addition to being extremely creative, all of the artists that we are working with are very talented entrepreneurs who want to build their mobile business and produce original content specifically designed for the mobile environment."
Joe Simpson -- manager to Jessica and Ashlee Simpson, Ryan Cabrera, and Papa Joe Records -- said, "BlogStar is going to be the breakthrough for my company. We can put our fans directly in touch with Jessica, Ashlee or Ryan Cabrera or any one of the new artists coming our way. We believe we will be able to do what no one has done before, and we are excited about that."
After this strategic launch at the CTIA show in Las Vegas, BlogStar expects rapid acceleration and growth, aiming toward forming international strategic alliances and expanding its global reach throughout 2006.
"The mobile entertainment market is a growing worldwide phenomenon," said BlogStar Co-Chairman Craig Ehrlich. "I have the opportunity to work with the leading mobile operators and they are all looking for rich media content and data services to put through their distribution and billing networks. We want to work closely with the operators to ensure the best customer experience."
"BlogStar's mobile blogging application leverages handset and multimedia capabilities, combines them with digital media management tools, and anchors them with a core application for interfacing with mobile operators," said BlogStar Chief Technology & Strategy Officer Myla Villanueva.
"It's an exciting time," said Kelly Slater, who recently won his 7th professional surfing world title. "I am excited to be working with BlogStar and be able to take all of my media and instantly zoom it out to any of my fans around the world in order to communicate directly."
About BlogStar, LLC
BlogStar produces celebrity-driven mobile entertainment allowing high-profile celebrities to create and distribute an array of mobile entertainment, including text, picture, audio, video and community features, direct to a global fan-base.
BlogStar
Jen Garber, 323-660-0592
MTV NETWORKS HIGHLIGHTS SUCCESS OF SHORT-FORM MUSIC VIDEOS, USER-GENERATED CONTENT, COMEDY AND "SHARTS" ON WIRELESS PLATFORM
LL Cool J Makes Surprise Appearance, Joins MTV Networks Music Group President Van Toffler at CTIA Wireless 2006 Keynote
For Month of March, MTV Networks Serves Up 2.5 Million
Wireless Video Streams, an All-time High
In his keynote address at CTIA Wireless 2006, MTV Networks Music Group President Van Toffler highlighted the appeal of short-form video from the MTV, VH1, CMT, COMEDY CENTRAL, Logo and Spike TV brands on the wireless platform, which he called a "rich, creative medium" for new and emerging talent to connect with and cultivate new audiences. To underscore that point, Toffler welcomed surprise guest, Def Jam recording artist LL Cool J, to the stage. LL offered an advance look at an upcoming episode of MTV's "Life & Rhymes," which chronicles his life as an artist and is set to debut April 10 on MTV, MTV's broadband channel "Overdrive," and on MTV Mobile.
Audiences have increasingly embraced MTV Networks' diverse array of mobile programming. For the month of March, MTV Networks streamed nearly 2.5 million videos cross-carrier, an all-time high, Toffler reported, adding that the number is growing by nearly 40 percent month-to-month for the first three months of 2006.
"Our audience is responding in droves to our mobile programming," Toffler said. "They have a personal relationship with our brands and they increasingly want to consume our content on the handset, the new `holy grail' of electronic devices."
LL Cool J echoed that sentiment, adding: "The mobile phone helps me establish closer ties with my fans, connect with new ones and hopefully inspire everyone I touch through my music. The cell phone – which has become the accessory for today's young adults – is one way that helps me reach them."
Among the varied types of mobile programming driving audience consumption are music videos, comedy segments, user-generated content, scenes from television shows, "after shows" developed exclusively for mobile, never-before-seen outtakes, and short art breaks, also known as "sharts," featuring animated and live-action segments. In many respects, the burgeoning mobile platform is a return to MTV Networks' early roots, when MTV gained significant notoriety for the five- and 15-second art breaks created by brilliant, young talent and which lived between the music videos.
For the MTVN Music Group, which encompasses the CMT, MTV and VH1 brands, three types of programming – extensions of on-air franchises; made-for-mobile episodes; and music – are all performing well on the mobile platform.
- Extensions of On-air Franchises
o VH1's "Flavor of Love," the most successful show in that channel's history, was also the most popular VH1 Mobile content in February and March.
o "Web Junk 20," also on VH1 and VH1 Mobile, ushered in the user-generated era to TV and simultaneously to mobile phones.
o CMT recently debuted 100 clips for the hit series "Cowboy U," the original reality series now in its sixth season.
- Made-for-Mobile Programming
o MTV will showcase a 20-year-old college student's visual interpretation using stick figures based on the lyrics of Fall Out Boy's "Sugar We're Going Down," representing original user-generated content.
o VH1 is debuting "Dingo Ate My Video," a made-for-mobile series that combines VH1's comedic voice with music videos from a wide range of artists, including Green Day, Missy Elliot, Jewel and others.
o And CMT soon will debut a made-for-mobile reality series called "Road Hammers" about a southern rock/blues band trying to make it in the music business.
- Music
o Labels and artists like LL Cool J increasingly are embracing the mobile platform to connect with fans and institute new marketing paradigms.
o The Arctic Monkey's new video, "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor," made its debut on: mtvU, MTV's network for college students; mtvU's Uber broadband network; mtvU.com and mtvU wireless.
o The approach mirrored a similar one taken by VH1 last fall, which debuted "Te Amo Corazon," the new Prince single, on VH1, VH1's VSPOT broadband channel, and VH1 Mobile. The Prince debut marked the world's first-ever multimedia, multiplatform worldwide exclusive premiere.
o Prior to releasing her latest single and album, Madonna distributed an exclusive ringtone for "Hung Up," on MTV Mobile and VH1 Mobile.
o CMT Mobile has premiered nearly a dozen full-length music videos through its "UNCORKED" franchise from such artists as Dolly Parton, Billy Joe Shaver and Neil Young.
Among the other news MTV Networks is announcing this week:
- Spike TV is delivering the Ultimate Fighting Championship's® "Ultimate Fight Night™ Live" to Amp'd Mobile subscribers tonight. This represents the first time the live sporting event is being simulcast to both mobile devices and to television subscribers.
- COMEDY CENTRAL and VH1 on Tuesday announced plans for the launch of COMEDY CENTRAL's "Take Out" and VH1 Mobile's "Pocket VH1," preeminent applications that enable mobile users to access the networks' content from a centrally located hub on their wireless devices. Beginning in May, COMEDY CENTRAL's "Take Out" and VH1 Mobile's "Pocket VH1" applications will be available cross-carrier. Sprint will be the first carrier to launch both applications and will offer them exclusively for four weeks on select Sprint phones.
The Clip Joint
- COMEDY CENTRAL on Monday introduced "The Clip Joint," a made-for-mobile program featuring some of New York's top stand-up comics – including Aziz Ansari and Jessi Klein among others – doing their best alternative material in front of a live audience.
- Logo, MTV Networks' channel for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender viewers, on Monday announced the world's first LGBT portable entertainment service with "LOGOmotion" on Amp'd Mobile. Viewers can now watch such hits as `Noah's Arc' on their handsets.
MTV Networks' success in programming for the wireless platform is a result of the company's strategic commitment to developing content for all screens. "The wireless platform is as important to us as television and computer screens," Toffler said. "As soon as we start developing a new concept, we think beyond the television. We think of how that idea can live on broadband and mobile."
MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), 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.
PMA Cameraphone Shoot-Out winners announced at CTIA Wireless 2006
Three cameraphones were named winners in the first annual PMA Cameraphone Shoot-Out at CTIA Wireless 2006 in Las Vegas, Nev. Fourteen cameraphones from six manufacturers were entered in the PMA Cameraphone Shoot-Out at CTIA Wireless, which took place Wednesday, April 5.
Professional photographer Jeff Strout lit the set and shot all the photos with participating cameraphone manufacturers in a live-model studio located on the CTIA Trade Show floor. Images from the cameraphones were printed on the Kodak G4 Digital Station photo kiosk, supplied by Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, N.Y. Professional lighting and backdrop equipment used at the PMA Cameraphone Shoot-Out was supplied by Booth Photographic Ltd., and a special cameraphone tripod attachment called Sunpak VersiPod was provided by ToCad America Inc., distributor of Sunpak products.
A panel of expert judges voted on the entries, based on the overall quality of the digital print and the accuracy of color as compared to the shirt the model wore in the photo shoot. The panel of judges included Diane Berkenfeld, editor, PTN magazine; Tony Henning, editor, the Mobile Imaging Report; Gary Pageau, publisher, Photo Marketing magazine; and Karen Thomas, contributing writer, Photo Industry Reporter.
Following are the winners in each category of the first annual PMA Cameraphone Shoot-Out at CTIA Wireless 2006:
Category: VGA
Tie between:
LG Electronics
CE500
&
UTStarcom, Inc.
CDM8945
Category: 1 Megapixel to 1.9 Megapixels
LG Electronics
VX9800 (The V)
Category: 2 Megapixels to 2.9 Megapixels
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications
W810 Walkman® phone
PMA Is ...
For 81 years, PMA® has served as an international trade association for the changing needs of the expanding photo imaging industry with more than 20,000 members in 100-plus countries, headquartered in Jackson, Mich. In addition to the United States, there are membership offices in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Italy, Latin America, New Zealand, Russia and the United Kingdom.
PMA membership is open to any firm doing a substantial portion of its business in photo imaging retailing, scrapbook and custom framing retailing, processing (digital and silver halide) or service work. Cooperating memberships are held by firms that manufacture or distribute products or services for the imaging industry.
PMA provides more than 100 services to its members, and holds the world's largest annual international photo imaging trade show, typically drawing well over 600 exhibitors and 20,000-plus attendees.
About CTIA WIRELESS 2006®
As the premiere global event representing the complete wireless, mobile computing and wireless Internet industry and the largest wireless show in the world, CTIA WIRELESS 2006 brings together all industries within the communications ecosystem and all those affected by wireless technology for three days of intense learning and networking. Visit http://www.ctiawireless.com
CBS RADIO's WFAN-AM to Launch Live Online Streaming Beginning Tuesday, April 11
CBS RADIO Reaches Two Million Registered Users for Its More Than 75 Internet Radio Stations CBS RADIO's WFAN-AM in New York, the nation's most listened to Sports radio station, will begin live streaming of its programming on-line on Tuesday, April 11. Top-rated shows from the station's well-known personalities, including Imus, Mike and the Mad Dog, Joe Benigno and Steve Somers, among others, will be made available to listeners across the country at http://www.wfan.com/. WFAN favorites Mike and the Mad Dog will host a special "for streaming only" inaugural broadcast beginning at 3:00 P.M., ET on April 11, which will only be accessible to online listeners.
"It was almost 20 years ago that WFAN made history when it pioneered the all-sports format," said Mark Chernoff, Operations Manager for the station. "Since then, we've proudly built a reputation as a leader in the radio industry and are among the best in the sports business. Evolving WFAN as a place to be enjoyed whether at home, in the car, at the office or wherever your travels may take you is of paramount importance to our continued success. This announcement takes the station to a whole new level of interactivity with our listeners."
In March 2005, CBS RADIO began an initiative to launch on-line broadcasts of several of its news, talk, sports and music radio stations, and now offers a live stream of more than 75 broadcast stations and customized on-line channels, including WCBS-AM in New York, KROQ-FM in Los Angeles, WUSN-FM in Chicago, WPGC-FM in Washington, D.C., KROCK2, 94WYSP, and WJMK-FM. In the year that followed, more than 2 million users registered to listen live to CBS RADIO's on-line properties creating a host of new revenue opportunities for the company and increased time spent listening to our portfolio of stations.
"Time and again studies have touted the enormous potential for growth in the on-line space," said David Goodman, President of Marketing, CBS RADIO. "We couldn't agree more with that assumption having witnessed first hand our success in broadening the distribution of our content to the Internet. The constant pursuit of new media opportunities and the extension of our brands presents CBS RADIO with a number of opportunities to court new listeners, and national and local advertisers."
With this move, WFAN becomes CBS RADIO's sixth sports radio station to launch on-line. WSCR-AM in Chicago, WIP-AM in Philadelphia, KILT-AM in Houston, WXYT-AM in Detroit and WFNZ-AM in Charlotte began audio streaming in June of last year.
About CBS RADIO
CBS RADIO is one of the largest major-market operators in the United States with stations covering news, alternative rock, country, FM talk, classic rock, oldies, JACK and urban formats, among others. A division of CBS Corporation, CBS RADIO operates 179 radio stations, the majority of which are in the nation's top 50 markets. CBS RADIO also has made aggressive moves to converge new and traditional media through creative programming and advanced delivery methods, including online streaming, HD Radio and podcasting. In May 2005, CBS RADIO launched the world's first podcast programmed radio station, KYOURADIO. For more information about CBS RADIO, please visit http://www.cbsradio.com/.
Source: CBS RADIO
Web site: http://www.cbsradio.com/
http://www.wfan.com/
Every Concert on Jimmy Buffett's Upcoming Tour Will be Broadcast Live on SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Pre-show Backstage Broadcasts to Feature Buffett & Band Interviews
Schedule Includes May 6 Show at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Jimmy Buffett fans can enjoy every concert on his upcoming "Party at the End of the World" tour starting on April 18, as SIRIUS Satellite Radio will broadcast each show live on its Radio Margaritaville channel (channel 31).
Every commercial-free concert broadcast on SIRIUS will include a special 30-minute pre-show broadcast from backstage, featuring pre-show music and interviews with Buffett or members of his Coral Reefer Band.
"Since all our shows will be broadcast LIVE on Radio Margaritaville, Parrotheads can join us in their cars, boats, at home or practically anywhere in the world," said Buffett. "'Fins Up' on SIRIUS!"
The tour's itinerary of 19 scheduled amphitheatre shows taking place between April 18 and August 12 includes a performance from the esteemed New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on Saturday, May 6 (see attached list of tour dates).
In addition to live Jimmy Buffett concert broadcasts, the Radio Margaritaville channel features a wide variety of music and other unique programs, such as The Savannah Daydreamin' Radio Hour, hosted by Jimmy Buffett's daughter, Savannah.
For more information, visit http://www.sirius.com/ .
Party at the End of the World Tour Dates and SIRIUS Satellite Radio Broadcast Times:
Tuesday, April 18 Phoenix, AZ 10:30 pm ET
Thursday, April 20 Irvine, CA 10:30 pm ET
Saturday, April 22 Irvine, CA 10:30 pm ET
Tuesday, April 25 Mountain View, CA 10:30 pm ET
Friday, April 28 Dallas, TX 9:00 pm ET
Saturday, May 6 New Orleans, LA (TIME TBA)
Friday, June 2 Atlanta, GA 7:30 pm ET
Sunday, June 4 Charlotte, NC 7:30 pm ET
Tuesday, June 6 Burgettstown, PA 7:30 pm ET
Thursday, June 8 Cincinnati, OH 7:30 pm ET
Saturday, June 10 East Troy, WI 8:30 pm ET
Thursday, June 29 Uncasville, CT 7:30 pm ET
Saturday, July 1 Wantagh, NY 7:30 pm ET
Tuesday, August 1 Camden, NJ 7:30 pm ET
Thursday, August 3 Bristow, VA 7:30 pm ET
Saturday, August 5 Chicago, IL 8:30 pm ET
Tuesday, August 8 Noblesville, IN 8:30 pm ET
Thursday, August 10 Mansfield, MA 7:30 pm ET
Saturday, August 12 Mansfield, MA 7:30 pm ET
About SIRIUS
SIRIUS delivers more than 125 channels of the best programming in all of radio. SIRIUS is the original and only home of 100% commercial free music channels in satellite radio, offering 67 music channels available nationwide. SIRIUS also delivers 61 channels of sports, news, talk, entertainment, traffic, weather and data. SIRIUS is the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, NBA and NHL and broadcasts live play-by-play games of the NFL, NBA and NHL. All SIRIUS programming is available for a monthly subscription fee of only $12.95.
SIRIUS products for the car, truck, home, RV and boat are available in more than 25,000 retail locations, including Best Buy, Circuit City, Crutchfield, Costco, Target, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, RadioShack and at shop.sirius.com.
SIRIUS radios are offered in vehicles from Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, Infiniti, Jaguar, Jeep(R), Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln-Mercury, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Nissan, Scion, Toyota, Porsche, Volkswagen and Volvo. Hertz also offers SIRIUS in its rental cars at major locations around the country.
Click on http://www.sirius.com/ to listen to SIRIUS live, or to purchase a SIRIUS radio and subscription.
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NASA Announces Media Opening of Smithsonian Earth Science Exhibits
NASA invites the media to a preview of two major new exhibits on the Earth's changing climate Tuesday, April 11 at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Reporters should arrive at the museum's National Mall entrance by 10:00 a.m. EDT. They will be escorted to the preview. The exhibits, which open to the public April 15, feature scientific data from NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
WHAT: A media-only advance viewing of two new exhibits, "Atmosphere:
Change in the Air" and "Arctic: A Friend Acting Strangely"
WHERE: Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Washington
10th and Constitution Ave., NW
WHEN: Tuesday, April 11, 2006, 10:00 a.m. to noon EDT
WHO: Phil DeCola, NASA program scientist
Ernie Hilsenrath, NASA program scientist
Kathy Crane, NOAA oceanographer
In addition to viewing the exhibits, reporters will be able to talk with program scientists from NASA and NOAA. For more information about the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, visit:
For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit:
Web site: http://www.nasa.gov/
T Bone Burnett Announces Dates for First Concert Tour in 20 Years
15-City Run Set in Conjunction With Two Major Album Releases
Bone Burnett will embark on his first concert tour in nearly 20 years beginning May 23 at The Vic Theatre in Chicago (see itinerary following).
The True False Identity Tour will hit theaters and outdoor venues in 15 U.S. cities in conjunction with the simultaneous release, on May 16, of the acclaimed songwriter and musician's two new albums: The True False Identity, T Bone's first studio album in 14 years, and Twenty Twenty -- The Essential T Bone Burnett, the artist's 40-song first-ever career-spanning retrospective.
T Bone's band on this major headlining tour will consist of many of the musicians he worked with on The True False Identity and numerous musical projects over the years: Jim Keltner on drums, Marc Ribot on guitar, Dennis Crouch on bass and Keefus Ciancia on keyboards.
Jakob Dylan, who shares a long-standing friendship and musical history with T Bone, will appear as a very special guest on the tour. The two last collaborated in the mid-nineties, when Jakob's band, The Wallflowers, worked with producer Burnett on the group's multi-platinum Bringing Down The Horse album. Jakob will perform on all but one of the concerts on the tour. On June 15, in San Francisco, T Bone will be joined by Peter Hayes & Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.
T Bone's long hiatus from recording and performing opened the door for one of music's most multi-faceted and successful careers. His multitude of musical identities have included: Grammy-winning producer (the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack, the Tony Bennett and k.d. lang album, "A Wonderful World"); Oscar-nominated songwriter ("The Scarlet Tide" from Cold Mountain); indie record label founder (DMZ Records); soundtrack composer/Executive Music Producer (Walk The Line, The Big Lebowski) and versatile studio wizard (Tony Bennett, Elvis Costello, Counting Crows, Alison Krauss, k.d. lang, Roy Orbison, Sam Phillips, Ralph Stanley, The Wallflowers, Gillian Welch and Cassandra Wilson).
The True False Identity Tour itinerary:
May 23 Chicago Vic Theatre (with Jakob Dylan)
May 24 Nashville Ryman Auditorium (with Jakob Dylan)
May 30 Washington, D.C. 9:30 Club (with Jakob Dylan)
May 31 Philadelphia Theatre of the Living Arts (with Jakob Dylan)
June 1 New York Town Hall Theatre (with Jakob Dylan)
June 2 Boston Somerville Theatre (with Jakob Dylan)
June 9 Saratoga, CA The Mountain Winery (with Jakob Dylan)
June 10 Eugene, OR Secret House Vineyards (with Jakob Dylan)
June 11 Seattle Moore Theatre (with Jakob Dylan)
June 12 Portland Aladdin Theatre (with Jakob Dylan)
June 14 San Francisco Great American Music Hall (with Jakob Dylan)
June 15 San Francisco Great American Music Hall
(with Peter Hayes & Robert Levon Been)
June 16 Petaluma, CA Mystic Theatre (with Jakob Dylan)
June 17 Santa Barbara, CA Lobero Theatre (with Jakob Dylan)
June 19 San Diego 4th & B Theater (with Jakob Dylan)
June 20 Los Angeles Wilshire Ebell Theatre (with Jakob Dylan)
Source: Columbia Records
CONTACT: Renee Pfefer, On Tour PR, +1-914-273-0007,
HBO Hosts Special Premiere Screening of the HBO Documentary About Global Warming 'TOO HOT NOT TO HANDLE' on Tuesday, April 11
WHAT: HBO will host a special premiere screening of the HBO documentary
"TOO HOT NOT TO HANDLE" in Cambridge, MA. The one-hour documentary
illustrates the effects of global warming in the United States and
some of the solutions that are already taking place across the
country. The film features contributions from leading scientists in
the field including local professors: Kerry Emanuel, Professor,
Earth, Atmospheric & Planetary Science, MIT; Paul R. Epstein,
Associate Director, Center for Health and the Global Environment,
Harvard Medical School; and Daniel Schrag, Professor, Earth and
Planetary Sciences and Director of the Center for the Environment
at Harvard University. TOO HOT NOT TO HANDLE debuts on Earth Day,
SATURDAY, APRIL 22 (7:00-8:00 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.
WHO: Special Guests Professor Paul R. Epstein, Professor Daniel Schrag,
and Kevin Knobloch, President, Union of Concerned will attend the
premiere and discuss the global warming crisis and its effects on
the United States. Guests at the screening will include
environmental activists, community leaders, and students.
WHEN: Tuesday, April 11, 2006
WHERE: 5:00pm - 6:30pm Reception (by invitation)
Upstairs on the Square - Monday Club Bar
91 Winthrop Street, Cambridge, MA
7:00pm Screening
Harvard Square Loews Theater
10 Church Street
WHY: Global warming is the most urgent threat facing humanity today,
leading to problems such as melting glaciers, rising sea levels,
catastrophic storms, migrating viruses, and population
displacement. Over the past 100 years, the mass consumption of
fossil fuels has contributed to a dangerous warming of the earth
that has and will continue to adversely impact the way we live.
It's more than an environmental issue; it's about our national
security, it's about our public health. It's an urgent matter of
survival for everyone on the planet.
Web site: http://www.hbo.com/
A Million New High Speed Internet Users Added Last Year
The twenty largest cable and DSL providers in the US, representing about 94% of the market, achieved record net high-speed Internet additions in 2005, according to a performance review by Leichtman Research Group. Net additions for the year totaled over 9.6 million subscribers - a total that exceeded the previous record set in 2004 by over 1 million subscribers.
Other key findings for the quarter include:
As of the end of 2005, the top broadband providers accounted for over 42.8 million high-speed Internet subscribers
The top cable broadband providers now have a 57% share of the overall market versus DSL, and account for over 24.3 million high-speed Internet subscribers compared to 18.5 million for DSL
The top DSL providers netted 54% of the broadband additions in 2005
DSL providers added over 5.2 million broadband subscribers in 2005
Cable operators added about 4.4 million broadband subscribers in 2005
The fourth quarter of 2005 was the best quarter ever for DSL providers, adding nearly 1.5 million net additional DSL subscribers, capturing 57% of the net 2.64 million high-speed Internet additions for the quarter. Cable operators added virtually the same number of subscribers during the quarter as a year ago, while DSL providers added about 350,000 more subscribers than in the fourth quarter of 2004
With about 10 million additional broadband subscribers in the US in 2005, the number of net broadband additions has increased every year this decade.
NBC MAY RAISE ITS PRICE
NBC MAY RAISE ITS PRICE by as much as 15 percent to 20 percent from its current "Today Show" advertising rates during the last week that Katie Couric remains as co-host of the show, according to media agency executives.
NBC could ask for as much as $78,000 for a 30-second commercial during Couric's last week. Her last day at "Today" will be May 31.
Currently, second-quarter pricing for "The Today Show" is at some $65,000 a 30-second commercial--which is up from its $55,000 upfront pricing. "The Today Show" is the top-priced morning show. "Good Morning America" is getting about $40,000 for a 30-second unit and "The Early Show" gets about $25,000.
One executive close to the network estimated advertisers would naturally get a break if they buy other NBC news properties. If, for example, NBC has 20 units left to sell that last week, it will try to package it with perhaps other NBC Universal news properties--for instance, cable network CNBC or NBC's Internet area MSNBC.com.
But don't expect wholesale price changes in the two months Couric has on the air before she heads off to CBS, according to media agency executives. That's because 90 percent of "Today"'s scatter inventory for the second quarter is already sold.
Although Couric news has grabbed big headlines, media buyers don't expect to see major viewership changes in her remaining weeks either. "There might be a little bump for her last few days, but probably not much," said Andy Donchin, senior vice president of national broadcast for Carat USA. "'The Today Show' will survive--it went through the same thing when Barbara Walters left and then when Jane Pauley left."
Couric has major TV brand name appeal--but media agency executives don't expect Couric's departure on May 31 to take on a TV event-like status like a "Seinfeld" or a "Cheers" finale. An NBC spokeswoman did not return phone calls regarding any advertising pricing changes for "The Today Show."
CBS is not expected to immediately take advantage of hiking up rates on its "CBS Evening News" show, of which Couric will front, becoming the first solo female anchor for broadcast evening news show.
Right now, CBS's unit price for its evening newscast is at approximately $40,000 for a 30-second spot, according to media executives. That price is up because of higher ratings achieved during Bob Schieffer's stint as anchor of "CBS Evening News." Previously, the show was getting about $35,000 a spot.
Industry executives estimate the cost for a 30-second spot is $62,000 for NBC's "Nightly News with Brian Williams," and $50,000 a unit for ABC's "World News Tonight."
The marketing effort for CBS's new big-name star is only now being formalized. Her initial marketing chores might start if she takes the stage during CBS' upfront presentations for national advertisers in mid-May.
"When you talk about TV brands, she is extremely well-known in the country--one [of the] top 10 TV personalities," said George Schweitzer, president of CBS Marketing Group. "That's impactful for us. That's a big plus."
Marketing’s role on mobile phones takes center stage this week as the wireless industry today opens one of its largest conferences ever, CTIA Wireless 2006.
“How to advertise on mobile search, mobile video, interstitials, opt-in procedures” -- those avenues are top of mind in a conference usually dominated by discussions of phone features, the wireless spectrum and other technical issues, said Mark Lowenstein, managing director of Boston-based mobile consultancy Mobile Ecosystem.
Capable is not the same as can
With 200 million phones in circulation in the U.S., and 80% of them capable of downloading video, sending text messages and completing other so-called data-enabled functions, the wireless industry has begun focusing on their potential for marketing, and devising ways to attract more brands to the new medium.
In fact, MSNBC.com today led off the announcements at CTIA with news it was testing an ad-subsidized video service for cellphones. In the test, cellphone subscribers will have the option of receiving news and videos, and they’ll have the ability to save stories for later reference. Microsoft’s Windows Mobile and Embedded Devices Division is the ad sponsor.
“There’s still a lot of figuring out,” cautioned Louis Gump, chairman of the Mobile Marketing Association and VP-mobile at the Weather Channel. Mr. Gump led off a day-long session, "Marketing -- The Mobile Channel," yesterday.
Mr. Gump was concerned with one of mobile’s most ticklish issues. Marketers might be drawn to the mobile phone because the devices are now indispensable to many consumers. But at the same time consumers view the phone as an intimate device and might resent a marketing intrusion. Mr. Gump and others are concerned that if subscribers are spammed with mobile marketing, the medium’s potential will go the way of e-mail as a marketing tool.
The Mobile Marketing Association issues best-practices guidelines requiring double opt-in by consumers before they are charged for new promotions or applications. Mr. Gump said it was “critically important” that consumers “feel they have control over the experience.”
“If we don’t do things right, we’re going to have to live with that for a long time,” said Matt Jones, director-mobile products, USAToday.com.
In a positive sign for marketers, two speakers -- Kristen Fox, manager-product marketing, Mobile ESPN Publishing, and Jim Cannella, national director-corporate partnerships, House of Blues -- said they have experienced a very low opt-out rate with their mobile marketing efforts.
So far, marketers have used cellphones as a marketing tool through text-messaging polls, promotions and other short-code marketing programs. Advertising over the phone’s more advanced features, such as mobile Web or mobile video, has been limited.
Tom Burgess, CEO, Third Screen Media, said his company is getting from $35 to $50 cost-per-thousand for mobile advertising with a click-through rate of 3.5%, much higher than Web click-through rates. “We’re evolving from the Wild West to a more stable environment,” said Mr. Burgess, predicting mobile marketing ultimately will grow faster than marketing did on the Internet.
Steven Smyth, VP-media, Reuters, said advertising will take the place of premium SMS (the purchase of ring tones or other content). Wireless subscribers pay extra on their phone bills for premium content. “We decided in the U.S. that ad support is key in driving adoption.”
Todd Anderman, president, Dennis Digital, said enthusiasm for mobile advertising is running so high he has to calm down marketers who want to do things like “a mobile blast” (sending messages to all customers of a carrier), something not possible because carriers wouldn’t allow it and subscribers would be alienated. “It’s 1996 all over again,” he said. He said a lot of his job lately “is about educating, hand-holding and a lot of managing expectations.”
Nihal Mehta, CEO of Ipsh, Omnicom’s mobile agency, said last year 15% of major brands were using mobile marketing. This year, the percentage has tripled to 45%, he said.
Other aspects of the dot-com era were evident at the show. CTIA spokesman Joseph Farren said attendance boomed this year to a high of about 40,000, up from 35,000 last year. He also noted an increasing international presence at the conference, with a record 20% from non-U.S. nations.
What explains the renewed interest in technology? A number of mobile startups are being acquired by other companies, and venture capitalists are pouring money into the business, said Mr. Mehta. Mobile broadcast software company Roundbox, Florham Park, N.J., announced yesterday it raised $15 million in funding. Last month, VeriSign, making a mobile play, purchased m-Qube for $250 million in cash.
But Mr. Mehta believes that the marketing applications of the mobile phone fueling the funding blitz won’t begin to pan out until 2008 or 2009. Between this year and then, he predicted, “there will be another bubble burst."
Oh, if only it was 2005
Oh, if only it was 2005. That’s what Nike must be thinking as CBS yesterday announced a slate of broadband-video and video-on-demand deals that will make highlights and play from the 2006 Masters Tournament much more accessible.
Golf fans will recall that last year Tiger Woods won the tourney with what may be the best sports replay shot of all time: a slow-mo sinker on the 16th hole in which the ball settled -- with its Nike swoosh to the camera -- for a full two seconds before dropping in the cup. Ad Age estimated the live and replayed footage was worth about $1 million in free advertising.
Of course, only the lucky viewers who had been recording the event on their DVRs were able to play it back at will. But this year, almost anyone will be able to control when they watch.
Starting April 10, viewers can order up an on-demand tournament highlight reel from one of eight different cable, satellite and telecom operators with which CBS has video-on-demand agreements. Additionally, at-work employees can wile away hours of productivity watching a live, online stream of the Masters as cbs.sportsline.com and masters.org broadcast play on holes 12, 13 and 14 -- coined “The Amen Corner” -- at Augusta National. The tournament runs from April 6-9.
In previous years, masters.org has provided live coverage of holes 6 and 12, during the practice rounds only. This year there will be about 22 hours of online streaming during the actual tournament. Unlike the recent March Madness online streaming event, the Masters deal is clouded with nuances.
The Masters is a closely held property that renews its media partnerships year-by-year. The online coverage is being produced by CBS Sports and CBS Sportsline, but part of the deal was to allow the coverage to be shown on masters.org. Masters.org has a promotional deal with ESPN.com, which allows ESPN to link to the online stream. However, the live streams will feature CBS Sports and CBS Sportsline branding -- the announcers’ microphones, for example, will sport the CBS eye -- and talent.
While the stream on Masters.org is free to consumers, it won’t be ad supported, according to a spokeswoman. That fits with The Masters tradition of having limited advertising in its TV broadcast -- only four minutes an hour. Three sponsors foot the bill for the broadcasts, and this year they are IBM, Exxon Mobile and AT&T. (All the sponsorships are signed with The Masters, not the networks that air the event, NBC Universal’s USA Network and CBS. Visitors who log onto the stream at Masters.org will, however, notice sponsors’ logos on the site.)
CBS Sportsline’s streaming Masters coverage will be presented courtesy of computer retailer CDW, which will run a pre-roll ad prior to the stream and have branding within the streaming player.
Nike, not an official sponsor, will just have to hope for another fortuitous shot -- and that it happens not on the 16th, but on the 12th, 13th or 14th hole.
Measurement
With online broadband video rapidly becoming the apple of marketers’ collective eye, cable's video-on-demand proponents gathered yesterday to grab back some of the spotlight at a meeting of the Innovations in Digital Advertising group.
Cathy Hetzel, senior VP of on-demand essentials at measurement firm Rentrak, reminded the group's members -- executives from media, advertising agencies and marketers looking to hammer out the technical difficulties of advertising in VOD -- that there are many more metrics available for measuring cable VOD than for broadband video online.
“What you get in [online] broadband is clicks. You can't get data on what is viewed, for what duration or information on what was paused, fast-forwarded or rewound.”
Ms. Hetzel, who is on the IDIA technology steering committee, acknowledged that cable VOD still posed some problems for marketers -- inserting new ads into a VOD program, for example, remains a technically difficult task. While CBS and NBC have deals with Comcast to make some of their network programming available on VOD, marketers must work under much greater time constraints since their ads need to be encoded for on-demand viewing.
Digital media specialist Pat Dunbar, who formed the unique cross-industry IDIA group through her own consultancy, Dima Group, said advertisers need to help define the future of VOD. "The advertiser is no longer the client. In today's world distributors have the power," Ms. Dunbar said. "Advertising is a miniscule part of the budget for the likes of Comcast and Verizon. It is incumbent on advertisers to get more informed and not wait till until someone comes to them with the perfect solutions."
Ms. Dunbar predicts that competition between platforms such as broadband video, cellphones and cable VOD platforms will start to heat up. "One piece of advertising is 'Where is my customer?' The other is 'What’s the overhead to reach that customer?' There will start to be a comparison between the overheads of broadband and cable video on demand. One major problem for growing the on-demand universe as an advertising channel is that most marketers don’t have the budgets for repurposing their creative to fit across multiple platforms.”
To give some idea of the growing size of online broadband viewing, Bill Niemeyer, chief of analysis and research at Dima Group, said U.S. households watched 1.6 billion hours of ad-supported broadband video content last year and that current ad spending on broadband video is on track to hit $375 million in 2006. He estimated that there were 141 million broadband views in December.
Separately, Nielsen Media Research updated those in attendance on its own plans to measure VOD viewing. Scott Brown, Nielsen’s senior VP-strategic relationships, markets and technology, said that the first phase of its plan to measure VOD viewing begins in June. Phase one would credit broadcasters with viewers to recently televised programming on VOD platforms. Nielsen said the same national commercials in each show would need to be aired in order for each broadcaster to receive the viewer credit. The next phase in late 2006 would see Nielsen tabulate viewing of ad-free pay-TV services such as HBO On Demand. In 2007, sibling Nielsen Entertainment is expected to be able to track transactional on-demand viewing, such as paid-for content.
Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund Award Recipient Isabella Rossellini Donates $50,000
Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund Award Recipient Isabella Rossellini Donates $50,000 to Andean Cat Alliance; Funds to Support Efforts to Preserve Most Endangered Cat Species in the Americas
The Andean Cat Alliance, a multinational nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving the Endangered Andean cat, today announced that it received a donation of $50,000 from Isabella Rossellini, international actress and model and ardent wildlife conservationist.
Rossellini's donation represents half of a $100,000 grant she received from the Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund in recognition of her work to preserve endangered animals. She was among five leading wildlife conservationists honored today by Disney at an event at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Fla. The other Disney honorees include Dr. Jane Goodall, Iain Douglas-Hamilton of Save the Elephants Foundation, actor John Cleese and Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai.
"There are a host of wildlife organizations passionately working today to protect endangered species," said Rossellini. "No one is more important than the other in the critical work they do. Today, I have selected to donate half of the proceeds from this highly valued Disney Award to the Andean Cat Alliance to raise needed funds to continue the important preservation efforts and global visibility for this very elusive, yet very important species. Through the work of the Alliance, we hope to learn more about the cat and reduce the threats to its survival. The Alliance also is working to enable the people of the Andes to share the land with wildlife for their mutual benefit."
The Andean cat is considered the most endangered cat species in the Americas. Very little is known about this elusive creature that lives exclusively in the remote high-altitude deserts of the Andes in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Peru. There have been fewer than 10 documented sightings of these cats in the last 25 years, threatened by the use of their pelts in ritualistic ceremonies and by the destruction of their fragile habitat through mining and other interests. The protection of these small but powerful top predators is emblematic of the health of the Andean ecosystem. A multinational team of researchers in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Network (WCN), of which Rossellini is a board member, has developed and is implementing a conservation effort throughout the four range countries.
"We are extremely grateful to Isabella for the recognition and support of our effort," said Claudio Sillero of the Andean Cat Alliance. "Up until 1997, this cat was so elusive to be almost a legend. Today, our dedicated team of conservation biologists and educators is making good progress in understanding both the environmental and human threats that jeopardize the species. Isabella's support is critical for the completion of our base line research and the launching of the educational and conservation phases of our program."
"The Andean Cat Alliance represents a new paradigm for wildlife conservation," said Charles Knowles, WCN executive director. "WCN is proud to have assisted in the formation of this organization but make no mistake, this is an organization founded and run by citizens of the range countries. Through this type of capacity building not only will we conserve the Andean cat and its habitat, but we are helping to build a conservation community in South America which will continue to grow independent of WCN."
About Wildlife Conservation Network
WCN (http://www.WildNet.org) was founded in 2002 to fund and foster individual conservationists focused on implementing community-based conservation programs in developing countries. WCN provides back office support -- fundraising, marketing, administrative and technical expertise -- to individual conservationists, enabling them to work more effectively and spend more time in the field. WCN uses a venture capital (VC) fundraising model based on the relationships that have evolved between high-technology entrepreneurs, investors and corporations. Acting as a very efficient VC, WCN identifies high-potential individual conservationists and projects, ensuring due diligence is completed up-front, providing ongoing advisory services, and forging alliances between donor-"investors" and individual conservationists. WCN is the first to use this approach to fund and support worldwide conservation efforts.
About Andean Cat Alliance
In April 2004, a multinational scientific team with representatives from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru and the Wildlife Conservation Network formed the Andean Cat Alliance (in Spanish Alianza Gato Andino) to evaluate threats to the Andean cat and collaborate on conservation efforts. The result was the publication of the Andean Cat Conservation Action Plan with program activities for each participating country. The organization is headquartered in La Paz, Bolivia and meets annually to assess progress and evaluate program activities. More information about the Andean Cat Alliance is available at (http://www.wildnet.org/andean_cat.htm).
Walt Disney Records Unleashes a Fierce New Release -- ``The Wild Soundtrack''
Hits the Streets April 11, 2006
Walt Disney Records sets "The Wild Soundtrack" free on April 11, 2006. The CD opens with a rockin' remake of "Real Wild Child" by newly signed Buena Vista Music Group recording artists Everlife, followed by three all-new, original songs. Multi-platinum artists Lifehouse perform the pensive track "Good Enough", Big Bad Voodoo Daddy perform the uptempo "Big Time Boppin' (Go Man Go)" and Eric Idle and John Du Prez ("Monty Python's Spamalot") penned and perform "Really Nice Day." Rounding out "The Wild Soundtrack" are nine score tracks from Academy Award(R)-nominee Alan Silvestri ("Lilo & Stitch," "The Parent Trap," "Forrest Gump").
In Walt Disney Pictures' newest computer-animated comedy-adventure, "The Wild," an odd assortment of animals from the New York Zoo -- including a lion, a giraffe, an anaconda, a koala and a squirrel -- discover what a jungle the city can be when one of their own is mistakenly shipped to the wild and they embark on a dangerous mission to rescue him. The film boasts an impressive vocal ensemble -- Keifer Sutherland (as the respected lion leader, Samson), Greg Cipes (as Samson's son, Ryan), Jim Belushi (as Benny, the street savvy squirrel and Samson's best friend), Janeane Garofalo (as a quick-witted giraffe), Richard Kind (as a dim-witted anaconda), William Shatner (as a wicked wildebeest) and Eddie Izzard (as Nigel, an acerbic koala) -- along with cutting edge animation, and a story filled with hilarious situations. "The Wild" opens in theaters nationwide April 14, 2006.
"The Wild Soundtrack" track listing:
-- 1. "Real Wild Child" -- Everlife
-- 2. "Good Enough" -- Lifehouse
-- 3. "Big Time Boppin' (Go Man Go)" -- Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
-- 4. "Really Nice Day" -- Eric Idle and John Du Prez
-- 5. "Tales From The Wild" (Score)
-- 6. "You Can't Roar" (Score)
-- 7. "Lost In The City" (Score)
-- 8. "To The Wild" (Score)
-- 9. "Alien Shores" (Score)
-- 10. "The Legend In Action" (Score)
-- 11. "The Mythology Of Nigel" (Score)
-- 12. "The Ritual" (Score)
-- 13. "Found Our Roar" (Score)
-- 14. "Really Nice Day (Finale)" -- Eric Idle and John Du Prez
"The Wild Soundtrack" will be available April 11, 2006 for a suggested retail price of $18.98 wherever music is sold. All Walt Disney Records audio products also can be ordered by visiting DisneyRecords.com.
INFOSPACE UNVEILS NEW ENHANCED MOBILE SEARCH PRODUCT AT CTIA
First to Market with a Comprehensive Mobile Search Offering, InfoSpace Makes it Easy for Consumers to Find Content Everywhere: On-deck, Off-deck, Around the Corner, or Across the World Wide Web
InfoSpace, Inc a leading provider of mobile content, applications and infrastructure, today unveiled its latest mobile search product, the most comprehensive mobile search product in the market today. Carriers can integrate the offering to enable subscribers to easily and quickly find the answers they seek and to purchase the mobile content they want while on the go. Today's announcement introduces the latest innovation from InfoSpace, which brings content and services to the four major carriers in North America and provides mobile search products to three major carriers in North America, reaching approximately 72 million mobile subscribers.
Leveraging the power of the company's proprietary metasearch technology, which searches and delivers results from a variety of sources, InfoSpace's new mobile search platform enables the delivery of a comprehensive solution across heterogeneous data types through a single search box, including:
Storefront search for mobile purchasing: ringtones, games, wallpapers, videos, bundles
for mobile purchasing: ringtones, games, wallpapers, videos, bundlesPortal search of carrier approved applications – news, stocks, weather, sports, etc.
of carrier approved applications – news, stocks, weather, sports, etc.Local search of information about people, places, things and events nearby
of information about people, places, things and events nearbyWAP index search of mobile friendly sites approved by carrier
of mobile friendly sites approved by carrierWeb index search of the World Wide Web rendered for mobile devices
of the World Wide Web rendered for mobile devicesProgrammed search of deeply linked editorial content
of deeply linked editorial content No other company offers such a complete and compelling mobile search offering today and makes it available under the carrier's brand, with the ability to drive incremental revenue to carriers.Additionally, InfoSpace's Mobile Search Platform combines an intuitive user interface with powerful personalization and relevancy technologies, to create a search experience tailored to the needs of the mobile user. To deliver the shortest click distance to consumers and save them from typing lengthy query terms, the InfoSpace platform takes into account the subscriber's preferences, device, location and other information to present answers that are personalized and relevant to the mobile on-the-go user.
"2006 will be the year that all mobile media consumption will begin with mobile search," said Brendan Benzing, vice president of mobile search, platforms and ad solutions at InfoSpace. "A browsing experience can be so limiting for users, carriers, and mobile content providers. We can see that merely porting traditional search to phones is just the ante and, in fact, it makes it difficult for subscribers to find and purchase the mobile content they want. At InfoSpace, we are focused on providing a comprehensive, integrated mobile search experience that helps subscribers easily and quickly find what they're looking for. InfoSpace's Mobile Search is the catalyst for increased discovery, personalization and enjoyment."
InfoSpace was first to market in North America with its mobile search products. In 2005, InfoSpace was selected by Cingular Wireless to build the new MEdia Net. In addition to a customizable home page and easy access to information, ringtones and other wireless content, the MEdia Net 3.0 platform features an InfoSpace search tool which can find content, Web links and can be personalized using a zip code feature to find nearby locations. The launch of MediaNet 3.0 proved very successful, with total search query volumes and queries per user exceeding expectations. In March 2006, InfoSpace launched InfoSpace Find It™ with Sprint, a comprehensive subscription-based location enabled search product that allows consumers to easily and quickly find everything from nearby restaurants and movie times to people, maps and driving directions all in one integrated application.
InfoSpace Mobile Search provides carriers a flexible offering that supports on-deck, off-deck and on-device searching. Carriers can work with InfoSpace to index and integrate content from a variety of partners. InfoSpace Mobile Search is available to carriers in North America and Europe today.
More information can be found at http://www.infospaceinc.com.
About InfoSpace
InfoSpace, Inc. drives mobile media innovation. With one of the world's largest mobile content libraries, InfoSpace makes it easy for consumers to discover, personalize and enjoy their on-the-go experiences. The company uses its superior discovery, merchandising and technology capabilities to help facilitate the delivery of original and licensed content across hundreds of mobile devices and through multiple channels. InfoSpace also mobilizes brands and creates programming and revenue opportunities for mobile operators. The company's products and services have extensive reach in North America and Europe through carriers such as Cingular Wireless, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, and Virgin Mobile; in partnership with world-class brands such as Cablevision and Fox News; and through online Web sites such as Dogpile (Dogpile.com), which showcase the company's leading metasearch technology and key advertising partnerships with companies like Google, Yahoo!, Verizon SuperPages and Yellowpages.com.
Sports and Auto
Oakland & Dodger Baseball
Oakland 6, Seattle 4 at Safeco Field
Oakland Record: (5-2)
Winning pitcher - Rich Harden (1-0)
Losing pitcher - Joel Pineiro (1-1)
SV - Huston Street (2)
OAK HR - E. Chavez (3)
SEA HR - None
Los Angeles 6, Philadelphia 2 at Citizens Bank Park
Los Angeles Record: (3-3)
Winning pitcher - Brad Penny (2-0)
Losing pitcher - Jon Lieber (0-2)
Shamu to Join Johnson at Daytona in July
Lowe's and SeaWorld announced today that Jimmie Johnson will feature a Shamu paint scheme on his Chevrolet when the Daytona 500 champion returns to the superspeedway on July 1.
"The No. 48 Lowe's team has done some great family-themed paint schemes in the past few years," said Johnson. "This Shamu scheme is no different. All kids love Shamu. I know I did growing up in San Diego. Now, I'll be able to bring Shamu to the beaches of Daytona and hopefully introduce him to victory lane."
Lowe's is the official Home Improvement Store of all the Busch Entertainment Corp. (BEC) theme parks, including SeaWorld. The paint scheme is part of SeaWorld's introduction of its all new Shamu show, called "Believe," at each of the SeaWorld parks this year.
In addition to the Shamu paint scheme, a lucky race fan will have the opportunity to see the new show and watch as Jimmie Johnson races the Shamu No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet. Fans can log on to http://www.lowesracing.com/ , sign up for a free Team Lowe's Racing fan club membership, then race the specially designed No. 48 Chevrolet online. The fan with the fastest time will win a trip to Orlando to visit SeaWorld and Discovery Cove as well as the opportunity to watch Jimmie race. The Contest will run from April 7 to May 12.
"Lowe's is pleased to offer this unique experience to our race fans," said Bob Gfeller, Lowe's senior vice president. "We are always looking for ways to maximize the racing experience for Team 48 fans and their families. This experience allows a lucky fan to see two great shows -- Shamu at SeaWorld and Jimmie Johnson at the racetrack."
"The new Shamu show is the most ambitious show attraction in SeaWorld's 42-year history, and is unlike anything our guests have ever seen. We are excited to see Shamu on the car and fortunate to have Jimmie Johnson and Lowe's help us launch our new show, which, like racing, is great family entertainment," said Robin Carson, BEC's corporate marketing vice president.
The Daytona race kicks off NBC's broadcasts of the second half of the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup season.
Source: Busch Entertainment Corp.
Web site: http://www.lowesracing.com/
two great shows -- Shamu at SeaWorld and Jimmie Johnson at the racetrack."
Autoliv Inc. received three additional awards from the largest Japanese vehicle producer.
At Toyota's European Supplier Conference in Brussels last week, Autoliv Inc. received three additional awards from the largest Japanese vehicle producer. This follows upon the Value Improvement Award for 2005 that Autoliv received three weeks ago at Toyota's global headquarters in Nagoya, Japan.
This time Autoliv was recognized for its smooth closure of an airbag assembly plant in the U.K. and its seamless move of this production to Turkey, where Toyota is aggressively expanding its manufacturing capacity. As a result, Toyota honored Autoliv with two Achievement Awards; one in Project Management and another in Cost Management.
In addition, Autoliv's subsidiary in Turkey received an Achievement Award in Quality.
This marks the fourth time this year that Autoliv has been recognized with awards from customers. In January, the world-leading automotive safety supplier received General Motor's Outstanding Performance Award for its "performance in quality, cost, launch and delivery, as well as contributions to production and concept vehicles."
In February, Autoliv received Honda's Supplier of Excellence Award. This was in recognition of "persistent implementation of value engineering/value added activities" resulting in products with higher quality and performance at lower cost.
"We are honored and delighted to have been recognized once again by Toyota for our achievements in quality, cost reductions and delivery reliability," said Autoliv's CEO Lars Westerberg.
"These recognitions are telling evidence of our commitment to our customers' cost reduction programs and globalization plans. With manufacturing of safety systems in all major vehicle-producing countries, we can give vehicle manufacturers unsurpassed support globally as we did in Turkey last year for Toyota."
Autoliv Inc. develops and manufactures automotive safety systems for all major automotive manufacturers in the world. Together with its joint ventures Autoliv has 80 facilities with nearly 39,000 employees in 30 vehicle-producing countries. In addition, the company has development and engineering centers in six countries around the world, including 20 test tracks, more than any other automotive safety supplier. Sales in 2005 amounted to US $6.2 billion. The Company's shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and its Swedish Depository
CelebrityPokerPlayer.net Offering Two Seats
for VH1 Classic Rock `n' Roll Celebrity Poker Tournament to Players Qualifying at Site
CelebrityPokerPlayer.net (CPP) is qualifying two players to play side-by-side against Ace Frehley of Kiss, Jane Wiedlin of the GoGo's, Sully Erna of Godsmack, Vinnie Paul from Pantera and Big Vin Records and, if shooting schedule permits, singer/actor Steven Van Zandt, playing for their favorite charities in the first VH1 Rock 'n' Roll Celebrity Poker Player Tournament airing this fall on VH1 Classic.
The charity event, presented by CelebrityPokerPlayer.net and produced by Tenner and Associates Inc., will be taped Thursday, June 8, 2006 in the Second City Theatre at Harrah's Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Two lucky visitors to http://www.celebritypokerplayer.net will get the chance to participate with the rock 'n' roll stars. "Free roll" tournaments will be held at the site during the next two months. Harrah's Flamingo will also qualify one player to sit at the table with the rock 'n' roll celebrities.
"CelebrityPokerPlayer.net is the one online poker room where you really can play alongside the 'stars,'" Lance A. Perry, Executive Producer and CEO of New Poker Corporation, says. "We are looking forward to a great show, watching the celebrities play for their favorite charity and giving a couple of our players the chance to be a part of a big tournament on VH1 Classic."
The VH1 Classic Rock 'n' Roll Celebrity Poker Player Tournament will air on VH1 Classic in addition to DirectTV programming on Jet Blue and Frontier Airlines. Pro player and fan favorite Phil Laak will host the show. Matt Savage will serve as tournament director.
The celebrities will donate all winnings their favorite charity. The celebrity and guest left standing will take over VH1 Classic for an entire day, programming music videos and serving as on-air hosts.
CelebrityPokerPlayer.net (CPP) is a new free roll site and the place to play poker, as well as 'see and be seen' alongside or chat with Hollywood celebrities, musicians, singers and top athletes. For more information, contact: http://www.newpokercorporation.com. Apr 06, 2006 08:30
CNET Networks Games & Entertainment Announces Winners
of Its Third Annual Mobile Entertainment Awards; Announced at CTIA WIRELESS 2006; Doom RPG Wins 2005 Mobile Game of the Year
CNET Networks Games & Entertainment, which includes GameSpot, MP3.com, and TV.com, today announced the winners of the Third Annual Mobile Entertainment Awards, also known as the 2005 Mobies. Winners were announced at the CTIA WIRELESS 2006 conference in Las Vegas, the premier global event for all things wireless.
The Mobies, chosen by a panel of CNET Networks editorial experts, are the industry's only awards recognizing excellence in mobile entertainment innovation, design, and technical achievement. Awards were given in eight categories, with the highest honor, the 2005 Mobile Game of the Year, awarded to Jamdat Mobile for Doom RPG. While seven of the categories focus on games, a new category this year, the Mobile Entertainment Trailblazer award, recognizes companies for outstanding innovation in mobile entertainment. By expanding the categories, the awards program reflects consumers' growing desire to incorporate not only games, but also music and video into their mobile lifestyle.
The Mobies provide best-of-breed buying recommendations in one of the fastest growing segment of the game industry. Analysts are forecasting that mobile phone content, including music, gaming, and video, will reach $43 billion worldwide by 2010, up from $5.2 billion in 2004(a).
"The Mobies have become an excellent indicator of the latest trends in mobile entertainment and specifically the gameplay experiences that enhance consumers' on-the-go lifestyle," said Robert Mesirow, vice president and show director for CTIA WIRELESS 2006. "The Mobies always create a lot of buzz and excitement at CTIA WIRELESS, and this year's winners really raise the bar. We congratulate the winners on their innovation and contribution to the wireless lifestyle."
"Doom RPG is a model for the mobile entertainment industry, as it successfully bridges the gap between traditional PC and console games and the emerging mobile platform to create an entirely new experience," said Vince Broady, senior vice president of CNET Networks Games & Entertainment. "As the industry continues to grow in popularity and influence, Doom RPG publisher Jamdat -- as well as all the other Mobies finalists and winners -- are setting the standards against which future mobile entertainment offerings will be judged."
Following is a list of winners in each category: -0-
MOBILE GAME AWARDS PUBLISHER DEVELOPER
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mobile Game of the Year
Doom RPG Jamdat Mobile Fountainhead
Best Action Game
Ratchet & Clank: Going Mobile Sony Pictures Sony Pictures
Digital Digital
Best Adventure/Role-playing
Game
Doom RPG Jamdat Mobile Fountainhead
Best Board/Card Game
WordKing Poker Digital Chocolate Digital Chocolate
Best Puzzle Game
Tower Bloxx Digital Chocolate Digital Chocolate
Best Sports Game
Massive Snowboarding Gameloft Gameloft
Best Strategy Game
Ancient Empires II Glu Mobile Glu Mobile
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT
AWARDS
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mobile Entertainment
Trailblazers:
Amp'd Mobile
MobiTV
Sprint Nextel
Verizon Wireless
A detailed summary of the Mobie Awards, including the 2005 winners and finalists, is available at: http://www.gamespot.com/2006/mobies/index.html.
(a) From iSuppli Corp, March 2006
About CNET Networks Games & Entertainment
The CNET Networks Games & Entertainment portfolio of award-winning Web sites -- GameSpot, MP3.com, TV.com, and Metacritic.com -- provide entertainment enthusiasts with comprehensive category specific content and unique community features through which they can meet other people with similar interests and share opinions. With GameSpot Trax, the game industry's most robust research tool, the Games & Entertainment division is also setting the bar for creating innovative business intelligence solutions. Collectively, the sites reach 30 million(1) entertainment enthusiasts worldwide each month.
About CNET Networks Inc.
CNET Networks is a global media company with some of the most important and valuable brands on the Web targeting passionate audiences. The company's brands -- such as CNET, GameSpot, TV.com, MP3.com, Webshots, BNET and ZDNet -- serve the technology, games and entertainment, business, and community categories. CNET Networks was founded in 1993 and has always been "a different kind of media company" creating engaging media experiences through a combination of world-class content and technology infrastructure.
SportsNet New York Launched on DISH Network
Mets Fans Get Access to up to 125 Games During the 2006 Season
SportsNet New York, a 24/7 regional sports and entertainment television network, will feature up to 125 regular season Mets telecasts this season. DISH Network customers, who subscribe to America's Top 60+, DishHD Silver or any higher package, now have access to these games on channel 438.
"SportsNet New York is a great addition to our robust sports line-up and gives Mets fans complete coverage of their team," said Eric Sahl, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. "With SportsNet New York on DISH Network, customers now have access to the Mets without the need for extra, costly services."
"We are thrilled to announce that starting tonight, SportsNet New York will be available to DISH Network subscribers," said Jon Litner, President of SportsNet New York. "We look forward to providing DISH Network subscribers with the most comprehensive sports network in New York -- featuring 125 Mets games, in-depth coverage of the Jets and unparalleled coverage of all New York sports through our SportsNite shows."
SportsNet New York's next Mets telecast is scheduled for tonight at 7:10 p.m. (EDT), when the Mets face the Washington Nationals.
DISH Network now offers new customers an additional $100 off, plus three months free of Starz(TM) Moviepack, when they sign up for America's Top 120 programming package. America's Top 120 includes more than 165 all-digital channels for only $39.99 per month, plus local channels can be added for just $5. This offer comes complete with free standard professional installation, no hardware to buy and a free digital video recorder (DVR) equipment upgrade with an 18-month commitment.
About EchoStar
EchoStar Communications Corporation (NASDAQ: DISH) serves more than 12 million satellite TV customers through its DISH Network(TM), the fastest growing U.S. provider of advanced digital television services in the last five years. DISH Network offers hundreds of video and audio channels, interactive TV, HDTV, sports and international programming, together with professional installation and 24-hour customer service. Visit DISH Network at http://www.dishnetwork.com or call 800-333-DISH (3474).
About SportsNet New York
SportsNet New York (SNY), which launched March 16, 2006, is New York's new regional sports network founded by Sterling Entertainment Enterprises, Time Warner and Comcast. SNY is a 24/7 regional sports and entertainment television network that will feature up to 125 regular season New York Mets telecasts -- as well as provide unparalleled live sports and local news coverage to the Tri-State area through three nightly "SportsNite" shows. SNY will be available to viewers in New York, Connecticut, most of New Jersey and northeastern Pennsylvania. In addition to Mets games, SNY is also the official year-round television home of the New York Jets, providing viewers the most exclusive coverage and access to the Jets organization and its players. SNY will also televise other professional and collegiate sports, including basketball and football games from the Big East and Big Ten conferences, as well as classic sports and event programming. SNY will also feature exclusive interview and magazine programs.
DODToday the third anniversary of Iraqi Freedom Day
Today, on the third anniversary of Iraqi Freedom Day, the Iraqi people celebrate the freedoms that they were denied for more than three decades, and pause to remember the brave people who lead the way out of the darkness of tyranny into the light of freedom. On this day in 2003, Iraqis, assisted by U.S. Marines, toppled the huge statue of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in Baghdad's Firdos Square.
Today, on the third anniversary of Iraqi Freedom Day, the Iraqi people celebrate the freedoms that they were denied for more than three decades, and pause to remember the brave people who lead the way out of the darkness of tyranny into the light of freedom. On this day in 2003, Iraqis, assisted by U.S. Marines, toppled the huge statue of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein in Baghdad's Firdos Square.This act was not just symbolic. It signaled the beginning of a fledgling democracy that continues to mature. During the past year alone, Iraqis have elected a constitutional government, drafted and ratified a constitution and held successful elections for their new national assembly. Through 2005, more and more Iraqis decided to engage in building the new Iraq, culminating in almost 75 percent of registered voters casting ballots in December's election. Additionally, there have been great gains in the development of Iraqi security forces, forces critical to returning stability to Iraq and hastening the return of Iraq to the Iraqi people.
Over last year Iraqi forces have almost doubled, from 127,000 to more than 250,000 today. Today, 50 Iraqi army battalions, 13 brigades and two divisions have security responsibility in Iraq. They are truly taking the lead. By the end of summer, 75 percent of the brigades and battalions will be leading counterinsurgency operations in Iraq, with the coalition in support. Despite the harsh test of sectarian violence following the bombing of the Golden Dome Mosque in Samarra in February, Iraqi leaders and security forces have held together. The Iraqi government officials called for calm and Iraqi security forces secured key areas. Iraqi Freedom Day is a time to reflect on what has happened and what still needs to happen. Despite much progress, much work remains. We must continue to help Iraqis create a strong, stable and successful new democracy. The Iraqi people and their elected representatives must choose a competent government that will develop a program for Iraq that benefits all Iraqis.
The legitimate security forces must quell sectarian violence. Population centers must be secure to allow Iraq's new institutions to take root and businesses to flourish. Finally, the people must be able to trust their leadership and the institutions of the state. Through it all, the United States and its coalition partners will remain steadfast partners and encourage progress. In the end, Iraq will succeed. Its success will help transform the wider Middle East and give even greater meaning to Iraqi Freedom Day. May God Bless the people of Iraq and the members of the Iraqi and coalition security forces who have made freedom possible. (Gen. George W. Casey, Jr. is commander of Multinational Force Iraq and Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad is the U.S. ambassador to Iraq.)
America Supports You: KiXX Soccer Team Ensures Iraqi Children Have a Ball
Philadelphia's indoor soccer team kicked its support for U.S. servicemembers into high gear last night when it announced its partnership with the "America Supports You" program. "We're glad to help the military," said Jeffrey B. Rotwitt, owner of the KiXX, a Major Indoor Soccer League team. America Supports You is a nationwide Defense Department program that helps showcase Americans' support for the men and women of the armed forces. The KiXX project began when a 7-year-old heard his uncle, serving in Iraq, tell about the conditions in the country, Rotwitt said.
The uncle said the youth of Iraq love soccer, but because of conditions in the country, soccer balls are scarce. "(The boy asked if,) since I owned a soccer team, could I help the balls get to the youth of Iraq?" he said. "We decided we would give to everybody who came and brought a soccer ball a free ticket for another game." The result of Operation Soccer Ball was more than 1,000 soccer balls donated for Iraq's youth. "This is a wonderful idea, and we are so grateful to the KiXX for what they are doing for the Iraqi children," said Allison Barber, deputy assistant secretary of defense for public affairs.
"Every day we see our troops finding ways to do something special for the children in Iraq, and this is an important contribution to that effort." America Supports You connects organizations like the KiXX and its fans to the nation's servicemembers, who in turn show their care and concern for Iraq's children, she said. Utah Army National Guard Chief Warrant Officer 5 Paul Holton saw firsthand during his 14 months in Iraq the importance of these bridge-building efforts. He said events like the KiXX-sponsored soccer ball donation are key to getting the American public involved. "It not only gets people to support the troops, but it's good for people to get involved with something positive, to do something to help the soldiers," he said. "It helps the soldiers who build bridges ... to kind of bridge over misunderstandings and hatred and reach out and touch the people and let them know we care about them." Holton's organization, "Operation Give," also an America Supports You team member, will help get the soccer balls to the young players, he said. The balls will be consolidated, packed in boxes and shipped to Operation Give's warehouse in Salt Lake City, Utah. "We're ... going to actually get FedEx to pick them up from Salt Lake City and get them airlifted, shipped to Baghdad," he said. In Baghdad, military and Iraqi civilian members of Operation Give will handle the soccer ball distribution and keep building bridges, Holton said. Jessica Hallowell's donation will be among those shipped to Iraq.
The 10-year-old Mertztown, Pa., resident said she hopes Iraqi children will have fun playing soccer, a game she loves. "It's not like they have to win," she said. "It's just about having fun." Bob Daniels, who had a hand in planning the event, said efforts like Operation Soccer Ball are crucial and he hopes it goes league-wide next season. Daniels is chairman of the Ben Franklin Global Forum, an education and outreach program. "If it just saves the life of one or two of our troops, while at the same time giving the children of Iraq an understanding that the people in this country care about them and wish them success, then we're building the right kind of bridges," he said.
Group Raise $4,400 for Hospitals Treating Wounded Troops
The Landstuhl Hospital Care Project added $4,400 to its coffers April 7 to buy items needed by wounded, injured and sick servicemembers at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany, and hospitals in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to Karen Grimord, the project's coordinator. The money was raised during the "Hook & C's Karaoke" 2nd annual benefit, held here this year at American Legion Post 364. American Legion Auxiliary Unit 176 and American Legion Post 176, both in nearby Springfield, Va., donated $2,000 and $1,000, respectively.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7916 of Occoquan, Va., also presented a $300 check to the project. "Last year, I was asked by Karen Grimord and Karen Monk (former president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 364) to do a karaoke to help raise money for the Landstuhl Hospital Care Project," said Ed "Hook" Hudgins, an electric tower crane operator and member of the Sons of the American Legion. "I suggested having a cookout and karaoke and we had a good turnout at American Legion Post 162 in Lorton (Va.). We raised more than $1,000." In keeping with Hook's cookout idea, this year's benefit featured t-bone steaks grilled outdoors and assorted seafood dinners. There were also raffles and drawings for door prizes to raise money.
The rest of the money came from personal checks from benefit attendees. The "C" in Hook & C's Karaoke is Claude Burns, a retiree from the Washington Post security division. This marked the fourth benefit held by the Landstuhl Hospital Care Project since Grimord and her husband Brian founded it in November 2004. "We try to provide mostly clothing items, but we've also extended to hospitals in Iraq and Afghanistan that need supplies, including bed sheets," Grimord said. "The project started supporting three hospitals In Iraq in 2005 and one in Afghanistan this year." Pointing out that the project is an item-specific organization, Grimord said, "We don't just send whatever we can get our hands on. We send the items that they specifically want." For example, the hospital in Afghanistan asked for bed sheets and pillows to use on litters.
When patients arrive at hospitals, their clothes are ruined, stained or cut off in the treatment process. The project helps out by taking monthly orders from Landstuhl's Pastoral Services Department. The April order includes sweatpants and -shirts, long-sleeve t-shirts, men's pajamas, ankle socks and slippers, pillows, quilts, blankets and travel-size mouthwash and toothpaste, among other items. In addition to holding fund-raising benefits, the project pays for items with donations from American Legions, Veterans of Foreign Wars, churches and other organizations. Grimord began seeking donations for hospitals in Iraq and Afghanistan after learning of the need from people who escort seriously wounded servicemembers from the theater to Landstuhl. She said she's always amazed when seriously wounded patients arrive at Landstuhl don't want to take any of the donated items. "Those whom we almost have to force to take something feel that their biggest responsibility is to get back to the field," she said. "They want to get back to their guys.
They have a responsibility, a job that needs to be done, so they want to get back to the field. So they don't want to take any items. "Then you have patients who know they're going to come back to the states because they injury are so badly," Grimord said." They don't want to take anything because they want to leave it for the next patient coming in behind them. They don't feel that they deserve to take the sweat pants, underwear, and t-shirt or winter jacket." Grimord said she was puzzled when a wounded helicopter pilot asked her if all the items were donated, and when told, yes, he said, "These guys deserve it." "I told him he didn't include himself, and he said, 'No,'" Grimord noted. "He said he was a 'fly boy' and that the guys and gals on the ground deserve it all. I told him that we'd lost 14 'fly boys' in two weeks and that he had the back of the ground pounders and asked him who has his back. I asked him, 'So what makes you less deserving?' "They always think someone else is more deserving," she noted. Grimord returned to Landstuhl Jan. 17 to spend another 45 days volunteering.
While there, she passed out 235 pink, red and white Valentine apes with little Xs, Os and messages of "I Love You," or, "I'm Ape for You," on them. She also mailed 20 pillows to a hospital in Iraq en route to the airport. To her surprise, as she was waiting to pay the postage, the postmaster took out a debit card out of his wallet and paid the $21 shipping cost himself. "He thanked us for everything we do," Grimord said. One day, while waiting for a busload of patients that were flown from Iraq to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, the doctors, nurses, chaplains and technicians saw the bags full of little apes. When they started commenting about the apes, Grimord started passing them out. "They stuck them in their breast pockets so the little arms were hanging out," Grimord chuckled. "When the patients got off the buses, they were greeted by all these doctors, nurses, chaplains and technicians with little apes hanging out of their pockets.....Of course, we gave apes to the patients, too." Grimord said that during her fall visit to Landstuhl, a wounded Marine told her about his battalion needing sweats because of the cold. She got information about their sizes and arranged to send sweats for all 300 Marines, by size.
When she returned to Landstuhl in January, the Marine sent her an e-mail message asking for her mailing address because he had something to send her. "When I opened the box, there was an American flag with a note saying that it they had flown it over their camp headquarters in Iraq in my honor on Jan. 5 for the support I'd given them," Grimord said. "You don't expect that kind of thing. You don't expect anything because they're the ones doing all the work. "Every time I look at that flag," Grimord said, with tears welling up in her eyes, "it brings tears to your eyes. That's for all the guys we've lost, all the guys that have sacrificed themselves and their families. That just tells you how much this support means to them."
NEWS
Reinvigorate Your Life and Bounce Into Spring
Bounce(R) Dryer Sheets Partners with Curves to Help Women Achieve a Healthier LifestyleSpring is a season of renewal and the perfect time to reinvigorate every aspect of your life. To help women get both their homes and themselves into shape this spring, Bounce(R) dryer sheets has partnered with Curves fitness franchise for a special Bounce(R) Into Spring promotion. Together their partnership offers this promotion that will provide smart shortcuts to help consumers and their homes look and feel refreshed.
"Our partnership with Curves brings together two brands that help women get great results in less time," said Bob Stallman, Bounce(R) Brand Manager. Bounce(R) provides women with one-step fabric softening that's right every time and shortcuts to freshen their homes outside of the laundry room. Curves offers a quick 30-minute workout to help women look good and feel great.
For complete details on promotion:
Starting April 1 to June 30, consumers can redeem two Bounce(R) proofs of purchase and original cash register receipt at participating Curves locations to receive a free two week membership. For complete details about the promotion and to get tips to help women make the most of their time, visit http://www.BounceEverywhere.com and http://www.curves.com. These tips will also be featured on posters at each Curves location and in the April issue of diane magazine, the exclusive Curves member magazine.
"Working together with Bounce(R), we've provided women with some useful tips to find simplicity in the way they exercise and do laundry. Both products offer great benefits at a time of year when women are seeking renewal," said Brice Campbell, Director of Marketing, Curves.
Bounce(R) dryer sheets are available in a variety of great scents: Fresh Linen, Outdoor Fresh Scent(TM), Febreze(R) Spring&Renewal, and Febreze(R) Meadows&Rain. We also have an unscented version, Bounce Free. Although Bounce(R) does not set retail prices, the suggested retail price for the following sizes are 40ct @ $2.49, 80ct @ $3.99, 120ct @ $5.49 and 160ct @ $6.99. For more information, log on to http://www.BounceEverywhere.com .
About Curves
Curves offers a 30-minute workout that combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance. Curves also offers a weight management program featuring a groundbreaking, scientifically proven method to raise metabolic rate and end the need for perpetual dieting. Founders Gary and Diane Heavin are considered the innovators of the express fitness phenomenon that has made exercise available to over 4 million women, many of whom are in the gym for the first time. Gary is the author of numerous books including The New York Times bestseller Curves, which is revolutionizing America's approach to dieting. With almost 10,000 locations in 41 countries, Curves is the world's largest fitness franchise and the tenth largest of all franchise companies in the world. For more information, please visit: http://www.curves.com .
Curves(R) is a registered trademark of Curves International, Inc.
SOURCE Procter & Gamble
